ACTIVELY BLACK RETURNS TO NEW YORK FASHION WEEK WITH “THE BLACK MIXTAPE: VOLUME 2” DEBUTING ICONIC COLLABORATIONS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF HIP HOP AND BLACK CULTURE
New York, NY – September 6, 2023 – Actively Black, the trailblazing black-owned premium athleisure wear brand, is set to make a powerful statement at New York Fashion Week with the launch of multiple groundbreaking collaboration collections. The eagerly awaited 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 starts where the rhythm of the beat began, Africa, to amplify the influence of the music that has shaped generations.
Actively Black is teaming up with The Shade Room, a leading media company that highlights Black culture and news, to livestream “The Black Mixtape: Volume 2” during NYFW on TheShadeRoom.com. This collaboration seeks to break down the exclusivity of Fashion Week by broadening access to a global audience. The show offers a fashion experience like no other, curated meticulously to showcase the rich tapestry of Black culture and its profound impact on the world.
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One of the cornerstones of Actively Black’s success has been its 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 HBCU’s, the Malcolm X Estate, and the Notorious B.I.G-Biggie Estate among others. The meticulously curated experience will also feature famed Nigerian artist Laolu and Nigerian Olympic Gold Medalist Seun Ogunkoya. Homage is a theme the brand has consistently executed, and this show will be no different as choreographed segments will honor those who led the culture through the past 50 years. “There would be no Actively Black without Fubu so I felt we had to honor the brand and man behind it,” says 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 inception in November 2020, Actively Black has experienced explosive growth and garnered widespread recognition. The brand proudly holds a spot in the top 100 fastest-growing brands on Shopify and ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing athleisure brands in the country. It has found favor among athletes, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike being worn by The Obamas, Stephen Curry, Deion Sanders, and others. Born from the vision of Lanny Smith, an ex-pro-athlete who recognized the need for authentic representation and empowerment within the sports and fashion industries, he set his sights on creating 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 dedication to celebrating Black culture, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing a platform for Black talent to shine worldwide. This event underscores Actively Black’s mission to not only create exceptional athleisure wear but also to inspire change and uplift the Black community.
Stay tuned for an unforgettable display of fashion, culture, and creativity as Actively Black debuts its remarkable collaborations at New York Fashion Week. Join us in celebrating 50 years of hip hop and the enduring influence of Black culture on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Sony Hall, 8pm.
For more information, please visit www.activelyblack.com
