Here are the NYFW designers to know bringing iconic natural hair moments to the Runway this NYFW.
Historically, New York Fashion Week runway looks tend to feature understated hairstyles to not distract from the designs. This meant many natural looks being hidden behind slicked backed buns, blown out hair, or being covered all together. Thankfully, many designers this year are rejecting that tradition, and embracing natural hair on the runway. Here are 8 designers embracing natural hair on the runway this NYFW.
- A.Potts
A.Potts debuted their latest collection on New York's Men's Day, describing the collection as “neorascalism” and calling it rebellious, creative, urban, playful, and hones in on the future. So it’s no surprise that creative director Aaron Potts would be a disruptor in this space by featuring models wearing their natural hair. Here are a few of my favorites from the collection:
Photo Getty Image: John Lamparski / Stringer
Photo Getty Image: John Lamparski / Stringer
Photo Getty Image: John Lamparski / Stringer
- Laquan Smith
Laquan Smith's ready-to-wear show was inspired by the nostalgia of the “Dynasty” television series and James Bond films. “I wanted to create a collection that really focused on tailoring menswear suits, sharp clean lines that still create a sense of edge, sophistication and sex appeal,” Smith said after the show. Smith was able to use natural hair to complement this streamlined look, featuring straightback braids and short afro textured styles.
Photo Getty Images: Victor VIRGILE / Contributor
Photo Getty Images: Victor VIRGILE / Contributor
Photo Getty Images: Victor VIRGILE / Contributor
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- Studio 189
Studio 189’s show is disruption exemplified. Featuring pregnant models, children holding hands, and both intricate and everyday natural hairstyles on the runway, Studio 189 is certainly paving the way for other brands looking to create more inclusive designs. Here are a few notable moments from the show.
Photo Getty Images: George Chinsee / Contributor
Photo Getty Images: George Chinsee / Contributor
Photo Getty Images: George Chinsee / Contributor
- Dur Doux
Mother-daughter duo Najla and Cynthia Burt’s latest collection is one of the best examples of using natural hairstyles to complement their designs. Models dawned bright, tropical, and floral prints that paired well with voluminous hair and bold eye makeup. Here are some of the best vacation inspired looks straight off the runway.
Photo Getty Images: Albert Urso / Stringer
Photo Getty Images: Albert Urso / Stringer
Photo Getty Images: Albert Urso / Stringer
- Cavanaugh Baker
If you needed a reminder that braids are elegant, Project Runway Alum Cavanaugh Baker proved braids and luxury wear go hand in hand. Here are the two braided looks I loved most.
Photo Getty Images: Dia Dipasupil / Staff
Photo Getty Images: Dia Dipasupil / Staff
- Palomo Spain
Palomo Spain's ready-to-wear show gave us natural waves, curls, coils, and kinks alongside designs evoking childhood nostalgia and dreaming of wearing the gowns in your mothers closet. “I think we all had this relationship with clothes when we were kids before really knowing that gender existed or that there were certain rules and norms” Alejandro Gómez Palomo shared with Vogue. Here are a few of the looks embracing natural hairstyles.
Photo Getty Images: Hippolyte Petit / Contributor
Photo Getty Images: Hippolyte Petit / Contributor
Photo Getty Images: Hippolyte Petit / Contributor
- Kent Anthony
Another New York Men's day showing from designer Kent Anthony, which featured models with long and medium braids, locs, and twist styles alongside casually elegant suits and futuristic designs. I love seeing men explore and experiment with hairstyles, so here are some of the best futuristic styles from the show.
Photo Getty Images: John Lamparski / Stringer
Photo Getty Images: John Lamparski / Stringer
Photo Getty Images: John Lamparski / Stringer
- Kim Shui
Jumbo braids? Check. TWA? Check. Floor Length box braids? Check. Topping off the list with Kim Shui’s fearless show ripe with culture, feminine energy, and authenticity, including natural hair. Kim Shuo designs are known for incorporating traditional chinese textiles and embroideries with modern and flirty cuts. Here are a few looks featuring natural hair that stole the show.
Photo Getty Images: Fernanda Calfat / Stringer
Photo Getty Images: Fernanda Calfat / Stringer
Photo Getty Images: Fernanda Calfat / Stringer
Photo Getty Images: Fernanda Calfat / Stringer
Now, we may know that our natural curls and hairstyles can work to compliment outfits and not distract from them, but it’s taken the fashion industry longer to figure this out. Natural hair is diverse and beautiful and revolutionary, and to quote Lizzo, “it’s about damn time” more designers are utilizing it as a tool in their shows. Who knows, if more designers begin to reject tradition and embrace natural hair rather on the runway, maybe straight backs will become the new slicked back bun.
What are your favorite natural hair moments from NYFW so far?
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