Yesterday afternoon, Kerby-Jean Raymond made history as the first black American designer to show a couture collection under his Pyer Moss label as a guest designer by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Unlike the majority of designers whose collections were presented in Paris, the original show was to be held at Villa Lewardo in Irvington, NY on July 8th, but was postponed due to inclement weather brought on by Hurricane Elsa. Invitees including Brother Vellies creative director and founder of the 15 Percent Pledge Aurora James, Hanifa designer Anifa Mvuemba, actress Kiki Layne gathered again at the same venue. The location held cultural significance as the estate belonging to Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in America, as documented by the Guinness Book of World records, earning her fortune as an entrepreneur with a line of Black hair care products.
The show opened with an address to the audience by Elaine Brown, former Black Panther chairwoman, prison activist, writer and singer. Moments later models walked out to a live performance by 22GZ accompanied by a live orchestra. The collection itself, named WAT U IZ, was an ode to Black inventions, made up of 25 fashionable and surrealist interpretations of items ranging from hot rollers to a chess board to a refrigerator whose magnetic letters spelled out "BUT WHO INVENTED BLACK TRAUMA?".
See some of our favorite looks below:
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Julia Gall is the former Style Director at Marie Claire, covering all things fashion, as well as styling tips, wardrobe upkeep and sustainability. Check her out at @juliasgall.
-
Melissa McCarthy Defends Meghan Markle From Critics Who Are "Threatened" by Her
McCarthy once starred in the duchess' 40th birthday video.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Zendaya Says She Might Just "Go Away for a While" During 'Euphoria' Hiatus
Rest is best!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Celebrate Earth Month With Our Feel-Good Fashion Report
Your guide to being more sustainable in 2024.
By Anneliese Henderson Published
-
Designer Róisín Pierce Is Creating High Fashion From Her Tiny Kitchen Table
Working with her mother out of her Dublin home, the designer makes clothes that tell the story of female resistance.
By Emma Childs Published
-
This Former Céline Consultant Has Almost Perfected the Cashmere Sweater
Charlotte Björklund is on a mission to warm the world, one knit at a time.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Meet the Fashion Designer Making Mistakes on Purpose
Jack Miner of Interior takes us inside his intentionally messy, chaotic world.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The 23 Best Puffer Jackets for Women to Stay Warm In
The cold never bothered me anyway.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Your Complete Guide to Winter Coats, From Puffers to Parkas
Our editors tapped experts for insight and hand-picked the 24 best options.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
The 28 Most Iconic Fashion Films, According to Marie Claire Editors
When your closet and your movie queue need a refresh.
By Katie Attardo Published
-
The 12 Best, Editor-Approved Turtlenecks for Masterful Layering
They're fashion insiders' secret weapon.
By Emma Childs Last updated
-
The 12 Best Cashmere Sweaters of 2023
Cashmere is the G.O.A.T. (get it?) of attainable luxury.
By Emma Childs Published