Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom: 10 Seasons of Elevating Black Designers

The fashion industry has long grappled with inclusivity, but the Black in Fashion Council (BIFC) Discovery Showroom has consistently pushed boundaries. Celebrating its 10th season, this initiative—featured during New York Fashion Week Fall 2025—once again provided a global platform for Black designers to showcase their talent. Held in Manhattan’s Financial District, the event attracted industry insiders, buyers, and media, reinforcing the importance of sustained efforts toward diversity in high fashion.

A Decade of Impact

Founded by Sandrine Charles and Lindsay Peoples, the Black in Fashion Council was created to amplify Black talent in an industry where true inclusivity remains a challenge. Despite some progress, representation statistics highlight the ongoing disparities. Currently, only 7-10% of small fashion businesses are Black-owned, and just 1% of these brands are carried by major retailers. Additionally, no leading fashion house has appointed a Black woman as a creative director, a reality that underscores the need for continued change.

Rather than waiting for institutional gatekeepers to open doors, many emerging designers at this year’s BIFC showroom are forging their own paths. They are not just contributors to the industry but pivotal leaders shaping its future with innovation and cultural storytelling.

A Showcase of Innovation and Culture

The latest showroom featured 10 designers whose collections reflected diverse inspirations, from heritage and politics to avant-garde experimentation. Designer Nia Thomas presented intricate textile work, blending crochet, leather, and silk ribbons to craft standout garments like a saffron leather fringe slip dress. Aaron Potts, through his label A.Potts, responded to today’s socio-political climate with bold, celebratory silhouettes that served as a reminder that fashion can also be an act of resistance.

For some designers, fashion became a medium for storytelling. Daveed Baptiste explored immigration and the Caribbean diaspora through detailed appliqué work that mimicked migration routes across denim. Busayo Olupona’s designs, deeply influenced by Nigerian heritage, transformed traditional tie-dye techniques into striking contemporary pieces.

Others opted for avant-garde themes. Heart Roberts, the visionary behind HEARTHROB, debuted an “Apocalypse”-themed collection inspired by pop culture touchstones like Resident Evil and The Walking Dead. The result was ultra-baggy patchwork denim and dystopian leather silhouettes. Rene Moshi Macdonald made a statement with her “Afrocamo” concept—an African camouflage print subtly incorporating the names of various African nations, addressing the lasting impact of colonialism.

More Than an Event – A Movement

The BIFC Discovery Showroom is not just an annual fashion presentation; it is a critical movement that has supported over 75 designers worldwide. Many past participants have secured notable retail partnerships and gained visibility that helped propel their careers forward. The event’s long-term success highlights the industry’s need for such platforms to level the playing field for Black creatives.

“There’s still so much work to do, but it’s about continually evolving,” said co-founder Sandrine Charles. The next phase of growth for the Council includes expanding the showroom’s reach beyond New York, allowing even more Black designers around the world to access these invaluable opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The fashion industry has made strides in fostering diversity, but lasting change demands continuous effort. The BIFC Discovery Showroom serves as proof that elevating underrepresented talent not only enriches the fashion world but also challenges traditional notions of creativity and leadership.

The future of fashion belongs to those who refuse to be excluded. If the designers featured in this season’s showcase are any indication, that future is bold, experimental, and unapologetically Black.