Brandon Blackwood Receives Launch of the Year Award at FN Achievement Awards 2023 and Sends Message to Nike’s and Adidas’ CEO: ‘I Would Love to Collab’

Brandon Blackwood is ready for a sportswear collaboration.

The designer received the Launch of the Year award during the 37th FN Achievement Awards in New York on Wednesday. Blackwood followed in the footsteps of Zendaya, Allyson Felix, Lululemon, and more designers and celebrities who have taken home the same honor in years past.

After being introduced by Karrueche Tran, Blackwood took his moment onstage to send a message to John Donahoe, CEO of Nike, and Bjorn Gulden, CEO of Adidas, who were both present at the ceremony. “I know we are in the presence of the CEO of Adidas and Nike here. I would love to collab,” the designer said.

Blackwood was awarded for his first footwear collection, which debuted in March. The shoe line reinterpreted classic silhouettes with a statement-making approach that became his brand’s signature.

While accepting the honor, Blackwood remembered the beginning of his company in 2013. “I started this brand from my mom’s kitchen. And from there, we turned into a brand that processes pretty much over 30 million a year with no investors or shareholders,” he said. “And that’s been our business for years, so footwear was the next step. That’s what our customers wanted and it just made sense at the moment,” Blackwood added.

The designer also dedicated his award to his lead footwear designer and team.

For 37 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2023 event is supported by sponsors Authentic Brands Group, Birdies, Caleres, Crocs, FDRA, Nordstrom, Saucony and Vibram.