June Ambrose Puts Function First, Fashion Second in Naturalizer Creative Director Debut

The saying goes, "ladies first" and this rings true in June Ambrose's debut collaborative collection with Naturalizer, where she puts women's comfort first and fashion directly after. 

Previously serving as PUMA's Women's Basketball creative director and designer during a three-year tenure, Ambrose now arrives as the global ambassador and creative director at Naturalizer – kicking off the partnership with three capsule collections slated for spring 2026.

For the distinguished costume designer, shifting the scope of sport, style and lifestyle under Naturalizer Sport – the new label dedicated to Ambrose's latest venture – was the goal – with women in mind. A slew of six styles per drop is set for this coming spring and the synergy between both the Midwest-based brand and Ambrose is felt throughout the future-forward silhouettes. Ambrose was adamant about crafting a collection that emphasizes both functionality and fashion and Naturalizer – the first brand to design shoes specifically for the women's foot back in 1927 – was on board. 

"I do feel like an uncomfortable shoe is rude," she shares with Hypebae. "[I wanted to] attract a consumer who wanted to dance in her pumps, who wanted her sneakers to feel like a fashion statement." She continues in the video below. 

 

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Earlier this month, we stopped by the Naturalizer showroom and got a sneak peek of what's to come and were met with the stylish-yet-sensible sneaker styles, flats and sandals the duo designed. Of the sports-derived silhouettes boasting "mesh and foam cushion soles," we were given exclusive access to lace-up pointed pumps mirroring traditional trainers, a chunky slip-on model and sporty, strappy flats, tapping into the silhouette's hot moment. 

"I approached developing each shoe and style with a character in mind. I wanted it to be multi-generational [and] multi-cultural," the award-winning entrepreneur expressed. As Ambrose adds under her belt, she introduces Naturalizer to a new generation of trendsetters, bridging the gap between two different times and initiating a new era of footwear at the sports brand.

Stay tuned for June Ambrose x Naturalizer's debut collaborative collection next spring.

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