Brooklyn is calling.
On Monday, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane of KidSuper revealed an open call for emerging fashion designers to participate in the second edition of The People’s Runway, a fashion show that will be held at Brooklyn Borough Hall this fall.
The five selected designers will each receive $5,000 grants and mentorship opportunities from fashion industry leaders. The contest is open to all Brooklyn residents aged 18 and over and the application process will close on July 5.
The inaugural People’s Runway was held in September 2025 and was on the official CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar. The event drew more than 1,000 spectators to Brooklyn Borough Hall including Lauryn Hill, Ne-Yo, Busta Rhymes, and others.
“Last year, The People’s Runway showed that Brooklynites are hungry to see real investments in creatives that call this borough home,” said Reynoso. “For the second year in a row, I am proud to partner with Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane to showcase and empower Brooklyn’s emerging fashion designers. If you are an upcoming designer making a splash in Brooklyn’s fashion scene, this application is for you. I’m so grateful for Colm’s partnership once again as we provide a life-changing opportunity to five Brooklynites who just need a boost to get their foot through the doors and kick-start the next chapter of their careers.”
“I got my start in fashion just a few blocks from Brooklyn Borough Hall, and it’s so special to come back years later to give emerging designers the opportunity to take their career to the next level,” Dillane added. “There’s so much talent here in Brooklyn and I encourage all creatives to take a chance and submit their applications to showcase their work at The People’s Runway.”
Each of the selected designers will showcase five original looks on the runway and the use of artificial intelligence is not allowed. Reynoso’s office will provide the venue, lighting, sound, music and stage design as well as hair and makeup, models, styling, photography and videography, and backstage set-up.
