A Night with Harlem Fashion Row at Brace Life Studios
Where community, creativity, and culture meet after dark
Harlem Fashion Row has been on my radar for years. Watching what Brandice Daniel has built has been inspiring. The collaborations, partnerships, and community she’s created speak to the heart of why fashion matters. So when I had the chance to attend an HFR event at Brace Life Studios, I knew I needed to be in that room.
I went alone, which felt intimidating at first, but the moment I walked into the studio, everything shifted.
Robert Brace greeted me with warmth. The vendors and guests welcomed me with an ease that felt genuine.
The room carried a sense of belonging, and that made it easy to settle in and enjoy the night.
Brace Life Studios is a luxury boutique personal training studio that focuses on the whole person. Not just outer appearance but inner strength, presence, and intention. You can feel that ethos in every corner of the space, and it set the tone for the evening.
The models walking the showcase were clients of the studio, and they looked incredible wearing pieces curated by HFR. Designers included ARCH NYC (@thearchnyc), Esenshel (@esenshel), Muehleder (@muehlederlabel), Jam + Rico (@jamandrico), Undra Celeste (@Undracelestenewyork), and Kaphill (@kaphillofficial). Each designer brought their own narrative, expressed through structure, texture, color, and identity.
Seeing their work styled on real bodies with confidence added a layer of authenticity you don’t always get at fashion events.
There were beautiful community moments woven throughout the night. One that stood out was when Mara Brock Akil (@marabrockakil) honored her friend Jeanine Liburd (@bklynjdl), the person who introduced her to Brace Life Studios. Mara spoke with sincerity about Jeanine’s impact, her support, and the way she builds community through genuine relationships. The room responded with warmth, which made the moment feel personal and connected.
Before the show, Bevy Smith (@bevysmith) hosted a panel that set the tone for the event. During the conversation, Brandice shared the importance of buying from Black designers and investing in Black-owned brands. She reminded the room how much we contribute to the fashion industry and why our support holds real power. Her message was clear.
We move culture forward, and our dollars should reflect that by circulating within our community.
Brandice often says, “We are the village,” and this event embodied that idea. It centered Black creativity, honored relationships, and highlighted the designers, innovators, and changemakers who continue to influence the fashion and beauty landscape.
Leaving the event, I felt inspired and grounded. It reminded me of the spaces at Joli where we created moments that brought people together and made everyone feel seen.
The Beauty Edit After Hours is about the quiet moments that stay with you long after the night is over, and this one did exactly that.
This was more than a fashion presentation. It was a celebration of community, craft, and connection.
