DECEMBER 30, 2024
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
A Year of Unfolding Dreams
2024 has been a year Iβll carry in my heart forever. It was a year of dreams unfolding and challenges that stretched me in ways I never imagined. From launching collections that felt like pieces of my soul to stepping into rooms and spaces I once only dreamed about, every moment showed me how far passion and hard work can take you.
There were milestones that left me speechless, lessons that shaped me, and experiences that reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. As I reflect on everything that has happened, Iβm overwhelmed with gratitude, for the people, the places, the growth, and the magic that made this year unforgettable.
january
My first villa design project
This year kicked off with a dream come true: finishing the renovation of our family villa in Saly, Senegalβmy very first home design project!
Growing up, weekends in Saly were all about beach days and pure family joy, so getting to reimagine our childhood getaway into a modern-day dream home was incredibly special. (P.S. You can now experience it too, itβs on Airbnb!)
february
An Amazing Essence Feature
Essence featured my story in the article βThis Mathematician Leverages Arithmetic to Build a Sustainable Clothing Brandββa meaningful way to honor Black History Month. The piece explores my journey from outsider to creative mathematician, blending math, art, and heritage to create designs that honor both innovation and tradition.
march
OUR SPRING COLLECTION LAUNCH
This spring, we introduced JIGEEN, a collection inspired by the extraordinary women who shaped my lifeβmy grandmothers and my mother, Mamanβwhose elegance, strength, and love defined womanhood for me.
Rooted in Senegalese heritage, each piece features artisanal lace, bold prints, and vibrant textures, crafted with sustainable materials that pay tribute to both tradition and the future.
My TED Talk Went Live
Last year, I had the honor of speaking on the TED stage in Parisβa dream come true that felt surreal from the moment I received their first email. My talk, "How to Choose Clothes for Longevity, Not the Landfill," was released in March and delved into the hidden costs of the fashion industry and how we can all rethink sustainability. I shared DIARRABLU's journey of leveraging math and AI to reduce waste through on-demand production and community-driven solutions.
Meeting My New Ops Team
I had the exciting opportunity to visit our new warehouse in Philly, where I got to meet and onboard my incredible new ops team from LVMH. It was a whirlwind experience, filled with energy and collaboration as we dove into the details of scaling up and optimizing operations.
april
A Shanghai Trip With Mom
I had an unforgettable week in Shanghai with my mom (Maman) after an inspiring Africa Business Heroes summit. We explored the city together for Motherβs Day, discovering new spots, enjoying delicious food, and soaking in the culture. Working together since day one, our bond is at the heart of DIARRABLU. Now, with me in San Francisco and her running the Dakar studio, I cherish these moments even more. We also did a very special interview about how we inspire each other to celebrate Motherβs Day.
june
We Launched a Summer Capsule and Art Collection
We launched our Summer 2024 collection, MEDINA. A vibrant celebration of the iconic Dakar neighborhood that has always inspired me. This collection is deeply personal, itβs not just clothing, but a tribute to the Medina girls whose spirit infuses this place. Shot in the heart of the district, this collection embodies the rich tapestry of Dakarβs culture, vivid colors, bold prints, and timeless beauty. Each piece is a love letter to a city thatβs alive with stories, creativity, and heart. Alongside the capsule, I also created an art collection, MEDINA, a unique fusion of tech and tradition
july
Dakar Store Opening
DIARRABLU finally got its own home in Dakar! In partnership with Sens de Marrakech, we opened our first retail space and art gallery in the heart of the city, and honestly, it still feels surreal. This wasnβt just about opening a store; it was about bringing my vision to life, a space where fashion, art, and culture collide.
I went to Ibiza with my sisters
Traveling with my sisters during Summer is always a big highlight of my year. They are my best friends and we know how to make everything fun.
Debuted a retail space in Paris
In July, we also launched our second DIARRABLU space, and this time it was in Paris, at FK Le Marais! Nestled in the heart of the iconic Marais district.
Launch day was pure magic, filled with love, laughter, and so many new faces who came to celebrate with us. Standing there, surrounded by our pieces in this beautiful space, I couldnβt help but reflect on how far weβve come.
august
A memorable Time with One & Only, Kea, Greece
I had the absolute pleasure of discovering the One & Only Kea with my sister, and itβs pure magic! This stunning resort, which just opened in June, instantly became my favorite spot in all of Greece. Iβve been lucky enough to experience some incredible luxury stays around the world, but this one truly took my breath away.
The most exciting news? They now carry a curated selection of DIARRABLU pieces in their retail store.
My first time in Portugal
Portugal has my heart! From the moment I arrived, I was completely enchanted by everything, charming streets, amazing food, and the most welcoming people. It felt like a place where time slows down, and I could just take it all in. The beach being so close to everything was a dream come true. Sun, sea, and city all in one place... Honestly, Portugal has definitely earned a spot on my list of favorite destinations, and I canβt wait to return!
september
Debuted Knitwear
This fall, we debuted our knitwear collection with the Elma and Liya cardigans, and I couldn't be more proud of how they turned out! Alongside this, we launched the Volcan collectionβa tribute to the beauty that emerges from chaos. With bold prints like Chiado, Luze, and Fama, the collection captures the harmony between order and disruption, brought to life against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Town.
october
We hosted a pop-up in Libreville, Gabon
This year, we took DIARRABLU to Libreville, Gabon, for a pop-up at Trends by AWM! It was such a joy to bring our pieces to a new corner of Africa and connect with so many incredible muses who showed us so much love. Seeing our designs embraced in Libreville made it all so special.
I decided to start taking Tiktok seriously
This year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and started sharing more on TikTok, and itβs been so much fun, an unexpected journey! From my travels around the world to the behind-the-scenes chaos of entrepreneurship, and even the silly, unfiltered moments in between, Iβve loved giving you all a glimpse into my life. Itβs been exciting to connect on a deeper level, share my story, and hear yours too. TikTok has become a space where I can celebrate the highs, laugh at the wild moments, and build a community that feels like family. I canβt wait to share even more in the coming year!
I spoke on an amazing AI podcast
One of the highlights of this year was joining my former Stanford professor, Jeremy Utley, on the Beyond the Prompt podcast. It was an exciting opportunity to dive deep into how AI is shaping my sustainable fashion business. I loved sharing how technology and creativity are coming together to drive positive change in the fashion industry.
I spoke at SPESA in Montreal
In October, I was invited to give a panel at the SPESA Executive Conference in Montreal, and I was so nervous! I shared how I mix creativity with tech to make fashion more sustainable. But as soon as I started talking, the energy in the room completely changed. The crowdβs support was overwhelming, and when I got a standing ovation at the end, I was honestly in awe. It felt like such a full-circle moment, reminding me why Iβm so passionate about bringing innovation into fashion. Couldnβt have asked for a better experience!
november
My first Textile Exhibit, at Dakarβs Biennale
In November, I had my very first exhibition at the Biennale in Dakar! βWoven Equationsβ is a reflection of my journey, blending fashion, math, and my Senegalese roots. To see this dream come to life in Dakar, my hometown, was an indescribable feeling.
december
I Had my first NYC Market
I had the chance to experience my first New York Market Week, and it was an incredibly educational experience. I loved meeting new people, building new partnerships, and reconnecting with old friends. New York has always been a special place for meβitβs where I first stepped out of my comfort zone, got lost, and ultimately discovered who I was meant to be.
Launching Something exciting for 2025
diarra's voyage
Voyage is a series that unfolds across different places, each chapter revealing a new part of the story. The CHAPTER ZERO, is where it all began, my leap into the unknown, from the very first spark of DIARRABLU to the journey that would take me to unexpected places.
Itβs a story of discovery, transformation, and the roots of what would become something much bigger than I ever imagined. Stay tuned for whatβs to come!
So here we are, my loves, at the end of 2024. You might not know this, but this year was by far the most challenging for me as a brand founder and CEO but also the most transformative. I learned so much bout operations, design, marketing, resilience, and staying true to my beliefs, even when they were challenged by the traditional fashion industry.
This year, I had the privilege of building a new team with incredible people whose expertise and kindness helped elevate DIARRABLU to the next level. I learned to be a better manager and to really understand the power of a strong company culture. I also had more time to work on the creative side. Our 2025 collections will be our best ones yet and I canβt wait to share them with you!
Hereβs to continuing our journeyβembracing growth, honoring our heritage, and challenging this wasteful industry with a our unique production model.
Iβm deeply grateful for you, your support, and the invaluable feedback you shared this year. Youβve helped me better understand who weβre creating this magic for; YOU! And for that, Iβm forever thankful.
If youβd like a deeper look into this year's highlights β the wins, the lessons, and a glimpse of whatβs to come β Iβve documented it all down for you on the journal.
Wishing you a magical 2025 filled with joy, peace, and love. Letβs make it unforgettable together.
With love and gratitude,
