It’s not only during Black History Month that we must talk about black inclusivity. Due to systemic racism, BIPOC talents often don’t get the opportunities they deserve. That’s why Nichole M. Bess founded NYFW BLK, the place where these talents bring their creations to the catwalks like the stars they are.
The Story Behind NYFW BLK
“I knew that I needed to do more”. These were Nichole’s words when asked why did she create NYFW BLK. With more than 28 seasons of experience in NYFW, the black woman serial entrepreneur says her goal is to patronize black owned brands and their community.
She started her production company called Up Fashion Production. And, while endeavoring on this sector and only a couple of months before its launch, she decided that her work should be more niched. After all, “we – black community – influence the culture. From the music to the clothing and colors”.
And that’s how NYFW BLK came to life.
NYFW BLK: Bringing Talents to The Spotlight
“This is not exclusion but inclusion. This isn’t to separate us by race, but to aid in the advancement of Black people in the fashion industry”, states Nichole.
NYFW BLK had its first edition this past February 11th and 12th. It’s a presentation that hosts melanated fashion designers from around the world during the prestigious New York Fashion Week.
Their primary goal is to celebrate designers of color and create a space that will aid in the advancement of inclusion. In conjunction with their non-profit, The Black Fashion Foundation will offer scholarships, manufacturing, stockist placement, PR, marketing and branding by partnering with some of the fashions elite.
NYFW BLK’s goal is to help empower artists of color to pursue their dream.
In their first-ever edition, the two-day event welcomed to stage 11 fashion designers. They presented Prêt-à-porter collections, never-seen pieces and hosted private shows.
A lot of people came to the event, especially on Saturday, based in Soho, in the Big Apple. They paid a tribute to the Black giants of the fashion industry, who have shaped and styled our contemporary raiment and coiffure. Among them is legendary Vogue EAL Andre Leon Talley, wardrobe icon Dapper Afrika, peerless stylist Taijuan Wilcox, global couturier Fashenelle and the whole pantheon of great black designers and stylists.
It’s More Than Clothing; It’s About Empowerment
It’s not easy to stand out in the fashion industry. Quite the opposite. Often, you need access to the right people and resources. So if we’re talking about a society where racism is ingrained, the challenges turn out to be much greater for people of color.
But, as Nichole said, this is his biggest dream with NYFW BLK. She wants to be the go-to place for big brands and companies that want to connect with the black community. The entrepreneur wants to build a strong fund to help black designers shine with their talents.
As Nichole states, “Right now black is a thing. A lot of people are talking about it. But, black has always been a thing to us that are black”. So, NYFW BLK is more than an event that happens every season. Its political agenda also aims to raise the flag for affordable housing and black empowerment.
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