Kensington Grey kicked off New York Fashion Week in style with its KG Afties NYFW event, spotlighting Black fashion influencers who continue to shape culture and creativity in the industry.

Held at Record Room in Long Island City on Thursday, September 11, 2025, the evening brought together clients, creators, and community members for a night filled with music, drinks, and celebration. The dress code, “Low-Key Luxe,” set the tone as guests arrived in chic, effortless looks that embodied modern Black style and influence.

Shannae Ingleton-Smith, co-founder and CEO of Kensington Grey Agency, stated that the party was designed as an extension of the agency’s mission—to celebrate Black fashion creators and provide an environment where they could relax, let their hair down, and connect with others who embrace and honor their creativity.

One unique element of the Kensington Grey after party is its sense of belonging. As an agency representing some of the highest-caliber talent across various verticals, the space feels like home—a place where everyone is part of a greater movement to expand Black representation and visibility.

The atmosphere was electric—a convergence of style, creativity, and community that underscored the growing influence of Black creators during one of fashion’s most pivotal weeks. Far more than an after-party, the evening served as a cultural marker, illustrating how Black talent is not just participating in NYFW but actively shaping its future across fashion, beauty, and media.

By curating intentional spaces like the Kensington Grey Room, the agency continues to advance its mission of amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring Black creators are positioned at the forefront of global fashion conversations. The night was a testament to what happens when creative excellence meets community—a glimpse of the future of fashion, led by those who have long defined culture.

Black creators have long served as cultural architects within the fashion industry—shaping trends, influencing aesthetics and setting the tone for what resonates globally. Yet, too often, their innovations are adopted, repackaged, and commercialized without acknowledgment or attribution. This persistent erasure not only undermines the economic opportunities and visibility these creators deserve, but also distorts the narrative of where many of fashion’s most influential movements originate. Recognizing and crediting Black talent is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential to fostering an equitable and sustainable creative ecosystem.

See How Black Fashion Creators Showed Up in Style

The evening was a striking display of well-versed Black fashion, with guests showcasing a spectrum of personal style that blended heritage, modernity, and innovation. From archival designer pieces to emerging Black-owned labels, each look offered a distinct point of view, proving that Black creators are not only fluent in the language of fashion but continually redefining its boundaries.



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