Creativity in Motion: Brandon Ruffin's take on Nike x Swarovski

Photos by Brandon Ruffin

We paired two beloved Oakland creatives, Selena Davant, founder of Hella Creative, and Brandon Ruffin, renowned street photographer, to bring Nike's newest Swarovski collab to life. Brandon is not only a celebrated photographer and filmmaker, he is also a community pillar in the photography world. He is a founding member of several photography communities (Cameras and Coffee and OAKSPC) and recently released a book, Migration Patterns, which explores the influence of Southern Black culture on Bay Area cities. Because Brandon’s practice is rooted in street photography, he was an obvious choice to capture the Nike x Swarovski collab—two performance-oriented shoes (Vomero for cushion, Pegasus for responsiveness!) reimagined with Swarovski crystals—on Oakland streets.

Our model Selena is the founder of Made in Color, and a cofounder of Hella Creative, the collective behind Hella Juneteenth. Her creative approach centers on intention, impact, and community resonance. She builds experiences that help people feel seen and connected. That same instinct appears in her relationship with Renegade, where she talks about the power of showing up consistently, moving together, and building a support system that turns early ideas and first steps into sustained momentum. She is a fixture at our track nights, and we can always rely on her to bring energy, welcome newcomers, and lead reps.

Brandon approaches photography with a similar sense of dual purpose. He is a respected street photographer whose work, while technically masterful, shows an eagerness to embrace what unfolds in front of him. He is also an athlete and cyclist, which shapes his understanding of movement as both a physical and visual language. “Photography is physical,” he says. “Motion allows you to feel the moment and perspective of the photographer more clearly." His work reflects that mindset through images that are honest, kinetic, and rooted in real environments.

Both creatives have deep ties to Oakland. Selena values the city for its honesty, creativity, and the way people consistently show up for one another. Brandon speaks about the community that shaped his artistic voice and supported his family, and how those influences continue to guide his work. Their paths often overlap across art, movement, and grassroots culture.

Looking ahead, Selena is expanding her community work through new gatherings, races, and a sport-driven conceptual space in downtown Oakland. Brandon is developing new photography and film projects, preparing for solo shows, and continuing the work featured in his book Migration Patterns, available through Setanta Books.

Together, they offer a gorgeous portrait of what creativity and performance look like in Oakland: real people in motion, grounded in purpose, and contributing to the culture around them.