Inside the Stories of Possibility Behind EMERGE!’s 15th Anniversary

New York Fashion Week is known for the clothes, the cameras and the names in the room. But inside Leman Ballroom on Sept. 15, the message emerging from the EMERGE! 15th Anniversary Runway & Awards Show stretched beyond fashion. Throughout the evening, stories of beginnings, persistence and creating opportunities for others became just as much a part of the celebration as the runway itself.

Founded by Dionne Williams in 2011, EMERGE! began as a small Chelsea studio presentation and has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized platform dedicated to creating visibility, opportunity and industry access for emerging designers and creatives.

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Before the awards were presented and models took the runway, Williams reflected on what led her to create the platform. She had encountered talented designers with beautiful collections but recognized they needed more than strong work. They needed PR, visibility and opportunities to get their designs in front of the right people. Williams already had a background in public relations and events, so she decided to put those skills to work. "I decided to use my PR and events skills and background to create a show," she told the room. "And it started there and it just took off from there."

As EMERGE! grew, Williams also became interested in preserving fashion history and recognizing the people who helped shape the industry. She described the concept as almost a "history lesson," one that could honor those who paved the way while continuing to introduce audiences to new talent.

That connection between legacy and opportunity remained present throughout the night.

Legendary streetwear designer Karl Kani was among those featured on the anniversary runway, alongside October London and Ilbert J. Sanchez presenting their Saint London x FEDÚ collection, Matthew Joseph Designs, LOU AYMÉ and Makarassi Couture.

Speaking with UNWRITTEN Media before the show, Kani reflected on the importance of bringing Black designers and Black culture together while continuing to create opportunities for younger designers. His own advice to those trying to build something was rooted in the way he approached his career: "Do it for the passion of the business. The money will come."

Kani said that when he started, he didn't know how large the brand would eventually become. What he did have was passion. Now, part of his focus is helping open doors for those coming behind him.

Later that evening, Danessa Myricks took the stage to accept the Business of Beauty Award. Her remarks brought another perspective to the idea of starting before knowing exactly where the journey will lead.

Myricks reflected on entering the beauty industry without formal makeup education or business experience and wanting to create long-term security for her children. She recalled starting with no money and making products in her basement before eventually seeing the brand she built carried in Sephora stores across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Her story wasn't shared simply as a reflection on her own success. Myricks turned it toward anyone in the room who might be afraid to pursue something new because they believe they don't know enough or don't have the right connections. "Please let me be a symbol of possibility for you," she said.

Her advice was equally direct: "Just start. The worst that can happen is you learn something, but the best-case scenario is that your life changes forever."

Chaka Khan, who was honored with the 2026 Fashion Innovator Award for more than five decades of influence across music, fashion and culture, also used her acceptance remarks to turn attention toward the creators in the room.

Khan praised EMERGE! for giving new designers a place to be seen and the freedom to develop their own voices. Rather than focusing only on the recognition she had just received, she encouraged those coming behind her to continue dreaming, creating and taking chances. "Don't let anyone put you in a box," Khan told the room.

The anniversary celebration brought together established names and emerging creatives, but the stories shared throughout the evening repeatedly returned to a similar place. Williams created a platform after recognizing a need. Kani built from passion and now speaks about opening doors for younger designers. Myricks went from making products in her basement to encouraging others to see her journey as proof of possibility. Khan, after decades of creating, used her moment of recognition to encourage another generation to keep going.

Fifteen years after Williams used the skills she already had to create that first show, EMERGE! continues to center the visibility, opportunity and industry access that inspired its beginnings.

Perhaps that was the thread connecting so many of the stories shared that night. The finished product rarely reveals how uncertain the beginning once was. No one knows exactly where an idea will lead when they first decide to pursue it.

Sometimes, they simply have to start anyway.

About UNWRITTEN Media

UNWRITTEN Media is a digital media platform rooted in intentional storytelling across culture, entertainment, music, fashion and beyond. Its coverage goes beyond documenting an event to explore the story behind the moment, highlighting the creatives, entrepreneurs, designers, cultural voices and emerging talent shaping what comes next.