Harlem’s Fashion Row Launches Non-Profit

IMage: HFR

IMage: HFR

The New York-based organization that champions designers of color launches non-profit to help designers.

HARLEM’S FASHION ROW LAUNCHING NEW NONPROFIT (ICON360) TO AID DESIGNERS IN RAPID RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. CELEBRITY STYLISTS, EDITORS, AND INFLUENCERS UNITE TO BENEFIT DESIGNERS OF COLOR DURING A GLOBAL VIRTUAL FASHION EVENT.

Special guest speakers to host HFR’s premiere Virtual Fundraising Event to assist designers of color pivoting business during crises.

On May 30, 2020 at 2:00PM, Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) will launch a new non- profit, ICON 360, in response to the current Coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe.

In an effort to raise funds for designers of color, the influential arts and entertainment organization will host a ‘Virtual Fundraiser’ with special fashion industry guests, to celebrate and support designers who apply for the ICON 360 grant.

The nonprofit program would provide forgivable relief to designers of color who are pivoting their businesses during this pandemic and need funding to scale.

The current economic climate has brought forth uncertainty for designers. With the halt in productions and dramatic declines in sales, Harlem’s Fashion Row decided to take action and assist designers of color through these unprecedented times.

The mission is to dedicate 100% of ticket sales to the new non-profit, ICON 360, providing a safety net for designers of today and the future.

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Brandice Daniel, CEO and Founder of HFR.

(Photo: CDFA.com)

During this crisis I thought it was critical to do everything in our power to support designers of color. I’m incredibly inspired by the resilience of designers who are making bold pivots in their business. As a fashion community we have an incredible opportunity to help scale the businesses of designers who are thriving even in the middle of a pandemic.” - Brandice Daniel, CEO and Founder of HFR.

This “Virtual Fundraiser” Event will be HFR’s first philanthropic endeavor. The day will be filled with panel discussions such as:

International Impact in Fashion with guest panelist Tamu McPhearson and Karen Blanchard.
Teen VOGUE’s Editor in Chief, Lindsey Peoples Wagner
will discuss Gen Z and Millennial Response to the COVID 19 Crisis.

Christopher John Rogers the winner of the Vogue CFDA Fashion Fund will be in conversation with celebrity stylists Wayman + Michah.

Playing to Win with Liliahn Majeed, Senior Vice President Diversity & Inclusion of the NBA

Kesha McLeod, celebrity stylists for top athletes such as Serena Williams will be in conversation with Rich Fresh who's bespoke pieces are often seen on celebrities such as Lena Waithe.

Lastly, words of wisdom will be given by the esteemed designer, Tracy Reese.

Guests will also have an opportunity to view a fashion show with past HFR designers as well as new upcoming emerging designers and engage in exciting presentations. Guests can purchase tickets to this anticipated virtual event through the newly launched website www.hfricon360.com.

Designers can apply to receive a grant on June 15, 2020. The website to apply is www.harlemsfashionrow.com. All guidelines are listed on the website.

This event is supported by Nike, Gap, Shea Moisture, and Diageo.

About Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR): Long before inclusivity became a widely-accepted goal across the fashion industry, Harlem’s Fashion Row has been championing and uplifting designers of color. Founded in 2007 by Brandice Daniel, the organization supports emerging talent and provides a platform for underrepresented African American and Latino designers.

The HFR Virtual Fashion Experience will bring the multicultural fashion community together to inspire, encourage, and support emerging designers of color.

The day will feature inspiring videos, talks, and fashion presentations.

100% of the profit from ticket sales will go towards a fund specifically for designers of color that need support during this time.

We are also requesting the following guests to participate: Naomi Campbell, Ciara, Michelle Obama, editors from Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and GQ as well as our fashion family of stylists, creatives, and influencers.

Image: HFR/Icon360

Image: HFR/Icon360

Harlem’s Fashion Row is a social company that provides a voice for multicultural designers; through a creative platform that enables these designers to sell and present their collections to key leaders within the fashion industry.

HFR is committed to creating high-quality experiences, through unique, innovative, and inspiring displays of fashion. It is a celebration of the fashion community that reflects the culture and personal experience of multicultural designers. It takes a village to raise an artist and HFR is that village.

To learn more about Harlem's Fashion Row go to www.harlemsfashionrow.com.


Reference: Harlem’s Fashion Row