Harlem’s Fashion Row to honor Erykah Badu at NYFW kickoff

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) will host its 19th Annual Fashion Show & Style Awards on September 8 at The Glasshouse in New York City, serving as a kickoff for New York Fashion Week. The event celebrates Black culture and creativity within the fashion industry.

Key honorees include Erykah Badu, who will receive the Fashion Icon Award, and Brandon Blackwood, named Designer of the Year. Other award recipients include Wisdom Kaye (Virgil Abloh Award), Audrey Smaltz (Ann Lowe Maverick Award), Jahleel Weaver (Stylist of the Year), and Recho Omondi (Editor of the Year).

The event will also feature collections from the Runway Ahead Designer Fellowship, including Waina Chancy of Atelier Ndigo, Rey Jaiteh, and Chuks Collins. The fellowship provides mentorship and business support, with one designer set to receive a $100,000 prize.