New York, Curve & the Quiet Power of Beginning
I returned from New York with a full heart, a tired body, and a deep, steady sense of gratitude.
There are moments in building a brand that feel loud and celebratory, and others that arrive softly, almost privately, even when they happen in very public spaces. Showing IHUOMA at Curve New York, as part of the incubator for emerging brands, Object of Desire, felt like the latter. A quiet milestone that I will hold close for a long time.
This was my first international trade show. To bring IHUOMA onto a global stage, to stand behind our own space, to watch people approach, pause, touch, ask questions, and truly engage with what we create, felt surreal. I found myself having small internal “is this really happening?” moments throughout the week.
One of the most meaningful milestones of this trip was introducing our soon to launch, 2026 collection KAURI to the world for the very first time. Kauri is rooted in the symbolism of the cowrie shell, an ancient emblem of femininity, protection, prosperity and the sacred. Seeing people drawn to the cowrie shell embroidery, hearing how they connected to its texture, its presence and its meaning, reminded me why I am so committed to designing slowly and with intention. We also showcased a very special collaboration, with the incredibly talented Orchid Corsetry our Kauri Corsets - which were a hit with everyone who gushed at 'Efua' our mannequin, wearing a unique corset that will be part of our Kauri Kijani (green in Swahilli) pieces.
This collection will launch in April, so please look out for news on our launch date via our newsletter and social media.
It was also incredibly special to see Kauri Ola Edo (Gold in Igbo, Nigeria) walk in the Curve catwalk show. Watching a design that once existed only as a sketch, then as fabric swatches, then as countless fittings, move with confidence on the runway felt like witnessing a dream take physical form.
Alongside Kauri, I had the honour of exhibiting our classic Divine Feminine Collection, the collection that started it all. Bringing this collection to New York felt like introducing an old friend. Hearing such kind words about the Ankh-powered embroidery we designed, and learning how these symbols resonated with buyers and press in deeply personal ways, was a beautiful reminder that when design is rooted in meaning, it travels far beyond aesthetics.
Another moment that touched me deeply was stepping into Journelle’s Soho store and knowing that IHUOMA is now stocked in my dream lingerie boutique. Journelle has long represented a standard of curation, care and reverence for lingerie as both art and intimacy. To see our pieces within that space is an affirmation I don’t take lightly.
Throughout the show, a recurring theme kept surfacing in conversations. Buyers shared that IHUOMA felt different. Different in embroidery, different in colourways, different in energy.
One buyer told me that the designs made her feel earthy and grounded. Another shared how inspiring it was to encounter a Black-owned brand within the luxury intimates space, and how meaningful that visibility felt. These moments moved me deeply. They reminded me that IHUOMA is not just about garments, but about presence, representation and perspective.
I also experienced my first ever buyer “speed dating” sessions. A fast-paced rhythm of sitting down, introducing myself, sharing the IHUOMA story, and presenting the collections in condensed form. It was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating, and a powerful exercise in trusting my voice and my vision.
Beyond the official schedule, some of the most beautiful moments came from connection. I met and bonded with incredibly talented designers from the UK, Brazil, Colombia, the USA and Japan as part of Object of Desire. Being in community with other independent designers, sharing stories, challenges, laughter and encouragement, felt grounding and affirming.
And then there was New York itself. Unapologetically cold. Unexpectedly so. A city moving at full speed while wrapped in layers and frost. Experiencing it during its coldest spell added its own strange poetry to the trip, as if the city was reminding me that growth often happens in less-than-comfortable conditions.
As I step into 2026, I do so with a quiet confidence. Not the kind that shouts, but the kind that settles into the body and says, keep going.
Beyond trends. Beyond seasons. Beyond expectation. IHUOMA continues with intention, with care, and with devotion to the women who see themselves in these pieces.
With love and deep gratitude,
Annabelle
Founder & Creative Director, IHUOMA