NYFW: New Designs from Kaphill, Rendoll, and Arch NYC Unveiled at The Folklore's Showroom
The newest collections from a variety of designers featuring footwear, jewelry, womenswear, and menswear were showcased in SoHo during fashion week.
The Folklore, a platform dedicated to promoting African designers, recently concluded its successful New York Fashion Week showroom for the Fall/Winter 2024 season. Founder and CEO Amira Rasool showcased a total of 23 brands at the immersive Soho space, featuring a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories. The presence of many designers during the event allowed them to network and potentially forge lucrative partnerships to elevate their businesses.
"The Folklore's mission is to provide a platform for people who are often marginalized and do not have access to top buyers and editors," stated Rasool. "Whether they are geographically or racially marginalized, our showrooms give them the opportunity to connect with key industry players. Many of our retailers have already discovered new brands and made purchasing decisions at our past events."
The Folklore has established partnerships with well-known retailers such as Shopbop, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and others. These collaborations enable brands to showcase their products on a global scale, opening up new markets beyond their home country.
Among the various designers showcased in the showroom, one brand that truly stood out was Rendoll, a Nigerian womenswear label. Their FW24 collection featured a range of stylish pieces including flared dresses, crop tops, and skirts in an array of vibrant hues such as maroon, light yellow, and a striking orange. Particularly eye-catching was a multi-layered, strapless drop waist dress in black as well as a stunning drop waist dress designed with a bold blood orange bottom and a lighter top. These ensembles immediately captured my attention and left a lasting impression.
"This collection is a testament to my unwavering commitment to designing for Black women and empowering them to break free from societal constraints," explained Krystal Phillips of Kaphill. Drawing inspiration from the female form, Phillips curated a stunning array of pieces for her latest collection.
Standout items include a striking teal wool coat and a bold brown and tan multi-colored coat. One particularly eye-catching staple is a vibrant striped sweater featuring hues of yellow, salmon pink, and teal woven throughout.
Keep an eye out for Jazmin Veney's rising brand Arch NYC. Since its launch in 2018, Veney has been focused on creating wearable statement shoes. In 2020, she introduced the Lovestruck heel in black, featuring a distinct open-heart design. At a recent showroom event, she teased a new boot with a similar sole design. When asked about her target audience, Veney noted that she designs for busy city women who are constantly on the move.
Jazmin Veney, the mastermind behind ARCH NYC, boasts a extensive career in fashion marketing for renowned luxury brands. In 2018, ARCH was born out of her Harlem apartment as a way to carve out a space for herself in the industry.
Despite not having a traditional design education, Veney has successfully established a brand that challenges the status quo with bold and conversation-sparking products. ARCH is the brainchild of a visionary, dreamer, and go-getter, catering to confident and influential women who are essential to the brand's evolution.
This year's showroom provided a much-needed break from the hectic pace of the fashion industry. The welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of brands made it a standout event for both familiar and emerging companies. The decision to host the showroom in Soho exemplified The Folklore's commitment to accessibility and supporting underrepresented brands. The lineup of brands that participated this season showcased a mix of new and returning faces, offering attendees a unique and inclusive experience.
