BOHO
AVANT-GRADE
DESIGNER: Julian Gurney
CATEGORY: Sports
COLLECTION: I Am Active Wear
On May 28, 2016, I lost my beloved son, Lee, at just 32 years old, and his passing left me overwhelmed by grief, depression, and a loss of purpose. In the midst of my darkest days, Lee appeared to me in a vivid dream and said, “Mom, look at me, I AM okay,” inspiring me to reclaim my health, pursue my passion for fitness, and create the activewear brand I had always dreamed of. Through eight months of hard work, dedication, and the support of my trainer and husband, I transformed my health, competed in Bikini fitness competitions, and discovered a new strength within myself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I brought Lee’s vision to life by creating I AM Activewear, a brand inspired by his words and designed to empower people with stylish, functional clothing that moves seamlessly from workouts to everyday life. More than activewear, I AM Activewear is a symbol of love, resilience, hope, and transformation, honoring Lee’s memory while inspiring others to be active, stay active, and live a healthier, stronger, and more fulfilling life.
SPORTS
MINIMALIST
STREETWEAR
SWIMWEAR
CLASSIC
DESIGNER: Marit
CATEGORY: Accessories
COLLECTION: Art In Motion
Liberian-born, worldly raised, and inspired by fashion and culture, my journey across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas shaped my passion for celebrating global artistry and identity. Through my travels, I witnessed the economic challenges facing talented youth, inspiring me to create ARWAY Bags as a platform that uses art, fashion, and collaboration to create meaningful opportunities for Liberian creatives. Rooted in the Kru expression “Mua Nah,” meaning “Beautiful, It’s Me,” ARWAY combines West African Ankara, leather, wood, and sustainable materials to create distinctive luxury pieces that honor heritage while embracing modern design. Since 2015, ARWAY has collaborated with young Liberian artists and artisans to transform creativity into wearable expressions of culture, purpose, and beauty. ARWAY presents: ART IN MOTION — A Wearable Art Collection, a curated collection where fashion becomes a canvas for storytelling, culture, creativity, and social impact.
ACCESSORIES