As the fashion world shifts toward more inclusive and diverse representation, visionary entrepreneur and producer Naomi Alabi is leading the charge with her groundbreaking SFWRUNWAY platform.
This year, her impact at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) was undeniable, as she curated a remarkable three-segment showcase that redefined what a fashion show can be. SFWRUNWAY, which featured Made in Africa, NYFW Curve, and A Black Fashion Affair, set a new benchmark for diversity, inclusivity, and cultural celebration in the global fashion arena.
Naomi Alabi, the Nigerian-American founder of SFWRUNWAY, has consistently championed underrepresented voices, and her latest production during NYFW’s September 2024 lineup exemplified her mission to bring inclusivity to the forefront of the fashion industry. “My immigrant story and my deep connection to my roots inspire everything I do,” Alabi said. “With every event I curate, I am committed to creating safe spaces for creatives who are often viewed as ‘outsiders.’”
Alabi’s cultural perspective, coupled with her commitment to redefining beauty standards, created an unforgettable showcase that drew attention not only from fashion insiders but also from a global audience.
Naomi Alabi
Made in Africa: A Celebration of African Craftsmanship
At the heart of SFWRUNWAY was Made in Africa, a segment that spotlighted the creativity and craftsmanship of African designers. By featuring talent such as JahnKoy, Mike Sylla, and Libbie Kimmie, Alabi brought Africa’s rich fashion heritage to the global stage. Each designer presented unique collections that fused African traditions with contemporary aesthetics, capturing the attention of the international fashion community.
From JahnKoy’s Brooklyn-inspired African streetwear to Mike Sylla’s street-art-infused leather pieces, the Made in Africa segment celebrated modern interpretations of African fashion while preserving the cultural richness of the continent. Naomi’s love for Africa was apparent in every detail, from the live talking drum performance by WALE to the authentic African hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served by Pinaq.
“Africa has a long history of craftsmanship,” Alabi explained. “With improvements in shipping, communication, and a growing, educated workforce, Africa is now poised to lead in sustainable fashion practices. I want to bring more attention to the region’s potential through my work.” In a fashion world increasingly focused on sustainability, Alabi believes that Africa will play a key role in the industry’s future, and Made in Africa was a bold statement of this belief.
NYFW Curve: Promoting Body Inclusivity and Self-Love
The second segment, NYFW Curve, was a groundbreaking moment for body inclusivity at New York Fashion Week. Alabi curated this segment to showcase plus-size designers, giving them a platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-love. Designers such as Atiya, MCCoy, and No Feelings SZN offered collections that highlighted the beauty of curvier bodies, making a bold statement in an industry that has historically underrepresented them.
“NYFW Curve is born out of my commitment to promoting self-love,” Naomi shared. “Regardless of society’s opinions on plus-size fashion, one thing is clear—everyone deserves to love themselves at every stage of their journey.” The response from the plus-size community was overwhelmingly positive, with industry figures applauding Alabi for creating a space where diverse body types were celebrated on the NYFW stage.
This segment not only received praise from attendees but also garnered widespread social media attention, reinforcing its message of self-love and body positivity. Alabi plans to expand on the success of NYFW Curve, aiming to foster collaborations between the designers and major retailers, pushing for more permanent change in the fashion industry’s approach to body inclusivity.
A Black Fashion Affair: Uplifting Black Designers and Honoring Excellence
Concluding the SFWRUNWAY showcase was A Black Fashion Affair, a tribute to the creativity and excellence of Black designers. This segment celebrated Black culture while highlighting the ongoing challenges Black designers face in the fashion industry. Partnering with The Money Printers as a financial sponsor, Alabi ensured that the show not only highlighted Black creativity but also provided resources and funding opportunities for these often marginalized designers.
A standout moment was the honoring of Joanni Johnson, a pioneering Black model and designer whose contributions to the fashion world have been both revolutionary and inspiring. Alabi’s tribute to Johnson served as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility for Black designers and the role they play in shaping fashion’s future.
“This segment was about more than just showcasing talent—it was about offering real solutions to support Black designers’ growth,” Naomi shared. “The challenges they face are significant, and we need to ensure that they have access to the same opportunities as their peers.” Through A Black Fashion Affair, Naomi Alabi reaffirmed her commitment to creating pathways for Black designers to thrive in an industry that has often excluded them.
SFWRUNWAY: Redefining Fashion Week’s Future
Naomi Alabi’s SFWRUNWAY show was hailed as one of the most impactful and inclusive events at New York Fashion Week 2024. Attendees, influencers, and fashion critics alike praised the show for its diversity and its bold celebration of underrepresented voices in fashion. From the African cultural elements to the powerful body positivity message of NYFW Curve, the event resonated with audiences worldwide, driving significant social media engagement and media coverage.
As Naomi Alabi looks to the future, her vision for fashion extends far beyond the runway. She is focused on expanding her nonprofit’s efforts to provide more opportunities for emerging designers from marginalized communities. With plans to open a physical workspace in New York, Naomi is creating a creative hub where designers can collaborate, connect, and monetize their collections, furthering her mission to reshape the fashion industry.
“Your creative pursuits are worthy of being highlighted, but with that comes responsibility,” Naomi advised designers. “You must get educated about the industry to succeed.” As she continues to push boundaries and redefine inclusivity, Naomi Alabi is proving that fashion can be both beautiful and impactful, with SFWRUNWAY serving as a testament to the power of diversity and cultural celebration.
In an industry ripe for change, Naomi Alabi is setting new standards—and the world is taking notice.
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