Stars Shine at Black Hair Reimagined 2025 Show in NYC

Manhattan Hosts a Star-Studded Tribute to Black Hair and High Fashion

The Black Hair Reimagined 2025 show lit up the WSA in Manhattan this weekend, bringing together fashion, art, and heritage in a dazzling celebration of Black hair culture. The event attracted a lineup of celebrity attendees, runway icons, and creative talents, turning New York City into a vibrant runway of its own.

Following in the footsteps of iconic hair exhibitions like the Bronner Bros. shows, this reimagined spectacle combined haute couture with textured hair innovation. Produced by Echelon Noir under the direction of Jawara Wauchope and Jrod Lacks, the show delivered a multilayered message about beauty, power, and self-expression.

Runway Royalty: Julez Smith and More Take the Stage

Among the standout moments of the evening was the runway appearance of Julez Smith Jr., who wore a dramatic forest green coat adorned with sculptural hair elements, complemented by diamond earrings and combat boots. The show marked another milestone in the young model’s rapidly evolving career — and his mother Solange Knowles was in the crowd cheering him on, dressed in a show-stopping black tassel gown.

Behind the scenes, Smith exuded poise and confidence, captured in exclusive images that highlighted the intensity and pride of the moment. His participation reaffirmed the theme of the night: legacy meeting innovation.

Icons in Attendance: Justine Skye, Selah Marley, Paloma Elsesser

Other celebrity guests and participants brought additional glamour and depth to the evening. Singer and actress Justine Skye posed in a sleek, modern dress that reflected the show's futuristic undertone. Model and artist Selah Marley embraced the moment in an ensemble that celebrated natural hair textures and personal identity.

Model and activist Paloma Elsesser added her signature presence to the event, donning a powerful silhouette that mirrored the ethos of the show: authenticity meets high fashion.

The evening also included elaborate hair creations by leading stylists Cyndia Harvey, Malcolm Marquez, Vernon François, and Yusef Williams, each one transforming the heads of models into living sculptures of cultural commentary and artistry.

Beyond Beauty: Education, Empowerment, and Legacy

More than a runway spectacle, Black Hair Reimagined emphasized its commitment to lasting change through its partnership with The Texture of Change. The initiative seeks to expand access to textured hair education for stylists across the beauty industry, with the goal of ensuring inclusive and expert-level service for all hair types.

As Tracee Ellis Ross guided guests through the evening, the deeper message became clear: This is not just fashion — it’s future-forward reclamation.

A Cultural Movement in Motion

From behind-the-scenes glimpses to the mirrored runway walks, Black Hair Reimagined 2025 wasn’t simply about aesthetics. It was about positioning Black identity at the center of fashion innovation — not just as inspiration, but as leadership. With stars like Julez Smith walking confidently toward his own legacy, and icons like Solange, Ross, and Marley lending support and vision, the show made one thing clear:

Black hair is art. Black hair is history. Black hair is the future.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for continued coverage of Black excellence at the 2025 Met Gala and beyond.