Much like Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying performance during the Super Bowl halftime show, the essence of New York Fashion Week 2025 was unapologetically Blackety-Black Black.
Held earlier this month at various locations throughout New York City that included the Starrett-Lehigh Building and the historic West Edge, the profound impact of the diaspora was on full display. The influence was clearly visible not only in the participation of Black designers during all 54 shows of New York Fashion Week, but also in how these visionaries are actively shaping fashion’s future.
The designers’ work made it clear that Black creativity is never fleeting.
It is a fundamental force that has transformed both the industry and the world around us. From the very beginning, Black couturiers have led the way in innovation, establishing trends and styles that resonate deeply within their industry and beyond. They have filled the world with their unique perspectives, paving the way for countless others to follow and ensuring that Black voices will continue to play a vital role in the creative conversation.
Elizabeth Keckley was a skilled seamstress who created designs for prominent figures, including first lady Mary Todd Lincoln in the 1860s. She was not only talented in her craft but also a remarkable figure in American history. Keckley used her design abilities to purchase her freedom, as noted in her stunning autobiography, which confronted the typical racial stereotypes found in slave narratives. Similarly, Zelda Wynn Valdez broke barriers as the first Black designer to open a shop on Broadway, dressing icons like Josephine Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. Anne Lowe, who created Jacqueline Kennedy’s famous silk taffeta wedding dress in 1953, proved how Black designers could reach the highest echelons of fashion. Stephen Burrows, known for embodying the independence of women in the 1970s, was the first Black designer to achieve international acclaim. He showed that Black creativity could challenge conventional concepts and make fashion accessible to everyone.
Staying true to this authentic spirit, the autumn/winter 2025 lineup of Black designers at NYFW was also a testament to innovation. From the elegant, historical inspirations of Nigerian native Tia Adeola to A.Potts’ fluid, gender-neutral designs; and from Sergio Hudson’s bold message that told women to stand in their power to LaQuan Smith’s fearless luxury, together they carry on a legacy of Black sartorial artistry that continues to defy restraint and limitations.
Here’s a roundup of eight of the incredible Black designers who showcased their work at NWFW ‘25, in case you missed it.
Christopher John Rogers
Christopher John Rogers is known for his amazing use of color, and he has made RGBIV a key part of his brand, as shown by the bright Crayola colors that filled the seats at Brooklyn’s Agger Fish Building.
For his return to New York Fashion Week, he presented a collection called “Exhale,” meant to give back to his supporters and remind them that seeking happiness, especially when individuals are facing challenges to their identities, is a way to stand strong.
A. Potts
A. Potts introduced his NYFW ‘25 collection in collaboration between Gap and Harlem Fashion Row, in a mix of casual street style and unique tailoring that showed how creativity and comfort can work together seamlessly.
Rich jerseys and knits were crafted into roomy jumpsuits, long coats and dresses that hug the body, blending structure with softness. The line featured deep blacks and dark grays, highlighted by a bright orange splash, adding a sense of mystery and energy. The tall, textured hats created a dramatic effect, while the layered designs and uneven shapes added a sense of movement to each outfit.
Sergio Hudson
Hudson’s approach to designing a three-piece suit, especially this season with classic shirts and ties, feels incredibly modern, and it’s no surprise that influential figures like first ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden are drawn to his tailored styles. For the fall collection, he showcased these designs in rich shades of purple, red and vibrant blue, a mark of how the Sergio Hudson woman is certainly not shy about making a bold statement with color.
“Our customer wants it,” Hudson said in a recent interview. “I did a spring capsule collection where it was all neutrals—and nobody bought it!”
Tia Adeola
Two years ago, Tia Adeola chose to skip New York Fashion Week and instead, made a short video to show off her Spring/Summer 2024 collection. This month, the Nigerian-born designer, who grew up in London, made a big comeback in New York with a lavish runway show that also celebrated her ten years in the business.
Her brand is known for its unique ruffle designs, and they are featured prominently in her latest collection. These ruffles are beautifully integrated into sheer skirts, soft blue crop tops and decorative patches on pants. The line also includes daring pieces, like see-through dresses, stylish mini dresses with keyhole cutouts and sparkly sequined outfits, all designed with fresh shapes and patterns that reflect her Nigerian heritage.
Diotima
Diotima’s Rachel Scott, the 2024 CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year, and a proud Jamaican, infused her latest collection with fresh perspectives drawn from her home life. Her designs boast intricate details that create a sense of allure while ensuring they remain practical for everyday wear.
While designing her collection, Scott requested her community to share photos of their grandmothers, aiming to capture their essence beyond just their clothing. In an interview with Vogue, she noted the historical difficulty in finding images of Black or Caribbean women, often portraying them in a one-dimensional way.
“Women are typically depicted as either stoic or strong, and that’s where it ends,” she explained. “There’s a lack of nuance, a lack of complexity.”
The line was definitely successful at tackling some of those issues well, showing a great mix of Caribbean art, deconstructed silhouettes and modern sensuality.
Laquan Smith
Smith’s newest collection perfectly captures his hallmark style: bold, alluring, and, as he puts it, “a little bit dangerous.”
He took the timeless and typically understated houndstooth pattern and transformed it into a bold statement for the office by using pony hair for a cropped jacket trimmed in patent leather, paired with a pencil skirt featuring an eye-catching high slit. The collection was completed with tailored blazers in wool and tweed, alongside a luxurious silk blouse adorned with shimmering pinstripes, aimed at celebrating, “…my woman who is obsessed with her body and loves to go out and have a great time and really be empowered by her own humanity.”
Frederick Anderson
Frederick Anderson showcased his Fall 2025 collection at the iconic Paradise Club, inspired by ’90s gothic glam, and the cozy yet grand venue complemented the captivating fabrics of his work. One standout look featured a shimmering burgundy top with a moiré design, vintage puff sleeves and a structured black corset that defined the waist. A scoop neckline was enhanced by a black choker and a vibrant red flower, adding a romantic touch. The models wore sheer black pants with vertical stripes, creating height and fluidity, paired with low-waisted black briefs underneath.
Edwing D’Angelo
This month, New York’s fashion elite gathered to celebrate designer Edwing D’Angelo, an Afro-Colombian from Harlem, who marked the fifth anniversary of his design studio with a star-studded fundraiser that blended high fashion and charity.
The event highlighted Harlem’s vibrant culture, featuring a red carpet, special cocktails, and local cuisine. Notable attendees included actress Sherri Shepherd, stylist Ty Hunter, fashion editor Memsor Kamarake, journalist Mara S. Campo, and Dr. Yusef Salaam, NYC Council Member and Central Park 5 exoneree.
D’Angelo stated, “New York Fashion Week is the perfect moment to showcase not just designs, but the impact fashion can have on lives. This event isn’t just about celebrating my atelier’s milestone – it’s about using our success to uplift communities.”
