HFR announces Virgil Abloh award to be presented by LVMH at NYFW

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) has announced that the 15th Anniversary Fashion Show & Style Awards will open New York Fashion Week on September 6 in partnership with LVMH in North America. Additionally, HFR will introduce a newly created award in honour of the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh, which will be given by his wife, Shannon Abloh.

With this year’s theme ‘Future’s Past’, the event will showcase fashion’s future fuelled by the untold history of countless contributions, sacrifices and innovations in fashion that inspire HFR to explore ground-breaking collaborations and to elevate black-owned brands. This special anniversary event will support further progress for diversity, equality and inclusion in the fashion world.

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) has announced that the 15th Anniversary Fashion Show & Style Awards will open New York Fashion Week on September 6 in partnership with LVMH in North America. Additionally, HFR will introduce a newly created award in honour of the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh, which will be given by his wife, Shannon Abloh.

Honouring Virgil’s memory and lasting impact, the new award celebrates like-minded individuals who embody Virgil’s spirit, brilliance, and vision, through invaluable contributions to culture, community and innovation.

This year’s award categories and recipients include: The Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH: Issa Rae – actress, writer and producer; Designer of the Year: Sergio Hudson – luxury women’s wear designer; Editor of the Year: Robin Givhan – fashion editor and Pulitzer Prize winning writer; Stylist of the Year: Ade Samuel – celebrity stylist; and ICON of the Year Award: Janet Jackson – actress, singer, songwriter, author, businesswoman and philanthropist.

Brandice Daniel, CEO and founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, states: “African Americans have a rich history in fashion, although much of their contributions have been buried or unrecognised in history. However, HFR would not exist without the work of Black designers like Lois Alexander Lane, who created the Harlem Institute of Fashion and the Black Fashion Museum. We also would not exist without the work of other sartorial pioneers like Ann Lowe, Elizabeth Keckley, and Eunice Johnson. We are moving into the future by reaching back to understand, honour, and pull strength from our past.”

Through an ongoing partnership with HFR, LVMH continues its commitment to work towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive fashion industry. Several brands from the LVMH portfolio will join in celebrating the next generation of diverse fashion talent, the two entities said in a media release.

“As LVMH looks to the future of our Group and Maisons through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion, we are thrilled to partner with Harlem’s Fashion Row on their 15th anniversary celebration, and to cast a spotlight on the cultural richness and creativity of the Harlem community”, said Anish Melwani, chairman and chief executive officer, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc. “The success of LVMH’s Maisons stems from their ability to reveal creative talents from across the world and we are excited to support the New York Fashion Week debut of three talented BIPOC designers from our neighbouring community of Harlem.”

Three BIPOC designers will showcase their latest collections in the show: Clarence Ruth (menswear), Johnathon Hayden (sustainable women’s wear) and Nicole Benefield (women’s wear).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)