Essence Fashion Digest: Harlem’s Fashion Row and Nordstrom Launch Capsule Collection, Andrea Iyamah Hosts NYFW Brunch – Essence

This week in fashion was stuffed with moments we would like to spotlight. First, Harlem’s Fashion Row and Nordstrom teamed up to raise Black designers within the retail space. Then, TV personality and media mogul Oprah Winfrey is the face of LaPointe’s latest Spring 2025 collection. Meanwhile, designer Andrea Iyamah and beauty brand Laura Mercier hosted an intimate brunch celebrating the multifacetedness of girls. Then, Cuyana launched a brand new and improved version of its System Zipper bag.

Finally, the newly launched sports-fashion platform TUNL took to New York Fashion Week with a number of stars in attendance. Scroll on to see the style events of the week.

Harlem Fashion Row Launches Nordstrom Partnership

To keep Black designers within the highlight, Harlem Fashion Row has launched Nordstrom by Harlem’s Fashion Row. The three designers represented within the project are Megan Renee, House of Aama, and Harbison. Three collections from each brand at the moment are available for purchase for men and women, featuring designs with vibrant colours, daring prints, and tailored silhouettes. The collections also include ready-to-wear pieces, in addition to accessories from each brand.

“We are thrilled to introduce these three capsule collections that reimagine our Nordstrom brand in collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row, Megan Renee, House of Aama and Harbison,” said Nina Barjesteh, President, Nordstrom Product Group, Nordstrom in an announcement. “Through our Nordstrom brand, we always strive to provide our customers with an assortment of well-designed, high-quality styles and work closely with each designer to bring their vision to life through our namesake brand, offering beautiful, unique collections at a great value,” she added.

Shop Nordstrom by Harlem’s Fashion Row at nordstrom.plPrices range from $45 to $299.

Oprah Winfrey to Star in LaPointe Campaign

Oprah Winfrey because the face of a fashion campaign is a fresh idea from LaPointe Studios. The TV personality is seen in numerous pieces from the Spring 2025 collection, from a snake-print coat, a crystal-covered pink maxi dress worn under a flowing pink coat, and a green-and-beige feathered ombre with a pair of beige wide-leg trousers. Sally LaPointe, the brand’s creative director, decided to skip showing at New York Fashion Week and got here up with this significant idea as an alternative.

“The main reason I said yes was because of how warm and open Sally was when I met her,” Oprah Winfrey said in an announcement. “She is a woman in power who empowers other women through her work, her art and her clothing, and I wanted to support that,” she added.

The LaPointe Spring 2025 collection is obtainable for pre-order online starting today at shoplapointe.com.

Andrea Iyamah and Laura Mercier host an intimate brunch

To unveil her Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Andrea Iyamah decided to collaborate with beauty brand Laura Mercier at a brunch to rejoice female strength, beauty, and resilience while also being incredibly multifaceted. The recent collection, titled “The Grace To Do It All,” embodies this sentiment, celebrating women who “do it all,” from motherhood to entrepreneurship.

Other collaborators on the brunch included Tanqueray No. Ten and Crown Royal. The event was held on the rooftop of Ned NoMad. The collaboration with Laura Mercier expanded to incorporate a special “Lip Service” beauty experience, where attendees could discover their timeless lip look, celebrating individuality.

“Every piece in ‘The Grace to Do It All’ reflects the resilience, beauty and complexity of women who juggle so many roles,” Iyamah said. “This collection is my way of celebrating the grace with which women handle their multiple responsibilities and the strength they demonstrate in every aspect of their lives. I’m proud to share it with such an inspiring group of people who truly embody it.”

Andrea Iyamah’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection is currently available at official website of the brand.

Cuyana’s newest zip-up bag is now available

Female-owned and heritage-driven brand Cuyana has launched a new edition of its System Tote, the System Zipper Tote. This new edition of the bag is designed for skilled women world wide who value functionality without compromising style of their work bag. This chic solution optimizes the space within the bag and serves as a straightforward on a regular basis bag, with fans like Meghan Markle seen carrying hers. The recessed zipper and internal pocket may also be customized with other organizational extras for individuals who are all the time busy but still need to be chic. The latest Cuyana release is obtainable in the next shades: Cherry, Black, Cappuccino, Caramel, Stone and Dark Olive.

The recent System Zipper Tote is obtainable at cuyana.com.

Snapshots from TUNL’s inaugural New York Fashion Week Gala

During New York Fashion Week, newly launched sports and fashion platform TUNL celebrated its inaugural Gala at Spring Studios. Hosted by Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago and presented by Spotify, the event brought together a star-studded lineup of music, fashion, and sports. A bunch of stars appeared, including Taraji P. Henson, FERG, Joan Smalls, Rachel Lindsay, Wisdom Kaye, Skylar Diggins, Jalen Wilson, and more. The TUNL Gala also showcased exclusive merchandise and merch from Mifland and PINKFlamingoUSA x PRIX to rejoice the intersection of fashion, sports, and culture. The event also spotlighted the Unrivaled League, a women’s skilled basketball league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

“Launching the brand during New York Fashion Week puts us at the heart of where fashion meets culture,” said Santiago, TUNL advisor and vp of Roc Nation. “The timing is perfect because the conversation around the intersection of sports and fashion has never been stronger with the recent Olympics and Vogue World. We’re seeing athletes no longer just participants in fashion—they’re leaders. TUNL is stepping in to give this movement the recognition and platform it deserves,” he added.