Fresh off a whirlwind week of travel between Dallas and New York, former Tennis player and influencer Ayan Broomfield stepped out for the Tory Burch FW26 show during New York Fashion Week. The athlete-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Ayan’s Aces attended the show not just as a guest, but as a longtime admirer of the brand’s deeper mission.
“I’m really excited to be attending the Tory Burch show because not only does she have exceptional collections that feel luxurious and timeless, but her impact reaches further than fashion alone,” she shares with ESSENCE. Beyond the runway, she’s inspired by the work of the Tory Burch Foundation, which focuses on increasing women’s economic power through entrepreneurship. “That’s something that really resonates with me.”
For the occasion, the overall inspiration behind Broomfield’s look—a patterned long-sleeve wrap dress, styled with a camel suede shoulder bag and finished with an ash-blonde blowout—was fellow style muse Ciara. “She also switches up her hair color and style a lot, the same way I do. She’s always on my moodboard.”
Blending versatility with bold femininity, “my dress is extremely flattering because it accentuates the midriff,” she says. “Tory Burch does an amazing job with her tailoring and makes women feel confident and powerful.”
The look was perfect for Broomfield, because, for her, fashion represents freedom. “Fashion allows athletes to express themselves in a way that the sport may not allow for,” she explains. “As an athlete myself, I went 20 years only wearing athleisure every day, so having the opportunity now to step out in an amazing outfit allows me to express myself in a way that I wasn’t able to before,” she says. “I feel the most confident when I show up in a room and can be authentically myself.”
This approach applies to her glam as well. For the show, she did her own makeup, just as she often does for events. “My makeup kit goes everywhere with me,” she says. This time, it was filled with a mix of trusted staples from Patrick Ta Beauty, L’Oréal, Maybelline, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, and M·A·C Cosmetics. After years of experimenting, she feels she’s mastered what works best for her. “When I do my own makeup, I have control of accentuating my favorite features and hiding any imperfections that only I might see.”
When it comes to hair, working with a trusted stylist, like Jessica King in this case, keeps the process collaborative and calming. “They understand my vision,” she explains, noting that comfort and familiarity are key during such a busy season.
As for staying grounded? “I’m focused on prioritizing those that are closest to me in my life, because they help keep me balanced and centered,” she says. What we have is key amidst her packed schedule—including flying back to Dallas immediately after the show to support her boyfriend Frances Tiafoe at the Dallas Open.
Next up, the entrepreneur is continuing her work with Ayan’s Aces at the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open in March. The month will mark the brand’s one year anniversary—a milestone she’s especially proud of. “It’s been absolutely incredible so far,” she reflects. “I’m really excited to see where You can take this movement in 2026. It’s been an honor and a privilege to bring together so many outstanding women of color and create this community.”
Until her next venture, enjoy an inside look at Broomfield’s getting ready process ahead of the Tory Burch FW26 show.
