Last Saturday afternoon, New York designer Edwing D’Angelo presented a dazzling pop-up evening fashion collection at the Learning & Education (LES) 10th Anniversary Celebration Block Party on West 131st Street (off Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.). D’Angelo dedicated his show to client appreciation, and most of his models were clients who sashayed up and down the street, feeling fabulous and looking opulent and elegant in their ensembles.
It was a hot, sunny day in Harlem, and folks on the block were out in full swing. While sitting on stoops, chatting on the sidewalk, or visiting vendors, families, friends, and neighbors all enjoyed loudspeaker music, live hip-hop performers, delicious food, games, and jumping rope. There were special scholarship prizes for children who won dance contests, the block’s residents and guests donned stylish outfits. The main event on Saturday was atelier D’Angelo’s fashion presentation, which he usually shows in Harlem on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. during Fashion Week. His fashion showcase collection and models simply pumped up the volume.
Photos by Renee Minus White/A Time to Style
Minutes before the show, the announcer screamed, “Everyone, please, on the sidewalk” to folks on the street. “Let’s make a runway on the street for a surprise fashion show!” “What?” some people questioned. In minutes, there was a runway, and while the music continued to sound the latest hits, D’Angelo’s elegant, custom-made fashions for men, women, and children appeared. Invitations had gone out to all of the shop’s clients who purchased one of their designs. This was a tremendous, special opportunity for these clients to wear their D’Angelo ensembles again and feel fabulous. Most of them purchased their outfits for a specific occasion, and many never wore the dress or suit again. The models were absolutely professional once they hit the runway.
Before the show, I found D’Angelo at his boutique and workroom at 2231 Adam Clayton Blvd, dressing, fitting, and styling garments on each of Saturday’s guest models. Even his shop has a runway. A beautiful selection of ready-to-wear, one-of-a-kind, custom-made haute couture creations is on display.
Aside from designing in Harlem, D’Angelo works in Colombia with Somos Color, featuring his Afro-Colombian rooted talents and inspiration from a large Afro-Colombian population. According to D’Angelo, “Harlem offers a rich history and dynamic cultural presence.” He strongly supports the Harlem community. His clients, both men and women, enjoy wearing his custom-designed clothes.
What’s next for this top designer? Atelier Edwing D’Angelo plans to open shops in Miami and Cartagena. Be sure to look out for his upcoming dream design collection, “The Edwing D’Angelo Home Collection.”
Store hours are Monday and Tuesday by appointment only; and Wednesday to Sunday, 12 noon to 8 p.m. For more info, visit edwingdangelo.com.
Wonderful coverage of a creative and inspiring fashion event! The article beautifully captures the energy, talent, and community spirit behind the runway show. I especially enjoyed the focus on emerging designers and the celebration of fashion as a form of self-expression and cultural storytelling.