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As we celebrate Black History Month, we delve into the dynamic world of Black fashion, where empowerment, resilience and pioneering achievements intertwine. In this exclusive interview, Timeekah Murphy, owner of The Alani Taylor Brand and The Lab Manufacturing, shares her personal journey, insights into Black fashion, and her commitment to fostering a movement that celebrates beauty and individuality within the Black community.
It’s Black History Month 2024, what does this time mean for you and how do you celebrate it?
Timeekah: Black History Month symbolizes empowerment, resilience, and pioneering achievements within the Black community. I honor it by serving as a role model for my daughter and other Black children, embodying perseverance, and enlightenment, and demonstrating our collective strength and capability.
Who are some Black fashion icons that inspire you and why?
Timeekah: Fashion wasn’t a part of my upbringing, and I’m not well-acquainted with many designers. I’ve committed to honing my own design identity, avoiding the trap of emulating others. My unique fashion sense is what I aim to develop, striving to leave a personal imprint on the industry. I want Alani Taylor to be a fashion name that people remember and to do that I have to stay focused on my abilities as a designer.
Can you share some insights into your experience dressing A-list celebrities?
Timeekah: Certainly! Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to design for some of the industry’s biggest names, such as Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tyra Banks, Tiffany Haddish, Black China, Summer Walker, Nicki Minaj, and more. It’s truly an honor to contribute to their iconic looks and be part of their fashion journey.
Can you share some insights into your experience dressing A-list celebrities?
Timeekah: Certainly! Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to design for some of the industry’s biggest names, such as Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tyra Banks, Tiffany Haddish, Blac China, Summer Walker, Nicki Minaj, and more. It’s truly an honor to contribute to their iconic looks and be part of their fashion journey.
Your work recently gained attention in Megan Thee Stallion’s music video. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind the Red Rope Dress?
Crafting the Red Rope Dress for Megan Thee Stallion’s music video was an amazing experience. I drew inspiration from the song’s energy and Megan’s dynamic style. The dress symbolizes confidence, power, and a bold fashion statement, aligning perfectly with the overall vibe of the video.
With such an impressive clientele, how do you approach creating unforgettable fashion moments?
Timeekah: Every client is unique, and I take pride in understanding their individual style. It’s about bringing their personality to life through clothing. Whether it’s collaborating on a red carpet look or designing for a music video, my goal is to create pieces that not only showcase their beauty but also leave a lasting impression on the world of fashion.
How would you define Black fashion and style?
Timeekah: Revolutionary and bold, we embody innovation, set trends, and wield power in the realm of fashion. We are Fashion.
Please tell us about your adversity-to-triumph story. How did you overcome challenges to become a successful trailblazer in the fashion industry?
Timeekah: Ironically, my journey is still marked by overcoming hurdles. Entering the fashion industry — and society, I came with 3 strikes against me: being Black, woman, and lesbian, I should have struck out a long time ago according to societal expectations. Yet, here I am, undeterred, achieving my loftiest ambitions. I’ll never be defeated. My resilience is fueled by the strength of my ancestors coursing through my veins. Despite facing adversity due to my appearance, it only propels me to carve out my own space.
Congratulations on all the victories and history you have made as the owner of Alani Taylor. In what ways do you ensure that the brand represents not just style but a movement toward celebrating black beauty and individuality?
Timeekah: The Alani Taylor brand is dedicated not just to fashion but to fostering a movement that celebrates Black beauty, individuality, and empowerment. We are deeply involved in the communities we serve, supporting initiatives that aim to uplift Black individuals and address issues directly affecting them. Whether it’s sponsoring events that celebrate Black culture, providing platforms for Black voices, our brand is committed to making a tangible impact. I’ve created a sewing school for adults and children to learn the craft of sewing, and financial literacy. By intertwining our brand with these principles, we go beyond merely representing style; we stand as a vibrant, living movement that honors, uplifts, and celebrates the beauty and individuality of the Black community.
What else would you like our readers to know about you?
Timeekah: My company, The Lab Manufacturing, specializes in clothing production, serving the fashion designer community. We are dedicated to helping develop brands and grow businesses. We want to spread the word so that everyone knows there is a black owner manufacturing company in Atlanta that is here to help bring their visions to life without having to go overseas.
Looking ahead, what aspirations do you have to empower the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs?
Timeekah: To achieve your goals, belief in yourself is paramount. Once you harbor self-belief, external opinions hold no weight. Discover your inner strength, unleash it upon the world and pursue your desires relentlessly.
Keep up to date on Instagram @alanitaylorco
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