Source: Jess Baumang / Jess Baumang
NYFW 2025 has a unique energy because it coincides with Black History Month . While I am proudly Black every day of the year, I feel an even deeper sense of pride and connection to my heritage during this special month. It’s a time to celebrate Black excellence, creativity, and resilience, and there’s simply no way to ban that greatness. Ahead, find some of the super Black NYFW events I attended during NYFW spotlighting Black designers, hairstylists, creators, and more.
Hair is Fashion
The Black Beauty Roster ’s mission to bring meaningful beauty diversity into the industry through opportunity, advocacy and education was further solidified this fashion week. They hosted an exclusive exhibit and reception showcasing couture-inspired hair from industry-leading hair stylists including Lurissa Ingrid, Larry Sims, Vernon François, Ursula Stephen, Jawara, Naeemah Lafond, Yoyo, Nai’Vasha and Susan Oludele.
Source: @stefanaphoto / @stefanaphoto
Seeing the textured tresses in all forms was a beautiful representation of Black creativity, beauty and storytelling. The exhibit went beyond celebrating textured hair; it established it as high art, elevating its cultural and aesthetic importance in ways that mainstream fashion has neglected for decades.
In collaboration with Kensington Grey and L’Oréal, the event also included an important conversation on beauty at the intersection of fashion. Fashion model Chloé Vero, designer Romeo Hunte, and hair architect Larry Sims discussed their creative inspirations and the influence of Black culture on global trends, while sharing their experiences in the fashion and beauty industries.
Kensington Grey & Friends NYFW Mixer
I’ve been rocking with Kensington Grey since “The Glow Up” days. The event, hosted by founder Shannae Ingleton, who has always championed Black women, brought together a group of talented Black creatives. The focus was on utilizing AI as a tool to enhance their creative work and streamline their processes. In partnership with Microsoft’s Copilot, the event showcased the capabilities of AI and provided practical insights on how to integrate it into existing workflows. The goal was to empower creatives to work smarter, not harder, by leveraging AI’s potential.
Source: Jess Baumang / Jess Baumang
The atmosphere was electric, with a palpable sense of Black Excellence. Notable attendees included Jackie Aina, Jenee Naylor, and the cast of Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, further highlighting the significance of the event.
Black NYFW Events
The Black in Fashion Council Showroom, celebrating its 10th season, once again proved to be a highlight of the season. The carefully curated space showcased a diverse array of emerging and established Black designers, each presenting unique and innovative collections. From ready-to-wear to accessories, the showroom was a testament to the creativity and talent within the Black fashion community. This season’s lineup included A.Potts, Busayo, Fumi The Label, Lisou, Muehleder, Nia Thomas, Daveed Baptiste, Freddie Estelle, Hearthrob and Victim15.
We got a chance to talk with designer A. POTTS who underscored the importance of sustainability in every way — not just the fabric. Sustainability isn’t solely about the environment and materials; it’s a multi-faceted concept that encompasses responsible and efficient use of resources in general, as well as the health and well-being of communities. We need to broaden the dialogue to include these crucial aspects. This means considering the social and economic implications of our choices, ensuring that we are not only preserving the planet but also supporting fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and the long-term viability of communities. By expanding our definition of sustainability, we can create a more holistic and impactful approach that benefits both people and the planet.
Chuks Collins
The Chuks Collins Fall/Winter 2025 Presentation, presented in collaboration with Lush Decor and sold exclusively on Amazon, invited the viewer to experience a transformative journey inspired by the regenerative power of mushrooms and the intricate beauty of mycelium networks.
Home decor aficionados and fans of the designer were delighted as he ventured into the home sector, partnering with Lush Decor to introduce his debut collection of bedding essentials and decorative accents. The collection, which included duvets, shams, sheets, and throw pillows, was not only aesthetically pleasing but also held a deeper meaning. The designer drew inspiration from his personal journey, specifically his discovery of the healing potential of mushrooms during his chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer. This experience imbued the collection with a sense of hope and resilience, making it more than just a home decor line; it was a testament to the designer’s strength and his belief in the power of nature.
Romeo Hunte
Romeo Hunte brought out the Black celebs in droves with the likes of Fabolous, Rapsody, Yandy Smith, Trinidad James. You could feel the Brooklyn native’s roots. Every season, he manages to elevate classic styles like never before. The designer focused on reimagining classic American styles for the fall season, giving tailored suits and jeans a subtle, contemporary update.
While the collection appeared understated, unexpected silhouettes and contrasting fabrics conveyed a distinct New York sensibility. He told Vogue, “The main inspiration was playing off of tailoring and prep and giving it elements of street.”
House of Arches
The runway finale of McDonald’s Change of Fashion Program, the House of Arches Fashion Show, featured Durrell Dupard of Freddie Estelle, Heart Roberts of Hearthrob, Larissa Muehleder of Muehleder, Nia Thomas of Nia Thomas Co and Shareef Mosby of Victim15. You may recall these names from the Black in Fashion Council Showroom and you best believe I was geeked to see how these designs were brought to life on the runway.
Source: Courtesy of The Hinton Group / Courtesy of The Hinton Group
The aspect of the show that resonated with me the most was the ingenuity and artistry displayed in the visuals, the styling choices, and the diverse representation of the models. It was truly invigorating to see models who mirrored my own appearance, from my skin tone to my body shape. This level of relatability and representation in the fashion industry is something I find both refreshing and empowering.
Honorable Mention:
Son Jung Wan
I absolutely adore this collection! The designer consistently delivers stunning pieces season after season. The creativity, attention to detail, and overall aesthetic are always on point. I’m already looking forward to seeing what they come up with next! Son Jung Wan’s collection “Go with the Flow” reinterpreted the past with avant-garde and contemporary aesthetics. The color palette includes Luminous Celestial Yellow, Midnight Blue, Pastel Parchment, and Black Ink. Fabrics like Wool, Cashmere, Angora, Metallic Satin, Silk, Patent Leather, and Velvet create experimental and bold designs.
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