The BET Awards are rewriting the rules of red carpet fashion—and Memphis is front and center in the revolution. The awards are going Black Tie with a twist: every look worn by the Best New Artist nominees is designed by a Black creative. It’s a bold cultural statement, and Memphis is making it loud and clear.
The Memphis Thread
At the heart of this moment is Patrick “Fresh” Henry, the Memphis-born designer behind the luxury label Richfresh. Known for his razor-sharp tailoring and fearless use of color, Fresh has dressed everyone from The Weeknd to Gabrielle Union. But before the Hollywood glow-up, he was just a young tailor hustling in downtown Memphis, turning setbacks into stepping stones.
Now, he’s dressing Brooklyn rap trio 41 for their BET Awards debut, bringing Memphis flavor to one of hip-hop’s hottest new acts.
41 x Richfresh: A Cultural Collision
41, a Brooklyn-bred group made up of Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, and TaTa has been shaking up the rap scene with their raw energy and viral hits. Their recent collaboration with Memphis superstar NLE Choppa on the track “Or What?” marked a major milestone, landing them their first Billboard Hot 100 entry. It’s a full-circle moment: Memphis sound collaboration meets Memphis style, all on one of the biggest stages in entertainment.
And now, with Richfresh behind their red carpet looks, 41 is stepping into the spotlight with a look that’s as bold and boundary-pushing as their music.
Harlem Fashion Row: Memphis at the Helm
This powerful partnership wouldn’t be possible without Harlem Fashion Row (HFR), the organization leading the charge to elevate Black designers in the fashion industry. And guess what? HFR’s founder, Brandice Daniel, is also a proud daughter of Memphis. Her vision has helped shape this historic BET Awards collaboration, proving once again that Memphis influences culture and creates it.
More Than Fashion
This isn’t just about clothes. It’s about legacy, alignment, and the power of Black creatives to shape the future. It’s about a Memphis-born designer styling a Brooklyn rap group who just made waves with a Memphis rapper, all under the guidance of a Memphis-born fashion visionary. So when the cameras flash and the music hits, remember: Memphis isn’t just in the building—it’s leading the charge.
