Black Fashion platform launches new collection

Antoine Manning models his 'Homage Year Mini Solaris Orange Ova Bag.'
Antoine Manning models his ‘Homage Year Mini Solaris Orange Ova Bag.’
Colin Defenbau

New York City designer Antoine Gregory, founder of Black Fashion Fair, has a new exclusive collection out.
The collection was released on Sept. 9 in partnership with customer relationship management platform HubSpot and live streaming platform NTWRK. The drop took place during INBOUND, an annual event powered by HubSpot that unites thought leaders from more than 161 countries across marketing, sales, customer success, and revenue operations.
Amy Marino, global head of marketing for HubSpot, said, “Antoine Gregory’s Black Fashion Fair is a great example of a business that puts its mission at its core – and they’ve scaled while maintaining purpose.”
NTWRK CEO Aaron Levant said that his company is proud to highlight diverse creators who face obstacles in business development and retail exposure, and to shine a spotlight on Antoine Gregory’s drive and commitment to advocating for change.
Black Fashion Fair started in 2020 as a result of a 2016 Twitter thread by Gregory listing Black designers people should know. It’s a platform bringing together business, education and culture that helps discover and amplify the work of Black designers. The new collection helps to do just that.

Designer Nicole Zizi sports her 'Solaris Orange Hoodie.'
Designer Nicole Zizi sports her ‘Solaris Orange Hoodie.’ Colin Defenbau

It features new designs by Antoine Manning (founder of Homage Year) and Nicole Zizi (founder of Nicole Zizi Studio), two designers who are growing better through their commitment to the environment, their communities, and their customers.
The products include Antoine Manning’s signature Mini Ova bag in HubSpot’s solaris orange, Nicole Zizi’s iconic organic cotton logo hoodie with “grow better” detailing, and a custom one-of-one Nicole Zizi recycled patchwork denim jacket.

Designer Nicole Zizi's 'Solaris Orange Hoodie.'
Designer Nicole Zizi’s ‘Solaris Orange Hoodie.’Colin Defenbau

The proceeds from the drop support Black Fashion Fair’s partnership with the Brooklyn Sewing Academy. The program is dedicated to addressing systemic issues in the design industry through education and training.
To support Black Fashion Fair and to stay updated on their work, you can follow them on Twitter and on Instagram. You can also follow Gregory on Twitter and Instagram.