Fashion collaborations are nothing new, but Harlem’s Fashion Row has set a new standard with their latest partnership with retail giant Nordstrom. The company, known for promoting diversity and bridging the gap between brands and Black designers, has previously worked with big names such as Nike and LeBron James, as well as Banana Republic. However, their collaboration with Nordstrom is a significant milestone, as it celebrates the cultural and economic power of Black consumers. Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of HFR, has dedicated her career to amplifying Black voices in the fashion industry, and this collaboration is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
The Nordstrom by Harlem’s Fashion Row collaboration couldn’t have come at a better time, as we transition from summer to fall. The collection features pieces that pay homage to the enduring influence of Black culture in fashion. Three monumental Black-owned brands – House of Aama, Harbison, and Megan Renee – have been highlighted in this collaboration, each bringing their unique perspective and aesthetic to the table.
House of Aama’s signature feminine style is elevated by unique tailoring inspired by African Diaspora Dandy culture. The collection features jewelry adorned with etching-type motifs, reminiscent of ancient pottery. Harbison’s designs pay tribute to his mother, a working-class woman who navigated society with grace and poise. He drew inspiration from Simon Maris’s “Portrait of a Young Black Woman” (1890), incorporating abstract color-blocking and inviting florals in his designs.
Image Source: Nordstrom
Megan Renee’s collection celebrates the strength and boldness of women. The eponymous founder, Megan Smith, is all about empowering women through fashion, and her collection exudes just that. The pieces are wearable staples with exaggerated shapes and innovative proportions, including silky button-ups, faux leather tiered skirts, and the quintessential suit – all embodying the modern-day phenomenal woman described by Maya Angelou.
For Smith, collaborating with HFR and Nordstrom was a natural choice, as she had previously showcased her designs at the agency’s annual Fashion Show and Style Awards in 2023. She says, “Retail placement has always been a top priority for my brand, and I knew this opportunity would open so many doors. Working with Harlem’s Fashion Row has been seamless, and I now consider them family.”
When it came to designing the collection, Renee found inspiration in a quote that motivated her to keep going when she faced uncertainty about the brand’s future. “What if I fall, but oh my darling what if you fly?” by Erin Hanson became her guiding light. She envisioned birds flying and incorporated feathers in her jewelry and prints, creating an aspirational and forward-looking collection. She adds, “It really helped me envision where the Megan Renee brand should be headed.”
When asked about her favorite piece from the collection, Renee immediately mentions the structured blazer and wide-leg pantsuit. “I built my brand around my love for strong suits and blazers, and I feel like this piece captures not only who I am but also the woman I am dressing. It’s bold, strong, and still feminine. I played with the fit and proportions to flatter a woman’s body, and it feels fresh and chic.” Image Source: Nordstrom
The full Megan Renee collection, along with pieces from House of Aama and Harbison, is now available to shop. With an impressive size range of XXS to 2XL for women (sizes 00 to 18) and S to 2XL for men, and prices starting at just $45, there is something for everyone. The collection can be shopped online at Nordstrom’s website and in 20 stores across the country, including the flagship location in New York City. Scroll through to see our top picks from the Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row collaboration.
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Nordstrom’s collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row is a celebration of diversity and Black culture in fashion. The collection features unique pieces from three Black-owned brands – House of Aama, Harbison, and Megan Renee – each bringing their own perspective and aesthetic to the table. With an impressive size range and affordable prices, this collaboration truly has something for everyone. Shop now and add a touch of Black excellence to your wardrobe.
