This year’s New York Fashion Week did not disappoint. It was filled with statement pieces and designs from the most talented and world renowned designers of this year. Some designers such as Shayla Hill brought attention to black issues at NYFW with “Slay for a Change”. Models wore clothing with some of the phrases saying “Vogue doesn’t care about Ebony issues” and “Racism is out of style”.
The celebration of culture and diversity on the runway did not stop there. I was offered the opportunity to go to Harlem’s Fashion Row New York Fashion Week Fashion Show and Style Awards which gave multicultural designers a chance to show their spring collections. As an intern I got backstage access and a look at all the makeup artists, bloggers, designers,models,celebrities and fashion influencers in the industry. The Style Awards were a chance to honor African Americans who are doing influential things in the fashion industry. Honorees included editor in chief of Teen Vogue Magazine Elaine Welteroth for editor of the year; and Swizz Beats was awarded the Icon 360 Award for his influence in music and fashion. I got a chance to see the logistics and a fresh look of how to successfully put on a fashion show. The featured multicultural designers of the night were Kahindo, Terese Sydonna, Lois London, and Bermudan designer JRU Clothing. Each collection was different and bold and its own way. Kahindo drew from its African roots and had bold colors, but the color palette was mostly sky blue, white and black. Terese Syndonna designs consisted of  a lot of different prints of landscapes. The color palette in addition to the prints of the landscape was burnt orange, lilacs and white. The looks were brought to life with the standout prints, sculpture of the outfits and attention to detail in each of the design. Lois London looks were flowy silhouettes and elegant designs with a yellow,nude and white palette. Lastly, JRU Clothing designs were contemporary with pop of color ocean blue, sandy pink, and grass green, inspired by the Bermuda beaches.
Overall, the CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row Brandice Henderson- Daniel composed a memorable and surreal show that will go down in New York Fashion Week History.