Solange Cheers for Julez Smith at 'Black Hair Reimagined' Show

Solange Applauds Son Julez Smith at Powerful 'Black Hair Reimagined' Fashion Show

Julez Smith Walks the Runway as Solange Celebrates Black Hair, Style, and Family Legacy

On Friday night in New York City, Solange Knowles was in the crowd not as a performer, but as a proud mother, cheering on her son Julez Smith Jr. as he walked the runway in the immersive fashion and beauty event, Black Hair Reimagined: The New Era of Beauty.

Just days before the 2025 Met Gala, the rising model and nephew of Beyoncé took center stage, continuing a blossoming fashion career that began in early 2024. His debut with the New York-based brand Luar was followed by several editorial shoots and now, this high-profile celebration of Black hair and artistic expression.

A Hair Show Turned Cultural Statement

Black Hair Reimagined was conceived by hairstylists Jawara Wauchope and Jrod Lacks through their company Echelon Noir Productions. The event drew inspiration from the iconic Bronner Bros. hair shows, transforming it into a modern-day exploration of elegance, identity, and cultural pride.

The evening was hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, founder of the haircare brand Pattern, who guided the audience through an imaginative journey that fused performance, fashion, and the history of Black hair. The mirrored runway, dramatic lighting, and live dance performances set a surreal tone for a night of artistic reverence.

Julez Smith: A Striking Presence on the Runway

Julez Smith walked the show in a floor-length forest green coat adorned with loops of hair, a visual tribute to textured styling as a sculptural art form. Paired with combat boots, diamond earrings, and a sleek necklace, the look captured the show's central message: hair as identity and adornment.

Alongside Smith, models including Paloma Elsesser, Anok Yai, and Imaan Hammam were styled by some of the industry's most prominent hairstylists: Cyndia Harvey, Malcolm Marquez, Vernon François, and Yusef Williams. Each model became a canvas, showcasing avant-garde hair concepts that combined tradition with futurism.

The event was held in partnership with The Texture of Change, a platform aiming to democratize access to textured hair education, ensuring that professionals are equipped to serve all hair types with knowledge and respect.

Solange: A Vision in Support

Solange’s support was as radiant as her fashion. She arrived wearing a sheer black gown with floor-length tassels, paired with minimalist strappy heels and statement earrings, her long dark hair flowing down her back. The musician and cultural icon took her seat among the audience, visibly emotional and proud as her son walked the mirrored stage.

Behind the Scenes and Legacy in Motion

Vernon François, one of the show's lead hairstylists and a Met Gala favorite, shared exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram, describing the event as “an ode to the audacity of possibility.” Reflecting on his past work with stars like Willow Smith and Lupita Nyong’o, François called the show a space “where legacy meets imagination.”

For Julez, legacy runs deep. In a previous Teen Vogue cover story, he spoke about his admiration for his mother, aunt Beyoncé, and his cousin Blue Ivy, but saved special praise for his grandmother, Tina Knowles.

“She taught me how to be a man of the house,” Julez said. “She keeps me up on my fly, too. She be sending me clothes and all types of stuff. My grandma, she's my dog, man.”

A New Era, A New Generation

Friday’s show wasn’t just a fashion statement — it was a generational moment. As the fashion world prepares for the Met Gala 2025, Black Hair Reimagined served as a timely reminder that style, especially in the Black community, is history, resistance, and future-forward artistry.

With Solange cheering from the sidelines, and Julez owning the runway with poise and power, this mother-son moment is a testament to the transformative strength of family, fashion, and cultural pride.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for full coverage of Met Gala 2025 and the creative forces shaping the future of fashion.