NYFW 2025: A Milestone for Black Designers
As the crisp winter air settles over Manhattan, New York Fashion Fall/Winter Week 2025 unfolds, bringing with it a vibrant tapestry of creativity and culture. This season, the spotlight shines brightly on African and Afro-Caribbean designers, whose innovative collections are redefining the landscape of global high fashion. From bold prints to avant-garde silhouettes, these designers infuse the runways with fresh perspectives, rich cultural heritage.
But this moment is more than just a celebration of talent–it’s a testament to resilience and progress. Black designers have long contributed to the fabric of fashion, yet for decades, their presence at NYFW remained on the fringes. Historically, the fashion industry has been slow to embrace diversity, often relegating Black designers to the background despite their undeniable influence.
Trailblazers like Ann Lowe, a pioneer in high fashion, famously designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress in 1953, breaking racial barriers in haute couture and demonstrating the potential for Black designers in elite fashion circles. Following in her footsteps, Stephen Burrows–one of the first Black designers to achieve international acclaim–helped pave the way with his vibrant, body-conscious designs in the 1970s. His inclusion in the 1973 Battle of Versailles solidified American fashion’s global presence. Meanwhile, Patrick Kelly, known for his bold, playful designs, became the first American designer admitted to the prestigious Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter in Paris during the 1980s.
In recent years, the tide has shifted. Platforms like the Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom have amplified emerging Black talent, while independent brands have gained international recognition for their unique storytelling and craftsmanship. Today, African and Afro-Caribbean designers are not just participating in NYFW—they’re defining its future. Their work blends heritage with modernity, and tradition with innovation, proving that Black fashion is not a trend but a powerful, lasting force in the industry. Love discovering African & Afro-Caribbean designers? Explore exclusive collections from rising talents on ADJOAA! Shop the Collection
This season, ADJOAA highlights the designers who are shaping this new era of fashion, merging cultural legacy with cutting-edge design.
Top African Designers at NYFW 2025 – ADJOAA’s Top Picks
TIA ADEOLA
Celebrating her label’s 10th anniversary, Nigerian-born Tia Adeola unveiled a collection that masterfully fused her signature sheer-ruffle aesthetic with elements inspired by her Nigerian heritage. Adeola, known for her ability to reinterpret historical fashion with a modern and ethereal touch, presented a striking lineup featuring diaphanous fabrics, intricate beadwork, and vibrant colour palettes. This season’s designs paid homage to both contemporary elegance and traditional African artistry, reinforcing Adeola’s place as a visionary in the fashion industry.
(Photos Courtesy of Essence)
FREDERICK ANDERSON
Frederick Anderson’s Fall 2025 collection was a masterclass in texture, print, and cultural fusion. Drawing inspiration from North African sunsets, Anderson presented a striking palette of black, fiery oranges, and deep reds, translating these hues into exquisite gowns and sultry, see-through ensembles. His signature ability to balance sophistication and sensuality was on full display, making this collection a standout moment of the season.
(Photos Courtesy of Vogue Runway)
DIOTIMA
Jamaican-born Rachel Scott, the creative force behind Diotima, continued to impress with her thoughtful blend of Caribbean heritage and contemporary craftsmanship. This season, Scott delves deeper into the rich tapestry of Jamaican culture, presenting pieces that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. The collection features intricate crochet work, a trademark of Diotima, combined with tailored silhouettes and luxurious fabrics. Scott's designs not only pay homage to her roots but also push the boundaries of conventional fashion, offering a fresh perspective that resonates on a global scale.
(Photos Courtesy of Vogue Runway)
A.POTTS
Designer Aaron Potts continued to challenge conventional silhouettes with a Fall 2025 collection that blended artful draping with a relaxed, gender-fluid sensibility. Inspired by the idea of "modern nomads," Potts delivered voluminous outerwear, sculptural layering, and dynamic textures that felt both cosy and avant-garde. Earthy tones and deep neutrals anchored the collection, while unexpected pops of colour injected a sense of vibrancy. With a commitment to versatility and self-expression, APOTTS once again proved that fashion can be both statement-making and effortlessly wearable.
(Photos Courtesy of WWD)
LAQUAN SMITH
Queens native LaQuan Smith brought his signature unapologetic luxury to Fall 2025 with a collection that exuded confidence, sensuality, and his trademark audacity. While his runway show was cancelled, the designer hosted an exclusive presentation at his Long Island City studio, shifting focus to his business and market. True to form, Smith's collection was sexy, bold, and a little bit dangerous—reinforcing his position as a fashion force to be reckoned with.
(Photos Courtesy of Vogue Runway)
SERGIO HUDSON
Sergio Hudson’s Fall 2025 collection celebrated the essence of American sportswear with a modern twist. Drawing inspiration from legendary designers like Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors, Hudson reimagined layered pieces with fresh energy. Iconic American supermodel Veronica Webb closed the show, embodying the collection’s timeless yet bold approach. Hudson’s designs nodded to classic American style while reinvigorating it with exciting new details, reminding fashion lovers of the power of sportswear in shaping the contemporary wardrobe.
(Photos Courtesy of Vogue Runway)
Top Spaces Showcasing African Fashion at NYFW 2025
AWET NEW YORK SHOWROOM
A platform dedicated to showcasing emerging African designers, the Awet New York Showroom brought together a diverse lineup of talent for NYFW Fall 2025. Featuring a curated selection of both rising and established designers, the showroom highlighted the vast range of African fashion, from minimalist luxury to exuberant prints and intricate textures. By providing a space for designers to connect with industry leaders and buyers, Awet New York continues to be a vital force in amplifying African fashion on the global stage.
THE BLACK IN FASHION COUNCIL NYFW SHOWROOM
The Black In Fashion Council’s FW25 showroom continues to support Black designers, showcasing collections from emerging talents like A. Potts, Busayo, and Muehleder, among others. Held at the WSA building, the showroom allowed designers to connect with key industry leaders. Notable pieces included Nia Thomas' intricate beaded knits and A. Potts' sustainable denim sets, reflecting the brand's politically charged message. The event underscores the ongoing commitment to providing a platform for Black designers amidst the industry's challenges.
A New Era for African and Afro-Caribbean Fashion
This season's NYFW marks a significant milestone for African and Afro-Caribbean designers, who are increasingly gaining recognition on the global stage. However, challenges remain. As designer Chuks Collins noted, many designers still struggle with navigating the complex fashion industry system and accessing necessary resources.
Despite these hurdles, the presence of these designers at NYFW Fall/Winter 2025 sends a powerful message about the future of fashion. Their collections not only showcase exceptional creativity and craftsmanship but also tell important stories about cultural identity, heritage, and the evolving nature of global fashion.
As New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025 comes to a close, it's clear that African and Afro-Caribbean designers are no longer on the periphery of the fashion world – they are at its very heart, shaping trends and challenging perceptions with every stitch and seam.
Which NYFW 2025 designer inspired you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Author: Crystal Tan is a marketing and communication intern at ADJOAA, pursuing a bachelor’s in Global Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management, ASU.
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