The Best of Black Owned Brands Who Won Over NYFW 2023

Many fashion lead innovators are New York City's Black-owned fashion labels, founded by the city's very own brilliant and creative minds. On schedule and off, they are setting the standard for what it means to drop an iconic collection during New York Fashion Week. These three brands in particular’s Spring/Summer 2024 collections capture the essence of the brand and simultaneously set the stage for trends going into the next year.

Laquan Smith

As of recently, it seems that Laquan Smith has been everywhere. Designing custom looks for Beyonce, and being the main ensemble for magazine covers like Halle Bailey for Glamour and Priyanka for British Vogue. LaQuan Smith started his fashion label at 21 years old and has gained major notoriety throughout the years for his stunning and glamorous womenswear looks. The brand debuted their ready to wear Spring 2024 collection on Monday, September 11 at NYFW, and stars like Saweetie and Mary J. Blige were in attendance front row and dressed to the nines. 

Image: via Gorunway.com Daniele Oberraunch

LaQuan Smith’s 35-look runway show featured stunning elements that defined 2023 including chrome textiles, low-rise pants reminiscent of Y2K, and tons of exposed midriffs. The collection as a whole could be described in three words: sexy, bold, and glamorous. One gorgeously daring look to hit the catwalk featured a completely sheer fuschia long-sleeve and turtleneck blouse that completely exposed the model's chest and torso. The look was paired with oversized cargo parks in metallic chrome. The pants featured a matching belt and oversized silver zippers. This look, as well as others, featured this daring sheer material paired with a monochromatic chrome. Creating a style that is simultaneously retro and futuristic. LaQuan Smith's designs have a way of enhancing the body of the woman who wears it, this collection takes that to the next level.

Theophilio

Featured on the covers of iconic publications like Paper, Theophilo is a name to be reckoned with. The brand, founded by Jamaican-born designer Edvin Thompson was founded right in New York City. The designer is known for letting his heritage shine through his design with launches such as the brand’s Rasta collection. 

Image: via Theophilo César Buitrago

The brand debuted its Spring 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection in a lookbook for New York Fashion Week. This came after a skipped season after the brand opted out of releasing a Fall 2023 collection. The collection had a retro feel to it. With repeat colors like pale yellow and juicy reds. However, a snakeskin print stole the show, making for some elegant statement looks. One in particular, featured a paired red and black snakeskin bustier top, paired with a bold, maxi-length brown snakeskin skirt. The combination of a unique color clash and silhouette makes for a beautiful retro look. The perfect return for an iconic brand like Theophilio.

Sergio Hudson

The designer behind iconic looks for celebrities like Keke Palmer, Zendaya, and Kerry Washington, Sergio Hudson, presented his Spring 2024 Ready to Wear collection on Sunday, September 10th in New York City. The designer is notorious for his suits, elegant in nature, making even the most powerful woman look even more so. Take his looks for Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris.  

Image: via Gorunway.com Fillippo Fior

While pristine tailoring was still at the forefront of this newest collection by the brand, those in attendance were pleasantly surprised to see looks featuring less structure than his typical dresses. Flowy chiffon dresses descended the runway in various muted colors such as rich coral and plum. One of these dresses in particular, a rich gold, was an absolute show stopper. The op was made of a sheer material, featuring an extremely deep v-neck and gorgeous bubble sleeves. Cinched in the waste with a chunky brown belt, the skirt descended in the same gold sheer material, then transitioned into a glossy gold fabric as it reached the ground. This dress featured a beautiful motion that seemed to take on a life of its own. A refreshing new design for the brand.