JEMSbyPENSOLE

Bonus EPISOLE: Meet the Designer With no formal education, Dr. D'Wayne Edwards has been designing sneakers for over 30 years for some of the world’s largest brands.  Yet, Dr. Edwards felt a calling to make his mark on the footwear industry not just in the sneakers he designs, but in helping to create greater opportunity for future industry gems.  With Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design Dr. Edwards has reimagined and reinvented the education system, providing a unique educational experience; teaching students skills to thrive in the product creation industry.  He founded JEMS, the first Black-owned athletic footwear factory in the US, in 2022 with the vision to empower the next generation of creatives by offering greater accessibility to manufacture their own brand, ultimately leaving the industry a better, more diverse place. Sold exclusively at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The FIRST JEM has launched! Buy Now: https://lnkd.in/gE9m6E9p

EPISOLE 10: The FIRST JEM With great pride and gratitude, we present our crown jewel, The FIRST JEM, by Dr. D'Wayne Edwards. 915 Pair of handcrafted leather sneakers launching today, 9/15/23, symbolically on the birthday of JEMS namesake Jan Ernst Matzeliger. Assembled in the USA and sold exclusively at DSW. Buy Now: https://lnkd.in/gE9m6E9p

EPISOLE 9: That’s a Wrap.   We’re in the 11th hour!  Set your alarm for the final reveal of The FIRST JEM. Sold exclusively at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The FIRST JEM launches tomorrow,  9/15/23, 10:00 AM EST.

EPISOLE 8: Crafting Sneakers   Stitching, lasting, sole laying, lacing.  We’re vigorously burning the midnight oil to deliver the FIRST JEM.  See it here in just 48 hours!  Sold exclusively at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The FIRST JEM launches 9/15/23, 10:00 AM EST.

EPISOLE 7: A Life Depicted    The story of Jan’s life is one that should be taught in schools, and someday will be taught at Pensole Lewis College. The FIRST JEM features a word collage of the key moments in his life that we’ve uncovered. Once you receive your pair, you’ll see Jan’s story on this first shoe to come from the factory. Sold exclusively at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The FIRST JEM launches on 9/15/23.

EPISOLE 6: Celebrating the Makers. Today we look at unique elements of discovery on the toebox, tongue, and heel.  Details you won’t see on any other shoe.  Important to us because we’re proud of who we are, where we come from, and who makes our shoes. Sold exclusively at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The FIRST JEM launches 9/15/23.

EPISOLE 5: Bursting Forth.   The first shoelaces date back to 3500 BC. While they were surely built for function, The FIRST JEM’s lacing system, of course, tells a story. Listen in to learn why the eyelets are shaped like an X, and how the aglets tie back to Abe Lincoln. Sold exclusively at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The FIRST JEM launches 9/15/23.

EPISOLE 4: Got Sole?   You’ve learned the backstory of the JEMS brand and logo development, and you’ve heard Dr. D'Wayne Edwards approach to footwear design. Ready for a glimpse of the FIRST JEM? We’ll start with the outsole and the sockliner. As you might imagine, every detail of this sneaker tells a story. Listen here to discover this one. Sold exclusively at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The FIRST JEM launches 9/15/23. 

EPISOLE 3: A Shoe Dog’s Tale   Dr. Edwards has been designing sneakers for over 30 years. Like every product designer, he takes a specific, individualized approach to the process. Click on the video link for an exclusive demonstration. Sold exclusively at DSW. The FIRST JEM launches 9/15/23. 

EPISOLE 2: A Brand Cornerstone.   A thoughtful designer is a storyteller. Like all great designs, the JEMS logo tells a unique story, inspired by the man behind the name.  You guessed it, Jan Ernst Matzeliger.  Tune in as Dr. Edwards explains the meaning behind the logo, its development, and its evolution. Sold exclusively at DSW.  The FIRST JEM launches 9/15/23.