PROJECT RUNWAY – Freeform’s “Project Runway” stars Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano, Nina García, Law Roach, and Tyra Banks. (Disney/Rankin)

On December 1, 2004, “Project Runway” premiered on Bravo, its original home channel. In 2004 the show was hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, who served as chair of Parsons School of Design from 2000 to 2007. The show was part of an era of peak fashion reality TV, which also included shows like “America’s Next Top Model,” “Stylista,” “Make Me a Supermodel,” and, later, MTV’s “The Hills.”

“Project Runway,” which is still on the air today, has always followed the same premise. A group of designers competes for prize money and mentorship, and the designers who make it to the final episode get to show their collections in an exclusive runway show. The TV exposure was also meant to help designers’ careers, whether they won or not, as their work would now be seen by millions.

Image courtesy of entertainmentnow.com

The original lineup of judges included Klum, along with Nina Garcia, who was the fashion director of Elle when “Project Runway” began and is now its editor-in-chief, and fashion designer Michael Kors, of his eponymous label and one of the most recognizable names in American fashion. The show was meant to find the next “It” designer in American fashion. Of all the contestants to come through “Project Runway,” arguably its most distinguished alumnus is Christian Siriano.

The designer won season four of “Project Runway” and is now one of the most coveted red-carpet designers in the business. Over the course of his career, there have been award shows where up to nine stars have worn his designs for momentous occasions, from the Golden Globes to the Emmys. Siriano took over Tim Gunn’s adviser role on “Project Runway” in 2018 and is now mentoring the potential next generation of young design talent.

Image courtesy tvinsider.com

Siriano has become a household name in many ways, from people talking about celebrities wearing his designs to his collaborations with brands like Payless, giving entry-level consumers access to his products. Many watched his meteoric rise to stardom from his early days as a contestant on the show and are now both followers of his career and consumers of his designs.

Although some might question the validity of those who find fame in creative industries through reality television competitions, there is no denying the cultural impact “Project Runway” once had. The show not only catapulted Siriano to fashion stardom but was also a ratings juggernaut for Bravo for many seasons. It also helped turn Klum, Gunn, and Garcia, who were all highly regarded in the fashion industry, into household names beyond those who followed fashion news, models, or Elle magazine.

While not every designer who won the show became a household name, for years “Project Runway” helped bring designers to New York Fashion Week, increase their public profiles, and bring the world of fashion into the homes of viewers who tuned in to the show’s home network at the time, which went from Bravo to Lifetime, back to Bravo, and is now on Freeform and the streaming services of Hulu.

Now, with the show’s ratings no longer at the peak they once were, the golden era of fashion reality TV over, and people discovering fashion brands on social media rather than TV or even traditional retail stores, the question is: does “Project Runway” have the relevance it once did?

Veejay Floresca image courtesy of IN magazine

For those of us in the New York fashion scene, “Project Runway” is still a great way to discover emerging designers. Season 21 winner Veejay Floresca is a New York-based designer who recently showed at New York Fashion Week in February. The show helped her earn the attention of editors and fashion stylists, who have been requesting her clothes for editorial shoots and red-carpet clients.

However, when New York looks for the next great emerging fashion designer, rather than looking to reality TV contestants, editors and stylists look at competitors in other categories. Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award is considered a major steppingstone for many New York-based designers. This year’s winners included Wangda Chen of his namesake brand, Wangda, for menswear and Aiste Hong of her namesake brand for womenswear. Many past FGI nominees and winners go on to become Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) members and show on the official CFDA calendar.

The CFDA is America’s ultimate governing fashion body. When the industry is looking for the next emerging talent, there is also the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Each year, the annual competition awards the winning designer and two runners-up with financial funding and mentorship to help take their brands and businesses to the next level. The first-ever winners of the award were Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler. Not only did the duo build a successful multimillion-dollar business, but after exiting their brand, they are now the creative directors of Loewe. Loewe is under the umbrella of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, as well as Dior, Fendi, and Givenchy.

With the return of Heidi Klum in 2025 for season 21, some of “Project Runway’s” cultural relevance has returned. The show generated a lot of buzz when celebrity stylist Law Roach joined the panel. Roach is the stylist to A-lister Zendaya and has dressed many stars throughout his career, including Celine Dion, Kerry Washington, and Megan Thee Stallion. He has also become a media personality himself, having served as a judge on “America’s Next Top Model.”

Image courtesy of freeform.com

For season 22, the judges’ panel will also include Tyra Banks in a recurring role. Banks has been a TV staple since the first season of “America’s Next Top Model” in 2003. Following the Netflix documentary “Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model,” which details some of the more unpleasant realities of her modeling competition show, Banks’ name has been all over the press. She is also in the process of suing Netflix for defamation.

“Project Runway” might be past its prime, but in an era of memes, Instagram Reels highlighting the show’s best moments, and its ability to still attract judges who are part of the social media conversation, the show remains a staple. Who knows if it will ever produce another designer of Siriano’s gravitas, but there are still working designers coming out of the show, including season 10 winner Dmitry Sholokhov, season 18 winner Geoffrey Mac, and season 20 winner Bishme Cromartie.

Image courtesy of entertainmentnow.com

There is always a new generation of talent, or even some older, undiscovered talent, out there for whom “Project Runway” becomes that small break or second chance in their careers. Going into its 22nd season, plenty of us are still tuning in to see who will be crowned the winner of “Project Runway.”

Kristopher Fraser

Image courtesy of tvline.com

Despite all the recent controversy around the now defunct “America’s Next Top Model,” Tyra Banks has acquired a new gig. Tyra Banks has joined “Project Runway” as a recurring judge on Season 22 of the show.

Banks will participate on the judging panel alongside Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano, and Law Roach. Banks served in a guest on Season 21. Also joining the judges this season as guest judges are Ciara, Fausto Puglisi, Ice Spice, Iman, Kiernan Shipka, Niecy Nash, Nina Dobrev, Sergio Hudson, Willy Chavarria and Winnie Harlow. 

Is the redemptive act for Banks. Hmm, time will tell.

“Project Runway” Season 22 returns on Freeform on July 9.

Image courtesy of megantheestallion.com

Sweet-smelling Megan

Pop music sensation Megan Thee Stallion has launched her debut fragrance. Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer Eau de Parfum” launches online on July 8 and in stores on July 12. This is a limited-edition fragrance.

“Hot Girl Summer Eau de Parfum” is a floral woody fragrance with notes of creamy coconut, orchid and smoky vetiver, creating a balanced scent for anyone to enjoy. The fragrance embodies warmth, confidence, and power.

Image courtesy of dailyfrontrow.com

NYFW spring 2027 calendar is here

New York Fashion Week’s (NYFW) spring 2027 preliminary calendar is available on cfda.org. The preliminary calendar contains 70 shows and presentations. That said, there are a few surprises.

Diane von Furstenberg opens NYFW on September 10 at 9:30am with the brand’s new creative director Henry Zankov. NYFW spring 2027 season closes with Thom Browne on September 15 at 5pm.

Some of the heavy hitters showing at this NYFW spring 2027 include, but are not limited to Altuzarra, Anna Sui, Area, Calvin Klein Collection, Carolina Herrera, Christian Siriano, Collina Strada, COS, Diotima, Eckhaus Latta, Fforme, Khaite, LaQuan Smith, Michael Kors Collection, Norma Kamali, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Public School New York, Simkhai, Todd Snyder, Tory Burch, Ulla Johnson, Wiederhoeft. Tommy Hilfiger, Monse, and threeASFOUR are returning to the runway this season.

threeASFOUR has not presented at NYFW for several seasons. The brand was loved for its fashion as art presentations.

According to dailyfrontrow.com, there are several brands that are debuting at NYFW for the spring 2027 season. Those brands presenting for the first time, include but is not limited to this season’s schedule, including Benjamin Seidler, Conner Ives, Grey’s by Emily Grey, High Sport by Alissa Zachary, Hikari no Yami by Jakarie Whitaker, Magda Butrym, Max Esmail, Patrick Taylor, Sabyasachi by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Zaldy, who debuted a super sexy menswear collection last season.

William S. Gooch

The heat is rising, the nights are longer, and the layers are coming off. Before we go any further, let this be clear: sexy is not about exposure. It is not about how much you remove. It is about how fully you arrive in yourself.

There is a way a woman can be covered and still be unmistakably present. There is also a way a woman can be exposed and still feel unseen. So, the question is never just what you are wearing, but whether you are present in it.

Think about those tropical summer nights for a moment. This is not about trends, but it is about embodiments.

Start with how the fabric lives on your body. Choose clothing that breathes with you. Choose fabrics that move with you instead of working against you. LINEN catches the breeze. SILK moves with every step. Soft, fluid materials drape instead of demand. They allow you to be seen before your clothes are noticed.

One beautiful expression of LINEN is the LOFT Linen Blend Halter Jumpsuit.

Another LINEN favorite is the Other Stories Open-Back Linen Jumpsuit.

Then there is SILK. There is something about silk that moves with a woman instead of wearing her. The Reformation Aara Silk Dress captures that effortless elegance beautifully.

Another timeless choice is a silk skirt from Max Mara Silk Skirt. Silk twill knot skirt, black | Max Mara

SHOES are never an afterthought. They often tell the first part of your story. Never underestimate the power of a beautiful strappy sandal. It should never overpower your look. It should simply finish it. Delicate straps lengthen the leg while allowing the rest of your outfit to breathe.

Among the most refined strappy shoes are those from Gianvito Rossi , whose clean lines and minimalist silhouettes embody quiet luxury.

For evenings that call for a touch more glamour, Stuart Weitzman offers timeless strappy sandals that elevate the entire look without overwhelming it.

JEWELRY is never just an accessory. It is a whisper of intention. It is the quietest way a woman can speak before she says a word. A single piece can shift the entire mood of an outfit without ever needing to compete with it.

A pair of emerald drop earrings can soften the face with light and movement. A delicate pendant resting at the collarbone draws attention without force. A statement ring becomes a quiet anchor, visible only when the hand moves, never demanding attention, but always earning attention.

The beauty of emerald is its restraint. It does not shout. It deepens. It brings richness without excess, clarity without noise. It works especially well against LINEN, where texture becomes contrast, and against SILK, where fluidity becomes harmony.

Sometimes one exceptional piece says everything. The David Yurman Emerald Collection captures this philosophy with timeless craftsmanship and understated luxury. 

Let color create atmosphere instead of demanding attention. Summer nights already have their own glow. Emerald deepens beneath evening light. Ocean blue cools the air around you. Coral recalls the warmth of sunset. Gold catches what words cannot express. Even black becomes softer when enriched with texture or subtle sheen. Color is not decoration, it is mood.

There is a difference between being held and being restricted, and your clothing should know the difference. A wide-leg pant that moves like breath. A slip dress that glides instead of grips. A blouse that softly falls from one shoulder without trying too hard.

One of the most effortless pairings for this philosophy is a strapless cotton top with a satin skirt. The strapless cotton top brings structure and breathability, while the satin skirt introduces movement, light, and fluid elegance. Together they create contrast that feels intentional rather than forced—matte against sheen, structure against flow, simplicity against quiet luxury.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

To keep the strapless cotton top elevated, its construction matters. A structured bodice, subtle internal support, and a clean neckline allow it to hold shape with intention. A tailored waist ensures it sits in harmony with the skirt, especially when paired with a high-waisted satin silhouette that lengthens the body and creates a continuous, uninterrupted line.

Shape will always speak before skin. Before anyone notices what is exposed, they notice what is beautifully formed. Sexy is not tightness. It is alignment. It is ease.

You enter the room not rushed, not apologizing, not performing, but simply present. Hair loose or softly gathered. Skin that looks cared for rather than perfected. A presence that does not ask for attention but naturally holds it.

That is what it means to be sexy without revealing too much. She simply arrives and the room knows it.

—Renessta Olds

As with all “Fashion Reverie Talks” episodes there is fashion news. Co-host Cicily Daniels and Tijana Ibrahimovic bring joy, whimsy and most of all detailed insight into all the goings-on in the fashion industry. See you next season in September 2026!!

Staff

Image courtesy of lajolie.com

Though 2026 is only a little over halfway complete, it has been a very busy year. Our political landscape is as chaotic, almost cataclysmic, as we’ve ever witnessed. The same can almost be said about the fashion landscape. Some iconic fashion designers have transitioned to proverbial Elysian Fields and several brands have changed creative directorship.

In light of all these comings and goings in the fashion industry, Fashion Reverie has curated our seasonal fashion quiz. All of the questions on this fashion quiz are pulled from fashionreverie.com’s Fashion News Alerts. Enjoy.

1. What Netflix series hit that has a strong fashion focus is ending after its 6th season?

A) The Witcher

B) Bridgerton

C) Emily in Paris 

D) The Sandman

2. Isaac Mizrahi has a new job. Where is this new position?

A) Lily Pulitzer

B) Anne Klein

C) Donna Karan

D) Target

3. Alysa Lui, gold-medal winner in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, recently signed with a major brand. Which footwear brand did Alysa sign with?

A) Puma

B) New Balance

C) Nike 

D) Adidas

4. Which fashion PR maven had some nasty things to say about “America’s Next Top Model” Jay Manuel?

A) Deborah Hughes

B) Karen Bromley

C) Nora Lawlor

D) Kelly Cutrone

5. Which legendary fashion family has departed from its iconic Italian fashion brand?

A) The Armani family

B) The Missoni family

C) The family of Valentino

D) The family of Roberto Cavalli

6. Teyana Taylor has a breakout year winning a Golden Globe and being nominated for an Academy Award. She is also face of a new beauty campaign. Which cosmetic brand is she the face of?

A) Revlon

B) Estee Lauder

C) MAC Cosmetics

D) Covergirl

7. Which iconic brand caused controversy with their men’s spring 2027 show?

A) Dior

B) Louis Vuitton

C) Hugo Boss

D) Burberry

8. Which iconic Black American model is suing a major television network for defamation of character?

A) Beverly Johnson

B) Veronia Webb

C) Tyra Banks

D) Pat Cleveland

9. Which supermodel is on the cover of Wmagazine after an absence of almost two decades?

A) Gisele Bündchen 

B) Christy Turlington

C) Kristy McMenamy

D) Karen Mulder

10. Which major US brand is being investigated by the EEOC over allegations that the company’s DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) program discriminated against white workers?

A) Tommy Hilfiger

B) Levi’s

C) Nike

D) Reebok

11. Which pin as a means of protest was worn at the 2026 Grammys?

A) ICE OUT pin

B) DOWN WITH FACISM pin

C) NO WAR pin

D) AI SUCKS pin

12. Which fashion/entertainment magazine is rumored to be shutting down?

A) Interview magazine

B) W magazine

C) Dazed and Confused magazine

D) Paper magazine

Key: 1. Emily in Paris; 2. Target; 3. Nike; 4. Kelly Cutrone; 5. The Missoni family; 6. Revlon; 7. Louis Vuitton; 8. Tyra Banks; 9. Gisele Bündchen; 10. Nike; 11. NO WAR pin; 12. Interview magazine 

Staff

Image courtesy of instyle.com

Fashion has long been a powerful platform for self-expression, identity, and social change. Over the past decade, LGBTQIA+ visibility has become increasingly influential within the fashion industry, and is expressed in design aesthetics, casting choices, and brand narratives. Some designers embrace queer culture, some champion inclusivity, and others reference different aspects of LGBTQIA+ issues.

Below, Fashion Reverie surveys the work of Walter Van Beirendonck, Christian Siriano, LaQuan Smith, Joseph McRae, and Christopher John Rogers to examine how they challenge gender binaries and include LGBTQIA+ themes in their fashion collections.

Image courtesy of the respective brand

Walter Van Beirendonck began his fashion career in 1986 part of “The Antwerp Six” group of avant-garde fashion designers and graduates of Antwerp’s Academy of Fine Arts. Van Beirendonck was chosen to participate in curator Andrew Bolton’s iconic MET Costume Institute “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy” exhibit in 2008.

Key looks at the exhibit included an inflatable pink jacket and a suit showing extreme musculature, a nod to muscle top jocks. Throughout his career, he has paid homage to the victims of the AIDS epidemic and LGBTQ+ nightlife using provocative slogans and leather and latex for his bondage-themed clothing, his use of latex, a nod to safe sex practices. He told Curator Guide that his designs “have been gender fluid from day one!”

Images courtesy of vogue.com

Christian Siriano is a designer who has embraced inclusivity from his first collection at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in 2008, only months after being crowned the Season 4 winner of “Project Runway.” His fall 2026 collection referenced Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic “Le Smoking” tuxedo from his fall 1966 Haute Couture collection, that caused shockwaves with the fashion establishment.

The tuxedo gained even more notoriety when photographer, Helmut Newton, immortalized it in his provocative photograph of model Vibeke Knudson for French Vogue in 1975. Controversy swirled around speculation if the model was meant to present as male or female. Siriano’s white suit was equally gender questioning, lesbian or asexual and just as open to interpretation. He touches on yet another facet of sexuality with his black barely-there vest and trousers, reminiscent of the oiled-up gay male dancers who perform at both gay and straight Chippendales strip clubs.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

LaQuan Smith has made a reputation for himself since his first collection in 2010, as a go-to designer for high-end sexy club clothes and is a celebrity favorite for party dressing. Clients include Kim Kardashian, La La Anthony, and Dua Lipa, to name only a few. Smith picked up where 90s Club Kid, Ritchie Rich, and Traver Rains left off with Heatherette–the glittery brand that defined clubbing a la Paris Hilton in the early 2000s.

While LaQuan’s clothes present a more refined take on what Heatherette began, he too, consistently shows hyper-sexualized versions of the female form, perhaps a nod to the glamorous femme/lipstick lesbian and drag sub-cultures. In his spring 2026 show, he repeatedly showed semi-opaque hoods on his models that evoked shades of BDSM, which Helmut Lang referenced in his iconic nineties collection shows.

Images courtesy of Joseph McCrae

Joseph McCrae, like Christian Siriano, gained fame on “Project Runway,” years later as a popular contestant on Season 21. McCrae made an impression with his gender-fluid silhouettes and stacked hats, which have become one of his signatures.

His mission, McCrae says, “is to blur the line between masculinity and femininity to create a safe space for daunting creativity and expression … a call to dismantle the boxes and binaries that try to contain us.”  Fans include model/actress Liris Crosse, and outspokenly queer actor/writer/producer, Andrew Otchere who wore a custom McCrae jumpsuit to the 2026 Tony Awards that would look right at home as a look at a women’s runway show.

Images courtesy of vogue.com, oldnavygap.com, and hollywoodreporter.com, respectively

Christopher John Rogers (CJR)is known for his use of exuberant bright colors and exaggerated shapes. His unique brand of glam crosses over with both women and the queer culture as Nolan Miller’s over the top gowns for “Alexis Carrington” did in ‘Dynasty,” the eighties hit prime time soap opera.

The rainbow, the universal symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, pops up frequently in CJR’s spring 2026 collection and in his collaboration with Old Navy (Christopher John Rogers x Old Navy). The ruffle collared Pierrot sad clown, a celebrated queer art icon, is also frequently referenced at CJR. Costumes from the hit 2018 FX drama series, “Pose,” that highlighted the Black and Latino underground 80s underground transgender culture, also bear striking resemblance to this designer’s creations. In fact, “Pose’s” lead, Pray Tell, played by Billy Porter, would have approved of the CJR acid yellow gown ensemble Michaela Cole wore to the 73^rd Emmy Awards.

Vivian Kelly

Image courtesy of wallpapers.com

If you love Moschino, known for its kitschy, in-your-face outrageous fashion, you may grow to love the brand even more with its new creative director.  Creative Director Adrian Appiolaza has left the Italian fashion house and has been replaced with the design duo of Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo. Rizzo and Messina were formally at the defunct Italian fashion brand Sunnei.

“In the evolution of a fashion house, the ability to balance identity and innovation is essential,” said Massimo Ferretti, executive chairman of Aefe S.p.A, Moschino’s parent company, via a press release as reported in dailyfrontrow.com. “Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo possess the qualities required to embrace this challenge: a contemporary creative vision, a deep cultural sensibility and the ability to develop relevant and distinctive creative languages. We are confident that their contribution will further strengthen Moschino and support its growth in the years ahead.”

In recent years Moschino has struggled to establish profitability, laying off over 200 employees in 2025. In May of 2026 Moschino had to admit to its shareholders that the brand had become financially insolvent.

Similarly, the fashion duo of Messina and Rizzo attempted to scale up business at Sunnei after a Vanguard 6-million-euro investment in the brand in 2020. This infusion of money in 2020 did not work.

“We have always admired Franco Moschino’s ability to challenge conventions through creativity while maintaining a clear and consistent voice,” said the designers. “It is a rare quality. Moschino has always embodied this attitude as a cultural house driven by a strong, recognizable and radical point of view, using pop culture as a critical tool rather than merely an aesthetic language. Taking on the Creative Direction of the House means embracing this legacy and projecting it into the present, reinforcing its relevance and its ability to shape the contemporary cultural imagination.”

Image courtesy of theindependent.com

Controversy accompanies Louis Vuitton’s men’s spring 2027 collection

Pharrell Williams, creative director of Louis Vuitton men, chose to present the brand’s spring 2027 collection with an artificial waterfall as Paris faced one of the highest temperatures in history. The eight-metre-high water feature, set against a sand-covered runway, formed the backdrop for musician and songwriter Pharrell Williams‘ spring 2027 menswear collection.

The collection was installed outside of the Cité Universitaire, a vast residential complex housing 12,000 students annually. Residents and local politicians criticized Pharrell and Louis Vuitton for using a public venue for high fashion when the temperatures in Paris rose over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

“The water used to create the wave comes entirely from Paris’ water supply, which was pumped to the site and then entirely redirected back into Paris’ sewer system via a closed-loop system,” the spokesperson told Reuters.”  “I understand the public’s reaction to poorly explained [privatizations,] with restrictions on access and, in the midst of a heatwave, a display that sends a very unfortunate message, explained Melody Tonolli, Paris deputy mayor for student living conditions.

LVMH stated that the six-week installation was agreed in consultation with its host. Jerome Duplan, communications director of the Cité Universitaire, noted Louis Vuitton’s sponsorship helped fund the structure, as the complex faces financial pressures from declining public funding and rising costs. Still, locale residents complained that because the LVMH installation caused them to have to alter their daily routines while certain facilities remained inaccessible all while paying rent.

“When you see where we live and how we live and what Louis Vuitton has just made, it is a complete paradox.,” commented student Emma Keller.

Image courtesy of dailyfrontrow.com

Au revoir Julien

Julien Dossena leaves Rabanne after 13 years. It is an open secret that Olivier Rousteing, who left Balmain in 2025, will assume the creative direction of Rabanne after Dossena’s departure.

“Julien Dossena has profoundly shaped a new era for Rabanne, bringing renewed energy and modernity to its avant-garde heritage through a singular and globally resonant vision. All of us at Rabanne and Puig would like to warmly thank Julien for his exceptional creative direction and for the remarkable chapter he has written in the history of the Maison,” said Ana Trias, president of prestige and fashion brands at Rabanne parent company Puig, via a release, as reported in the dailyfrontrow.com.

“I would like to thank the Puig family and Group for their trust and for supporting my vision over thirteen years,” said Dossena in the same release. “I’m equally grateful to my teams, ateliers, and collaborators, whose craft and commitment made the work possible. This defining creative chapter at the helm of Rabanne will always have a significant resonance to me, both professionally and personally.”

Puig, which is the holding company for Rabanne, has stated that Dossena’s successor “will be announced in due time.”

William S. Gooch

Maria Borges image courtesy of CNN

Fashion still has a long way to go in terms of racial diversity, but over the past decade, upwards strides have been accomplished. Edward Enninful became the first Black man to serve as editor-in-chief of British Vogue. Law Roach is revered as one of the top celebrity stylists in the fashion industry. Several Black designers have won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, providing financial resources and mentorship for young U.S.-based fashion designers.

While many of these roles are behind the scenes, one place where Black fashion industry professionals are front and center in visible diversity is modeling. As the faces of campaigns and on the runways, Black models are the first to catch the general public’s eye when the industry’s more diverse turn is evident.

While more strides are needed in terms of diversity among models, progress has certainly been made. Currently, it is rare for a major runway show to only have one Black model on the catwalk (in this day and age, it would also be a public relations nightmare). Despite the increase in Black models booking runway and campaign jobs, those pushing for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry have recently begun to notice that while there are more Black models, African models are seemingly taking precedence, while foundational Black American models are still not seeing the same level of acclaim.

A quick look at models.com‘s Top 50 models for both men and women give evidence that the majority of the Black models on the list, ranging from South Sudanese Achol Ayor to Nigerian Awwal Adeoti, are either African or first-generation African. That said, it appears that if you want to be at the top of the modeling industry as a Black model, one of the best things you can do is be born outside of the US.

 Battle of Versailles image courtesy of cfda.org

This was not always the case for black models. The legendary Battle of Versailles, where five Parisian designers, including Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy, were pitted against five American designers, including Bill Blass, Halston, Anne Klein, Oscar de la Renta, and Stephen Burrows, to create sportswear, demonstrated this. The Americans ultimately came out on top, and it was particularly noticeable that they used ten Black models, including some of the greatest Black American models of the day, such as Pat Cleveland, Alva Chin, Norma Jean Darden, Billie Blair, and Bethann Hardison.

Veronica Webb image courtesy of iconicfocus.com

In the ’90s, Black American model Veronica Webb broke a glass ceiling when she signed an exclusive contract with Revlon, becoming the first Black model to do so with a major cosmetics company. During the ’90s, media personality and “America’s Next Top Model” founder and host Tyra Banks also made a name for herself as one of the most in-demand models of the decade, from walking the runways of Paris fashion shows to appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue.

Karen Alexnder image courtesy of fashionsizzle.com

It was no easy feat for Black models to achieve the greatest and market saturation that Black models of the 1980s and 90s, despite how many glass ceilings that were broken in the latter half of the 20th century. Karen Alexander, one of the top Black American models of the ’90s, openly discussed how she would often hear that certain brands just weren’t using any Black models at all. She once said in an interview that she didn’t have the same opportunities as her white counterparts, such as supermodels Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington.

Victoria Fawole and Yar Aguer images courtesy of H&M and Valentino

Even the major modeling agencies seem more interested in signing African models than Black American models. Yar Aguer, another South Sudanese model, is on models.com‘s Top 50 Women’s Models of 2026. She is currently signed with Next in New York City, one of the top modeling agencies known for its models ripping the runways of Paris and Milan. Aguer has recently walked the runway for Valentino and Victoria Beckham. Lagos-born Victoria Fawole, also among models.com‘s Top 50 Models of 2026, is signed with The Industry in New York City, another prominent modeling agency. Fawole has starred in campaigns for H&M and Stella McCartney’s brand collaboration, as well as Jil Sander’s Midnight Sun fragrance campaign.

Sameul Elie and Gideon Aneyi images courtesy of Simone Rocha and Tom Ford

On the men’s side of things, models like Lagos-born Gideon Aneyi and Ivorian Samuel Elie are also making waves among African male models. Elie has shot lookbooks for Tom Ford and Saint Laurent, while Aneyi recently walked for Fendi’s resort show and starred in Prada’s 2025 holiday beauty campaign. Elie is signed with Soul Artist Management in New York, one of the top male modeling agencies, while Aneyi is signed with Society in New York City.

Alton Mason image courtesy of Gucci

On the bright side of diversity in fashion, Alton Mason remains one of the highest-paid male models in the world, but it is worth noting that he is of Jamaican, Ghanaian, and Haitian heritage. At 56 years old, Naomi Campbell remains one of the most in-demand supermodels in the world, and she is of Jamaican and Chinese ancestry. Tyson Beckford, often described as the first black male supermodel, is of Jamaican and Chinese descent. In terms of the Black diaspora, following African models, Caribbean models are the next most in demand.

Naomi Campbell image courtesy of Burberry

Although African and Caribbean models continue to claim their spots among the most in-demand models, it’s clear that in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion, fashion has a long way to go in increasing representation for Black American models. At present, there are no future Tyra Banks or Veronica Webbs on the horizon. For fashion to move forward in a more diverse direction, it will require greater representation of the entire Black diaspora.

—Kristopher Fraser

So, whether you love Jazz, Country, EDM, or a mix of everything, we’ve put together the most riveting list of the most popular music festivals worth attending this summer. And if one doesn’t happen to be in a city near you … well, that might be the sign to plan a summer trip with your friends!

Essence Music Festival (New Orleans, LA)

If you believe in balance, this is the music festival that you need to add to your bucket list for the summer. Nicknamed ‘party with a purpose,’ the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans runs from July 3rd-5th. Yet, instead of being a weekend long bender, the daytime festivities include panel discussions, economic forums, and other unique experiences for festivalgoers.

Headliners: Cardi B, Kehlani, Patti Labelle, Josh Levi

Newport Jazz (Newport, RI)

If the chaos of the festival scene doesn’t excite you, but you want to be surrounded by fellow music lovers, it’s time to head to Rhode Island. From July 31 to August 2 the Newport Jazz Festival will be taking place. Founded in 1954, the festival is one of the oldest summer jazz festivals, featuring a combination of modern and classical jazz.Headliners: Herbie Hancock, Lake Street Dive, Little Simz, Gary Clark Jr.

Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)

This summer festival might feel a bit late in the season, but we’d be remiss to not include it. Austin City Limits features a variety of artists from October 2–11 across multiple stages in Austin, Texas. The festival runs on two consecutive three-day weekends, highlights some of the most popular artists in the country along with up-and-coming artists from Texas.

Headliners: Charli XCX, Blood Orange, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde

Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL)

The longest-running music festival in the U.S, Lollapalooza, has become a pop culture and fashion moment that is beginning to rival Coachella. With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, people clammer to Chicago from July 30–August 2, no matter who is headlining. But, of course, this festival always secures the best.

Headliners: Lorde, Olivia Dean, Charlie XCX, Tate McRae

Images courtesy of the respective music festivals

Outside Lands (San Francisco, CA)

Taking place at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, this music festival brings just about everything for everyone. From a wine garden to a weed garden and folk music to rap, Outside Lands is a diverse and unique festival that gathers everyone around one specific thought: enjoying music in the summertime.

August 7-August 9

Headliners: Charli XCX, The Strokes, Rufus Du Sol, Ethel Cain

—Sydney Yeager

Image courtesy of gamesandgatherings.com

Summer is just around the corner, and every weekend seems to carry its own invitation to celebrate. Gala season, afternoon teas, and luncheon dressing are in full swing, and we are marking every occasion in style. Graduations, promotions, college send-offs, retirements, weddings, and baby christenings fill the calendar, each one calling for something considered, something intentional, something beautifully put together.

Spring/summer fashion arrives with the same energy. Florals return, silhouettes soften, and dressing becomes less about routine and more about presence. This is a season where what you wear enters the room before you do.

So, grab your fascinators, gloves, clutches, and pearls, and step fully into the moment. Shine the shoes. Adjust the hem. Take the photograph. Whether it is a graduation lawn, a city rooftop, or a candlelit reception, this is dressing with intention.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

Afternoon Tea Dressing

Afternoon tea dressing this season leans into refined femininity with a quiet editorial ease. It is less about costume and more about composition. Designers are working with softness in a more architectural way, lightweight fabrics that hold shape, floral prints that feel placed rather than scattered, and palettes that stay close to blush, ivory, powder blue, and soft green.

Soft pastels and delicate lace continue to anchor the look, but the real shift is in restraint. Sculptural florals replace overly busy prints, and statement hats re-enter the conversation with purpose. Gloves remain one of the most understated yet effective finishing details, especially when paired with pearls and a clean, classic shoe.

For Tea Gloves Tea Gloves, the appeal is not nostalgia. It is finish. A final layer that signals intention.

If you are attending afternoon tea this season, the direction is clear. Softness that is edited, femininity that is structured, and elegance that does not announce itself too loudly.

Millinery continues to set the tone for both tea and gala dressing. Philip Treacy Philip Treacy remains the reference point for sculptural drama and couture craftsmanship, while Maison Michel Maison Michel Bridal Collection brings a more restrained Parisian interpretation of occasion headwear.

Jennifer Behr Jennifer Behr continues to bridge the space between romantic detail and modern wearability.

Occasion wear follows the same shift toward refinement over excess. A tea-length Jovani dress Jovani offers structure with ease, while Teri Jon Teri Jon continues to anchor polished occasion dressing with clean lines and understated elegance. Plus-size silhouettes are increasingly part of this same conversation, designed with the same attention to proportion, drape, and finish rather than treated as an afterthought.

Jovani floral print dress

This is not about dressing louder. It is about dressing better. And still, there is something refreshing about seeing restraint take center stage again in occasion dressing, especially in a season that could so easily lean into excess.

Accessories continue to carry narrative weight. A structured clutch or beaded evening bag becomes less about embellishment and more about punctuation. Mimi Lombardo Handbags Mimi Lombardo Handbags sits comfortably in this space, where design, storytelling, and craftsmanship intersect. In collaboration with Guerlain, the work speaks to a broader shift in luxury, where scent, object, and identity are increasingly intertwined.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

For our mini-me’s, the most charming moments of the season remain the coordinated ones. There is something timeless about seeing the next generation step into occasion dressing with the same sense of care and detail. Matching florals, soft bows, and classic silhouettes continue to set the tone. Feltman Brothers Feltman Brothers remains a quiet staple here, hand-smocked, heritage-driven, and unmistakably classic. The result is not a replication of adult dressing, but its own language of childhood elegance.

The season does not ask for excess. It asks for attention. Dress accordingly.

—Renessta Olds