Founded in Manchester, the heritage footwear mecca of the UK, Asylum Sneakers was born out of a passion for disruption. Asylum Sneakers breaks down the barriers of predictability and challenges the perceptions that embodies modern day sneaker culture, bringing communities together through original footwear. Asylum Sneakers is the brand for the streets, terraces, festivals, and clubs. Asylum Sneakers are for the outcasts, the misfits and the misunderstood. We pay homage to the classics of the past and push the boundaries of tomorrow. Together, we are Asylum Sneakers, Sneakers with social purpose.

With over 30 years’ experience within the fashion, music and creative industries working across high profile brands and campaigns including Puma, Adidas, YEEZY, Size, JD, the Warehouse project and Manchester City FC. “Over the years we have seen how the power of fashion, music and creativity can create powerful movements in society. We want to use our years of skills and experience to build a brand that can create a movement for good, for change, for empowerment. The Asylum Sneakers movement will enable us to not only create original footwear, but also give something back to individuals and communities that are struggling and need to feel a sense of belonging. Together, we are Asylum Sneakers.”

www.onecic.uk @weareonecic Founded by Mark Lovell in 2020, One CIC is a housing and support provider with a mission to improve the lives of vulnerable and homeless people across the UK. One CIC does this by providing safe, high-quality housing and tailored support to those that need it most. One CIC works in partnership with creative and innovative brands to raise funds that help to provide critical services for people that the Government don’t currently provide. Mark said: “I have been looking to collaborate with a sportswear brand that shares One CIC’s passion for social enterprise, innovation, and creativity. I am thrilled One CIC will be the first to partner with Asylum Sneakers and I am excited to see how our work will change people’s lives and transform communities across the UK.”

Mark first began working in the creative industries over 30 years ago working with big household names in music and TV. Alongside this work, Mark explored how he could use his creativity in organisations to improve people’s lives. Mark worked in senior roles within the charity and private sectors developing national projects and programmes that improved the lives of many people across the UK. However, Mark knew that to make further progress for the most vulnerable people and struggling communities that charities and not-for-profit organisations would need to be more innovative, creative and push boundaries. And so, Mark founded One CIC to disrupt the housing sector and challenge providers to deliver better homes, services and support for those people that need it most.