Confidence is the final touch that completes any outfit, and Alani Taylor embodies and exemplifies that sentiment effortlessly. From crafting designs for everyday individuals, to creating pieces for global icons such as Beyoncé, Alani Taylor has done it all, and her brand continues to soar to new heights. While many assume the name “Alani Taylor” belongs to the designer herself, it is actually the name of her daughter, whom she named and honored her brand after. Known professionally as Murph, she has become a trailblazer in the fashion world.
Murph’s journey began in 2011 when serving in military, she grew tired of seeing everyone wear the same styles. Determined to stand out, she taught herself how to sew. By 2013, she began designing and in 2014, she showcased her first fashion show collection. Born in New Jersey, and raised in the Bronx, NY, Murph credits her 12 years of military service for shaping her disciplined approach to her craft. However, she admits that managing a team of employees can sometimes require adjusting her militant mindset, as not everyone shares the same outlook and approach.
As a black, masculine presenting, female designer, and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Murph acknowledges the additional challenges she faces in the industry. Despite these obstacles, her resilience and determination continue to propel her forward, breaking barriers and proving her doubters wrong every time.
Many might be surprised to learn that fashion isn’t Murph’s true passion, she grew up playing basketball, but fashion designing is simply a talent she was blessed with and excels at naturally. She walked away from a six-figure salary in network marketing to fully pursue designing. She credits her creative process to her own unique vision, influenced by her strong leadership qualities and her determination to stand apart from the crowd. Murph has always seen herself as a trendsetter, confidently paving the way for others to follow rather than blending in with the norm. She doesn’t chase trends, instead she envisions herself setting them. Her focus on crafting bold, statement pieces is what sets her apart and ultimately defines the trends she creates.
When Murph first started out, she didn’t have a distinct signature style. She simply designed what felt authentic to her. However, as she gained more experience and a deeper level of understanding of the fashion industry, her approach evolved. Moving forward, she envisions the Alani Taylor brand as a luxury household brand name with signature staple pieces similar to brands such as Louis Vuitton.
Murph has worked with an impressive roster of icons, including Ashanti, Nelly, Xscape, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion, just to name a few. However, she describes her most pivotal “I made it” as was working with Beyoncé on “Black is King”. One of her curated pieces, initially not intended for Beyoncé was selected straight off the runway for this project. This achievement not only elevated her career, but also led to others recognizing and trusting her talent. Despite these successes, the Alani Taylor brand has not always received the recognition it deserves. In 2019, Murph worked as a co- designer on “The Lion King”, yet her contributions were uncredited, a situation she had encountered before. These experiences profoundly shaped her perspective on creative collaborations and the importance of receiving your recognition in the industry.
When asked what she would be doing if she weren’t a designer, Murph reveals that she would likely focus full time on government contracting through her clothing manufacturing company. She describes herself as a sponge and enjoys learning and soaking up knowledge whenever she can. In the next 5-10 years, she envisions the fashion industry evolving significantly with the integration of AI. While others may fear this futuristic shift, Murph is excited to see how designers will harness AI to innovate and transform the industry.
Murph takes immense pride in her accomplishments and the iconic figures she has worked with throughout her journey. However, there are two individuals she dreams of working with: ASAP Rocky and Rihanna. In her eyes, while many celebrities have a great sense of style, ASAP Rocky and Rihanna stand apart as true fashion connoisseurs. Murph is confident that when the timing aligns, the opportunity will present itself.
Murph’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and designers? “Educate yourself first, believe in yourself second, and most importantly, just do it!”
For the Alani Taylor Brand, Murph’s ultimate goal is to leave an unforgettable impact through how people feel in her designs. She believes clothing should elevate confidence and transform how one carries themselves. “Do you sit up straight, or do you slouch when you wear my clothes?” she asks. Her mission is to create pieces that will empower and inspire everyone who wears them.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alani Taylor Brand
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