Áwet New York, the luxury fashion brand dedicated to empowering Black, Indigenous and people of color designers, has forged a partnership with UPS to open a showroom for emerging BIPOC brands during New York Fashion Week.
From Monday through Wednesday, the 2,100-square-foot space at Livewear at 57 Bond Street will be transformed into a hub showcasing the work of 10 Black, Indigenous, and people of color women’s brands showing their spring/summer collections.
Through the partnership brands have saved an estimated total of $150,000. Without UPS, brands would have faced a $5,000 monthly fee to participate in the Livewear program and an additional 15 percent of sales.
In just six months, more than 60 brands have been launched, hosted or participated in residences at Livewear. The space has activated 72 events, attracting more than 25,000 attendees for in-store activation.
The selection includes Áwet.
“We’ve witnessed the success of providing a space for BIPOC designers to shine at NYFW, and we’re thrilled to see it continue to grow,” said Áwet Woldegebriel, founder of Áwet New York. “With new brands from around the world, thanks in part to UPS’s support, we ensure our space remains a curated hub for discovering luxury. We have much to be proud of; what we have achieved together makes it worthwhile.”
Áwet Woldegebriel
Rachel Kuzma, courtesy of Awet.
The participating brands are Kilentar, rooted in African heritage, that offers timeless pieces made using sustainable fabrics; M.O.T. the Label, a Lagos-based brand known for its affordable, functional and fashionable womenswear; Francisco Arce, a Bolivian designer who blends local craftsmanship with cultural materials; Society of Cloth, a collective offering modern pieces that pay homage to heritage and craftsmanship; Clark Sabbat, a Brooklyn-born designer known for his clean lines and global influence; The Lulo Project, a brand inspired by Colombian heritage, offering exotic garments; Shekudo, a Sydney-based footwear and accessories brand with a focus on Nigerian craftsmanship; Belle Distinguée, an online source for women’s professional attire, and EP Yaying, a Chinese luxury brand known for its modern design with Asian influences.
The Áwet New York Showroom will be open to buyers, press and industry professionals by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled through Dominique Reynolds at [email protected].
