Harlem’s Fashion Row Honors Black Legends at Its 2024 Style Awards and Runway Show

Though the official New York Fashion Week calendar begins on Friday, Harlem’s Fashion Row kicked off the festivities early with its 17th Annual Fashion Show and Style Awards on Tuesday evening. The event, held at the General Grant National Memorial, brought together a community of press, industry tastemakers, designers and executives to honor the Black fashion changemakers who’ve inspired generations and continue to push the industry forward. This year’s theme was aptly titled “Night of Legends.”

“[Black] culture has been the heartbeat of innovation, the rhythm of style and the soul of fashion,” Harlem’s Fashion Row founder and CEO Brandice Daniel said in her opening speech. “Can there be a legend without the people? The answer is no. Legends are born from the collective actions, the shared struggles and the unwavering determination of people who refused to be denied. Legends are not just created by individuals, they are sustained by communities, by movements and by the spirit of those who believe in something greater than themselves.”

The night began with an award ceremony: Anna Wintour presented (a then-absent) Naomi Campbell with Icon of the Year before she had to depart early. Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr received Editor of the Year, presented by Nasr’s longtime friend Tracee Ellis Ross. “The role of editor-in-chief has changed and evolved since I started as an intern 30 years ago, but the role of magazines and fashion media has largely remained the same,” Nasr said in her acceptance speech. “It is to deliver the best in fashion and celebrate the culture that shapes it. It is to contextualize this moment and be a record of our time.”

Costume designer and consultant Shiona Turini accepted Stylist of the Year, presented by Lena Waithe. Meanwhile, Corey Smith, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at LVMH, introduced Teyana Taylor for her Virgil Abloh Award. At the end of the ceremony, Campbell finally arrived and gave her speech. (It was not amiss of subtle shade given to Wintour, stating that everything worked out the way it meant to as she preferred “[Nasr]” to present her award compared to “the other lady.”)

“As I reflect on my career, I’m reminded of the many shoulders I’ve stood on, the trailblazers who paved the way for a young Black girl like me,” Campbell said to the crowd. “I’m eternally grateful for these trailblazers before me…I’m deeply grateful for this recognition. I don’t see it as a culmination, rather I see it as a call to action. Yes, our industry has made strides but we still have a long way to go.”

Following the awards was a runway show, showcasing the designs of Aaron Potts of A.Potts, Nicole Benefield of Nicole Benefield Portfolio and Jimmy Latouché of Latouché. Potts’ pieces were textile and fabric-focused, filled with expressive, seasonless clothing that ranged from monochromatic separates to color-blocked dresses. Latouché’s collection focused on suiting, including structured trench coats, power suits and asymmetrical blazers. In contrast, Benefield’s designs leaned into oversized proportions, like slouchy matching button-downs and shorts and draped tunics.

Ahead, see standout looks from the 17th Annual Harlem’s Fashion Row Style Awards and Fashion Show.

A look by A.Potts at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards.

A look by A.Potts at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards.

A look by A.Potts at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards.

A look by A.Potts at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards.

A look by Latouché at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards.

A look by Latouché at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards.

A look by Latouché at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards.