Harlem's Fashion Row celebrates 18th anniversary of show & style awards

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) is marking its 18th anniversary this year with a special event. A leading platform for multicultural designers and industry leaders, HFR will host its 18th fashion show and style awards ceremony during a black-tie event on September 9.

Taking place just ahead of New York Fashion Week, the black-tie event sees Ugo Mozie serve as the creative director for both the fashion show and the style awards. The 2025 show will showcase collections from three designers, LaTouché, Atelier Ndigo by Waina Chancy, and Daveed Baptiste, while the style awards include two new categories.

One of the new award categories is the Anne Lowe Maverick Award, which honors a pioneering leader reshaping the future of fashion. The inaugural recipient is Ruth Carter, Academy Award-winning costume designer, renowned for her cinematic storytelling through fashion. The other is the Impact Award, which recognizes a leading agent of change in the fashion and beauty industry, with this year’s honoree, Christiane Pendarvis, CO-CEO of Pattern Beauty, being celebrated for her leadership, advocacy, and industry-shaping influence.

The evening event will also spotlight three major awards. Nikki Ogunnaike, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire, will receive the Editor of the Year Award for her forward-thinking editorial vision and commitment to championing diversity in storytelling. Jason Bolden, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stylists known for creating iconic red carpet moments for A-list clients, including Cynthia Erivo, Nicole Kidman, and Michael B. Jordan, will receive the Stylist of the Year Award. 

Usher, the multi-platinum 8x Grammy Award-winning artist and entrepreneur, will receive The Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH, which honors individuals who champion culture, community, and innovation while embodying Abloh’s spirit and brilliance. 

“Eighteen years in, our mission is stronger than ever – to celebrate multicultural talent, amplify diverse voices, and create a global stage for brilliance to be seen and felt,” said Brandice Daniel, CEO and founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, in a statement. “This year’s designers and honorees embody vision, resilience, and influence, and we are thrilled to honor their place in fashion history.”