Harlem’s Fashion Row was established to shine a spotlight on talented yet oft overlooked minority talent. For its third annual event, the Row showcased four emerging designers of color. Take a look at the ones to watch!
Viscera NY
Regal chocolate queens sat on pedestals surrounded by palm fronds, posing in short and floor skimming frocks in citron, burnt orange, fuchsia, and bronze.
The line called Viscera NY was imagined by South Carolina native Sherita Jennings, a graduate of Philadelphia’s Moore College of Art and Design. Jennings apprenticed with Cynthia Rowley and Douglas Hanant before launching the line. See more Viscera designs at www.viscerany.com.
Sammy B
While most exhibits allowed visitors to view models as still works of art, Sammy B’s presentation featured models who moved, stomping the runway in Christian Louboutin heels, switching into various diva like poses, and even rotating on a spinning platform. Sammy B was all about avant garde, from the models’ high ponytails and fierce makeup to their thigh and stomach revealing pieces made out of sheer black, beige, and white fabrics.
Samantha Black, the designer of Sammy B, is a graduate of Pratt Institute, and has worked for Alexander McQueen, Jill Stuart, and Michael Kors. With the tag, “cool womenswear with a street cred edge,” Sammy B designs are available at www.sammybdesigns.com or at specialty boutiques nationwide.
Niiamar
Simple and breathtaking evening gowns in different hues of brown were the rule for Niiamar’s presentation. The designer of the eponymous line is a graduate of Florida A&M University, and worked with celebrated African-American designer Kevan Hall (read our profile of Kevan Hall here.) Niiamar served as lead costume designer for Off Broadway productions, “Kiss me Kate” and “The Doll Confessions.” Read more about Niiamar and his line at www.niiamar.com.
Telfar
A 2006 winner of the Gen Art Fresh Faces of Fashion Award, Telfar is best known for his versatile, multi-function pieces. His Spring/Summer 2011 men’s collection includes summer basics with a tough twist, and fun pieces like pants that can be converted to shorts and cut out tanks. Focusing on reds, yellow, blues, and whites, Telfar also takes the typical khaki short a step further by adding large pockets to hold Iphones and Ipods. Telfar says, “My goal is to make clothes for every man and for every age. My clothes transcend age and gender.” See more at www.telfar.net.
What do you think of Harlem’s Fashion Row designers?
Check out this video for more information on the annual event:
Harlem’s Fashion Row from CJ Something on Vimeo.
~Thanks Arlene!
September 20, 2010 12:12 pm
Loves it all! Especially Sammy B and Viscera NY, HOT!
September 21, 2010 2:09 am
Oh bless you FBD! You bring me pics of events I have not seen anywhere. For that I think you. This event has class and innovation written all over it. Nice profiles. Thank you!!!!
September 21, 2010 3:02 pm
I agree with Mz. Bronze… nobody else covers this kind of thing and I am SO impressed by the designs! It’s exciting!
September 25, 2010 10:36 am
more from telfar!! anyone?
April 12, 2011 10:31 am
[...] B Designs first flew onto my chic radar at last year’s Harlem’s Fashion Row, where the Pratt graduate showcased looks characterized by cut outs and sheer paneling on a landing [...]