If you've been involved with the sneaker scene for a while – and we know a lot of you have – you've definitely heard the name, Sean Wotherspoon. It's one of those names that carries real weight, not just because of a single moment, but because of the lasting impact he's had on the culture as a whole. Back in 2017, Sean made serious waves when his now-iconic corduroy Air Max 97/1 won Nike's ‘Vote Forward’ competition. At the time, it felt like a real shift. Something new and different was resonating with the community. Since then, the design has gone on to become one of the most sought-after collaborations in sneaker history, cementing its place as a true modern classic.
But Sean's story didn't start there. Long before the Air Max 97/1, he was already building something meaningful. In 2013, he co-founded Round Two, a vintage store that quickly grew from a single location into a multi-city presence across the United States. Round Two wasn't just another retail space, it became a hub for community, storytelling, and discovery. It gave new life to old pieces, championed individuality, and helped shape the way a new generation thought about style. Through Round Two, Sean carved out a reputation not only as a tastemaker but as someone deeply connected to the culture and committed to pushing it forward.
What really set Sean apart was his perspective, leaning into vintage, reuse, and the idea of circular fashion long before it became mainstream. For Sean, it's never just been about what's next, but about what already exists and how it can be reimagined. That mindset has influenced not just his own work but also the wider sneaker and fashion communities.
Over the years, that approach has carried into a series of high-profile collaborations. From his work with adidas to projects with ASICS and GAP, Sean has consistently brought his unique lens to every partnership. Whether it's through bold colour choices, unexpected materials, or a clear emphasis on storytelling, each release feels personal and intentional. There's a consistency in his creativity that fans have come to trust, a sense that whatever he touches will feel truly authentic.
It's exactly that authenticity, creativity, and community-first mindset that makes this next chapter so exciting. We're very proud to announce that Sean Wotherspoon is officially joining KLEKT as our new Chief Community Curator. It's a role that feels like a natural fit, not just because of his experience, but because of his ongoing commitment to the people and culture that make this space what it is.
At KLEKT, community has always been at the heart of everything we do. From day one, it's been about more than just buying and selling; it's about authenticity, storytelling, and shared passion. Bringing Sean on board marks a new step forward in that journey. With his vision and insight, we're looking to build even deeper connections, highlight more voices, and continue pushing the culture in meaningful ways.
This is just the beginning, and we've got a lot in store. Sean's involvement will play a key role in shaping what that future looks like, and we can't wait for you to be part of it. To find out more about what we've got in store, check out our announcement video below and join us in welcoming Sean to our team!