Fashion
Miami Fashion Week kicks off with streetwear panel, and Karl Kani’s MIAFW debut!
Miami Fashion Week® (MIAFW) became the epicenter of the fashion world as industry icons and guests gathered for a commemorative press conference, streetwear panel, and Karl Kani’s MIAFW debut!
The event kicked off with an official press conference at the Gary Nader Art Centre where Gary Nader (Art Collector), CaSandra Diggs (CFDA President), Karl Kani (Fashion Designer), Oliver Gilbert (Miami-Dade Commissioner) and Lourdes Fernández-Velasco (MIAFW Executive Managing Director) welcomed the Miami community and shared details of this year’s event.
The day continued with a special brunch at Kiki on the River where Karl Kani, filmmaker Jessy Terrero, and songwriter Ashley Joi discussed the influence of style and culture in a dedicated panel moderated by CaSandra Diggs.
The evening concluded with a powerful runway show by the one and only “Godfather of Streetwear” Karl Kani, who serves as this year’s featured designer and the first streetwear designer ever showcased at MIAFW. The runway pulsated with energy as influential talent like actress Pretty Vee, MMA world championDavid Evans, former NBA star Larry Sanders Jr. strutted down the runway in oversized silhouettes and vibrant designs.
The runway show took place at The Elser Hotel, which drew in notable attendees such as:
Guerdy Abraira, Real Housewives of Miami
Vena E., MTV reality star and comedian
Kiko El Crazy, Musician
Dalex, Musician
Pretty Vee, Actress
David Evans, World Champion MMA Fighter
Larry Sanders Jr., Former NBA Player
Oliver Gilbert, Miami-Dade Commissioner
Shantall Lacayo, Fashion Designer
Leli Hernandez, Influencer
Arjun Petgrave, Model
Larry Sanders
Taking place from January 24th – 27th, this year marks an exciting evolution for MIAFW, taking on new event dates and expanding into the streetwear space as it welcomes Karl Kani, the legendary “Godfather of Urbanwear,” as the official featured designer.
For 26 years, MIAFW has served as a vibrant platform that transcends boundaries to celebrate fashion as art, culture, and lifestyle. Taking place in the diverse city of Miami, the event serves as a cultural bridge that unites style enthusiasts from around the world. Returning to iconic venues like the Gary Nader Art Museum and its Botero exhibit, this year’s event will fully immerse attendees into the world of MIAFW.
“We are thrilled to bring back Miami Fashion Week with an expanded lineup that showcases creative forces from across the globe,” said Lourdes Fernandez-Velasco, Executive Director of Miami Fashion Week. “This year’s event will not only showcase exceptional brands but will also offer a platform for insightful discussions, innovative ideas with new technologies, and the convergence of diverse perspectives.”
Expanding upon its robust lineup, MIAFW 2024 will pay homage to Karl Kani with a dedicated runway show highlighting his signature designs. Drawing inspiration from Hip Hop and street culture, Karl Kani saw a gap in the market and began creating apparel at the age of 16. Today, Karl Kani is a global phenomenon, having introduced the concept of baggy jeans and the first urban design company with an all-Black sales force. This historic collaboration marks the first time that the Karl Kani brand will headline MIAFW, and the first time the event has ever featured a streetwear designer.