Last week, the House of Gray showroom became the epicenter of culture, creativity, and community for Dress to Express, a fashion-meets-culture event celebrating the legacy and future of Black design.
Presented by Be Greater Than (Be>) and the Black Design Collective (BDC), both nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowerment through fashion and storytelling, the night was a tribute to legacy and innovation.
Inside the House of Gray’s intimate, modern showroom, the space felt alive with intention. Moderated by Randy C. Bonds, founder of Be Greater Than, the panel brought together four Black designers who have each redefined fashion on their own terms: T.J. Walker (Cross Colours), Kevan Hall (Kevan Hall Design), BJ Gray (House of Gray), and Quentin “Thrash” Thrash (Thrash Bespoke).
The discussion explored the evolution of Black creativity and the shared experiences that have defined their journeys. The designers spoke candidly about what it means to create from both purpose and pressure, balancing artistry with the realities of an industry that hasn’t always made space for them.
They reflected on the duality of being both artist and entrepreneur, the importance of mentorship, and the need to preserve the stories behind the style. Each designer’s journey compounded a similar truth: that creativity is born not just from inspiration, but from perseverance.
There was also a deep acknowledgment of legacy, recognizing how the path forward for Black designers is shaped by the successes and struggles of those who came before them. The conversation deepened the idea that visibility is just one part of the equation; equity, ownership, and community are the real markers of progress.
The designers discussed how their personal lives fuel their work, how Black men in fashion often challenge expectations simply by existing in spaces not traditionally made for them, and how true expression means showing up as your full self, flaws, faith, and all.
The evening’s tone was empowering, with moments of laughter, storytelling, and gratitude. It was a reminder that the future of Black design is not a distant vision but a living, breathing movement taking place now, in studios, in classrooms, and in events like this one.
As guests mingled afterward, enjoying craft cocktails by Dulce Vida Tequila and Empress 1908 Gin, along with Black-owned wines curated by 1010 Wine Bar & Events, there was a shared sense of connection—a collective understanding that this was more than a fashion event.
Dress to Express served as both a love letter and a call to action: to uplift the next generation of designers, to keep the conversations going, and to continue redefining what it means to express through design.
“Dress to Express creates space for designers to share the stories behind their work—illuminating the hidden figures whose creations have shaped style and influenced culture. It’s not just about what we wear; it’s about honoring the hands, hearts, and histories that made it possible,” Bonds shared.
Be Greater Than and the Black Design Collective remain dedicated to ensuring that the stories, skills, and artistry of Black creatives are preserved, amplified, and celebrated, not as a trend, but as an essential thread in the fabric of culture itself.
Check out more photos from the event below.
Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images
