Najee

Sewing since the age of seven, in 2009, Najee began a clothing line of one-of-a-kind pieces. She is continuing production of this clothing line that resists institutionalization and challenges society’s notion of gender identity. Najee will continue to utilize recycled clothing to manufacture uniquely designed and fashionable garments. She believes that her designs have connected with members of the LGBTQ community because people recognize their personal experiences or struggles with being fashion conscious, yet different from the “norm”. Her fashion designs will lead to breakthroughs in gender stereotypes in an effort to open doors socially and politically for members of the LGBTQ community.

Najee will launch a progressive clothing line that challenges society’s notions of gender. She will recycle clothes, modifying them to create coordinated outfits blending textures and mixing symbolism, especially regarding gender and race. In addition to sewing, she will use airbrush to create her own fabric patterns, adding messages exploring these issues. Najee wants her designs to raise consciousness, break gender stereotypes of maleness and femaleness, and open the mainstream community’s eyes to the spectrum of gender that exists in our society. Najee will showcase her line in the fashion show at Philadelphia’s Annual Black Gay Pride celebration in April 2010.