For the second year in a row, Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza will be transformed into a catwalk this September for the 2026 “People’s Runway” fashion show.
The event builds on the resounding success of the first-ever show in 2025, when five Brooklyn designers took center stage to showcase their couture in front of over 1,000 fashionistas, including major stars such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ne-Yo, and Busta Rhymes.
On June 15, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane launched an open call, inviting up-and-coming Brooklyn fashion designers to submit their designs for a chance to showcase their collections at the full-service 2026 People’s Runway fashion show.
Busta Rhymes (center) attends “The People’s Runway” fashion show in 2025 with his sons T’ziah Wood-Smith and Trilian Wood-Smith. File photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Last year’s event, which was part of New York Fashion Week and garnered international attention, provided an unparalleled platform to kickstart the careers of Brooklyn’s most promising designers, including winners Kent Anthony, Shriya Myneni, Rojin Jung, Ahmril Lorraine, and Daveed Baptiste.
Reynoso said that the interest in “The People’s Runway” in 2025 proved that Brooklynites yearned for real investments in Brooklyn’s creative community.
“For the second year in a row, I am proud to partner with Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane to showcase and empower Brooklyn’s emerging fashion designers,” he said. “If you are an upcoming designer making a splash in Brooklyn’s fashion scene, this application is for you! I’m so grateful for Colm’s partnership once again as we provide a life-changing opportunity to five Brooklynites who just need a boost to get their foot through the doors and kickstart the next chapter of their careers.”
Designer Daveed Baptiste presented his fashion line ‘Soaring High’ at the first-ever “People’s Runway” in 2025. File photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Colm Dillane, the creative force behind KidSuper, a borough-based brand known for its clothing, art, and community-focused approach, and Brooklyn’s first-ever arts ambassador, got his start in fashion just a few blocks from Brooklyn Borough Hall.
“It’s so special to come back years later to give emerging designers the opportunity to take their career to the next level. There’s so much talent here in Brooklyn, and I encourage all creatives to take a chance and submit their applications to showcase their work at The People’s Runway,” Dillane said.
The call for applications is open online now and closes on July 5 at 11:59 p.m. Submissions must be original work — the use of AI is not allowed. The five winners will be notified the week of July 20 and must be available from the week of July 27, leading up to the fashion show in early September. All five designs must be finalized by August 31.
Colm Dillane and Brooklyn Beep Antonio Reynoso celebrated the success of the “People’s Runway” fashion show in 2025. File photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Applicants must be 18 or older and Brooklyn residents to qualify. Each selected designer will receive a $5,000 grant to help cover expenses and mentorship opportunities with industry leaders. The borough president’s office will not provide materials, tools or professional assistance for garment construction. However, Reynoso and his team will manage all logistics, including models, hair and makeup, styling, photography, videography, backstage setup and the runway — complete with lighting, sound, music and stage design. The Beep’s office will also handle all seating and ticketing, as well as external communications and press.