New York Fashion Week is one of the most exciting weeks in fashion, as designers and fashion enthusiasts from all over the world gather to celebrate the art of expression. From runaway shows to pop-ups, creatives get to showcase what’s been brewing in their minds and introduce the world to the latest trends.

Like many other years, much of the talent taking the stage this season is Black-owned, women-led and queer. It’s an amazing time to celebrate breaking boundaries and being limitless, giving permission for all the minorities watching to follow their biggest dreams, too. If you’re following this week’s NYFW schedule, here’s a round up of six Black and queer names to look out for.

House of Aama

Mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka are the force behind this sleek and progressive brand. They aim to honor the deep history embedded within the Black experience, “designing timeless garments with nostalgic references informed by historical research, archival analysis, and storytelling.”

LaQuan Smith

Guided by the late Andre Leon Talley, queer designer LaQuan Smith has certainly made a name of his own. With his designs adorning celebrities like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Solange Knowles, and even Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris, many are salivating over how he plans to experiment during his next showcase. Smith’s work is centered on accentuating the female figure, so it’s no wonder every “it girl” is racing to the front row.

Diotima

Jamaican-born, Brooklyn-based Rachel Scott is the founder and creative director of Diotima. Founded in 2021, the brand’s signature crochet designs pay homage to the Jamaican diaspora during the Windrush era. There’s deep love and intricacy poured into Diotima’s work, making them high on the list of notable brands showcasing at this year’s fashion week.

Bishme Cromartie

Bishme Cromartie, winner of Bravo’s long-running fashion reality TV competition “Project Runway,” taught himself everything he knows, following his aunt’s guidance on the sewing basics. From there, he’s worked himself out of Baltimore and has dressed countless celebrities in his boundary-shattering and architecturally captivating gowns.

Who Decides War

Photo credit: Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan

Founded by designer power couple Ev Bravado and Tela D’Amore, Who Decides War is the latest best-kept secret in high-end streetwear. Their innovative use of denim has become their signature, catching the eye of many fashion enthusiasts who predict their showcase to be one of the most exciting.

Frederick Anderson

Queer designer Frederick Anderson has played a massive role in modern luxury, with every collection somehow one-upping the next. Noting style to be your “conversation with the world,” his work supports the idea of authentic expression, playing with shapes and colors to deliver something bravely unique.

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