Culture
Bryant Senghor. Photo by Michael Baker.
Bryant Senghor: The Next Gen of Style Setters Taking Over the District
September 30, 2022 @ 12:00pm
D.C.’s got style. With everything from cute streetwear to tailored suits, plenty of people turn heads just walking down city streets. But who’s making their clothing, helping them decide what looks good and dreaming up the latest in fashion? It’s the designers of the city, the tailors, the entrepreneurs. Here is one of the 14 must-know figures in fashion from the DMV. Check out our October Issue for the full coverage.
Founder + chief design officer at Ankaa Universe
District Fray: What was the process of creating Ankaa Universe like?
Bryant Senghor: I’ve always been a fan of aeronautics, astronomy and NASA as a whole. I’m inspired by space, sci-fi, retrofuturism and robots. All of those combined with my love of urban streetwear, Ankaa Universe was created. I wanted to blend aeronautics and attires used in space travel with urban wear, specifically with shoes. “Ankaa” is the brightest star in the Phoenix constellation and “universe” is the community we serve, which is anyone and everyone. The mission for Ankaa Universe is to not only create urban spacewear, but to eventually do philanthropic work and provide scholarships and grants for underserved youth matriculating to college.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is vintage urban (specifically ’80s and ’90s), techwear and retrofuturism. I’m largely inspired by my parents; they wore labels such as Cross Colours, Coogi, Vangrack, Starter and African American College Alliance.
What advice do you have for new D.C. entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and step outside of the box when it comes to your creativity or idea and be patient with yourself during the process. There will be times that will be trying but remain faithful during the process. Keep going.
ankaauniverse.com // @ankaauniverse; s3nghormedia.com // @s3nghor
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