Not Just A Label to open New York pop-up

London - Not Just a Label (NJAL), the UK-based network for emerging contemporary and luxury designers, is set to open its first retail space in New York at the Waldorf Astoria.

Part of the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s ‘Made in NY’ initiative, the pop-up will solely sell designs manufactured by emerging designers in New York, with the aim of celebrating the city’s talent, as well as supporting local fashion, manufacturing and creative industries.

Opening on December 4 until December 13, the pop-up will feature more than 100 designers offering over 400 products spanning womenswear, menswear and accessories, with 95 percent of all profits going back to the designers. NJAL received more than 250 designer nominations and 1,000 product submissions, before narrowing the selected down to reflect the “diversity of styles” from New York.

Notable designers taking part include Chromat, Bliss Lau, Luz Ortiz, Naadam, Narciss, Schal, and Study NY.

“For decades, New York City has functioned at the centre of the fashion universe as an iconic source of talent, creativity, and international influence, however it is often easy for emerging designers to be forgotten,” said Not Just A Label founder and CEO, Stefan Siegel. “Not Just A Label / Made in NY gives even the youngest New York designers an opportunity to realise the dream of showcasing their collections to this incredibly influential city.”

Not Just A Label to launch Made In NY pop-up

The NJAL pop-up won’t just serve as a retail unit, the store will also host a series of conversations around all things Made in New York, with the aim of igniting conversations around the shift from fast fashion to sustainability, and giving transparency to the creative and manufacturing industries in New York City. Speakers set to take part includes Parsons Dean Burak Cakmak, People’s Revolution founder Kelly Cutrone, Adam Selman, Chromat's Becca McCharan and Gabi Asfour, Marcia Patmos, and Shelley Fox. These public workshops will take place each evening from December 7 to 10.

Siegel added: “Similar to our past efforts in destination cities around the world, the Not Just A Label / Made in NY project emphasises New York City’s position as an industry leader where talent, creatives and innovative manufacturing challenge the value-chain in which we conceptualise fashion. The NYCEDC’s ‘Made in NY’ programme reflects the ethos of NJAL’s core mission in nurturing young talent and independent designers.”

Commenting on hosting the pop-up, Michael Hoffman, managing director at the Waldorf Astoria said: “As a host to the world and destination for locals and visitors alike, some of society’s most creative and influential minds began their careers within the inspirational environment of the Waldorf Astoria New York.

“We’re proud to continue this legacy with Not Just A Label / Made in NY, offering the city’s most notable young designers with a platform to showcase their talents to a truly global audience.”

The NJAL ‘Made in NY’ pop-up will be open from December 4 to 13 at the Waldorf Astoria, New York.

Image: Not Just A Label