New York, NY (September 2025) – New York Fashion Week came to a spectacular close on
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as the Emerge! Fashion Show lit up the Léman Ballroom in the Financial District with a night filled with energy, creativity, and culture. The evening not only spotlighted top emerging designers but also celebrated two industry icons who continue to shape the future of fashion.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of the Fashion Innovator Awards. Stylist to the stars Ty Hunter was honored first, with Claire Sulmers, founder of Fashion Bomb Daily, presenting the award. Hunter delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech, reflecting on his journey, the importance of mentorship, and his gratitude for the community that has supported him.
Luxury designer Brandon Blackwood was also celebrated, marking the 10-year anniversary of his namesake brand. Accepting his award with pride, Blackwood thanked the audience for their unwavering support and spoke about building a brand that has become a cultural force.
Following the awards, the runway came alive with a powerful lineup of emerging designers, each presenting collections that showcased diversity, resilience, and innovation. This season’s featured designers included:
● Letwa Billey – Letwa Fashion Collection
● Dr. Maurice N. Gattis – Fort Mose 1738
● Malcolm Staples – Malcolm Staples Custom-Made-to-Fit
● Brodie Leftridge – Dear Sylf
● Makarassi Couture
● Suzette Opara – 828 Collection
● Melody Shari – Seventh Avenue Beauty
Guests were treated to an electric night where the runway told stories of culture, pride, and individuality.
“Closing New York Fashion Week with Emerge! is always a full-circle moment,” said Dionne Williams, founder and producer of the event. “This year, the combination of celebrating legends like Ty Hunter and Brandon Blackwood alongside the brilliance of our emerging designers made it one of our most powerful shows yet.”
The evening was co-hosted by actress and host RaVal Davis and style expert Nick Arrington, with red carpet interviews conducted by model and TV personality Sharaun Brown.
Since its inception 14 years ago, Emerge! has remained devoted to uplifting and showcasing emerging designers. Past honorees have included André Leon Talley, Pat Cleveland, Beverly Johnson, Law Roach, Dapper Dan, Sergio Hudson, Karl Kani, Fern Mallis, Mikki Taylor, Audrey Smaltz, Misa Hylton, and April Walker. This year’s show continued that tradition while cementing Emerge! as one of the most inspiring fixtures of New York Fashion Week.
The 2025 Emerge! Fashion Show was presented by Basil Hayden, with additional sponsorship from Bennett Career Institute, Jamaican Mango & Lime, Dermablend Professionals, Models Inc., D. Williams PR Group, Darling Hair, and HelloBeautiful as official media sponsor.
For more information, visit www.emergerunwaynyc.com
