Introducing the UO Summer Class of 2021 HBCU Capsule Collection, designed by the five students of our internship and mentorship program in collaboration with three HBCUs: Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, and North Carolina A&T State University.

From concept to creation, these five students worked with the UO Buying team to design a 24-piece apparel and lifestyle collection celebrating the culture and community of their respective schools. “Being able to share our resources with HBCU talent, and to work alongside these students creatively as they developed their own product, made Summer Class enriching not only for our students, but for every UO employee who got to be a part of the program,” says Dalila Shannon, UO Women’s Divisional Merchandising Manager and Summer Class Mentor.

Below, we speak with Janae Claxton, one of the selected five students currently attending Howard University, to discuss the designs and find out how the project came to life.

Photos by Bre Johnson

JANAE MONIQUE CLAXTON - HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Where did you go to school? What made you decide to apply to your school?

I attend the illustrious Howard University in Washington, D.C. I didn’t originally plan on applying to Howard University, but I was recruited to play volleyball for Howard so that pushed me to explore the option. Once I did I found that it was a university I needed to be at, and I am so grateful I made the decision to attend.



Can you tell us about your design process? What made you create what you did?

My design process consisted of really going back to what I love about Howard University. Even though some things weren’t included (that’s just a part of the design process), it originally started with an homage to our history and specially our women on campus. I believe that women are the backbone of Howard and have shaped me into the person I am today. I was going to go with my favorite novelist, Toni Morrison, a Howard alum and critically acclaimed author, as the basis of my work, but unfortunately that did not work out, so I turned to a more eclectic style, which I felt resonated with the Howard students. I love our Alma Mater and wanted to incorporate that into my designs. I honestly created what I did out of the little things that make Howard what it is. I was lucky to be able to use vectors that have never been on Howard apparel before, and wanted to make something that felt fresh and new, while also holding true to what makes us who we are.



What was it like creating something so unique for your school? How did you feel when you finally saw your finished designs?

Creating a design for my school brings a lot of emotions out of me. It’s such a proud moment for me because I wouldn’t have gotten here without so many people. They inspired me and pushed me to have the confidence to be able to get to this point. I will say that freshman year was difficult for me. I struggled a lot with mental health and finding my self worth. Once I left the volleyball team, I began to see that I was so much more than a volleyball player. I was creative, and smart. I ran for student government, joined orgs, and really found my passions. This is a long time coming and honestly a point for me that proves that I can get through anything. I’m strong enough and when I need help I’ll ask, but it truly means a lot for me. When I finally saw my designs I felt this sense of joy and excitement because it was actually here and in my hands. I could touch it, wear it, and feel it, and it made the whole experience even more real.



Have you learned anything new about yourself or your goals for the future during this experience?

I’ve learned how resilient I am and to never be afraid to speak up. My voice is powerful and deserves to be heard. I learned that it’s important to have representation and to be strong and confident in any position I hold. I will hold this experience with me for life, and take all the skills I learned with me into any endeavor I take on.



SHOP THEIR PRODUCT

WATCH THEIR STORIES

To see more from Janae, follow her on Instagram!