Thank you sincerely for joing us from September 7–16, 2025, as we activated across New York City, culminating in a flagship takeover at Allen Edmonds, Rockefeller Center.
Stay tuned for Series 1 of our documentary titled: "WE ARE CREATIVE AFRICA"
Streaming soon...
OUR TOUR TEAM:
1800 Art Department is a multidisciplinary collective where art, culture, commerce, and cuisine converge.
Founded by DapoDavinci (Art Director), Marc Andre (Creative Director & Head of Sound), and London Chase (Culinary Director), we put the "ART" in DEP"ART"MENT!
Whether crafting visual identities, plating culinary collaborations, producing soundscapes, or curating immersive installations, our mission is simple: to shape soulful experiences and timeless cultural artifacts through art, food, design, and community.
Empowering the next generation through art, culture, and innovation.
Youth Concept Gallery is a creative empowerment platform dedicated to nurturing the minds and spirits of young people through immersive experiences across art, technology, music, and financial literacy.
With access, support, and imagination, our young people become leaders who shape the future with vision and voice.
Owner: Akwa @DopexGold
SFW Runway is a fashion platform, dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and celebrating diverse narratives within the fashion industry.
At its core, the platform is committed to amplifying voices, building networks, and creating spaces where art, style, and community intersect, ensuring each show leaves a lasting impact beyond the runway.
Owner: Naomi Alabi
ABOUT THE TOUR:
The Creative Africa NYFW Tour 2025 is a city-wide experience spanning September 7–16, bringing Africa’s creative excellence to the heart of New York Fashion Week.
Powered by Allen Edmonds and produced by 1800-Art Department × Youth Concept Gallery, the tour blends fashion, art, and cultural storytelling across multiple activations. From street-level pop-ups to curated runway moments.
Key highlights include the Models’ Pickleball Game and Casting Call (Sept 7), the high-energy Made in Africa Launch Party (Sept 11), the Allen Edmonds flagship takeover (Sept 13), and the Creative Africa Runway Show (Sept 14).
With SFW Runway hosting a casting call, fashion show, and co-curaitng opening activations, the tour offers a dynamic stage for established and emerging voices across the African diaspora.
The Creative Africa NYFW Tour brings together heritage, craftsmanship, contemporary art, and community impact!
WELCOME TO
We're pleased to invite you to experience this seasons presentation.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Culture – Showcasing Africa’s influence at the center of NYFW.
Craft – Bridging heritage techniques with contemporary design.
Community – Giving back: net proceeds fund free art and fashion workshops for youth in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Location: Allen Edmonds, Rockefeller Center, NYC.
About the Activation:
Pop-up Gallery & Capsule Collection: Wearable art, fine art, ceramics, prints, books, hats, bags, and accessories.
Gallery × Retail Hybrid Space: Blending Allen Edmonds’ 100-year heritage with grassroots creativity.
Live Art Activations: Coloring Canvas by ART DEPARTMENT — an interactive live-painting innovation, alongside live customization of Allen Edmonds footwear and products.