UPS And Awet New York Support BIPOC Designers At Livewear Store

UPS is collaborating with fashion designers this year, and Áwet Woldegebriel and his brand Áwet New York are being welcomed into the group as part of the incubator. UPS is supporting emerging BIPOC fashion designers by showcasing their designs in a permanent storefront in NoHo called Livewear, a genre fostered by the Áwet New York brand and Woldegebriel.

In the heart of New York City, Áwet New York has made a grand entrance onto the fashion scene. Kenneth Cole, the founder of the renowned brand, has mentored Áwet Woldegebrial in developing the “livewear” aesthetic of Áwet New York since its inception. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Woldegebrial has supported garment workers as a tribute to his father, who spent over 30 years in the industry.

Now, with the inauguration of its flagship store on September 16, 2023, designed by the acclaimed Jose Esperon, Livewear at 57 Bond Street was envisioned as more than just a retail space. Livewear is a community outlet for fostering cultural engagement, according to the founder, Woldegebriel. Tucked within its walls are racks of the silk-infused Áwet line of clothing, along with a curated selection of BIPOC-owned fashion brands and exclusive art pieces, offering patrons and visitors a unique and immersive fashion retail experience supported by UPS.

As Livewear continues to expand, Áwet New York has unveiled its Fall Winter 2024 collection, “Former Strangers,” in collaboration with Golden Age Hospitality. The “Former Strangers” collection debuted at the iconic New York venue, The Nines. An anticipated blend of contemporary glamour and classic sophistication perfectly complements Áwet New York’s reputation for modern allure and timeless elegance – accessible and approachable.

The partnership with Golden Age Hospitality represents a fusion of art, fashion, and hospitality, offering guests a truly immersive experience that celebrates the essence of Áwet New York. As Creative Director, Áwet Woldegebriel shares a passion for hospitality and a genuine embrace for the quintessential, modern wanderer in life.

“We are thrilled to partner with Golden Age Hospitality to bring our vision to life at The Nines,” said Áwet Woldegebriel, Creative Director of Áwet New York. “This collaboration represents a fusion of art, fashion, and hospitality, offering guests a truly immersive experience that celebrates the essence of Áwet New York.”

UPS will serve as the official shipping and logistics partner for the storefront. The collaboration aims to assist up to 200 BIPOC small businesses, overcoming financial barriers by covering operating expenses for participating designers to be featured in-store. Designers will receive full access to a dedicated showroom space curated by Áwet, retain 100% of profits, and have the opportunity to design the next UPS Be Unstoppable capsule collection.

UPS has previously partnered with diverse designers for the Be Unstoppable collection and has donated over $1.5 million in grants to diverse-owned businesses. Applications for emerging fashion brands in the Livewear program will be accessible on the UPS website.

“Bringing people together is at the heart of our brand, and [offering] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Nines in this way is a true joy. The collection is titled Former Strangers, and places like the Nines are where former strangers become essential parts of our stories.”