6 Black Designers to Support Beyond NYFW FW25

Fall/Winter NYFW always falls in the heart of Black History Month, giving the fashion world a little extra time to celebrate. With the coming effects of DEI changes and political turmoil this season, we still decide to push through with color-soaked storytelling and authentic tailoring that would make any critic gasp in awe. Now, more than ever, utilizing fashion – a loud tool of expression – is vital to carry our roots on our shoulders. Below, we honor and share a few Black designers continuing to participate and make their mark this NYFW and beyond.

Christopher John Rogers

Christopher John Rogers is a color theorist in the body of a fashion designer. While his last three shows had an overwhelming sense of white, Rodger’s heart always returns to the opulent world of color. This could be attributed to his upbringing in Baton Rouge and his grandmother’s monochromatic looks. However, this season relinquished some brighter colors and opted for deeper hues to incorporate a sophisticated take on the polished tailor.  Nonetheless, pushing the bounds of volume and structure serenaded with distinct color pairings for the upcoming fall.

Diotima

Diotima centered this season’s collection around maternity and matriarchy. Rachel Scott, the designer behind Diotima, explored the concept of intimacy, love, sensuality, and care within Black motherhood–as well as women who raised and nurtured us in general–no matter the relationship. Many of the deconstructed pieces included wool knit outerwear, leather opera gloves, a tweed dress, a satin evening cape, a chiffon dress, crochet details, evening gowns and suits, and more. Diotima is known for her precise, methodic collections, and this season, she showed her evolution by making them more diverse and versatile.

Frederick Anderson

Frederick Anderson has been helming the New York Fashion scene for over two decades but has somehow become the brightest rising star. Initially working with a business partner for couture gowns, Anderson used 2017 as his year of escape. And escape he did. Mastering the language of lace with Black heritage, he aims to bring everyone into his world – whether it’s his hometown in Memphis or his perception of Africa. This runway is no different, pulling from southern Spanish Moor influence in Puerto Rico with his affinity for romantic and sultry lace to the cacophony of burgundy tile fabrics.

Romeo Hunte

Romeo Hunte is unapologetically New York City, and he shows it in his Fall/Winter 2025 collection. This season, he put his own Brooklyn spin on timeless American essential garments, such as double-breasted suits, oversized pleated trousers, denim suits (also known as a Canadian tuxedo), skinny jeans, slacks, knitted sweaters, and outerwear. He paired unexpected materials and silhouettes with one another, like transforming sweatsuits into structured suits, fur on letterman jackets, and khakis with tulle.

Sergio Hudson

Sergio Hudson has said it time and time again – his work can’t fit into the box of what audiences expect of Black designers. His Americana style stands as a testament to his inspiration, often quoting Donna Karn, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein for clean but exciting looks. His expertise has been heralded to dressing heroic women, enveloping their statuesque status with their clothing. Nothing feels more poised than a suit, his calling card to fame. This season, the colors find no end with vivid blues and poignant reds, nearly melting right off the models.

Tia Adeola

Tia Adeola celebrated her 10th anniversary of woven and ruffled Nigerian stories with a runway show in the vibrant heart of Bushwick, highlighting her commitment to authenticity. Her original design ethos draws inspiration from the Ruffin Renaissance, encapsulating status and femininity. Although her journey garnered collaborations with Nike, showing at Paris Fashion Week, and a near-permanent spot for NYFW, Adeola felt a desire to bring her roots to the forefront of her fashion and remind the audience of beauty found in her Nigerian homage. The details of cowry shells, braiding hair, and feather trim as intricate material rang true throughout the collection.