I recently had the pleasure of attending Harlem Fashion Row’s Style awards. In an industry that’s known to throw more shade than North West everyone was complimenting and applauding one another with sincerity and encouraging newcomers to join their ranks. It was an environment filled with love and possibility.
Read more about this wonderful evening below.
Seeing Misa Hylton receive much deserved shine was amazing. Seriously who didn’t want to be Mary J. Blige in that backwards baseball cap? I may have been just a little girl at the time but but seeing the way her style changed the game with looks like the ones seen in the video for “I Can Love You” said something to me.
Tracee Ellis Ross was definitely saying something in her acceptance speech. She spoke confidently about fashion as self-expression and the industry’s undeniable value in spite of what some might deem to be it’s frivolous nature. It was truly moving.
Hugs and laughter uplifted the room in the preliminary cocktail hour sponsored by Hennessy where the likes of super stylist Ty Hunter, DJ Olivia Dope, and designer Kimberly Goldson milled around the room.
I was seated behind the ever so fabulous Janice Combs who blessed me with a smile in response to my complimenting her gold lattice earrings. Other front row attendees included author and “Blood, Sweat, and Heels” star Demetria Lucas and Essence.com beauty editor Deena Campbell.
The show included work from stunning young designers, including Fe Noel who actually found a way to freshen up nautical style!
It was truly an amazing evening and I was honored to be in attendance.
Check out information about Harlem’s Fashion Row here.
-Keyaira N. Boone