February 17, 2017 12:25 PM
Harlem Fashion Week celebrated it’s third year showcasing talents from the tristate area. This year’s production was held at the Museum of the City of New York. Produced by Yvonne Jewnell, graduate of Parsons with a degree in fashion design and her mother, Tandra Birkett, graduate of NYU and Columbia Business School, HFW was created to “introduce a new era of fashion culture to the Harlem community that is inspired by its rich cultural heritage.” This year’s event featured designs by Daniel Mosses, Hatchers by Tatiana Hatcher, Queen E. Collection, Jamia Jordan, Next Level World, Tracy Lall Dass, Marvin Williams, The Brownstone by Princess Jenkins, Shiffon Wiggins, Simply Ma’am, D Mochelle Fashions, HFW’s producer’s collection, Yvonne Jewnell NYC with a special presentation by teen designer phenom, Kyemah Mcentyre. Kyemah Mcentyre blew up the internet in 2015 with her African print prom dress that landed her in the pages of Vogue, Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Essence.
The event also featured an emerging designer competition with a panel of celebrity judges known to the Harlem community. Jonathan Bodrick and Brandon Hood of B.O.R.N to Style, a reality show formerly on the FYI network. The ambassador of SheaMoisture products, Diane Bailey, alongside Mike Street the CEO of HarlemNYC, Lunder Olin, celebrity stylist and Michelle Alleyne, a Parsons professor/celebrity stylist. The winning emerging designer was boBETTE elZA, whose accessory collection of handbags and clutches caught the eye of the celebrity panel.
More
Why did you start HFW?
“We started HFW because Harlem has served as the epicenter of music, literature, art and fashion. As Harlem is being revitalized in the 21st century, Harlem Fashion Week will introduce a new era of fashion culture to the Harlem community inspired by its rich cultural heritage.”
What is your experience in fashion production?
“Yvonne Jewnell New York, LLC. has produced of variety of fashion productions in the New York City area since 2010.”
What are your short term and long term plans with HFW?
“Our continuous goal is to produce an event that will showcase the fashion industry, provide business education for emerging designers, grow Harlem businesses, create a cultural platform and just have fun. The long term goal would be to establish Harlem as the go-to place for Fashion and build its credibility.”
How do you select your designers?
“Many of the designers who participate submit an application form on our website or request via email to apply. While other designers are specifically vetted by Yvonne, as the goal is to uncover hidden talent and provide a platform for emerging designers.”
Where do you see HFW in five years?
“In five years Harlem Fashion Week will be the go-to show for Fashion Week Uptown. HFW will represent diversity, inclusion, culture and fashion and remain authentic to its message of supporting Harlem businesses. Harlem Fashion Week will continue to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Harlem, New York.”
A portion of ticket sales financially supports the children and institutions in Senegal, West Africa.
Visit www.harlemfweek.com for more information.
Follow Harlem Fashion Week at:
Instagram @harlemfw
Jovanna Reyes
