BE Next was invited to Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) show at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater during last month’s New York Fashion Week. Amid all the great style and statuesque models we learned a little bit about each of the four featured designers and an extraordinary organization dedicated to diversifying the runway.
Founded by visionary CEO Brandice Henderson, HFR  seeks to promote diversity in the characteristically un-diverse world of fashion by giving up-and-coming designers of color both community and a platform. This year’s show featured inspired womenswear by designers Jakia Handy (label Ingram Talley), Uchea Nwabuzor (label Ana Kata), Kellia Rogers (label Kebero), and innovative menswear  by designer Joseph Bethune (label Bethune Bros.).