DECEMBER 30, 2024
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
A Year of Unfolding Dreams
2024 has been a year I’ll 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, I’m 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, Senegal—my 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, it’s on Airbnb!)
february
An Amazing Essence Feature
Essence featured my story in the article “This Mathematician Leverages Arithmetic to Build a Sustainable Clothing Brand”—a 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 life—my grandmothers and my mother, Maman—whose 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 Paris—a 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 Mother’s 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 Mother’s 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, it’s 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 Dakar’s culture, vivid colors, bold prints, and timeless beauty. Each piece is a love letter to a city that’s 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 wasn’t 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 couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve 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 it’s pure magic! This stunning resort, which just opened in June, instantly became my favorite spot in all of Greece. I’ve 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 can’t 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 collection—a 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.