program
Cocktail Hour
The perfect prelude to an evening celebrating fashion, style, and art. Enjoy a curated selection of signature cocktails and gourmet appetizers as you mingle with fellow guests in a chic, stylish atmosphere. This intimate gathering sets the tone for an unforgettable night ahead, where the world of fashion comes to life.
Fashion Designer Extraordinaire Award
The Fashion Designer Extraordinaire Award celebrates the exceptional talent and contributions of Black fashion designers who have made a significant impact on the fashion industry. This award highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion, and representation in fashion, ensuring that Black designers receive the recognition they deserve for their extraordinary work and lasting influence.
Previous Fine Art & Fashion Designer Honorees include:
Ruth Carter
Busayo Olupana
Autumn Adeigbo
Virgil Abloh
Azede Jean-Pierre
Ken Downing
Zack Posen
Keisha Noel, KZ Noel
Paige -Nichette Dawkins
Victor Veylan
Fashion Forward Student Design Competition
The NBAF Fashion Forward Student Design Competition was created to recognize student fashion designers of African descent who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievement, talent, creativity, and innovative approach. Student honorees are selected by a distinguished panel of judges and receive a cash prize of $2,000, a showcase at NBAF s Fine Art + Fashion event, and a display of their winning pieces in Neiman Marcus stores!
Previous Fashion Forward Student Winners:
2023
Yemisi Sanni (SCAD)
Jakarie Whitaker (CAU)
2022
Andrew Gatehi (SCAD)
D'on Lauren Edwards (SCAD)
Yemisi Sanni (SCAD)
NextGen Visionary Artist Competition
High school students in the NextGen Artist program are given the chance to compete for a cash prize and have their work showcased at NBAF’s Fine Art + Fashion Benefit.
The winner will receive a $250 cash prize and award, while two finalists will each earn a $100 cash prize and award certificate.
Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Arts
Named in honor of our dearest friend and acclaimed artist Radcliffe Bailey, this award celebrates innovative and thought-provoking art that challenges boundaries and engages with social, cultural, and historical narratives of the African American experience.
Previous Fine Art & Fashion Visual Artist Honorees include:
Shanequa Gay (2023)
Amy Sherald (2022)
Charly Palmer (2021)
Tyler Mitchell (2019)
Fahamu Pecou (2018)
Ayana V. Jackson (2017)
Paul Stephen Benjamin (2017)
Coreen Simpson (2016)
Lillian Blades (2016)
Amali Amaki (2015)
Deb Willis (2014)
Sheila Pree Bright (2014)
Iona Rozeal Brown (2013)
Houston Lew (2013)
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 • 6:30 - 9:30 PM • Atlanta History Center
Rad
Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Arts
This signature showcase features a curated selection of luxury collections from renowned designers, presented in a stunning, artistic fashion that transforms the runway into a living canvas. The show brings together the best in couture, ready-to-wear, and contemporary fashion, highlighting the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation that define the world of high fashion.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 • 6:30 - 9:30 PM • Atlanta History Center
Rad
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 • 6:30 - 9:30 PM • Atlanta History Center
NextGen Visionary Artist Competition
High school students in the NextGen Artist program are given the chance to compete for a cash prize and have their work showcased at NBAF’s Fine Art + Fashion Benefit.
The winner will receive a $250 cash prize and award, while two finalists will each earn a $100 cash prize and award certificate.
Fashion Designer Extraordinaire Award
The Fashion Designer Extraordinaire Award celebrates the exceptional talent and contributions of Black fashion designers who have made a significant impact on the fashion industry. This award highlights the importance of representation in fashion, ensuring that Black designers receive the recognition they deserve for their extraordinary work and lasting influence.
Previous Fine Art & Fashion Designer Honorees include:
Ruth Carter
Busayo Olupana
Autumn Adeigbo
Virgil Abloh
Azede Jean-Pierre
Ken Downing
Zack Posen
Keisha Noel, KZ Noel
Paige -Nichette Dawkins
Victor Veylan
Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Arts
Named in honor of our dearest friend and acclaimed artist Radcliffe Bailey, this award celebrates innovative and thought-provoking art that challenges boundaries and engages with social, cultural, and historical narratives of the African American experience.
Previous Fine Art & Fashion Visual Artist Honorees include:
Marilyn Nance (2024)
Shanequa Gay (2023)
Amy Sherald (2022)
Charly Palmer (2021)
Tyler Mitchell (2019)
Fahamu Pecou (2018)
Ayana V. Jackson (2017)
Paul Stephen Benjamin (2017)
Coreen Simpson (2016)
Lillian Blades (2016)
Amali Amaki (2015)
Deb Willis (2014)
Sheila Pree Bright (2014)
Iona Rozeal Brown (2013)
Houston Lew (2013)
Cocktail Hour
Indulge in a curated selection of expertly crafted cocktails a delightful array of hors d'oeuvres, each thoughtfully designed and inspired by the bold, dynamic spirit of fashion and art.
Let the ambiance inspire you as we toast to a night filled with style, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
"The Art of Fashion" Runway Show
Presented by Neiman Marcus, this signature showcase features a curated selection of luxury collections from renowned designers, presented in a stunning, artistic fashion that transforms the runway into a living canvas.
The show brings together the best in couture, ready-to-wear, and contemporary fashion, highlighting the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation that define the world of high fashion.
Fashion Forward Student Design Competition
The NBAF Fashion Forward Student Design Competition was created to recognize student fashion designers of African descent who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievement, talent, creativity, and innovative approach.
Student honorees are selected by a distinguished panel of judges and receive a cash prize of $2,000, a showcase at NBAF’s Fine Art + Fashion event, and a display of their winning pieces in Neiman Marcus stores!
Previous Fashion Forward Student Winners:
2023
Yemisi Sanni (SCAD)
Jakarie Whitaker (CAU)
2022
Andrew Gatehi (SCAD)
D’on Lauren Edwards (SCAD)
Yemisi Sanni (SCAD)