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From Footwear to Fashion Systems: An Inspiring Conversation with Colin Behr
- Dr. Eulanda Sanders
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
At iNNOVATION Insights…We transform our clients' career journeys through the art of storytelling via our consulting, coaching, and career management services.
Such a delight to have Colin Behr on the iNNOVATION Insights Podcast. Our connection dates back to his student days at Iowa State University, when he ambitiously pursued both apparel design and industrial design—something that had not been done before in our department.
I still recall us sitting at my conference table in LeBaron Hall, surrounded by fabric swatches, shoe lasts, and sketches. We would discuss how fabric layers can be stitched together, the textile properties of certain materials, and the technical challenges of shoe-making.
Colin even did independent coursework with me, and it was pure joy to witness his curiosity and determination. Watching his journey unfold since those days has been deeply rewarding.
From Ames to the World of Footwear Design
Colin’s career story began with remarkable internships that set the stage for his future. His first break came at New Balance in 2013, where he worked on footwear that actually went to market. That experience was followed by an internship with designer Todd Snyder in New York City—a sharp contrast to corporate life at New Balance. It was here that Colin learned the dynamics of a small creative team in a startup-like environment.
Before long, Nike came calling. Just three weeks after graduation, Colin was in Beaverton, Oregon, beginning what would become a decade-long chapter at Nike Inc. He worked across multiple categories—lifestyle running, basketball, tennis—and even collaborated on products for Roger Federer. Later, as part of Nike’s Advanced Color Concept team, he developed global color direction across the brand, balancing creative inspiration with merchandising strategy. He eventually returned to footwear design with Jordan Brand, where he worked on high-profile special projects and collaborations.
The Spark Behind the Wardrobe Theory Project
Colin’s latest venture, The Wardrobe Theory Project, is a bold departure from corporate footwear design. It is an independent publication and archival project documenting personal wardrobes through systems thinking, storytelling, and sustainability. Instead of selling the latest trends, Colin celebrates the clothing people already own—what he calls their “Top 50” garments, chosen for either frequency of wear or personal meaning.
The garments are photographed in an archival style—white backgrounds, front and back views, and detail shots—giving worn clothes the same visual prestige that new collections receive in high-end lookbooks. This approach reframes well-loved garments as valuable artifacts, highlighting the personality, memories, and function embedded in them.
Systems Thinking Meets Style
One of the most fascinating aspects of Colin’s work is how he applies systems thinking to the fashion industry. He sees an outfit as a system of individual parts working together for a common purpose. Expand that to a wardrobe, and you have a complex network of pieces that interact with one another depending on the weather, activity, and environment. This pragmatic yet creative approach blends his industrial design background with his passion for clothing, revealing the deep connections between function, identity, and style.
In our conversation, Colin shared how this perspective emerged from his own experience packing for trips, selecting versatile items, and maximizing combinations. By treating clothing choices as interconnected systems, he encourages people to be more mindful, sustainable, and expressive with what they already own.
Pivoting from Book to Magazine
Initially, Colin envisioned the Wardrobe Theory Project as a coffee table book documenting his own garments. However, the realities of independent publishing—cost, scale, and audience-building—led him to pivot toward a biannual magazine. This allowed him to create a repeatable framework for featuring other people’s wardrobes, build a loyal readership, and tell a broader range of stories.
His entrepreneurial mindset has guided each step, from photographing garments in his home studio to traveling with a mobile setup for on-location shoots. He has embraced the challenges of learning the publishing world from the ground up, applying the empathy and collaboration skills honed in corporate environments to work effectively with photographers, writers, and vendors.
Building Community Through Events and Collaboration
Colin has discovered that in-person events are a powerful way to connect with people, share the publication, and grow its audience. From launch parties in Portland and Des Moines to upcoming pop-ups and speaking engagements, these gatherings bring the Wardrobe Theory Project to life. They also open doors to collaborations—such as creating upcycled capsule collections with retailers from their excess inventory.
In addition to fashion, Colin is exploring connections with other industries, including golf apparel and sustainability initiatives. These partnerships expand the project’s reach while reinforcing its core values of mindful consumption and personal storytelling.
Lessons in Patience and Growth
As a founder, Colin has embraced the patience required to grow authentically. Without the massive marketing budgets of global brands, he focuses on building a genuine community of readers who share his belief in the mission. He understands that slow, steady growth fosters loyalty and longevity—qualities essential to both entrepreneurship and meaningful creative work.
The Role of Empathy in Innovation
A recurring theme in our conversation was empathy. Colin approaches design—whether in footwear or fashion publishing—by deeply considering the people for whom he is creating. In his corporate career, this meant collaborating respectfully with cross-functional partners. In his current venture, it means honoring the personal significance of clothing and the stories people carry in their wardrobes.
This aligns beautifully with my own belief that empathy is a vital component of innovation. True innovation is not just about new features or aesthetics; it is about enhancing someone’s life, creating systems that serve them better, and telling stories that connect on a human level.
Looking Ahead
The Wardrobe Theory Project is still in its early stages, but Colin’s vision is expansive. Upcoming issues will feature more diverse wardrobes and narratives, while events and collaborations will continue to broaden their impact. His ultimate goal is to create a circular fashion ecosystem—one that values repair, reuse, and personal expression as much as new design.
Having known Colin since his days at Iowa State, I am both proud and inspired to see how he has carried his creative curiosity into every stage of his career. From sketching shoe concepts at my conference table to redefining how we document and value clothing, his journey is a testament to the power of combining skill, vision, and empathy.
If you are curious to learn more or get involved, visit wardrobetheoryproject.com. And as always—keep innovating, keep telling your story, and keep making a difference.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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