When it comes to inclusivity, the fashion industry has made progress on the runways and now behind the seams. The demand for more Black designers has been heard loud and clear as the fashion community has started to recognize and encourage them to showcase their collections. The designers that will present their latest pieces are certainly not new to the New York Fashion Week scene. In fact, they are on their way to creating an empire as several celebrities have been seen in their designs. As NYFW kicks off tomorrow, there are a total are nine black designers showcasing this week. Check them out below.
Victor Glemaud
Victor Glemaud offers an eponymous collection of statement knitwear that is designed for all genders, races, and sizes. Since it’s launch in 2006, Glemaud has received press features and accolades from Vogue, The New York Times, WWD, Esquire and Hypebeast. Celebrities such as Issa Rae, Iman, Christian Combs, Ashley Graham, Selena Gomez, and Hailey Baldwin have worn Glemaud’s trendy pieces.
Christopher John Rogers
After debuting his Spring 2019 collection and receiving great acclaim, Christopher John Rogers is quickly becoming one of the designers to watch. The Baton-Rouge born designer creates a whimsy world of clothes with his brightly colored feminine garments that echo his southern upbringing. Rogers’s cascading tulle, slimming suits and pleated skirts have been worn by the likes of Michelle Obama, Lizzo and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Slashed by Tia
Hailing from Nigeria, but now based in New York City, designer, Teni “Tia” Adeola graduated in May 2019 with her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Culture and Media. Tia created her brand in her dorm room in summer 2017 and was inspired by her art history background and passion for Renaissance. She has been featured in Paper Magazine and CNBC, but will officially debut her latest collection during New York Fashion Week.
Laquan Smith
Laquan Smith has definitely become a household name. His distinctive, sleek and glamorous designs have sparked interest among the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian. In 2018, he dropped a successful capsule collection for ASOS, which proved he could create jaw-dropping red carpet looks as well as moderately priced garments.
Romeo Hunte
Based in New York City, Romeo Hunte’s brand embodies an aesthetic that is cool, conservative and intricate with a balance of feminine and masculine. The Brooklyn born designer emphasizes on outwear that is practical, but also stylish. Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman have all noticed Hunte’s designs. As if recognition from luxury department stores wasn’t enough, Queen Bey herself broke the internet after she was seen wearing a custom dress designed by Romeo Hunte. Celebrities such as Keke Palmer, Laverne Cox and Hailey Baldwin have also worn some of his designs.
Sukeina
Omar Salam is the founder and creative director of the global fashion house, Sukeina. In 2012, the Senegalese designer established Sukeina after his late mother meaning, “bright light.” Salam is known for his high impact pieces with intricate details and folds. His ladylike and glamorous aesthetic is Naomi Campbell’s favorite. Salam wowed the audience at Essence Fashion House back in September, so we are excited to see what his latest collection will feature.
Sergio Hudson
Based in Los Angeles, Sergio Hudson is a luxury women’s ready to wear label. The brand is composed of jaw-dropping statement pieces and wardrobe staples. Every garment is carefully designed and crafted to exude power and sexiness while maintaining elegance and class. Hudson promises that any woman that decides to wear one of his garments is sure to be a showstopper.
Orange Culture
Orange Culture was founded and created by Adebayo Oke-Lawal. He officially turned his unique vision of fashion into a reality in 2011. Adebayo insists that Orange Culture is more than just a label. It is a movement that covers the universal silhouette with an African touch to a creative class of men, translating into a heady mixture of Nigerian inspired print fabrics, color, and contemporary urban streetwear. Orange Culture is one of the first Nigerian brands to begin collaboration within the industry and has inspired many to follow.
Fe Noel
Hailing from Grenada, Fe Noel has had a tremendous reign throughout her career. From collaborating with Lebron James on his first-ever women’s sneaker to launching a Lion King-inspired collection in Bloomingdales, it was only right that Fe Noel won Designer of the Year at the ESSENCE Best In Black Fashion Awards in September. She is unstoppable and is undeniably a favorite in the fashion industry. We patiently await her latest collection, as we are so excited to see what she does next.