New York Fashion Week Kicks Off with Harlem Fashion Row’s 17th Annual Fashion Show and Style Awards

Uptown, New York, September 3 – The 17th Annual Fashion Show and Style Awards, hosted by Harlem Fashion Row, marked the beginning of New York Fashion Week with a bang. Held at the General Grant National Memorial, the event honored legends and changemakers in the fashion industry, including the iconic Naomi Campbell, who was recognized as the Icon of the Year.

The evening started with a slightly awkward introduction by Vogue Global Editor Anna Wintour, who presented Campbell with her award. Campbell’s tardiness led Wintour to make a few subtle jabs, saying, “I am a very punctual person, and I have the honor of presenting tonight to someone who is often late.” Campbell arrived shortly after, and was presented her honor by Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr, who also received an award that night.

In her acceptance speech, Campbell expressed gratitude and humility, saying, “Yes, Naomi’s always late, but I believe in my high power, and I want to thank my higher power for having me be here.” Nasr, who was also honored as Editor of the Year, spoke about the evolution of the editor-in-chief role, saying, “The role of editor-in-chief has changed and evolved since I started as an intern 30 years ago, but the role of magazines and fashion media has largely remained the same… It is to deliver the best in fashion and celebrate the culture that shapes it.”

Other notable honorees included Teyana Taylor, who took home the Virgil Abloh Award, and costume designer and consultant Shiona Turini, who was recognized as the Stylist of the Year. The evening also featured a runway show showcasing the designs of Aaron Potts, Nicole Benefield, and Jimmy Latouché.

The event was a celebration of fashion, culture, and community, and set the tone for an exciting New York Fashion Week.