Black Fashion Fair launches first publication, “Essence”

Photo: AB+DM. Courtesy of the brand

While there’s been a lot of Black History Month celebrations, February has recently been declared “Black Future Month,” according to Ye’s recent Instagram announcement. In conjunction with this, Antoine Gregory and Black Fashion Fair are holding space for Black creators in the fashion industry to preserve their work and document their global impact with the platform’s new publication, “Volume 0: SEEN.”

With support from Warby Parker, Black Fashion Fair has created a nearly 200-page limited edition zine that explores Black representation in the fashion world and what it really means to be seen. Through inspiring editorial pieces, Black Fashion Fair aims to represent Black style and culture as an act of justice, reimagining the image of Black fashion through our own lens, for us, by us.

“These pages are about the power of collaboration and community,” Black Fashion Fair founder Gregory said in a press release. “As we continue to create a reference for the future, Black Fashion Fair becomes our own institution of exhibition, discovery, and research.”

For SEEN’s inaugural issue, Black fashion talent came together behind the scenes and in front of the camera to create powerful content for each page. Designs from Pyer Moss’ historic Couture 001 collection are featured alongside looks from Theophilio, Sergio Hudson, and Edvin Thompson of House of Aama. Beautiful imagery was captured by photographers AB+DM (Ahmad Barber and Donte Maurice), Amber Pinkerton, and Quil Lemons. Additional contributors include Brandon Blackwood, Bethann Hardison, Joan Smalls, Grace Wales Bonner, and many other notable Black fashion talents.

Black Fashion Fair partnered with Warby Parker to bring an editorial perspective to the brand’s new Sculpted Series collection, highlighting each frame with styling from Gregory and photography from AB+DM. “We’re honored to partner with Black Fashion Fair on their inaugural magazine, and every page is an inspiring testament to Warby Parker’s shared beliefs: commitment to community and creativity,” Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, said in a release. “We’re honored to partner with Black Fashion Fair on their inaugural magazine. Every page is an inspiring testament to Warby Parker’s shared beliefs: commitment to community and creativity.”

Starting today, Volume 0 of Black Fashion Fair: SEEN is available for purchase at blackfashionfair.org and the magazine will be available to purchase at Mulberry Iconic Magazine stores throughout the upcoming New York Fashion Week.

Preview the cover of Volume 0: SEEN first and choose your editing image.

Black Fashion Fair Volume 0 Launch: SEEN

Photo: Quill Lemons. Courtesy of BFF 02