Where Culture, Creativity, and Community Took Center Stage
Last night, McDonaldโs lit up New York Fashion Week with the House of Arches runway show, the dazzling finale of its year-long Change of Fashion mentorship program. The event was a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and community, bringing together five rising designersโShareef Mosby (VICTIM15), Nia Thomasย (Nia Thomas), Durrell Dupardย (Freddie Estelle), Larissa Muehleder (Muehleder), and Heart Robertsย (HEARTHROB)โwho delivered a powerful showcase of innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling.
All the designers on the runway, Photo Credit: Sara Kerens for Complex
The runway was electric as each designer unveiled collections that highlighted their creative prowess and underscored the deep connection between Black culture and global fashion trends.
The show opened with Larissa Muehlederโs Enter Loudly, Leave Quietly collection. She explored the duality of strength and grace โ the idea that female leaders do not have to compromise their personalities to blend in.
Muehleder Runway, photo credit: Sara Kerens for Complex
Shareef Mosbyโs urban-chic designs, inspired by his journey from Richmond to Los Angeles, set the tone with utilitarian fabrics and contemporary silhouettes.ย
Hearthrob Runway, Photo Credit: Sara Kerens
Durrell Dupardโs Magnolia Muse paid homage to his New Orleans roots with vibrant florals, upcycled streetwear, and rich textures.
Freddie Estelle Runway, photo credit: Sara Kerens for Complex
Heart Roberts, whose apocalyptic-inspired designsโcrafted from denim and leatherโwere a bold, futuristic statement that left the audience buzzing. Closing the show was Nia Thomas followed with a luxe, sensual collection that empowered wearers to embrace their individuality.
Nia Thomas Runway, photo credit: Sara Kerens for Complex
The front row was a star-studded affair, with cultural fashion icons Dapper Dan and Misa Hylton, Grammy-winning musician Rapsody, and jewelry designer Bernard James in attendance. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event, which not only celebrated the designersโ work but also amplified the profound influence of Black culture on fashion.
Victim15 Runway, Photo Credit: Sara Kerens for Complex
The Change of Fashion program is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black designers, who make up just 7.3% of American fashion designers (http://Zippia.com, 2021). By providing mentorship, visibility, and access to industry-defining platforms, McDonaldโs is helping to close this gap and empower the next generation of talent. Each designer was paired with a mentor who guided them through their brand-building journeys: Shareef Mosby worked with Elaine Welteroth, award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue; Nia Thomas was mentored by Shawn Howell, a retail executive with deep expertise in menโs luxury fashion; Durrell Dupard collaborated with Justina McKee, founder of Matte Collection and a leader in brand development; Larissa Muehleder was guided by Jacqueline Cooper, COO of LaQuan Smith; and Heart Roberts worked alongside Sherri McMullen, founder of McMullen and a leading advocate for Black designers.
Dapper Dan, Debra Robinson, Simone Smith, Misa Hylton, Rapsody, Photo Credit: Salvatore J. Demaio, Jr
The eveningโs festivities didnโt end with the final walk. Guests were treated to a high-energy after-party featuring an early 2000s-inspired soundtrack byย DJ Mr. Rogers, an open bar, and a McDonaldโs food truck serving up complimentary bites. The vibe was electric, with designers, mentors, and attendees mingling and celebrating the success of the program.
From the runway to the after-party, the House of Arches event was a vibrant celebration of Black creativity and the transformative power of fashion. The designersโ collections were not just clothesโthey were stories, each piece a reflection of personal journeys, cultural heritage, and bold visions for the future. As the night came to a close, it was clear that McDonaldโs had delivered more than just a fashion show; it had created a movement. The Change of Fashion program is a shining example of how brands can use their platforms to drive meaningful change, and last nightโs event proved that the future of fashion is bright, diverse, and full of promise.
