Photo Courtesy Of Darrell Alston/ Instagram
Philly-based designer and former inmate Darrell Alston recently launched his new Bungee Oblečení collection at Neiman Marcus.
In an interview with Black Enterprise, Alston expressed sheer excitement about his new achievement and talked about his journey from prison to entrepreneurship.
“To have one of the foremost luxury retailers in the world reach out to not only sell my products but to dedicate an entire window to me–that leaves me absolutely speechless,” he told the outlet. “This accomplishment is proof that, with hard work, people can change their lives and achieve their goals, no matter how lofty those goals are.”
Alston is set to unveil Bungee Oblečení’s new collection of sneakers and apparel at Neiman Marcus in King Of Prussia Mall. The Fall 2022 collection is one of several he released since launching his luxury sneaker and athleisure wear brand in 2018. According to its website, each piece was “based on sketches he created while incarcerated.”
“Just launching my brand was a dream. Being recognized and making my first sales was really special,” Alston told the publication. He reportedly always dreamed of owning a fashion brand but had a major detour in life, as he was arrested three times and served more than 11 years in prison. The last time he was arrested, he reportedly served six years on drug-related charges. While behind bars, he took the first step toward his vision as he drew hundreds of shoe designs and eventually created a business plan from books his mother sent him.
After being released from prison and working multiple jobs for two years, Alston saved enough money to make a sample shoe in 2014. Four years later, Bungee Oblečení was born, and after establishing a storefront in Philly, CEO of Foot Locker, Richard A. Johnson reached out to him in 2021. That year, his sneaker collection went up for sale at the sportswear retailer.
“When Mr. Johnson of Foot Locker called, that changed everything,” an accomplished Alston told Black Enterprise.
The name Bungee Oblečení reportedly derived from the Czechoslovakian word for apparel, oblečení, and Alston viewing life as a “bungee cord.”
The brand is currently being sold in Foot Locker and several select boutiques.