From vibrant Toronto runways to TikTok trends sweeping Latin America, The BWN delivers your essential global fashion update. Here’s what Black women worldwide have been loving, sharing, and shaping in style this past week.
Canada: Celebrating Bold Statements
Omi Woods’ “Heritage Charms” Take Over TikTok
Jewelry label Omi Woods’ newest launch, Heritage Charms, sparked a TikTok frenzy. The mini gold pendants engraved with West African Adinkra symbols sold out swiftly, inspiring countless styling videos across social media, demonstrating the appeal of heritage-infused jewelry (Omi Woods).
African Fashion Week Toronto Teaser
African Fashion Week Toronto (AFWT) teased its High Fashion Designer Showcase, celebrating Black creatives and inclusive footwear. The buzz around their latest Instagram reveal highlighted designs by prominent figures like Nana Boateng and Chimdi Ashley, promising an exciting summer event (AFWT Instagram).
Fashion Art Toronto Marks 20 Years
Toronto’s premier avant-garde fashion event, Fashion Art Toronto, celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. The highly anticipated showcase running from May 29 to June 1 spotlights cutting-edge designers blending fashion, art, and performance in unconventional spaces. Expect immersive installations and eclectic runway presentations redefining the fashion experience (Fashion Art Toronto)
Viral Fill-A-Bag Thrift Event
Toronto’s Fill-A-Bag thrift event captivated local fashionistas. For just $40, shoppers filled bags with stylish vintage and gently-used clothing, creating a TikTok sensation and proving sustainable fashion can be exciting (Stackt Market).
United States: Glamour and Authenticity
Met Gala 2025 Celebrates Black Tailoring
The 2025 Met Gala stunned fashion enthusiasts with its theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” prominently featuring Black designers. According to Harlem’s Fashion Row, Black designers dressed over 30% of the guests, marking a historical high (Met Gala).
Lizzo’s Platinum Moment
Lizzo debuted a stunning platinum bob on Instagram, crediting Beyoncé’s haircare line Cécred. The style quickly made headlines and showcased Cécred’s growing influence (Page Six).
Cécred’s New Hair Tools Dominate #4CHairTok
Beyoncé’s Cécred haircare released a vented paddle brush, earning praise on TikTok for significantly reducing drying time for natural hair textures. Tutorials flooded social media, boosting the brand’s popularity (Cécred).
Telfar’s Infinity Denim Craze
Telfar Clemens’ new Infinity Denim collection dropped in Soho and quickly sold out. The collection’s stretch-denim pieces became instant must-haves, highlighting Telfar’s powerful influence in streetwear fashion (Hypebeast).
Caribbean: Cultural Influence & Vibrant Trends
“Browny-Nude” Trends in Jamaica
Kingston’s style barometer reads sultry neutrals. Jamaica Observer’s Tuesday Style Fashion column crowned “browny-nude” the palette of the season after spotting actress Nia Long and Oprah in mocha and sand hues at high-profile events . Expect local designers like Keshia Barrett to echo the tone in linen cut-out dresses debuting at pop-up markets next month.
Reggae Sumfest Announces Lineup
Festival wear remains a Caribbean export. Reggae Sumfest’s July line-up – freshly announced and headlined by Tarrus Riley, Masicka and Vybz Kartel – is already shaping outfit mood boards heavy on metallic crochet sets and platform clogs for the all-night dances . (Reggae Sumfest).
Carnival 2025: Practical Glamour
On TikTok, Trinidadians are crowdsourcing “Monday Wear” inspo for Carnival 2025, swapping corset bodysuits for bejeweled mesh tees styled with combat boots – proof that practical can still be glam.
SAINT International Fashion Face Returns
Another niche headline that deserves your radar: SAINT International revives its Fashion Face of the Caribbean + Avant Garde Designer of the Year contests on June 1, giving rising Jamaican creatives a direct runway to European fashion weeks . Bookmark the finalists; past winners have landed campaigns with Burberry and Valentino.
Latin America: Creative Empowerment
São Paulo Fashion Week’s Afro-Brazilian Pride
São Paulo Fashion Week spotlighted Afro-Brazilian brand Meninos Rei, highlighting cultural identity through vibrant patchwork garments. The runway became a powerful expression of Afro-Brazilian artistry (SPFW).
Colombiamoda Spotlights Afro-Colombian Designers
Colombiamoda’s upcoming event will prominently feature Afro-Colombian talents like Lía Samantha, championing diverse voices in Latin America’s fashion industry (Colombiamoda).
Africa: Sustainable Style, Global Impact
Lagos Fashion Week Goes Green
Lagos Fashion Week announced the Green Access 2025 cohort, promoting sustainability through fashion made from second-hand materials. The initiative reinforces fashion’s role in environmental awareness (Lagos Fashion Week).
Burna Boy’s Cultural Tribute
At the Met Gala, Burna Boy collaborated with tailor Ozwald Boateng on a bold red tuxedo and eelskin cape, honoring Nigerian heritage and sparking global admiration (Vogue).
TikTok’s Jellyfish Hem Trend
African fashion enthusiasts popularized the “jellyfish hem” trend on TikTok, featuring luminous organza ruffles. The engaging DIY videos quickly surpassed one million views, underscoring digital fashion’s power.
Europe: Chic Innovation
London Fashion Week Showcases Black Excellence
At London Fashion Week, British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker unveiled innovative denim pieces celebrating Yoruba culture. Meanwhile, Harris Reed’s “Gilded” collection, featuring collaborations with Dyson and Charlotte Tilbury, drew acclaim for its striking beauty trends (London Fashion Week).
Vogue’s Must-Visit London Exhibits
Vogue highlighted must-see exhibits, including Cartier’s jewelry collection at the V&A and a groundbreaking swimwear retrospective featuring Black activists (V&A Museum).
That’s The Wrap
From grassroots thrifting movements to global runway statements, Black women continually reshape fashion narratives worldwide. This week’s stories underscore the significance of visibility, authenticity, and sustainable practices within our diverse global community.
Stay stylish, stay informed, and stay tuned with The BWN.
