From fashion designer to executive leader and educator, Farai Simoyi exemplifies creativity, strategy, and innovation. Recognized by FORBES, Vogue, Fast Company, Newsweek, and New York Magazine, she has guided over 70 international brands into the U.S. market. With expertise in crafting strategic plans across creative industries and education, she drives impact and fosters meaningful change.

Simoyi has 20 years of experience designing and consulting for some of the most globally recognized celebrities with fashion brands such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Roy, Anne Klein, and Robert Rodriguez and accrued $800 million in sales while consulting and designing for her celebrity clients. Simoyi has also accumulated esteemed awards and toured the world speaking on topics such as Global Fashion Development, Sustainability, Manufacturing in Africa, and DEI at renowned institutions such as Tapestry Inc., Fashion Institute of Technology, West Virginia University, Yale University, U.S. Dept of State Educational & Cultural Affairs, US. Embassy of Zimbabwe, & Standard Bank Incubator of South Africa.

After her performance in the inaugural season of Netflix's fashion design competition series, "Next in Fashion," Simoyi remains dedicated to supporting emerging creatives. Through her company, The Narativ House, she provides opportunities and platforms for international designers and artisans. Furthermore, Simoyi has collaborated with major entities such as W Hotels, NY NOW, WGSN, OkayAfrica, Afro Punk, Vice Media, Red Bull Media, and Refinery 29 to develop equitable partnerships.

In 2020, she took on the role of Program Director and Professor for Undergraduate & Graduate Fashion Design Programs at Thomas Jefferson University. Pioneering innovative approaches, Simoyi established the inaugural Diversity in Design course within a U.S. Academic Institution. This transformative course delves into the intersection of Design, Diversity, and Wellness, inspiring students to create innovative solutions for underserved communities.

In 2024, Simoyi joined the Fashion Scholarship Fund as the inaugural Head of the Virgil Abloh™ "Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund and Equity. In this role, she leads the charge in expanding the program’s reach, increasing scholarships awarded each year, and championing initiatives that open doors for students from underrepresented communities. By fostering equitable opportunities and forging impactful partnerships, Simoyi is reshaping the future of fashion and empowering the next generation of creative visionaries.

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