Active Black returns to New York Fashion Week with “The Black Mixtape: Volume 2,” debuting iconic collaboration celebrating 50 years of hip-hop and black culture
New York, NY – September 6, 2023 – Actively Black, the pioneering Black-owned premium athleisure wear brand, makes a powerful statement at New York Fashion Week with multiple groundbreaking collaborative collections. I plan to. The highly anticipated event, titled “The Black Mixtape: Volume 2,” is a dynamic celebration of 50 years of hip-hop, Black culture, and talent. The fashion show promises to be a transformative cultural experience that amplifies the influence of music that has shaped a generation, starting from Africa, where the rhythm of the beat began.
Actively Black has partnered with The Shade Room, a leading media company focused on Black culture and news, to live stream “The Black Mixtape: Volume 2” on TheShadeRoom.com during NYFW. The collaboration aims to break the exclusivity of fashion week by widening access to a global audience. The show offers a one-of-a-kind fashion experience, meticulously curated to showcase the rich tapestry of Black culture and its deep impact on the world.
One of the cornerstones of Actively Black’s success is meaningful collaborations with iconic figures and cultural touchstones. This year’s show will debut collaborations with Marvel’s Black Panther, the Muhammad Ali Estate, Allen Iverson, various HBCUs, the Malcolm X Estate, the Notorious Big Biggie Estate, and more. The meticulously curated experience also features renowned Nigerian artist Raolu and Nigerian Olympic gold medalist Seun Ogunkoya. Homage is a theme the brand has run through throughout, and this show is no exception, with choreographed segments honoring those who have led culture over the past 50 years. “There would be no Actively Black without Fubu, so we felt we needed to pay homage to the brand and the person behind it,” says Smith. Each partnership and segment in the show speaks to Actively Black’s commitment to celebrating Black excellence and making a positive impact.
Since its launch in November 2020, Actively Black has experienced explosive growth and gained widespread recognition. The brand is proudly ranked among the top 100 fastest growing brands on Shopify and among the top 10 fastest growing athleisure brands in the country. Popular among athletes, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike, they’ve been worn by the Obamas, Stephen Curry, Deion Sanders, and more. Born from the vision of former professional athlete Lanny Smith, who recognized the need for authentic representation and empowerment in the sports and fashion industries, he set out to create just that. Frustrated by the lack of inclusivity from major sportswear brands, he embarked on a journey to create a brand with a mission to uplift and reinvest in the Black community.
“The Black Mixtape: Volume 2” at New York Fashion Week represents a pivotal moment in Actively Black’s journey. It symbolizes the brand’s commitment to celebrating Black culture, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing a platform for Black talent to shine around the world. The event highlights Actively Black’s mission to not only create great athleisure wear, but to inspire change and uplift the Black community.
Actively Black will debut a notable collaboration at New York Fashion Week, and stay tuned for an unforgettable display of fashion, culture, and creativity. Celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and the lasting impact of Black culture on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 8:00 PM at Sonny Hall.
For more information, please visit www.activelyblack.com.
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