The Baller Alert Show – Ep. 233: Former Head of Adidas-Yeezy Innovation Lab Omar Bailey Talks Career in Fashion, Working With Kanye West and His New Company Factory Lab

Baller Alert, Baller Alert, Baller Alert! Welcome to another episode of The Baller Alert Show. On this episode, the cast is joined by Omar Bailey to discuss Bailey’s road to creating shoes, working for Yeezy and his new company Factory Lab.

“What led you to fashion from West Palm Beach, asked OCT,” asked OCT.

“There’s nothing fashionable about West Palm Beach.

“The way the story goes is we moved from New York to Florida, and they wanted to put me in this school. But you had to audition. I didn’t want to go to JFK,” said Bailey.

Bailey eventually got into the school of his choice, where he was introduced to his love for art and designing shoes. Bailey followed this road to college.

After becoming friends with like-minded individuals, Bailey knew he was in the right place and on the right path.

Bailey shared that he lived overseas for approximately 15 years after graduating from college.

He got his big break by working with Supreme to create their slides.

“This is the first time they wanted to do a shoe without collaborating. I was the person to help facilitate that.
Developing a shoe it’s a heavy lift,” said Bailey.

Bailey shared his duties and job when creating a shoe.

While in India, Bailey shared that he was making shoes in a country where most people purchased one pair of shoes for the year, whereas in the U.S., most people wear shoes as an accessory and not a necessity.

Kanye said he wanted a local factory where he could give his input and not wait months for his changes to be made. Adidas contacted Bailey, who offered him a job leading to his Yeezy role.

Bailey shared what it was like his first time meeting him and the interaction.

“He came in, we had this meeting, and he sat across from me for 45 minutes. He was attentive and interested in what I said, and we were just vibing. It was just 45 minutes of uninterrupted time,” said Bailey.

“I’ve only had positive experiences with him, and that’s all I can speak to,” said Bailey.

Bailey shared that he spent the next three years as head of the innovation lab for Yeezy.

“What did you learn from Kanye West?” asked OCT.

“The biggest thing I learned from him and the experiences, in general, is that the impossible is nothing,” said Bailey. “He made me feel that it’s okay to challenge myself, color outside the lines and not feel restricted by boundaries.”

Bailey now has his shoe company, Factory Lab, located in Downtown Los Angeles in the arts district.

“Our goal is to work with creators and brands and help them build their brand through footwear,” said Bailey.

Bailey gave an exclusive and shared that they are dropping a boot called the “stomper” in the Fall.

He also announced that they are releasing two new colors of the night runners.