Paris Fashion Week Men’s (PFWM) was underway, running from January 16th-21st.
While many thought the event notoriously lacked diversity, five talented Black designers presented their latest collections over the past few days.
Wales Bonner’s Jamaican-Inspired Suiting
Founded by Grace Wales Bonner in 2014, this menswear brand blended Caribbean flair with refined tailoring. Creative director Bonner drew inspiration from her Jamaican roots for lush colors and relaxed silhouettes, garnering a celebrity following.
“Bonner’s structured suits and often Jamaican-inspired pieces benefited greatly from her research-based design method,” noted fashion critic Imani Johnson.
Wales Bonner hit the PFWM runway on January 17th at 6:30PM local time.
Botter’s Vibrant Gender-Neutral Line
Design duo Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh helm this brand celebrated for its vibrant “Caribbean Couture” aesthetic. Co-founded in 2017, Botter incorporated bold hues and experimental concepts like sweaters fused with trousers.
After making waves with their Spring/Summer 2023 show featuring models in floaty condom gloves, their latest collection promised more fantastical elements when it debuted on January 17th at 10AM.
Lagos Space Programme’s Balance of Masculinity and Beauty
Nigerian designer Adeju Thompson established this non-binary luxury brand in 2018, balancing masculine and feminine energy through an African lens. Shortlisted for the 2021 LVMH Prize, Thompson’s rich cultural influences rendered elegant suiting and standout accessories.
Lagos Space Programme hit the PFWM runway on January 19th from 11AM-2PM.
Winnie New York’s Luxury Deconstruction
Launched in 2018 by Idris Balogun, Winnie New York focused on redefining luxury through precise tailoring and sumptuous fabrics. Balogun employed intimate storytelling in each garment as an ode to his Nigerian roots.
Winnie New York presented its latest collection on January 21st at 11:30AM.
Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing Presents Standalone Menswear
Creative director Olivier Rousteing has helmed Balmain since 2011 at just age 24. After over a decade evolving the brand’s aesthetic, his longevity and couture-driven vision continue inspiring young Black designers.
Balmain’s first standalone PFWM menswear show under Rousteing’s creative helm took place on January 20th at 8:30PM.
While still lacking ample diversity, PFWM provided a platform for these designers to share their vibrant perspectives within the elite fashion sphere.
