Chicago Brand EMERGE! Dominates NYFW, Paving the Way for Chicago Fashion Week 2024 | Chicago Defender

Emerge! Sept 2024 – Dionne Williams, Kenya Hunt, Bethann Hardison, Fe Noel, Steve Arrington, and Raval Davis (Photo Provided). 

Chicago-based brand EMERGE! took over New York Fashion Week in the lead-up to Chicago Fashion Week 2024. EMERGE! provides a platform for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and introduce their brands to the world.

Dionne Williams, the visionary behind the EMERGE! Fashion Show, expressed her excitement: 

“Each year, we grow bigger, allowing designers to shine on a global platform. It’s inspiring to witness the incredible talent and creativity these designers bring. EMERGE! is not just a show; it’s a movement dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fashion and supporting the next generation of fashion leaders.”

EMERGE! is a trailblazing organization that elevates emerging fashion leaders by offering them opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain exposure typically reserved for more established designers. These designers are leaders in their own right, reshaping the fashion landscape with bold, fresh and innovative collections.

While the EMERGE! Fashion Showcase focuses on emerging talent and celebrates industry veterans who have paved the way for others. The 2024 honorees included fashion trailblazer Bethann Hardison, recognized for her relentless advocacy for diversity in fashion, and Kollin Carter, stylist to Cardi B and other celebrities, who is celebrated for his creative contributions to the industry.

When people think of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), they often associate these terms with the corporate world. 

However, embracing DEI in fashion is not just beneficial in understanding cultural norms—it is essential. EMERGE! understands this importance and has always championed diversity on the runway and behind the scenes, providing a platform for designers from underrepresented backgrounds to showcase their work.

This year’s hosts were actress and TV personality Rival Davis, alongside Bravo TV’s Nick Arrington. The showcase featured an array of designers, including:

• René Tyler Designs: Known for elegant, bold fashion statements focusing on size inclusivity.
• Latricesa Myonne: Recognized for her contemporary and artistic approach to fashion.
• Tanni Scott of Tall Her: Specializing in fashion for tall women, offering stylish and flattering designs.
• Tygerian Lace Designs: Inspired by African embroidered lace and voile, offering stylish creations for women.
• Jermaine Pratt: A designer of women’s and men’s wear who continues to push the envelope in style.

New York Fashion Week 2024 emphasized the importance of uplifting and empowering emerging designers and EMERGE! played a key role in spotlighting the next generation of fashion innovators.

Chicago Fashion Week, which will take place from October 9 to 20, promises a dynamic 12-day celebration of fashion innovation, creativity and bold eccentricity. 

Expect vibrant, exhilarating displays of style that push the boundaries of design and self-expression. Spearheading this fashion extravaganza are the newly formed steering committee, Dionne Williams, creator and producer of Emerge!, and Ian Gerard, the original founder of GenArt NYC, alongside their visionary team, who have curated an unforgettable experience showcasing art through live fashion.

The lively event lineup boasts over 50 runway shows, exhibits, and educational and social events that honor Chicago’s rich fashion legacy while propelling its future. 

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