At Lee Baron, product launches are more than a release date. They are opportunities to bring culture, creativity, and community together.
To celebrate the return of the Air Max 95 OG, we partnered with the Sam Houston State University Department of Art to host Built From Within, a hands on photography experience designed to connect emerging creatives with one of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes.
Inspired by the Air Max 95’s design philosophy, which reveals layers, structure, and intention, the experience invited students to explore how those same ideas translate into visual storytelling.
Learning Through Creation
A cohort of 17 SHSU photography students joined Lee Baron’s content team Joe and Joris for an immersive session focused on photography fundamentals, product storytelling, and creative direction.
Students began with a workshop exploring how light, perspective, and composition influence the way a product is seen. From there, they moved into a guided Air Max 95 photoshoot where they experimented with both natural and controlled lighting to capture the sneaker’s layered construction and bold design language.
Each participant approached the shoe from their own perspective, producing original imagery that highlighted texture, motion, and environment. The result was a collection of authentic visuals that reflect both the design of the Air Max 95 and the creative voice of the next generation of storytellers.
Built From Within
The Air Max 95 was designed to reveal what lies beneath the surface. Its structure, layers, and intention helped define one of Nike’s most recognizable silhouettes. Built From Within mirrored that philosophy by encouraging students to understand form before expressing identity through their work.
By combining education, creativity, and sneaker culture, the experience honored the legacy of the Air Max 95 while empowering emerging photographers to see both the product and themselves through a new lens.
Community Impact
The activation also translated into strong excitement around the product itself. When the Air Max 95 OG arrived at Lee Baron, our community showed up ready. Fans who understand the legacy of the silhouette made it clear that the demand is still there, and the release ultimately sold through completely.
Moments like this represent what Lee Baron stands for. Creating spaces where product, culture, and community intersect.
When the story behind the product is shared, the connection becomes stronger.
