Janet Jackson and Issa Rae are two notable attendees of Harlem’s Fashion Row The 15th Anniversary Fashion and Style Awards in New York on Tuesday night. The fascinating event greeted a star-studded crowd at the General Grant National Monument in Harlem, to celebrate the countless contributions of black visionaries in the fashion industry.
Janet Jackson was honored with the Icon of the Year Award at the after-party, and she certainly dressed up as a woman of the time. The singer looked fancy in a brown tiered tulle dress, paired with a cropped open front jacket and a patterned t-shirt in red and navy blue. She equips a number of pieces of jewelry, including a bunch of large and small bracelets (some of them designed in striking marble) and silver hoop earrings. Her black dresses were styled in a half bun, framing her seductively light makeup.
Meanwhile, Issa Rae also had an epic night as the first to receive the award Virgil Abloh The award – a distinction is given to those who embody the brilliance and vision of the late multi-hyphen designer through contributions to culture and community, according to a press release. The “Insecure” star stood out on the red carpet in a mini dress with a leaf print. The light blue design featured long sleeves and tight bodice, reaching down to her thighs to show off her legs to the full. She finished with tall black mules, a couple of silver rings and matching statement earrings.
Other honorees include Sergio Hudson, who was named Designer of the Year; Robin Givhan who received the Editor of the Year award; and Ade Samuel, who was named Stylist of the Year. The event included a fashion show featuring three emerging Black designers: Clarence Ruth, Johnathan Haydenand Nicole Benefield. Ruth’s collection for Cotte D’Armes is a counter study, with structured jumpsuits paired with a motorcycle helmet and ruffled white coats paired with casual denim jackets. Benefield has introduced liquid separators in neutral tones, like flared coats, sheer jackets and two-tone maxi dresses. For his Deus Ex Machina line, Hayden dressed models in intricately patterned printed gowns and gowns, each decorated with pearls adorning their hair and eyebrows.
All three designers received Harlem’s Fashion Row ICON 360 grants to fund their businesses, presented by Louis Vuitton Americas; and they were paired with an executive advisor from the fashion house to guide their careers in design. Harlem’s Fashion Row was founded by Brandice Daniel as a resource to elevate Black designers and help them achieve sustainability in the fashion industry. Daniel also made a strong impression at the event when wearing a mini dress with feathers.
Up front, appreciate the celebrity outfits and designs on display at Harlem’s Fashion Row.
