Now that we are in this black dandy moment, it is important to consider the eras and the different types of black men that have embraced black dandyism. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and early 1930s wholeheartedly embraced black dandyism and all the forms in which that fashion aesthetic may have presented itself.
That fashion aesthetic, which was such an endemic part of the Harlem Renaissance, presented itself in some iconic black literary figures from Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Wallace Thurman, and Zora Neale Hurston to music legends Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and more. And you don’t leave out the leagues of black folks who had migrated from the Jim Crow south and showcased their newfound liberation in Harlem to demonstrate style and pizzaz.
In this 100th celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, the Legacy Ball of Harlem seeks to highlight and embrace that spirit of creativity and style in its first celebration of that golden era. Media entrepreneur Myrdith Leon-McCormark brought together New York City leaders and style icons to give voice and credence to this historic era.
“The glamour and creativity of Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance inspired my desire to build a wedding business in the early 2000s, and later in 2006, a bridal magazine. I’m proud to celebrate how this iconic era continues to shape my vision and creativity,” states Myrdith Leon-McCormack. “It was an honor to be able to honor living legends who contribute to my success and that of our community.”
The inaugural edition of the Legacy Ball of Harlem counted as its supporters a seemingly endless list of leaders, designers, philanthropists, and influential citizens. The City of New York Agencies of Tourism, represented by Markly Wilson, the Harlem Economic Development, represented by Curtis Archer, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams represented by Gina Williams, Group 868, represented by Ivan Meza, and Harlem One Stop, who partnered with the event organizers to provide the musical talent, were all in attendance to lend their support, with some offering official citations and proclamations.
A fashion presentation was one of the highlights of the evening, celebrating fashion designers of color’s latest collections. Designers showing in the show were Yumi Katsura of Paulette Cleghorn, Carlton Jones of the Carlton Jones Collection, Brooklyn Bespoke by Rody McDonald, Yemi of Kosibah, Elizabeth Salassie (the great, great granddaughter of Emperor Salassie of Ethiopia) founder of Designer Loft, and Ivan Mesa, the owner of the Sample Room Bridal Salon, as well as legendary designer and long-time Harlem affiliated designer Mark Ingram, a celebrated anchor of the New York Bridal Fashion Week calendar.
Images of VERY New York
The highlight of this event was the appearance of A‘Leila Bundles, the great, great granddaughter of Madame C. J. Walker, who signed copies of her new book Joy Goddess. “The Legacy Ball of Harlem was more than just a celebration—it was a call to action,” says Leon-McCormack. “By supporting this event and the ongoing initiatives of World Bride Magazine, you’ll be helping to preserve Harlem’s vibrant history while empowering the next wave of artistic and entrepreneurial talent.”
—William S. Gooch
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