Highlights from New York Fashion Week
By NaTyshca Pickett
I had the pleasure of attending New York Fashion week, September 9 - 14, as a correspondent for two shows. VIP New York Fashion Week International, featuring Young Gods Clothing and Noir Fashion Week
Both shows featured designers who are making waves in the fashion scene. If you want to stay up to date with upcoming fashion trends, these are the designers you’d want to follow.
Noir Fashion Week Showcase
During the highly regarded New York Fashion Week, melanated fashion designers from all over the globe gathered for a presentation called Noir Fashion Week (NFWK). Founded by Nichole Bess, in addition to recognizing the contributions of designers of color, their hope is to foster an environment conducive to the spread of diversity and acceptance. The Black Fashion Foundation is a non-profit organization that, in collaboration with the fashion industry's best, will provide a variety of services, including scholarships, production, stockist placement, public relations, marketing, and branding.
This year NFWK presented designers who shared their Spring/Summer 2023 collections. Those brands included:
The Edessa School of Fashion, with designs by Andre Purdy, Sabrina Lombardo, Stephanie Schultz.
Emerging Designers - Bold Culture, MaDavi & Co, C.Rose.
The Fashion Dot Collective - Arelia’s Dream, Bella Grind, By A'jenae, Sassy Struts Shoes.
Ratchet Luxury - According to their website, the Founder behind the brand wanted to make a product that reflected the formative years of their life. Having functional, upscale pieces was a priority for them. Minimalist, Extremely Ornate, Culturally Respectful Pieces.
Prêt-à-Porter - Enjeanious Jewels, 8892, Chris Pyrate, Taylord by God and Lord by God, Safa Designs, NUOVI by Najah, Urban Zulu
Aart NYC - Created by Shaquita Garcia.
Arizona Coffea & Coffea Flair Editor-in-Chief, NaTyshca Pickett with Aart NYC Designer Shaquita Garcia
Each designer brought something unique for everyone to experience. I had a chance to speak with emerging designer, Fuquan Forest, of Bold Culture and he expressed his appreciation for his showcase. “It’s amazing that I can come here and get the love that I get for the the work that I produce. I’m grateful that Nichole gave me an opportunity to showcase my brand on a larger scale.”
New York Fashion Week Young Gods Showcase
Model: Rayya Majid-Ahad taking a pose on time square after walking in the Young Gods showcase.
Photo credit: Arizona Coffea Magazine
New York City-based fashion designer Eunika Simmons and her sons, Nigel and Carlos, launched their clothing line, Young Gods, in 2015. They launched a label to stand in for the aspirational, fashion-forward youth of today, who are making strides toward a better world.
The showcase featured bold looks and bright colors for the Spring/Summer 2023 season.
Be sure to follow NYFK BLK and all the designers listed to stay connected and support. Share their information with everyone you know. Also, be sure to purchase their items. I know I will be hitting a few of them up to get me together for a few more events I have for the remainder of the year.