RaiseFashion, a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering pro-bono advisory services, grant resources, and network access to Black, Indigenous, and people of color-owned brands, will showcase a multifaceted statement of Black creativity for New York Fashion Week at House of Sound on Sept. 4.
With the NYFW event, the organization aims to help retailers, editors, brands and media professionals directly engage with RaiseFashion’s BIPOC designers: Aisling Camps, Fe Noel, Charles Harbison, Tolu Coker, K.ngsley, Advisry, Anima Iris, Almasika, Nalebe, Cise, Danzy, Téjahn Burnett, Vontélle, Nalebe, Larallan, Lobb, Torlowei, Gwen Beloti, Kendall Miles, Bobby Joseph, Tara Matthews and Nomads.
The day will kick off with previews of the designers’ spring 2025 collections, made possible by partner and sponsor Abercrombie & Fitch. There will be a specially designated area showcasing a curated selection of collaboration products created by the designers of Volume 28 by Abercrombie.
“When we foster partnerships, we aim to create a welcoming space for our designers, our advisers and our stakeholders. Abercrombie & Fitch has demonstrated that this is not just about monetary sponsorship but about creating a meaningful and positive impact on our community. The team has stood by us every step of the way, sharing our unwavering commitment to providing space for BIPOC talent to showcase during a pivotal time of the year,” RaiseFashion executive director Felita Harris said via a statement. “Their dedication has been heartwarming, helping us plan and execute a necessary event for New York Fashion Week.”
The event comes at a crucial time for the industry, which has seen companies roll back diversity, equity and inclusion programs, many of which came about in 2020. “We are proud to be supporters of RaiseFashion and this incredible evening of celebrating Black talent, including our very own Abercrombie designers that concerted and designed our recurring Volume 28 Collection, designed to amplify Black voices and culture beyond Black History Month,” said chief marketing officer at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Carey Collins Krug.
Additional sponsorship for the event comes from Moët Hennessy USA, Victoria’s Secret & Co, MakeUp Forever, and Virgin Hotels New York City. The day’s festivities will conclude with a cocktail reception with featuring Moët Hennessy USA signature innovative cocktails and music DJ Olivia Dope.
