Harlem’s Fashion Row and Black Beauty Roster have officially joined forces with the launch of The Beauty Collective, marking a pivotal step forward in representation, access, and opportunity for Black professionals shaping the fashion and beauty industries. The collaboration debuted with a groundbreaking two-day summit, “The Business of Beauty in Fashion,” hosted earlier this week at L’Oréal Groupe’s U.S. Headquarters in New York City.
Two Industry Leaders, One Vision
For nearly two decades, Harlem’s Fashion Row has elevated designers of color and created pivotal moments for multicultural talent in fashion. Under the leadership of founder Brandice Daniel, the platform’s next evolution recognizes the indispensable role of beauty professionals—hairstylists, makeup artists, nail artists, and more—in fashion’s biggest moments. “Fashion doesn’t move without beauty,” Daniel said. She recounted how, even during technical glitches, beauty teams ensured the show went on, often resorting to phone lights backstage to perfect each look. “Beauty professionals don’t just support fashion, they complete it.”
Partner Maude Okrah Hunter, founder of Black Beauty Roster, has long championed Black beauty talent’s visibility and advancement. “Our missions have always been aligned,” Hunter said. “Together, we’re building an ecosystem of access, visibility, and opportunity that connects both industries in a meaningful way.”
Transforming Industry from the Inside
The new partnership’s inaugural summit at L’Oréal Groupe’s flagship U.S. office featured panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and real-talk networking with industry leaders. The event wasn’t just about inspiration—it provided practical tools and strategies for building sustainable careers. Topics included rate transparency, financial sustainability, branding, and navigating inclusive beauty standards.
Brandice Daniel explained, “This summit was never just about a moment, it’s about movement. We’re bringing beauty professionals directly into the world of fashion at L’Oréal’s headquarters, giving them the visibility and access they deserve. For too long, they’ve been behind the scenes but not at the table. We’re changing that.”
Maude Okrah Hunter added, “True inclusion means access is no longer a privilege—it’s the standard. It’s about creating a culture where equity, opportunity, and representation are ingrained in how we do business.”
Community, Opportunity, and Systemic Change
The Beauty Collective is connecting Black beauty artists directly with fashion brands and decision-makers, the initiative seeks to dismantle longstanding barriers and create real pipelines for opportunity. Core to the summit was the message that artistry and expertise merit a seat at the industry’s highest tables.
Panels, workshops, and fireside chats guided attendees on turning creativity into commerce and building sustainable brands.
Hunter summed it up, “I want them to know their contributions matter and that this community will support them every step of the way.” Daniel agreed, emphasizing, “We’re not just changing the face of the industry, we’re transforming its foundation.”
