The Best Runway Fashion, Natural Hair Looks You Missed at ESSENCEFest 2024

Curated by Haitian fashion designer and stylist Amiraa Vainqueur, the showcase highlighted five different Black owned-brands who incorporate some method of sustainability within their designs and processes.

For fellow Haitian designer Atelier Ndigo who’s from Florida, all the designs are made to order as opposed to just a standard in bulk order like other fast fashion brands tend to do.

Made in small batches in Los Angeles and ethically sources, Zevelyn Jean was founded in 2018 by JaVonnie TaNae as a means for people to express their personal style. Their sustainability method? Using “dead stock” fabrics, a.k.a. fabric that’s been overproduced or unused by other fashion houses.

Featured items pictured above: The long pink blouse, left and the wide-legged khaki pants.

For Futura by Dionne, all the designs are made of microfiber and they only produce made-to-order clothing. So no items sitting in excess in their warehouse.

Featured items as pictured above: the green shorts, left and the green top.

For House of Chelsea B, their designs are all hand-made and made-to-order as well. Items are also sold as separates and aren’t over produced. Founded by Chicago native Chelsea Billingsley, her mission is to change the narrative about crotchet styles one garment, one item at a time.

Showcasing a design from her own label, Vainqueur let the sexiness of this lace duster, top and bottom set from Maison Veemode speak for itself while also pluggigng the fact the her secret to sustainability comes into play by ethically sourcing fabrics and garments abroad and then re-tailoring pieces to give it that unique Veemode touch.

“The future of fashion will be focused on sustainability and saving waste,” said Vainqueur. She also shared that these brands are all size-inclusive and priced at under $500 for each brand. For more information, make sure to check out their official websites.

Brought together by popular natural haircare brand Naturally Curly, the featured stylists who brought these impressive hair visions to life include: Dhairius Thomas, Michelle O’Connor, Jamal Edmonds & Tippi Shorter.

Styled by Tippi Shorter and Dhairius Thomas, these looks put a fun twist on the Bantu knot hairstyle and the combo of braids and loose waves.

Styled by Michelle O’Connor Beauty and Jamal Edmonds, these looks featured a expertly teased frohawk and an elaborate updo that will be a statement no matter the occasion.

Also styled by Michelle O’Connor Beauty, Jamal Edmonds, these looks featured an ornate and slick ponytail, luscious long curls, and a half up, half down look that would make even the best of the best of stylist drop their jaws.

Styled by Dharius Thomas, Yojanse Jiminez and others, they brought their talents by providing the model in the yellow with an adorned and intricate afro-looking style that’s chic and ornate.

The talented stylists standing in front of their unique works after a long, but beautifully productive day.