Farai Simoyi

Farai Simoyi Email and Phone Number

Head of Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund and Equity @ Fashion Scholarship Fund
New York, NY, US
Farai Simoyi's Location
New York, New York, United States, United States
Farai Simoyi's Contact Details

Farai Simoyi personal email

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About Farai Simoyi

Farai Simoyi. From fashion designer to fashion executive, this global leader exemplifies the business of international fashion and development. Honored on the pages of FORBES and featured by Vogue, Fast Company, Newsweek, New York Magazine, and Essence Magazine for her contributions to the fashion industry, Simoyi has helped over 70 international brands successfully enter the U.S. market. Behind her, Simoyi has 18 years of experience designing and consulting for some of the most globally recognized celebrities with fashion brands and industry staples such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Roy, Anne Klein, and Robert Rodriguez and accrued $800 million in sales while consulting and designing for her celebrity clients. Simoyi has also accumulated esteemed awards and toured the world speaking on diverse topics such as Global Fashion Development, Sustainability, Manufacturing in Africa, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at renowned institutions such as Tapestry Inc., Fashion Institute of Technology, West Virginia University, Yale University, U.S. Dept of State Educational & Cultural Affairs, US. Embassy of Zimbabwe, & Standard Bank Incubator of South Africa.After exhibiting her remarkable performance in the inaugural season of Netflix's fashion design competition series, "Next in Fashion," Simoyi remains dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. Through her company, The Narativ House, located in Brooklyn, NY, she provides opportunities and platforms for international designers and artisans. Furthermore, Simoyi has collaborated with prominent entities such as W Hotels, NY NOW, WGSN, OkayAfrica, Afro Punk, Vice Media, Red Bull Media, and Refinery 29 to develop equitable and inclusive partnerships. In 2020, she took on the role of Program Director and Professor for Undergraduate & Graduate Fashion Design Programs at Thomas Jefferson University. Pioneering innovative approaches, Simoyi established the inaugural Diversity in Design course within a U.S. Academic Institution. This groundbreaking course explores the intersection of Fashion Design, Diversity, and Wellness, challenging students to develop designs tailored to underserved communities, including individuals with Autism, Neurodiversity, mobility challenges, and chronic illnesses. Simoyi's research underscores the transformative potential of integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) into Fashion Design curriculums, emphasizing how the future of the discipline thrives on the integration of DEI & STEM intersections.

Farai Simoyi's Current Company Details
Fashion Scholarship Fund

Fashion Scholarship Fund

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Head of Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund and Equity
New York, NY, US
Website:
ymafsf.org
Employees:
99
Farai Simoyi Work Experience Details
  • Fashion Scholarship Fund
    Head Of Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund And Equity
    Fashion Scholarship Fund
    New York, Ny, Us
  • Fashion Scholarship Fund
    Head Of Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund & Equity
    Fashion Scholarship Fund Aug 2024 - Present
    New York, Ny, Us
    The Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund was established at the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) in 2020 by fashion industry visionary Virgil Abloh to build equity and inclusion in the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students of Black, African American, or African descent. Virgil named the fund “Post-Modern” to represent that recipients will not only receive funds but will also be given access to vital career support services and mentoring. In addition to his own donation, Abloh also initially raised funds from his partners evian, Farfetch, Louis Vuitton, and New Guards Group, with more partners to be announced in the future as the Fund continues to work for long-term change.
  • The Narativ House
    Founder & Ceo
    The Narativ House Aug 2017 - Present
    Brooklyn, New York, Us
    The Narativ House is a curated house of ethically sourced artisan brands from around the world known as The Narrators. We embrace sustainability and traditional craftsmanship with an emphasis on human-centered design.• Successfully onboarding 70+ International Brands and developing strategies for product positioning, marketing, advertising, business, and retail strategy for U.S. market entry.• Strategizing equity initiatives resulting in over 80% of brands and partnerships being women-owned.• Planning and implementing business strategies for international brands to successfully enter the U.S. market; utilizing industry trends, stakeholder data, and feedback for optimal decision-making.• Creating relationships with investors in non-profit and for-profit sectors to generate funding and attract new business partners.
  • Universities And Institutions
    Professional Speaker [Continued]
    Universities And Institutions Jan 2022 - Present
    ~Delivering original research presentations at corporate and academic organizations on topics such as Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the workplace, Ethics & Sustainability, Global Fashion Development, Global Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems:~Developing motivational training workshops for students and professionals in Leadership, Cultural Impact, Networking, and Self-Advocacy.~Creating and producing original digital educational and motivational content for social media accounts such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok and grew subscribers to 17,000+ collectively from all platforms:• Thomas Jefferson University | Global Partnerships in Africa, 2024. Philadelphia, PA• Catalyst| Black Women and the Glass Cliff, 2024. New York, NY• West Virginia University | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in Fashion, 2023. Morgantown, WV• The Fashion Law Africa Summit | Navigating the Global Marketplace, 2023. New York, NY• Philadelphia Fashion Week | Fashion 101 with Fern Mallis & Mickey Boardman, 2023. Philadelphia, PA• Fashion Scholarship Fund | Impact of Virgil Abloh Post Modern Scholarship, 2023. New York, NY• Design Philadelphia | Generative AI in Fashion Design, 2023. Philadelphia, PA• Pivot | How to create a Human-Centered Fashion Brand, 2022. New York, NY• Philadelphia Fashion & Garment Industry Task Force | The Business of Fashion, 2022. Philadelphia, PA
  • Universities And Institutions
    Professional Speaker
    Universities And Institutions Jan 2007 - Present
    • Fashinnovation | Fashion Futures: Inclusivity in Design, 2021. New York, NY• Design Philadelphia | The Future of Fashion, 2021. Philadelphia, PA• Thomas Jefferson University | The COVIDlution of Fashion, 2021. Philadelphia PA• Thomas Jefferson University | Textile & Fashion Seminar Series, 2020. Philadelphia, PA• NYNOW | Social Media in a Design World, 2020. New York, NY• Tapestry Inc. for Coach, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman | The Future of Diversity in Fashion, 2020. New York, NY• Fashinnovation Worldwide Talks | Fashion is African Heritage & Design, 2020. New York, NY• West Virginia University | The Future of Fashion post Covid, 2020. Morgantown, WV• Africa Women and Innovation Entrepreneurship Forum | Building a Creative Economy through Design, 2018. Capetown, South Africa • Bloom Org | Women in Creative Careers, 2017-2018. New York, NY• Standard Bank Incubator | Global Brand Building, 2016. Johannesburg, South Africa• U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe | African Women in Business., 2016. Harare, Zimbabwe• She Leads Africa | How to be a Conscious Entrepreneur, 2016. New York, NY • Yale University | Design in Contemporary Africa, 2015. New Haven, CT • U.S. Dept. of State Educational & Cultural Affairs | African Women's Entrepreneurship, 2016. New York, NY • West Virginia University | Creative Direction through Concepts, 2015. Morgantown, WV• West Virginia University | Evolution of Design, 2015. Morgantown, WV• West Virginia University | Business of Fashion A-Z, 2014. Morgantown, WV• West Virginia University | Branding for Fashion Start-Ups, 2014. Morgantown, WV• West Virginia University | Product Development/ & Manufacturing, 2014. Morgantown, WV• Fashion Institute of Technology | African Luxury & Sustainability, 2012. New York, NY• Zimbabwe Fashion Industry | Business of Fashion A-Z, 2012. Harare, Zimbabwe• Fashion Institute of Technology | Fashion Design, 2007. New York, NY
  • Thomas Jefferson University
    Fashion Design Program Director And Professor
    Thomas Jefferson University Aug 2020 - Aug 2024
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Us
    Program Director & Professor of B.S. Fashion Design and M.S. International Fashion Design Management for the Kanbar School of Engineering & Design at Jefferson University (Thomas Jefferson University + Philadelphia University).• Assessing new and existing programming to assess adequacy and need for changes, using information such as industry insight and student surveys.• Increasing graduate enrollment between 2020 & 2022 by developing a new specialized curriculum that is only available at Thomas Jefferson University.• Developing cost-saving measures that leveraged 3-D technology to present student work on a digital platform.• Developing and reporting on student graduation rates, student job placement rates, prospective student inquiries, and 1st-year student retention rates.• Introducing new teaching strategies to create a collaborative learning environment.• Serving on academic and administrative committees that deal with institutional, departmental, and academic policies such as Diversity, Sustainability, and Global Academic Advancement.
  • Ny Now®
    Brand Consultant
    Ny Now® May 2019 - Aug 2021
    White Plains, New York, Us
    • Identified and curated a selection of diverse and innovative fashion brands to participate in the NYNOW Apparel Trade Show.• Conducted thorough research to discover emerging designers and established brands aligning with the show's theme and market trends.• Collaborated with designers, models, and stylists to ensure cohesive and visually compelling runway shows that highlighted the unique attributes of each brand.• Produced engaging marketing materials, such as lookbooks and digital content, to effectively market the participating brands to buyers and attendees.• Conducted presentations during the trade show, effectively communicating the brand stories, design inspirations, and market positioning to potential buyers, contributing to the brands' overall success at the event.
  • Start By Wgsn
    Fashion Contributor
    Start By Wgsn Jul 2020 - Jul 2021
    Nova York, New York, Us
    • Conducted in-depth research on emerging fashion trends, market preferences, and consumer behaviors to stay ahead of industry shifts.• Analyzed data from diverse sources, including runway shows, street styles, social media, and cultural influences, to identify key trends.• Generated insightful and visually appealing trend reports that communicated complex fashion concepts clearly and engagingly.
  • Farai Inc.
    Founder & Creative Director
    Farai Inc. Dec 2010 - Mar 2020
    Farai, is a sustainable and ethical social enterprise brand that focuses on people, product, and planet.People: We design and manufacture our products in the heart of the NYC Garment District & with African Artisans using sustainable practices and materials. Working with small business manufacturers & artisans is the core of our mission. We get to show you first hand “Who made your product”, as well as confidently knowing that every dollar we spend is put back into growing their businesses so they can continue to conduct business in an ethical way.Product: In our efforts to reduce over-production and garment waste each product developed is well thought out and highly constructed. We choose quality & creativity over trend, so that your item can be used for many seasons and will last you for years.Planet: Each product is made sustainably by only sourcing up-cycled fabric, recycled materials, and natural fibers which supports our efforts in reducing clothing and textile waste.• Researching and exploring use of new sustainable materials, technologies and products to incorporate into designs.• Developing global presentations and workshops to communicate effectiveness of fashion sustainability.• Developing sustainability initiatives, to ensure product development considers factors such as cost effectiveness, technical feasibility and high quality sustainable materials.• Collaborating with other designers to coordinate products and designs focused on human-centered design.
  • Netflix
    Designer & Cast Member
    Netflix Apr 2019 - Feb 2020
    Los Gatos, Ca, Us
    Designer and Cast Member of Next in Fashion on Netflix featuring 18 of the best fashion designers from around the world.Episode 1: Red CarpetEpisode 2: Prints & PatternsEpisode 3: The SuitEpisode 4: StreetwearEpisode 5: Under Garments
  • One Jeanswear Group
    Senior Design Consultant
    One Jeanswear Group Jul 2012 - Dec 2018
    New York, New York, Us
    Clients: Rachel Roy, Robert Rodriguez, Nine West, Anne Klein, Vintage America Blue, L.E.I. , Suede, Jessica Simpson, Energie Active, Gloria Vanderbilt, William Rast - Justin Timberlake, Skechers, Style & Co., Jomad JeansCategories: RTW, Diffusion, Bridge, and Mass Market Women's & Juniors.• Designs contributed to $889 million in sales from private label and wholesale accounts.• Developed and maintained external partnerships with major retailers such as Macy's, Nordstroms, Walmart, KMart,Sears, Bloomingdales.• Collaborated with departmental leaders to establish production capabilities, merchandising, pricing strategies, and new product launches.• Sketched designs of apparel and accessories using CAD software and wrote specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types and accessory requirements.• Provided sample garments to sales team and arranged for showings of sample garments at sales meetings and fashion events.• Examined sample garments during fit meetings and modified designs to achieve desired effects.• Adapted high-end design concepts to RTW, Diffusion, Bridge and Mass Market.• Consulted directors and production team to develop innovative design concepts and plan productions.
  • Nicki Minaj Collection
    Senior Designer
    Nicki Minaj Collection Oct 2013 - Jan 2016
    Client: Nicki MinajCategories include: Knits, Wovens, Denim, Outerwear, Accessories, Eyewear, Lingerie, Swim/Resort• Collaborated with departmental leaders to establish production timelines, merchandising, sales strategies, and new style launches.• Attended and hosted fashion events and utilized platforms such as WGSN, BOF, WWD, Stylesight, and McKinsey & Company, to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.• Sketched designs of apparel and accessories using CAD software and wrote specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types and accessory requirements.• Provided sample garments to sales team and arranged for showings of sample garments at sales meetings and fashion events.• Facilitated art direction by working closely with photographers, fashion assistants, stylists, make-up artists, and models to produce e-commerce catalog.• Designed customized clothing and accessories for client. • Presented final designs to client for approval.
  • Maximum Exposure
    Sr. Denim Design Consultant
    Maximum Exposure Apr 2010 - Feb 2011
    Clients include U.S. Retailers: Macy's, Kohls, and TargetCategories include: Men's, Women's, & Juniors Private Label Brands. • Identified target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender and socioeconomic status.• Selected materials and production techniques to be used for products.• Developed sketches of apparel and accessories using CAD software and wrote specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types and accessory requirements.• Consulted directors and other production staff to develop design concepts and plan productions.• Assisted with implementation of design changes for manufacturing, quality and cost.
  • Beyonce, Dereon By House Of Dereon
    Head Denim & Woven'S Designer
    Beyonce, Dereon By House Of Dereon Dec 2007 - Apr 2010
    Clients: Beyonce Knowles & Tina Knowles• Created and developed designs grossing over $100 million in sales from 2007-2010.• Identified client (Beyonce) target markets. Reviewing fan base and factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.• Sketched technical flats of apparel and accessories and determined specifications such as color, construction, material, fabric, and measurements.• Inspected sample garments on and off models for accurate fit, and amended designs to achieve desired fit and silhouette.• Attended international fashion events and reviewed trend magazines to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.• Worked closely with photographers, fashion coordinators, directors, producers, stylists, make-up artists, other models, and clients to produce desired looks, and to finish photo shoots on schedule.
  • Threads For Thought
    Technical Designer
    Threads For Thought Nov 2005 - Jul 2007
    Technical Designer for Sustainable Fashion Brand:• Involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples and finished garments.• Sketched rough and detailed drawings of apparel and accessories and wrote specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.• Examined sample garments on and off models, and modified designs to achieve desired effects.• Selected materials and production techniques to be used for products.

Farai Simoyi Skills

Fashion Apparel Fashion Design Denim Wovens Trend Styling Textiles Fashion Illustration Pattern Photo Shoots Trend Analysis Draping Fashion Shows Sewing Knitwear Sketching Fitting Trend Forecasting Tech Packs Private Label Visual Merchandising Merchandising Social Media Social Media Marketing Outerwear Textile Design Mood Boards Tailoring Fashion Writing Luxury Goods Jewelry Design Brand Development Vintage Clothing Sportswear Creative Direction Fit Retail

Farai Simoyi Education Details

  • Thomas Jefferson University
    Thomas Jefferson University
    Organizational Leadership
  • West Virginia University
    West Virginia University
    Fashion/Apparel Design
  • Domus Academy
    Domus Academy
    Fashion/Apparel Design

Frequently Asked Questions about Farai Simoyi

What company does Farai Simoyi work for?

Farai Simoyi works for Fashion Scholarship Fund

What is Farai Simoyi's role at the current company?

Farai Simoyi's current role is Head of Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund and Equity.

What is Farai Simoyi's email address?

Farai Simoyi's email address is fa****@****oyi.com

What schools did Farai Simoyi attend?

Farai Simoyi attended Thomas Jefferson University, West Virginia University, Domus Academy.

What are some of Farai Simoyi's interests?

Farai Simoyi has interest in Civil Rights And Social Action, Children, Economic Empowerment.

What skills is Farai Simoyi known for?

Farai Simoyi has skills like Fashion, Apparel, Fashion Design, Denim, Wovens, Trend, Styling, Textiles, Fashion Illustration, Pattern, Photo Shoots, Trend Analysis.

Who are Farai Simoyi's colleagues?

Farai Simoyi's colleagues are Alyssa Zinola, Alexandra Lambrinos, Juaun Medina Caceres, Nkem Grace Offor, Annabella Thornton, Olivia O'hagan, Anjali Addagarla.

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