At Black Fashion Week USA, our mission is bold and unwavering: to elevate African American designers and strengthen their socioeconomic power through strategic alliances, brand development, and intentional exposure.
From the runway to the community, we work to ensure that minority designers receive the visibility, resources, and recognition they deserve.
A Movement, Not Just a Runway Show
Featured on major local TV networks, Black Fashion Week USA has grown far beyond a traditional fashion event.
We are a cultural movement—one rooted in fashion, empowerment, and representation.
Our platform amplifies designers who have long been overlooked by the mainstream industry. Through public relations campaigns, curated fashion showcases, and media partnerships, we help emerging and established designers gain the spotlight they deserve.
More Than a Production—A Full Creative Ecosystem
Our approach is intentionally different.
Black Fashion Week USA integrates online and offline marketing, PR, creative development, and brand storytelling to build long-term success for minority designers.
Every show, partnership, and collaboration is designed to push talent forward.
National Events With Chicago at the Center
Our semi-formal and formal fashion events take place across the country, with Chicago proudly serving as our flagship city.
Here, we highlight exceptional designers and local musical artists, creating elevated moments of culture, fashion, and community.
Since our early beginnings, we’ve embraced a diverse fashion family—designers, models, stylists, boutique owners, beauty pros, and fashion lovers. Together, we create unforgettable experiences that honor Black creativity.
The Runway Experience: Inclusive, Powerful, Unforgettable
Our guests anticipate the signature Black Fashion Week USA runway—an inclusive celebration of style, culture, and individuality.
Models of all shades, shapes, and sizes illuminate the runway in everything from elegant evening wear to culturally inspired garments.
Live performances from local violinists, a curated vendor marketplace, networking opportunities, and delicious bites from local chefs make each event a multisensory fashion affair.
And of course, the legendary semi-formal dress code ensures our guests look camera-ready as they capture memories on our iconic Purple Carpet.
At Black Fashion Week USA, it’s never just about the lights and cameras—it’s about the people who make the movement possible. It’s about you.
Past Programming Highlights
Our events have included:
- Children’s runway showcases
- Educational fashion workshops & panel discussions
- Film screenings
- Trunk shows and pop-ups
- Black History Month fashion programming
- Industry trade events
…and much more
Our Digital Presence
Fashion doesn’t stop when the runway lights dim.
We stay connected to our community through monthly newsletters, online blogs, and active social media channels that highlight designers, events, and the global Black fashion narrative.
Year after year, our platform continues to successfully fulfill its mission—expanding opportunities for minority designers through live events, digital media, and nationwide visibility.
About the Founder: Melody Boykin
Melody Boykin, Chicago-born fashion curator, producer, and founder of Black Fashion Week USA, has dedicated her career to advancing minority designers through fashion marketing, media exposure, and cultural storytelling.
With a background in fashion, marketing, and Black American studies, Melody has become a trusted voice in the industry. She documents and elevates collections created by African American designers and has been recognized by numerous media outlets, including FOX 32 Good Day Chicago, ABC7 Chicago, and MadameNoire.
She is also the visionary behind The Purple Carpet Project, a scholarship initiative supporting minority college students pursuing careers in fashion, beauty, and the arts.
Melody’s honors include:
- Outstanding Women in Fashion Award (2017) – Hon. Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
- Classy Lady Award – Recognizing creative leadership in the Chicagoland community
- Chicago Public Schools Career Day Speaker – Inspiring youth to explore careers in the fashion industry
Through her passion and leadership, Melody continues to uplift, document, and celebrate Black fashion excellence across the country.