By Mandy Myers

Buffalo Fashion Runway hosted its highly anticipated Black Carpet II on Saturday (Feb. 15, 2025) at the historic Connecticut Street Armory.

From 5 to 9 p.m., the iconic venue, with its soaring ceiling and rich architectural details, set the stage for a night that celebrated not only fashion but also the enduring spirit of Black History Month, culture and activism. 

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the spectacle of a grand staircase that led up to the second floor where VIPs, vendors and other attendees mingled, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the evening. A massive U.S. flag, suspended high above the runway, added a striking visual element to the festivities, signaling the broader themes of unity and heritage that defined the night. Guests couldn’t resist snapping photos, capturing moments against the backdrop of the Armory’s stunning design. 

Buffalo Fashion Runway co-founders deserve commendation for their meticulous effort in curating an event that seamlessly wove together high fashion with powerful cultural expression. The show was not just a display of beautiful clothing but also an opportunity to engage with the larger conversation of what Black History Month means in Buffalo. The event created a space where fashion, activism and community intersected in a way that felt both timely and deeply personal.  

What truly set this event apart was the overwhelming sense of community. The Armory was filled with Buffalo residents, artists and creatives who gathered to celebrate their shared history and the power of expression through fashion. From local supporters to out-of-town guests, the evening had the collective energy of a city proud of its roots and its future. 

The fashion was undoubtedly the highlight of the night. The show opened with an energizing performance by dancers and drummers from the African Cultural Center, their vibrant movements and rhythmic beats filling the room with passion and anticipation. Dressed in striking white garments and headscarves, the performers invited the audience into the celebration before the first model stepped onto the runway. 

The runway itself came alive with collections that were bold, diverse, and brimming with stories of identity, activism and culture. Each designer brought their unique perspective to the stage, offering a blend of streetwear, high fashion and statement-making pieces.

Scavenger by Izzy Taylor kicked things off with a collection that spoke loudly about activism and empowerment. Trench coats and jackets were adorned with statements such as one model’s coat, which boldly declared, “We have the power to change the narrative,” in black paint across the back. This was fashion with purpose, urging the audience to reflect on the power of their voices and actions. 

Lunuve by Lanice Tuck showcased her designs for the first time at the Black Carpet II, and she certainly made an impression. The collection was a sophisticated mix of denim, sheer black fabrics and beautifully crafted form-fitting pieces, including a striking brown cut-out dress. Tuck’s designs brought a sense of refined beauty to the runway, effortlessly blending elegance with modernity. 

Next, DNTWATCHTV’s 2025 Collection by Travis Rogers transported the audience back in time with nostalgic, graphic-heavy pieces that paid homage to hip-hop culture and street art. Baggy pants, oversized puffer coats splattered with abstract colorings and vibrant graphic tees brought a burst of color to the runway, showing how fashion and music culture continue to intersect in powerful ways. 

Sadly Yoku by Taiyana J (designer, stylist and magazine editor-in-chief) stunned with a black and white-themed collection that channeled the duality of the “Black Swan/White Swan” aesthetic. The collection featured clean-cut lines and fur-lined garments, creating a stark contrast of softness and strength. Each piece felt like a statement of grace, power, and identity. 

Vice Paradise by Tristan Morris (creator and owner) brought sporty street style to the runway, incorporating jerseys into his collection. A cream and olive-colored sweatshirt emblazoned with his brand’s logo on the front pocket demonstrated his ability to mix casual with chic, offering a laid-back but stylish take on modern streetwear. 

SMOOTH CHILD, designed by sisters Star and Rae, was one of the standout collections of the night. The duo showcased a bold, empowering vision of fashion, blending femininity with strength. A long denim fur coat with red satin lining made a dramatic entrance, while another model donned a flowing plaid skirt paired with a striped crop top. The striking detail of metal pieces embedded in the model’s hair further elevated the look, blending fashion and art in a way that captured the audience’s attention. 

Great Palace, by Gov, was nothing short of a spectacle. This collection was brimming with layers and creative design, making symbolic statements that pushed boundaries. The use of blood-stained white garments and the USA-themed denim pants was a direct commentary on the socio-political landscape, while the bold superhero/villain inspired looks added a layer of tension and drama. For many, this collection became a favorite for its audacity and boldness. 

Mabdez Media, designed by Nat (whose pieces have been worn by Julia Fox on Instagram), brought high fashion to the forefront. One model wore a zip-up jacket with buttons that formed a stunning silhouette of a Black woman with an afro. The piece felt empowering and artistic, blending fashion with activism in a way that had a lasting impact on the audience. The statement “I’m really f’kn busy” printed on the back of another model’s jacket added a touch of humor and realness to the collection. Notably, the host of the night, Chelsea Lovell (host of WIVB-TV’s Daytime Buffalo) also graced the runway as a model for Mabdez Media, further connecting the designer’s vision to the event’s vibrant atmosphere. 

Finally, Buffalo Fashion House’s collective collection, brought together by four members of BFR, showcased an upcycled, sustainable approach to fashion. Jerseys, camo prints and beautifully crafted trench coats with “Fashion and Activism” slogans on them made a powerful statement about the intersection of style and social justice. 

Each collection on the runway offered a glimpse into the creative minds of Buffalo’s fashion scene, while also serving as a platform for voices that are often underrepresented. The night was a celebration of culture, history and identity, with fashion as the medium for telling stories that matter. 

In keeping with Buffalo Fashion Runway’s mission to highlight local designers, the event provided an invaluable platform for emerging talent. The diversity of the collections reflected the dynamic, ever-evolving fashion scene in Buffalo, which continues to grow in both significance and influence. 

To gain deeper insights into the event and the vision of the designers, Buffalo Fashion Runway’s Youtube channel offers an inside look at the stories behind each brand, further enriching the connections between fashion and cultural identity. 

As the show came to a close, all the models returned to the runway for a final walk, accompanied by the musical performer AAHKEE. With the crowd roaring in excitement, the models made their way upstairs, where they cheered with joy and celebrated the success of the evening. It was the perfect ending to a night of fashion, culture and unity. 

Mandy Myers is a public relations major and music industry minor at SUNY Fredonia with a passion for fashion and music. She will be launching her local fashion website next week.