Harlem's Fashion Row launches nonprofit in support of designers of color during Covid-19

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
May 25, 2020

Harlem's Fashion Row [HFR], the arts and entertainment organization dedicated to supporting emerging designers of color, has announced the launch of a nonprofit to support designers of color during Covid-19. 

The program, titled 'Icon 360', will provide forgivable relief to designers of color who are pivoting their businesses during this pandemic and need funding to scale, HFR said. 

Open now, applications for the Icon 360 Fund are available through Harlemsfashionrow.com/icon360.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 15, and those who apply will be notified regarding their application by June 20. 

“During this crisis I thought it was critical to do everything in our power to support designers of color," said Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of HFR.

"I’m incredibly inspired by the resilience of designers who are making bold pivots in their business. As a fashion community we have an incredible opportunity to help scale the businesses of designers who are thriving even in the middle of a pandemic.”

To raise funds for the nonprofit, HFR will host a virtual fundraiser featuring a variety of fashion industry guests, including Teen Vogue editor-in-chief, Lindsay Peoples Wagner; photographer, editor and author of All The Pretty Birds, Tamu McPherson; fashion YouTuber Karen Blanchard; Sade Teyibo, director of communications for Americas at Kering; and Jarvis Sam, senior director of talent sourcing, diversity recruiting and experience COE at Nike, among others. 

​Scheduled for May 30, tickets for the Icon 360 fundraising event retail at $22, and are available through harlemsfashionrow.com/icon360. 100% of ticket sales will go to the new nonprofit, HFR said.