EMERGE! Fashion Show celebrated 15 years in unforgettable fashion, closing New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, September 15th, bringing together fashion, music and culture for a star-studded anniversary runway and awards show.
Chaka Khan, Eva Marcille and Danessa Myricks brought their star power to the runway, with Chaka Khan commanding the catwalk following her recognition as EMERGE!’s 2026 Fashion Innovator. Eva Marcille, honored with the Style Award, and Danessa Myricks, recipient of the Business of Beauty Award, also brought their signature presence to the celebration.
Adding to the night’s biggest fashion moments, hip-hop streetwear pioneer Karl Kani returned to the EMERGE! runway for the first time in nearly a decade, debuting his newest collection to an energized crowd.
R&B Grammy-nominated singer October London brought an unforgettable surprise to the evening, leaving his front-row seat to take the stage and perform one of his hit songs “Back to Your Place,” following the debut presentation of the Saint London x FEDÚ Collection with designer Ilbert J. Sanchez.
The night also spotlighted the next generation of emerging designers: Matthew J. Williams, LOU AYMÉ and Makarassi Couture, staying true to EMERGE!’s 15-year legacy of creating visibility and opportunity. The celebration ended with a Disaronno toast to the honorees and emerging designers, presented by the founder of EMERGE!, Dionne Williams.
