Since founder Antoine Gregory launched Black Fashion Fair in 2020, the conceptual retail, education and cultural experience has quickly become a treasure trove of Black fashion, style and culture. Spotlighting Black designers, tastemakers and celebrities, Gregory has his sights set on success, and the sky’s the limit. He’s already produced many monumental moments in less than two years, including an exclusive collection with CFDA American Emerging Designer of the Year winner Theofilio and an educational fashion program with FIT, but Gregory has more plans.
This week, Black Fashion Fair unveiled the first edition of Volume 0, a limited edition publication with support from Warby Parker showcasing Black creators in fashion. “We are honored to partner with Black Fashion Fair on their inaugural magazine,” said Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, in a statement to GRAZIA USA. “Every page is an inspiring testament to their commitment to community and creativity, a belief that Warby Parker shares.”
The inaugural issue, themed “SEEN,” features three covers featuring Maria Borges photographed by AB+DM, Joan Smalls photographed by Quil Lemons, and Aleya Ali photographed by AB+DM, as well as a digital cover of Sabrina Nugent photographed by Amber Pinkerton. Volume 0 of the nearly 200-page magazine explores Black representation in fashion and what it means to be seen in a series of thought-provoking visuals, including Kerby Jean-Raymond’s historic Couture 001 collection, Theofilio, Sergio Hudson, House of Armour, and more.
Essays and conversations from fashion legends Brandon Blackwood, Grace Wales Bonner, Ricky Bird, Bethan Hardison, Aria Hughes, Byron Rath, Mikkel Street, and Brooklyn White further the discussion of being Black in the fashion world. “These pages are about the power of collaboration and community,” says Gregory. “As we continue to create reference points for the future, Black Fashion Fair becomes our own institution of exhibition, discovery, and research.”
The issue is available to purchase now at blackfashionfair.org and at Mulberry Iconic Magazine throughout New York Fashion Week (February 11-17).