FOR Alani Noelle, FASHION BEGAN ON THE NEW YORK CITY subway.

As a kid, she was captivated by the fearless clothing, hair and accessories of the strangers she sat beside. Today, the Brooklyn born creator brings that same spirit of individuality to her role as Director of Women’s Style at Kith, where she helps shape the brand’s evolving point of view. Noelle makes her aesthetic clear: colorful, maximalist, and bold. Her path into the industry was refreshingly unplanned. What started as a retail job at Kith quickly turned into a full-fledged career once she realized there were countless ways to build a future in fashion beyond launching a label or becoming a designer. In an industry that often rewards imitation, Noelle has built her success by being unafraid to stand out.

Read about Alani Noelle’s journey in her C&C 100 interview below.

What’s an early memory from growing up in New York City that shaped how you see or understand fashion today?

A core memory of mine growing up in New York City was riding the train and feeling inspired by how people expressed themselves. Whether it was someone’s outfit, their hair color, their accessories, or their nails - I remember thinking how cool everyone looked around me and feeling excited for the day that would be me.

Describe the ‘aha’ moment that inspired you to pursue a career in fashion?

I always knew I loved clothes, shoes, and getting dressed, but assumed a career in fashion meant either owning a clothing brand—which I wasn’t interested in at the time—or becoming a designer, which I hadn’t gone to school for. I applied to work at Kith simply because I wanted to make money while being surrounded by things I genuinely liked. I saw it as a retail job I’d enjoy—nothing more.

About a year in, Kith brought on a Women’s Creative Lead, and that’s when everything clicked for me. I realized you didn’t have to own a brand or be a designer to build a career in fashion.

How has your personal style evolved over time? Who or what has been most influential in shaping your approach to fashion?

I think my style has always stayed true to its core—colorful, maximalist, and bold. As I’ve gotten older, though, I find myself gravitating toward higher quality, more timeless pieces. It feels like my style is evolving through refinement. My style has largely been influenced by color, texture, and silhouette. The garments themselves, and how they play off one another, have always guided my approach to fashion.

Name a designer brand that perfectly represents your personal style.

I really admire Chanel and the way the brand plays with color, texture, and maximalism while remaining timeless and elevated.

Name a celebrity or influencer that you think is having an “It Girl” moment in fashion right now.

I’ve been obsessed with Jenna Ortega’s red carpet looks, especially as a petite woman myself. It’s refreshing to see garments so perfectly tailored - not just to her body, but to her persona.

The fashion industry is known to be one of the toughest industries to break into. How did you manage to reach this level of success while remaining true to yourself?

I was fortunate to break into the industry because of my authenticity, so it felt natural to keep leaning into what worked—fully expressing myself as I am.

In what ways do you think the fashion industry is changing—for better or worse?

We’re seeing much more representation in the fashion industry, which has been a huge step forward. Where it may be shifting for the worse, though, is in more brands leaning into trends to meet demand rather than defining and staying true to their own identity. The result is a loss of freshness for the consumer.

What advice would you give someone who is struggling to find their signature style?

We’re all individuals with our own interests and tastes, so I believe it’s within all of us to discover our signature style. My advice would be to lean into yourself and quiet outside opinions or the fear of being perceived. Your signature style is rooted in your genuine interests and it will naturally evolve over time.

What’s one word that describes the era your career is in?

Evolution!

What’s one garment or accessory that can make or break an outfit?

Your shoes!

What’s one current fashion trend you wish would go away (and quickly)?

Everyone looking the same.

In your opinion, what is the secret ingredient to having longevity in fashion?

I truly believe that, as humans, we have an innate ability to sense authenticity versus something that feels forced. In fashion, people need to trust that you have a clear, distinct perspective - one that’s genuinely yours - and that you can bring it to the table.

Hard work and relationships are just as essential to longevity in the industry. Fashion is often misperceived as all glitz and glam, so it’s important that people trust you’re not only capable, but also willing to put in the work.