In a dazzling celebration that brought together some of the brightest stars in entertainment and fashion, Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) Fashion Show and Style Awards lit up New York City on the night of September 9, 2025. The 18th annual edition of this lauded event not only marked the unofficial kickoff to New York Fashion Week but also became a stage for reflection, innovation, and recognition of Black excellence across creative industries.
Usher, the multi-platinum singer famed for his smooth vocals, electrifying dance moves, and playful onstage antics (who could forget his infamous cherry-feeding moments?), took center stage to accept the prestigious Virgil Abloh Award. According to coverage by USA Today, Usher, dressed impeccably in a textured green suit, quipped to the audience, “I’m sorry if I brought you too much pain at home with the cherries,” before serenading, “You are not alone.” The singer’s charm was on full display, but so was his candor about his career’s evolving relevance.
Reflecting on his journey, Usher told the crowd, “There’s a relevance now in my career, more than I’ve had in years previous. And why is that? Could be Las Vegas and cherries, could be!” His self-deprecating humor gave way to a more serious note as he discussed the importance of innovation and ambition, even in the face of what he called a “glass ceiling” that many in the room would recognize. “I was really searching for identity. My dad gave me his name, but he didn’t show me what to do with it. So I had to define it in the way that I thought would make it matter,” he said, his words resonating with the crowd of creatives and dreamers.
Usher also invoked the memory of the late Virgil Abloh, the award’s namesake and a creative force whose words continue to inspire. “The world produces waves: You surf, you drown, you decide. Everything that you do is for that 17-year-old version of yourself,” Usher quoted, adding, “That 17-year-old version of myself is the same thing that encourages me to this day, to make me fearless.” According to USA Today, this full-circle moment captured the spirit of the night—a celebration of past struggles and present triumphs, all in pursuit of a future defined by courage and creativity.
The event didn’t stop at music. Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, whose visionary work has graced both the silver screen and the Met Gala red carpet, received the Ann Lowe Maverick Award via video message from London, where she is filming ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ with Michael B. Jordan. Carter, the only Black woman to have earned two Academy Awards, reflected on her pioneering journey. “I began my career knowing there was no one before me, and with each milestone – being the first Black costume designer to be nominated, the first to win, and today, the only Black woman to hold two Oscars – reminds me of the uphill battle to become a ‘maverick,’” she said in her acceptance speech. She fondly recalled her first encounter with director Spike Lee, who playfully announced himself as “the man of your dreams,” prompting Carter to quip, “Denzel?”
The night also honored the behind-the-scenes tastemakers shaping celebrity images. Jason Bolden, the stylist whose client list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood—including Gabrielle Union, Channing Tatum, and Nicholas Hoult—was named stylist of the year. Nicole Kidman, Cynthia Erivo, and Michael B. Jordan (also filming in London) sent heartfelt video tributes. Kidman praised Bolden as “the mastermind behind so much,” while Jordan highlighted how Bolden is “constantly pushing boundaries.” Bolden himself used the moment to reflect on the power and responsibility of fashion, declaring, “Fashion is the reflection of the world we live in, and right now, that reflection is pretty damn complicated. We have a responsibility to not just create beauty, but to confront what’s happening and do all the right things.” He closed with a pointed message: “Some of us get so caught up in getting the ‘yes’ from the people that don’t look like us, and it means the world to them. Unbeknownst to them, it means absolutely nothing. Believe in yourself.”
In a testament to the event’s commitment to diversity and heritage, this year’s HFR fashion show spotlighted collections from Black designers of Haitian descent. Atelier Ndigo, led by Waïna Chancy, enchanted the audience with vibrant, expertly pleated frocks and blouses bursting with color. LaTouché returned to the runway with inventive suiting, cowrie shell embellishments, and even a cameo by ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7 star Chelley Bissainthe. Daveed Baptiste paid homage to the Haitian-American journey and his own family’s story through intricate denim ensembles and red checkered infusions, complete with basket headwear—a nod to familial traditions. According to USA Today, these designers used their platforms not only to celebrate their heritage but also to draw attention to ongoing issues facing Haitians today, weaving activism and artistry seamlessly together.
Meanwhile, in the world of Indian cinema, another star was making headlines for her enduring influence. Kajol, one of Bollywood’s most beloved actresses, continues to captivate audiences after more than three decades in the industry. As reported by The Times of India, Kajol owns all her films—a rare feat in the competitive world of entertainment—and has recently ventured into the digital space with her OTT debut, ‘The Trial.’ Her career, marked by versatility and resilience, stands as a testament to her ability to adapt and thrive amid changing times. The article notes, “Kajol owns all her films and has ventured into OTT with ‘The Trial.’ She has sustained relevance over three decades in the entertainment industry.”
The convergence of these stories—Usher’s fearless reinvention, Carter’s trailblazing artistry, Bolden’s advocacy for authenticity, and Kajol’s lasting relevance—underscores a broader theme that echoed throughout the HFR event and beyond: the power of innovation, identity, and perseverance in shaping cultural narratives. Whether on the runway, the stage, or the screen, these creators are not just reflecting the world as it is but imagining what it could be.
As New York Fashion Week officially launches and the spotlights turn to the next generation of trendsetters, the messages from Harlem’s Fashion Row linger in the air: celebrate your roots, embrace your journey, and never stop pushing the boundaries—because relevance, as these icons have shown, is not just about staying in the conversation, but about leading it.
