For Fall ’25 Fashion Week, Runway 7 Seven hosted a four-day view of today’s young international designers. Right in the heart of NYC’s theater district, they presented an array of fabulous fashions on the runway. Music was blasting and crowds were mixed, with editors, fashion VIPs, merchandisers, and special guests in standing-room venues. The clothes are wearable, colorful, figure-flattering, and enhanced with outstanding details. The basic themes were excellence and elegance.
Brooklyn designer Tyran Marquis was in the lineup at last week’s Runway 7 shows. His show, “Opulent 2025,” was a classic, impeccably tailored collection. Victorian glamour and beautiful Black women of the past such as Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horne inspired Marquis. His fabrics were rich silks, taffeta, and Mikado, in bright colors with an occasional pastel gown in the mix. On the runway, his cocktail and evening wear collection shimmered in elegance. He paid special attention to details such as flounces, appliqué, peplum cuts on jackets, decorated covered buttons, and beading.
Photos by EJ Creative, NYC, courtesy of Tyran Marquis
For this show, Marquis handpicked seven gorgeous models. “I created each design to fit their individual personalities,” he said. These ladies sashayed up and down the runway with sophistication and style.
Marquis comes from Jamaica, Queens, where his mother, aunts, and grandmother raised him and were his mentors. “As a child, I used to gather rags [and] damaged materials and create new garments for my line,” he recalled.
To attend Fashion Week shows, folks didn’t mind standing in long lines and braving the cold while waiting to enter. Interesting to note were the number of new, unsung designers on the schedule, which signals a fashion industry comeback. Many of the older fashion houses closed during COVID, but this venue was filled with new designers. There were, however, many exceptions, like designer Naeem Khan, who was also on the Runway 7 bill. He’s known for his opulent designs, and this collection was no exception. Other designers showed in smaller venues to more private crowds.
IZAYAH, a new Black menswear designer, presented a well-constructed sportswear collection for men. His colors and styles were crisp, wearable, and stylish. (I was seated close to a family member of his, who shouted out, “He’s from New Jersey!”) There were smashing blue-and-white tie-dye pants and jacket setups, a yellow outfit with over-pant panels, and several smart-looking outfits.
Lastly, look out for the designer house Diamond & Pearls Fashions. They presented glittery, shapely styles and a show-stopping strapless print gown.
In general, NYFW is back, and folks are making lots of noise about it.