Black Fashion Fair Symposium Celebrates Genius

Get ready, because Black fashion is here to stay and Black Fashion Fair (BFF) is making sure everyone knows it! Their recent debut symposium, ‘Black Fashion Forward,’ wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful declaration of talent, community, and the enduring genius within the Black fashion and beauty industries.

A Gathering of Black Excellence

Hosted by BFF founder Antoine Gregory just before New York Fashion Week, this symposium drew Black fashion and beauty creatives from all over the country. It was a vibrant space designed to celebrate and connect, and it certainly delivered. In a time when the fashion industry is facing economic headwinds, this event offered a much-needed dose of optimism and solidarity.

Gregory kicked off the afternoon by emphasizing BFF’s mission: ‘Black fashion has always deserved more: more visibility, more access, more investment, more ownership,’ he declared. He stressed that BFF isn’t just observing Black fashion; it’s actively building a sustainable foundation for future generations.

Visual Languages, Collaboration, and Self-Belief

The event kicked off with a fascinating panel on visual languages and Black representation in fashion media. Photographer duo AB+DM (Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice), makeup artist Keita Moore, and editorial director Irene Ojo-Felix discussed their work, including capturing Iman for Harper’s Bazaar. They highlighted the power of collaboration, emphasizing how involving makeup artists in the post-production process enriches their visual storytelling.

The duo also shared how mentors like Zendaya and Law Roach taught them the importance of ‘paying it forward’ and proper advocacy. Moore added a crucial piece of advice for aspiring creatives: ‘you have to be a little delusional’ – that unwavering self-belief is key to navigating the industry.

Navigating Finances and Building Brands

Later, esthetician Sean Garrette moderated a discussion with beauty leaders Danessa Myricks (Danessa Myricks Beauty), Tomi Talabi (Black Beauty Club), and Sofia Maame Thompson (Buttah Skin). The conversation turned poignant when discussing finances, especially following the news of Ami Colé’s closure. Myricks shared the immense challenges of self-funded growth, noting how external factors like tariffs can create sudden, massive financial pressures.

• The critical need for customer support in sustaining businesses.
• The importance of securing investment to build long-term wealth.
• Navigating unexpected financial hurdles in the industry.

Fashion as Activism and Cultural Force

The energy continued with a panel featuring New York powerhouses like Kia D. Goosby (Vanity Fair), Edvin Thompson (Theophilio), Jacques Agbobly (Agbobly), and Tia Adeola. When asked about fashion’s intersection with politics and activism, the panelists offered thoughtful perspectives. Thompson noted that simply existing as Black individuals makes them activists, while Agbobly cautioned against being pigeonholed, stating his aim is to tell his own story, with any political undertones being a byproduct.

Scaling Success and Embracing Grace

The final conversation featured luxury accessories designer Brandon Blackwood in discussion with Antoine Gregory. Blackwood, known for scaling his handbag empire and designing for stars like Beyoncé, echoed the need for ‘delusional’ self-belief. He candidly shared behind-the-scenes stories of brand growth, including navigating Twitter backlash and scaling operations.

Gregory pointed out that Black brands often aren’t afforded the same grace as others when facing challenges. Blackwood also revealed his current focus on investing time in home and furniture design, even sharing that a hotel has commissioned him for furniture design. While his accessories brand is thriving, this new venture is proving personally fulfilling.

A Day of Connection and Celebration

Throughout the day, hosts Shelcy and Christy Joseph expertly guided attendees between panels. The symposium also included moments for fun and connection, like a flower-embellished water station by Maison Perrier, custom airbrushed Champion T-shirts as keepsakes, and a lively cocktail reception featuring Crown Royal cocktails.

While details for the next symposium are still under wraps, the success of this inaugural event strongly suggests that 2026 will be another must-attend gathering for anyone passionate about Black excellence in fashion.