New York Fashion Week 2025 Recap: Black Designers You Need To Know
And if you don’t know, now you know.
Courtesy: Instagram/@laquan_smith
In case you missed it, New York Fashion Week 2025 was Blackety Black Black. Taking place from February 6 to the 11th, Black creativity was sprinkled throughout the 54 shows. From Nigerian-born Tia Adeola to Queens’ own Laquan Smith, we're putting you on to the Black designers who presented at NYFW 2025.
February 6th:
Christopher John Rogers
If high fashion were a circus, Christopher John Rogers would be the Ring Master. With his strong proclivity for bold colors and patterns, stripes being his signature, CJR knows a thing or two about commanding attention. His NYFW 25 show was more refined, dialing back his typical animated sensibility yet still remaining undeniably eye-catching, and fashionably whimsical.
A. Potts
In 2018, Aaron Potts launched his unisex fashion label, A. Potts, to be worn by all genders. As a designer, he emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly fashion, as he favors sustainable woven fabrics.
For his NYFW 25 collection, it’s safe to say comfort was top of mind. Introducing knitwear, he presented dark-colored muumuu dresses, ponchos, knit coats, and onesies that were paired with tall trucker caps and beanies. Overall, tight, fitted clothing was not welcome at his showcase!
February 7th:
Sergio Hudson
Best known for dressing Michelle Obama, Sergio Hudson is the go-to designer for professional attire that commands attention. Since establishing his brand in 2016, he has mastered the art of elevating classic American fashion through his polished layering techniques.
Hudson continues to draw inspiration from Americana style, describing his fall collection to Vogue as a “celebration of American sportswear.” With a lineup of colorful double-breasted wool coats, tailored day suits, and sleek trench coats, Hudson makes business casual more appealing than its everyday monotony.
February 9:
Tia Adeola
Hailing from Nigeria, Tia Adeola celebrated 10 years of her eponymous label at NYFW. Known for her sheer-ruffle sets worn by artists like Cleotrapa and SZA, Adeola merged these romantic, airy designs with her Nigerian roots for her latest collection.
February 10:
Diotima
Diotima, founded by Jamaican-born Rachel Scott in 2021, combines Caribbean heritage with modern style. Known for its handmade crochet pieces and tailored designs using high-quality fabrics from the UK and Italy, Diotima puts on for the culture, eschewing traditional European influences. This season, Diotima paid tribute to the complexity of Black matriarchs.
LaQuan Smith
This Queens designer is no stranger to high-quality womenswear. Since his debut in 2013, LaQuan Smith’s glamorous creations have been rocked by Beyonce, Kamala Harris, Rihanna, and more.
For his fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection, Smith mixed business with sultry, embracing the office siren aesthetic. Without being overtly sexy, his newest collection accentuated a woman's silhouette with class. Through his intricate use of houndstooth patterns, high slits, and V-cuts, Smith captured the essence of what modern Gen Z business women want to wear.
February 11:
Frederick Anderson
For over 20 years, Frederick Anderson has been famous for his couture garments and his high-profile clientele, including Janet Jackson and Jennifer Hudson. With his fabulous fall 2025 collection, he continues to prove that he is still that guy.