Fashion design takes a special talent and capability, and we always have our sights on multicultural designers who aren’t afraid to step outside of the box and push the envelope. For this year’s FABY’s, we curated a list of our Top 9 favorite designers who are responsible for the stunning haute couture and Ready-to-Wear garments that we saw models strut down the runway in.
The designers below have taken a different approach and used architectural silhouettes. They also incorporated color and created interchangeable ensembles.
Without further ado, check out the nominees for the FABY’s ‘Designer of the Year’, and be sure to vote for the designer who you think brought the heat and drama on the runway.
Continue reading & Vote for ‘Designer of the Year’ below!
Sergio Hudson is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with in the fashion world, and has dressed celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Tiffany Haddish, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Keke Palmer, his latest muse, was the talk in 2023 with her stunning Sergio Hudson gowns.
One thing for sure is that Hudson understands the women’s form, as the Ridgeway, South Carolina native comes from a family of fashionista’s including his mother who was a tailor, and his sister being a runway model.
Fashion has always been in Sergio’s DNA, and after becoming the first contestant to win Bravo TV’s “Style to Rock” in 2013, and earning a $100,000 grand prize, Hudson has been able to capitalize on his brand, and turn it into a household name.
Since his Project Runway heydays, Christian Siriano has come quite a long way, dressing The Who’s who of Hollywood, and giving other designers a run for their money. Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, Siriano won the fourth season of the Bravo’s fashion series in 2007, and he would later go on to received many accolades.
Christian Siriano was always aware that he’d be a big name in the fashion industry. He studied in London with Vivenne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Mary J Blige. In 2008, he launched his own line, which quickly became a hit among celebrities such as Zendaya. Oprah. Lady Gaga. Cardi B.
In 2016, Siriano won “Designer of the Year” at the AAFA American Image Awards and in 2018, Siriano was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018. His influence extends across the globe, and if anyone knows how to manipulate tulle, and offer sharp tailoring with impeccable draping, it’s definitely Christian Siriano.
If anyone’s bring sexy back to the runway, it’s without a doubt LaQuan Smith who has become every “Hot Girl’s” favorite designer. LaQuan Smith, a Queens native, is one of the most innovative and select black designers. She leaves no crumbs when it comes to the innovators in this field.
Smith’s fashion credentials are well-established. Bey, Kelly Rowland and Lori Harvey, as well as Taraji P Henson, the entire Kardashian clan and Taraji P Henson, all have endorsed his work. He has been a member of the CFDA since 2021, and in 2022 he was nominated for the CFDA Fashion Awards “Designer of the Year.” Although he didn’t win, his brand gained more exposure, becoming an even more highly sought-after brand.
LaQuan’s fashion roots are rooted in his grandmother who instilled a love of fashion and design at a young age. All of his designs are made in Long Island City New York, staying true to his New York roots. We’re always looking forward to seeing Smith’s phenomenal craftsmanship characterized with striking cutouts, and the perfect glitz & glam.
Olivier Rousteing has been a fashion designer for over 20 years. He is a Frenchman who was born in Somalia to an Ethiopian mother. Rousteing became Creative Director at Balmain, the French fashion house, in 2011. His fresh and modern style has made him very popular. Rousteing is the son of a Somali mother and an Ethiopian father. He was adopted when he was 1 years old and later learned his true African heritage.
If anyone has brought Balmain the attention that it deserves, It’s Olivier who has incorporated the finer aspects of French Couture into the brand’s line. It is said that the devil lies in the detail, and we can see this every time Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, or Nicki Minaj wear a Balmain item.
Kwame Adusei has West African roots going back as far as his motherland Ghana. He is a fashion innovator who creates the future through his electrifying design. Adusei, who moved to Los Angeles to study design, quickly became popular among the public. He created his 2021 collection after gaining popularity in Los Angeles.
Prior to creating the Kwame Adusei label, Adusei actually had a line entitled “Charlotte Prive” in Ghana where he created both Ready-to-Wear and custom pieces for his clientele. Even though his new collection has a different name, his fabulous creations are still the same. There is a hint of provocative edge and elegance that gives his main characters energy.
Kwame Adusei has been a part of the wardrobes of many celebrities, including Chloe Bailey and Lori Harvey. Kylie Jenner and Beyonce also wear his pieces. Now that he’s opened a store in Beverly Hills, A-listers can shop to their hearts’ content.
Charles Harbison, a designer from New York City, relaunched the eponymous label he launched in 2013, after stepping away from fashion in 2016 for a period of refocussing and regrouping. His resort 2023 collection, inspired by American painter Ellsworth Kelly, featured eye-catching prints and bold colors in sizes ranging from zero to twenty.
Harbison’s sustainable approach is what sets him apart from other designers. He makes clothes using vintage textiles, eco-friendly fabrics and organic cotton. His designs, which are often futuristic, feel ahead of their time. The North Carolina native now lives in Los Angeles. In evening wear, the Architect and Designer excels in incorporating ruching, draping, and color blocking.
With a slogan, “For Women Without Limits,” Hanifa is a global luxury brand that was founded by Anifa Mvuemba, when she was in her twenties. The self made fashion designer who taught herself how to sew, has a brand that’s on everybody’s wishlist including Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B and Beyonce. Mvuemba, originally from Kenya, moved to the US with her parents at age four. She discovered her love for fashion through her mother, who was a lover of fine jewelry and clothes.
In 2021, Mvuemba debuted her first runway show in Washington DC which received positive feedback, and she spoke with Glamour Magazine about how she’s okay with taking her time and doing her own fashion show rather than being apart of a collective like Fashion Week.
Mvuemba is not content with just being a designer. She wants to be a creative director and work with self-driven celebrities. Anifa Mvuemba, a designer who has worked tirelessly to establish herself, is a model for anyone looking to succeed. We applaud Anifa Mvuemba for her forward-thinking, tenacity and skillful designs.
This year we had our eyes glued to Bravo TV’s Project Runway All-Stars series which included some of the most brightest designers to be on Project Runway over the years. Baltimore designer Bishme Cromartie stole many of the moments with his extravagant and well-crafted designs. This earned him the title of winner for the hit fashion show.
Cromartie, who lost his sister to cancer just before the show started, gathered all his strength and gave his best in each of his designs. Bishme, who has been designing garments since the age of 8, has mastered modern techniques that ensure his designs are both thought-provoking and visually pleasing. Bishme’s designs exude confidence and prestige. Celebs such as Michelle Williams, Coco jones and Chloe Bailey exemplify this.
If anyone had quite a successful design career, it’s certainly Gaurav Gupta who has been shutting down red carpets and the internet with his progressive and avant-garde ensembles. From Cardi B who stunned in a sizzling haute cobalt blue Gaurav Gupta gown at this year’s Grammy’s, to Beyoncé who captivated her fans on stage in multiple Gaurav Gupta custom pieces, the Indian designer has proven time and again of how brilliant he is when it comes to fashion design.
Gupta studied at the National Institute of Fashion Technology Delhi where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and founded his couture house back in 2004. He is known for his intricate embellishments and sculptural silhouettes.
Gupta is a triple threat, as he specializes not only in custom couture, but also menswear, bridal wear and menswear. From the moment, he kicked off 2023 with his first Paris couture show to now, Gupta has shown us this year that he’s untouchable with his unprecedented designs.
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Stay tuned for Hairstylist of the Year, Stylist of the Year, and Makeup Artist of the Year on New Year’s Eve!