For fashionistas worldwide, there are few things more exciting than New York Fashion Week. Yet, while all eyes may be on top designers like Tom Ford and Michael Kors, one major event that continues to take center stage is none other than Harlem’s Fashion Row. This event elevates designers of color and celebrates diversity by showcasing collections from emerging Black designers – and this year’s event certainly didn’t disappoint.
Today, we’re diving deep into Harlem’s Fashion Row 2024 and sharing everything you may have missed – or simply don’t want to forget.
Brandice Daniel (@brandicedaniel) • Instagram photos and videos
Harlem’s Fashion Row: 17 Years of Cultural Impact
Harlem’s Fashion Row was founded in 2007 by Brandice Daniel, a trailblazer in inclusivity and representation for people of color. Her mission is to create a “bridge between brands and designers of color,” noticing the evident gap between the two.
Since its beginnings, Daniels has continued to give multicultural designers a voice, allowing them opportunities and connections within the fashion realm to help them flourish and achieve financial equity. One of these events is none other than Harlem’s Fashion Show at New York Fashion Week, which has been held annually since 2007. The 2024 show at Grant’s Tomb marks a remarkable 17th year for this forward-thinking, innovative, and trendsetting celebration, rightfully titled “Night of the Legends.”
Aside from creating platforms to highlight Black designers, Daniels has also taken extra steps to be proactive in encouraging investment groups to help these same designers scale their businesses effectively.
Star-Studded Front Row: Celebrities Shine in Vintage-Inspired Looks
Of course, Harlem’s Fashion Row was flooded with beautiful Black celebrities looking to indulge in everything these excellent designers had to offer. The best part is that many wore stunning outfits that homaged vintage looks we know and love.
Tiffany M. Battle
While the iconic Naomi Campbell draped her lovely silhouette in a sleek black dress, Tiffany M. Battle took a different approach to her get-up. She draped her physique in a unique, one-of-a-kind suit featuring bold patterns, vibrant colors, and an eclectic blend of geometric shapes. There’s no denying its inspiration from 1980s designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.
Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross) • Instagram photos and videos
Tracee Ellis Ross
When it comes to head-turning looks, Tracee Ellis Ross never disappoints, and the same was true for her striking Harlem’s Fashion Row ensemble. She stepped out in a red leather trench coat that idyllically blends boldness with elegance—just as you’d expect from anything crafted by Balenciaga. We couldn’t deny its ties to Jean-Paul Gaultier’s 1980s collections, which focused on edgy and innovative leather pieces.
Harlem’s Fashion Row | HFR (@harlemsfashionrow) • Instagram photos and videos
Shiona Turini
Shiona Turini was a main attraction at Harlem’s Fashion Week. Not only because she is an unbelievably gorgeous Black woman, but her bright pink, 80s-inspired suit was designed to command attention. If that wasn’t enough, she also won the Stylist of the Year Award, stating, “I am where I am because of Black women,” naming June Ambrose, Ruth Carter, and Misa Hylton as inspirations.
Julie Justine
Finally, we couldn’t finish our highlights without mentioning Julie Justine. Her sophisticated and cutesy body-hugging cream halter dress is something we’ll be remembering for ages. We love that she embraced the early 40s and 50s fashion with the silhouette and hairstyle yet gave it a modern and elegant makeover suitable for any fashionable occasion.
Runway Highlights: Iconic Award Ceremony and Black Designers Stealing the Show
Harlem’s Fashion Row began with an unforgettable award ceremony that showcased remarkable Black women and their talents. It started with Naomi Campbell receiving the Icon of the Year Award, followed by Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr accepting the Editor of the Year Award. More awards would follow, including Shiona Turini’s Stylist of the Year Award and Teyana Taylor’s Virgil Abloh Award.
After the award show concluded, several Black designers were given the opportunity to present their innovative designs.
Aaron Potts
Aaron Potts – commonly referred to simply as “A Potts,” is a Black designer born in Detroit and raised in NYC. He is currently the winner of the 2021 Fashion Group International Rising Star Award for All Gender Product. He has created designs for many notable Black women, including Michelle Obama and the Williams sisters.
He was able to show his exceptional talent during Harlem’s Fashion Row, presenting a collection that combines modernity with intricate detailing. His creations featured a blend of structured silhouettes, flowy garments, and natural and vibrant tones, celebrating cultural heritages and merging the past with the present.
LaTouché
When it comes to designers who create unforgettable fashion statements, look no further than LaTouche. This emerging designer stepped outside the “norm” to create pieces that tell a story. Each garment focused on comfort and boldness, showing new ways to style traditional pieces for a unique finish that genuinely resonated with viewers.
Harlem’s Fashion Row | HFR (@harlemsfashionrow)
Nicole Benefield
Harlem’s Fashion Row 2024 also featured Nicole Benefield, a New Yorker whose mission is to create laidback fashions that are “driven by emotion over trend.” This was proven in her runway looks, which focused on wearability, sophistication, and timelessness. Of course, we couldn’t help but also fall in love with her bolder color choices and dynamic textures to create more one-of-a-kind styles.
Naomi x BOSS 2.0
Harlem’s Fashion Row also spotlighted Naomi x BOSS 2.0 Collection, a collaboration between Naomi Campbell and BOSS that combines high-fashion aesthetics with tech-savvy fabrics. In this collection, you’ll find everything from tailored suits to water-resistant puffers, each embracing luxury with a versatile twist. With innovative features such as anti-crease and anti-stress fabrics, this line-up is crafted for active individuals who don’t want to slack on opulence. “It’s all about embracing your strength, never going out of style, and making a statement with ease.” – Naomi Campbell.
A Celebration of Legacy and Future
Needless to say, Harlem’s Fashion Row 2024 is one that we’re bound to remember—and for all the right reasons. From the iconic award ceremony that lifted Black women at every angle to the showstopping looks from upcoming designers of color, the 17th Harlem’s Fashion Row was a success—and we simply can’t wait for the next event!
