Everyone keeps saying New York is back—well we can confirm that it is indeed offically back, and we have Black Fashion Fair to thank for that. Black Fashion Fair (BFF)—created by all-around fashion multi-hyphenate Antoine Gregory—celebrated its one year anniversary this past weekend with a curated dinner at NeueHouse accompanied by a fabulous cocktail after-party at Fotografiska’s Chapel Bar. Hosted by Theophilio founder/designer Edvin Thompson, powered by NeueHouse, and generously supported by Mijenta Tequila, the night celebrated Gregory, BFF’s cohort of Black designers and the platform’s commitment to making space for a new generation of Black designers. Friends, Fashion icons—like THE Bethann Hardison—collaborators, fashion peers and the young Black vanguard of fashion, all came out to toast the ever important work of Black Fashion Fair. It was a celebration of not only the work Gregory is committed to, but a celebration of community; the Black Fashion Fair community.
Antoine Gregory, a prominent stylist and creative director, created Black Fashion Fair in 2020 as an organic extension of the work he was naturally doing within the industry as well as using his twitter platform to educate the masses on the past, present and future of Black designers. This work transitioned into the curated, retail experience that is Black Fashion Fair. BFF’s mission is to “discover, support and further Black designers and the communities they inspire” and through this platform, Gregory has created a hybrid conceptual retail space (and community) centered around supporting established and emerging Black brands. From collaborating with the new Black vanguard of fashion photography, to providing a re-imagined marketplace for Black brands to thrive, Black Fashion Fair represents what making your own table actually looks like.
Friday’s dinner, complete with a red carpet—and Gregory in a stunning Wales Bonner look—was an intimate affair that oozed style. Titans like Kerby Jean-Raymond, Raphael Saadiq and Tiffany’s Ruba Abu-Nimah were in attendance, alongside supermodels Alton Mason and Anok Yai, fellowshipping with emerging designers like Rayne Schlidt and Donte Livingston. The night eventually moved to the ever chic Fotografiska Chapel Bar with sounds by DJ Dylan Ali, cocktails flowing and a host of the new Black vanguard of fashion, partying the night away, underneath a fabulous chandelier—all decked out to the nines.
Check out images from the magical night below:
Congratulations Black Fashion Fair! Here’s to many more years of exclusive drops, editorials, events, and continuing to take up space.
