Just as New York Fashion Week has faded from the minds of many, we’re here to remind you of the week once more. Unable to attend the shows in person this year, I found myself almost grateful for the way Zoom has infiltrated our lives as it allowed me to sit down and speak with some of the designers that presented on the Unieke Mode runway this year. Unieke Mode focuses on creative designers that the industry is just beginning to spotlight. Many of whom focus on creative mediums, diversity, or sustainability. While many designers would present during the hectic week, below are the five designers I was able to speak with in order to understand their brands at a deeper level and what inspired them to work in fashion.

Dialing into our Zoom call from Ibiza, ZoomCherry, the owner and creative director of her eponymous brand seems to still have more energy than everyone in the States–despite it being almost midnight where she resides. The energy that radiates from her as she begins to speak is as vibrant as it is intangible. As she dove into the origin of both her and the brand’s name there was an excitement in her words.

“For my name, it’s because I ‘zoom’ into things! So I started to be called that…and cherry? It’s from the fact I call everybody ‘Cherie,’ so I’ve switched that into English and it sounds like Cherry. Plus cherries are cute too!” She laughed. Yet, in all seriousness, could we explain our names as well? Or be blessed with something so artistic?

It’s the artist in ZoomCherry that allows the clothes to be so unique, and that artistic talent is only exemplified more with her name. With a focus on creating unique, one-of-a-kind items that either speak to her or are created for the client the items feel like pop art couture. Each handmade item is painted like art, with the fabric used as a canvas. The items are colorful, a powerful statement that one can do anything when they are true to themselves. If you’re interested, connect with the company on Instagram @zoomcherryibiza.

Valise de Dance

Whether you’re a dancer, a former dancer, or simply just want an avant-garde piece of luggage Valise de Dance will make you the airport crush of anyone with taste. With luggage designed to appear as pointe shoes and available in various tones ranging from ‘mocha’ to ‘buttercream’ there’s inclusivity for people of all skin tones. Suza Daniel Mondesir created the company to bring a focus to BIPOC dancers. Her journey with the art form started with her daughter beginning to dance at the age of three. As her daughter’s passion intensified, so did her realization that carrying items from dance competition to dance competition could be a strain for either parents or the dancers themselves. Coupling this with her awareness in the lack of inclusivity, Valise de Dance would be born in 2021. These one-of-a-kind bags not only work to carry items or take on trips with you, but they also have charging ports embedded in them to keep your electronics ready to film beautiful pirouettes at all times. If you’re interested, connect with the company on Instagram @harlemfame2019.

*Courtesy of Unieke Mode - Valise de Danse*

Royal Melanin

Royal Melanin’s Instagram states that this “is a line of legacy and culture that you must experience to understand.” The clothing ranges from t-shirts and hoodies to the delectable dresses and leather designs seen on the runway in the past three seasons. Playing with the combination of comfort paired with detailed, colorful designs the creative brain behind this brand, Kevin Walker, hits all the notes. His energy is palpable, even through Zoom. “My job,” he exclaims, “is to fix people sexy.” He first started to make clothing during COVID, with a focus on t-shirts, and then branched out into a range of sweats. Quite the opposite thought process from the infamous Karl Lagerfeld quote stating that ‘sweatpants are a sign of defeat.’ Instead, Walker embraces both their comfort and sexiness. If you’re interested, connect with the company on Instagram @Royalmelaninclothing_.

Melanin Sugah Accessories

Boring accessories are a thing of the past, who wants to wear something simple, boring, and plain? Certainly not Kresskala who soon recognized this disparity in the accessory market. From a young age, she realized the power of accessories to make an outfit or create a statement. Yet, Black-owned accessory brands that were innovative and unique were lacking. In fact, accessory brands that had eccentric details were lacking in general. To change this, she founded her brand Melaninan Sugah Accessories. This accessory line focuses on being bold and embracing your unapologetic individuality.With Melinan Sugah, there’s no need to be basic–in fact, it’s impossible. The designs harness Kresskala’s creative spirit and are as vibrant as her personality. From bright colors to eccentric patterns and detailed designs spitting facts like, ‘If you aren’t angry, you aren’t paying attention, the items conjure up a sense of power as they embrace cultural identity. After showing at NYFW this past September, both Kresskala and Melanin Sugah Accessories are jumping into creating a men’s accessory line. The collection will be anything but ordinary. The line’s name? ‘Toteul Khaös,’ is meant to highlight wild creativity and rebellion. If you’re interested, connect with the company on Instagram @melanin_sugah_designs.

Delic

Carmen Jackson, the owner and creator of Delic, has more expertise than most when it comes to designing and creating custom items. For the last twenty-three years, she’s made stunning custom designs starting with items for major life events such as prom dresses and wedding dresses. While the items on the Delic runway were feminine, it’s important to note that much of Carmen’s work was inspired by her son and the years she spent making his clothes and to this day he remains her fashion muse. When taking the time to look at the clips of the runway, it’s easy to notice the sensual and feminine details that Carmen embraces in her work. From glitter, the ever-trending sheer elements, or even feathers each item was creative and one of a kind. In the future, Carmen plans to extend into menswear in the future to round out her creative journey.

Words and Journeys with Unieke Mode

Maddie Gubernick from the Butterfly Club