FUTURE’S PAST: HARLEM’S FASHION ROW ANNOUNCES 15TH ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW & STYLE AWARDS

by John Russel Jones Aug 30, 2022

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) announced today that its 15th Anniversary Fashion Show & Style Awards will open New York Fashion Week next week on Tuesday, September 6th, in partnership with LVMH in North America.

With this year’s theme “Future’s Past,” the event will showcase fashion’s future fueled by the untold history of countless contributions, sacrifices, and innovations in fashion that inspire HFR to explore groundbreaking collaborations and to elevate black-owned brands. This special anniversary event will support further progress for diversity, equality, and inclusion in the fashion world.

ABOVE: Photo by Anton van der Weijst on Unsplash

Additionally, HFR will introduce a newly created award in honor of the late Virgil Abloh, which will be given by his wife, Shannon Abloh. Honoring Virgil’s memory and lasting impact, the award celebrates like-minded individuals who embody Virgil’s spirit, brilliance, and vision, through invaluable contributions to culture, community, and innovation. This year’s award categories and recipients include:

  • The Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH: Issa Rae – Actress, Writer, and Producer
  • Designer of the Year: Sergio Hudson – Luxury Women’s Wear Designer
  • Editor of the Year: Robin Givhan – Fashion Editor and Pulitzer Prize Winning Writer
  • Stylist of the Year: Ade Samuel – Celebrity Stylist
  • ICON of the Year Award: Janet Jackson – Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Author, Businesswoman, and Philanthropist

Brandice Daniel, CEO & Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, states: “African Americans have a rich history in fashion, although much of their contributions have been buried or unrecognized in history. However, HFR would not exist without the work of Black designers like Lois Alexander Lane, who created the Harlem Institute of Fashion and the Black Fashion Museum. We also would not exist without the work of other sartorial pioneers like Ann Lowe, Elizabeth Keckley, and Eunice Johnson. We are moving into the future by reaching back to understand, honor, and pull strength from our past.”

Through an ongoing partnership with HFR, LVMH continues its commitment to work toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive fashion industry. Several brands from the LVMH portfolio will join in celebrating the next generation of diverse fashion talent by supporting various aspects of the Fashion Show & Style Awards throughout the evening:

  • Sephora will provide runway hair products from black-owned brands that are also part of the 15% Pledge program created by Aurora James.
  • Dior Beauty will support with sponsorship of all skincare, makeup, and artistry teams.
  • Tiffany & Co. will present gifts to Style Award Honorees and designers during the event.
  • Moët Hennessy USA will provide the Chandon Garden Spritz as the event’s signature cocktail.

“As LVMH looks to the future of our Group and Maisons through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion, we are thrilled to partner with Harlem’s Fashion Row on its 15th anniversary celebration, and to cast a spotlight on the cultural richness and creativity of the Harlem community,” said Anish Melwani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc. “The success of LVMH’s Maisons stems from their ability to reveal creative talents from across the world and we are excited to support the New York Fashion Week debut of three talented BIPOC designers from our neighboring community of Harlem.”

Three BIPOC designers will showcase their latest collections in the show:

  • Clarence Ruth (Menswear): Cotte D’Armes is a high-end men’s and women’s ready-to-wear denim brand in New York City. Ruth was the winner of the Tommy Hilfiger X Harlem’s Fashion Row Design Competition.
  • Johnathan Hayden (Sustainable Women’s Wear): Showcasing his brand, Hayden creates ready-to-wear separates that bridge the gap between luxury and longevity.
  • Nicole Benefield (Women’s Wear): Self-titled responsible brand Nicole Benefield fathoms form over fast fashion trends, casual wearability over exclusivity, and eco-friendly fabrics above the latter.