By: Maria Williams
New York Fashion Week 2025 wasn’t just a runway spectacle but a milestone. And at the heart of it all? Prince Joseph Olaniyan, the tastemaker, visionary, and connector, redefined what it means to lead in fashion. More than just front-row presence, he was on a mission: to uplift emerging designers, amplify cultural narratives, and remind the industry that fashion is more than fabric – it’s identity, influence, and power.
His secret weapon? The RNC Project – his brainchild shaking up the industry by fusing fashion, culture, and creative empowerment. RNC isn’t just another brand; it’s a movement. A global platform that’s turning up the volume on new voices, bridging artistic communities, and using style as a megaphone for the stories that matter. This NYFW, Prince Joseph was connecting with key figures and contributing to the conversations shaping the future of fashion.
“Fashion is a global language, and through RNC, my mission is to help Nigerian designers and creatives have a voice on the world stage. At NYFW 2025, I witnessed a new era – where heritage meets innovation, and boundaries no longer exist. This isn’t just about style; it’s about shaping the future of fashion with purpose, culture, and unapologetic authenticity.” – Prince Joseph Olaniyan.
Inside His NYFW Takeover
Prince Joseph started the week at SB Fashion Week Global, a powerhouse platform for rising talent, before diving into a whirlwind of show-stopping collections. At Art Hearts Fashion, inside the iconic Angel Orensanz Foundation Center for the Arts, he took in visionary designs from a roster of trailblazers: Ena Mars, Tiffany Rae, Monday Blues, Studio, Maribel Julcahuanca, Electric Circus NYC, Cross Colours, Carlos Pienda, Soid Studios, Raul Penaranda, Bad Pink, Milla Stone, Kimia Arya, Giannina Azar, and Black Tape Project. Each runway moment reinforced one undeniable truth: fashion is the boldest form of self-expression.
Midweek, he stepped into the rebellious energy of Supermodel Unlimited’s The Limitless Fashion Show, where fearless silhouettes and avant-garde storytelling stole the spotlight – precisely the kind of disruptive creativity RNC stands for. Then came Wu-Tang Clan’s fashion takeover, where hip-hop nostalgia met high-fashion edge in a seamless fusion of streetwear and luxury. This wasn’t just a show – a cultural event, a love letter to legacy, and a manifesto for the future.
To close out the week, Prince Joseph explored Cesar Galindo’s latest collection, where fluid draping and Mexican craftsmanship came together at Gen Art, before attending House of Arches. Each show highlighted the importance of storytelling, artistry, and creative expression in fashion.
Beyond the Runway: What’s Next for RNC?
NYFW is just one stop in a much bigger mission. In Nigeria, Prince Joseph is laser-focused on expanding RNC’s global impact, ensuring that African designers are not knocking on doors – they’re walking through them. With mentorship programs, strategic partnerships, and industry collaborations, RNC is clearing the runway for young talent to own their space on the world stage.
Because let’s be clear – African fashion isn’t a fleeting trend. It’s the future.
As NYFW 2025 wrapped, one thing was undeniable: Prince Joseph Olaniyan isn’t just attending fashion’s most significant moments – he’s defining them. And trust us, he’s only getting started.
Published by Mark V.
