How can our wardrobes tell stories about who we are—and shape the future of fashion?
In this episode of iNNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders sits down with Colin Behr, founder of The Wardrobe Theory Project and former Nike footwear and color designer, to explore how systems thinking, storytelling, and sustainability intersect in personal style.
Colin shares his journey from small-town Iowa to internships at New Balance and Todd Snyder, a decade-long career at Nike and Jordan Brand, and the leap into entrepreneurship with a self-published fashion archive magazine.
His work blends design thinking with psychology, sustainability, and personal branding—celebrating the clothes people already own rather than pushing the next purchase.
⚫In this conversation, you will learn:
◾How systems thinking applies to fashion and personal style
◾The process behind curating and photographing a “Top 50” wardrobe
◾Insights from working at Nike, Jordan Brand, and across design disciplines
◾Why storytelling matters in clothing and branding
◾The challenges and rewards of building an independent creative platform
Whether you are a designer, innovator, sustainability advocate, or creative entrepreneur, Colin’s story offers inspiration and strategies for merging creativity with purpose.
⚫Connect with Colin
◾Wardrobe Theory Project: https://wardrobetheoryproject.com/
◾Personal Website: https://www.colinjamesbehr.com/
◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-behr-24623048/
◾Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569072192492
◾Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wardrobe_theory_project/
⚫Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Colin Bear's Career
00:54 Welcome to Innovation Insights
01:11 Colin Bear's Background and Career Journey
04:20 Early Career and Internships
06:17 Nike and Jordan Brand Experience
13:46 The Wardrobe Theory Project
16:31 Systems Thinking in Fashion
21:14 From Book to Magazine: The Evolution of the Wardrobe Theory Project
24:28 Photographing the Wardrobe
27:23 Exploring the Role of Environment in Storytelling
29:12 Challenges of Building a Platform from Scratch
32:14 Returning to Iowa: Personal and Professional Reflections
34:44 Empathy in Corporate and Entrepreneurial Spaces
39:31 Upcoming Issues and Events for the Wardrobe Theory Project
46:26 Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
50:37 Defining Innovation and Final Thoughts
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