The Intersection of Innovation and Fashion: A Closer Look at Introspective Innovations Fashion Week x ForbesBLK

The excitement was palpable as I arrived at the Art Gotham venue on Mark’s Place in New York City to moderate the Introspective Innovations Fashion Week in partnership with ForbesBLK. It was 10 AM, and while not everything was set up just yet, it was evident that the production team had worked through the night to get the space ready. The energy was already building as the makeup team, New York Makeup Academy—who dominate the beauty scene at New York Fashion Week—began setting up with military precision. Their team moved swiftly, laying out products and tools to ensure efficiency for the models who would soon be arriving.

Once the models started to trickle in, they wasted no time heading to their respective stations for hair and makeup. With back-to-back showings and panel discussions scheduled, time was of the essence. The stylists worked at an impressive pace, ensuring each model was runway-ready in record time. Meanwhile, designers began arriving to organize their collections and set up dressing areas. Given the venue’s intimate size, space was at a minimum, but everyone adapted seamlessly.

Nailah the sylist fits Qui Talks

Qui Talks gets fitted by stylist Nailah Lymus (@amirah_creations) - Photo by Eternal Lotus | @eternallotus

In the midst of the pre-show frenzy, my stylist, Nailah Lymus (@amirah_creations), arrived with my look for the event. Since this was the first show of the week, we hadn’t had the chance to do a prior fitting—traveling between Rockland County and Brooklyn is no small feat, especially with New York’s notorious tolls. As I tried on my outfits, I observed the models nearing the final stages of preparation. By the time I was fully dressed, they were ready to step into their ensembles as well.

Designs by Maya Coleman - Photo by Eternal Lotus | @eternallotus

The doors soon opened, and guests began to arrive. The buzz in the room was electric as attendees took their seats, eager for what was to come. What made this show stand out was its nod to old-school Fashion Week traditions. Instead of the standard runway presentation, designers had a select few models showcase their collections while engaging in discussions about their creative process. This immersive format allowed buyers and consumers to understand the deeper narratives behind each piece and why they should invest in them.

Designs by 89 Kapsule - Photo by Eternal Lotus | @eternallotus

As the moderator, I had the honor of facilitating insightful conversations throughout the show. As with any live event, unexpected changes arose—some designers and panelists were unable to make it—but as professionals, we pivot and push forward. Despite these last-minute adjustments, the show unfolded beautifully, and the audience was captivated by the depth and authenticity of the discussions.

Elliot Carlyle receives flowers in recognition of his Innovation Award, celebrating his contribution

Elliot Carlyle shares his perspective on innovation and challenges within the fashion industry.

One of the night’s highlights was the presentation of the Innovator of the Year Award to Elliot Carlyle, a trailblazing designer known for pushing creative boundaries. During his acceptance speech, he candidly addressed a pressing issue in the fashion industry—idea theft. He spoke passionately about how his designs often appear in other collections without proper credit or recognition. This opened up a broader discussion about originality, intellectual property, and the struggles of independent designers in an industry that sometimes prioritizes mass production over artistry.

A model showcases a unique fashion piece from 1 of 1’s by Jolie, highlighting creativity and craftsm

A meaningful conversation between Etophia from ForbesBLK NYC and Sharene Wood, discussing fashion, b

Qui Talks captures the audience’s attention while sharing insights on the evolving fashion landscap

The panel discussions were equally compelling, touching on topics like technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability in fashion. One standout panelist, designer Scoge, shared why he refuses to sell his deeply personal pieces, treating them as artistic expressions rather than commercial products. Another designer wowed the audience with her upcycled fashion creations, transforming discarded materials into stunning new garments.

Qui Talks x Etophia, ForbesBLK NYC Advisor

As the night came to a close, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees raved about the event’s informative and intimate nature. Unlike the fast-paced, sometimes impersonal nature of larger fashion shows, this experience allowed for genuine connections, deep discussions, and a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each collection.

The Qui Talks team comes together for a celebratory group photo, highlighting their hard work and co

A stylish moment captured at the event, showcasing fashion-forward attendees embracing creativity an

This event was a testament to how innovation in fashion isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, sustainability, and pushing the industry forward with purpose. Despite the unpredictable nature of live productions, Introspective Innovations Fashion Week proved that when passion and creativity come together, the result is nothing short of spectacular.

All Photos by Eternal Lotus | @eternallotus