Yale sneakers to debut
Managers of a new student startup are anxiously preparing for their big kickoff.
Campus Kings, an independent footwear company founded by Timothy Kau ’09 and Christopher Chau ’10, plans to launch a Web site that will allow students to order signature Yale sneakers. The footwear will initially feature two models, the “Bulldog” and the “Eli,” which will be available for delivery to any student. Though the managers of the company said they have been working since July to prepare for the product launch later this month, marketing the sneakers remains their primary obstacle, managers...
Agreed with #1. Yale should be a leader in business ethics and practices (especially given the current economic climate, and the demonstration of how businesses will fail when they don't pay attention to ethics and reason). I hope the Yalie investors are researching their factories and materials and choosing responsible ones.
I also have to ask why there is no accompanying photo of the shoes. It's absurd to post a topic on fashion without any photos.
Well said leery yalie! But, as a "well-educated" Yalie, didn't you mean "wary" instead of "weary?" Maybe it was just the poet in you. And, anonymous is right; free advertising, and without any pics? A foreboding sign on how to market from a Yalie entrepreneur? Good luck, it is a great idea!
interesting concept. ethical business practices are very important, but what about manufacturing in the states? and promotion/investment through noteworthy alumni (especially since the products will be a reflection of yale)? the cost could range slightly higher and i believe that past, present, and future alumni (and others) would still buy (and that extra capital could go towards quality and production factors). bottom line: make and buy U.S. (not necessarily to take away from China or other countries, but because we need the boost in confidence!) and create the product knowing that there are advantages to having a VERY reliable source of demand.
p.s. i'm sure these fellows have created the start-up for private gain, but how about giving back to their alma! hope they are feeling generous!
and a sidenote: it's amusing to know that there are yalie sneakerheads. i'm assuming that their ambitions are to become leaders in the urban scene (think stussy, supreme, alife with an intellectual twist). much success in the future, but the fellows over at campus kings might want to think about coming up with a name that doesn't seem synonymous with T.I. deciding to go back to school (sneakerheads are a tough crowd to please).
It appears the shoes have launched:
www.thecampuskings.com
What do people think?
I think it's ridiculous that someone would want to wear Yale around their feet, Harkness tower on the bottom of their soles... some way to show Yale spirit.
How are these sneakers manufactured? Is the process sustainable? Is the material organic? Does child labor go into making the shoes?
I'm excited about these shoes. But weary of their origins. As well-educated students, Yalies should pose these very relevant questions.