The House of Arches hosts a groundbreaking fashion show highlighting the work of five Black designers, celebrating creativity and a push for greater representation in the industry.
On a chilly Tuesday night in Chelsea, New York, the House of Arches welcomed an enthusiastic crowd for a fashion show featuring five emerging designers from the Black & Positively Golden® Change of Fashion program. Showcasing collections that have blossomed over a year of mentorship and creation, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as the runway lit up with vibrant displays of Black artistic expression.
Hosted near the fog-laden banks of the Hudson River, the fashion event featured the work of Larissa Muehleder, Shareef Mosby of VICTIM15, Durrell Dupard of Freddie Estelle, Heart Roberts of HEARTHROB, and Nia Thomas. The event marked the culmination of their participation in the Change of Fashion program, created by McDonald’s in collaboration with the Black in Fashion Council to mentor and elevate Black designers in a historically underrepresented industry. As the audience gathered, they enjoyed an evening filled with cocktails and delicacies inspired by the fast-food giant’s menu.
As the show commenced, the impressive collections stood out distinctly, emphasizing a mix of creativity, skill, and functionality that resonated with the crowd. The underlying theme of the event reinforced a strong message to the fashion industry: a call for increased representation of Black designers. With statistics indicating that only 7.3% of American fashion designers are Black, the event was seen as a pivotal moment in striving for greater inclusivity within the industry.
Larissa Muehleder kicked off the show with her collection titled “Enter Loudly, Leave Quietly,” which she described as a statement on femininity and leadership. The range featured a striking selection of short hemlines and sophisticated knitwear, capturing a palette that spanned vibrant colors and classic tones. Muehleder, guided by mentor Jacqueline Cooper, completed her runway walk wearing an oversized black suit that encapsulated her belief that power and femininity can coexist.
Shareef Mosby, representing VICTIM15, also found a creative outlet through the program. His collection, “Finding Peace,” melded streetwear and high fashion, showcasing innovative deconstructed denim and oversized designs. Mosby shared, “When I got the call to be on the Change of Fashion program, I was in Richmond, and now I’m in LA,” highlighting his transformative journey with the support he received through the program.
Durrell Dupard paid tribute to his roots with his collection, “Magnolia Muse,” which celebrated his New Orleans heritage. The designs featured handcrafted elements along with vibrant colors reminiscent of the Crescent City, inviting the audience into a world filled with nostalgia and culture. Dupard expressed his excitement about showcasing in New York, calling it a dream come true.
Heart Roberts presented his “HEARTHROB Apocalypse” collection, opening with a poignant audio clip asserting the importance of identity in fashion. Roberts elaborated on how the program profoundly impacted his growth as a designer, a sentiment echoed by his bold and contemporary designs filled with deconstructed materials.
Nia Thomas concluded the show by emphasizing craftsmanship through her eponymous label, unveiling a collection that focused on “elevated simplicity.” Her careful selection of materials, including hand-woven paper raffia highlighted in pieces such as dresses and coats, underscored her distinctive design philosophy shaped by her time in the program.
As the event wrapped up, the audience erupted in applause, celebrating the combined achievement of the designers. The atmosphere reflected not only the success of the individual presentations but also a collective hope for the future of Black designers within the fashion industry. Moving ahead, Mosby articulated a vision for advancement, saying, “We’re changing that 7.3% to 10%, hopefully 15%,” indicating a commitment to fostering a more inclusive industry moving forward.
The event was not merely a showcase but a moment of reflection on the power of mentorship and collaboration, paving the way for a new era in fashion that embraces diversity and creativity. The designers’ works have set the stage for their future collections, with several of them slated for launches in the fall of 2025.
Source: Noah Wire Services
