Navigating the World of Luxury Fashion: Fashion Business Co Agency's The ROOM with Shopify Experience

Sometimes, the best experiences come from the unexpected. I’m not entirely sure how I ended up on The Fashion Business Co (FBC) Agency’s mailing list, but I suspect it was through an industry connection. Either way, when I saw that Shopify was sponsoring The ROOM, I knew I had to check it out. After all, the right sponsor can make or break an event, and Shopify’s involvement hinted at something big.

A stylish outdoor sign displaying "The Room x Shopify," marking the entrance to the exclusive fashion event.

Walking into the event, I quickly realized this wasn’t just another industry gathering—it was an immersive showcase of global luxury fashion. The FBC Agency, in partnership with Shopify NY, curated a remarkable selection of African and international designers and brands, offering an exclusive glimpse into cutting-edge fashion.

Qui Talks admiring and exploring the intricate designs of the Onalaja collection at the event.

One of the most exciting aspects was the "Shop Black" pop-up, a vibrant celebration of Black-owned businesses featuring fashion, beauty, and wellness labels. Beyond shopping, the event provided a wealth of industry insights, including a fashion tech activation to help brands level up, an engaging workshop with a PR expert, and a panel of industry trailblazers sharing their journeys and advice.

A candid moment between Qui Talks and the Blue Water Girls Founder, sharing insights on the brand's

Qui Talks in conversation with the Founder of Blue Water Girls, discussing fashion and brand inspira

While I didn’t stay for the entire event, I made the most of my time by connecting with emerging designers and even securing one-on-one interviews with a few of them. Their stories, creativity, and passion left a lasting impression on me. It was particularly inspiring to see the spotlight on African designers, reinforcing the power of representation and global influence in luxury fashion.

Qui Talks taking a closer look at the Byjumzs fashion collection, appreciating its unique craftsmans

A close-up of the Yaachic collection signage, featuring the brand’s name and elegant design elements

One of the standout moments was meeting Sana Ahmed, Founder & CEO of TFLAS, FBC Agency, and Sana Crown. Hearing about her vision, her agency, and the purpose behind this event was nothing short of phenomenal.

A visual showcase of Blue Water Girls' marketing materials, highlighting the brand’s aesthetic and messaging.

From the curated showroom of African and international brands to the Designers Café powered by Brooklyn Tea, every detail of The ROOM was thoughtfully executed to create an unparalleled Fashion Week experience. What started as a casual visit quickly turned into an inspiring journey through global fashion, innovation, and meaningful conversations and connections.

This event was a testament to the power of strategic partnerships, diverse representation, and forward-thinking fashion—and I’m grateful to have been part of it, even if just for a short while.