Africa has something to say. The continent is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves for its contributions to fashion, design, and art. With more African brands making their mark globally, it’s only right that Lagos’ most chic concept store made its way to the United States’ most stylish city — New York City. Alára, founded by Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur Reni Folawiyo in 2015, is one of West Africa’s most prominent luxury retail destinations offering fashion, art, and design.

The concept store has popped up in Brooklyn as part of the Africa Fashion exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. This exhibit is on display from June 23 through October 22. Africa Fashion debuted last year at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A Museum) and is curated by Ernestine White-Mifetu. The exhibit shines a light on African garments dating back to the 1950s. There are works by the continent’s creative superstars such as designer Lisa Folawiyo, Adeju Thompson, and Raul Lopez, to name a few. It was only right that the exhibit collaborated with Alára.

Home and Fashion Finds

Museum guests and lovers of fashion can shop Alára’s pop-up store in the Brooklyn Museum to find furniture, home decor, kids’ toys, and fashion pieces from over 100 makers from the diaspora and over 20 African countries. This will be the first time many of these designers’ pieces are available in the U.S.

Many of the designer brands available for purchase at the pop-up are available in the Africa Fashion exhibit.

“We’re excited for audiences in the U.S. to interact with the work of accomplished creatives in Africa and across the diaspora, and for this incredible community to build pathways for collaboration, exploration, and a celebration of style with New Yorkers,” said Alára founder Reni Folawiyo in a statement.