Get ready for New York Fashion Week with a powerful new initiative! Black Fashion Fair has launched its very first symposium, dedicated to shining a spotlight on the incredible talent and contributions of Black creatives in the fashion and beauty industries. This one-day event, held on September 6th, aimed to unite, support, and amplify the voices of designers, photographers, beauty leaders, and more, in a space where they’ve historically been underrepresented.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Black Fashion Fair Founder Antoine Gregory articulated the core mission: “Black Fashion Fair exists because Black fashion has always deserved more: more visibility, more access, more investment, more ownership. We are not just observers of Black fashion. We are building a foundation that will sustain generations to come.” The symposium served as a powerful extension of this vital work.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the immense power of community and collaboration. Creatives shared how mutual support from fellow Black fashion professionals has been instrumental in their journeys. Photographer Donté Maurice, part of the duo AB+DM, highlighted this synergy: “Collaboration is something that’s important to us, because we’re two people working together as one unit.”
Lessons from Industry Leaders
The symposium also delved into pressing industry issues. The impact of economic challenges, including Trump-era tariffs, was a significant topic. Beauty influencer Danessa Myricks spoke candidly about how tariffs cost her millions, emphasizing the precarious nature of running a business: “You could be doing extremely well and be out of business in the next week.”
Another insightful panel brought together fashion heavyweights like Edvin Thompson (Theophilio), Jacques Agbobly (Agbobly), and Tia Adeola to discuss the intersection of fashion, politics, and activism. They explored how their identities as Black designers influence their work, with Thompson noting, “We’re actually activists even when there’s not necessarily a call to action for us. Because we wake up Black every day.” Agbobly added that while their stories might reflect broader political themes, their primary focus is on telling their own narratives.
Amplifying Voices and Impact
The event featured a host of other influential Black fashion leaders, including luxury accessories designer Brandon Blackwood, Tomi Talabi (founder of the Black Beauty Club), Sofia Maame Thompson (PR director of Buttah Skin), and makeup artist Keita Moore. Their presence underscored the symposium’s commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of talent.
While Antoine Gregory hasn’t yet confirmed if the symposium will become an annual fixture kicking off New York Fashion Week, this inaugural event has undoubtedly made a powerful statement. It signifies a crucial step forward in ensuring Black creatives receive the recognition, access, and investment they profoundly deserve.
What are your thoughts on the importance of events like the Black Fashion Fair symposium? Share your perspective in the comments below!
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