At Nordstrom, Wales Bonner Celebrates NYFW and Black Storytelling

As New York Fashion Week festivities begin to take over the city, Nordstrom and Wales Bonner partnered with Black Discourse for a night of enjoyment at the Stay Cool Bar on 57th Street. The space was envisioned by Graces Wales Bonner and included vintage photographers, old rattan speakers, coffee-table books dedicated to Black creatives, and picnic-like seating for a sense of homeliness. The space was inspired by the Wales Bonner spring 2023 ready-to-wear runway “Horizon Blues” and “the craftsmanship that went into the collectsion,” the designer told Vogue. Also in the room were Saman Archive’s images that decorated the space to make it complete. 

“We are just the vehicle and the platform for Grace to share her version of Black storytelling and Caribbean storytelling,” Nordstrom’s Sam Lobban shared. From Central Saint Martins graduate to Fashion East and now all on her own, Wales Bonner has consistently allowed others to be totally transported into her world through her clothes and personal investigation of who she is. The monthlong takeover of the Stay Cool Bar is no exception. 

Amongst the guest were Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi, Quil Lemons, Jeremy O. Harris, Gabriela Karefa-Johson, rapper-model Jay Critch, and Gagosian curator Antwaun Sargent, who earlier in the day led a discussion with the designer moderated by Zion Estrada of Black Discourse. Also in attendance wearing Wales Bonner were Tyler Mitchell, Lineisy Montero, and Parker Kit Hill. Performances included a DJ set by Nolly Babes and Ragz Originale.