Nike | Star Dintino

Gender Neutral Kids Apparel

Haddad Brands partnered with Nike to create specialized baby and kids apparel, combining Nike’s performance and design expertise with Haddad’s development and execution capabilities. My team focused on the gender-neutral category, developing thoughtfully designed pieces primarily for newborn through toddler sizes. The collaboration emphasized versatility, comfort, and playful design details, ensuring the collection met the needs of both kids and parents while staying true to Nike’s signature style.

All products and images included on this page are the property of Nike and Haddad Brands.

BRAND

Brand Identity

If You Have A Body, You Are An Athlete.

Childhood is a time when we see our potential, not limitations. This is exactly the attitude of Nike: openness to new ideas, child-like curiosity and continued growth. Young consumers know what they want. Nike encourages them to be true to who they are and supports them in discovering new things every day. -haddad.com

Nike Neutral Customer

The Nike Neutral 'Little' is free-thinking and fast-moving, from their first steps to their first day of school. The first thing on their mind is fun, and they are always down for an adventure. They love to look cool and be ready to run at a moment's notice! Who said you had to choose between sports and style?

TEAM

Director of Nike and Converse Teams / Senior Designer / Asst. Designer / Fabric Coordinator / Sourcing Manager / Sales Team / Graphics Team

Roles & Responsibilities

As an assistant designer at Haddad Brands, I was responsible for drawing CADs, conducting seasonal trend and market research, writing complex and extensive techpacks, managing sample intake and running cross-functional sample review meetings, and writing and managing the extensive seasonal catalog.

RESEARCH & PROCESS

Research and Development

The team would research the needs and regulations for designing for our littles, drawing on developmental cues from the footwear designers at Nike Corporate. They range from researching new fibers and fabrics for sensory needs, special cuts and silhouettes to allow the maximum level of movement, and the needs of empowered adults, including ease of dressing. We also completed broad market research of the kids' apparel market each season, bringing the freshest, most luxurious feel to all of our products.

Design Process

After receiving seasonal direction from Nike Corporate, our team would set up our big picture goals for the season, and what values we wanted to bring to our littles each season. The Nike Neutral team would develop seasonal fabrications and silhouettes, adding details and creating several cohesive capsules that make up an expansive line that ranges from ages 0-7. These programs include ACG, Tech Fleece, Nike ReadySet, Baby Essentials, Everyone from Day One, and our expansive core 'Club' program. Furthermore, we developed client-specific capsules for star retailers, including Disck's Sporting Goods, JD Sports, and Footlocker.

Sample Process

As assistant designer, I managed all receipt and review of samples from multiple factories. This included reviewing color execution, spec execution, all graphics and logos, and construction details. I led cross-functional meetings to review samples, organize feedback and commincate all notes with the factories.

Project Spotlights

Sample Review Presentation

The presentation used for cross-functional sample review meetings to establish approval status of all samples

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Seasonal
Catalog

An inclusive working seasonal catalog, which I managed with all details, sketches, and information across all sub-categories under Nike Neutral

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Concept Collection Deck

A proposal of a capsule collection I completed while being considered for a position on the Nike Neutral Team

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Product Overview

ACTIVE APPAREL

SPORTSWEAR

INFANT APPAREL

Product Catalog

If you have a body, you are an athlete.

Evergreen Initiatives

On the Nike Neutral team, we managed several evergreen initiatives closely aligned with adult Nike apparel, offering a strong and diverse breadth of product. These programs included Tech Fleece, Club Fleece, Baby Essentials, and Lifestyle Essentials, spanning athletic and lifestyle apparel categories. Together, these initiatives consistently drove the highest sales and strongest business performance within the Nike category at Haddad Brands.

Specialty Baby Programs

We also designed several infant and newborn-specific initiatives with design engineered to meet the developmental needs of this age range. This includes ReadySet! and Everone from Day One, which focus on the baby category both aesthetically and technically. These programs get updated with newness and a fresh perspective every season, with the strongest products being matching sets and bodysuits.

Seasonal Capsules

The team designs multiple customer- and region-specific capsules each season, allowing us to take on a unique point of view and tell broader, story-driven assortments that range from athletic to fashion apparel. Notable examples include Cozy Comfort, developed specifically for the China market, and Shine, a capsule inspired by seasonal Nike footwear color stories.

HERO
PROGRAMS

Tech Fleece

Tech Fleece Coverall

The Nike Tech Fleece Coverall combines performance and style in a sleek, all-in-one design. Crafted from lightweight thermal fabric, it provides warmth without bulk, while specialty flat interlock seams ensure a smooth, comfortable fit. Waterproof taping around the pockets keeps essentials protected, and the embroidered logo adds a clean, premium finish. Functional, modern, and thoughtfully detailed, this coverall is built for both everyday wear and elevated street-ready performance.

The tech fleece program uses premium fabrics, high-performance construction details, and a distinctive look. This coverall was designed to align with signature tech fleece details while ensuring comfort for an infant.

Tech Fleece Set- Infant to Tween

The Nike Kids Tech Fleece program brings the same performance-driven design of the adult line to younger athletes. Using lightweight thermal fabrics, specialty flat seams, and functional details like zippered pockets, the collection keeps kids warm and comfortable without slowing them down. Clean silhouettes, playful colors, and signature Nike touches make it a versatile, durable, and stylish choice for active kids.

The tech fleece spec utilizes darts for a sculpted knee, BEMIS taping across seams to help retain heat and protect from weather, an embroidered Swoosh logo, a shaped hood, and BEMIS tacks at each end of the slant pocket.

Core Programs

Club Fleece

Product Catalog

My team managed the design and development of Nike Kids Club Fleece, closely aligning with the adult Club assortment from Nike Corporate. The program includes multiple core lines as well as specialized newborn and infant fits, featuring both neutral and trend-right colors. The assortment spans sweatshirts, joggers, woven pants, shorts, and t-shirts, delivering versatile, everyday essentials for kids of all ages.

Baby Essentials

The Nike Kids Baby Essentials line offers a full range of everyday apparel for newborns and infants, including bodysuits, pants, t-shirts, sets, and footed coveralls. Designed with both style and comfort in mind, the collection features a broad spectrum of colors informed by market research, alongside playful prints like Scatter Swoosh, microstripe, and soft heathers. Thoughtful design and versatile options make this line perfect for everyday wear while reflecting Nike’s signature sporty and modern aesthetic.

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Silky viscose feels soft and gentle against delicate skin, debossed Swoosh terrycloth adds a plush, textured touch, and Swoosh cotton pointelle delivers breathable softness with subtle patterning. These premium fabrics elevate everyday essentials, ensuring babies stay cozy while wearing apparel that’s as adorable as it is comfortable.

HERO
PROGRAMS

Nike ReadySet

ReadySet! and the Swoosh 1 Shoe

Nike’s ReadySet! initiative works hand-in-hand with Swoosh 1 infant footwear to support babies’ earliest movements—from their first steps to their first scoots. The collection features thoughtfully designed, engineered apparel with padding in all the right places to support little bodies as they explore. Adaptable features allow pieces to grow with kids, combining comfort, protection, and flexibility to help them move confidently at every stage of early development.

Grow With Me Features

The ReadySet! program has specialty features to meet kids' developing needs, including sensory-friendly 'tagless' feature, a ribbed triangle for over-the-head ease, padded knees and elbows for kids that are crawling, and cuffs that can be rolled down as the little's limbs grow.

Snap-Free Bodysuit

Using a stretch micro waffle with high retention, this ReadySet! Snap-free fit allows the diaper to be changed by simply pulling the bodysuit up through one of these stretchy leg holes.

This design was wear-tested by a test group of infants and their empowered adults for ease of wear, and this streamlined design encapsulates the innovative design in the ReadySet! program.

Everyone From Day One

Track Suits

E1D1 is an inclusive kids' apparel collection designed to support early movement and development across infant and toddler stages. The line features soft, brushed fabrics, gender-neutral silhouettes, and adaptive design details that make dressing easier and allow garments to grow with the child. Created to encourage play, exploration, and comfort from the very start, E1D1 reflects Nike’s commitment to making sport-inspired apparel accessible to every kid—beginning on day one.

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Bodysuit Sets

The line also includes bodysuits, footed coveralls, and tracksuits designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The footed coveralls feature a crotch gusset that allows for greater freedom of movement, a reverse zipper to make dressing and changing easier, and a zipper garage to help protect the baby’s face and skin. An elasticized heel ensures a secure fit, helping keep little feet in place while supporting natural movement throughout the day.

HERO
CATEGORIES

Dress Socks

Signature Day-Meets-Dress Crew

Customers can't get enough of Lemon's best-seller, roll top sock! With solids and patterns like florals, polka dot, heather, and fair isle, this style crosses seasons and is comfortable and breathable at any time of year. This style is Lemon's signature powder quality and utilizes recycled fibers, supporting the brand's desire to promote sustainability.

Classic Dress Styles

Crafted with recycled polyester, these ultra-soft, breathable socks feel like a warm hug for your feet. A sweet embroidered heart detail on the cuff adds a touch of whimsy, making every step a little more special. Perfectly packaged and ready to gift, this set is a delightful way to share the love — whether it's for someone special or just a well-deserved treat for yourself.

Gift Boxes

Sheer Appearance Fur Lined Tight

Love the look of sheer tights in the winter but can't stand feeling cold? These sleek Lemon tights are a winter wardrobe no-brainer!

These sleek Lemon tights are a winter wardrobe no-brainer. There's a secret layer of soft fleece lining to keep you warm when the weather dips, so you'll look trendy while still feeling toasty. Designed with a high waistband to sculpt and shape.

One of my first design proposals while at Lemon was focused on expanding the shade range of our best-selling faux-sheer products. I researched the industry standard for inclusive shade options, and led the development product with our hosiery factory to meet the needs of every 'Lemon Girl,' without exclusion. This project was fast-tracked, and early alternative shades began hitting the shelves in Fall 2025

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Core Collections

City Essentials 6 Pack

Product Catalog

This sherpa-lined, soft-soled slipper exemplifies the Lemon brand DNA: comfort, luxury, and quality craftsmanship. This hand-knit style has an embossed sole with whipstitching around the edge, and is a client favorite that keeps getting ordered every season.

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Core Basics

This sherpa-lined, soft-soled slipper exemplifies the Lemon brand DNA: comfort, luxury, and quality craftsmanship. This hand-knit style has an embossed sole with whipstitching around the edge, and is a client favorite that keeps getting ordered every season.

HERO
CATEGORIES