The HFR Black History Month Fashion Summit is a celebration of the significant achievements and contributions of African American designers, innovators, creative directors, editors, and influencers within the fashion realm. This gathering will see a mix of retail brands, fashion legends, and industry experts coming together at a venue in New York to explore and highlight opportunities within the fashion sector.
Supporting the event as sponsors are Gap Inc. and Hugo Boss. Gap Inc. plans to engage in a dialogue with Dapper Dan, a fashion luminary from New York and a long-term collaborator, about their recent joint venture.
The summit has curated a series of panels and discussions, featuring notable figures such as Vogue Shopping Editor Alexis Bennett, Designer Andrea Iyamah, and Asia Milla Ware from THE CUT. The discussions will cover a range of topics, including strategies for building a successful Black-owned direct-to-consumer brand, insights into fashion programs at HBCUs, among others.
Brandice Daniels, CEO of Harlem Fashion Row, expressed her honor in organizing an event that showcases the influence of Black creativity in fashion, highlighting the strides made over the years, the knowledge shared by esteemed guests, and the pathways opened for emerging designers.
Previously held online, this year’s summit will return to an in-person format in Harlem, New York. Past events have featured prominent speakers like Nasr, Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar; Teri Agins, author and former journalist for The Wall Street Journal; Constance White, a celebrated journalist and style authority; Tom Ford; and Anish Melwani, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Inc., all contributing to the dialogue on fashion’s evolving landscape.
The event, is scheduled for Thursday, February 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.