Making it to New York Fashion Week is a dream for many designers, but typically only the biggest names have the opportunity to be seen.
Afterpay changed that for five standout New York-based brands during last September’s NYFW. With our support, these small businesses hit it big in their NYFW debut at the Afterpay: Small Business Showcase hosted by style expert and Afterpay ambassador Zanna Roberts Rassi.
“As a small business owner myself, this event is so near and dear to my heart,” said Rassi, who is the co-founder of cult brand Milk Makeup. “NYC is the epicenter of creativity and leads the charge in diversity and inclusivity in every way. It is our duty and privilege to support these five local designers with Afterpay.”
“NYC is the epicenter of creativity and leads the charge in diversity and inclusivity in every way. It is our duty and privilege to support these five local designers with Afterpay.”
Attendees of this very special show saw the latest pieces and collections from 1822 Denim, Botkier, Rebecca Allen, Sabrina Zeng, and Softwear at the House of Afterpay, our NYFW pop-up location in NYC’s Meatpacking District. Learn more about these fashion-forward brands below:
1822 Denim is a size-inclusive denim brand using cutting-edge technology to bring customers comfortable and stylish premium denim that fits their unique and diverse body shapes and sizes.
Botkier is a quintessential New York women’s accessories brand that combines a sophisticated quality with a dose of city attitude: authentic, bold, adventurous, independent.
Rebecca Allen is a shoe company focused on creating sophisticated solutions that support all women to do their best work.
Sabrina Zeng is a sustainable luxury handbag brand that creates timeless yet unique pieces that allow for self-exploration in confidence and comfort.
Softwear has a mission to further push the fashion industry forward by creating soft, comfortable, and sustainable clothing.
Beyond sharing their collections with attendees and press, participating brands were given the opportunity to shine a light on their origin stories, as well as what it means to be a small business on one of the world’s biggest fashion stages.
“The collection we’re showing at NYFW is about rebirth,” said Sabrina Zeng of her namesake brand. “Through a storyline that invites you to be free, the collection is designed to encourage you to re-emerge into the world as your truest self. I’m thrilled we could partner with Afterpay on this experience and bring our collection to the masses.”
Rebecca Allen talked about how her struggles to find sophisticated footwear for both work and play led her to create her own namesake brand. “As a Black woman, I could never find the perfect nude style,” said Allen. “Understanding that this was a common theme for many women, I set out to create a brand that made women of color its focal point. I’m excited that through our partnership with Afterpay, we’re reaching more people who want to support Black and women-owned businesses.”
In addition to the showcase, Afterpay provided each of the five brands with an ongoing space at the House of Afterpay through the month of September, to further their reach in front of NYC consumers.
Want a behind the scenes look at the Small Business Showcase? Watch below!
Ready to help your business grow with Afterpay? Reach out to our team today to learn how.
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