Rise NYFW Highlights Independent Designers

On February 8, Rise NYFW returned this year, merging independent and celebrity designers for a fashion-fueled afternoon.

Located at Wallace Hall, an atrium with gothic design finishes served as a moody backdrop for the show. This season, Rise welcomed renowned international brands including Denman Brush, New Yorker Tours, Moné Cosmetics – a cruelty-free, vegan makeup line, Beauty by Dani Leigh, Parlour Salon Suites – local creative space for hair professionals and Breaking Chains Body Butter – a hand-whipped, homemade natural skincare product line, as this year’s sponsors.

Avnah

The afternoon show kicked off with six talented designers who brought us into their world of genius through thoughtfully crafted designs. Standing at the forefront of innovation, Avnah debuted the “GRACE” collection inspired by Grace Jones. Keeping this acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress in mind, Avnah sculpted the face of the iconic image of Grace Jones smoking a cigarette into the bust of an all-brown ensemble. Jone’s notable features also showed up in a gold chain bust featuring her signature red lips on the center front of the bust. This avante-garde collection included an array of exaggerated silhouettes that came to life through different fabrics and textures like tulle, lace, leather and rope details making these designs wearable art and a spectacle for the crowd to absorb.

Francis Pierre Laborde

Precision and dedication to craftsmanship came to the forefront through designer Francis Pierre Laborde’s handbag collection. The bags stole the show as models dressed in black bodysuits confidently strolled down the runway while swinging Laborde’s unique bag collection. Laborde’s expert use of vivid color and high-gloss finishes made these leather handbags the ultimate closet staple meant to make a statement. What sets this bag collection apart from the everyday handbag is the perfect amount of detail. These clutch bags came in a multitude of designs eager to fit your fancy. If you’re feeling a design with a box-like exterior, hoop handles or a half-moon-shaped silhouette held together with a brass clasp, Laborde’s thoughtful and versatile designs offer something for everyone.

During a brief intermission, Brooklyn’s own Steph G took the runway debuting her new single “Feelin Myself” – the only acceptable mood everyone should be in for NYFW. Sporting a long ruffled purple caftan paired with her bright red hair, she introduced the color combination of our dreams.

Aries Closet

Designer Andrea N. McCray of Aries Closet embodied confidence and resilience with her unconventional designs. The fashion industry has made amazing strides to include models who come in all shapes, sizes and walks of life. McCray gathered a diverse group of talent to showcase her art pieces demonstrating that confidence and beauty flourish with age. This black and white themed collection was equally as elegant as it was daring. Leather pieces made to look like feathers were constructed into an asymmetrical skirt on two sexy lace and cut-out dresses. And just on trend, McCray included two red hot pieces like a red lace one-piece and a three-dimensional high-neck red dress as the cherry on top of her collection titled, Unconventional Treasured Threads.

Marci Berlin

Marci Berlin displayed a cohesive collection of ready-to-wear fits for an effortlessly cool aesthetic. These all-black ensembles offered leather and denim pieces perfect for a “model off duty” look. With a commitment to sustainability, founder and creative director India Lanasia proved that the everyday minimalist and fashion lover can lean into the classics while still making a statement and standing out amongst the crowd.

Heruse Tos Handbags

Lea McCormick of Heruse Tos Handbags transported the audience from a gothic-designed atrium to the glitz and glam of old Hollywood through her classically designed handbags. This captivating collection of handbags skillfully entwines Native American artistry with contemporary influences. Models dressed in colorful gowns paid homage to golden-age Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Hedy Lamar while toting matching clutches and purses. If old Hollywood had a colorful and inclusive makeover, these fits would be perfect for the big screen. This collection screamed luxury all the while still including the Native American heritage in the details through ribbon lining, prints and ribbon skirts.

Buckanaga Social Club

Buckanaga Social Club by Amber Buckanaga leaned into earthy elements and hues for the base of the outfits with bright colors weaving their magic into the trim and details of the designs inspired by indigenous art and patterns. For this collection, Buckanaga collaborated with James Harvin of Duality Collection on their shared native heritage aiming to dismantle colonial ideologies. Each sustainable and culturally rich look was incredibly unique, mixing indigenous past and present stories.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn

Spring entered the room through the refreshing hues and feminine silhouettes from Franchon Crews-Dezurn. Dezurn brought all the drama through her designs while making a stunning debut at Rise NYFW. Famously known as the first undisputed super middleweight boxing champion and multifaceted creative, her collection stole the show through a cohesive line of crushed velvet dresses, flower motifs, and spring colors. Coming from the world of boxing and stepping into fashion, Dezurn revealed her ultra-feminine designs, showing a beautiful juxtaposition of finding strength in your femininity. Women are strong, multi-faceted individuals who aren’t afraid to try new things while looking good doing it too.

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Photography by Abby Schirmacher and Benjamin Harrison