Black Beauty Diaries: These NYFW Events Were An Ode To Authenticity

When you hear “New York Fashion Week,” what do you think? High heels, sequins, big hair, and makeup? All the works? Well, beyond the larger-than-life fashion moments, consider it also being about how true you can be to yourself.

[SEE ALSO: Fashion Icon Misa Hylton Named ‘2022 Fashion Innovator Of The Year’ At EMERGE! Fashion Runway Show]

I had my first-ever New York Fashion Week (NYFW) experience and I quickly recognized that authenticity was the ongoing theme. This blew my mind because I always imagined that NYFW was about a specific type of high fashion — and if you didn’t fall in line with that then you would definitely be out of place. Refreshingly enough that was not the case. The glitz and glam were expectedly there, but the idea of “showing up as you are” provided a new perspective.

There was no better way to kick things off than by being invited by Sadiaa to the EMERGE! New York Fashion Show. Upon entering you knew immediately that this was an event curated for Black people. There was no shortage of creativity, glamor, and “yaasss, honey” validation. The room was filled with celebrities, fashion icons, designers, and influencers all gathered to experience the Black designers showcasing and to honor fashion mogul and icon Misa Hylton with the Fashion Innovator Award. Hylton is the fashion mogul and icon responsible for the looks you’ve seen on such divas as Lil’ Kim, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, and even Beyoncé. Can you say legendary?!

This means so much to me because representation matters. To be at an event during NYFW where every aspect is dedicated to Black people is nothing short of phenomenal. They had sponsors like Courvoisier, Ambi, and TGIN ( to name a few), which are staples in many Black households. EMERGE! founder Dionne Williams mentioned that 80 (mostly Black) models were a part of the show. To witness an array of melanated skin tones strutting down the runway wearing designs made by Black people had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a sight to see and one that can be few and far between. It isn’t lost on me the feeling you get being amongst folks that look like you, especially within the fashion industry.

The next day, I had an opportunity to attend a panel conversation hosted by TRESemmé: Power Your Style Project featuring a high-profile panel: platinum-selling artist Normani, fashion designer Batsheva Hay, and celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan. This conversation further explored the idea of authenticity and its importance. “Go against what society says. There is only one version of you,” said Normani. There were loads of beautiful nuggets received in this open dialogue that affirmed the authenticity theme that was felt during NYFW. Alongside the cute aesthetic of the event, it was also heartening to witness the Black women in the room connecting. 

My experience during NYFW showed that it is a style melting pot. As long as you can uphold who you are and how you want to show up, it makes space for you. Whether welcomed at the table or creating our own, it was exhilarating and necessary to see Black faces amongst the crowds. NYFW was nothing like I thought it would be, it was better than I could imagine. I look forward to what next year will bring!