Harlem Fashion Week Founders Daughter Yvonne and Mama Sandra
Yvonne Jewnell and her mother Sandra Burkett are the innovative creators of the Harlem Fashion Week, established in 2016. Yvonne Jewnell is a graduate of the High School of Fashion Industries and the Parsons School of Design New York, where she studied Fine Arts and Fashion Design. Sandra Burkett is an alumna of New York University (NYU) and the Teachers College at Columbia University. Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the community, they started the Harlem Fashion week to introduce a new era of fashion culture to the Harlem community.
This year the Harlem Fashion Week was held in the Courtyard of the Harlem State Office Building on 125th Street. It was a phenomenal production. On September 3rd, the event started with the Black Live Fashion Exhibition and Awards Ceremony hosted by Jonathan Bodrick, owner of B.O.R.N. the eclectic Harlem-based New York City vintage boutique. Bevy Smith, Co-host on Bravo’s fashion-themed talk show Fashion Queens, presented the awards. This was a night to present Cultural Icon Awards to Nikoa Evans, Harlem Park to Park Executive Director; Chivona Renee Newsome, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter; and Dionne Williams, Event Management Professional. The Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter, Chivona Renee Newsome received a special honoree award and was acknowledged for her fight for social justice, equality, and for being a strong voice for Black Lives Matter. Dapper Dan made a special appearance to show his love and support for the Harlem Fashion Week. Some of the designers featured were: Maison Zelni, House of Q, House of Vaughn, Hennaflower, Karma DePrince, Audrey Weaver Scarf Dressing, Naids Fashion, Yves Luc, Hightower, Rize of RIZER, CJackson Long Island, Void Asylum, Streeter, Hiari Strong, IFLY UNIVERSE, Lips Couture by Sharon, Nothing to Wear, Koko Mystique, Styles of Imagination, Yvonne Wingfield, United Icons, and Bombazo Wear.