Oh, what a night! For Black History Month, Macy’s and Harlem Fashion Row (HFR) teamed-up and together, presented an amazing fashion platform. Founded by Brandice Daniel in 2007, HFR is a cultural platform that supports designers of color.
It was cold outside on the night of the presentation, but the explosion of fashion news at Macy’s Herald Square’s was sizzling hot. All the beautiful people were dressed in fabulous fashions, socializing and listening to the latest music as they sipped cocktails and enjoyed appetizing hors d’oeuvres. While introducing several emerging designers, the affair offered VIP guests an early opportunity to shop the collections of Black designers located on Macy’s mezzanine floor.
The fashions of the emerging designers were off the hook with style, color, cuts, and shapes for all body sizes. Fashion, as always, has changed, especially for the younger folks. This season, dress in clothes that give you comfort in your personal style. Be creative and selective.
At this Macy’s/HFR show, the look was what looks good on your body. You must dress for your body. These young designers put on quite a show! Their designs were for women of all sizes. Good American, a brand designed by Emma Grede and Khloe Kardashian, introduced a splendid women’s collection. Bruce Glen’s colorful patchwork print and pattern collection received applause on the runway. His well-constructed designs looked comfortable and fashion forward.
Undra Celeste Duncan showed a smashing woman’s ready-to-wear line. Montee Holland’s men’s classic collection encompassed traditional cuts and impeccable tailoring. His Tayion collection was elegant. Aaron Potts introduced a great ready-to-wear line for women and men. Krystal A. Phillips presented outstanding women’s looks. Flore K. NY designed accessories. The shoe designer was Ashlee Hallman.
Macy’s employees were the featured models for the show. These beautiful ladies and gents were all superbly talented and professional as they stepped up and down the runway.
The event included a lively panel discussion about fashion today. The panel introduced two designers, Krystal A. Phillips and Montee Holland, along with Simone Laws, Macy’s Diverse, Equity, & Inclusion executive, and moderator Brandice Daniel, who opened the fashion business discussion with “Happy Black History Month.” She asked “What’s motivating designers today?” “Designers must design clothes that people want,” said designer Montee Holland. “Culture moves fashion,” commented Simone Laws. “Fashion doesn’t move without culture.”
This collaboration between Macy’s and Harlem Fashion Row opens a new door to fashion in NYC, putting Black designers back on the fashion map. I haven’t seen such excitement for Black fashion designers since the days of the late, great Willi Smith and Scott Barrie, and Stephen Burrows, who’s still creating fashion news. It was a joy to witness folks celebrating and dressed quite stylishly on Macy’s mezzanine. This was an amazing Black History Month event!