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Pyer Moss

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description Pyer Moss Overview

Pyer Moss is a New York-based fashion label founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond in 2013. The brand is recognized for using runway shows as a platform for social commentary, deeply exploring themes of Black American history, systemic racism, and cultural identity. In 2021, Pyer Moss made history as the first Black American brand to be featured on the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar. Jean-Raymond's designs frequently combine elements of streetwear with precise tailoring, using cinematic presentations to highlight overlooked figures in African American history.

help Pyer Moss FAQ

Who founded Pyer Moss and what does the brand name mean?

Pyer Moss was founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond in 2013 in New York City. The brand name is derived from elements of Jean-Raymond's personal family history, combining his mother's maiden name and his own.

What historic milestone did Pyer Moss achieve at Haute Couture Week in 2021?

In July 2021, Pyer Moss became the first Black American fashion label to present on the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar, when Kerby Jean-Raymond showed his Collection 1 at the Villa Lewaro estate in Irvington, New York. The collection paid tribute to Black inventors and innovators, with each garment referencing a specific patent or invention by a Black creator.

How has Pyer Moss used fashion shows for social activism?

Pyer Moss is known for transforming runway presentations into platforms for social commentary, most notably the Spring/Summer 2016 show that opened with a 12-minute video addressing police violence against Black Americans in the era of Black Lives Matter. Subsequent collections have explored topics such as the erasure of Black cowboys from American history and the legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Is Pyer Moss still producing collections and showing at fashion weeks?

In the early 2020s, Pyer Moss scaled back its traditional runway output, and Jean-Raymond has discussed evolving the brand beyond the conventional fashion calendar. The label continues to exist and produce collections, though it has taken a less frequent and more project-based approach to its public presentations.