If 'Coming To America' was ever made into a fashion show - this would be it. The Arise catwalk presentation, their second during New York Fashion Week, was heavy with the same grand, regal, and sumptuous fashions we saw in the film, but light on African stereotypes.

The front rows filled up with celebs like Amerie, and a bevy of Nigerian millionaires and friends of the four talented designers who created the clothing. The audience was dotted with hundreds of black editors, stylists and writers (something you won't see at the average fashion show which usually has ten of of us, max!). And the runway? Let's just say some of the best models you've seen in a while: Tyson Beckford, Chanel Iman and Oluchi.

On and off the runway, the excitement and enthusiasm was electric. It only intensified when the clothes came out: an eclectic mix of four separate collections that focused on womens clothes, but included some mens as well. There was Jewel by Lisa a "Afro-chic in the city" collection featured trousers, cocktail dresses and long beaded dresses made from traditional African textiles. Another designer, Tiffany Amber, took her design inspiration from the film 'Mahogany' to create kaftans, jumpsuits and maxi dresses. David Tlale, the only South African in the group - all the others are from Nigeria - presented a collection that echoed his country and his culture.

But the one who stopped the show for me was Eric Raisina. The afro-haired young man created a collection that was sumptuous, sexy and glamorous. He focused on really interesting fabrics and colors, which literally gave the effects of a moving sea as the models floated down the runway. I caught up with the designer at the post-show party at the Plaza Hotel, where he told me that he owes his talent to an education in Johannesburg and felt incredibly proud to have shown his clothes in New York City.

I, and many folks in the audience I chatted with, are incredibly proud to have had the privilege of watching this show. Arise may not be a household name yet, but it's one to watch. Check out Arise Magazine, which sponsors the show, here.

Read Zandile's daily fashion week coverage on her blog, The Blay Report.