A New York Fashion Week Recap through the lens of Black designers (Part 1)

In this two-part recap, we explore New York Fashion Week from two perspectives: the main runway stage and the vibrant local scene. We highlight household names alongside local superstars who create their own runways through digital platforms and pop-up events, all important moments of representation and advocacy in fashion.

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JUMP TO SECTION

• PART 1: ON THE RUNWAY

  • HARLEM FASHION ROW - NIGHT OF LEGENDS

  • THE OFFICIAL FASHION CALENDAR WITH LAQUAN SMITH, SEBASTIAN AMI & more

  • ADORNED IN COUTURE WITH ESÉ AZÉNABOR X ADORE ADORN JEWELRY

  • A MARRIAGE OF KNITWEAR and HARDWARE with YAM x PH5

    
    

• Part 2: LOCAL SUPERSTARS (coming soon)

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PART 1: ON THE RUNWAY

HARLEM FASHION ROW - NIGHT OF LEGENDS

Let's rewind to Harlem Fashion Row's Night of Legends. The vibrant stage showcased incredible designers of color, including Aaron Potts (A. Potts), Haitian-American Jimmy LaTouché, and Nicole Benefield. The night celebrated the talents of stylist Shiona Turini, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Harper's Bazaar editor Samira Nasr, and fashion icon Teyana Taylor.

Runway images: Harlem Fashion Row , Aaron Potts (A. Potts), Jimmy LaTouché, Nicole Benefield.

WALK THE RUNWAY WITH LAQUAN SMITH, SEBASTIAN AMI & more

The week continued with some household names showcasing their collections as part of the official fashion calendar. Among my favorites were star stylist Laquan Smith, Haitian-American menswear designer Sebastian Ami, Who Decides War, and Off-White, led by Ib Kamara. Each designer presented sleek looks infused with just the right amount of cheekiness for versatile pieces perfect for any wardrobe. Other notable Black designers who showcased their work included Frederick Anderson, Sergio Hudson , COTTE D’ARMES, Diotima, & THEOPHILIO.

Runway images: Laquan Smith, Sebastian Ami, Who Decides War, Off-White

Sergio Hudson, Advisry , COTTE D’ARMES, Diotima, & THEOPHILIO.

ADORNED IN COUTURE WITH ESÉ AZÉNABOR X ADORE ADORN JEWELRY

Haute couture and bridal designer Esé Azénabor teamed up with luxury jewelry designer Sasha Flynn of Adore Adorn Jewelry for a stunning collaboration. Esé showcased their Season 2025 collection, beautifully complemented by statement pieces from Sasha Flynn's impressive jewelry line. Inspired by art and the world, these two brands created an enchanting and colorful runway experience that captivated the audience.

Runway images: Esé Azénabor x Adore Adorn Jewelry

A MARRIAGE OF KNITWEAR and HARDWARE with YAM x PH5

PH5, known for its innovative knitwear, tapped YAM, a Black-owned jewelry and accessory brand, for the whimsical runway show "Save the Ugly Animals." Founded by the creative Morgan Thomas, YAM was the perfect complement to PH5, led by Wei Lin and designer Zoe Champion. The Flower Earrings, Metal-Shaded Sunglasses, and playful Flower Rings added a vibrant touch that perfectly matched PH5's lively energy on the runway.

Runway images: YAM x PH5

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PART 2: LOCAL SUPERSTARS

COMING SOON

In this section, we'll explore the vibrant off-the-runway scene, where designers from across the U.S., Nigeria, and London—gathered in New York to connect and showcase their collections. Get ready for a recap on local pop-up shops and exciting digital releases from women designers and Haitian-American creatives.

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updated 9/27 for color formatting.