The distinct sound of the legendary black model and fashion icon Audrey Smaltz as the voice of God, the long standing mentor of Harlem’s Fashion Row’s (HFR) CEO and Founder, Brandice Daniel, opened the 13th annual Style Awards and digital fashion show experience with an overview of Daniel’s dedication to the promotion of black designers in the fashion industry. The retrospective also included commentary from black industry leaders such as Dapper Dan, Jason Rembert, Misa Hylton, and April Walker. Brandice’s dedication to HFR and passion to uplift the black designers it serves was evident in the impeccable production, the pristine focus on emerging talent, and the selection of black honorees who are revolutionizing the industry.
The Style Awards honored Lindsay Peoples Wagner of Teen VOGUE as “Editor of the Year,” Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss as “Designer of the Year,” Edward Enninful of British VOGUE as “Maverick of the Year,” and Nate Hinton of the Hinton Group as “Publicist of the Year.” Introductions featured appearances by actress Tracee Ellis Ross and VOGUE Editor in Chief, Artistic Director and Global Advisor of Condé Nast, Anna Wintour.
HFR also showcased three new Spring 2021 designer collections on colorful runways reminiscent of upbeat R&B music videos from the early 2000s (It was fun and vibrant!):
Kimberly Goldson, whose collection focused on the complexities and beauty of black hair and bold metallic tailored suiting:
Limited Edition AMARA Cornrows Sweatshirt Dress, $198.00
Designers Richfresh and Kristian Loren also featured their collections.
HFR also announced that each designer would feature a design in the new HFR x Janie and Jack children’s collection available on October 10th! See a sneak peek below and save your coins now:
Nike, Gap, Inc., and Shea Moisture were presenting sponsors behind the production. Year after year, Brandice Daniel continues to elevate HFR shows to new heights, and a year bombarded by a pandemic, racial unrest, and political uncertainty, was of no exception. You can view a replay of the show on September 19th, sign up here.
