She is the maven behind Dwyane Wade’s style. Now she’s venturing into the retail business
The idea actually wasn’t for her.
“It started as an idea for [Dwyane Wade and] all of his brand partners,” said Calyann Barnett, Wade’s stylist turned creative director. “We could put them all under one roof. It would be a physical representation of all his brands.”
Born and raised in the 305, Barnett understood her hometown’s growing appeal. She wanted nothing to do with Miami when she moved to New York to pursue a career in fashion in 2004. Now, things have changed.
“We’re starting to grow,” Barnett said. “The way New York has done, L.A. has done — Miami is the next city.”
It’s part of the reason she started The Shop in Pop Up Shop, a new retail concept that gives brands with a digital presence the opportunity to test the Miami market. The Shop, which opened during Art Basel behind Wynwood Walls at 285 NW 26th St., will move to its more permanent location at 100 NW 25th St. in the last week of January, where it’ll stay indefinitely.
“Miami really needs something of this magnitude,” Wade said. “We’re trying to show people that when you come to Miami, there are places you can shop.”
Wade’s role in The Shop is twofold. On one hand, the three-time NBA champion’s sock line, PKWY, is one of the numerous brands benefiting from the space. Additionally, he, along with banana boat companions Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, helped finance the venture.
“For me, it’s always about how I can help empower my team to grow,” Wade said.
In addition to PKWY, The Shop’s partners include Carmelo Anthony’s Melo Made x Maxhosa Africa in addition to Public School, PORTS V, Josie Bruno Vintage, Slashed by Tia, Rich Fresh, and Maison24.
Bringing this idea to her hometown already made The Shop special for Barnett. But as one of the few black women operating in this sphere, it means even more.
“For a long time, retail was controlled by a certain group of people: white men. So now, as a black woman, I get to say what I’m interested in, what brands speak to me, what brands speak to people like me, what brands speak to the culture.”
This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 5:55 AM with the headline "She is the maven behind Dwyane Wade’s style. Now she’s venturing into the retail business."
