Trailblazers from the world of fashion and technology converged at a colorful event in downtown Atlanta to explore the latest trends and innovations in the Fashion Industry.
Tagged ‘A Night with Pioneers’, the evening brought together a select group of panelists consisting of entrepreneurs, innovators, and African designers who are disrupting the fashion industry. Speakers included Monique Woodard, Venture Partner at 500 Startups; Derreck Kayongo, CEO National Center for Civil & Human Rights; and Ugo Mozie, designer and celebrity stylist, to name but a few.
In an engaging dialogue between panelists and attendees, the conversation focused on how tech is now synonymous with brands. Successful labels need a cohesive digital strategy as social platforms become inescapable forms of advertising for millennials and Gen Xers. This comes with the proliferation of online stores and social media sites.
Organized by the ATL Fashion Tech Collective in partnership with the ConnectATL, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Ingressive Africa, last month’s event attracted a diverse and energized crowd. Okey Nwoke, the founder of ATL Fashion Tech Collective (AFTC), is passionate about bringing together the Atlanta fashion & technology communities to encourage collaboration, promotion, and innovative partnerships.
“Atlanta holds one of the largest populations of Africans, particularly Nigerians, in the United States,” said Maya Horgan Famodu, the founder of Ingressive Africa in an interview with UrbanGeekz.
“We convene the Black Diaspora to promote investment and mentorship on the Continent—there’s no way we could have missed Atlanta. As fashionable, as sexy, and successful as the Black Diaspora is here; it was time to build that bridge from Naija fashion to ATL.”
“Fashion + Tech: A Night With Pioneers’ also highlighted that fashion and technology are based on the value of originality, creativity,commitment, experience, and innovation. In fact, the relationship between fashion and technology is getting narrower, particularly because of widespread use of the World Wide Web.
In summary, the night was an informative and thought-provoking forum. Panelists candidly talked about their personal and professional experiences, which highlighted the interception of fashion and technology.
Photo Credit: Moyo Oyelola
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSdhWK4-ioM