Harlem’s Fashion Row Releases Honorees for 19th Annual Fashion Show & Style Awards

Harlem’s Fashion Row, the platform dedicated to advancing designers of color, has revealed the honorees for its 19th Annual Fashion Show & Style Awards, taking place Sept. 8 at The Glasshouse in New York City.

This year’s theme is “Peace by Piece,” reflecting Harlem’s Fashion Row’s belief that enduring organizations are built through a series of intentional decisions, trusted relationships and shared commitments. The theme recognizes the designers, partners, team members and community who have contributed to HRF’s 19-year legacy, while underscoring the importance of building with clarity, discipline and a long-term vision.

The 2026 Style Awards honorees will honor six creatives who have helped shape fashion and culture. They are Erykah Badu, Fashion Icon Award; Wisdom Kaye, The Virgil Abloh Award, presented by LVMH; Brandon Blackwood, the Designer of the Year Award; Audrey Smaltz, The Ann Lowe Maverick Award; Jahleel Weaver, the Stylist of the Year Award, and Recho Omondi, the Editor of the Year Award.

The evening will also feature the debut of the spring 2027 collections from three designers participating in the Runway Ahead Designer Fellowship, presented through ICON360, Harlem’s Fashion Row’s nonprofit organization. Launched earlier this year by PVH Foundation, the Runway Ahead Designer Fellowship provides emerging designers with grant funding, executive mentorship and strategic business development support to strengthen their brands and prepare them for long-term success. Throughout the program, the designers have been mentored by PVH executives across marketing and public relations, raw materials and sourcing, merchandising, finance, production and design, gaining insight into both the creative and business sides of the fashion industry.

The featured designers are Atelier Nido-Waina Clancy, a womenswear label known for its craftsmanship, sculptural silhouettes and bold aesthetic; Rey Jaiteh, a luxury menswear and womenswear brand rooted in Harlem, N.Y., and known for its handcrafted garments that blend refined tailoring and bold creativity, and Chuks Collins, a luxury fashion house that blends African heritage with contemporary global design. It is known for sophisticated tailoring, sustainable craftsmanship and avant-garde silhouettes.

Throughout the Runway Ahead Design Fellowship, each designer has received funding to create and produce their spring 2027 collections, culminating in their runway debuts at the event.

One of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the Runway Ahead Prize, where one designer will be selected to receive a $100,000 grant to accelerate the growth of their brand.

The selection committee includes Alexandra Gardner, vice president, global design, Calvin Klein; Brandice Daniel, founder and chief executive officer, Harlem’s Fashion Row and ICON360; June Ambrose, celebrity stylist and creative director; Mobolaji Dawodu, fashion director at large, GQ; Nicole Chapoteau, fashion director, Vanity Fair; Reena Person, executive vice president, Tommy Hilfiger North America, and Rohit Burman, senior vice president and global head of PVH Inclusion & Diversity, Impact and Calvin Klein Sustainability.

“‘Peace by Piece’ is a celebration of the people, partnerships, and purpose that have shaped Harlem’s Fashion Row over the past 19 years,” said Daniel. “Every milestone has been built with intention, and this year’s show reflects how far we’ve come while looking ahead to an exciting future. Through the Runway Ahead Designer Fellowship with the PVH Foundation and the incredible support of our partners, we’re continuing to invest in emerging designers, helping transform exceptional talent into thriving sustainable businesses.”

Pattern Beauty is the evening’s Official Hair and Body Sponsor and Dior is the Official Makeup Sponsor.