By Cassell Ferere,Chase Ink,Contributor

Copyright forbes

Joey Badass, ASAP Ferg, Vic Mensa; CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row that featured an immersive marketplace, a judged runway show with celebrity stylists, and panel discussions exploring the future of the industry, all of which wove sartorial expression directly into the fabric of the event.
Wendy Ngala

Black culture, creativity, and commerce transformed the Duggal Greenhouse into the epicenter known as CultureCon 2025, presented by Chase Ink, from October 4 to 5. In its ninth season, CultureCon has cemented itself as a pivotal ecosystem for the next generation of innovators, and this year’s programming places fashion and the future of creative expression squarely at the forefront. Notably, the fashion conversations that were happening in the space stood out.

Imani Ellis, Ciara; CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row that featured an immersive marketplace, a judged runway show with celebrity stylists, and panel discussions exploring the future of the industry, all of which wove sartorial expression directly into the fabric of the event.
Francis Montoya @SlingShotMenace

Founded by Imani Ellis, the event was born out of a desire to create space for a community often marginalized in traditional creative industries. Ellis’s vision has blossomed into a cultural powerhouse, and she sees this year’s focus as a direct extension of its core mission.

CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, shopping immersive marketplaces, a judged runway show with celebrity stylists, and panel discussions exploring the future of the industry, all of which wove sartorial expression directly into the fabric of the event.
Shane Miller Photography LLC

“Fashion has always been one of the most powerful ways we take space, which ties directly to this year’s theme,” says Ellis. “Creative expression shows up in all forms, and CultureCon is honored to be the premier platform for the next generation of Black creativity. By inviting our community to show up as they are, CultureCon continues to amplify trends across fashion, beauty, entrepreneurship, and innovation.”

This amplification is evident in a landmark new partnership for 2025. Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR), the renowned agency and advocate for Black designers, debuted at HFR House on September 29, kicking off CultureCon Week with a one-of-a-kind marketplace. This immersive experience featured curated shopping and interactive activations, celebrating the diversity and innovation shaping the future of fashion.

CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row that featured an immersive marketplace, a judged runway show with celebrity stylists, and panel discussions exploring the future of the industry, all of which wove sartorial expression directly into the fabric of the event.
Culture Con [Sam]

With support for Chase Ink., pop-up shops from brands like Gratitude, out of Chicago, offered streetwear-inspired pieces, while the Culture Con merchandise was designed to the theme of “Take Space” in a figurative, as well as literal concept, referencing a new diversity among astrological research and the astronaut title. Culture Con sweaters, jerseys, hoodies, and tees, all read ‘We Are Culture 25’ with astronautical designs familiar with familiar space travel imagery.

CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnerships.
Culture Con [Sam (Bravo)]

For Brandice Daniel, CEO and Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, this collaboration transcends a typical event feature. “This partnership with CultureCon is bigger than fashion—it’s about ownership, access, and celebrating the brilliance of Black designers,” Daniel states. “By showcasing 15 incredible talents at HFR House, we’re amplifying their voices and ensuring they are seen, supported, and valued within a community that champions creativity and culture.

Jesse Williams; CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row that featured an immersive marketplace, a judged runway show with celebrity stylists, and panel discussions exploring the future of the industry, all of which wove sartorial expression directly into the fabric of the event.
Shane Miller Photography LLC

Daniel also emphasizes the powerful synergy of the partnership itself, adding, “It’s also powerful to witness what happens when two Black women founders come together to collaborate—proving the importance of unity, collaboration, and building spaces that uplift our community.”

Stylish guests at CultureCon 2025; Strategically positioning fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row that featured an immersive marketplace.
Shane Miller Photography LLC

At the CultureCon Fashion Show, 10 stylish attendees were celebrated with audience participation for a best-dressed prize award of $1000, and the runway show was judged by fashion icons Brandice Daniel, Amiraa Vee, and Obio Jones. With the streetstyle at CultureCon drawing some of the most illustrious style enthusiasts, contestants shared their looks on the main stage and runway, ensuring that sartorial expression was woven throughout the week’s events.

2 Chainz; CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar, a judged runway show with celebrity stylists, and panel discussions exploring the future of the industry.
‘Flo’ Wendy Ngala

The Take Space: A Conversation with Industry Titans panel discussed the innovations of leadership, discussing processes and strategies for ‘leveling up’ in industries. Part of the conversation touched on the journey to outer space, complementing the underlying theme of the Culture Con curriculum and the theme of space travel as the next frontier. President of Web3 Media at A16Z Crypto, and host, Chris Lyonst, moderated thoughts and comments with rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, fashion designer Brandon Blackwood, and Complex editor-in-chief Aria Hughes, focusing on the innovations in fashion and science.

Jackie Aina; CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, featured an immersive marketplace, a judged runway show with celebrity stylists, and panel discussions exploring the future of the industry.
Culture Con

Giving words of advice, Blackwood stated, “Make a name for yourself on social media or through other things. It’s not as structured as it used to be.” Hughes encourages the next generation to “look around, talk,” and “work with your peers.” Additionally, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe describes what Prada is doing with space suits – designing for innovation, as well as for gender. With nods to Prada and their efforts to create a diverse range of space suits through initiatives and circular strategies, the cultural outlook to space is becoming a nearer reality.

The fusion of fashion and purpose continued with the Foot Locker x Harlem’s Fashion Row’s “Owning Your Purpose in Style” conversation. Beyond the runway, CultureCon’s lineup is as stylish as it is star-studded, featuring conversations with top names across entertainment, media, and business. Attendees had a chance to hear from Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Jesse Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, 2 Chainz, Morris Chestnut, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, Vic Mensa, Joey Bada$$, and a host of other influential figures like Angela Rye.

CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row.
Shane Miller Photography LLC

The 2025 experience was infused with immersive brand activations from partners including HBO Max, BET, Hulu, Onyx Collective, YouTube, Spotify, NBCUniversal, Crown Royal, and Dove. Dynamic programming featured exclusive summits and workshops, including a brand-new Founder Summit, offering tangible tools for the next wave of entrepreneurial talent.

Angela Rye; CultureCon 2025 strategically positioned fashion as a central pillar of its programming, manifesting through a landmark partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row.
Culture Con

At its heart, CultureCon is a testament to the power of showing up authentically as a platform where fashion can be a language of ownership, and collaboration is a strategy for growth. The entire ecosystem of Black creativity is not only celebrated but powerfully amplified at Culture Con.

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