Runway Ready: The Ultimate NYFW Designer Guide

Public School designers, Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow, burst on the scene in 2008 and have zipped past the competition at an unbelievable pace. Both New York natives, eat, sleep and breath The Empire State and it shows thoroughly throughout their collection.  Their signature silhouettes of ankle-length slash pocket trousers and stretch leather has set a standard for the culturally conscious gentleman. 

This design veteran left Detroit and moved to NYC to attend Parsons in 1982.  This designer launched her collection in 1992 and has not looked back ever since.  Her design style features include bohemian vibes and one of-a-kind eye-popping prints.  

Based in New York City, Creative Director Aurora James founded Brother Vellies in 2013 with the goal of creating jobs in Africa while preserving their shoemaking craft.  In the Spring of 2014, James created her first shoe collection with  African shoemakers in Kenya and Morocco.  Now the designer is a CVFF finalist and her brand is rapidly expanding.

Designer and founder of Pyer Moss, Kerby Jean-Raymond puts the ultimate spin on classic mens shirts using a variety of wools, lambskin and more. Known for designing Usher Raymond's stage wardrobe, this designer plans on creating major conversation by addressing racism issues this NYFW season. 

Established in 2008, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs created a line that embodies the strong yet sexy woman.  Known for their out-of-the-box cut outs, yet lady like silhouettes, their line continues to celebrate the woman's physique. 

Creative Director and founder, Charles Harbison launched his collection in 2013 after building his professional career at Michael Kors and an educational foundation at Parsons in NYC. Best known for dressing Beyonce and Solange, Harbison is sure to make a lasting impression this NYC Fashion Week. 

This Bronx native is bringing his collection to Pier 59 Studios Chelsea Piers this season. Starting as an intern for Kimora Lee Simons, Jerome LaMaar's label is becoming a regular show to look forward to.  

Shayne Oliver has had major involvement in resuscitating street wear.  Not only has his label, Hood By Air, made waves on the streets but on the runway as well. With fans such as Kanye West, Ciara, Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar, we are excited to see who will be gracing the audience at his show. 

Formally introduced in 2010, Laquan Smith's collection boasts sexy structures and an overload of sensuous cut-outs. His head-turning brand has attracted devoted attention from Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Lady GaGa and more. 

B. Michael is sure to have us enthralled in a land of whimsical gowns and lady-like cocktail attire this runway season.  With a style that is always present and relevant, this design veteran will once again show us how to recreate a classic look that will never go out of style. 

"Street chic fashion" is the foundation to this designer's collection. Romeo Hunte got his start in designing through styling and paying much needed attention to the female physique.  With clients like Beyonce, expect to see polished pieces with a strong dose of edgy detailing.  

After attending The Illinois Institute of Art in 2006, Laurie landed on the 14th season of Project Runway.  Underwood expressed that she feels like she could win because she simply believes in herself.  Well, the darling will have a chance to prove herself and show her designs at this NYC's Fashion Week.

The Fashion Deli's inspiration and designs all come from the African diaspora. The internationally acclaimed retail platform was first opened in Cape Town, South Africa and was conceived to leverage a niche retail opportunity for high-end fashion. When mentioning African design, most people think about the traditional African print, the A-line skirts or a dashiki. Thulare Monareng, the founder and CEO of The Fashion Deli, is working to change that around and give a platform in the U.S.   Monareng's goal is to provide an elevated and high-end retail platform.

"I feel that African designers have not been given the right opportunity and the right platform," said Thularae.  "This is an opportunity to be presented in a way that we should be presented.  The current narrative of African designers is very one dimensional and very wax print based. What we are presenting is an alternative narrative which is featuring a broader spectrum of what African design is today." 

Edmond Newton has been trying out for Project Runway since the first season and he finally got his big break during the shows 14th season.  The designer has been prepping for this competition for over a decade and with his strength in evening wear we expect to see custom couture cascading down the runway.

This Bermudian designer will be showcasing her pieces at Harlem's Fashions Row.  After attending school in London Wellman specializes in creating effortlessly cool luxury pieces for women. 

Merline Labissiere's passion and hunger for design landed her on the famous show Project Runway with Heidi Klum.  Labissiere combines traditional techniques and nontraditional materials that has captured the attention of many and landed her a chance to show her craft at NYFW. 

Fe Noel is the designer and founder of Simply Intricate.  Her designs are inspired by sensuality and sensibility while representing the streets of NYC and luxury.