On a picture-perfect evening at Grant’s Tomb in Harlem, Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) hosted its 17th Annual Style Awards and Fashion Show, marking the start of New York Fashion Week. The event, overflowing with excitement and a sense of community, celebrated the achievements of Black individuals shaping the fashion industry.
HFR Founder and CEO Brandice Daniel, in an interview with Vogue, highlighted the significance of this year’s honorees. “We knew immediately: these are the right people to be our honorees this year,” she stated. The awards recognized a diverse group of luminaries: Editor of the Year, Harper’s Bazaar EIC Samira Nasr; Stylist of the Year, Shiona Turini; Icon of the Year, Naomi Campbell; and Harlem native Teyana Taylor, who received the Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH.
The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches and acknowledgements of the power of community and representation. Tracee Ellis Ross, a longtime friend of Nasr, shared her belief in the editor’s potential to amplify Black voices on a global stage. Lena Waithe presented Turini with her award, praising the stylist’s commitment to beauty and her refusal to settle for anything less. In her acceptance speech, Turini acknowledged the influence of Black women like June Ambrose, Ruth Carter, and Misa Hylton who had inspired her journey.
The evening took an emotional turn when Taylor accepted the Virgil Abloh Award. “I was a kid who often dreamt too big, but that was not out of the ordinary for a Harlem kid,” she said, highlighting the importance of dreams and ambition in her upbringing. Taylor’s look for the evening, featuring a leather pants, crisp white top, and a Louis Vuitton belt from Pharrell’s third collection, was a testament to her stylish roots.
Campbell, who was honored with the Icon of the Year award, recognized Daniel’s impact on the fashion landscape. “You’ve created a platform that doesn’t just showcase talent; You nurture it, you champion it, and you propel it forward,” she stated. Daniel’s efforts to amplify the voices and talents of Black designers are evident in the HFR’s runway show, which featured a diverse lineup of emerging designers.
This year’s runway showcased the latest collections from A. Potts, Nicole Benefield Portfolio, and LaTouché. A. Potts, inspired by the ocean and the image of Iman on a Zanzibar beach, presented a collection of Grecian-style gowns and separates in shades of blue and green. LaTouché, known for his custom suiting, showcased a collection of double-vented blazers, trenches, and slacks crafted from luxurious fabrics like wool and tweed, and unexpected materials like upholstery. Nicole Benefield, known for her relaxed yet elevated aesthetic, presented a collection featuring lightweight flannel wool and washed linen, reimagining classic silhouettes in refined fabrics.
The event concluded with a celebration at Sofrito, the same restaurant where the first HFR runway show took place in 2007. Daniel, reflecting on the past 17 years, emphasized her unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for designers of color. “My passion for this is literally the same as it was day one,” she shared. “It’s absolutely a calling.” Her dedication and the collective efforts of HFR are creating a space where Black talent can flourish and shape the future of fashion.
