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Home • Fashion Week

NYFW Fall 2014: Catwalk Queens

Seven days, seven brown beauties ripping the runway.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
#7: Adesuwa Pariyapasat

If you’re like us, you’re probably trying to figure out what Adesuwa’s (pronounced ah-day-sue-wah) nationality is. But this Nigerian, Chinese, Thai beauty cannot be put in a box; which is why this Zana Bayne leather look was pretty perfect for the model, both sassy and stunning –– love it.

Fashion Week Recap: Catwalk Queens
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
02
#6: Devan Nykole

We first spotted the Houston native last season at Azede Jean-Pierre, and this season she rocked it out at one of the most coveted shows: DKNY. Nykole (featured in our January issue) was a standout on the runway rocking a mixed herringbone print dress and matching kicks, but in our opinion, it was the big red ‘fro and her mesmerizing grey-green eyes that really stole the show.

Fashion Week Recap: Catwalk Queens
Catwalking/Getty Images
03
Day #5: Senait Gidey

On the runway of Zero + Maria Cornejo Senait Gidey’s skin looked like cocoa from where we were sitting. The Canadian beauty walked in a billowy black and white smock dress, a lovely contrast that complemented her skin. What she loved most about working this show? “I loved my outfit,” she told us; good ––  we’re sure that played a pretty important part in serving full-confidence on the catwalk.

Fashion Week Recap: Catwalk Queens
Arun Nevader/Getty Images
04
Day #4: Marihenny Rivera Pasible

The Dominican stunner strutted like no other at the Custo Barcelona show, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Right after the show, we ran into the beauty on the train headed to her next fitting. How does the model keep up the momentum from one show to the next, especially while going straight into European shows after New York Fashion Week? “It’s not hard work. It’s all about the people who surround you,” Pasible told us. “Plus I enjoy it, If I’m not enjoying it, why am I doing it?” Well put!

Fashion Week Recap: Catwalk Queens
Custo Barcelona
05
Day #3: Anna Cleveland

At first glance this model might look like any other on the runway, but at a closer look and seeing her runway swag first-hand, you know she’s the daughter of iconic black 60s model Pat Cleveland. The moment this Pat Cleveland “mini me” sashayed on the runway, she instantly stole the show. Twirling about in this floor-length Christian Siriano gown and grand hat reminiscent of the famed black models dancing about on the Stephen Burrows runway which immediately brought to mind –– she gets it from her mama!

Fashion Week Recap: Catwalk Queens
06
Day #2: Grace Mahary

The model makes the clothes. And in this case Grace Mahary did. The Canadian catwalk queen lent an air of effortlessness to Richard Chai’s already “too cool for school” collection –– so cool you could walk off the runway wearing the entire look. That is the point right? Then it’s a model’s job well done.

Fashion Week Recap: Catwalk Queens
Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
07
Day #1: Mari Agory

We were blown away to see this Major Model and Sudanese stunner close the Marissa Webb show, especially in a look that was beyond perfect for her chocolate skin tone and 5’11” frame. “So honored to not only walk but close the show for on e of the sweetest and most amazing designers!” gushed the model on Instagram. So are we!

Fashion Week Recap: Catwalk Queens
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for TRESemme