Two Fil-Am designer and fashion influencers make HYPEBEAST' 2021 HB100 List. This year, Rhuigi Villasenor founder of RHUDE and stylist Aleali May are included for their creative contributions within fashion. To be recognized by a leading platform for fashion and streetwear is a huge win for them. RHUDE has become a fashion staple amongst Hollywood from artists to athletes, and actors while Aleali May has also been styling some of the biggest names while also shaping the female sneaker culture.
This year, both designers paid tribute to their Filipino roots. Rhuigi partnered with Instant Brand for the "Late Summer" lifestyle collection that was inspired by his mother who taught him how to cook and enjoy life. All of the items are reimagined products that include Corelle plates, customized chef's knife and various accessories. Cooking was a prevalent activity in his household that Rhuigi wanted to stay true to Southeast Asian prints.
Every design in the unique collection is a blend of his roots and the recognizable bandana print that helped heighten the brand. HYPEBEAST mentions how Villaseñor’s world of high-priced streetwear knows how to serve up cool, infusing elements of art, travel and sport into his very LA-inspired clothing.
As for Aleali May, what hasn't she done yet? She just released her Barbie doll that was inspired by her favorite fashion week look while also dominating in the sneaker game alongside with the Jordan brand. She looks to continue finding ways to empower women and communities in a male-dominant industry.
One of her most recent drops was the Jordan Brand's "Fortune" collection where Aleali paid homage to the influencer's Filipino and Black heritage. It's basically a reimagining of the AJ14 with a jade flare. The design was inspired by her grandmothers. The jade outline on the sneakers is a nod to first piece of jewelry she was given by her grandmothers which were jade pieces.
Check out each of their full profiles on HYPEBEAST!
Cover Photo Credit: Rhuigi Villasenor Twitter
Stylist, influencer, model and most recently sneaker designer Aleali May is teaming up with Jumpman to reimagine the AJ14 with a jade flare. She snagged an exclusive collaboration with Jordan making her one of only two women to ever design for the Nike-owned brand – and the first woman to create a unisex Air Jordan. Her AJ14 is set to release August 19th at select retailers and Nike.com. The retail price tag is set at $190 USD.
In her designs, Aleali pays tribute to her family and L.A. roots. In 2017, she created two original colorways of Jordan 1’s blending corduroy, chenille and satin. Then in 2018, she collaborated with WNBA superstar Maya Moore for the Maya Moore x Aleali May Court Lux Collection and the following year she dropped the “Millennial Pink” Jordan 6.
Now, the inspiration for the design of the upcoming Air Jordan 14 release comes from her grandmothers. The jade outline on the sneakers comes from the first piece of jewelry she was given. Aleali shares that she received Jade pieces from her grandmothers. Her paternal grandmother born and raised in South Central, LA continues to be involved in the community with her daycare. Her Lola was born in Laguna, Philippines and later moved to Manila before making the move to America with her sister, Sue. Great Tita Sue as Aleali calls her, taught her to take risks. Aleali attributes who she is as a person to the special Queens who helped raise her.
Born in South Central, L.A. Aleali May started out in fashion working part-time at the Louis Vuitton store in Chicago. Her marketing studies in 2010 led her to a gig for Don C and Virgil Abloh’s RSVP Gallery. Returning home to Los Angeles, she's styled for Kendrick Lamar, Lil Yachty, Jaden Smith, Jeezy and Wiz Khalifa followed, and more.
She's always had a strong connection with Jordans and have been collecting sneakers since she was a kid. In addition to her love for sneakers, Aleali was also interest in women's representation in streetwear which launched her first collab with the Jordan Brand in 2017.
"We look to partner with brands and individuals such as Aleali - who authentically connect to the Jordan Brand and the community. [Aleali] inspires young women to stay true to themselves without limitations."
Andrew Perez, Vice President of the Jordan Brand's Women's Business
Cover Photo Credit: Aleali May Twitter
