NBDA’s New Arctic Whites Are the Coolest Slides on the Block
Founded in 2015, NBDA is a Nigerian footwear brand popular for its sleek monochrome sneakers and slides that have been donned by celebrities such as Rema, Tiwa Savage, and more. The brand recently hit the market with their latest Arctic White collection, where they innovated with the design of the slides to infuse their fascination with the sturdy magnificence of polar bears into the colouration and architecture of this new footwear collection. In conversation with NBDA, we unpack the brand’s story and the inspiration behind their landmark collection.
NBDA Technical Slides v11 - Arctic White
Why was NBDA created?
NBDA emerged from genuine love and unwavering passion for footwear, coupled with a vision to meet the ever-changing demands of the fashion industry in Africa. Recognising a notable void in the footwear market, we set out to bridge that gap by dedicating ourselves exclusively to the art of footwear design. Our mission is to redefine the notion of "African Design" or "Nigerian Design" by offering products that transcend clichéd African prints and silhouettes.
How has the progress been ever since your launch?
Since our launch, we have experienced remarkable progress and received overwhelming support from our community, even during the initial stages when we were just testing out samples. Our sales have consistently grown, with a remarkable 60% increase year after year. Our outreach has also doubled annually, allowing us to expand our presence and establish a strong foothold within the Nigerian fashion scene, particularly in Lagos. As the pioneer footwear brand in Nigeria, our products have become highly coveted, attracting a loyal customer base. Our dedicated community has played one of the most vital roles in our success story. Our Tech Slides are instantly recognisable and wearing it in Lagos makes a distinct statement. This recognition has led to exciting opportunities such as being invited to high level retail experiences, like StreetSouk, Entertainment Week Lagos and ALARA’s Homegrown. What started as a movement within the streetwear space has transcended its boundaries and has now expanded into other communities within the fashion industry. Another notable aspect of our progress, which is quite interesting to us, is the emergence of an aftersale market for our products. This market demonstrates the longevity and desirability of our offerings, extending beyond the initial purchase and creating a vibrant secondary market.
What inspired the new Technical Slides v11 - Arctic White?
The new Technical Slides v11 - Arctic White draw inspiration from the enchanting realm of the North Pole. This distinctive colorway juxtaposes the purity of snow with the creamy elegance of polar bear fur, aptly earning its name: Arctic White. The design reflects our fascination with polar bears, their ability to manipulate their coloration, and seamlessly blend into their surroundings. This adaptation enables them to not only survive but thrive in one of the planet's most extreme environments. By infusing the essence of polar bears into the Technical Slides, we pay homage to their resilience and magnificence.
How does it stand out from your more popular footwear drops? What improvements can NBDA’s fans expect?
At NBDA, we aim to establish the concept of staple footwear that effortlessly complements any outfit, regardless of the occasion or season. Much like the all-white sneakers that have become a must-have in many footwear collections, we strive to create a similar essential for our community, in the form of slides—a footwear option that offers much more comfort. Our objective is to provide our community with footwear that can be effortlessly worn anywhere and at any time, transcending the boundaries of seasonal trends.
What about this new drop is your team most excited about?
We have undergone notable transformations in our creative direction and communication, and we are thrilled to announce our enhanced level of interaction with our community. As part of our commitment to exploring the digital space, we have introduced an augmented reality (AR) filter featuring our Technical Slides. This innovative addition allows us to delve further into the realm of digital experiences, and we are eagerly anticipating the creativity that will emerge from our community's engagement with it. This introduction serves as a natural progression into our upcoming phase, which will introduce digital NBDA collectibles. With the Nigerian fashion scene experiencing tremendous growth and showcasing immense diversity, we are enthusiastic about expanding our presence within this vibrant community. Our aspiration is to broaden our footprint, collaborating with like-minded individuals and entities to foster meaningful connections and contribute to the thriving Nigerian fashion landscape.
What statement was the team looking to make with the development and release of the Arctic Whites?
The members of NBDA Design Lab sought to honour one of our iconic colours by revisiting the timeless allure of white. Building upon the success of our previous iterations of white slides, namely the V1 and V2, which drew inspiration from the concept of a blank canvas, we decided to delve deeper. This time, we embarked on a journey to explore the multifaceted nature of white by incorporating various shades and seeking inspiration from the Arctic region of the North Pole. By doing so, we aimed to create a collection that not only pays homage to our signature colour but also captures the essence of our surroundings in a truly captivating manner.
What kind of person is the Artic White made for? Is there a specific style it goes hand in glove with or is a more general-purpose fashion item?
The Arctic White colourway is really versatile just like the Graphite Technical Slides V11, they are for everyone. These slides transcend seasonal boundaries and are designed to be inclusive, and suitable for everyone.
What sustainability practices and principles did you involve in the creation of the Arctic White?
No polar bears were harmed in the design and making of this product. 😂
If you could have any celebrity wear the Arctic White, who would it be and why?
Kanye, Pharell, Lori Harvey, Teyana Taylor and Skully Beam.
In your own words, how would you describe the way one can expect to feel while wearing the Arctic White slides?
The word is comfortable. Comfort is a fundamental aspect in our design ethos here at NBDA.
How does the release of the Arctic White push the boundaries of the NBDA aesthetic?
The release of the Arctic White collection pushes the boundaries of the NBDA aesthetic by revisiting and redefining one of our signature colors. While white may be considered a basic and neutral hue, it plays a pivotal role in this release, showcasing our commitment to exploring various dimensions of our design philosophy. In our previous three releases, we intentionally deviated from our neutral color palette, venturing into more vibrant and expressive shades.
However, with the Arctic White launch, we go back to basics, embracing the simplicity and versatility that white embodies. By reintroducing this classic color in a new context, we challenge ourselves to innovate within the boundaries of a neutral palette, demonstrating our ability to create captivating and boundary-pushing designs even with seemingly familiar hues. The Arctic White colourway represents a bold step in our journey, reaffirming our willingness to stay true to our roots while innovating.
What in the cards for NBDA? What goals for the future is the team working towards?
Becoming a leading force in African footwear, ultimately. We remain committed to our vision of pushing boundaries in African design, challenging stereotypes, and offering innovative and high-quality footwear through expanding our range of products and introducing new and innovative offerings while continuously evolving our existing categories. We also aim to continue exploring emerging opportunities in the digital collectibles and metaverse space, recognising the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements. In addition to our presence in Nigeria, we aspire to expand into other West African markets, making our mark as the pioneer brand and the most identifiable name in African footwear. This involves continuously unveiling new collections, introducing fresh silhouettes, experimenting with vibrant colorways, and engaging in exciting collaborations that captivate our audience. Establishing our own independent pop-up stores and ultimately opening our flagship store are essential milestones in our journey. These physical retail spaces will not only serve as a showcase for our diverse product range but also as hubs for community engagement, allowing us to directly connect with our customers and create memorable experiences.
Above all, our ultimate goal is to find a place in every home in Nigeria. We strive to become a household name, a brand that resonates with individuals with varying life paths. By offering products that are both stylish and of exceptional quality, we aim to create a lasting connection with our customers, becoming an integral part of their everyday lives.
