NEW YORK (AP) — Tourists and New Yorkers flocked around the roller-skating rink at Rockefeller Center on Saturday to get a glimpse of the vibrant statement knits showcased at Victor Glemaud’s latest New York Fashion Week show.

For the Haitian-American designer who grew up in New York, the show held sentimental significance, but also served as a marker for his career as his brand continued to grow. label, and has since collaborated on a collection with Target and ventured into homewares with Schumacher.

Gremaux’s show began with a roller skater donning his signature knit and jumping onto the rink at Flippers Roller Boogie Palace, laughing and dancing as guests watched. That followed with models displaying sheer looks, eye-catching cutouts, several capes and a new collection of eyewear.

Gremaux drew inspiration for his contemporary sportswear looks from a recent trip to Harbor Island in the Bahamas. The models strutted around the rink, bare-skinned and wearing crocheted cover-ups, as if they had just come from a seaside resort.

Glemaud’s brand is one of a record-breaking 28 black-owned brands showcased at this New York Fashion Week.

Victor Gremaud’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection was modeled during Fashion Week in New York on Saturday, September 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jason DeCrow

Victor Gremaud’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection was modeled during Fashion Week in New York on Saturday, September 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jason DeCrow

Victor Gremaud’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection was modeled during Fashion Week in New York on Saturday, September 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jason DeCrow

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“We’ve been trying, but we love this industry,” Gremaux said of fellow black designers. It’s self-funded. Fashion week means a lot, so the more, the more fun.”

During the pandemic, the designer founded IN THE BLK, a non-profit organization supporting black creators in the fashion industry.

“It’s about bringing together a creative entrepreneurial collective, not just fashion designers,” he said.

Glemaud’s show attracted a handful of TikTok celebrities, including fashion influencer Brittany Xavier.

“I love that his collection is so inspired by being with Summer,” she said.

Glemaud relied on a minimal color palette and a single animal print, but playful cutouts accentuated the youthfulness of his designs. They enhanced his dress with subtle sensuality and updated his swimwear with style.

The ‘V’ emblazoned cape and form-fitting leopard print would have been considered the centerpiece of the night if it weren’t for the moment that set it apart from the rest. As the show ends, Gremaux’s mother Julie breaks down in tears over her pride.

“Vibration, love, joy,” she said. “It’s always fun with Victor.”

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