The Harlem Fashion Row (HFR) Lunch and Learn event, held recently at Melba Restaurant in Harlem, NYC, was a huge success! This well-attended event, held in collaboration with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), featured a panel discussion where industry leaders highlighted important business advice to fifty talented high school students attending either the Fashion Academy of the famous designer Misa Hilton or at Tony Danza’s Academy. The Stars of Tomorrow program.
Students dressed to impress. Their looks were trendy, and in some cases, futuristic and colorful. Melba’s delicious three-course lunch featured all the delicious cultural flavors the restaurant is famous for.
HFR living legend and Godfather Dapper Dan (Daniel Day) and Tiffany L. Zeno, producer of the show with NBC Universal Local, were in attendance, along with fashion mogul Misa Hilton. The three fashion designers showing in HFR’s upcoming Fall 2022 NYFW show, Clarence Ruth, Johnathan Hayden and Nicole Benefield, were also in the house.
Moderated by Brandice Daniels, CEO & founder of HFR, guest panelists included Corey Smith, VP Diversity Inclusion LVMH; Jasmine Humphrey, Global PR Director, Tiffany’s & Co.; Nelson Gillum, director, Consumer Engagement, Moet Hennessy.
HFR’s Lunch and Learn event provided invaluable insights into breaking fashion barriers for senior color leadership.
“We wanted to do something with the fashion community and decided this was the right place and time,” Daniels said. “We are here to serve you.” When you’re working for a company, “make sure you have a comfortable experience,” Corey Smith advised. “Expand your world. Read stories by black authors like Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Richard Wright.”
Brandis asked the students what words inspired them. Answers included: “Love”, “Creativity”, “Trust”, “Humanity” and “Being adaptable”. Nelson insisted that, “After high school, students should spend time discovering who they are. And question everything.” The panelists shared their professional journeys and gave a mini masterclass on the great in this world. They encouraged the next generation of creative catalysts to dream, work hard and succeed.
HFR continues to move to improve the environment by introducing designers to the importance of sustainability. Currently, there is an opportunity for emerging talent of color to step forward. There is no doubt that the fashion industry has changed. Their approach should be different, original and environmentally friendly.
HFR is excited to usher in a new era of diversification in the luxury fashion space by actualizing and executing strategic partnerships. Harlem Fashion Row continues to instill confidence in our youth and is truly moving to make working in fashion accessible.
HFR is championing inclusiveness, advocating for change through collaboration and challenging the industry to recognize young, passionate, and young gardeners of color.
