'Project 5: TIER University' Fashion Show Serves as a Homecoming During NYFW Spring 2023

During New York Fashion Week, designers, models, actors, celebutantes, and more all descend upon Gotham City to showcase and ogle at the latest looks from the world's finest creative directors. However, there's something to be said about homegrown talent and brands. Since its inception in 2014, TIER has evolved beyond its streetwear roots and entered high fashion with no ceiling in its sight.

Hosted at Long Island University Brooklyn on Sept. 9, "Project 5: TIER University" served as a homecoming of sorts for TIER's co-founder and creative director, Nigeria Ealey, whose first fashion show was hosted on the university's campus while he was a student. However, Ealey goes out of his way to credit the TIER creative team, citing co-founders Esaïe Jean-Simon and Victor James, and especially womenswear designer Ananda Corriette. "Ananda goes above and beyond her responsibilities to make sure the brand is on point with her attention to detail,” he says, “and we wouldn't be anywhere without her."

The show itself was equal parts college yard and couture runway, as fraternities and sororities performed their traditional step dances to warm up the crowd, while a musical performance by Kai Ca$h and Niko Brim opened up the festivities. Notable talents that walked the runway during the show included actors Olly Sholotan (Bel-Air), TJ Atoms and Siddiq Saunderson (Wu-Tang: An American Saga), Kristin Dodson (Flatbush Misdemeanors), and musical artists Toosii and Tone Stith.

It would be easy to compare this capsule to something from A Different World or other college-centered shows. Still, with perfect post-Labor Day weather playing companion to TIER's collegiate and spirit-inspired garments, this collection is on a planet of its own. What makes it different? TIER University addresses the educational, economic, and social needs of the American schooling system with four significant principles and disciplines: art & design, generational wealth, tech innovation, and awareness.

Check out select runway looks in the gallery below and stay up to date with everything TIER on their website.