The Folklore Showroom Housed Black, African and Diverse Emerging Designers During New York Fashion Week
Written by Griselda Flores on February 27, 2024
The Folklore Showroom’s NYFW showcase was a celebration of Black, African diverse emerging designers fashion and culture, bringing together a diverse array of designers and artisans from the continent. The showroom featured a curated selection of garments, accessories, and lifestyle products, each telling a unique story of craftsmanship and heritage. From bold prints to intricate beadwork, the showcase highlighted the rich diversity of design traditions, showcasing the talent and creativity of designers who are redefining the global fashion landscape. The event was not just a display of clothing, but a celebration of designers vibrant culture and its contribution to the world of fashion.
Take a look into the Black, African and diverse emerging designer brand showcase during NYFW below.
Rēnwa
Raised in Ivory Coast with Lebanese heritage, RĒNWA embodies the fusion of two rich cultures. This unique blend forms the core of Renwa’s design philosophy, celebrating the harmonious synergy between Lebanese elegance and Ivorian vibrancy. RĒNWA’s essence lies in blending simplicity with complexity, reflecting a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.
Beyond fashion, RĒNWA extends its ethos to lifestyle products, each essential and resonating with cultural heritage. The brand’s commitment to cultural inclusivity is evident, with classic elements from both cultures seamlessly integrated to create a distinctive aesthetic. This fusion narrates tales of tradition and innovation, offering a fresh perspective on cross-cultural creativity.
RĒNWA serves as a symbolic bridge, connecting diverse traditions and showcasing the beauty of cultural convergence. It stands as an ode to the endless possibilities that emerge when different influences come together in perfect harmony, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and creativity.
Perade
Perade was born from a deep-rooted desire to embrace African identity without reservation. Combining the Yoruba words “Per,” meaning “for every,” and “Ade,” meaning “crown,” the brand signifies inclusivity and celebrates diversity, offering unique pieces for every individual, embodying the essence of royalty.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring allure of African heritage, Perade exalts the avant-garde individual whose lifestyle is fearless, unapologetic, and revolutionary. Founder Performance Adejayan, who relocated from Nigeria to the U.S. at a young age, channels her cultural heritage into Perade, showcasing the opulent and vibrant aspects of African culture often overlooked in contemporary fashion.
“Perade’s beaded bags are meticulously handcrafted by female artisans in Nigeria, reflecting a confident and spirited aesthetic unique to the brand. Similarly, our jewelry is thoughtfully curated to honor traditional African craftsmanship while embracing modern influences,” shared the brand. “We believe that adorning yourself with Perade pieces ignites a sense of fearlessness and playfulness within. Welcome to Perade, where every piece is a testament to the beauty and diversity of African culture.”
Twelve AM
Twelve AM, founded by Areial Lomack, is a Los Angeles-based brand specializing in creating exclusive designs for women of all sizes.
“We pride ourselves on being a top-tier brand built on integrity, valuing our customers by providing excellent service that extends beyond our products,” said Lomack. “Our commitment to quality and trendsetting designs has garnered us a loyal and supportive consumer base, who choose Twelve AM for every occasion.”
Florian London
Florian is a contemporary accessories brand known for its innovative and high-quality handbags, designed to make you feel extraordinary with vibrant pops of color. Ethically crafted by hand in a third-generation family-owned Atelier, each piece is made sustainably, prioritizing quality, care, expert craftsmanship, and an accessible price point. Limited production runs ensure each item is a unique statement piece that can be worn and cherished for years to come, reflecting the brand’s commitment to longevity, function, and award-winning design.
Founded by Tola in 2013, Florian was born out of a desire to create something truly exceptional. Tola, who studied Finance alongside Art & Design in university, initially pursued a career in Finance before following her passion for style and female empowerment. With her creativity and timeless designs, Florian quickly gained recognition, winning multiple international handbag awards in 2014. Tola’s vision for Florian is rooted in empowering women to feel confident and stylish, a mission reflected in each meticulously crafted handbag.
The Lulo Project
“The essence of The Lulo Project (TLP) lies in my Colombian roots, inspired by the Lulo fruit—a cherished citrus symbolizing family, hometown, and joy. While living in Italy, I encountered this fruit at a market, and its vibrant, refreshing nature resonated deeply with me. This moment ignited a desire to share the essence of ‘home’ and the joy of ‘vacation’ with others in bustling urban environments, where personal connections can feel distant,” stated the brand. “The inception of The Lulo Project marks a commitment to offering garments and objects that embody not just style, but also a sense of refreshment, boldness, and exoticism. Our goal is to evoke that same smile and feeling of delight wherever you go. We redefine “comfortable” as a blend of fashion and ease, effortlessly chic and suitable for any setting.”
House of Aama
Established in 2015, House of Aama is poised to redefine fashion and design, aiming to be a significant expression in the industry. Proudly manufactured in Los Angeles, California, House of Aama transcends the typical clothing business, embodying the spiritual journey of its mother and daughter design duo, Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka.
House of Aama delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Black experience, creating timeless garments imbued with nostalgic references. Their designs are the result of meticulous historical research, archival analysis, and storytelling, aiming to spark dialogue and social commentary. Each piece serves as a tribute to heritage, inviting reflection on nuanced histories and fostering remembrance.
At its core, House of Aama presents its fashion items as a conduit for raw, primal energy to manifest in physical form.
Kadiju
“Kadiju is a Lagos-based, women-led clothing label dedicated to redefining sartorial beauty through maximalist creations and conscious production practices. Our aim is to craft pieces that instill a sense of feel-good confidence, meticulously created with care,” says Kadiju. “Each of our garments is a fusion of stock fabrics and recycled materials, sourced and produced locally in limited quantities to minimize waste and promote mindful consumption. Through this approach, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment. By utilizing local materials and collaborating with artisans, we seek to contribute to Africa’s vibrant manufacturing scene, supporting the economic and social advancement of artisanal workers across the continent.”
Arch NYC
Arch NYC is a women’s footwear brand known for its unique and bold designs, blending fun and sophistication with innovative styling. Each shoe is carefully curated with a focus on design, function, comfort, and creativity, reflecting the passion of a true shoe lover.
Founded by Jazmin Veney in 2018, Arch NYC emerged from her desire to carve a niche in the fashion industry. Despite lacking a traditional design background, Veney’s fashion marketing experience with iconic luxury brands shines through in Arch’s disruptive and conversation-sparking products. The brand is a testament to her vision as a tastemaker, dreamer, and self-starter, catering to remarkable women who embody the brand’s ethos of empowerment and individuality.
Forever Amelia
Vanessa Tobore is committed to empowering women through fashion, aiming to imbue a sense of beauty and sophistication in every garment. She personally selects each dress for its style, comfort, and wearability, ensuring that her customers feel confident and elegant.
With a focus on quality and functionality, Vanessa Tobore is passionate about offering high-quality fashion that is both trendy and practical. She advocates for accessible fashion, making sure her clothing is affordable without sacrificing quality.
Rendoll
Founded in June 2019 by Nigerian Fashion and Beauty Entrepreneur, Morenikeji Abina, Rendoll is a global womenswear brand dedicated to inspiring confidence and celebrating femininity and body positivity. Rendoll believes in the uniqueness of every individual, advocating for the freedom to be oneself. With this philosophy in mind, they create head-turning, attainable luxury resort and party pieces designed to be cherished for a lifetime.
Rendoll collaborates with fabric suppliers from various parts of the world to source materials, and all their pieces are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who receive above-average wages. This commitment to quality and ethical production practices underscores Rendoll’s dedication to creating fashion that not only looks good but also feels good to wear.
Kaphill
In a world often characterized by control and conformity, Kaphill emerges as a brand with roots in a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The ethos of Kaphill goes beyond individual triumph; it embraces the strength of community. Acknowledging the deep sense of isolation that marked our founder’s path, Kaphill seeks to create a supportive space for kindred spirits—the pioneers, the seekers, and the nonconformists. This community provides a refuge where individuals can find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone in their quest for self-realization. United by a common vision, they are encouraged to reveal their true selves, liberated from societal pressures.
Elexiay
Elexiay is a fashion brand founded in 2018 by Elyon Adede, showcasing Nigerian craftsmanship sustainably. The brand delves into Nigeria’s rich history, heritage, and craftsmanship, with a focus on crochet and knits. Crochet, an ancient skill often associated with certain garments, is being redefined at Elexiay. Moving away from its stereotype as ‘grandma’s clothing,’ Elexiay skillfully handcrafts clothes without machines, aiming to produce garments that are environmentally friendly. All crochet pieces from Elexiay are handmade and recyclable, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations.
The Rad Black Kids
(@theradblackkids)
The Rad Black Kids represents those of us who don’t see ourselves reflected in mainstream portrayals. The brand was born out of the founder’s desire to see diversity in action sports, starting with building longboards due to financial constraints. Their architectural background enabled them to craft quality boards using the best components. As the brand evolved, they expanded into narrative-based product design and shifted production to Portugal, prioritizing sustainability. Since 2014, The Rad Black Kids has planted a tree for every product sold, and in response to the climate crisis, they now plant 20 trees per product to reduce carbon emissions.
Favelo
Faveloworldwide is a luxury streetwear brand known for its exclusivity, quality, and authenticity. Founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, it is a division of Favelo International LLC. The brand draws inspiration from the term “favela” (slum), embracing a narrative of resilience and excellence born from challenging beginnings.
The brand’s name reflects its ethos: “Alpha” symbolizes strength and leadership, while “Omega” represents the ultimate vision of style, quality, and significance. Favelo is more than just a clothing brand; it is a storyteller of empowerment, starting from the raw determination represented by the “favelas” and evolving into sophistication and completeness in the world of fashion.
Tier NYC
Tier’s unique essence comes to life through our seasonal projects, ready-to-wear collections for both men and women, brand initiatives, and immersive experiences. They aim to create, influence, and spark inspiration. They champion art and design, celebrating cultural expressions of individuality and shared narratives.
Their motto, “Art Never Dies,” signifies the enduring impact and legacy of an artist. What will yours be?
V.Bellan
V.Bellan is a gender-neutral New York jewelry brand that embodies a blend of classic and cool styles. Their range includes custom-made-to-order bespoke jewelry and fashion fine pieces in solid gold, designed to be cherished for generations. Their seasonal contemporary collections in brass showcase a love of sleek lines and architectural inspirations, creating a polished yet bold aesthetic.
Each piece in the collection is a testament to the love and memory of the founder’s beloved daughter, representing the pieces imagined for her to cherish and borrow through life’s journey. The personalized jewelry serves as a way to document life’s memorable moments, reminding wearers of their past and future.
V.Bellan’s designs convey an effortless statement, empowering customers to adorn their pieces daily. They value the humanity of all artisans they collaborate with, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment. As part of their commitment to serving the community, they give back to organizations dedicated to supporting mothers, reinforcing the strength and resilience of women worldwide.
The post The Folklore Showroom Housed Black, African and Diverse Emerging Designers During New York Fashion Week appeared first on EBONY.
