IMFC Incubator Program Retrospective Editorial

Cover : Oak & Acorn - Only for the Rebelles

DECEMBER 2023

IMFC Incubator Program Retrospective Commemorating Past Participants

IMFC

IMFC Incubator Program Taking a look back at all of the amazing brands who have been a part of the IMFC Incubator Program.

Launched in 2020, Informa Markets Fashion for Change (IMFC) is an ongoing initiative that fosters allyship, inclusion, and equality within the fashion community through programs that support, nurture, and elevate minority-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+-owned fashion brands across men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and footwear categories.

Brand : Kwasi Paul

The IMFC Incubator Program is exclusively designed to elevate the voices and work of Black-owned brands and designers of color. Over the past three years, the program has welcomed over 50 brands, which have been featured at US-based seasonal trade events of PROJECT, MAGIC, and COTERIE. In addition to physical space and presence at the market events, IMFC Incubator Program brands receive on-site promotion at our live events, one-on-one mentorship with established fashion industry experts, complimentary marketing opportunities through social media and seasonal editorial content. With a new buying season kicking off in January 2024, we recently caught up with some of the program’s past participants to take a retrospective look back at their experiences through the program and insights gleaned since participation at their first market events.

UGLYDULKYN Featured in PROJECT 2023

Premium apparel and accessories brand, UGLYDUKLYN, was founded by Francis London in 2009 “to elevate the premium streetwear space and inspire positive change through fashion, music, art, and education.”

On what inspired their recent collection :

On being a part of the IMFC Incubator Program :

“As a brand, UGLYDUKLYN draws its inspiration from the 19th century fable ‘The Ugly Duckling’ by Hans Christian Andersen - a tale that begins with alienation and rejection, but ends with resilience, elegance, and growth.

The SWANLAKE collection in particular embodies this powerful message. Using fine leather goods as a medium, SWANLAKE literally stitches the story of an outcast outsider who prevails against prejudice and adversity to find self-love and acceptance into every piece,” explains Francis London, founder of UGLYDUKLYN.

“Participating in the IMFC Incubator Program had a profound impact on our business,” says Francis London, founder of UGLYDUKLYN.

“The IMFC Incubator Program also provided us with access to resources and tools that helped us to improve our product and expand our customer base. For example, we were able to use the program’s resources to conduct market research and gain a deeper understanding of our target audience. This helped us to tailor our product to meet their needs and preferences, which ultimately led to increased customer satisfaction and retention.

“Overall, participating in the IMFC Incubator Program was a transformative experience for our business. It provided us with the resources, support, and guidance we needed to grow and succeed in a highly competitive market.”

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Pictured : Francis London, UGLYDUKLYN; Portrait photography by Jacob Boll @jacobboll

“The program provided us with access to a network of experienced mentors and industry experts who offered valuable insights and guidance on how to refine our product and expand our reach. Additionally, the program’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship created a dynamic and supportive environment that allowed us to grow and develop our business.

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KWASI PAUL Featured in PROJECT 2022

Kwasi Paul was founded by Samuel Boakye, a first generation Ghanian-American, who says the brand “embodies the essence of the ‘in-between’ space within the African Diasporic World and the Western World. Within this space, we delve into the contrast between these realms, weaving together our distinct identity.

The entire brand serves as a tangible expression of our dual diaspora existence, portraying the fusion of these parallel worlds.”

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On the theme of their recent collection :

On being a part of the IMFC Incubator Program :

“The Market Symphonies collection delves into the harmonious contrast of an African Market in unfamiliar territories. It dissects its significance as a source of comfort and cherished memories in the diasporic experience, forming a sanctuary away from one’s homeland. Whether it’s the aroma of spices and cuisine, the vibrancy of peppers and music albums, the richness of fabrics and bags, or the exchange of ideas and guidance, the African Market serves as a communal hub. Key items featured in our collection include our Lady Makola Sweater, [the] Market Melody Jacket, and [the] Cowrie Shell Suit. In addition, you will find sweaters, tees, and sets that portray the essence of the story we are telling throughout the collection.”

“In addition to boosting our brand’s recognition, we achieved placement in a handful of retail locations, a goal we had set when entering the IMFC Program. To this day, our products continue to be available in those retail locations, thanks to the program’s support. The team responsible for orchestrating the program played a pivotal role and equipped us with the essential knowledge and tools to thrive in the fashion industry. This assistance was particularly valuable to our nascent brand, and many of the invaluable insights they shared continue to shape our business operations.”

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OAK & ACORN ONLY FOR THE REBELLES Featured in PROJECT 2021

Founder and designer, Miko Underwood, who has been recognized as “one of the most influential people globally” by Rivet 50, created New York-based, Oak & Acorn – Only for the Rebelles, as a sustainable brand rooted in denim. Underwood says the brand intends to “propel the fashion industry into a more balanced era where wellness, education, empowerment, cultural responsibility and accountability are at the forefront.”

On the theme of their recent collection : Underwood continues, “Our season’s theme is REBELLE REBORN. With the REBELLE REBORN collection, we introduce our brand archetype, the REBELLE to the community.

The REBELLE is a wanderer, representing utility, function, fearlessness, and innovation.

The REBELLE pays homage to the past, promotes peace, and inspires hope for the future.

“With this collection, we focus on the function and utility of our Repurposed Vintage pieces and our best-selling jumpsuit coveralls. We also include our signature indigenous prints and new vintage denim washes which highlight paying homage to the past, but also connect to the current vintage trends in the market. This season we also introduce a sexier yet playful denim for women, as well as a new knit program.

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“With a nod to the increasing consumer interest in made in the USA products, Underwood adds, “We proudly make 80% of all our products in the USA.”

On momentum following the program’s participation : “Since being a part of the IMFC Incubator Program, our business has been featured in VOGUE, LA TIMES, the SPIN-OFF, WWD, & the CFDA,” Underwood shares. Underwood has received other accolades such as being featured in the book, Fashion in Color Vol. 1, as well as through support from notable fashion groups like Harlem’s Fashion Row, RAISEfashion, CFDA, and Bethann Hardison’s Designer Hub.

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HAMID HOLLOMAN Featured in PROJECT 2022

Philadelphia-based, Hamid Holloman launched his eponymous brand in 2010 as a full menswear collection. Holloman attributes his use of “cut and sew and upcycling methods to bring a new creative and energetic vibe to the fashion industry. Functionality, elevation and constant movement is the spirit of [his] mission.”

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On why Holloman created the brand :

On being a part of the IMFC Incubator Program :

“The brand was founded...out of necessity and a desire to bring something new to the world and marketplace that represents graffiti art and city living,” says Holloman.

“It impacted my business through funding and awareness. Also, [the program provided] more insight into the tradeshow industry how it works and operates,” says Holloman.

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XOGSKIN Featured in PROJECT 2022

While completing his studies at the Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics and Skin Care, Randy Reed developed the concept for XOGSkin, a unisex skincare line, which launched in 2020. Reed says his brand was “inspired by the lack of representation of Black men specifically in the skincare and grooming space. I didn’t see anyone that looked like me and wanted to be a part of that change.”

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On the product offering :

On momentum following program’s participation :

“The XOG (x-o-g) Skin product line is unisex and includes cleansing andexfoliating bars comprised of earthly elements formulated to gently cleanse the face and body. A combination of raw shea butter, purple sea moss, chaga mushroom and moringa are just a sampling of natural active ingredients that nourish, repair, and protect the skin,” explains Reed.

“We were recently featured in British GQ September 2023 issue with Pharrell and October issue with Chris Evans,” shares Reed.

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ÁWET NEW YORK Featured in PROJECT 2023

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Pictured : Alex St. Urbain, Áwet New York; Portrait photography by Jacob Boll @jacobboll

Áwet New York was founded in 2020 by Áwet Woldegebriel, an Eritrean refugee, in New York City. As the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer, Alex St. Urbain shares, “The first collection titled ‘A Promise to New York,’ employed New York garment workers who struggled to keep their jobs during the pandemic. Since launch, we have focused on offering luxurious essential pieces that enhance our customers’ lives every day. Both our men’s and women’s collections highlight our soft tailoring design ethos and with community building at our core, we are driven to inspire the victory in all of us.”

On the SS24 Collection :

On momentum following program’s participation :

“[The] theme of SS’24 is Sunset Social: As the sun gently dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of fiery oranges, soft pinks, and dreamy purples, we find ourselves mesmerized by the beauty of a sunset. Just like nature’s masterpiece, our Spring Summer collection, sunset social, brings forth a captivating blend of colors, textures, and silhouettes that perfectly capture the essence of this magical time.

Indulge in sunset-inspired pieces and embrace the beauty that surrounds us each day,” describes St. Urbain.

“We recently opened our first flagship store on 57 Bond Street in Manhattan,” shares St. Urbain.

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LEIMERT PARK THREADS Featured in PROJECT 2021

Leimert Park Threads was founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by Ashley Walker, a native Southern Californian, whose fashion studies abroad later brought him to New York City, where he had the opportunity to work with high end designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and brands like NIKE and VIBE Magazine. Walker created the brand “for the purpose of creating clothing that could expand conversations about race equality and culture. Leimert Park Threads is a company inspired by the African Diaspora and the journey of POC communities across the world and how we are all connected; empowering communities of color through fashion.

By utilizing the namesake of the Leimert Park neighborhood we bridge the past and future to create purposeful streetwear.”

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On being a part of the IMFC Program :

On what’s new and noteworthy for the brand :

“Being a part of the IMFC program impacted our business by helping to foster relationships with major wholesale accounts and expand the idea of how our business can grow and scale,” says Walker.

“This season in Leimert Park Threads released clothing licensed for Howard Univ. This season marked the beginning of a future long-standing relationship with historically Black colleges and universities.

Leimert Park Threads plans to bring a fashion forward aesthetic to HBCU clothing and accessories,” shares Walker.

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TERMINAL B Featured in PROJECT Women’s 2022

The luxury fragrance brand, Terminal B was launched in Los Angeles by Chris and Fay Breedlove. Fay Breedlove reminisces on why they launched their company in 2020, “My husband, Chris Breedlove, and I created TERMINAL B in response to global travel restrictions in 2020. We wanted to travel back to our favorite international cities through fragrance and created candles to illuminate our space during a global pandemic.”

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On the product offering :

On momentum following program’s participation :

“TERMINAL B’s line of 14 unique fragrance blends creates an olfactory journey of wanderlust without leaving your home.

Our scents are curated by real experiences, using the best fragrances and materials to ensure optimum performance,” shares Fay Breedlove

“Our brand has made incredible strides since being part of IMFC. We have been extended opportunities to attend other relevant industry events, develop relationships with buyers in addition to being invited to speak at founder events. Additionally, our brand officially launched on Amazon, and we are carried at a number of boutique stores around the country,” says Fay Breedlove.

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IZAYLA

Featured in COTERIE New York 2023

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On the collection shown at COTERIE New York :

On the collection shown at COTERIE New York’s must-have items and trends :

This collection was inspired by the woman to channel her inner child and be free in everything she does. Big bright dreams and retro glam are what she dreamed of as an adolescent. Now, we’re here to live it,” explains Dunston.

“The must-have items in this collection are our ‘Tracie Pink Multi Pinstripped Set,’ ‘Tiffany Embroidered Vest Blazer,’ and our ‘Whitnie Laced Back Dress.» The trends that we’re showing this season are fun prints, cutouts, and vibrant colors.”

Pictured : I’Shya Dunston, Izayla; Portrait photography by Hailley Howard @hailleyhoward

I’sha Dunston founded advanced contemporary womenswear brand, Izayla in 2017. This Los Angeles based brand’s mission is described by Dunston as “tailored to three significant areas: representation, women empowerment, and integrity.”

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KAPHILL Featured in COTERIE New York 2023

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Pictured : Krystal Phillips, KAPHILL.; Portrait photography by Hailley Howard @hailleyhoward

What started as a blog in 2019 by Krystal Phillips, eventually turned into a full advanced contemporary womenswear collection, and New York-based brand, KAPHILL Drawing inspiration from her Jamaican heritage, Phillips’ creativity is driven by “a desire to design bold, empowering pieces that enable women to confidently occupy their space in the world.”

On the SS24 collection shown at COTERIE New York :

On KAPHILL’s SS24 collection’s inspiration and trends :

“’We Belong Together’ is a mesmerizing tale of soulful unity, an enchanting marriage that intertwines lovers and friends with love, joy, and boundless adventure,” says Phillips. “It unravels the journey of devoted companions through life’s ever-changing tides. Hand in hand, they share laughter, shed tears, and evolve together, creating an unbreakable bond of sisterhood. These true soulmates are not just friends; they are inspiring beacons, elevating each other’s spirits, and rejoicing in the marvels of existence. The collection embodies the essence of taking up space in these cherished friendships, perpetually embracing the sentiment of belonging. With every stitch, ‘We Belong Together’ encapsulates the essence of unity, harmonizing beauty and grace into one exquisite tapestry.

Embrace the divine connection, and let it ignite your spirit, for it is in this collection that we find our rightful place, TOGETHER.”

“Inspired by my love for the south of France and the ease of life it brings. We are focusing on ‘70s vintage glamour in this collection, super wide-leg jeans, Flowy dresses, and lots of metallic shine,” shared Phillips.

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BOHN JSELL Featured in COTERIE New York 2023

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On the collection shown at COTERIE New York :

On brand’s must-have items and trends shown at COTERIE New York :

“This season’s collection embodies a sultry bohemian spirit capsuled in a beach-tostreet collection. Unabashed feminine details are highlighted with a bold rhapsody of color and print intended to induce the vibe for your next destination,” shares Reavis.

“The must-have pieces are the Persephone Wrap Top, which is bold in color and sure to make a statement, as well as the Denim Cropped Blazer and Rosalind Skirt,” says Reavis. “Some of the trends that we’ve infused into this season’s collection are denim, pleats, and bold statement colors like cyber citron.”

Pictured : Kasha Reavis and John Bell; Portrait photography by Hailley Howard @hailleyhoward

Bohn Jsell was co-founded by Kasha Reavis and John Bell.

Reavis describes the brand as “an American destination-wear brand specializing in bohemian luxury —inspired by wanderlust and cultures throughout the diaspora.”

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IMFC INCUBATOR PROGRAM BRAND LIST 2020-2023

Admiral Row

Bohten

GOFRANCK

John + Juliana

Jewelry & Accessories @admiralrow admiralrow.com

Eyewear @bohten bohten.com

Outerwear @gofranck_official gofranck.com

Handbags @johnplusjuliana johnplusjuliana.com

ASHYA

Carlton Jones

Gozel Green

Kahmune

Accessories @ashya.co ashya.co

Apparel @carltonjonescollection carltonjonescollection.com

Autumn Adeigbo

Chelsea Grays

Apparel @autumn_adeigbo autumnadeigbo.com

Apparel @_chelsea.g chelsea-grays.com

AWET NYC

Cise Agency

Apparel @awetnyc awetnyc.com

BAO - The Black Apothecary Official Grooming @bao.skin baouniverse.shop

BMC Studio

Apparel @bmcstudio bmcstudio.com

Bohn Jsell

Apparel @bohnjsell bohnjsell.com

Handbags @cise.store cise.store

Confidence

by Gabby Goodwin

Accessories @gabbybows gabbybows.com

ENZI

Footwear @enzifootwear enzifootwear.com

Earth Chic Resort Wear by Neshia Brathwaite Farhangi

Resortwear earthchicresortwear.com

Apparel gozelgreen.com

Hamid Holloman Sportswear @hamid_holloman hamidholloman.com

Haus by Everton Footwear @hausbyeverton hausbyeverton.com

Ibeka

Resort @selfishswimwear selfishswimwear.com

Apparel @underkomfort underkomfort.com

Lola Faturoti Loves

Oak and Acorn

Sully & Son Co

V.Bellan

Handbags lisellekiss.com

Footwear @nikkacyfootwear nikkacy.com

Under Komfort

Denim @oakandacornofficial oakandcornbrand.com

Bags & Footwear @sullyandsonco sullyandsonco.com

Jewelry @vbellan_ vbellan.com

KAPHILL

London Grant

Ollivette

Tao Holistics

Visionary Society

Apparel @kaphillofficial kaphill.com

Keith and James Accessories keithandjames.com

Kwasi Paul

Israbella Kobla

Laquan Smith

Apparel @izayla.us izayla.us

Selfish Swimwear

Apparel @lolafaturotiloves lolafaturotiloves.com

Apparel @kwasipaulofficial kwasipaul.com

Izayla

Nik Kacy Footwear

Footwear @kahmune kahmune.com

Handbags @ibekalondon ibekabag.com

Apparel @israellakobla israellakobla.com

Liselle Kiss

Apparel @laquan_smith laquansmith.com

Leimert Park Threads

Sportswear @leimertparkthreads leimertparkthreads.com

Home & Gift @londongrantco londongrant.com

Accessories @ollivetteofficial ollivette.com

Beauty & Gift @taoholistics taoholistics.com

Lucky + Lovely

Apparel @visionarysociety visionarysociety.co

Accessories & Gift @luckyandlovely luckyandlovelyshop.com

Orange Culture

Apparel @orangecultureng orangeculture.com.ng

Taylor of Brooklyn Skincare & Grooming @taylorbkoffical taylorofbrooklyn.com

Apparel @w35t_ nicolawest.com

Melrose High

Pridd New York Apparel @priddnewyork priddnewyork.com

Terminal B

Home & Gift @terminalbstore terminalbstore.com

XOG Skincare

Miletree Candles

Re ONA Apparel @reona reona.ca

Todd Patrick

Apparel @toddpatrick.us toddpatrick.co

Nappy Head Club

Scarves & Fedoras

UGLYDUKLYN

Apparel & Accessories @melrosehigh.us melrosehigh.com

Home & Gift @miletreecandles miletreecandles.com

Apparel & Accessories @nappyhead_club nappyheadclub.com

Hats & Accessories @scarvesandfedoras scarvesandfedoras.com

Apparel @uglyduklynclothing uglyduklyn.com

W35T

Grooming @xogskin xogskin.com

IMFC New IMFC initiatives and the next season of IMFC Incubator Program participants will be announced soon.

Brands interested in being considered for upcoming IMFC opportunities are invited to

Brand : Kwasi Paul

APPLY HERE