Afropunk, the global music festival held in major cities worldwide, from Brooklyn and Atlanta to Paris and London, has always been about much more than just music. Afropunk’s Global Strategic Partnerships Anita Asante explains to GRAZIA USA it’s “about amplifying Black voices and giving our community a place to flourish and come together to celebrate our culture.” This led the organization to partner with Shopify to create the Black Fashion Accelerator, (a six-month program which offered live training, coaching support, and networking opportunities to help scale business to the next level), which commenced with a lively fashion show presenting its inaugural class’ collections.
On July 13, industry professionals and tastemakers made their way to Shopify’s headquarters in Manhattan’s fashionable SoHo neighborhood to witness the boundless creativity of each of the nine designers, including Bronté Laurent, founder of the clothing brand par Bronté Laurent; Archie Clay III and Tajh Crutch, co-founders of Wear Brims; Corin Lindsay, founder of Corin DeMarco; Sophia Danner-Okotie, founder of Besida; Melissa A. Mitchell, founder of Abeille Creations; Paakow Essandoh, founder of Mizizi; Sylvester Ndhlovu, founder of RuvaAfricWear; Valerie Blaise, founder of Vavvoune; and Jelisa Smith, founder of House of Fleek.
The scene outside the venue was reminiscent of the Brooklyn Afropunk festival’s stylish crowd, with many arriving early in anticipation for the show. Once inside, attendees were first treated to an open bar with wine and beer and a buffet of light bites for the taking. Guests mingled and reconnected in a setting that represented a homecoming of sorts. Social media influencer, Gitoo, the MC of the night was dressed in New York-based Black designer Telfar boots and matching bag, and ushered attendees to the standing area to get ready for the show to begin.
Before the models took the runway, Asante took the floor, thanking everyone from the Black Fashion Accelerator, including DYNE creative director Christopher Bevans, one of the mentors to the designers throughout the program. Asante’s speech was followed by Shopify’s Build Black marketing program lead Amena Agbaje, who discussed the e-commerce site’s initiative and drive to support emerging entrepreneurs, especially minority groups. To prove her sentiments true, the “Queen of Hair” Monique Rodriguez, CEO of Mielle Organics, told her success story of starting her business on Shopify, which has now grown to a nine-figure revenue business while still holding a majority stake in the company.
Following the inspirational speeches, models appeared two at a time, wearing each designer’s work. The audience got an up close and personal look of the garments in between each exhibit. A few of the designers took the stage to express their gratitude for the program and how the teachings have helped them continue their entrepreneurial journey.
Midway through the showcase, rising R&B music artist Layla, took the stage to perform three of her hit songs that had the audience dancing along. After the show, everyone made their way back upstairs near the bar, toasting to the successful Afropunk Black Fashion Accelerator program and its inaugural class of Black creatives.
