Black History Month – Macy’s and Harlem Fashion Row Spotlight Black Designers at Herald Square

In celebration of Black History Month, Harlem Fashion Row (HFR) transformed Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship into HFR House for one night, creating a dynamic platform that merged fashion, culture and commerce at the heart of New York City.

The one-night activation featured panel discussions, a fashion show, a curated marketplace, and the showcasing of 18 Black-owned brands throughout the historic department store. Beginning today, designs by BruceGlen, Megan Renee, and Kaphill are prominently displayed in Macy’s Herald Square windows, prime real estate in the heart of Times Square, offering unparalleled visibility to Black designers on a global stage.

But the collaboration was about far more than commemoration. HFR House underscored what meaningful inclusion looks like when cultural recognition is paired with tangible commercial opportunity. For Harlem Fashion Row founder Brandice Daniel, the partnership reflects nearly two decades of work aimed at closing the gap between Black design talent and the fashion industry’s mainstream infrastructure.

Each participating designer brought a distinct perspective to the showcase. Kaphill presented refined, transitional womenswear for women “who live well,” while Tayion delivered tailored menswear centered on versatile, interchangeable pieces at accessible price points. These placements were not symbolic gestures; they were intentional retail partnerships designed to generate sales, build long-term relationships, and foster sustainable growth.

For designers who have historically struggled to access major retail platforms, a Macy’s window display represents more than exposure it signals legitimacy. It affirms that Black designers belong in the commercial fashion ecosystem year-round, not solely during heritage observances.

For Kaphill founder Krystal Phillips, the moment marked a personal milestone. “I started part of my career at Macy’s,” Phillips said. “Transitioning from making products for their brand to showing my own products feels like a full-circle moment, especially highlighting Black creatives. It’s not just about Black History Month. It’s about all of my experience finally being seen.”

Montee Holland, designer and founder of Tayion, echoed the sentiment. “I’ve been dreaming of being in that window forever,” he said. “To do it during Black History Month is an honor, but I live my life in celebration every day. Being able to represent that in person is incredibly meaningful.”

Designer Nwamaka Ngoddy, whose brand draws heavily on Nigerian heritage, spoke about embedding Igbo names into her designs to ensure cultural longevity. While her eyewear line initially centered Black and African facial features, Ngoddy noted that the brand has evolved to embrace broader inclusivity. “A lot of people felt left out in the optical industry,” she said, explaining that her expanded vision accommodates diverse face shapes while maintaining luxury craftsmanship.

Through HFR House, Harlem Fashion Row directly addressed one of the fashion industry’s most persistent challenges: access. While runway diversity has improved, Black designers still face barriers to wholesale distribution, shelf space and sustained retail partnerships.

“HFR House represents what we believe fashion can be culturally relevant, community-centered, and economically impactful,” Daniel said in a statement. “Partnering with Macy’s during Black History Month allows us to meet consumers where they are while continuing our mission to elevate and support designers of color.”

The featured designers and collections will remain available at Macy’s Herald Square throughout February, offering shoppers an opportunity to support Black creativity while engaging with fashion that reflects culture, innovation and excellence.