Article Summary: Harlem's Fashion Row opened New York Fashion Week on September 8, honoring Erykah Badu, Wisdom Kaye, and Brandon Blackwood, with three emerging designers debuting Spring 2027. #HarlemsFashionRow #NYFW #ErykahBadu #WisdomKaye #RunwayMagazine
Harlem’s Fashion Row opened New York Fashion Week on September 8, 2026, honoring Erykah Badu, Wisdom Kaye, and Brandon Blackwood at its 19th Annual Fashion Show & Style Awards. The invite-only night at The Glasshouse set the season’s tone and put three emerging Black designers on the runway.
The event has become fashion week’s unofficial opening. This year’s theme, “Peace by Piece,” celebrates the partnerships that built the platform over nineteen years. It also launched a week we preview in our New York Fashion Week September 2026 guide.
Who won at Harlem’s Fashion Row 2026?
The honoree list is the platform’s strongest yet. Erykah Badu received the Fashion Icon Award, while Wisdom Kaye took the Virgil Abloh Award, presented by LVMH. Brandon Blackwood was named Designer of the Year, and Audrey Smaltz received the Ann Lowe Maverick Award.
Two more categories rounded out the night. Jahleel Weaver won Stylist of the Year, and Recho Omondi was named Editor of the Year. A new Breakthrough Award also joined the lineup this season.
Which designers debuted at Harlem’s Fashion Row this year?
Three designers presented Spring/Summer 2027 collections through the Runway Ahead Designer Fellowship. Atelier Ndigo by Waina Chancy showed sculptural womenswear. Harlem-based Rey Jaiteh presented handcrafted luxury menswear and womenswear. Nigerian designer Chuks Collins brought African heritage into sharp, contemporary tailoring.
The stakes ran high for all three. One designer will receive the $100,000 Runway Ahead Prize, awarded through ICON360, the HFR nonprofit, with backing from the PVH Foundation. That funding gives emerging talent real business support, not only a runway slot.
Why does Harlem’s Fashion Row open New York Fashion Week?
Harlem’s Fashion Row opens the season because it centers Black designers, honorees, and industry leaders before the main calendar begins. Founder Brandice Daniel built the platform to create visibility and opportunity, and its Style Awards now function as the week’s cultural kickoff.
The momentum carries across the week. Beauty partnerships and Black-designer shows fill the calendar, and our New York Fashion Week schedule maps the full lineup. WWD and FashionUnited reported the honoree list ahead of the show.
Key Takeaways
- Harlem’s Fashion Row opened NYFW on September 8, 2026, at The Glasshouse under the theme “Peace by Piece.”
- Erykah Badu received the Fashion Icon Award and Wisdom Kaye the Virgil Abloh Award from LVMH.
- Three fellowship designers showed Spring 2027 collections, competing for a $100,000 Runway Ahead Prize.
Harlem’s Fashion Row again turned fashion week’s opening into a celebration of Black creativity and investment. Follow every honoree and debut through Runway Magazine.
