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The coveted ESSENCE Fashion House™ is making its return on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 548 W 22nd St, optimally located in the Chelsea Arts District of Manhattan. Hosted by America’s Next Top Model cycle three winner and actress Eva Marcille with sounds by New York City native DJ David, the 6th annual event invites attendees to lean into the theme of “Luxury Undefined” and celebrate opulence and innovation through Black creativity as top designers, voices and brands come together to redefine luxury. FERG and Dapper Dan will join ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga for a keynote conversation titled “Organic Exposure: How to Turn Your Clothes Into a Conversation”, a discussion on the pivotal role authenticity plays in the creative process. Edvin Thompson, Designer and Creative Director of Theophilio, will take part in a conversation with L’Enchanteur’s Soull and Dynasty Ogun, focused on “Aesthetic Armor: Clothing and Culture”, exploring the journey of discovering and refining personal style. Celebrity stylist and fashion designer, Misa Hylton, will provide attendees with insights on navigating the luxury fashion market and blending high fashion with streetwear aesthetics in “The Authenticity Code: Navigating Authenticity in the Luxury Market.”

This year, ESSENCE Fashion House™, will celebrate the influence that Black creatives, visionaries and designers have on fashion culture, while shining a light on the way Black fashion enthusiasts have cultivated trends that are ingrained in fashion’s DNA. ESSENCE Fashion House™ is a place where aspiring fashion professionals come to hear from industry insiders as they share the tools and information needed to be a top player in the fashion industry, during one of the industry’s most highly anticipated weeks of the year in New York City. Whether Black and interested in fashion, or a lover of the global Black influence, attendees can expect a front row seat as Black creativity unfolds, in a place for learning, connecting, and elevating your presence in the fashion industry. Consider it an essential stop before hitting the main runway!

SOKO MRKT will also come to life, putting guests face-to-face with trending and emerging fashion collections and access to exclusive new product lines across jewelry, fashion, footwear and more. This unique shopping experience will feature:

  • Kaphill, a luxury fashion brand founded by Caribbean-American designer Krystal Phillips offering bold, empowering womenswear that encourages individuality and confidence.
  • Tejahn Burnett, a Toronto-based, eponymous contemporary footwear label created with inclusion in mind offering an expansive size range that merges craftsmanship with luxury.
  • Freddie Estelle, an evolving streetwear brand specializing in trendy, upcycled, and unique custom designs.
  • SOKO, a sustainable jewelry brand offering ethically made, modern pieces that promote fair trade and support local communities.

The 2024 ESSENCE Fashion House is sponsored by Diet Coke®, smartwater®, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, and McDonald’s USA. Attendees can learn more about this year’s event and tune in virtually on Friday, September 6th at ESSENCE.com/FashionHouse2024 and @ESSENCE on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

ABOUT ESSENCE VENTURES
A multi-faceted ecosystem that uplifts the Global Black experience through frictionless, borderless economic advancements at the intersection of community and culture, ESSENCE Ventures is a member of the Sundial Group of Companies and is the parent company for ESSENCE Communications, Inc., AFROPUNK, Beautycon and Essence Studios.