{"id":347180,"date":"2026-09-15T09:07:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T09:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/347180\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T09:07:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T09:07:11","slug":"no-vip-needed-brooklyns-creatives-take-the-runway-for-new-york-fashion-week-brooklyn-paper-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/347180\/","title":{"rendered":"No VIP needed: Brooklyn\u2019s creatives take the runway for New York Fashion Week \u2022 Brooklyn Paper"},"content":{"rendered":"

Building on the success of its inaugural show<\/a> in 2025, the \u201cPeople\u2019s Runway\u201d returned to Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza on Sept. 12, transforming the public square into a vibrant runway spotlighting the bold and creative collections of five Brooklyn-based fashion designers.<\/p>\n

Part of New York Fashion Week, the event became an instant cultural phenomenon last year and drew fashionistas, community members and celebs celebrating Brooklyn\u2019s creativity and global cultural influence \u2014 the Brooklyn way, with no special VIP invitation required.<\/p>\n

The fashion show is part of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso\u2019s Arts Ambassador Initiative, which supports the borough\u2019s vibrant creative community, mentors emerging artists, connects creatives with cultural institutions and expands access to the arts.<\/p>\n

\"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Kuai Li. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Models walk the runway showcasing the work by designer Roderick Reyes. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Beep collaborated with Brooklyn\u2019s first-ever Arts Ambassador, Colm Dillane \u2014 the creative mind behind KidSuper \u2014 to develop the event. The initiative aims to elevate emerging designers, help them \u201cget their foot in the door\u201d in an industry that is difficult to break into, and allow them to present their collections on a global stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted a culminating event to speak on arts in Brooklyn. And what we didn\u2019t want to do was bring a bunch of established artists who aren\u2019t from Brooklyn to come here and use the space,\u201d Reynoso said. \u201cSo we talked about bringing five emerging artists from Brooklyn to be able to come on stage during New York Fashion Week, which I thought was deeply important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Brooklyn Beep Antonio Reynoso celebrated the suprise performance by music icons Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Beep noted that the People\u2019s Runway was the only NYFW event open to the public.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery other [NYFW] show is VIP, or you need to know somebody, or you got to be a part of the industry. So what you\u2019re seeing here is 1000s of people that are going to show up to see a New York Fashion Week show for the first time, and we love that,\u201d Reynoso said. \u201cIf you come to Brooklyn, you\u2019ve got to do it for the Brooklyn people. You can\u2019t come out here and only do it for exclusive VIP clients. Everybody\u2019s VIP in Brooklyn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd also got a surprise musical performance by music icons Wyclef Jean and Ms. Lauryn Hill at the end of the show \u2014 both wearing KidSuper designs \u2014 who dazzled the fashionistas with songs like \u201cNo Woman, No Cry\u201d and the 1996 Fugees hit \u201cReady or Not,\u201d celebrating 30 years since the release of the Fugees\u2019 landmark 1996 album, \u201cThe Score.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLauryn Hill being here,\u201d Reynoso said. \u201cShe is one of my favorite rappers of all time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Music icon Wyclef Jean surprised the audience with a closing performance. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Music icons Wyclef Jean and Ms. Lauryn Hill surprised the audience with a closing performance. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Music icon Ms. Lauryn Hill surprised the audience with a closing performance. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

In June, Reynoso and Dillane launched an open call for emerging designers and, after reviewing hundreds of applications, selected<\/a> Kuai Li, Lamin Rey Jaiteh, Laural Tiange Fang, Moses Aina and Roderick Reyes to showcase their collections.<\/p>\n

In addition to a $5,000 grant from Borough President Reynoso, the designers also received matching funds from Converse and Cash App, totaling $15,000 for each designer. They also received mentorship from Dillane and other industry leaders leading up to the full-service fashion show, which included styling, hair and makeup, runway lighting and sound.<\/p>\n

The designers wowed the crowd with their creativity, showcasing their collections for celebrities including Wale, Francisco Lindor, Fabulous, Ellie the Elephant, Beenie Man, Jim Jones, Lil Mama, Mark Vientos, Joey Bada$$, Wisdom Kaye, Serge Ibaka, Russ, Fivio Foreign, YG Marley, NLE Choppa, Huddy and more.<\/p>\n

\"\"Fivio Foreign, Lil Mama, and K Camp attend The People\u2019s Runway fashion show at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"NLE Choppa attends The People\u2019s Runway fashion show at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

Li\u2019s collection, \u201cTender Armor,\u201d explored protection, vulnerability and the moment when quiet strength becomes visible. Jaiteh\u2019s collection, \u201ciDEK\u201d (I Don\u2019t Even Know), drew inspiration from a season of change, embracing the unknown and exploring the uncertainty that precedes transformation. Reyes\u2019 collection, \u201cGettin\u2019 Fly,\u201d is a dialogue on modern survival and a critique of a broken system, playing on value, exploitation and capitalism.<\/p>\n

\"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Lamin Rey Jaiteh. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Fashion designer Lamin Rey Jaiteh presented his collection \u201ciDEK\u201d (I Don\u2019t Even Know). Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

Fashion designer Laurel Tiange Fang, founder of Laurel Blue, presented her collection, \u201cForms of Water,\u201d a love letter to the ocean and an exploration of the relationship between human beings and the natural world. The Parsons graduate told Brooklyn Paper that she didn\u2019t even know about the open call; her friend Ray submitted her application without her knowledge.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knew this existed, but he didn\u2019t really want to let me down if I didn\u2019t get selected, so he just [submitted my application], and he only told me after I got selected. I was like, \u2018What is going on?\u2019\u201d Fang said, noting that the fashion show was a \u201cfantastic\u201d opportunity to get recognized. \u201cSometimes it can be very hard to get exposure for yourself. So I think Brooklyn has this platform to uplift emerging designers. I do feel very grateful, and I\u2019m also like very happy that I\u2019m part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Fashion designer Laurel Tiange Fang puts the finishing touches on one of her designs. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

Aina\u2019s collection, \u201cLegacy,\u201d was inspired by her great-grandfather, President Sylvanus Olympio, Togo\u2019s first president.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was inspired by how he not only thought about independence for the people of that country, but how he was also very good at striving for economic sovereignty from the French,\u201d Aina said. \u201cIt really inspired me as his great-grandchild to be able to think about my own legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Fashion designer Moses Aina presented her collection \u201cLegacy.\u201d Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

Colm Dillane, who also presented his fashion designs, told Brooklyn Paper that the brand had grown much bigger than he had anticipated, with one idea evolving into something bigger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it\u2019d be getting easier, and it\u2019s not. It\u2019s getting harder because our ideas get bigger, so maybe we\u2019ve got to figure out how to streamline this,\u201d Dillane said, noting that this year they added a surprise performance.<\/p>\n

\"\"Colm Dillane, the creative force behind cultural brand KidSuper, and his mom Jeanne Quinn walk the runway. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

Fashionistas Busani and Bernard loved the concept of elevating designers who might not otherwise get the chance to present their collections to the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a photographer, so KidSuper inspires me with the art and creativity he brings. I flew all the way from Zimbabwe,\u201d Busani told Brooklyn Paper. \u201cThis concept brings in people that will never have a chance outside of this; it gives room to everybody. It\u2019s like a one-in-a-million chance [because] getting into fashion, it\u2019s very difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bernard shared that it was \u201cwonderful\u201d that the event was open to the public.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fashion industry is very inclusive. It\u2019s very hard to get in; opening it up to the public definitely brings some excitement and definitely allows people to see the fashion world up close and firsthand,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

\"\"Busani and Bernard were looking forward to some good fashion and a good time. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, president and CEO of BrooklynOrg, and Rick Davy, founder and CEO of Fashion Week Brooklyn, were looking forward to seeing what Brooklyn\u2019s \u201camazing\u201d talent had in store.<\/p>\n

\"\"Deputy Borough Kim Council and Dr. Jocelynne Rainey were looking forward to the fashion show. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"(L-R) Sib Irizarry, Rahel Tadesse, Rick Davy, and Bighani attended the 2026 People\u2019s Runway. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n

Rainey said the event reflected Brooklyn Org\u2019s mission to ensure the entire community could enjoy what Brooklyn has to offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so excited that this is in Brooklyn, and I love that it is for Brooklyn residents; it is so fabulous. Brooklyn deserves it,\u201d Rainey said. \u201cIt is the most populated borough, and to see so many Brooklynites here enjoying this day and being part of Fashion Week, which has always traditionally been about Manhattan, is amazing to me, and is so aligned with the things that we think about at BrooklynOrg.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to be doing this again in Brooklyn during New York Fashion Week. You can\u2019t get better than that,\u201d Davy said. \u201cWe own Brooklyn, and we bring in a little bit of New York Fashion Week to Brooklyn.\u201d<\/p>\n

See it:<\/p>\n

\"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Kuai Li. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Kuai Li. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Kuai Li. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Fashion designer Kuai Li Li presented her collection \u201cTender Armor.\u201d Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Brooklyn fashionistas showed off their style at the \u201cPeople\u2019s Runway.\u201d Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Laurel Tiange Fang. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Laurel Tiange Fang. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Laurel Tiange Fang. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Fashion designer Laurel Tiange Fang presented her collection \u201cForms of Water.\u201d Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Moses Aina. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Moses Aina. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Lamin Rey Jaiteh. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Lamin Rey Jaiteh. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Roderick Reyes. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by designer Roderick Reyes. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Fashion designer Roderick Reyes presented his collection \u201cGettin\u2019 Fly.\u201d Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"A model walks the runway showcasing the work by Colm Dillane, the creative force behind cultural brand KidSuper. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Music icon Wyclef Jean surprised the audience with a closing performance. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Brooklyn Beep Antonio Reynoso celebrated the suprise performance by music icons Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Music icons Wyclef Jean and Ms. Lauryn Hill surprised the audience with a closing performance. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Music icon Ms. Lauryn Hill surprised the audience with a closing performance. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Songs of Solomon Choir, led by Bishop Chantel Wright, featured 30 young student performers.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Rich the Kid attends The People\u2019s Runway fashion show at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"The Kalogeras sisters attend The People\u2019s Runway fashion show at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Fivio Foreign (right) attends The People\u2019s Runway fashion show at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Models get ready for \u201cThe People\u2019s Runway\u201d at Borough Hall. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann \"\"Fashion designer Moses Aina puts the finishing touches on one of her designs. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Building on the success of its inaugural show in 2025, the \u201cPeople\u2019s Runway\u201d returned to Brooklyn Borough Hall…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":347181,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[98,13005,21313,100,99,1242,4225,129739,129740,9,24,6231,12,370,63,129741,129742],"class_list":["post-347180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-brooklyn","tag-brooklyn","tag-brooklyn-borough-hall","tag-brooklyn-borough-president-antonio-reynoso","tag-brooklyn-headlines","tag-brooklyn-news","tag-fashion","tag-fashion-designer","tag-ms-lauryn-hill","tag-musical-performance","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-new-york-fashion-week","tag-news","tag-newsletter","tag-nyc","tag-peoples-runway","tag-wycleaf-jean"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=347180"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347180\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/347181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=347180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=347180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=347180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}