Issa Rae wore our Sanai Dress to the 19th Annual Television Academy Honors, where she was recognized for her groundbreaking executive production work spotlighting Black representation in television. And honestly, that’s just one of the many reasons we admire her.
The silhouette of the Sanai Dress did all the talking. The rich cobalt tone against her skin, the soft drape at the neckline, and the sculptural knot detail created a look that felt both effortless and elevated. Nothing about it was overworked. No excessive styling. No distractions, just confidence.
What I love most is how naturally she wears the dress. Issa has always understood that true style isn’t about doing the most, it’s about knowing exactly who you are. The simplicity of the look allowed her essence to lead.
Shop Her Look: The Sanai Dress 
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Like so many of us, I first fell in love with Issa Rae while watching her breakout HBO series, Insecure. What many may not know is that this isn’t the first time Issa has worn Muehleder. She actually wore a white Top and Skirt set from the SS17 collection during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live back in 2017 and that moment was just as iconic.
It’s been incredible to witness her journey, her evolution, and the impact she continues to make over the years, which makes this moment feel even more meaningful. Almost ten years since her last Muehleder look and she's still smiling and still wearing her natural hair.
What makes it even more special is that I had the opportunity to meet Issa in person during Art Basel Miami at Kwame Onwuachi’s AMEX Brunch in 2021. She was exactly how'd you expect: kind and easy going.
I appreciate her continued support of and admiration for the brand. And I also want to thank her stylist, Wouri Vice, whom I first met nearly fourteen years ago at Ursula Stephen’s salon opening in Downtown Brooklyn — back when my design studio was just four blocks away from her salon.
I share all of this because moments like these don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re built over time through relationships, consistency, community, and years of dedication.
To every young designer building something meaningful and hoping to one day see their work worn by someone they admire: keep building, keep connecting, and keep refining your craft. If the work is worthy, people will see the value in it.
