Harlem’s Fashion Row celebrated seven years with its 7th annual Fashion Show & Style Awards during New York Fashion Week. The night started off with the Style Awards honoring individuals who have paved the way in bringing color and diversity to the fashion industry. Most notably was HFR’s ICON 360 Award Recipient, the legendary supermodel Beverly Johnson, presented by Keisha Holland of Pandora Jewelry. Celebrating her 40th year anniversary as the first black model to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine in 1974, Beverly Johnson singlehandedly changed the face of fashion.
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While accepting her speech, Beverly spoke on “the need for more diversity in fashion. Even though we have made great strides, we still need to see more color on the runway.”
Continuing with tradition, this year’s HFR Fashion Show showcased some of the best and brightest emerging designers of color which include:
- HFR Designer of the Year Byron Lars – Byron Lars started designing under his own label in 1991 with a small collection of sportswear focusing on what Lars refers to as “twisted American classics.” Taking inspiration from such unlikely sources as his grandfather’s hunting jacket, Byron crossbreeds it with a “Dior New Look” proportion to create a Dutchess of Windsor meets Field and Stream hybrid.
- Harlem Haberdashery – Harlem Haberdashery is the “retail expression” of 5001 FLAVORS located in the heart of Harlem, NY. The nearly 2,000 square foot boutique carries emerging designers/brands, located in the former home of the late civil rights leader Malcolm X, pays homage to Harlem’s rich history and luminaries. Harlem Haberdashery Family includes: Kells Barnett, Shayvionne Harris, Louis Johnson, Jr., Nairobi Washington, Guy Wood, Jr., Guy Wood, Sr., and Sharene Wood.
- K. Milele by Kianga “Kiki Kitty” Peterson – Fashion veteran Kianga “Kiki Kitty” Peterson has recently launched her designer collection, K.Milele. Peterson has enjoyed over 2 decades of success, designing for major junior brands, including The Nicki Minaj Collection, Jay Z’s Rocawear, Nelly’s Apple Bottoms, Nicky Hilton’s Chic, Eve’s Fetish, Sean Comb’s Sean John, Justin Timberlake’s William Rast, Peoples Liberation, Dollhouse, Heatherette, and Beyoncé and Miss Tina Knowles’ House of Dereon.
- Josh & Nicol from London – Josh & Nicol’s ethos is about emulating couture techniques with an evident ready to wear minimalism. The womenswear brand was founded in 2010, and officially launched in the UK during London Fashion Week in February 2013. The feminine designs play on the combination of different fabric textures to create unique wearable pieces.
Check out some of our favorite looks from the evening:
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