2nd Annual Essence Street Style Block Party

Essence, the leading media company for African American women, held its 2nd Annual Essence Street Style Block Party Sunday to commemorate the historic New York Fashion Week.

Thousands of fashionistas gathered at The Dumbo Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn for the block party sponsored by Chevrolet, SheaMoisture and The Home Depot.

The family friendly event had vendors, a special appearance by actress Gabrielle Union, children activities, a live musical performance by R&B singing sensation Andra Day and a runway show co-hosted by singer/TV personality Mel B and ESSENCE Fashion Editor Joiee Thorpe.

Photo : Unheard Voices Magazine

Following the block party, a roomful of over 100 style influencers and tastemakers gathered to pay homage to four innovators in fashion during the magazine’s Street Style Awards: singer Ciara (“Curator of Cool”); actress Gabrielle Union (who received her “Closet Crush” award earlier during ESSENCE’s Street Style Block Party); designer Charles Elliott Harbison (“Designer to Watch”); and celebrity stylist Jason Rembert (“Style Disrupter”). Other attendees at the private reception included Orange Is the New Black star Vicky Jeudy, singer/TV personality Mel B, celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen and more.

It was a perfect day to embrace women of color and different fashion styles.

Check out some photos and video highlights below.