Island Tribe x Stivali New York: A NYFW Fashion Gathering for Changemakers
New York Fashion Week 2024 brought a fresh burst of creativity to the city, with the Island Tribe x Stivali New York: Fashion Gathering for Changemakers emerging as a standout highlight. Held at the sleek Stivali showroom in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the event seamlessly fused sustainability, innovation, wellness, and collaboration. Despite the rain leading up to the gathering, the atmosphere was electric, blending Island Tribe's California’s laid-back ease with New York’s signature energy.
Just a short ride over the bridge from Manhattan, Williamsburg shines as a dynamic creative hub, especially during NYFW. Known for its artistic edge and thriving indie fashion scene, the neighborhood is home to trendy boutiques, emerging designers, and distinctive venues, making it a must-visit for fashion lovers seeking fresh, sustainable designs.
While some have questioned New York Fashion Week’s relevance in recent years, 2024 proved the event’s continued vibrancy. Despite top home grown talents like Peter Do and The Row moving to Paris, this year’s NYFW reaffirmed New York’s place as a global fashion capital, showcasing its resilience and innovation.
The evening began with our keynote speaker Nolé Marin, former America’s Next Top Model judge and Founder of M22MGMT, who emphasized the importance of fusing artistry with sustainability in fashion’s future. He reminded attendees that creativity can thrive while remaining environmentally responsible.
The gathering felt intimate yet impactful, with guests wearing stylish Island Tribe designs paired effortlessly with Stivali boots, embodying a perfect balance of high fashion and sustainability.
Luis Eduardo Guarin and Lina Cristancho, Co-Founders of Stivali, shared their inspiring entrepreneurial journey, recounting how they launched their brand in New York with just $100. Their commitment to timeless, sustainable designs has become the foundation of their success, offering a powerful example of purpose-driven fashion.
OD Odero, Designer and Co-founder of Island Tribe, hosted the panel with ease, maintaining a relaxed and chill atmosphere throughout the evening. His laid-back approach encouraged smooth, engaging discussions, highlighting how brands like Island Tribe cater to niche audiences and create meaningful, impactful experiences.
Models in attendance included special guest Yannick Sako, Calvin Klein’s Jean campaign model, adding an extra touch of glamour to the evening.
Lindsay Christine, Editor and Founder of The Wellness Feed, shared her journey of transitioning from covering celebrity culture to focusing on wellness media. She emphasized the importance of making conscious lifestyle choices and illustrated how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life.
Closing out the evening, Victoria Haynes, Designer of the Victoria Haynes Collection, offered valuable insights from both her design career and her role as a mentor at Parsons School of Design. She highlighted fashion’s potential as a catalyst for change and underscored the need for the next generation of designers to merge artistry with responsibility.
