New York Fashion Week is back again in full swing, the lights, the cameras and all the action have begun filling the streets of the city. One show in particular, Next Frontier in Fashion (NFIF) is pioneering the future of fashion and what it means to put on a standout event full of innovation and inspiration.

The event was held at the luxurious Room & Board showroom in Chelsea and was hosted by owners and producers of NFIF, D’angelo Thomspon, a renowned celebrity makeup artist and Fashion in the Media professor at Kent State University’s New York City campus and Javier Pedroza, a distinguished philanthropist, host, producer and celebrity stylist.

The night, led by storytellers and innovators, gave a spotlight to four brilliant and independent B.I.P.O.C and marginalized designers: Belinda Baidoo, 444, Hisham Oumil, and Jokajok Luxury Leather. These brands ranged from leather goods handmade in Kenya, to streetwear, flowing dresses and gowns, trending streetwear and tailored menswear. The presentation truly allowed unity throughout the evening and beyond to support the crucial role of highlighting and supporting these artists.

D’angelo Thompson, one of the co-hosts for the event shared that its about uplifting and giving a platform to these creatives during a time like NYFW to give them a chance to shine just the same. Being that it is the 6th annual NFIF event, the curating and thoughtfulness behind the night gave every guest an opportunity to talk to the designers firsthand and understand their story, as well as see their visions come to life through the models’ presentation.

The evening was filled with mingling and conversation; Kent State School of Fashion’s Director, Mourad Krifa, shared that the experiences Kent State Fashion students get to be surrounded by are so exciting because there are endless possibilities and opportunities. Kent State’s School of Fashion was also a partner of the night with many students and alumni participating, attending, and interning for the event. 

Next Frontier in Fashion is also excited to announce that they will be hosting the Kent State University x International Fashion Association Fashion Show on Oct. 17, 2024.

Next Frontier in Fashion is paving the way for the future of fashion and giving everyone a platform to share their story, allowing for beautiful events in the heart of New York Fashion Week and beyond.

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Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.