The Two Black Women Building A New Era in Fashion Innovation

W4TC
10 hours ago
4 min read

In an industry known for exclusivity, gatekeeping, and rigid tradition, two Black women are rewriting the rules and building a future where emerging designers are seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.

The founders of Introspective Innovations Fashion Week (IIFW), Ayana N. Gordon and Kendraya (Draya) Spooner, are producing more than fashion events and runway shows. They are constructing an entirely new fashion ecosystem; one where technology, creativity, and cultural storytelling collide to create opportunity at scale.

Their mission is both clear and urgent:

to dismantle the barriers that have held emerging designers back and build a pathway where talent, not connections, determines visibility.

We want young Black founders to see possibility.

When asked what they hope young Black designers and founders see when they look at their work, they answered without hesitation:

“We want them to see possibility. We want them to see that you don’t have to fit into a box, follow the traditional path, or wait for permission to create something meaningful. We want them to feel represented, understood, and inspired—not just by the fashion, but by the mission behind it.”

Their vision isn’t rooted in exclusivity, but in access.

“Most importantly, we want them to see themselves in us—people who didn’t have all the resources, didn’t have all the connections, but still made a way and created space for others.”

For many emerging designers, the system has never been built with them in mind.

IIFW is changing that; intentionally.

Innovation Rooted in Identity

For the founders, innovation is personal.

“Coming from an emerging, humble background taught me to be resourceful, creative, and intentional about the spaces I build. As a Black woman in fashion, I know what it feels like to be overlooked or underestimated.”

Their leadership style is shaped by their lived experience: authentic, inclusive, culturally aware, and boldly visionary.

“My leadership is rooted in inclusivity, relatability, and authenticity. My identity keeps me grounded in community, but bold in vision.”

This is innovation with purpose; innovation born from necessity and fueled by representation.

Built for Designers Who Deserve More

IIFW is designed to give emerging designers what the industry has historically denied them: real access, real opportunity, and real pathways to scale.

When asked what opportunities they want designers to gain from IIFW, they said:

“We want them to gain real visibility, connect with buyers and stylists, and tap into resources that help them build sustainable fashion brands. We want them to access tech tools, mentorship, education, and platforms that actually support long-term growth.”

Their vision goes far beyond a runway moment.

“IIFW is designed to open doors that the traditional industry keeps closed. We want designers to walk away with partnerships, sales, community, and career-changing moments.”

And when designers walk into their spaces?

“We want them to feel seen, valued, welcomed, and respected. Not intimidated. Not overlooked. Not judged. Our spaces are intentionally built to feel innovative—without the gatekeeping energy the industry is known for.”

Why Emerging Designers Matter

The founders want buyers, investors, and major brands to rethink how they view “emerging talent.”

“Emerging designers are not ‘small brands’—they are early. With the right support, they can scale into the next global names.”

They emphasized that emerging creatives often set the cultural tone long before major fashion houses pick it up.

“These designers are innovative, resourceful, culturally connected, and their influence spreads quickly. Supporting them early isn’t charity—it’s strategic, smart, and forward-thinking.”

A Future Fashion Landscape Transformed

When they imagine the next five years of IIFW, their vision is big... and attainable.

“In five years, IIFW will be a global ecosystem for emerging talent—part of the official NYFW calendar, an innovation lab, a business accelerator, a digital marketing platform, and a global community.”

They see a restructured industry where innovation is expected, not exceptional.

“Fashion will be more inclusive and more innovative. Independent artists will finally have the ability to bring their vision to life while still working with industry leaders. We can help change the trajectory of how artists enter the fashion industry.”

Their long-term legacy is clear:

“A legacy of access, innovation, and opportunity. A system that supports emerging designers with visibility, mentorship, and resources to create generational change.”

Why IIFW Must Exist Now

The timing of IIFW is not coincidental; it's necessary.

“The industry is desperate for change. Designers are demanding access, consumers want more connection, and technology is reshaping fashion. This is the perfect moment to build something new, relevant, and forward-thinking.”

AI, digital experiences, and tech-enabled commerce have created a new frontier; one where emerging designers can finally compete.

“AI gives consumers deeper insight into how artists are redefining fashion. Technology is the path to leveling the playing field—and IIFW is positioned to lead this shift.”

And for sponsors?

“Emerging designers are shaping culture and driving innovation. Backing them now positions sponsors as leaders in the future of fashion.”

The Power of Partnership

Their partnership as co-founders is one of their superpowers.

“Our values align—innovation, intention, structure, empowerment. One of us excels in creative direction and storytelling; the other in operations, partnerships, and strategy. Together, we create an ecosystem, not just an event.”

Two women.

One mission.

Infinite impact.

A New Era Begins

The work of IIFW is bigger than a fashion week.

It’s bigger than AI.

It’s bigger than a runway.

It’s a movement.

A shift.

A new industry blueprint.

A world where emerging designers no longer beg for access, because two Black women are building a system where access is the foundation, not the exception.

And when the fashion industry looks back years from now, the founders hope they’ll say:

“IIFW redefined what emerging designers could achieve. There will always be a place for them here—always a way for them to be seen, heard, and supported.”

Welcome to the future of fashion.

And it’s being built right now.

Follow IIFW on Instagram for updates on their SS26/SZN 5 event lineup.