NYFW S/S’14 – Harlem Fashion Row pop-up shop

Fashion lovers didn’t have to go very far past the heart of Times Square to get a preview of the immense talent of designers at The Harlem Fashion Row (HFR) pop-up shop. The attention grabbing live model window display in the lobby of The Renaissance Hotel built exciting anticipation of what was in store for the evening.  

The hotel’s R Lounge was transformed into a fashion playground for uptown designers of colour to showcase their talents downtown. The tastefully decorated lounge had a lively atmosphere complete with an in house DJ, delicious hors d’oevres, beauty stations for hair and make-up and a fun photo booth. HFR ingeniously used the notorious 42^nd street area as a natural backdrop capturing the true essence of New York City.  Models for the designers alternated poses and were cleverly placed on ledges towering above the stylish crowd. The bustling lights and action of the city perfectly highlighted the rich material and vibrant colors of Kimberly Goldson’s clothing line, the African influenced prints of Kahnido Mateene’s Modahnik collection and the flashing lights accentuated the embellished pieces from twin brothers Bruce and Glen Proctor to name a few.

Fashion and accessory purveyors were all smiles as photographers and consumers touched and tried on their creations. African American celebrities in fashion and entertainment supported the efforts of HFR aligning their star power with the budding designers. Debra Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET was seen trying on the delicate and intricate hand creations of 108 stitches by Harriette Cole and writer and image activist Michaela Angela Davis graced the crowd and conversed with the talented group of entrepreneurs.

Harlem Fashion Row continues to be a sought after platform to bridge the gap between designers of colour and mainstream fashion influencers. With effective events like this, it’s no wonder HFR considers their mission a movement.

Kamilah Dunbar