Black in Fashion Council Closes New York Fashion Week With an Intimate Dinner Party in Bushwick

Bushwick’s once-industrial strip has become one of New York Fashion Week’s favorite playgrounds over the last few seasons, and last night at SAA’s 99 Scott proved exactly why. The sprawling warehouse space, now a go-to backdrop for runway shows and after-parties, served as the closing dinner venue for the Black in Fashion Council’s 11th season of NYFW programming. Drawing editors, designers, celebrities, and creative insiders for a night of Veuve, celebration, and impeccable all-black ensembles.

Guests were greeted with flutes of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and the warm buzz of conversation, while DJ Key provided the music, before settling around a very long, candlelit table. The all-black, everything dress code, which the majority followed, transformed the clubby outdoor space into a living mood board of sleek tailoring, lush textures, and sculptural whimsy, where dramatic silhouettes and playful details gave every look its own story. Hugs and check-to-check hellos spanned across generations, and laughter echoed off the concrete walls as friends and colleagues reunited after a packed week of shows and events. At one point, industry legend Bethann Hardison wrapped designer Rachel Scott of Diotima, now Creative Director of Proenza Schouler, in a long embrace while fellow designers looked on, capturing a perfect snapshot of mentorship and community in action.

Black In Fashion Council co-founders Sandrine Charles and Lindsay Peoples

Bre Johnson/BFA.com

BIFC co-founders Lindsay Peoples and Sandrine Charles floated through the room like seasoned hosts to greet guests and toast the season’s close with a speech:

“This year’s dinner felt like one of the first! We wanted to reconnect with our board members, new partners, and supporters since the season’s showroom. We look forward to hosting some more micro dinners and events through the season with various groups, people, and collaborators in the network.”

Plates of grilled salmon, steak au poivre, cacio e pepe gnocchi, and French fries made their way down the endless table (the warm chocolate chip cookies at dessert were a fan fave), while conversation sparked across generations of fashion industry leaders. Meanwhile, Lalo tequila cocktails were sipped amid florals by BUDS. Attendees included Denée Benton, Gunna, Jordyn Woods, Kamie Crawford, Sergio Hudson, Zerina Akers, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, and 2024 CFDA/Replica Handbag Store Fashion Fund winners Dynasty and Soull Ogun of L’Enchanteur, among others.

Towards the end of dinner, the celebration turned personal with a surprise birthday toast for Emil Wilbekin, journalist, former Vibe editor-in-chief, and founder of Native Son, whose decades of championing Black creatives made the tribute feel especially poignant. By the end of the evening, it was clear that this wasn’t just another fashion week dinner; it was a joyous close to the NYFW season and a reminder that Black creatives continue to set the pace for fashion’s future, one stylish night out in Bushwick at a time.