New York Fashion Week (NYFW) vibrantly displayed Spring 2025 previews, proving fashion’s importance ranks high. Black brands showcased their collections at House of Sound for RAISEfashion on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The organization’s founder, Felita Harris, led this network and community of designers, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts. She and her team hosted an exclusive preview of collections from emerging designers as well as the latest trends and innovative styles. The location’s structure encouraged guests to visit every floor with the opportunity to be up close and personal with designers. The event was very intentional, placing designers on specific floors, with swimwear on the rooftop level.
Vontélle Eyewear, a Black-owned luxury eyewear brand, was conveniently on the house’s third floor, amid all the networking attendees. Vontélle owner Tracy Green applauded the positive energy and dedicated space for Black people to be fashionable, connected, and enjoy themselves.
“With RAISEfashion, Felita Harris’ main goal is to highlight Black designers from different parts,” said Green. “It’s really a collective and she’s highlighting us, and she invites those department retailers [telling them], ‘these are the hot new designers, you need these people in your stores.’”
Designers specialized in bags, clothing, eyewear, shoes, and jewelry. Vontélle is available in upscale stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and America’s Best.
“We’re the first Black-owned and woman brand there,” said Green. “We are trailblazing!”
Vontélle displayed their 50th year hip-hop capsule collection and their Kadeem Hardison flip up glasses. Green emphasized that consumers could put any prescription in any desired pair of frames.
Brenika Banks photos
Burkindy jewelry display at RAISEfashion event during NYFW. 
Vontélle Eyewear owner Tracy Green (left) standing in front of her display at RAISEfashion event during NYFW. 
RAISEfashion’s founder Felita Harris posing with Vontélle Eyewear frames. 
RAISEfashion visitor trying on Burkindy jewelry. 
Burkindy jewelry owner with RAISEfashion’s founder Felita Harris. 
RAISEfashion visitor trying on Vontélle Eyewear frames. 
RAISEfashion founder Felita Harris with designer Bobby Joseph. 
Abercrombie & Fitch designers (from left to right) Alanta Slone, Janae Harmon, and TyAnn Amos in front of their display.
“We want the Amsterdam News readers to know there’s another option out here for you,” she said.
Harris was active the entire day, moving from floor to floor, communicating with her designers.
“I am so proud of the designers, their creativity, their innovation, and for showcasing that exceptional talent exists with BIPOC emerging designers,” said Harris.
She multitasked by talking with everyone while taking professional photos and videos. Her team assisted with making sure things ran smoothly.
“This has exceeded our expectations and the number of brands that we can support through our New York Fashion Week Preview,” Harris said. “It has exceeded our expectations in the partnerships that we’ve fostered and understanding that there are companies still committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.”
“Felita puts on a fantastic showing, she’s a star,” said Bobby Joseph. As a designer, his eponymous brand teamed up with Pupil Apparel, owned by Tim Gray. The two, who have worked together on projects since the mid-1990s, relished their first time at NYFW.
“This is all full circle for me,” said Joseph. “The first NBA collection that I designed was actually for FUBU.” He proudly reflected on this stage in his career where he designs NBA products with no restrictions.
“This fits the bill with the contribution of the Bobby Joseph assortment,” said Gray. “[Bobby’s] stuff is always filled with colors, patterns and print, with inspiration from African prints — that’s what he brought to this venture.” Both Gray and Joseph used their showcasing at RAISEfashion to tease their varsity jackets.
Other designers cherishing their first time at RAISEfashion during NYFW were a trio from Abercrombie & Fitch: Janae Harmon, TyAnn Amos, and Alanta Slone were thrilled by the creative freedom that allowed them to produce their Spring 2025 collection. Harmon described Slone’s ‘90s inspired imagery as “modern, luxury Black girl vibes.”
Harmon, meanwhile, was inspired by TLC’s CrazySexyCool era. She liked the dynamics of the group and emphasized that all three elements can be embodied simultaneously, not one per person.
“In 2024, you can be all of those things in one day,” said Harmon. “That’s the basis of this collection that helped us get here — we wanted pieces that could literally do all of those [TLC] things.” The trio were very thoughtful with their approach to this Spring 2025 collection. Though 90s inspired, the ladies strategically modernized the looks for the RAISEfashion event.
Amos said collaborating with RAISEfashion as well as Abercrombie & Fitch was amazing.
“I feel like honestly just being in a space with people that look like you, that are supporting you, encouraging you, pouring into you, sharing advice with each other — it’s such a great space to be in,” said Amos.
Slone added how delighted the three ladies were with orchestrating how the photoshoot for the collection went, with Black models and a Black photographer. They were grateful for being able to “take the reins” and have full creative control. “It’s amazing to be with a company that supports people that look like you,” said Slone. “We hope this is the first of many.”
For more information, visit www.raisefashionnow.org/ and www.vontelle.com.
