Monthly Newsletter
August, 2024
Better Times
It's hard to believe we're more than halfway through 2024 when it feels like we were just celebrating the new year. Time really does fly. For most of us, the year started off slow as we recovered from the holidays, but for a special group of people, there was no time to rest. There were holiday outfits to design, brides to style and athletes to decorate for the Olympics. This group of people continually use their talents to make us glamorous, stylish and even ethereal.
We witnessed their brilliance most recently about two weeks ago when we were captivated by the stunning outfits of the athletes during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and it was refreshing to see a black-owned company featured on such a grand stage, as these events are typically dominated by large brands.
The black-owned athleisure wear brand Actively Black founded by Lanny Smith was responsible for outfitting team Nigeria for the games.
We are optimistic that this moment will signify the beginning of an exciting journey for black, independent, and Afrocentric designers, opening up new opportunities and avenues for their creativity and talent to shine.
Who Caught Our Attention?
Mastewal Alemu
An eponymous fashion brand founded in 2021 in Ethiopia committed to sustainability and the use of traditional textiles in the production of designs that are a fusion of classic and modern aesthetics. Showcasing a deep reverence for cultural traditions while also exploring innovative expressions in the world of fashion, the brand is set apart; serving as a visual representation of the intricate and diverse tapestry of human existence.
The Latest
We are thrilled to share the news that our studio is now open at 1196 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ontario. Our space has been designed with the vision to celebrate and promote Afrocentric and independent designers. At our studio, designers can showcase their unique creations, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage with a community that supports independent talent.
At the core of our mission is a deep commitment to connecting the vibrant and innovative world of Afrocentric fashion designers with the diverse and interconnected global community.