UEL-Linked Fashion Brand Set to Shine on New York Catwalk

A brand founded by the head of the University of East London’s Fashion Department will be exhibited at New York’s internationally famous Fashion Week this year. Beatrice K Newman’s KORLEKIE brand will be part of a showroom run by the Black In Fashion Council (BIFC), in partnership with the global events marketing company IMG. The showcase is aimed at bringing the work of emerging Black designers to the attention of stylists and editors, as part of the BIFC’s attempt to build a new foundation for inclusivity within the fashion industry.

Beatrice, who has dedicated a decade to nurturing her brand, has seamlessly blended her Ghanaian and British heritage in her creations. Her recent work has focused on decolonising the black image, with an emphasis on celebrating black women and the aesthetics of her Ghanaian culture.

Collaborating with Catherine Hudson, a Lecturer on the Fashion, Culture and Business course at UEL, Beatrice has produced garments grounded in a visual culture that centres on African graphics and Ghanaian styles, breaking away from Western narratives.

Speaking about the showcase, Beatrice said,
KORLEKIE’s presence at New York Fashion Week marks a significant step towards the development of a growing cultural landscape in fashion. KORLEKIE’s work serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for change within the industry. As the brand continues to shine on this prestigious platform, it is clear that its impact will extend far beyond the runway.

“This opportunity has not only propelled KORLEKIE into the spotlight but has also opened doors for further collaborations that support recent alumni from the fashion marketing course at UEL. It offers valuable opportunities to graduates and empowers their career progression within the fashion industry,” Beatrice added.