:quality(85):upscale()/2024/09/16/822/n/1922564/ea81420666e87c6da23804.61875872_.png "Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Collection")
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While fashion is far from lacking in the area of collaborations, Harlem’s Fashion Row just created a new standard through its partnership with Nordstrom. The company, which champions diversity by bridging the gap between brands and Black designers, has worked with everyone from Nike and LeBron James to Banana Republic. Partnering with a retail behemoth like Nordstrom, however, hits differently. In fact, HFR founder & CEO Brandice Daniel calls it “a celebration of Black consumers’ cultural and economic power.” Daniel has dedicated her career to amplifying Black voices in fashion, so it was only fitting that she highlighted three monumental Black-owned brands with this Nordstrom collaboration: House of Aama, Harbison, and Megan Renee.
The Nordstrom by Harlem’s Fashion Row collab arrives just in time for the summer-to-fall transition and features pieces that speak to the longstanding impact of Black culture in fashion. House of Aama’s signature feminine aesthetic is elevated by unique tailoring inspired by African Diaspora Dandy culture. Highlights include jewelry adorned with etching-type motifs you would normally see in antiquity pottery. Meanwhile, Harbison’s designs serve as an ode to his mother, who he says navigated society with unmatched poise as a working-class, utilitarian woman. He was also inspired by Simon Maris’s “Portrait of a Young Black Woman” (1890), where the woman’s eyes reflect innocence and curiosity, communicated in the abstract color-blocking and inviting florals of his designs.
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While House of Aama and Harbison leaned into the visceral power of our culture, Megan Renee stuck to the undeniable elan of being a woman. The brand’s eponymous founder Megan Smith is all about celebrating bold, strong womanhood, and her collection exudes just that. Wearable staples with exaggerated shapes and innovative proportions like silky button-ups, faux leather tiered skirts, and the quintessential suit all depict the image of the modern-day phenomenal woman Maya Angelou described.
Smith’s choice to collaborate with HFR and Nordstrom was a no-brainer, given she showcased her designs at the agency’s annual Fashion Show and Style Awards in 2023. “Retail placement has been at the forefront of initiatives for my brand, and I knew this opportunity would open so many doors,” she says. “Working with Harlem’s Fashion Row is always seamless, and since connecting and working together, I’ve started to feel like they are family now.”
I built my brand around my love of strong suits and blazers and I feel like the piece really captures not only who I am but the woman I am dressing.
When the time came to design the collection, Renee found inspiration from an unlikely source: a quote that motivated her to keep going when she found herself at a crossroads and uncertain about the brand’s future. “I was at a point with my brand where I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take but I knew I still had more I needed to say to the world,” she says. “I came across this quote by Erin Hanson, ‘What if I fall, but oh my darling what if you fly?’ and that became my inspiration. Once I heard that, it made me think of birds flying so the feathers became the direction for the jewelry and print. I wanted the collection to feel very aspirational and forward. It really helped me envision where the Megan Renee brand should be headed.”
As for her favorite piece in the collection, Renee immediately names the structured blazer and wide-leg pantsuit. “I built my brand around my love of strong suits and blazers and I feel like the piece really captures not only who I am but the woman I am dressing,” she says. “It’s bold, strong, but still feminine. I played with the fit and proportions that really speak to a woman’s body and it feels very fresh and chic.”
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Megan Renee’s full collection is now available to shop, along with pieces from House of Aama and Harbison. With an impressive size range of XXS to 2XL — sizes 00 to 18 for women and S to 2XL for men — and prices as low as $45, there’s truly something for everyone. You can shop directly on the Nordstrom website as well as in 20 stores across the country, including New York’s flagship location. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite pieces from the Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row collection.
16 Things Our Editors Would Buy With a $50 Nordstrom Budget
nordstrom.comMegan Renee Silk Button-Up Shirt From Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row
Megan Renee Silk Button-Up Shirt ($179)
For those days when you’re not in the mood for a white button-down, consider this silk number as an elevated alternative. Go full monochrome with a coordinating bottom, boots, and coat, or wear with sleek black pants.
House of Aama Corset From Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row
House of Aama Dandy Button-Up Corset ($119)
This corset is an instant head-turner thanks to its feminine aesthetic mixed with tailoring inspired by African diaspora dandy culture. Pair it with a pleated skirt or striped trousers for a sharp menswear look with a romantic touch.
House of Aama Cropped Sweater From Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row
House of Aama Uptown Cardigan ($129)
This cropped number paired with a ’90s mom jean or pair of low-rise, wide-leg denim is the perfect early fall vibe. We love its bright yet muted tone and functional buttons, which make it a versatile layering piece.
Harbison Trench Coat From Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row
Harbison Trench Coat ($229)
A trench coat is a staple in any fall wardrobe, but not all styles are made equal. This Harbison topper stands out among the rest with its flowing flap and artful belted cuffs — romantic details that capture the designer’s brand ethos perfectly.
Harbison Minidress From Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row
Harbison Balloon Long Sleeve Minidress ($169)
In case you were on the hunt for a new LBD, look no further than this standout dress. We love how it incorporates a subtle pop of tan with gorgeous puff sleeves and a dainty bow.
Naomi Parris is a New York-based fashion and beauty writer with over seven years of experience. She served as an editorial operations associate at PS, specializing in all things fashion. Obsessed with telling stories that merge fashion and culture, her areas of expertise include Fashion Week coverage, daily news, high-profile interviews, shopping roundups, and beauty stories.
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