MEFeater’s annual NYFW Galentine’s show is back, and this year promises to be more dynamic than ever. Embracing the spirit of the ultimate girl’s girl fashion experience, Galentine’s is dedicated to celebrating female friendships and uplifting women. Each year, MEFeater spotlights and amplifies the creative expressions of women of color who pour their hearts into their designs. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, these women designers share their unique stories on the Galentine’s runway.
This year, our lineup features three exceptional designers: Reema Idris of RMA, the talented mother-daughters trio No Punching Bag, and the three-time Galentine’s veteran Rupal Banjeree of Ru by Rupal. We’ve selected these phenomenal designers because we resonate with their stories and the powerful messages they convey through their fashion creations. Take the opportunity to get to know these remarkable women, as you won’t want to miss experiencing their incredible collections on the Galentine’s runway.
Meet the Designers
No Punching Bag
No Punching Bag was founded in 2015 by three women who wanted to inspire change through their fashion designs. The international brand got their big break only four years in when they became the first Winston-Salem fashion designers featured in Paris Fashion Week. Since then, they have showcased in NYFW, NCFW, RAW Artist, and more. The brand’s designers Angel, Tenijah, and Danielle, are champions of social change. They are self-taught designers who create wearable art inspired by their personal experiences.
Since its inception, the brand has showcased collections promoting voting, mental health awareness, suicide prevention, climate control, gun violence, colorism, racism, domestic violence, and more.
The brand views fashion as a universal language and believes in being as transparent as possible on social issues.
For the MEFeater Galentine’s 2024 NYFW showcase, No Punching Bag’s collection is about female empowerment. Their collection “I AM Woman” is one of suited elegance inspired by self-reflection. “I AM WOMAN” means I can do all things.
With their versatile and edgy designs, they are ready to make their mark on the Galentine’s runway.
“We chose No Punching Bag because they are a mother-daughter trio. MEFeater being owned by a mother-daughter team we were extremely biased. However, when we heard their story of what they were doing with activism and fashion, we couldn’t help but push through,” said MEFeater CEO Gabrielle Amani.
You don’t want to miss their debut!
Who do you design for?
“We design for women who are socially aware, people who want to influence others through fashion, women, and unique individuals.”
What is the key to keeping your designs authentic instead of following trends?
“Our designs are socially influenced and focused.”
What or who is the Inspiration behind your latest line?
“Black Women. Women who look like us and feel what we feel. Black women who are unrated, underpaid, overlooked, over-policed, and builders of society since the beginning of time.”
What can people expect from your collection?
“Suited elegance. We hope to inspire and empower women to be proud of themselves. You do not have to be a CEO or entrepreneur to be a boss in your life.”
What has been the biggest obstacle(s) you’ve faced in your career so far and how have you overcome them?
“Balance as a social and creative enterprise was a challenge. The world is still adapting to creative and social-focused entrepreneurs/small businesses. People want us to do more socially focused projects. On the other hand, people want us to do just fashion. We had to decide to stick with our vision.”
Who is your dream client?
“Law Roach.”
Since it’s Galentine’s, What is your ideal girls’ night outfit?
“Short, Tight, and Skin.”
Reema Idris- RMA
Reema Idris’s journey with design began in 2021 when her friends gifted her a sewing machine on her birthday. Since then, she dedicated all her time to learning how to perfectly hone her craft. Idris watched YouTube videos and took classes with a private sewing teacher, resulting in her being able to create various clothing styles.
Navigating the world of style as a Muslim hijabi presented a challenge for her, so she decided to do something about it. With unwavering determination, she stepped out on faith and started her clothing brand- RMA.
“Each passing day becomes a canvas for growth and discovery as I immerse myself in the captivating artistry of designing. The journey is a vibrant tapestry, and I continue to weave my story, one stitch at a time.”
Reema is an incredible talent. Her drive and passion made her an amazing choice for the runway.
“We chose Reema from RMA because we’ve never had a hijabi designer on the runway. We don’t see many during NYFW, and we want to give her a huge platform. She’s a sweet girl with a lot to say through her amazing designs, talent, and technique,” said Amani.
She is ready to bring a new flair to the MEFeater 2024 Galentine’s NYFW runway.
When you’re starting a new line or a new piece what is your process?
“Before starting on a new collection, my process begins with extensive concept development. I work on sketching and creating sample pieces, exploring diverse silhouettes and styles to develop a cohesive theme or concept. Once I have a clear vision of what I want to create, I proceed to carefully choose materials and fabrics that align with my design…. The most exhilarating part of starting a new line is the creative development – exploring and sketching various pieces in preparation for launch. This phase allows me to delve into the creative side of fashion, curating different ideas and collections to bring to life.”
Who do you design for?
“I design for all women, with a special focus on those who prefer modest-friendly clothing. My goal is to provide a space for women to express their fashion sense without revealing their skin. My designs aim to embrace various perspectives and cater to women in every stage of life.”
What would you say has been the biggest achievement in your career so far?
“One of my most significant achievements has been reaching the point where my brand is recognized as a Muslim-owned venture, especially as a self-taught designer. This accomplishment has instilled confidence in my ability to achieve even more. I take pride in selling three distinct collections and fostering a community of influencers who appreciate my work. Another notable achievement is creating clothing that caters to all women, promoting inclusivity in fashion.”
What can people expect from your collection?
“People can anticipate finding fully covered options or choices that allow for complete coverage without revealing any skin. Each collection from RMA is designed to offer comfort while enabling the creation of a distinctive style. In our upcoming releases, you can look forward to a diverse range of pieces catering to various styles and interpretations of modest clothing.”
Who is your dream client?
“My dream client would undoubtedly be Rihanna. Growing up, I watched her emerge as a significant fashion icon with exceptional versatility, fearless fashion choices, and a profound influence on trends.”
Since it’s Galentine’s, What is your ideal girl’s night fit?
“My ideal girls’ night outfit would be centered around a fabulous statement piece top paired with classic, well-fitted pants. I love adding a pop of excitement with numerous accessories and a bold-colored shoe to complete the look.”
Ru By Rupal
Rupal Banerjee started her namesake brand in 2019, putting endless effort and care into her clothes, using the craft and textiles of her own culture. Her goal has always been to tie in her South Asian culture with her love for fashion. She has been designing dresses since she was little, eventually going to fashion school. Throughout her career, Rupal has appeared on HBO Max’s ‘The Hype’ and shown her collections on MEFeater’s Galentine’s runway twice before. Last year she received a huge honor by being included in Forbes 30 under 30, cementing her as a force in the industry.
She has also been recognized for her designs in publications such as Paper and Hypebae.
Ru is a Galentine’s veteran, this will be her third year returning to the MEFeater runway. She kills it every time and this year will be no different. We wanted her back because of the professionalism and detail she brings to the show every year. Her creativity mixed with her vibrant South Asian culture makes her designs a standout on the runway.
“We chose Rupal because she is a vet,” said Amani. “She’s become like family. At this point anything she gets behind is amazing and we support her 100%. We love who she is as a designer, what she means to her community, and the branding and messaging she’s pushing. She is a champion for Indian women, and represents them proudly in the fashion industry,” said Amani.
Who do you design for?
“I design for very confident, strong women. A big part of my brand is women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.”
What would you say has been the biggest achievement in your career so far? And what goals have you set for yourself this year?
“My biggest achievement in my career so far has been receiving a spot on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Some of the goals I’ve set for myself this year include securing a design collaboration with a larger sportswear brand, winning more fashion grants, and holding more spaces in the fashion industry.”
What is the key to keeping your designs authentic and not choosing to follow the trends?
“I think it is important to follow part of trends because, from a marketing standpoint, it is important to create a product for the consumer. However, I stay true to myself by incorporating my South Asian culture into my designs. I also love to incorporate personal styling techniques that I really love.”
What or who is the Inspiration behind your latest line?
“The inspiration for this recent collection comes from the practicality of South Asians, often choosing desk jobs. My parents also had desk jobs growing up. I wanted to capture the beauty of corporate space and the understanding of immigrants working their way up in that space.”
What can people expect from your collection?
“People can expect some really unique interpretation of corporate wear this season. Of course, I’ve entangled my South Asian culture in each piece.”
Now since it’s Galentine’s, What is your ideal girl’s night fit?
“My ideal girl’s night fit is a long tight black dress with pointed-toe heels and a glass of champagne.”
These three designers are special. It is because of their versatility, creativity, and unique fashions, that they are showing on the Galentine’s runway this year.
These women are the ultimate girl’s girl because they design with powerful women in mind. Their designs hold a clear true purpose and that is important in fashion. It is the complete embodiment of Galentine’s.
MEFeater’s Galentine’s NYFW show will undoubtedly be the hottest runway again this year. From fabulous fashions to incredible performances, Galentine’s is a can’t-miss. Always bridging the gap between fashion and culture, MEFeater’s NYFW show is one-of-a-kind. Don’t get left out, buy your tickets now to witness another monumental show in the making.
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