Amidst the 78 designers hosting shows and presentations at NY Fashion Week’s Lincoln Center location, there are few brown faces included on the designer roster, along with a surprising lack of African-American’s modeling in shows – despite fashion’s diverse consumership.
However, Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) serves as a fresh beam of light and through their annual fashion show and style award event, the group celebrates emerging designers and fashion media of color.
At this years event, which took place on Saturday evening at a venue in NYC’s West Side, fashion folk, celebs and media, gathered to view 2014 style award recipients; supermodel Beverly Johnson (receiving the Icon 360 award), former Essence Editor-At-Large, Emil Wilbekin (Maverick Award), and Huffington Post Style Editor, Julee Wilson (Journalist of The Year).
Johnson used her acceptance speech platform to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her Vogue cover and shout-out her family in the audience but took a more serious tone when she commented her thoughts on the lack of diversity in the industry. “Though we’ve made great strides, there still needs to be more color on the runway”, said Johnson.
Immediately following the award show, a line-up of both up-and-coming and established designers displayed an array of garments ranging from streetwear to high-fashion. Guests spied rapper, Fat Joe on the runway, showing off his new slim physique in designs from Harlem Haberdashery. Former ANTM contestant Bre Scullark, also walked in the show in K. Milele, but experienced a major wardrobe malfunction. Despite the full on boob-bare, Bre enticed the crowd and kept the show moving.
Other notable celeb attendees in the crowd included Bey’s stylist Ty Hunter, model Shaun Ross, Bevy Smith and Ms. Lawrence of Bravo’s Fashion Queens and Blood, Sweat, & Heels reality star Geneva S. Thomas.
Here’s a few more flicks from Harlem’s Fashion Row Style Awards and Fashion Show Event:
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY
