Runway Royalty: Jemma Russo, Tess Mann Atelier and SOI Dazzle at NYFW SS’25 in a Global Fashion Collective Showcase

From bold, vibrant colors to silky, sophisticated pieces that exude elegance, these are the standout looks and designers from Global Fashion Collective's Show V at NYFW 2024!

Photo: Mariah Thomas 

What is the Global Fashion Collective?

The Global Fashion Collective (GFC) has been turning heads since its founding in October 2017 by Jamal Abdourahman. As the brilliant mind behind Vancouver Fashion Week, Abdourahman took things global with GFC, creating a vibrant platform for both emerging and established designers. The Global Fashion Collective makes waves in fashion capitals like New York, Paris and Tokyo, giving designers a golden opportunity to showcase their creativity on the world stage. With its mission to boost designers' global development, the Global Fashion Collective helps them shine by expanding their media visibility and opening up exciting international markets. Ready to take the fashion world by storm, the Global Fashion Collective is here to stay!

Who is Jamal Abdourahman?

If you’re new to Jamal Abdourahman, well, here’s your crash course on his career: He kicked off his fashion journey by organizing events in nightclubs and warehouses before leveling up and opening his own clothing store. His passion for fashion only grew from there, leading him to launch Vancouver Fashion Week and, later, the Global Fashion Collective. Now, he's jet-setting around the globe, putting talented designers on the map at major fashion hubs like New York and Tokyo.

Who were the designers at the Global Fashion Collective’s Show V?

The beauty of red? It makes everyone stand out, no matter your skin tone! Tess Mann Atelier wowed with a brilliant long red dress that featured a dramatic cape-like attachment flowing effortlessly across the model’s body and sweeping the floor. Think ball gown meets bold statement piece! And while you couldn’t see the front, trust me—it’s just as stunning, with a crisscross open design and a skirt perfectly cinched at the waist to show off the flowy, jaw-dropping elegance of the bottom half. A must-have for any closet (even if you only wear it once).

Photo: Mariah Thomas

• Jemma Russo

When you step into Jemma Russo’s world (founded by Jamila Russo), you’re instantly swept up in her bold vision for empowering women through fashion. Her designs, showcased with the Global Fashion Collective, fuse luxury and confidence—think rich silks, Italian leather, and daring mesh details. From sleek black and jewel-toned pieces to striking red dresses and cascading florals, Jemma’s creations are all about femininity with an edge. Whether you're after something modern and fierce or a vibrant statement piece, her collection, featured with the Global Fashion Collective, has you covered for every occasion.

There's something about skirt ruffles and a black-and-gold combo that just oozes moody elegance! Jemma Russo kicked off her show with a jaw-dropping black dress featuring a daring mesh neckline. The model's gold accessories and chic arm sleeves took the vibe to a whole new level of fierce sophistication.

Photo: Mariah Thomas

• Tess Mann Atelier

Founded by the visionary Tess Man, Tess Mann Atelier is where modern elegance meets sophisticated flair. How demure! Her designs feature luxurious fabrics and intricate details, with a contemporary edge that makes them effortlessly stand out. As part of the Global Fashion Collective, Tess Man Atelier brings a fresh twist to classic style, ensuring you'll always be the center of attention in any crowd.

This look by SOI is pure magic—a stunning cascading white gown with an open back that’s all about elegance. But the real showstopper? The chic, circular white hat, adding just the right amount of sass to the dreamy ruffles and bridal-worthy flair!

• SOI

  Founded in 2022 in a cozy Tokyo atelier, SOI is all about self-expression. In French, "soi" means "myself," and the brand’s mission is to create dresses that brides dream of wearing—pieces that tell their personal stories. At the Global Fashion Collective’s SS'25 show, SOI wowed with breathtaking cascading white gowns and whimsical fairy-like headpieces (perfect for a magical wedding, if you ask me). The runway was filled with neutral-toned dresses, fluffy details, mesh face coverings and playful shoulder bows. Watching SOI's models glide down the runway, I was immersed in a world of elegance and ruffles, with a nod to the glamorous gala looks where boldness radiates class.

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