The Prelude by
Harlem’s Fashion Row
Brief: Ideate an event that honors influential figures in fashion, music, and culture as a prestigious kickoff to New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Role: Creative Strategist
Objectives:
Pay tribute to trailblazing individuals who have shaped fashion and culture, particularly those who have elevated the presence and influence of people of color in these industries.
Create a memorable and culturally significant event that sets the tone for NYFW, celebrating diversity and the contributions of BIPOC creatives.
Engage and captivate an audience of fashion insiders, media, and cultural influencers.
Key Challenges:
Balancing the event's dual purpose of honoring past achievements while setting a forward-thinking tone for NYFW.
Curating an event experience that would resonate deeply with an audience of fashion, music, and culture enthusiasts, while also appealing to a broader, more diverse demographic.
Incorporating interactive elements that would create a dynamic, immersive experience reflective of Harlem’s Fashion Row’s mission to spotlight BIPOC talent.
My Actions:
Event Ideation & Conceptualization: Developed the creative vision for "The Prelude," crafting an event that not only celebrated iconic figures like Dapper Dan, Misa Hylton, and April Walker but also highlighted the enduring impact of BIPOC contributions to fashion and style.
Tribute Design & Execution: Conceptualized the structure of the event to include live performances, interactive displays, and multimedia elements that paid homage to the honorees’ legacies while engaging the audience in a meaningful way.
Strategic Event Planning: Coordinated with event planners, designers, and production teams to ensure that the event's flow and aesthetics aligned with Harlem’s Fashion Row’s brand values and the honorees’ influence.
Creative Campaign Strategy: Developed a comprehensive promotional strategy to build anticipation for the event, leveraging social media, influencer partnerships, and press outreach to maximize visibility and attendance.
Influencer Management: Secured and managed three key influencers, strategically pairing each with one of our brand partners to ensure comprehensive event coverage. Coordinated content creation and brand alignment efforts, maximizing visibility and engagement for both the event and the associated brands.
The Result:
Successfully executed a high-profile event that served as a cultural touchstone for NYFW, establishing Harlem’s Fashion Row as a leader in celebrating and elevating BIPOC voices in the fashion industry.
Honored the profound contributions of Dapper Dan, Misa Hylton, and April Walker, creating a lasting impression on attendees and the broader fashion community.
Garnered significant media attention, with coverage in major fashion and cultural outlets, further solidifying Harlem’s Fashion Row’s influence and mission.
Enhanced the visibility and prestige of Harlem’s Fashion Row, setting a new standard for how fashion events can honor and integrate cultural heritage into mainstream platforms.
