Essence magazine’s annual Fashion House returned to New York Fashion Week on Friday with an array of panels — as well as an array of emerging black designers in its Soko Market, including Quanasia Graham’s fashion brand Madamette.
“They reached out to me recently to join as a new and emerging designer, so I said yes to the opportunity,” Graham exclusively told FN at the event’s Soko Market, which featured displays of Black and women-owned brands for guests to view and shop. “Essence has been on my shelf since I was a small child.”
Madamette’s pop-up at the event included Graham’s signature tulle-trimmed mules and high-heeled booties in hues of red, pink and black — as well as an assortment of her label’s top-handled Play handbags in complementary tones. The designer revealed that her experience with textiles influenced the pieces she chose to display for the occasion.
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“I have a background in fashion styling, working for lingerie companies — so I’m obsessed with tulle, obsessed with all soft fabrics, satin, silk,” Graham shared. “It’s all about being playful, and that’s what I, designing, thought about. It’s just playful with powerfulness, and just owning it.”
As Graham approaches the end of the year, she’s already looking towards the future — including releasing new shoes, dresses and expanding her accessories offering since launching her brand in 2020. In the present, however, the designer is also reflecting on the importance of opportunities like Essence Fashion House for independent labels like her own.
“Opportunities are very slim; it’s not easy getting into the industry,” Graham said. “When you have a platform such as this, it gives the opportunity for designers like myself to be able to show our talents and connect with an audience across many different markets. It is so important; without it, it [would] be very hard for designers like myself to be able to have access to the opportunity.”
NYFW was held in New York City in September, marking the start of Fashion Month. The spring 2024 season saw a calendar of fashion shows and presentations from top brands like Ralph Lauren, Christian Siriano and Proenza Schouler, as well as independent labels including Wiederhoeft, Collina Strada and Elena Velez. The occasion featured numerous parties and activations from brands like J.Crew, Target, Aldo, MCM and more.
About the Author:
Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote and interned for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
