Yesterday was EPIC. Kerby Jean-Raymond outdid himself with a thoughtful, historical, beautifully moving show for the reveal of Pyer Moss’ first Couture Collection titled “Wut U Iz.” He also entered history in becoming the first Black designer to accept an invitation by the French fashion governing body to show “at” Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. “At” because rather than voyaging to Paris like the others, Kerby chose an iconic location in his home state of New York. The setting was the historic Villa Lewaro, Madam C.J. Walker’s estate in Irvington, New York. The majestic white mansion with its stately columns was the backdrop as Kerby’s pieces, seemingly pulled directly from his imagination, graced the catwalk, one by one.

Elaine Brown, former Chairman of the Black Panther Party, opening the Pyer Moss Couture show. Photo: Copyright Nyki Elle

But first, there was a call to attention and a call to action by none other than Elaine Brown. The Black Panther Party’s former Chairman and it’s first female leader. Her prose launched the audience back in time to the state of the country during the civil rights movement. She took us on a journey into the minds of so many Black Americans at the time, who were unifying for the betterment of our people. She caused us to think about where that unity is today, asking if we’re more concerned about our personal pronouns and individual advancement than we are about our community as a whole. In the end, we were encouraged to come together once again, and to not forget the power that we have as Black people in the U.S.

Rapper 22Gz, accompanied by a live orchestra and choral ensemble provided the soundtrack for the show. Photo: Copyright Nyki Elle

Then, entered rapper 22Gz, accompanied by a live orchestra, choral ensemble, and a troupe of dancers, all of them radiant Black men. His lyrics were punctuated by the choir and orchestra. His dancers, initially dressed in all white suits with black bowties, encircled him on his elevated platform, creating a beautiful, moving visual.

Photo: Copyright & captured by Nyki Elle

Then, came the fashion. Ohhh the fashion! Each look a statement of its own, meaning clearly woven into each piece as it glided down the runway. The looks, overt, yet subtle at the same time. A wearable jar of peanut butter. An enormous Black hand wrapped around the model and holding a mop. A lampshade with cascading jewels of its chandelier. A head-to-toe roller set mane atop the iconic housecoat. A refrigerator with the words “But who invented Black trauma?” spelled out in magnets. And more. So much more. Each look could stand on its own in any space and garner attention. But together…together these pieces were not just imaginative and architecturally cool. Together, they represented just a few of the many groundbreaking inventions that were created by Black people. And to showcase them in the front yard of the estate of Madam C.J. Walker, the first Black woman millionaire in America, who invented her own line of Black hair products (check the Netflix miniseries “Self Made”), made the collection and the event even more powerful. Even more moving and brought a couple tears to my eyes.

And as the last look left the runway and 22Gz’s song reached the end, repeating the chorus “I’m the king…I’m the king…I’m the king of New York,” the dancers let loose, with Black Joy on full display. Dancing with one another. Encircling one another. And shedding the weight of their suit jackets, bow ties and shirts. That part moved me, too.

Pyer Moss Founder, Kerby Jean-Raymond and team take the runway following the historic first-ever couture show by the brand. Photo: Copyright & captured by Nyki Elle

This was my first time being present to witness a Pyer Moss show live, and it was just as moving as I thought it would be, even though I had no idea what to expect. Kerby Jean-Raymond is a genius who has paved his own lane in the fashion world, unafraid to make a statement with each piece that he creates, whether ready-to-wear, in partnership with Reebok, or couture. It was truly an honor to witness his genius in person, and I look forward to the next time that he will invite us into his bold, moving, unparalleled world.

Took a quick shot on the runway after the historic Couture show of Pyer Moss with the majestic Villa Lewaro, the estate of Madam C.J. Walker, in the background (and of COURSE I had to get fly myself for the occasion 💁🏽‍♀️).

Visual & Verbal Storyteller

The Soul-Stirring Experience of Pyer Moss Couture 1

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