McDonald’s hosted an electric House of Arches runway show to close New York Fashion Week. The event marked the culmination of Change of Fashion, a year-long mentorship program, pairing five rising designers with some of fashion’s most influential fashion insiders to support their brand-building journeys.

Shareef Mosby (Victim15) design

The designers—Shareef Mosby (VICTIM15), Nia Thomas (Nia Thomas), Durrell Dupard (Freddie Estelle), Larissa Muehleder (Muehleder), and Heart Roberts (HEARTHROB)—delivered a powerful showcase of innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling.

Nia Thomas

The collections highlighted each designer’s creative prowess while underscoring the deep connection between Black culture and fashion’s biggest trends.

Dapper Dan, Debra Robinson, Simone Smith, Misa Hylton, Rapsody sit front row at the House of Arches runway show, celebrating the culmination of McDonald’s Change of Fashion program during New York Fashion Week.

Front row attendees included cultural fashion personalities Dapper Dan and Misa Hylton, Grammy-award winning musician Rapsody and jewelry designer Bernard James.

Larissa Muehleder (Muehleder)

While Black culture has long been a driving force behind global fashion trends, Black designers remain vastly underrepresented, making up only 7.3% of American fashion designers.

McDonald’s Change of Fashion program is committed to addressing this disparity by providing rising Black talent with visibility, mentorship, and access to industry-defining platforms.

This year’s designers each brought their own distinct vision to the runway:

Shareef Mosby (VICTIM15) – Shareef transforms utilitarian fabrics into urban-chic contemporary designs. He was mentored by Elaine Welteroth, award-winning journalist, author, and former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue.

The collection draws inspiration from Mosby’s journey from their hometown of Richmond, Virginia, to Los Angeles, where they discovered a sense of peace, belonging and community.

Nia Thomas (Nia Thomas) – A New York-based designer inspired by global travels, Nia’s luxe lifestyle brand empowers individuals to own their power and sensuality. She was mentored by Shawn Howell, a retail executive with deep expertise in men’s luxury fashion.

Thomas’ collection embraces unexpected materials, thoughtfully exploring fashion’s contradictions—such as crafting a cropped bolero from raffia. This milestone marks Thomas’ 15th collection in six years, set to launch in August/September (FW25).

Durrell Dupard (Freddie Estelle) – Hailing from New Orleans, Durrell fuses streetwear with upcycling to create bold, one-of-a-kind pieces. He was mentored by Justina McKee, founder of Matte Collection and a leader in brand development.

Durrell Dupard (Freddie Estelle)

The collection, Magnolia Muse, draws inspiration from Dupard’s hometown of New Orleans, weaving together rich florals, vibrant colors, and natural elements alongside fur and leather. Rooted in heritage, Dupard’s journey in craftsmanship began with their grandparents, who taught them to sew and crochet from an early age. Their brand, Freddie Estelle, honors the memory of their late uncle, who passed away three years ago—a testament to the deep influence of family in their work.

Larissa Muehleder (Muehleder) – A visionary designer and NYC resident, Larissa is redefining confidence and creativity through fashion. Larissa worked closely with Jacqueline Cooper, COO of LaQuan Smith, a brand beloved by A-list celebrities.

Muehleder’s Enter Loudly, Leave Quietly collection invites women to embrace and celebrate their masculine energy while preserving their innate femininity. Drawing inspiration from the past year, Muehleder explored the duality of strength and grace, reflecting on women’s ability to navigate and excel in both realms. The collection will be available for pre-order in late February, with delivery set for FW25.

Heart Roberts (HEARTHROB) – A Brooklyn-based innovator renowned for craftsmanship in denim and leather. Heart was mentored by Sherri McMullen, founder of McMullen and a leading advocate for Black designers.

Heart Roberts (HEARTHROB)

Apocalypse draws from its Greek meaning—”the great unveiling”—serving as a revelation rather than an end. Roberts found deep inspiration in apocalyptic cinema, immersing themselves in The Walking Dead series to craft bold, futuristic statement pieces. The collection will debut in FW25.

Directly following the show, the designer cohort and McDonald’s hosted a private after-party where guests enjoyed a high energy early 2000’s-influenced soundtrack by DJ Mr. Rogers, open bar, and complimentary McDonald’s food truck.

Beyond the runway, Change of Fashion continues to foster long-term industry impact. In addition to mentorship, the initiative has partnered with The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for students entering fashion design programs at HBCUs.