When it comes to breaking through in the world of fashion, black designers remain at a disadvantage—which is why fashion lover Brandice Daniel founded Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR), to give much-needed exposure and support the designers who need it most. Twelve years later, the enterprise has grown tremendously, hosting a cadre of celebs at its annual fashion show and garnering recognition and partnerships with the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), Google and Nike, with whom HFR released a coveted collaboration, the HFR x LeBron 16 (now in its second edition). Notably, the sneaker was co-designed by HFR-sponsored black female designers Kimberly Golson, Fe Noel and Undra Celeste.
Now, Nike and HFR are teaming up again to cultivate and inspire the next crop of designers of color with the first annual HFR Designer Retreat, presented by the sportswear juggernaut. HFR announced its newest venture, which will be taking place in New York City from June 27-29, on Instagram, via a Save the Date.
What do we know so far? Well not much, as HFR and Nike are still finalizing details on what will be a limited space opportunity, with access to some of the best in the business. But as designers who’ve worked with HFR can attest, the support can be career-changing.
“We are living exactly the change that we say want to see,” said Goldson, who dressed Bevy Smith for this year’s Met Gala, to The Glow Up last fall. “Through this process, we have been so transparent and vulnerable with each other, sharing resources, and tools, and ideas, and information, lifting each other up—whether it be in business, or design, or our personal lives—we have already shown the industry how it can be done.”
The Glow Up tip: Want to be the first to know when applications open for the first HFR Designer Retreat? Sign up on their subscription page to stay up-to-date on all the developments.