ROOTS x OYATO Announces Inaugural Washington, D.C. Pop-Up Showcasing Contemporary African and Diaspora Fashion
Curated Two-Day Fashion Marketplace Brings Designers, Tastemakers, Retail Buyers, and Fashion Enthusiasts Together in the DMV

By PRESS OFFICER
ROOTS x OYATO

WASHINGTON (August 1, 2026)—ROOTS x OYATO, a curated fashion marketplace dedicated to elevating designers of African and Black descent, will debut its inaugural pop-up experience in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on August 8–9, 2026, at Yolk Studio in Hyattsville, Maryland.

The two-day event will showcase a curated selection of contemporary African and diaspora fashion brands, including Ibilola Ogundipe, Talensi Atelier, Ibere, Moelle Zavian, and Lavish, each bringing a distinctive perspective to modern design while celebrating craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation.

“ROOTS x OYATO was created to bridge the gap between African fashion talent and global retail opportunities,” says Co-Founder Blessing Odunayo. “Across the continent and throughout the diaspora, designers are producing exceptional work, yet many remain underrepresented within major fashion markets.”

“Our goal is to create intentional spaces where design excellence can be experienced, celebrated, and connected to new opportunities.” —Rhoda Aguonigho, Co-Founder Roots

Attendees can expect:

• Curated shopping experiences featuring African and diaspora designers

• A VIP Style Lounge with personal styling opportunities

• Editorial photo moments and content creation activations

• Exclusive gift bags for select guests

• Culinary experiences from African-inspired food and beverage
 
• Opportunities to meet designers and learn the stories behind their collections

PARTNERS

ROOTS x OYATO is proud to partner with Modern Luxury DC Magazine and TapTap Send for its Washington, D.C. debut. Culinary partners Spice Kitchen Grill and Shuga x Ice will bring a taste of Africa to the experience through curated food and beverage offerings.

ROOTS x OYATO is a curated fashion marketplace designed to introduce emerging and established designers of African and Black descent to the U.S. retail and fashion ecosystem. Through immersive pop-up experiences, the platform connects designers with culturally engaged consumers, fashion tastemakers, stylists, retail buyers, and members of the press. By creating intentional spaces where craftsmanship, heritage, and contemporary design meet, ROOTS x OYATO expands visibility, storytelling opportunities, and commercial pathways for designers whose work reflects the richness and diversity of global Black creativity.

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Christalis Invites Community to 2026 Superhero 5K Run/Walk & Pop-Up Market

By PRESS OFFICER
Christalis

TAKOMA PARK, Md. (August 1, 2026)—Christalis will host its annual Superhero 5K Run/Walk and Pop-Up Market on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Washington Adventist University. Proceeds from the family-friendly event will support Christalis programs serving vulnerable children in Uganda and the DMV area.

Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero—or come as themselves, because they are heroes to the children Christalis serves. The event will feature a 5K run/walk along the Sligo Creek Trail, a Little Hero Dash for children, snacks and hot drinks, children’s activities, a costume contest, and a pop-up market with local vendors and food. Attendees also get to meet Grace, a child who was raised in the Christalis Home from 6 months old.

Registration and packet pickup begin at 8 a.m., followed by the Little Hero Dash at 8:35 a.m., warm-up at 8:45 a.m., and the 5K and pop-up market at 9 a.m. Registration is $35 in advance and $40 on race day, with discounted pricing for undergraduate students and children. More information for participants, vendors, volunteers, and sponsors is available at christalis.org/5k-run-walk.

Started in 2014 at Washington Adventist University, the Christalis Superhero 5K has grown from a small community fundraiser into an annual event that brings together supporters from across the DMV and beyond.

“We have been a mostly volunteer-run and donor-funded organization since 2005. Our Christalis Superhero 5K represents the love and care of our donors and volunteers for the children we serve,” said Shalini David, President of Christalis.
 
“Be a part of the impact by running or volunteering this year.”

Christalis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served vulnerable children and families for more than 20 years. Through its Child & Family Development Program in Uganda and Lilly’s Gifts Program in the United States, Christalis provides education support, food, emergency healthcare, school supplies, clothing, gifts, and other basic needs, while also helping caregivers through income-generating projects and microloans.

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