For the Spring 2016 installment of New York Fashion Week, we saw black designers at all levels, in a variety of styles, showing across the city. While the number of designers showing at major venues still remains lower than desired, many of the emerging talents provide hope for the future of black fashion designers.
Brother Vellies
The Brooklyn-based designer introduced handbags for the first time in a rich collection that mixed fabrics, leathers, and furs.
(Image Credit: Now Fashion)
Harlem’s Fashion Row Featuring Fe Noel, The Fashion Deli, and M-Sew
This year’s event saw unique spring looks from a range of emerging designers as appearances by Mary J. Blight and honorees Tracee Ellis Ross, and designer Azede Jean-Pierre, among others.
(Image Credit: Getty Images)
DKNY
Public School designers Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow debuted their first collection for the long-running label.
(Image Credit: WWD)
Pyer Moss
The designer made a bold statement in a show that addressed police brutality and systemic racial inequality.
(Image Credit: New York Magazine)
Laquan Smith
The celebrity favorite designer showcased a variety of looks in tweed in a style that managed to be both edgy and classically ladylike.
(Image Credit: Fashionista)
Hood By Air
HBA designer Shayne Oliver delivered a series of streetwear looks that blurred the lines of gender and the avant garde.
(Image Credit: Vogue)
KLS Kimora Lee Simmons
The latest installment of Simmons’ high-end endeavor features wearable looks that are definitely celebrity-ready.
(Image Credit: Vogue)
Public School
Designers Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow pulled double duty this season at both DKNY and their original line. This season appeared more classic cool and less downtown than in the past.
(Image Credit: Vogue)
Telfar
This season saw an even more refined version of his unisex, utilitarian aesthetic.
(Image Credit: Vogue)
Yeezy
Considered one of the hottest tickets this season, the post apocalyptic meets streetwear collection drew much discussion and mixed reviews.
(Image Credit: Vogue)
5:31 JÉRÔME
The designer’s classic, cool, and feminine style gave way for the perfect spring/summer transitional looks.
(Image Credit: Getty Images)
B. Michael America
The veteran designer featured classic looks in a bright palette.
(Image Credit: Getty Images)
Cushnie et Ochs
This season we saw more body-conscious styles with a touch of retro sweetness.
(Image Credit: WWD)
Harbison
This season saw a mix of statement details and embellishments added to classic silhouettes.
(Image Credit: WWD)
Rubin Chapelle
Bright, bold, patterned, and perfect for Spring.
(Image Credit: New York Magazine)
Serena Williams Signature Statement
Back in August, the word class athlete spoke of her plans to expand her fashion empire. This season we saw a series of wearable and relatable looks that fans of Williams will definitely be sporting.
(Image Credit: New York Magazine)
Tracy Reese
The New York Fashion Week veteran featured more of her distinct, feminine, and cool looks.
(Image Credit: Now Fashion)
Eni (Hers) by Olorgeasilie Maasai Women Artisans of Kenya and Idia’Dega
The latest collection from this unique collaboration line centered around the power of women. The designers drew inspiration from President Obama’s visit to Kenya earlier this year, during which he delivered a speech on the importance of valuing girls and women, in order to build a strong society..
(Image Credit: Now Fashion)
