Black History Month and New York Fashion Week are both in full swing. On February 11, the two major events joined forces to create something bold and beautiful: The House of Arches Fashion Show.
The show spotlighted the work of 5 emerging Black fashion designers—Durrell Dupard, Heart Roberts, Larissa Muehleder, Nia Thomas and Shareef Mosby. These creatives were part of McDonald’s Change of Fashion program, a platform designed to uplift and empower Black talent in the fashion industry. The event served as a celebratory culmination of their hard work, drawing in A-list guests like Dapper Dan.
Mentorship and Industry Access for Black Designers
Each designer in the Change of Fashion program was paired with a seasoned fashion insider. This year’s mentors included Justina McKee, founder of the women’s swim and resort wear brand Matte Collection, and Jacqueline Cooper, chief operating officer of the Black-owned luxury brand LaQuan Smith—a label seen on icons like Beyoncé, Kamala Harris, and Rihanna.
As the inaugural class of the Change of Fashion program, these designers represent a new wave of Black creatives pushing the industry forward. The program’s official website explains that it was launched to increase Black representation in fashion—a space where Black designers remain underrepresented.
Closing the Gap in Black Fashion Representation
According to Zippia.com, as of 2021, African Americans made up just 7.3 percent of fashion designers in the U.S., compared to 63 percent of white designers. The Change of Fashion program seeks to shift those numbers by providing resources, mentorship, and access to help these designers scale their brands.
The House of Arches Fashion Show was a true display of individuality and innovation. Each designer brought something unique to the runway. Heart Roberts, founder of Hearthrob, showcased edgy, cinematic looks reminiscent of “Kill Bill.” In contrast, Larissa Muehleder, founder of the Muehleder womenswear brand, delivered a hyper-feminine aesthetic with pastel hues, flirty hems, and playful bows.
Of the five designers, Nia Thomas and Larissa Muehleder are the Black women creatives redefining the industry.
Nia Thomas: Ethical, Global Inspiration
Thomas, who launched her namesake brand in 2018, draws inspiration from her global travels. Her designs, often created with female artisans in Mexico City, incorporate delicate techniques such as macramé, making them perfect for a stylish getaway. Like the Change of Fashion program, Thomas’s brand was born out of a need for more Black representation in fashion.
“I’m naturally someone who likes to challenge herself. I didn’t see enough examples around me—especially of Black women making things that were interesting, original, and responsibly made,” Thomas shared in a 2024 interview with mentor and men’s luxury retail expert Shawn Howell.
Larissa Muehleder: Embracing Confidence Through Fashion
Muehleder’s vision, on the other hand, is rooted in empowering women through bold fashion choices. Inspired by her upbringing in Nigeria, her designs encourage women to embrace their uniqueness with confidence.
“At 16, she already understood that designing wasn’t just about fabric and thread—it was about empowering women to embrace their differences, every curve and smile,” reads her brand’s official website.
As part of the Change of Fashion program, Muehleder sees herself as a trailblazer.
“I’m a change leader because I like to be impactful, bold, and I love to leave a statement,” she shared via the @WeAreGolden official Instagram.
With initiatives like McDonald’s Change of Fashion, these five designers are proving that Black creativity has a rightful place in luxury and high fashion.