During NYFW, TheBlondMisfit was invited to take a look at some of the latest collections from Harlem Fashion Week’s show, boasting black designers that are briding Downtown fashion to Uptown vibes.
Not only was it helping to showcase different aspects of the fashion industry, but it really gave a platform for emerging designers to thrive and be seen. 
This year, there were three presentations by different designers. At 7:30, YJNY, Huda, Simply Greta, and Mamadou Fall all showed their collections.
At 8:30, Laidiecloth, Ddepeine, Lall Dass, ChokoMODE, Plume Designs, and Andrea Smith all showed their eclectic collections. Finally, at 9:30, there was Kheris Rogers, Mieko McKay, Amme Collection, YJNY.
Now, if you’ve never heard of Harlem Fashion Week (not to be confused with Harlem Fashion Row), it’s a beautiful story centered around the dynamic mother-daughter team of Tandra Birkett and Yvonne Jewnell. Yvonne Jewnell New York is an award winning women’s wear company that creates clothing that promotes women empowerment and celebrates culture from across the globe. YJNY create garments with an ethnically inspired message of overcoming obstacles and revitalizing strength.
Established in 2010 Yvonne Jewnell New York has produced an annual fashion show and fashion events, showcasing emerging designers and young entrepreneurs; including a Holiday pop up shop at Aldo’s in Rockefeller Center in New York City and the Black Couture Fashion Charity Event which showcased 10 designers, had 500 guest in attendance and raised over $10,000 for the Dream Scholarship fund.
YJNY has also participated in Fashion Week productions all around the world from locations such as London, the Caribbean, Atlanta, D.C. and New York. Yvonne received the award for the best emerging designer at the 2014 Caribbean Fashion Week and as a transformational leader Tandra has received the volunteer service award for her work in the community from the office of the President of the United States.
It was my first time attending the coveted fashion show, but it certainly won’t be my last. In a time where black designers seem to be decreasing while the need for our voices increases, it was beautiful to see people come together and celebrate brown skin and multicultural beauty.
There’s so much more content that we captured, but you’ll have to see it all on our Youtube channel! What do you think? Also, shout out to J. Visuals who captured this amazing photography of the shows. She’s dope, beautiful, and definitely talented.
