7.14.2022
Photo Recap: AFROPUNK & Shopify Present Black Fashion Exhibit in NYC on July 13
The Fashion Show Showcases the Work of Fashion Entrepreneurs From the First-Ever Black Fashion Accelerator Program
From the Par Bronté Laurent Collection, designed by Bronté Laurent
(Photo Credit: Kendel Levi)
The Announcement:
AFROPUNK is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and creative expression in marginalized communities. Created in partnership with the Build Black team at Shopify, the Black Fashion Accelerator offered an intensive program designed to help nine promising Black fashion designers nurture their talents and grow their businesses in a competitive industry. Last night, AFROPUNK and Shopify’s Build Black presented the results of the program, offering the BFA designers the chance to show off their product at Shopify SoHo in New York City.
The fashion exhibition shined a spotlight on the BFA founders, presenting a fantastic array of fits and apparel from the designers. AFROPUNK and Shopify welcomed Gitoo to host, and invited Chris Bevans, Senior Creative Lead at Shopify, and BFA program mentor, Anita Asante, Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at AFROPUNK, Amena Agbaje, Program Lead, Black Entrepreneurship at Shopify (Build Black), and Monique Rodriguez, CEO at Mielle, to offer remarks before the show. The festivities also included a performance from Laya, a local R&B artist.
The Build Black x AFROPUNK Black Fashion Accelerator fashion show was further supported by Mielle, Thread Beauty, and PearNova.
Check out photos of the event below, and even more images from the event HERE
Read about the Black Fashion Accelerator HERE
Read about the Black Fashion Accelerator Class of 2022 HERE
Please credit all photos to Jamel Martin of Jmartinvisuals @jmartinvisuals unless otherwise specified
Abeille Creations, designed by Melissa Mitchell (center)
Sophia Danner-Okotie, founder of Besida, wearing Besida
House of Fleek, designed by Jelisa Smith
MIZIZI founder Paakow Essandoh poses with his collection
(Photo credit: Kendel Levi)
RuvaAfricWear, designed by Sylvester Ndhlovu (Photo credit: Kendel Levi)
Wear Brims founders Archie Clay (Right) and Tajh Crutch (Left) present their collection
Vavvoune, designed by Valerie Blaise
Rising R&B queen Laya performed during the event
Gitoo was the night’s energetic host
Thread Beauty provided makeup for the models and samples for the attendees
Mielle was the official hair sponsor of the event
The AFROPUNK x Shopify Build Black Team
THE BACKGROUND:
About AFROPUNK:
AFROPUNK IS THE MICROPHONE OF THOUGHT AND A LENS OF PERSPECTIVE
AFROPUNK is an integrated media platform and global music festival platform giving voice to the unwritten, unwelcome and unseen. AFROPUNK is redefining the modern multicultural experience through its mission to unleash freedom of expression and to honor the power of individuality while strengthening our community. AFROPUNK creates an anchor for its growing audience of multicultural youth through its annual music festival and other events (in Brooklyn, Miami, Minneapolis, and Oakland) with past events in Paris, London, Atlanta, and Johannesburg), while continually enhancing engagement and promoting conversation through content, commerce, and community.
AFROPUNK is devoted to creating safe spaces for the expression of Black liberation and a Black Future where we love ourselves and each other without preconception. The AFROPUNK tenets serve as a North Star and remind people to check themselves, ego and each other when we enter the shared spaces.
Links:
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