From Heron Preston to Laquan Smith to Tia Adeola, we take a look at several Black fashion brands presenting their collections during Fall/Winter 2023 New York Fashion Week.
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is the time of year for fashion lovers, designers, and critics when things kick things up a bit. If you’re a supporter of fashion, you’re probably looking forward to new collections hitting the runways and showrooms. But if you’re an avid supporter of Black brands and fashion houses, you’re probably well aware of some of the hurdles they have to overcome.
Back in 2020, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) released a statement declaring that it was committed to “creating systemic change within the industry.” This was followed by creating a database of Black talent to fill roles at companies, creating a mentorship program, and diversity and inclusion training for CFDA members. These steps ensured that by September 2022, the CFDA’s official calendar will include more than 20% of Black designers. Although that percentage may seem small, it is a step in the right direction.
The fashion industry still has a long way to go, but resources like the CFDA and Black Fashion Fair offer designers the opportunity to fund and streamline their businesses and receive support to get their products to consumers. Some of the brands are also part of this year’s New York Fashion Week, with NYFW 2023 featuring up-and-coming and mainstream Black brands from Tia Adeola and Bed on Water to Heron Preston (showing for the first time in New York) and Laquan will be featured as well. Smith. All of them are sure to offer boringly designed items that will breathe life into the fashion market in the near future.
Ahead of New York Fashion Week, here are some Black-owned brands that will be unveiling new collections during the event, which runs from February 10th to February 15th.
Laquan Smith
Laquan Smith’s eponymous line screams charm. An ode to New York City, his unique work reflects the relationship between his hometown of Queens and New York. His collections, which are filled with celebrities and influencers such as Nicole Ali Parker and LaLa Anthony each season, tend to include pieces made from vinyl and leather, perfect to wear to special celebrations. There is. He has designed custom items for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and more.
Tia Adeola
New York-based, London-raised designer Tia Adeola consistently creates work that reflects an ongoing dialogue with history and eras, especially the Renaissance. Adeola’s fashion world is defined by fancy ruffles, chiffon, and angelic tones like baby blue, icy white, and rosy pink. Previous collections were inspired by the late designer Mugler and Nigeria, with which she had close ties.
sergio hudson
Sergio Hudson’s eponymous line is driven by his obsession with rich color. Apart from this, he always creates chic items that his customers can wear to work and out. His eye for sophisticated tailoring and remarkable power suits sets him apart from other luxury designers.
arma house
Founded in 2015, House of Aama is the brainchild of mother-daughter design duo Rebecca Henry and Aqua Shabaka. Their work, manufactured entirely in Los Angeles, is a form of their creative expression and storytelling, combined with archival analysis. Each collection is associated with a different period of travel.
head of state
Nigerian designer Taofik Abijakko made his red carpet debut last year by designing the Met Gala looks for Evan Mock and Danai Gurira. His line was launched in 2016, but its debut was a breakthrough moment for the designer. His work is both an expression of his Nigerian background and an extension of being part of the West African artistic community.
Heron Preston
Heron Preston is known for his streetwear and logo-heavy pieces. Think logo bags, oversized coats, and everyday denim jeans. He regularly utilizes shades of safety orange to inject color into his drops. He also focuses on creating elevated workwear.
bed on water
Parsons graduate Shanelle Campbell launched Bed on Water in 2018, and in the early days of her line, celebrities like Solange wore custom pieces. Years later, Campbell’s flair for unpredictability continues to guide him, whether he’s exploring interesting patterns on T-shirts or creating pieces in velvet and leather. Willow and Chloe and Halle Bailey have also recently worn her creations.
who decides the war
Designer Everard Best, better known as Ev Bravado, was a student and mentor of the late Virgil Abloh. He is primarily known for his interpretation of denim, meticulously decorated with rips, gems, and sometimes even colorful paint. Best is part of a new generation of designers who aren’t afraid to show off their deeply personal work.
Romeo Hunte
Founded in New York City in 2013, Romeo Hunt’s namesake label has been worn by Zendaya and Beyoncé. Driven by his Brooklyn upbringing, Hunt’s codes include collaged outerwear that fuses sportswear and tailoring. Hunt’s collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger was announced last year, marking the culmination of Hilfiger’s years of mentoring the budding designer.
