5 Black-Owned Brands to Watch at NYFW Spring/Summer 2026
New York Fashion Week is known for bold, eye-catching outfits and unforgettable runway moments. To preview Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26), we’ve curated five Black-owned brands showcasing their unique style and vision at NYFW. From LaQuan Smith’s unapologetic glamour to House of Aama’s storytelling through craftsmanship, these are five designers you absolutely need to know.
1. LaQuan Smith
Source: Instagram/@laquan_smith
LaQuan Smith is no stranger to the NYFW spotlight. He made his official debut over a decade ago in February 2010 with his Water Goddess show at the Society of Illustrators. Smith is widely known for his bold and form-fitting silhouettes and continues to set the standard for unapologetic glamour. His Spring/Summer 2026 collection promises sleek tailoring, luxe fabrics, and a celebration of bold confidence.
Speculation is swirling that he’ll wrap up NYFW with an 8 p.m. show on September 16th.
2. Sergio Hudson
Source: models.com
Sergio Hudson’s first official NYFW appearance occurred five years ago in September. His collection was presented with a hybrid-schedule due to the global Coronavirus pandemic. It merged digital and limited in-person formats. Hudson’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway show will occur on September 12th at 7 p.m. in Lower Manhattan. Fans can expect him to deliver the kind of polished looks that define eternal style.
3. Diotima
Source: Deidre Lewis/Courtesy of Diotima
Diotima, founded by Rachel Scott, pays homage to Jamaican culture and craftsmanship. Her collections weave artisanal crochet with structured tailoring in a seamless way by creating pieces that are both delicate and strong. After winning the CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year award in 2023 and the American Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2024, Scott will make her official NYFW SS26 runway debut with Diotima on September 15th at 4 p.m.
4. Theophilio
Source: Theophilio Website
Designer Edvin Thompson, mastermind behind Theophilio, takes inspiration from his Jamaican roots and New York upbringing, while standing at the intersection of nostalgia and innovation. He made his NYFW debut in 2021, while also receiving the CFDA American Emerging Designer of the Year award. His collection brings bold color stories and cultural references to the runway. His SS26 show on September 11th at 9 p.m. is expected to be as vibrant and electrifying as the communities that influence it.
5. House of Aama
Source: House of Aama Website
House of Aama is led by mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka. The California-manufactured brand is known for merging storytelling with style. Their first NYFW runway appearance was in February 2022, participating in the “IN THE BLK” collective show. Their Spring/Summer 2026 presentation debuts on September 14th at 3 p.m.
The SS26 season is jam packed with emerging talent and seasoned icons, and these Black-owned designers stand out for their artistry and cultural influence. Holding space on the official CFDA NYFW schedule not only opens doors for other Black designers, but it also honors the trailblazers who came before them.
Show information subject to change. Please view the official CFDA Fashion Calendar for updates on NYFW events and presentations.
