Sherri McMullen & Aisha Ayensu Host An Intimate Celebration of African Heritage

On September 18 Sherri McMullen, recognized by Vogue Business as one of the Top 100 Innovators and a Champion of Change, co-hosted a private dinner with Aisha Ayensu, founder and creative director of the Ghanaian fashion house Christie Brown. The event marked the launch of their first exclusive size-inclusive collaboration, which they debuted at McMullen’s Oakland flagship store.  

The VIP dinner guests–including Noelle Bonner, Autumn O’Keefe, Brandi Hudson, Edua Dickerson, Cori Taylor, Jeanne McCoy, Debra Caywood-Rukas, Ingrid Rosenborough, Aisha Mays and Joy Copper–enjoyed a multicourse meal designed by Chef Lala of Oakland’s Jusla Eats. The evening’s centerpiece was an immersive live model presentation of the Christie Brown x McMullen Fall capsule collection, which offers a blend of haute couture and rich cultural storytelling, capturing the essence of African heritage, 

Another highlight was the debut of Christie Brown’s “At The Table” dinner series, a tradition originally from Accra, Ghana, brought straight to the assembled diners in Oakland. The unique experience fostered deeper connections among guests, creating a magical sense of community throughout the night.

“This project was over a year in the making and marks the first time I’ve ever co-designed a collection,” McMullen said. “Our exclusive Christie Brown x McMullen collaboration goes beyond fashion — it’s a tribute to African heritage, artistry and unity.”