The fashion industry is no stranger to controversy, especially when it comes to brand campaigns. From Gucci’s 2003 “Public Enemy” campaign, which featured the letter “G” shaved into a model’s pubic hair, to American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney’s exclusionary interpretation of beauty standards last year, ethical missteps in fashion have happened for decades. Unfortunately, another brand has left an imprint on the wrong side of history: Converse. 

The Massachusetts-founded company recently launched a since-deleted Chuck 70 X campaign, where the shoes were seen dangling beneath pointed white fabric, immediately sparking comparisons to the American hate group, the Ku Klux Klan—widely known for terrorizing and lynching Black Americans, as early as 1865. Backlash intensified when a separate collaboration with Copenhagen lifestyle brand Palmes surfaced on September 14, featuring even more disturbing imagery. One photograph shows two models in a tree: one on a ladder holding onto a pair of sneakers dangling from a branch. “Yes. the @converse ad IS that serious. This photo doubles down on the messaging,” a Threads user stated. The message in question? Blacks are still not seen as valued human beings, but as sources of profit.

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While we can’t change Converse’s methods, we can control where our dollars go. Though the campaign is insensitive and disrespectful, this situation reminds us to support brands that not only respect Black culture, but also uplift it; not ones that benefit from it, regardless of the cost. Consider alternatives, like Superga or Vans, that offer quality sneakers under $100, if you’re looking for something affordable. If you have more expensive taste, Amiri and Rick Owens nail the same high-top silhouette as Chuck 70s, with first-rate materials that ensure longevity in your closet. Whether you’re sustainably minded or relish luxury, these are the sneaker brands worth supporting instead. 

1. Vans

Originally made for the avid skater, Vans has become one of the top American destinations for sneakers. Styles like the Sk8-Hi nail practicality and style with ease, skater or not.

Vans UA SK8-Hi Tapered Stackform Sneakers

Price: $80

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2. Keds

Founded in 1916 by U.S. Rubber, Keds has remained a champion in canvas sneakers, revolutionizing casual footwear. Its offerings usually range from $30 to $80, making its classic silhouettes accessible for everyone.

Keds Champion Canvas Lace-Up Sneakers

Price: $55

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3. Superga

This Italian brand also specializes in canvas sneakers, with its 100% rubber outsole being a main highlight. In addition to comfortable platforms, it also offers espadrilles, sandals, and rain boots.

Superga 2790 Platform Sneakers

Price: $24

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4. PF Flyers

One of the OG sneaker brands, PF Flyers prioritizes quality and style through silhouettes like its All-American high-tops. Each style features a posture foundation insole, rubber midsoles, and durable outsoles, so your sneakers not only look good, but feel good, too. Not to mention this suede style is perfect for fall.

P.F. Flyers High Top Sneakers

Price: $90

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5. Amiri

Heavily inspired by Los Angeles’s skate and grunge cultures, founder Mike Amiri nails Californian streetwear like only he can. His footwear offerings are just as referential as the clothing, including these hi-tops that bear a striking resemblance to Chucks; minus the provocative marketing.

Amiri Classic Low

Price: $835

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6. Rick Owens DRKSHDW

When it comes to designer sneakers, Rick Owens is a staple brand, including its extension line, DRKSHDW. It’s most famous for designs like the utilitarian-style Sneaks, made in Italy. With elements like high-end cotton and eyelets for ventilation, these are worth the splurge.

Sneaks

Price: $684

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7. Golden Goose

Far from overhyped, Golden Goose set the trend for “lived-in” footwear. Its superstar style is a cult favorite, thanks to its leather composition and signature distressed look.

Women’s Super Star Sneakers

Price: $595

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Coco Jones at Prabal

Before sitting front row for the Prabal Gurung at The Shows at the Petzel Gallery, newlywed Coco Jones was with the designer and others for an exclusive cocktail hour celebrating the collection with official Bombay Sapphire cocktails, which also had Saweetie, Tiffany Haddish, Kate Walsh, and Jordan Chiles in the room, all decked in Prabal Gurung looks.

Rich the Kid Struts

Rich the Kid had a very busy NYFW. Along with walking in the PDF show as a celebrity guest (styled by creative director and close collaborator Lil Yachty), the multi-platinum rapper stepped out front-row at KidSuper and Cult Gaia. He was also spotted at exclusive events by ALO, Revolve, Born x Raised and more and hosted a single release party at Petite Nightclub for his new record, “Too Bad” ft. Gunna, which dropped on September 11.

Chaka Khan Struts, Too

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Chaka Khan was not only namesd as EMERGE!’s 2026 Fashion Innovator during the 15th anniversary of the EMERGE! Fashion Show, the “I’m Every Woman” singer got to walk the runway, too! At the night’s festivities Eva Marcille was honored with the Style Award, and Danessa Myricks was the recipient of the Business of Beauty Award. hip-hop streetwear pioneer Karl Kani returned to the EMERGE! runway for the first time in nearly a decade, debuting his newest collection to an energized crowd.

House of Nova Brews A New Collection

House of Nova presented “Between Worlds,” a runway presentation of sculptural, limited-edition couture built around Nova’s signature emotion-driven design philosophy, at The Brownstone Social, a coffee shop revamped into an intimate runway for the occasion.

The show drew a mix of press, industry, and celebrity guests, including Fox Temptation Island star Paris Fenty and High School Musical alum Monique Coleman, who had a VIP fitting with House of Nova designer Nova Lorraine.

Fashion Bomb Daily Celebrates 20

Claressa Shields joined founder Claire Sulmers to celebrate Fashion Bomb Daily’s 20 years of shaping multicultural fashion and culture at the 6th Annual Bomb Fashion Show, presented by Bask & Lather Co. Inside Lavan Chelsea, guests toasted the evening’s champagne-themed celebration, hosted by world-renowned media personality Loren Lorosa.

Across innovative runway presentations from brands BruceGlen, FGM Bespoke, Jai Lyle and Mahogani Collections, the event welcomed a star-studded guest list that included music artists Papoose, Honey Bxby, Lavaud, Yung Bleu and more.

Few Black television couples have had the staying power of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. From their constant bickering at Hillman College to Dwayne famously interrupting Whitley’s wedding, their relationship became one of A Different World’s most memorable storylines. Now, with the upcoming A Different World reboot bringing a new generation back to Hillman, it’s worth revisiting their romance through a modern lens: Would Dwayne and Whitley actually work in the dating world of 2026?

“Hell no,” said megafan Symone Williams. “She’d be scrolling on social media, seeing memes about dating in your class bracket or a man on your level. But at the same time they were young, so yes, especially because Dwayne was ambitious and loved Whitley through and through.” 

On paper, they were an unlikely match. Whitley was sophisticated, outspoken, ambitious and accustomed to a privileged upbringing. Dwayne was more laid-back, academically driven and less interested in conforming to the world Whitley came from. Their differences often created friction, but that friction also made their relationship compelling. Ultimately, they challenged each other.

Whitley pushed Dwayne to understand her world, while Dwayne encouraged Whitley to look beyond the expectations that came with her upbringing. Neither entered the relationship as a perfectly evolved partner. They made mistakes, broke up, got jealous and struggled with communication before ultimately choosing to grow together.

“I think one thing that would survive in 2026 dating is the friendship base,” Chelsey S. Britton said. “They genuinely knew each other and were super transparent. They grew together, and all those things are still important. What would not have worked is him even being allowed in the wedding or making it to the house the night before. She and Byron would have said I do, and possibly later someone would have shared that Dwayne came by or tried to make an effort, and ultimately Whitley and Byron would have divorced.” 

That kind of growth can feel almost foreign in today’s dating culture, where the ability to immediately disconnect is always within reach. Dating apps have made it easier to meet new people, while social media can turn relationship problems into public discourse overnight. A couple who constantly fought in the 1990s might simply get ghosted or blocked in 2026.

“If they met for the first time today, [I] honestly don’t think their relationship would unfortunately make it on account of the fact that dating has changed so much,” said publicist Liv Bishop. “These days I believe that a lot more people have boundaries; as much as they’re both in so much love with each other, don’t just stay just because it’s what you’re used to. These days, people know once bigger issues arise more than once, that’s when they know it is time to cut things off.”

Still, Dwayne and Whitley’s story also reflects something that remains recognizable: relationships require compromise. Their differences in class, family expectations and personality were never minor details. Whitley’s privileged background shaped her expectations, while Dwayne’s upbringing gave him a different perspective on money, ambition and success. Yet, instead of letting those differences permanently separate them, they eventually learned how to navigate them.

“They do, but not necessarily in the way it was performed,” Essayist and Grab a Glass Substack writer Laura Valey said. “A healthy partnership can acknowledge class differences without exploiting them. Dwayne had a pattern of class resentment where, whenever they were in conflict, he would dismiss Whitley by pointing to her lack of awareness because of her upbringing. In the ‘90s, that dynamic could be played for comedy, but today, it looks a little toxic.” 

Perhaps the biggest test of their relationship isn’t whether they would swipe right on each other in 2026. It’s whether they could sustain the relationship once the excitement of getting together wore off. The upcoming reboot gives audiences an opportunity to see Dwayne and Whitley from an entirely different perspective: as parents whose daughter is now beginning her own journey at Hillman. After decades together, their relationship presumably has survived far more than the romantic complications we watched unfold in college.

Maybe that’s why their relationship still resonates. Dwayne and Whitley weren’t perfect, and their love story wasn’t effortless. They were two people with different backgrounds and personalities who had to figure out whether their differences could coexist. Nearly four decades later, the question isn’t whether Dwayne and Whitley were relationship goals. It’s whether, in an era where we’re quicker to swipe left, they’d still choose to do the work.

With only seven weeks left until Election Day, voters are diving deeper into their understanding of candidates. Across both major parties, there are Black candidates seeking election to be governor of their respective states. If these candidates are elected, they have the potential to make history, as only three people have previously been appointed governor who are African American. One of the three previous elected governors is Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who is currently seeking reelection. 

While Moore has been vocal about his desire for there to be more Black governors alongside him, candidates must appeal to a larger audience of voters than before, beyond just Black voters. Similar to the wave of Black female candidates who were running for Senate earlier this year, this is another historic number of Black candidates for this election cycle. This could be what sets the tone of a new era commencing for more minority representation in political leadership. 

John James

With a blend of military service and political leadership roles. John James is running to be governor of Michigan. James served as a Ranger-qualified aviation officer in the Army for eight years before being elected to Congress in 2022.  He won the Republican primary election earlier last month and will now compete against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. James is also tied to President Trump as someone who has shown vocal support of his presidency. As well as, being personally endorsed for the governor position, which was what led to his win in the Republican primaries. Some of the priorities he’s emphasized along his campaign trail have included removing income tax for the state, strengthening the cannabis regulatory agency, and even a parents’ bill giving parents a heavier hand in their children’s education. If James wins the election, he would be the state’s first Black governor. 

Byron Donalds

Similar to John James, Byron Donalds is also running for governor as a republican candidate. He currently serves as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 19th congressional district. He’s not only been endorsed by President Trump, but has made it a point to amplify his conservative perspective throughout his campaign. This has included vocalizing his stance on border control, property taxes, and data centers. The issues that he’s platformed during his campaign trail have included pushing back against illegal immigration, environmental preservation and restoration, and deepening economic opportunities for Florida residents through education and lower taxes.  In the event Donalds is elected, he will succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in leadership.

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Former mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms is seeking to take things up a notch in her political career as she campaigns to be elected governor of Georgia. With a background of serving in all three branches of government, Bottoms’ background in political servitude has prepared her for the campaign she’s currently running. Some of the areas she’s highlighted during her campaign include lowering housing costs, retaining land ownership for farmers, and increased state support of local law enforcement to help improve public safety. Bottoms has also introduced a grocery and essentials tax relief plan that she hopes will lower the cost of groceries for families to have necessary essentials in their homes, with additional taxes on items. If elected, Bottoms would not only become the state’s first Black governor, but also the first Black female governor.

David Crowley

Serving in his second term as the seventh executive for Milwaukee County, David Crowley is vying for governor of Wisconsin. Much of his campaign has emphasized empowerment for residents, affordability in health care and housing, and climate advocacy. He has even been vocal about the recent emergence of data centers and their impact on residents across the state, expressing his belief that restrictions should be put on these entities to ensure residents’ resources and perspectives are being prioritized. Being endorsed by fellow political leaders such as Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and current Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has helped Crowley keep strong footing in exposure ahead of Election Day.

Aaron Ford

Aaron Ford, who currently serves as Nevada’s attorney general, is also vying to be the state’s next governor. Going against Republican nominee Joe Lombardo, Ford is bringing his experience as a lawyer and former member of the Nevada Senate as minority and majority leader to the table. His priorities during his campaign have touched on public safety, living costs, and education. While in his role as attorney general, he helped to advocate for reproductive freedom and fought for Nevada residents who were experiencing predatory lenders and difficulty receiving medical insurance coverage. After being the first Black person to hold a statewide constitutional office in Nevada as attorney general, Ford could make history again as the state’s first Black governor.

Jermaine Johnson

Jermaine Johnson currently serves in South Carolina’s House of Representatives, where he sits on the committee for labor, commerce, and industry. His doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Northcentral University, alongside his experience working in education and the nonprofit sector, is the perspective he could bring to the table if elected governor. Some of the policies he’s emphasized during his campaign trail have included lowering taxes on property and income, providing more resources to trade schools, and passing more hate crime bills. Johnson is running alongside Sam Skardon, a well-known businessman in the area, to be his lieutenant governor.

Lisa Demuth

As one of the few Black female candidates for governor, Lisa Demuth is making a name for herself as one of the only women vying for office as a Republican candidate. Demuth currently serves as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her background spans entrepreneurship, education, and political leadership, including being House Minority Leader and Speaker of the House, making her the first Republican woman and Black lawmaker to do so. Like other Republican candidates vying for governor, her priorities center on tax relief for residents, along with stricter parental controls and transparency in education. Demuth’s win would be historic for the state as it would make her the state’s first Black and first female governor.

Wes Moore

Almost four years after being elected to the role of governor of Maryland, Wes Moore must now advocate for himself again to remain in the position. He made history as the state’s first Black governor in 2023 and has made it a point to support economic growth through raising wages for workers, investing funds into HBCUs, and creating new roles as businesses opened across the state. Though he didn’t have an extensive political career prior to being elected governor, he is a combat veteran of the U.S. Army after years of service. His re-election campaign centers around continuing the work he’s already done for the state and ensuring that affordability is at the forefront for Maryland residents.

New York Fashion Week will have you questioning whether anybody in this city owns a regular pair of pants anymore, and we mean that as a compliment. For this NYFW edition of The Block Is Hot, the streets were full of trousers pooling around shoes, denim cut wide enough to catch a breeze, skirts clashing beautifully with prints that had no business working together, and enough tiny sunglasses to confirm that apparently we still aren’t ready to see clearly. But beneath all the Fashion Week peacocking was something much more interesting: people looked like themselves.

Black style showed up with personality instead of prescription. A fiery red crushed-velvet track jacket was grounded by relaxed black trousers and chunky brown shoes, while an oversized striped tee, dark puddling denim, Yankees cap and electric-blue bag turned familiar wardrobe staples into something completely individual. Then came the knotted red tee with sweeping brown trousers, furry shoes and tiny red frames, a look so perfectly unserious that carrying a dog somehow felt like the final accessory.

The women brought their own lessons in proportion and print. Zebra met a plunging black halter, snakeskin was tossed over denim, and a patterned wrap skirt with knee-high boots delivered the kind of polished ease that makes you reconsider what’s already hanging in your closet. Leather jackets, tomato red, crisp white, florals and oversized silhouettes moved throughout the week without everyone looking like they’d received the same trend report.

And maybe that was the best part. After a week spent looking at clothes designed to tell us what comes next, the streets reminded us that style doesn’t have to move in one direction. The best dressed took what they liked, from big pants and little sunglasses to texture, leather, print and a great bag and made it entirely their own. The Block Is Hot because personal style will always hit harder than simply following the algorithm.

Brandon Blackwood. Credit: WWD for Getty

Chee Smalls. Credit: SELEEN_SALEH for Getty

Lindsay Peoples and Jessica Willis. Credit: SELEEN_SALEH for Getty

Kia Goosby. Credit: SELEEN_SALEH for Getty

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Victoria Monet. Credit: Atsuko Tanaka

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Claudinel Jean and Wyclef Jean. CreditL WWD for Getty

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Apple and pumpkin picking can have October. As fall descends and the days grow shorter, Black artists are giving us plenty to listen to, from Chaka Khan’s return to the dance floor and K. Michelle’s move into country to new chapters from Victoria Monét and Tinashe. Hip-hop has range this season, with Rakim, Quavo and Shabazz Palaces each having a different idea of where to take it next.

And then there’s B2K. The group is back together, “Mileage” is out, and a new album called Eclipse is in the works. We’re keeping that reunion on our radar while its release plans take shape.

In the meantime, EBONY has 14 albums to carry us through. Some names you know by heart; others may become your next discovery. Give these records more than a quick skim and enjoy.

Chakzilla

Chaka Khan

Price: $15

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Chaka Khan has never needed to prove she can command a dance floor, but Chakzilla makes a case for the joy of doing it again. Her first album since 2019 brings funk, soul and pop into the present, with Sia, Snoop Dogg and Lenny Kravitz among its collaborators. On “Boogie’s in My Soul,” Snoop’s opening nod to “I Feel for You” connects the new record to a song that helped carry Khan’s voice across generations.

Hope Is the Thing with Feathers (September 18)

Rhiannon Giddens

Price: $15

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Rhiannon Giddens has spent her career making sure Black musicians remain part of the story of American roots music. On Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, she turns toward the power of making music together. Recorded live with few overdubs, the album favors the sound of musicians responding to one another in the room. Its September 18 release reminds us that the folk tradition is still being written.

The Godbody LP (September 18)

Rakim, Kurupt & Masta Killa

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A follow-up to 2025’s The Re-Up, Rakim enlists Masta Killa for production and styling. Known for his impeccable flows, expect opulent delivery not only from Rakim but also from collaborators like Kool G Rap, Daz Dillinger, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah. If you are about the bars, you’ve had this date marked on your calendar. 

EXPERIENCE (September 25)

Tank

Price: $10

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Tank once called R&B Money his final album. Now he’s back with EXPERIENCE, a record that stretches beyond the slow jams that made him an R&B mainstay. The September 25 release moves through dance, gospel and country influences, with Charlie Wilson and Kirk Franklin among its guests. After three decades in music, Tank sounds interested in what else his voice can do

Happiness Anytime (September 25)

Leon Bridges

Price: $13

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Leon Bridges isn’t taking a standard approach to his latest release. His 12-track project, Happiness Anytime, arrives in three four-song installments, culminating in a full release on September 25. Alongside spontaneous city pop-ups, Bridges transforms this roll-out into an intentional experience that delivers a soulful, atmospheric journey perfectly tuned for autumn.

Popstar (September 25)

Tinashe

Price: $30

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The “2 On” songstress delivers a high-energy production and explores stories of love and heartbreak in her signature innovative style. Genre-bending by design, this project has been in development for over a year and is a reflection of her distinctly eclectic vision. This fall promises an auditory experience bound to redefine expectations while keeping listeners hooked from the very first beat.

Made In Chicago (October 1)

Lalah Hathaway

Price: $28

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The title of Lalah Hathaway’s new album says plenty: Made In Chicago brings the singer back to the city that shaped her. Its October 1 release also falls on the birthday of her father, soul legend Donny Hathaway. But this is Lalah’s record and her perspective. Across nine tracks, including “47th Street” and “Can’t Let Go,” she puts her own voice at the center of a tribute to home.

Frequency of Love (October 2)

Victoria Monet

Price: $13

As the follow-up to her acclaimed debut album Jaguar II, Victoria Monét’s next project arrives with massive anticipation. After Jaguar II snagged seven Grammy nominations and two wins, expectations are sky-high. With production from Kaytranada, Monét is set to deliver her signature sultry sound to the masses. In June, the lead single “Let Me” hit number one on the Billboard R&B charts, a promising preview of what is to come this October.

Quavo — Qrömelife (October 2)

Price: $10.50

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Quavo’s next solo chapter has Pharrell Williams behind the boards. Williams executive produced Qrömelife, bringing two artists with distinct approaches to rhythm and hooks onto one record. Quavo has also spoken about making a final Migos album in Takeoff’s honor, though that project has no announced date. For now, Qrömelife is the release to watch as he continues to define his sound as a solo artist.

Synonym (October 2)

Meshell Ndegeocello

Price: $14

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Meshell Ndegeocello has never let genre tell her where to stop. On Synonym, she reimagines songs from across six decades through a series of duets. Inviting artists like Cynthia Erivo, Chaka Khan, Robert Glasper and Willow into the conversation, this drop opens up familiar material to new voices and interpretations.

Jesus & Whiskey (October 16)

K. Michelle

Price: $8

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Country music has always been part of K. Michelle’s story, even when people told the Tennessee native it was a space she could not enter. With Jesus & Whiskey, The Real Housewives of Atlanta star finally puts that part of her artistry at the center. Produced by Kristian Bush of Sugarland, the nine-track album draws on the storytelling that has carried her R&B work while letting her claim another musical home.

It’s a Style Sport (October 23)

Shabazz Palaces

Price: $9.50

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Before he was Shabazz Palaces, Ishmael Butler helped expand hip-hop’s sound with Digable Planets. He has kept pushing at its boundaries ever since. It’s a Style Sport is his eighth Shabazz Palaces album, with “Ahh World (I Won The Alpha Bet)” offering the first glimpse. It’s a pick for listeners who want to hear where an artist can take rap when he refuses to stand still.

Muse (October 23)

John Legend

Price: $14

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For his 11th studio album, titled Muse, Legend partnered with Pharrell Williams, who produced the piece with Legend in his Paris-based studio. Even though the two have had a decades-long friendship, this is the first time they are collaborating on a full-length project. Moving away from traditional piano-driven ballads, the two have woven together gospel, doo-wop, classic soul, standards, Afrobeat and hip-hop. The album’s lead single, “Daylight,” dropped on streaming platforms earlier this month. The artist gave his first live televised performance of the song during CBS’s America’s Tailgate NFL season kickoff special.

Heavy Is the Crown (October 23)

Anderson .Paak & Cordae

The first full-length LP that features the collaboration of Anderson .Paak and Cordae, .Paak is no stranger to collaboration, including his partnership with Knxledge for their group Nxworries. Cordae and .Paak first worked together in 2019 on Cordae’s The Lost Boy, his debut album. Now with both artists more seasoned in their respective artistry, they’re giving their fans something worth looking forward to. The lead single, “A Good Day,” samples Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” while the production features beats from J. Cole, 9th Wonder, Swizz Beatz, Conductor Williams, and Hollywood Cole.

In an era where DEI efforts from major corporations are practically nonexistent, supporting Black designers is more critical than ever. And though the hype from 2020’s racial reckonings have dwindled, there’s one brand that’s actually committed to uplifting designers of color for the long run: EMERGE! 

Founded in February 2011 by public relations entrepreneur Dionne Williams, EMERGE! serves as the top emerging designer collective at New York Fashion Week. The birthing ground for this vision? Williams’s longstanding friendship with Project Runway alum Terri Stevens. “I was a guest for the finale show 16 years ago when everything was at Bryant Park,” Williams tells EBONY. “I was just blown away by the lights, camera, production, and beautiful designs…so I was bit by the bug at that point.” 

It wasn’t long before the Chicago-bred founder would put action to her allure of the fashion world. With years of experience at the helm of her eponymous PR and events agency, Williams doesn’t credit herself as a fashion insider—yet her drive to spotlight and empower independent designers would prevail. She launched the first show in a small box studio in Chelsea, with an audience of just 150 attendees. It also marked the first year of the Fashion Innovator Award, which was presented to model, Audrey Smaltz. 

“I not only want to honor people, but we also need to know our history,” she emphasizes. Since then, the association has gone on to feature some of our community’s most respected trailblazers, including Pat Cleveland, Andre Leon Talley, April Walker, and Brandon Blackwood. EMERGE! is not just a fashion show; it’s a bridge between Black fashion’s glorious past and its promising future. And the brand’s 15th anniversary show on Tuesday night is only further proof of that.

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Williams transformed the Financial District’s Leman Ballroom into a jubilant gathering of Black excellence and creativity in all its glory, and without apology. Not only did the innovative work of designer novices dominate the runway, but household names participated in the showcase—serving as an access point for past and present leaders. Grammy Award-winning R&B artist October London collaborated with Ilbert Sanchez for his new collection, further cementing his venture into fashion. Streetwear legend, Karl Kani made a triumphant return to the shows through fresh designs reflective of New York culture. Chaka Khan commanded the catwalk after accepting the Fashion Innovator Award. And Eva Marcille proudly accepted the Style Award. Beauty was also part of the conversation, with Danessa Myricks receiving the inaugural Business of Beauty Award, for her endless commitment to advancing Black beauty. 

What makes this sartorial extravaganza even more meaningful? Its “Beyond the Runway” initiative. “We do a beautiful show and it’s well received, but after the show, what happens?,” Williams says. “A lot of designers come to us after the show and ask, ‘What’s next?’ Through resources, summits, and collaboration with larger corporations, this effort actually gives designers the tools and knowledge for running a successful and sustainable business. In an industry that historically deprioritizes that, this work is pivotal. 

But it doesn’t stop in New York. The collective is expanding its mission nationally and internationally, with plans to host showcases in Miami and London, opening doors for designers who can’t necessarily come to the city. This expansion is reflective of Williams’s ethos as she celebrates this milestone: still building. “The industry is not inclusive, it’s very exclusive. I don’t get offended for not being at the table, so I just built my own,” she says. “I’m excited about the growth, but there’s still a lot to do. We’re just getting started.” 

At 15 years old, the EMERGE! Fashion Show serves as a reminder that fashion is not about the size two model strutting down a runway or sticking to design notes of minimalism. It’s about expressing yourself and your culture through clothing, an art that is subjective and welcoming, yet powerful. And through the Black lens, the power is limitless. 

Look who’s joining the Barbie Signature Kenbassadors Collectible Doll lineup! Singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz has been forever immortalized in 11 1/2 inches of plastic with his own Mattel doll. Kravitz is dressed in his iconic onstage look: a bronze-colored mesh cowl-neck tank and boot-leg denim jeans paired with a studded belt, boots, sunglasses, and his trademark locs—which he wore while performing for the first time in his heritage country at the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar in 2025.

Kravitz is the second Kenbassadors doll. The LeBron James Collectible Doll launched the collection in 2025.

Mattel has committed to honoring artists and athletes of color throughout the decades, joining its long-standing tradition of creating dolls that reflect a diverse community. This year alone includes the release of the Serena Williams and Whitney Houston dolls.

Although Barbie debuted in 1958, it took nearly a decade for the world to see the first Black Barbie design. While Christie is often considered the first Barbie to have a darker skin tone, the company released Barbie’s friend Francie in 1967. Once Christie did arrive, it forever changed the face of the doll brand.

Here, EBONY chronicles some of the most iconic Black Barbies and collections over the past five decades.

“Christie“

Mattel released a doll design with brown skin and short, curled hair in 1968. Billed as Barbie’s friend and available as a talking version, Christie is often considered Mattel’s first Barbie of color. The Christie doll was manufactured from 1968 to 1972.

“Julia”

In 1969, Mattel released “Julia,” a Barbie based on the title character of the 1968 TV series of the same name, played by Diahann Carroll. This was the first weekly series to star an African American woman in a professional, non-stereotypical role, as Julia was a nurse.

“Black Barbie”

With the tagline “She’s Black. She’s beautiful. She’s dynamite,” the first Black doll with the Barbie moniker made her debut on toy shelves. Created by the then-chief designer of Black Barbie, Kitty Black Perkins, in 1979 and released a year later, this Barbie had short, curly black hair, a popular style in the eighties.

“Totally Hair Barbie”

“Totally Hair” Barbie, released in 1992, had hair that reached her ankles. Dressed in a brightly colored geometric-print minidress, a style popularized in the nineties, she sold more than 10 million dolls worldwide and became one of the highest-selling Barbies of all time.

“Dolls of the World” Collection

Mattel created its “Dolls of the World” Collection, which featured dolls dressed in traditional attire from other countries. Kenyan Barbie debuted in 1993, wearing clothing inspired by traditional Maasai tribal attire.

Other dolls included in the collection included South African Barbie, Nigerian Barbie and Ghanaian Barbie, released in 1996. She wears an authentically styled tunic dress made from Kente cloth.

Celebrity “Destiny’s Child Barbie”

Throughout the decades, Mattel has made celebrity-inspired Barbies. In 2005, they immortalized Destiny’s Child, which Billboard ranked as one of the greatest musical trios of all time. It features Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams in shimmery gowns. Other celebrity Barbies include Diana Ross, Brandy, Zendaya and Mariah Carey, as well as trailblazers like Maya Angelou, Issa Rae, and Madam C.J. Walker

Role Models, “Yara Shahidi Barbie”

Since 2015, Barbie has been on a mission to honor diverse role models. In 2019, South African singer/songwriter Lira (Lerato Molapo), tennis great Naomi Osaka, model and activist Adwoa Aboah and actress and activist Yara Shahidi all saw themselves replicated in 11.5 inches of plastic.

Barbiestyle x Shiona Turini

Fashion consultant and costume designer Shiona Turini created a 2020 collection for Mattel that celebrated diversity. The four-style collection features 10 models with different skin tones and sizes, including a doll in a wheelchair, in contemporary styles. One of the platforms paid homage to the original Black Barbie.

“President Barbie” (2023)

Mattel, Inc. released the 2023 President Barbie, dressed in a pink-and-gold ball gown, to pay homage to EBONY’s July 2023 cover girl, Issa Rae and her role in the Barbie film.

“Aaliyah” Barbie

Celebrating what would have been her 46th birthday, the Barbie Signature Aaliyah doll was released in 2025 as part of the Barbie Music Series. The doll pays tribute to the “Princess of R&B,” who is presented in her iconic look from the 1997 “One in a Million” music video.

“Black Barbie®” By Kitty Black Perkins Doll

Coming full circle, Mattel, Inc. celebrated the 45th anniversary of the first-ever Black Barbie by paying homage to her creator, Kitty Black Perkins, who was Chief Designer for the Barbie brand for 28 years. The 2025 anniversary tribute stuns in a scarlet look inspired by the original 1980s doll.

See a full collection of Barbie dolls at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

Mental health awareness is a priority most, if not all of us share. While this is certainly an issue that affects all races, studies have found that only 25% of Black people seek mental health treatment when needed, compared to 40% of white people. As we continue to prioritize mental wellness in our communities, EBONY has curated this comprehensive guide featuring expert tips, resources and more.

We will continue to add to this guide.

Free mental health and suicide prevention hotlines

If you or someone you know ever experience a mental health crisis, have thoughts of suicide, these hotlines are always staffed with trained professionals ready to help you. After all, your life matters and we need you here.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255

• Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255, then press 1 or Text 838255

• National Alliance on Mental Illness Help Line – 1-800-950-6264 or Text 62640

• National Mental Health Hotline: 866-903-3787

• Mental Health America – Call or Text 988 or Chat 988lifeline.org 

Signs and symptoms of mental anguish

While this is not an exhaustive list, it does encompass many of the common signs of depression and/or mental anguish. If you notice them within yourself or someone close, consider talking to a friend or professional to receive the help you need and deserve.

Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Feelings of deep sadness
• Disorganized thinking and/or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive levels of fear and/or worry
• Extreme mood shifts and/or inappropriate behavior
• Withdrawal from activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy, or problems sleeping

Black-led mental wellness organizations

There’s no better feeling than finding your tribe and/or community. These Black-led organizations are a great place to start when seeking a healthier mind.

• The Black Mental Health Alliance: Through programming, services, and forums, the Black Mental Health Alliance is committed to creating a society that is safe and compassionate. They believe this can be done by encouraging Black communities and families to work toward living their very best lives.
• Transparent & Black: Founded by Yasmine Jameelah, Transparent & Black is a collective that houses franchises invested in the wellness of the Black community. They create spaces to not only focus on healing but shift generational impacts of trauma and neglect of mental health.
• Loveland Foundation: With a focus on Black women and girls, the Loveland Foundation created a fund that provides economic assistance for those who are faced with barriers when seeking out therapy. Since Rachel Cargle launched the foundation in 2018, they have participated in intentional partnerships with organizations such as the National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network and Therapy for Black Girls.
• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Launched by Taraji P. Henson in her father’s honor, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation seeks to eradicate the experience of Black folks who go through life without the proper access to resources for their mental health. They recently partnered with Kate Spade to bring such resources to HBCU campuses.
• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): More than a non-profit, BEAM is a movement dedicated to shifting the way Black people experience mental health care through a healing justice framework. This mission is achieved through efforts connected to education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts.

Expert tips for protecting your mental wellness at work & home

Our careers can be demanding, especially as we seek to work our way up. While reaching new heights at work is certainly commendable, ensuring you’re operating as your best self each day is the real key. Check out these 3 tips from Patrice Ford Lyn to protect your mental wellness at work and at home.

Set and maintain boundaries: Both setting and maintaining boundaries can be difficult. It helps to have an accountability partner—a family member, friend or colleague. Check in with them on the boundary you said you wanted to set and maintain it.

Don’t believe everything you think: “Our minds are hard-wired to look for danger, resulting in a negativity bias. So when you have a troubling thought, check in with yourself and others to see if there is evidence to support or refute the thought,” advises the veteran executive coach.

Honor when your mental health needs rest and rejuvenation: “If you imagine your body is a car, parking means it gets rest. However, taking it to the gas station is how it gets rejuvenated. Listen to what your body needs so that you can give it the resources it requires,” shares Ford Lyn.

Daily practices for mental wellness

By incorporating these tools into your daily routine, you can help keep your mind happy and healthy.

• Meditation
• Hydration
• Good sleep and hygiene
• Consistent exercise
• Eat a healthy diet
• Limit mindless screen activity
• Cultivate empowered family communication