Yesterday afternoon, Kerby-Jean Raymond made history as the first black American designer to show a couture collection under his Pyer Moss label as a guest designer by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Unlike the majority of designers whose collections were presented in Paris, the original show was to be held at Villa Lewardo in Irvington, NY on July 8th, but was postponed due to inclement weather brought on by Hurricane Elsa. Invitees including Brother Vellies creative director and founder of the 15 Percent Pledge Aurora James, Hanifa designer Anifa Mvuemba, actress Kiki Layne gathered again at the same venue. The location held cultural significance as the estate belonging to Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in America, as documented by the Guinness Book of World records, earning her fortune as an entrepreneur with a line of Black hair care products.
The show opened with an address to the audience by Elaine Brown, former Black Panther chairwoman, prison activist, writer and singer. Moments later models walked out to a live performance by 22GZ accompanied by a live orchestra. The collection itself, named WAT U IZ, was an ode to Black inventions, made up of 25 fashionable and surrealist interpretations of items ranging from hot rollers to a chess board to a refrigerator whose magnetic letters spelled out "BUT WHO INVENTED BLACK TRAUMA?".
See some of our favorite looks below:
-
What to Know About the Cast of 'Resident Playbook,' Which Is Sure to Be Your Next Medical Drama ObsessionThe spinoff of the hit K-drama 'Hospital Playlist' features several young actors as first-year OB-GYN residents.
-
Duchess Sophie Stepped Up to Represent King Charles at Event Amid Calls for King Charles to "Slow Down"The Duchess of Edinburgh filled in for The King at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
-
See the Top-Scoring WNBA Draft LooksThis year's rookie class came to win.
-
Milan Fashion Week's Biggest Street Style Trends Exude Old-School EleganceThese are the looks worth stealing.
-
The Top Styling Takeaways From New York Fashion WeekThe easy tweaks that'll turn a good outfit into a great one.
-
The 2025 LVMH Prize Semifinalists Suggest Inclusive Design Is Worth the InvestmentThe 2025 LVMH Prize Semifinalists are a sign of fashion's forward-thinking future.
-
It-Girls Braved the New York Fashion Week Cold in These Statement-Making Coat TrendsFashionable and warm.
-
I’m Copying These Street Style Outfits I Spotted at New York Fashion WeekThey're low-effort and high-impact.
-
COS’s New Collection Is the Secret to Getting New York Fashion Week’s Rich-Looking Winter StyleIt's the secret weapon to scoring chic New York style.
-
The Cargo Bag Trend Sends Ugly Wallets Into Hiding at New York Fashion WeekThis season's multi-pocket It bags want you to wear your clutter on your sleeve.
-
New York Fashion Week Guests Swapped Snow Boots for These Spring Shoe TrendsThis is the definition of fashion over function.
