From Heritage to High Fashion: HARLEM WEEK Honors Harlem’s Enduring Style Legacy

By: Keith L. Forest

Harlem has long been an epicenter of style, leaving an undeniable mark on fashion across generations—from the crisp, iconic zoot suits of the 1930s and ’40s to the bold bell-bottoms of the ’70s and the game-changing hip-hop couture of the ’80s and ’90s. In honor of this rich and ever-evolving heritage, HARLEM WEEK presented its 52nd annual Fashion Showcase. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Legacy,” honored the neighborhood’s stylistic history while spotlighting the visionaries defining its present and shaping its future.

Hosted by WBLS-FM radio legend Dr. Bob Lee and Miss ID, the festive showcase opened with its annual back-to-school segment, featuring youthful looks for children and teens. This year’s designers included the mother-daughter duo Kendra and Kamiya Law of New Jersey, whose Bella Babe lifestyle line delivered a sweet mix of class and sass. Luckner Dompierre brought bold color to the stage with his Highly Humble brand, leading smoothly into designer Stacey Ann Kerr’s closing set of inspirational, avant-garde pieces from her Jj & Jade Designs line.

Streetwear took center stage during the annual “Flava” segment, bringing sharp artistic vision to everyday fashion. Designer Check Fernandez premiered his Anatomy collection for Truckin’ Flywear, blending fine craftsmanship with urban style. Experimental designer Ayinde Bradford showcased his Indeo label, bringing Black American aesthetics into the space of Afrofuturism. To round out the segment, Bronx native Jevaughn “Mugzy MCFLY” Williams presented his Signed by MCFLY collection, finding the sweet spot between utility, athletic wear, and high fashion.

Co-sponsored by H&M, the showcase concluded on a high note with the “Classy & Sassy” segment. Senegalese designer Khadi Si of House of Khady Rose displayed handcrafted garments honoring ancestral traditions. Designer Benji Lu’s Fluid Covenant collection brought clean lines and adaptability, while veteran designer Franklin Rowe presented his signature line of tailored menswear and elegant womenswear. Adding a special moment to the event, Donna Dozier Gordon, Head of Inclusion & Diversity for H&M Americas, was on hand to support the celebration by presenting back-to-school gift cards to the talented young models.

The evening concluded with inspirational words from honored guest and Harlem native Bevy Smith, who thanked the crowd for their ongoing support, stating, “Harlem is not just where I was born and raised—it is the soul of everything I do, and there is no greater honor than being celebrated right here at home by my own community.”