Allen Iverson Modeling, The Montgomery Brawl, and a Cool Runnings Reunion – The Best Moments From The Actively Black NYFW Show

Former N.B.A. player turned designer Lanny Smith wanted to bring a fashion “mixtape” to life for New York Fashion Week by displaying different collections in one show. Actively Black partnered with Allen Iverson, the Notorious B.I.G.’s estate, Huey Newton’s estate where Fredricka Newton (wife of Founding Black Panther) modeled their new collaboration, and more to deliver a night celebrating Black triumph with swag. Smith’s vision came to life at the Runway 7 Fashion building on Friday night.

Guests journeyed through several moments in Black pop culture history, from an ode to the motherland to the creation of hip-hop and everything in between. Smith passionately explained that he wants his athleisure wear brand to be “boldly black, unapologetically black and obviously, actively black.” The hour-long show featured effortless transitions between decades with compelling visuals and soundtracks to match. The show was also complete with a tribute to Chadwick Boseman with his wife present, where models sported the Wakanda Forever Collaboration.

The crowd erupted into laughter when Affion Crockett walked across the runway holding a folding chair and tossing his hat. The viral Montgomery Riverfront Brawl sparked a pop culture moment, possibly making a folding chair more relevant than a milk crate in the Black community.

The wife of Black Panther Party Founder Huey Newton, Fredrika Newton.

The 1993 Classic “Cool Runnings” turns 30 years old this year. It was such a heartwarming moment to see Malik Yoba joined by his co-star Doug E. Doug rocking their Actively Black collection commemorating the sports/comedy film.

After Daymond John co-signed Lanny Smith on Shark Tank, the FUBU founder passed the torch. FUBU co-founders Keith Perrin and Carlton Brown walk in the show.

Fast Life Yungtaz joined the models at the end of the show to perform their classic hit single, “Swag Surf.” The Actively Black fashion show has been dubbed the most “blackity-black show of New York Fashion Week.”

Spoken word, tribal dance, Wakanda, Black Panthers, Hip Hop, and culturally relevant moments in between, every aspet of blackness was amplified to highlight what our culture encompasses and this is what Actively Black gave us for NYFW.

Photo Credits

Texavier Henry (@texxliketexas)

Getty Images: NY: Runway 7 Spring / Summer 2024 Collections

Getty Images: Actively Black – Front Row & Backstage