Runway Renaissance: High Fashion x Hip Hop Marketplace

Photography by Stefan Bunbury

Runway Renaissance: High Fashion x Hip Hop Marketplace, produced by Lish 2X in partnership with AllFemaleHipHop, transformed The PentHouse NY into a packed, high-energy cultural marketplace. The event proved to be a realm where fashion, music, and media moved in rhythm rather than competition. Designed intentionally as more than a traditional runway show. The event created a shared space for designers, artists, influencers, and industry voices to connect through commerce, creativity, and visibility.

The evening opened with Lish 2X walking out to “Bought A Bag,” her collaborative record with Steph G, setting a tone rooted in independence and creative ownership. Rising R&B vocalist Flyt followed with a smooth, soulful performance that warmed the room. Loads of excitement ignited before the runway presentations began. From that point forward, Runway Renaissance unfolded as a continuous exchange between sound and style.

Designers of Color Defined the Runway

“Fashion and art should reflect the individual but inspire the masses. It should complement the complexity of life and remind you of its simplicity as well much like the people who create it.” Balance is the key to everything.” -David Simon CREATOR OF NATURALBORN

Every designer featured during the evening was a person of color. Streetwear brand Elevatus opened the runway with clean silhouettes, pairing cropped black hoodies for women with lightweight polo-style button-ups for men. SM Leathers followed with the largest lineup of the night, presenting women’s leather looks, men’s jackets, remembered especially for standout moments by youth models Kali Atkinson and Aubree Noelle. Gold recording artist SUZI also walked for the brand, blending music-industry presence with fashion storytelling.

Lady Cyfa children’s designer backstage

Children’s designer Lady Cyfa presented custom pieces crafted just days before the show, while luxury designer Ron Dyce elevated the runway with refined tailoring alongside live beauty demonstrations from Ron Dyce Beauty. Seven Bullion introduced one-of-one streetwear pieces that felt closer to wearable art than mass production, reinforcing the brand’s exclusivity. NaturalBorn delivered a gritty runway debut backed by rappers and influencers who have helped grow the brand from the streets upward. Torch London followed with one of the evening’s most diverse collections, ranging from gowns to animal prints, with rapper Aisha Hall walking the runway. Designer Coco closed her segment by gifting models the garments they wore on the runway. A rare and appreciated gesture that resonated deeply with models.

Ron Dyce, Photo by Leo The Visualist

The runway concluded with Comatose Rose, founder of AllFemaleHipHop, who debuted his brand Vintage Spray. The collection brought edgy, underground energy to the final walk. This closing the fashion portion of the night with a statement rooted in creative risk.

Music, Recognition, and Marketplace Culture

Live performances remained woven throughout the program, keeping energy high between runway moments. Sets from Johnnie Floss and 730RS added raw hip hop texture, while Stunna Dior brought international flair and commanding presence. Steph G returned later in the evening to perform “Bought A Bag” alongside Lish 2X, followed by a freestyle over “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” grounding the night firmly in New York hip hop tradition.

A meaningful moment came when Dorian Jihad was honored with a plaque recognizing his influence in fashion and public relations. Known for contributing to the careers of prominent “It Girls” and his visibility across Times Square billboards, Dorian received his recognition in front of peers and collaborators, with the tribute presented by Holiday The GoldenChild.

Beyond the runway and stage, the marketplace remained active throughout the night. Chef Taisia Bailey provided elevated food offerings, while KeKe The Foodie introduced her all-natural sauces to guests.

5ive Mics with the Ruff Ryders showcasing Fly Elites sneakers. Photo by Londell Nugent

Rapper and entrepreneur Ant Strong, also known as 5ive Mics, showcased his sneaker brand Fly Elite, which has attracted ambassadors including Timbaland, Freeway, and DJ Kid Capri. Behind the scenes, celebrity stylist LooksByLunden managed model and designer flow, ensuring the layered program remained cohesive.

Photo by Jflames

Runway Renaissance demonstrated what is possible when fashion and hip hop are treated as equal cultural forces rather than separate lanes. By centering independent designers, artists, and Black- and Brown-owned brands, the event offered a blueprint for how community-driven platforms can create impact, opportunity, and ownership on their own terms.