Nordstrom and Harlem’s Fashion Row Champion Emerging Black Designers With Three Can't-Miss Fall Capsules
Featuring styles by House of Aama, Harbison, and Megan Renee.
In 2007, Brandice Daniel founded creative agency Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) to provide a platform for designers of color looking to expand their reach throughout the fashion industry. Since then, HFR has launched fruitful pipeline programs, hosted countless networking events, and provided valuable consulting services.
Now, they’re taking a step to give emerging designers an even bigger platform—and a direct line to shoppers' closets around the country. HFR is partnering with Nordstrom to present three exclusive fall capsule collections, designed by House of Aama, Harbison, and Megan Renee.
The special selection, titled Nordstrom by Harlem’s Fashion Row, is currently available online and in select Nordstrom stores. Styles like snug sweaters, lengthy fall dresses, and sturdy trench coats will easily find a place in your closet this season. Plus each collection boasts a range of price points from $45 to $299, so there’s something for everyone, no matter your budget.
Starting with House of Aama’s collection, you’ll discover unique tailoring inspired by the “Southern and African Diaspora Dandy culture.” Mother and daughter design duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka offer floor-sweeping trousers, midi skirts decorated with perfectly shaped pleats, and timeless coats adorned with shawl collars. Although tailored separates certainly stand out among these styles, you’ll also come across softer pieces like form-fitting cardigans, drop-waist dresses, and even laid-back cotton T-shirts.
Designed by House of Aama, tailored sets drenched in warm shades brought Nordstrom x Harlem's Fashion Row's collection to life.
If you’re in the mood to make a statement, take a look at Harbison’s collection, filled with lively hues, playful textures, and eye-catching patterns. “I was centrally inspired by Simon Maris's Portrait of a Young Black Woman (1890), where the young woman's eyes reflect innocence and curiosity,” says founder and designer Charles Elliott Harbison. “Abstract color-blocking and optimistic florals help me tell the story of an ingénue with a curious gaze on the world.”
Whether you decide to slip into Harbison’s wide-leg pants plastered with vivid poppy blossoms or the designer’s slinky satin maxi dress enhanced with striking patches of color, you’ll demand attention.
Fiery poppy flowers took center stage among Harbison’s designs.
Meanwhile, Megan Renee’s lineup is defined by a strong sense of sophistication. "I wanted this collection to feel very chic and aspirational to the everyday woman,” says founder Megan Renee Smith. “Silhouette and color was a big focus, as I wanted every item to have a slight twist or interesting detail.”
Upscale pieces like the label’s high-waisted tailored trousers, double-breasted blazer, and oversized wool coat will fit right into your rotation of fall work outfits. For post-work events or weekend outings, the brand’s off-the-shoulder dresses and tops will do the trick.
Megan Renee Smith gave her collection an elevated twist with pieces that struck a balance between sultry and refined.
This intentional partnership represents just one of many collaborative initiatives between Harlem’s Fashion Row and Nordstrom. The creative agency and major retailer have joined forces on HFR’s annual Fashion Show and Style Awards, Nordstrom’s Black Business Month, and several other projects.
As for what’s next along the line, you’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, you shop for fall staples with purpose on Nordstrom’s site.
