BLACK actively returns to New York Fashion Week With the “Mixtape Black: Volume 2” curating iconic collaborations celebrating 50 years of hip hop and black culture
New York, NY – September 6, 2023 – Actively Black, the premium black-owned athletic wear brand, is set to make a powerful statement at New York Fashion Week with the launch of several brand new collaborative collections. The eagerly awaited event, titled “The Black Mixtape: Volume 2,” is a vibrant celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop, Black culture, and talent. The fashion show promises to be a transformative cultural experience that begins where the rhythm of the beat began, Africa, to enhance the influence of music that has shaped generations.
Actively Black is teaming up with The Shade Room, a leading media company highlighting Black culture and news, to broadcast “The Black Mixtape: Volume 2” live at NYFW on TheShadeRoom.com. This collaboration seeks to break down the exclusivity of Fashion Week by expanding its reach to a global audience. The show offers a fashion experience like no other, carefully curated to showcase the rich tapestry of Black culture and its profound impact on the world.
One of the cornerstones of Actively Black’s success is its meaningful collaborations with iconic people and cultural touchstones. This year’s show debuts collaborations with Marvel’s Black Panther, the Estate of Muhammad Ali, Allen Iverson, Various HBCU’s, the Estate of Malcolm X, and the Notorious BIG-Biggie Estate among others. The carefully curated experience will also feature renowned Nigerian artiste Laolu and Nigerian Olympic Gold Medalist Seun Ogunkoya. Tribute is a theme that the brand regularly executes, and this show will be no different as there will be designed sections honoring those who have guided the culture over the past 50 years. gone. “Actively Black wouldn’t exist without Fubu so I felt we had to honor the brand and the man behind it,” said Smith. Each partnership and segment of the show speaks to Actively Black’s commitment to honoring Black excellence and making a positive impact.
Since its founding in November 2020, Actively Black has experienced explosive growth and gained widespread recognition. The brand proudly holds a spot in the top 100 fastest growing brands on Shopify and is among the top 10 fastest growing athletic brands in the country. It has found favor among athletes, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike worn by the Obamas, Stephen Curry, Deion Sanders, and others. Born from the vision of Lanny Smith, a former athlete who recognized the need for authentic representation and empowerment within the sports and fashion industries, he set out to create just that. Frustrated by the lack of inclusion from major sportswear brands, he embarked on a journey to create a brand with a mission to elevate and reinvest in the Black community.
“The Black Mixtape: Volume 2” at New York Fashion Week represents a pivotal moment in the Actively Black 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. This event highlights Actively Black’s mission to not only create exceptional sportswear but also to inspire change and uplift the Black community.
Stay tuned for an unforgettable display of fashion, culture, and creativity as Actively Black unveils its incredible collaborations at New York Fashion Week. Join us to celebrate 50 years of hip hop and the enduring influence of Black culture on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Sony Hall, 8 p.m.
For more information, visit www.activelyblack.com
