After years of building a footwear brand from the ground up alongside a designer, I was invited to attend the Footwear News Awards in 2022. I remember sitting there thinking… this is exactly where I’m supposed to be and that was the moment I knew I had found my lane — supporting founders of color as they break barriers and claim space in an industry that doesn’t always make room.
So when @iamharrisoncrite introduced me to @lamarwilliamss of @esormarieofficial , who was ready to take his brand to the next level, I felt it immediately. There was something special there and I signed on without hesitation.
Last fall, while thinking through ways to elevate the brand, I pitched a runway collaboration between @sergiohudsoncollection and @esormarieofficial to @thehintongroup . Nate and Omari instantly saw the vision: two Black male designers, mentor and mentee, sharing the same runway and building something powerful together on the world stage.
After a successful SS26 show in September 2025, Lamar secured an ongoing partnership between Sergio Hudson and Esor Marie. This past Friday, Esor Marie for Sergio Hudson debuted its second collection. Watching this all come together has been incredibly special.
Thank you @poshmckoy for your connection to @taralarson13 at @footwearnews who took the time to interview Lamar on his work with Sergio and gave him the chance to share his journey with the world on a such a distinguished platform.
Swipe left to hear a gem from one of the footwear greats. Forever remaining humble.
Thank you to the many stylists who have supported #esormarie along the way.
@mickeyboooom@marty_taught_u@aaronhawkins__@sheisefe@aristidesfashion@kimberly.batino@deonnabolden@wilfreevasquez@germanee_g@kickitwiththeking@aldotg@isthatjawny@dannystylez1@stylebymeech@marissa_pelly@tytryone@danielleandalix@philippeuter@estherlamour
On to the next 🤍
