Nike and Harlem Fashion Row to Host 2nd Annual Virtual Fashion Retreat With 75 Designers of Color

Harlem Fashion Row and Nike are once again partnering up, this time for their 2nd Annual Virtual Fashion Retreat. HFR, in association with ICON 360, the organization’s COVID response initiative, will host 75 black indigenous designers of color for the event to be held on July 15 until July 17, 2020.

ICON 360 has worked tirelessly to support brands through the ongoing health crisis and have been able to acquire donations to launch the program. Among the list of supporters is the VOGUE/CFDA Common Thread Fund who donated $1 million USD to the grant. The donation, according to HFR, “will allow designers in all stages of business to seek opportunities with an organization committed to furthering the advancement of diversity in fashion.”

“We have always taken pride in creating an avenue for black designers to learn the industry by talking directly to leading fashion insiders,” said Brandice Daniel, Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row. “This year is especially important because our designers will present their collections as well for a chance to win a grant to help their business even further.”

Nike’s support will also give designers the opportunity to learn valuable insights into growing their business while participants compete for a grant with ICON 360. Sponsors such as Gap Inc., Diageo, Macy’s, and also Janie and Jack, a national designer children’s brand are also involved. A $10,000 USD grant will also be awarded through competition. Guest speakers for the retreat include designers Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen and Tracy Reese.

Designers can learn more about ICON 360 on the HFR site with all guidelines are listed on the website.

In other fashion news, The North Face Purple Label just launched its latest FW20 looks.