February at The Folklore: Independent Brands Thrive at NYFW, Shoppe Object & Nordstrom

Filled with exciting events, new opportunities, and impactful moments, February was a short but memorable month that set the stage for even greater accomplishments ahead. From premier trade shows to exclusive retail partnerships, here’s a look at some of the key highlights from the past month.

Connecting Home & Lifestyle Brands at Shoppe Object

We kicked off the month at Shoppe Object, New York’s premier home and gift trade show, where home and lifestyle brands from The Folklore’s community showcased their collections to top industry buyers. Through the Black Lives Matter Action Initiative (BLMAI), we supported independent Black designers and Black-owned brands in gaining visibility and expanding their retail opportunities.

A Landmark NYFW Showroom Experience

This season, we hosted our biggest NYFW Showroom yet, featuring over 30 independent brands from around the world. The showroom provided a platform for designers across fashion, lifestyle, and home to present their latest collections, engage with press and buyers, and build meaningful relationships. This milestone event reinforced our mission to create spaces where independent brands can thrive and grow.

Celebrating Black-Owned Brands at Nordstrom

For Black History Month, The Folklore partnered with Nordstrom to bring 16 Black-owned brands to Nordstrom stores across three major cities. This pop-up series was an opportunity to spotlight innovative Black designers and give them a platform to connect with a wider audience in high-traffic retail locations. Elevating Black entrepreneurship remains a key focus for The Folklore, and we are proud to continue expanding access for these brands.

Building Community at The Atlanta Mixer

We wrapped up the month with our Atlanta Brand Mixer, where local entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders gathered for an evening of connection and conversation. This event created a space for brands to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and strengthen their presence within the global retail landscape. It was inspiring to see the energy and ambition in the room as we continue to build a community of forward-thinking brands.

If you're ready to take your brand global and want to be part of our industry events, join The Folklore community today.