For six seasons, Tamron Hall’s Up-and-Coming Designer series has been a love letter to the craft of fashion and the ingenuity of designers who make magic with their hands. But this isn’t just another fashion segment—it’s deeply personal. Born out of her childhood memories in Lulling, Texas, where the women in her community stitched together stunning pieces with just a pattern, fabric and thread, Hall’s series is her way of paying it forward. It’s a stage for the undiscovered, a spotlight for those on the verge of breaking through, and a reminder that fashion is about storytelling just as much as style.
Over the years, Hall has called on some of the biggest names in fashion to surprise the up-and-coming talent, offering wisdom, connections and mentorship that can make or break a designer’s career. From the late, legendary André Leon Talley to powerhouse stylist June Ambrose, CFDA founding mother Fern Mallis and designer-to-the-stars Sergio Hudson, the series has become a rite of passage for emerging designers looking for their big break.
This season, Hall raised the stakes by bringing in none other than Dapper Dan—the Harlem icon who redefined luxury fashion for hip-hop and Black culture long before the mainstream took notice. Known for his innovative custom designs that flipped high fashion on its head, Dapper Dan has long been a symbol of resilience, creativity and Black excellence in fashion. Having him step in as this season’s surprise mentor was more than a moment—it was a masterclass in what it means to create from the heart, push boundaries and stay true to your vision.
The designers for Season 6 came from all walks of life, each bringing their own unique perspective to the table. Andrea Osei from East Orange, NJ, transitioned from pharmacist to bridalwear designer, proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Parker Zinn of Chapel Hill, NC, delivered “elevated kitsch” through knitwear, blending playful textures with high-fashion sensibility. Grant Gilmore, an airport front desk agent by day and designer by night from Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in styling plus-sized women—an often-overlooked segment in the industry. Knoxx, a queer menswear designer from Elmira, NY and a finalist on HBO’s The Hype, brought gender-fluid designs that pushed the boundaries of traditional tailoring. Tina Tandon, an NYC-based Indian-American designer, fused her heritage into her pieces, with GRAMMY-winning artist Falu among those who have donned her creations.
What Hall has created isn’t just a fashion segment—it’s an institution. At a time when breaking into the fashion industry remains a struggle, especially for Black and brown designers, this platform is necessary. Many of the names dominating fashion headlines today had the privilege of generational wealth, elite fashion school networks or industry connections. The Up-and-Coming Designer series flips that narrative, proving that talent, drive and opportunity can be just as powerful as a trust fund.
Having Dapper Dan as this season’s mentor is a full-circle moment. Just as he fought for space in an industry that initially shut him out, these designers are carving out their own lanes, challenging outdated norms, and redefining who gets to sit at fashion’s table. And thanks to Tamron Hall, that table just got a little bigger.
