Since its inception in 2006, Harlem Fashion Row (HFR) continues to provide a much needed platform to recognize the significant achievements of fashion leaders, designers and models of color.  This year HFR honors 7 fashion moguls for their impressive  contributions to the fashion industry.

HFR Sizzle Reel from Brandice Henderson on Vimeo.

The 2014 Maverick Award is presented to Emil Wilbekin for his journalistic contributions to Vibe, Complex, GIANT and Essence magazines and his tireless efforts as a board member to advance the causes of LIFEbeat-The Music Industry Fights AIDS, The Stonewall Foundation, the American Society of Magazine Editors, the Design Industries Fighting Aids (DIFFA) and the Black AIDS Institute.  

The 2014 HFR Icon 360 Award recipient is none other than the incomparable super model Beverly Johnson, notable for being the first African American to appear on the cover of American Vogue magazine and for successfully launching the lucrative business, Beverly Johnson Hair Extensions. 

Julie Wilson-Wareham, Beauty and Style Editor of the Huffington Post receives the 2014 HFA Journalist of the Year Award for consistently producing quality content that introduces rising stars of color to an audience of over 20 million readers.  

The Publicist of the Year Award is presented to Umindi Francis, founder of Umindi Francis Consulting Group for her legendary work ethic in the field of public relations as evidenced by her phenomenal client roster that includes Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Emilio Pucci and Rochas. Famed celebrity stylist Wouri Vice receives the Stylist of the Year Award for his stellar work as a leader in pubic relations, brand management and marketing; and for dressing celebrities like Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, Janelle Monae and Gabrielle Union. 

The Stephen Burrows Fashion Futures Award is presented to the design duo Joshua Kissi and Travi Gumbs, founders of Street Etiquette, the trailblazing mens urban fashion blog routinely cited by Vogue Italia, GQ, Complex, Essence, The New York Times and The London Times for advancing male style. 

After receiving The Designer of the Year Award, Byron Lars opened the runway portion of the event by showcasing his Spring/Summer 2015 Beauty Mark collection.   Known for designing exceptionally tailored feminine ensembles for First Lady Michelle O., Angela Bassett, Tasha Smith and others, Byron Lars admits that he is now ready to enter into a new sphere.  

The HFR presentation represented the first time that Lars has designed garments not just for “dressing up” but for those every day moments in between.  What exactly does a woman wear to the market, to drop the kids off at soccer practice or to visit the salon?  According  to Lars, she wears carefully draped camel colored blouses and cigarette pants; ivory queen anne’s lace coats with 3/4 sleeves paired with black high waisted calf length skirts; wildly patterned and belted floor maxi dresses with cap sleeves;  and silver sparking trapeze skirts.   Why not look fabulous here, there and everywhere in-between? 

Media courtesy of Harlem Fashion Row and Byron Lars Beauty Mark