Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is nearing an end in New York, but that’s not stopping the fashion celebration. Harlem’s Fashion Row is holding their annual designer presentation, and this year’s roster of finalists are nothing short of amazing.

Meet Joseph Bethune, the Bronx born and raised menswear designer behind the collection, Bethune Bros., a collection founded by Bethune and his brothers, who also work with him. This collection draws from the elements and styles of streetwear, workwear, prep and military and blends them together to create a polished look for the inner-city young male.

Born with an interest in constructing clothing from thrift store wears, Bethune soon discovered his mother’s chore in making clothes for him and his 14 siblings was his passion. Taking on any internships and mentors he could find, Bethune began directing himself towards the business of fashion by interning for Rocawear, Terry Corbet and Aton Leathers. His first New York Fashion Week debut at Harlem’s Fashion Row is inspired by Steve McQueen’s “The Great Escape.”

Founded in 2007, Harlem’s Fashion Row is a company comprised of 30 young fashion stylists, merchandisers, and industry professionals working together to introduce emerging designers of color to the global fashion community. The objective of HFR is to aid its designers in production, develop retail sales strategy, and provide media exposure and market share for each designer.

This year’s event entitled, “Beautifully Out of Place” will be held this Friday, September 16, 2011, and Centric will be on-hand to capture all the fashion madness.

To learn more about Harlem’s Fashion Row, visit harlemsfashionrow.com

TAGS: Aton Leathers, Bethune Bros, Bronx, Harlem Fashion Row, Joseph Bethune, mercedes benz fashion week, Rocawear, Spring/Summer 2012, Steve McQueen, Terry Corbet, The Great Escape