Samantha Telfair to present collection set to defy expectations during New York Fashion Week hosted by Fashion Designers of Latin America

Puerto Rican, Bronx born and raised, Samantha Telfair has earned the reputation as an energetic, exciting and strong leader in the fashion industry with over 10 years of experience.

theMERGER is Sam’s luxury contemporary brand. With it, she merges Uptown and Downtown NYC energy into chic ready-to-wear pieces. Her collection will come to life during the Fashion Designers of Latin America showcase during New York Fashion Week LIVE on September 8, 2021at 8 pm at Lavan 541 NYC.

Samantha Telfair, founder of theMERGER. (Image via LatinxNewswire)

Her collection, theMERGER. State of Mind, is “inspired by the good times, the bad times, and the times we feel ourselves falling face first into this thing called life.” Through it, Sam details the not-so smooth voyage she’s faced. Her designs weave together to tell the story of where she is and where she comes from, creating a collection of empowerment which can only be described as a New York State of Mind.

“theMERGER. State of Mind collection embodies the energy of my hometown. It personifies the dual nature of the city; romantic but gritty, high-fashion with a city-slicker edge,” says Sam.

“This featured collection is more than designs down a runway,” she continues, “It’s my homecoming parade! It’s my tribute to the city that raised and shaped me. I’ve come a long way from my days on the 6, Just like the song DeJa Vu: If it wasn’t for the Bronx…”

themerger.nyc We’re O U T S I D E 🗽
#themergerstateofmind

Right from the beginning, Sam was high-profile. Early in her career she began as a wardrobe stylist dressing celebrities for red carpet appearances, editorial photo shoots, media appearances and music videos before making the shift from stylist to designer. However, it was her former husband, an NBA player who was convicted of gun possession, that had dragged her name through the media. Still, Sam did not let this define her and she continued to push through with her career, establishing herself as a major designer with pieces being worn by Ciara (Self Magazine), Josephine Skriver (Sports Illustrated Swimsuit), Julia Michaels and Angela Simmons. This soon led Sam and theMERGER to global recognition, and a front row seat at the FDLA show at NYFW.

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The Fall schedule for SS/2022 FDLA shows will take place during NYFW at its new location, Lavan541, an iconic, exceptional and luxury event venue, located in the heart of Chelsea at 541 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001. 

FDLA New York Fashion Week agenda. (Photo courtesy of FDLA)

The fashion festivities will kick off with a virtual press conference taking place on Tuesday September 7th at 6:00 pm followed by an up-close in-person showcase featuring the best of Latin-American Fashion Designers, including Sam representing Puerto Rico and FDLA honorary president Agatha Ruiz de La Prada and special guest Custo Barcelona.

For ticket/show information: fdla.co/access 

Press: fdla.co/press