The Root 100
The ROOT 100 recognizes emerging and established African-American leaders who are making extraordinary contributions. The ROOT 100 celebrates leadership, creativity, service, and, above all, excellence.
Print
EmailNatalia Allen
Age
27
Location
New York City
Claim to Fame
Designer of sustainable fashions
Bio
They had to invent a new term for Natalia Allen: design futurist. Her company designs what she calls "beautiful, innovative and sustainable fashion designs." But before you start thinking that going green means wearing sackcloth and ashes, take a look at her client list: Donna Karan, Saks Fifth Avenue, Calvin Klein, P&G and Dupont. Allen won a designer of the year award in her senior year at the Parsons the New School for Design; she's now working with Best Buy, Nike and Cambridge University among others on her dream of a sustainable fashion economy. Follow her on Twitter.
Quote
We need to get retailers, manufacturers, and the guys on Wall Street to dream with us in a different way.
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