NEW YORK, Sep 3, 2010 / — Close on the heels of New York Fashion Week, Harlem’s Fashion Row will hold its third annual even showcasing four emerging designers of color at a fashion exhibition and presentation at the Studio Museum in Harlem.
This year’s Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) will showcase the collections of Niiamar, Telfar, Sammy B. and Viscera NY.
On the cusp of recent dialogue about issues of diversity in fashion, HFR – most importantly – brings awareness and visibility to an existing community of talented minority designers, who otherwise may not have the opportunity to showcase their collections during Fashion Week to an audience of top editors, buyers and industry influencers.
According to HFR research, African-American and Latino designers represent less than one percent of non “urban” brands found in department stores; yet, minorities spend over $22 billion dollars on apparel or clothing each year.
“There is undoubtedly an existing void in the market where minority designers are severely underrepresented,” said Brandice Henderson, founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row. “These minority designers certainly exist, and they are just as—if not more— talented than the top designers and brands in the market. HFR seeks to provide the visibility, resources and a business infrastructure that will allow these designers to succeed in the mainstream.”
Harlem’s Fashion Row, established in 2007 as a one-time fashion show, has evolved into a 35 member organization of volunteers and professionals in the fashion industry. The team ranges from recent college graduates looking to gain entry and experience in the fashion industry, to experienced marketers, fashion show producers, artists, photographers, graphic designers, entrepreneurs, PR practitioners, sourcing specialists, stylists, showroom managers and buyers.
Most HFR team members work in the industry for major fashion or apparel brands, manufacturers and showrooms. Many, but not all, HFR team members are residents of Harlem.
As a part of a greater strategic plan to generate sales and bottom-line profits for participating designers, this year’s HFR designer group has secured informational meetings with the buying offices of two major department stores immediately following the event. HFR will additionally hold a post-show market weekend (September 18th – 19th), where designers will have the option to sell to boutique and department store buyers, as well as private clientele.
Harlem’s Fashion Row is supported by a 2010 Advisory Board consisting of a diverse range of established and new members of the fashion and art communities, including: Julee Wilson, Zandile Blay, Audrey Smaltz, Terrie Williams, Dinna Soliman, Najwa Moses, Kiki Kitty, Rene Garza, Terrie Williams, Valentina Izaguirre, Xavier Artis, Bill Hodges and Michael Henry Adams.
The 2010 Harlem’s Fashion Row event will be held at the Studio Museum in Harlem on Friday, September 17th from 8pm – 10pm.
The event schedule is as follows:
7:15pm – Press/Photographer Check-in
8:00pm – 9:00pm – Red Carpet
8:00pm – 10:00pm – Fashion Exhibition and Presentation of HFR designers
The Studio Museum in Harlem
144 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
