Brandblack, a new basketball sneaker line started by footwear veteran David Raysse, has signed NBA guard Jamal Crawford of the Los Angeles Clippers as its first endorser. With the brand’s mantra “A Different Way to Fly”, Brandblack is dedicated to those individuals who compete at the highest level, and whose fashion reflects their distinctive style on and off court.
Prior to forming Brandblack this year, Raysse was global VP design Skechers Performance Division at Skechers. He also previously held posts as lead designer running, training and basketball at Fila, and director of basketball at Adidas.
Born in Los Angeles, Brandblack pays homage to the area’s boundary-breaking aerospace industry heritage through the use of advanced designs and fabrications that emphasize performance, strength and minimal weight. Los Angeles also affords Brandblack a rich design tapestry that reflects the region’s status as a sports innovator, entertainment capital and fashion center.
Crawford, one of the NBA’s most distinctive players, defines what it means to wear Brandblack. Crawford is known for his peerless ball handling, lightning quick first step and the remarkable range of his jump shot. He combines the flair of street basketball with the fundamentals of a seasoned pro. The NBA awarded Crawford the Sixth Man of the Year Award for the 2009-2010 season, recognizing him for his team-first attitude and exceptional production. Jamal ranks 10th among active players in career 3-point shots made with approximately 1,400.
“Joining Brandblack was an easy decision for me,” said Crawford. “The performance and aesthetics of the line is second to none. The minute I began to play in the shoes, I knew that I never wanted to wear another brand. The craftsmanship and overall design of the shoe was beyond my expectations. Being Brandblack’s first global ambassador affords me an opportunity to impact the style of the game that I love and to start my own legacy in sports apparel.”
Brandblack has entered into a multi-year partnership with Crawford, who will be featured in an upcoming media campaign designed to reflect Brandblack’s distinctive style. Crawford will begin wearing his signature line of Brandblack JCrossover shoes later this NBA season.
