Biological mothers linking arms with their youth—on the runway, alongside spiritual mothers or mentors and their mentees—in the latest NYFW designs: This past New York Fashion Week’s Mothers to Daughters Legacy Walk was an emblematic reminder of how fashion merges with philanthropy to uplift women’s voices. A “global movement” aimed at “forging deep connections, amplifying voices, and driving meaningful action,” Mothers to Daughters was founded by Francine Mvoumbo. She is the most relaxed yet stylishly eclectic serial entrepreneur you’ll ever meet. Born in Cameroon, Francine, a Global Peace Ambassador Finalist (2023), is a “a beacon of empowerment and community building” who exudes warmth and purpose. Intended to celebrate the intergenerational lineages of mothers and mentors who raise, lead and uplift, the M2D Legacy Walk celebrated excellence through runway storytelling.
“Walking together to reflect the many ways women build one another through love, guidance, proximity, and choice. This is about community building, not spectacle. It’s about honoring motherhood and mentorship as engines of economic empowerment.” -Francine Mbvoumbo, Founder of Mothers to Daughters (M2D).
‘A legacy experience across art, fashion, and community’, the evening exquisitely fractalized beneath a roster of excellence. Welcoming models across five different generations, from Baby Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, the power of connection, guidance and uplifting prevails across all ages. Strutting down the runway were pairs of biological mothers and daughters, alongside mentors and mentees. Phylicia Pearl Mpasi walked with her mother in a tribute to generational strength and visibility; Beckie Di Leo, internationally recognized illustrator and lettering artist with an impressive haute couture designer portfolio; Shannon Green, or Mrs Jamaica World 2025; Tinu Naija, singer-songwriter, designer, author, philanthropist and Editor-in-chief of Shoeholics Magazine; Anna Fishbern, Russian actress.
“The room was filled with incredible energy, bringing together professionals from a wide range of industries including technology, finance, fashion, law and art, alongside celebrities and influencers, all celebrating biological and spiritual motherhood.” -Francine M.
All models were generously equipped in custom designs by featured designers: Azaadi, GISELLEVGISELLE, House of Nova, Jolana NYC, Kibonen, Koryphae, La Bottega di Layla, Love Stephanie, Ron Dyce, Samantha Siu, Tashee Inc., The House of Magsarili, Luza Rica, Tom’s Sons. Francine herself elegantly sported the lavender/turquoise Mafo Dress by designer Kibonen in the early portion of the night. Representing ‘culture, community, and the shared bonds of women across generations’, the eye-catching roundtable lavender/turquoise Mafo dress has become an aesthetic staple out and about the NYC social circuit.
“The concept is simple but resonant: women come together around a table, dressed in Mafo, to connect without pretense. It’s a modern take on the cultural idea of Ladies Who Lunch—less about leisure, more about intention—using fashion as the connector rather than the spectacle.” -Kibonen
Later in the evening, Francine sported a yet-to-be-released design by Pierre Labiche, known for his timeless pleats and craftsmanship. The brand is set to relaunch in a few weeks to more fully represent the ‘multi-generational artisanal based in New York City’s Garment District’ from which he himself stems.
The mission to uplift younger women was made further possible by sponsors such as OVO Vodka, Curious Elixirs, and Keri-Lynne Shaw, founder of Salary Bump, whose dedication to helping women find their voice and own their worth closely mirrors Mothers to Daughters’ legacy-building mission for women entrepreneurs.
A silent auction further bequeathed the night in support of M2D’s programs. Featured pieces and offerings included items from Tom’s Sons , Laura Kass, and La Botterga Di Layla. Here is a link if you wish to donate! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-1765
Finally, the fashion show is a precursor to the ball of wisdom that will launch in May in NYC.
