KidSuper’s Colm Dillane Brought Local Talent—And Lauryn Hill—to Celebrate Brooklyn Fashion
Brooklyn’s People’s Runway, a community fashion showcase, celebrated local designers and attracted big names like Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. The event, led by designer Colm Dillane and supported by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, awards emerging talent with funding and mentorship, aiming to be…
Brooklyn’s second‑year People’s Runway, a community‑focused fashion event, opened Saturday night on the steps of Borough Hall, drawing a front row of hip‑hop stars, a packed crowd, and a surprise appearance by Lauryn Hill. The show, organized by KidSuper designer Colm Dillane and championed by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, is designed to give emerging Brooklyn designers a platform, financial support, and mentorship while celebrating the borough’s diverse creative talent.
From Studio Talk to Borough Hall
Colm Dillane, a Brooklyn native and proud graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene, runs the “Dream Factory” in South Williamsburg. He first met Reynoso in his studio, where he voiced frustration over how grant funding was often funneled to already‑established businesses. “Every person that I know that gets a grant is already a rich business that seems to know how to scheme the system,” Dillane told the mayor. He asked how he could become a conduit of government funding for young creatives. Reynoso offered him the role of the borough’s first Arts Ambassador, a proposal Dillane accepted with enthusiasm.
As someone who has navigated the fashion industry, Dillane said he wanted to create a platform that would truly benefit designers. The People’s Runway was born out of that vision, and it has quickly become a flagship event for Brooklyn’s fashion community.
Showcasing the Borough’s Best
Each year, the People’s Runway selects five designers from a pool of over 300 applicants. The chosen designers are awarded $15,000 in funding, potential partnership deals, and mentorship from industry leaders. The event, originally intended as a one‑off showcase, proved so successful that it is now slated to become an annual occurrence.
Last night’s lineup featured a diverse array of talent. Moses Aina of IGBO‑SISUN, a trans woman, presented vibrantly colorful pieces that drew on her African heritage and a commitment to visibility. Rey Jaiteh offered a streetwear‑meets‑business‑casual collection that reflected his dual life as a creative and a corporate employee. Laurel Tiange Fang of Laurel Blue showcased fluid, ocean‑inspired garments with rope detailing, while Kuai Li of Quine Li stunned the audience with gravity‑defying silhouettes in unconventional fur. Roderick Reyes added a pop‑art, postmodern flair with a faux heist theme, complete with alarm tags and a cape covered in $100 bills.
Dillane himself presented a few of his own pieces, including a look modeled by his mother, adding a personal touch to the evening. The crowd, which included Joey Bada$, Jerome Boateng, and Da Baby, cheered loudly, embodying the event’s motto of “cheer for what you love.”
Music, Magic, and Community Spirit
After the runway, the atmosphere shifted to a celebratory concert featuring Wyclef Jean. He opened with “No Woman, No Cry,” segueing into a Brooklyn‑centric rap break before inviting a friend to join him on stage. The highlight came when Lauryn Hill appeared in a painted KidSuper coat, surrounded by front‑row fans who filmed the moment. The performers were joined by carnival dancers in technicolor feathered costumes, turning the steps of Borough Hall into a vibrant dance floor.
Reynoso, who had been a key supporter of the event, emphasized the community’s role in fostering love and kindness. “The theme here is always to spread love,” he said. “It’s the Brooklyn way. It’s who we are. So make sure you take care of each other, you love on each other, you’re kind.”
What’s Next for Brooklyn’s Fashion Scene?
With the People’s Runway set to become an annual event, the borough aims to strengthen its reputation as a creative hub. The combination of government support, industry mentorship, and community enthusiasm is expected to nurture a new generation of designers who can thrive both locally and beyond. While the event’s future remains promising, the organizers are still working to secure additional funding and partnership opportunities to expand the program’s reach.
For now, Brooklyn’s fashion community can take pride in a night that celebrated local talent, brought legendary artists into the streets, and reinforced the borough’s commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration.
Why it matters
The People’s Runway demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can unlock creative potential and provide tangible support for emerging designers, reinforcing Brooklyn’s status as a cultural incubator.
Key points
- Colm Dillane founded the People’s Runway with support from Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
- The event selects five designers each year, awarding $15,000 and mentorship.
- Last night featured designers from IGBO‑SISUN, Laurel Blue, and more, plus a surprise appearance by Lauryn Hill.
- Wyclef Jean performed, adding musical energy to the runway showcase.
- The event aims to become an annual highlight of Brooklyn’s creative community.
Frequently asked questions
What is the People’s Runway?
A community‑focused fashion show that showcases emerging Brooklyn designers, offers them funding and mentorship, and celebrates local talent.
Who organized the event?
KidSuper designer Colm Dillane, with support from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
How many designers are selected each year?
Five designers are chosen from over 300 applicants.
What kind of support do the designers receive?
They receive $15,000 in funding, potential partnership deals, and mentorship.
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