Harlem's Fashion Row Celebrates New Print Magazine and Cover Star Tracee Ellis Ross

The first event of New York Fashion Week always feels like a deep inhale before the chaos. On Tuesday evening, that moment came courtesy of the 19th annual Harlem’s Fashion Row Runway Show and Style Awards ceremony in New York City.

The theme for the event was “Peace by Piece,” a nod to both protecting one’s peace and the way fashion industry insiders build their careers and brands — literally piece by piece. The show opened with remarks from Harlem’s Fashion Row Founder and CEO Brandice Daniel, who encouraged anyone getting started — in fashion or business in general — to not get overwhelmed at the prospect of starting something new. “You don’t have to build everything overnight, in chaos, or afraid, you can build in peace,” she said. Daniel also frequently reiterates this on her Instagram, where she shares business advice encouraging people to lean on their community.

“Nobody is here by accident,” Daniel continued. “We all believe that designers of color matter, and…you’re welcome at this table.”

The gathering also served as a celebration for the launch of the organization’s first-ever magazine, HFR, whose inaugural cover star Tracee Ellis Ross gave remarks before the awards presentation began. (Ross’ hair-care brand Pattern also served as a sponsor for the evening.) The first issue features an interview with Ross to accompany her cover, as well as Q&As with all of the designers, stylists and editors who were honored at the 2026 event.

“I’ve been a part of this community since 2015,” Ross said. “I received the icon award…from honoree to sponsor — kind of boss if you think about it. For 19 years, HFR has held space for black designers and creatives to be seen, celebrated and supported. Pattern is honored to support HFR; we are a really good match,” she said.

From there, it was time for the awards: Brandon Blackwood took home the Designer of the Year award, presented to him by Antoine Gregory. Jahleel Weaver received the Stylist of the Year, presented to him by friend and designer Amina Muaddi, who noted how Weaver completely redefined pregnancy style when he began working with Rihanna. Weaver thanked the singer, who “gave [him] an opportunity that changed the course of my life,” he said in his acceptance speech.

Recho Omondi received the Editor of the Year award, while Audrey Smaltz nabbed the Ann Lowe Maverick Award. The organization honored Wisdom Kaye with the Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH, and Erykah Badu sent in a video message to celebrate and accept her win of this year’s Fashion Icon award.

Next came the runway show, which opened with a playful partnership with American Girl, for which 11-year-old designer Brooke Sumpter (founder of Brooke LauRen Children’s Brand) designed a line that featured dresses for both girls and their dolls.

And finally, three labels — Atelier Ndigo, founded by Waina Chancy; Rey Jaiteh, founded by Lamin “Rey” Jaiteh and Chuks Collins — showcased their Spring 2027 collections with a full-scale runway show. But this year, the runway show had another surprise up its sleeve: The $100,000 Runway Ahead Prize, which was awarded to Chancy to help scale her brand even further.

Below, see standout looks from the three designers.