Arial Robinson is a creative director, singer, photographer, content creator, and student at North Carolina A&T University. Before turning 22 she has released an EP (it’s getting mad weird in here), two books (The Modern Day Black Alphabet + Black Hair Care in Color), and, as of Tuesday, her very own Dunk Low. Created under Nike’s Yardrunners initiative — which champions a hand-selected group of HBCU tastemakers — Arial’s NCAT Dunk Lows reflect the creative pulse and visual legacy of her campus, weaving niche school references and vibrant signature colors without sacrificing an ounce of wearability. Arial’s pre-graduation portfolio is the stuff of vision boards, and her creative chrysalis has truly just begun — luckily, she had a few minutes to tell us what she’s been up to.
Name: Arial Robinson
Age: 22
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Where are you from, and where are you right now?
From Charlotte, NC, Currently in Greensboro.
What’s your first memory with streetwear?
My first memory of streetwear is a bit foggy. It's a combination of Jordans, Baby Phat, Rocawear, & oversized blinged out chains. Those brands quite literally reflected the music and streets of the time. Watching music videos on 106 & Park and seeing what music artists were wearing, and then watching their outfits translate into brands, really shaped my idea of streetwear.
If you had to compress your personal style into one outfit, what would it be?
I would wear an oversized blazer with a crop top underneath. Paired with baggy cargos, a pair of Dunks, and a bucket hat to top it off.
You can only wear three shoes for the rest of your life — what are they?
Ayantee Dunk Lows, Black Boston Birkenstocks, Brown Classic Mini Ugg Boots
Streetwear style icon: @wuzg00d
Your last (or favorite) Instagram follow: @urweirdgf
What’s your biggest creative or career milestone so far? What’s your biggest creative or career goal right now?
Designing a Nike Dunk Low is my biggest creative milestone thus far, and my career goal right now is just finishing up college.
What’s your dream collaboration?
Tyler, The Creator is my dream collaborator. I would love to do some work for Golf Wang or Lefluer.
What are you currently working on?
Launching my collab with Mayfield Skate Co & my Dunks on the SNKRS app
When do you feel the most empowered?
I feel my most empowered when I am on set directing. I love being behind the camera executing projects.
What needs to change about the current streetwear landscape, to make it more inclusive?
More Black women behind & in front of the camera. Allowing Black women to tell new, fresh perspectives through fashion.
What woman in streetwear/sneaker history would you like to see get her flowers?
@nazjaa - she’s such a powerhouse streetwear creator
Keep up with Arial on Instagram.The North Carolina A&T Dunk Lows release on the SNKRS app Tuesday, October 25th.