University of Fashion Blog

Posts Tagged: "Dapper Dan"

Pinstripes & Tailoring on Steroids: MET’s Superfine Exhibition

- - Costume Exhibitions, Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion History, Red Carpet

Image of celebs wearing tailored pinstripe outfits

Pinstripes and tailoring are a quintessential menswear staple seen on display at the MET Gala (from left to right): Emma Chamberlain in Courreges (Photo: John Shearer-WireImage); Doja Cat in Marc Jacobs (Photo John Shearer/Getty Images); Pharrell Williams in Louis Vuitton (Photo: Vogue/Getty Images); Janelle Monáe in Paul Tazewell x Thom Browne (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images); Khaby Lame in Hugo Boss (Photo: Vogue); Shaboozey (Photo: Robert Wun-Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images); Rihanna in Marc Jacobs (Photo: Vogue/Getty Images); Teyana Taylor in collaboration with Ruth E. Carter (Photo: Vogue/Getty Images); Ugbad Abdi in Michael Kors (Photo: Vogue).

MET Gala Fun Facts

The big MET Gala 2025 (May 5th) is over and  Superfine: Tailoring Black Style opens today to the public ( Monday, May 12th). Knowing that Anna Wintour and her Costume Institute team plans out at least two years in advance for each show, I thought it would be fun to explore where inspiration for this year’s show originated. But before I do that, here are some fun facts about the Gala and its theme. Did you know that::

  • The Gala, which began in 1948, was originally known as “The Party of the Year” and is a fundraiser for the MET’s Costume Institute.
  • For decades the Gala was open to the public at a cost of $50. Today it’s by invitation-only at a cost of $75,000 per ticket and the invitation list is capped at 700 with 300 people walking the “Blue Carpet”.
  • The dress code for this year’s Gala was “Tailored for You” in celebration of Black Dandyism.
  • According to Merriam-Webster, “Dandyism is the style or conduct of a dandy, or a literary and artistic style marked by artificiality and excessive refinement, particularly in the latter part of the 19th century. Essentially, it’s about a focus on elaborate and fashionable appearances, whether in dress, manner, or artistic expression”.
  • Anna Wintour, Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief and lead chairperson of the Gala since 1995, has raised $250 million for the Costume Institute with around $30 million coming from this year’s event.

What & Who Inspired the Superfine MET Exhibition?

image of book cover Slaves to FashionSlaves to Fashion by Monica L. Miller (Image credit: Amazon.com)

In her book, Slaves to Fashion, Black Dandyism and the Styling of the Black Diasporic Identity, Dr. Monica L. Miller explores Dandyism’s roots which was initially imposed on black men in eighteenth-century England, as the Atlantic slave trade and an emerging culture of conspicuous consumption generated a vogue in dandified black servants. “Luxury slaves” tweaked and reworked their uniforms and were soon known for their sartorial novelty and sometimes flamboyant personalities. Her book served as one of the inspirational sources for this years’s MET exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

Co-curated by Harold Koda and Dr. Miller, they trace the history of the black dandy from his emergence in Enlightenment England to his contemporary incarnations in the cosmopolitan art worlds of London and New York. The exhibit chronicles the ways in which black people have used dress and fashion to transform their identities and imagine new ways of embodying political and social possibilities.According to the MET’s press release, “the exhibition explores the importance of sartorial style to the formation of black identities in the Atlantic diaspora”. 

book cover image of Black Indians

Black Indians by William Loren Katz (Image credit: Amazon.com)

Another inspiration for the exhibition is the book, Black Indians by William Loren Katz published in 2012. This book explores enslaved Africans and their descendants who have had a history of cultural exchange and intermarriage with Native Americans and their sartorial contributions to Black Dandyism. Fun fact: LL Cool J is of mixed ancestry.

image of designer Justin Jacobs Lous and Christian Allaire

Justin Jacob Louis, creative Director at Section 35 dressed Christian Allaire for MET Gala 2025 (Image credit: @JustinJacobLewis).

Justin Jacob Louis, creative director and founder of his brand Section 35 is a member of the Samson Cree Nation. He designs with the intention of using art and fashion to tell his peoples’ stories. For the Gala he dressed Christian Allaire, a Vogue staff writer and member of the Ojibwe Nation, who is an important voice for indigenous fashion. The three-piece pinstriped suit designed by Justin Jacobs Louis and worn by Christian Allaire features indigenous-style beadwork throughout, as well as a pocket chain and scarf tie by MDW Jewelry and a ring by NotAbove, also indigenous brands.

 

Dapper Dan

image of Dapper Dan

Dapper Dan wearing his custom Zoot suit emblazoned with the Sankofa symbol representing the Harlem Renaissance. (Photo: Theo Wargo/FilmMagic via Getty Images).

Dapper Dan, known as the “father of logo-mania” is an American fashion designer and haberdasher from Harlem. He is widely credited with introducing luxury fashion to hip-hop and streetwear from 1982-1992, shaping the visual identity of an entire generation. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and cultural innovation, earning him a place on Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2020 and as host committee member for the MET’s Superfine 2025 Gala. Today, Dapper Dan continues to inspire new generations of designers and remains a symbol of Harlem’s enduring influence on global fashion and its role in Black Dandyism.

Tailoring

The Met Gala provided a unique lens through which to view tailoring, blending high fashion with celebrity and often pushing creative boundaries. In next week’s blog I will be highlighting the craft and skills of the world’s best tailors alongside those red-carpet looks, offering a rich and insightful perspective. Stay tuned…

 

 

50 YEARS OF HIP HOP: A FASHION REVOLUTION

- - Current Topics in Fashion

In their kente cloth kufi hats, custom varsity jackets, tights and dookie chains, Salt-N-Pepa were committed hip-hop style maximalists. (Photo Credit: Janette Beckman)

In the chronicles of pop culture history, few movements have had a lasting impact as profound as Hip Hop. Emerging from the streets of New York City’s South Bronx in the 1970s, Hip Hop transcended its musical origins to become a cultural juggernaut. Its influence on fashion, in particular, has been nothing short of revolutionary. As we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop, it’s a fitting time to explore how this dynamic art form shaped and continues to inspire the world of fashion.

To truly understand the relationship between Hip Hop and fashion, we must first take a journey back to where it all began. In the early 1970s, the South Bronx was a hotbed of creative energy, despite its struggling socio-economic conditions. It was here that Hip Hop first sprouted its roots, encompassing not only music but also dance, graffiti art, and fashion. It was a form of self-expression and empowerment for the marginalized youth of the area.

Accessorized with a boombox the size of a tombstone, LL Cool J could afford to dress down. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

The street fashion that emerged in the early Hip Hop scene was rooted in resourcefulness, borrowing elements from sportswear and urban street style. Oversized shirts, tracksuits, sneakers, and prominent logos became the signature look. But it wasn’t just about the clothes; it was about how they were worn and the attitude that came with it. This was the beginning of what would become the Hip Hop fashion revolution.

THE EVOLUTION OF HIP HOP

Video: 50 Years of Hip Hop & High Fashion: The Evolution from Streetwear to Runways. Video Credit REVOLT on YouTube.

Hip Hop fashion evolved in tandem with the music, artists, and the culture surrounding it. It quickly became a means of asserting individuality and challenging norms. Baggy pants, hoodies, baseball caps, and Timberland boots became iconic pieces in the Hip Hop wardrobe. Gold chains, large hoop earrings, and accessories became essential for making a statement.

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, the emergence of high-end luxury fashion brands in Hip Hop was pivotal. Artists like Run-DMC were at the forefront of incorporating brands like Adidas into their style, while others embraced designer labels like Gucci, Versace, and Fendi. This fusion of high fashion and street style was groundbreaking and set the stage for a new era of Hip Hop fashion.

PIONEERS OF HIP HOP FASHION

Jason Mizell (also known as Jam Master Jay), Darryl McDaniels and Joseph Simmons of Run DMC attend the WWDMagic tradeshow, 1998. (Photo Credit: WWD)

Several designers have played significant roles in shaping Hip Hop fashion over the years. They understood the unique blend of street and luxury, and their creations reflected the culture of the movement. Here are a few standout names:

DAPPER DAN

Dapper Dan in the front row at Gucci RTW Spring 2018 show. (Photo Credit: WWD)

Dapper Dan is known as the “father of Hip Hop fashion,” Dapper Dan was a trailblazer in Harlem who created custom, high-end clothing inspired by luxury brands. His designs were worn by legendary artists like LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, and Eric B. & Rakim.

KARL KANI

A Karl Kani advertisement in 1995 of 2Pac and his crew. (Photo Credit: The Source Magazine)

Karl Kani is credited with popularizing baggy jeans and bringing streetwear to the forefront of Hip Hop fashion. His brand became synonymous with the West Coast Hip Hop scene and the rise of gangsta rap.

Tupac Shakur in a Karl Kani denim suit and t-shirt attends the premiere of Poetic Justice in Beverly Hills, 1993. (Photo Credit: WWD)

SEAN JOHN

Jennifer Lopez (wearing Sean John) and Sean John at the Video Music Awards in 2001. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

When we talk about Sean John, we’re talking about the undeniable influence of Sean “Diddy” Combs in the world of fashion. Launched in 1998, Sean John became an instant sensation by fusing urban style with luxury. The brand’s runway shows were events in their own right, showcasing the marriage of streetwear and high-end fashion. Sean John’s signature velour tracksuits, puffy vests, and blinged-out accessories epitomized the early 2000s Hip Hop style.

A look from Sean John’s Fall 2000 Collection. (Photo Credit: WWD)

BABY PHAT

Alicia Keys in Baby Phat in New York City, 2003. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

If there’s a brand that defined early 2000s Hip Hop femininity, it’s Baby Phat. Launched in 1999 by the inimitable Kimora Lee Simmons, this fashion house embodied both style and empowerment. Baby Phat’s logo-laden, glam-meets-streetwear aesthetic was a favorite among female artists, including Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim, and Alicia Keys. Kimora’s influence extended beyond design; she was a pioneering figure in the movement towards body positivity and diversity in fashion.

TOMMY HILFIGER

Kidada Jones in Tommy Jeans at the Tommy Tour bus wrap up party at Morton’s Restaurant in Los Angeles, 1997. (Photo Credit: WWD)

Tommy Hilfiger’s brand achieved iconic status in the ’90s thanks to endorsements from artists like Aaliyah and Snoop Dogg, solidifying its place in Hip Hop fashion history.

VIRGIL ABLOH

Kanye West and Virgil Abloh were powerful bridges between rap and luxury fashion. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

The late Virgil Abloh’s work with Off-White and Louis Vuitton was instrumental in bridging the gap between luxury fashion and streetwear in the 21st century. His impact on Hip Hop fashion cannot be overstated.

PHARRELL WILLIAMS

Pharrell WIlliams changed the culture of fashion & music. (Photo Credit: Snobhop)

Pharrell Williams is a multifaceted visionary known for his versatility as a musician, producer, and fashion icon, has left an indelible mark on Hip Hop fashion. His brand, Billionaire Boys Club (BBC), and its subsidiary, Ice Cream, have blended streetwear with a futuristic, space-age aesthetic. He has collaborated with iconic brands such as Adidas and Chanel, and his ability to blur the lines between high fashion and streetwear has made him a true pioneer in the industry. Pharrell’s vision continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of fashion enthusiasts as the Creative Director for Louis Vuitton Menswear.

SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST MUSIC…..

Rozonda “Chili” Thomas, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez and Tionne “T Boz” Watkins attend Clive Davis pre-grammy party in New York, 1992. (Photo Credit: WWD)

Over the past 50 years, Hip Hop has transcended music to become a cultural phenomenon that’s influenced the world in ways few could have predicted. Its impact on fashion has been profound, giving rise to a vibrant and dynamic fusion of street and luxury wear that continues to shape the industry. The pioneers of Hip Hop fashion, from Dapper Dan to Virgil Abloh, have created enduring legacies that celebrate the essence of self-expression and defiance. As we look back on this half-century journey, we see that Hip Hop’s unique style and swagger are here to stay, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion. Hip Hop fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a reflection of a movement that changed the world.

So, tell us, what music genre influences your style most?

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: CELEBRATING BLACK DESIGNERS THROUGH THE YEARS

- - Current Topics in Fashion

A dress by Patrick Kelly Fall 1986 Collection. (Photo Credit: The Museum at FIT)

This week’s blog is dedicated to the vast contributions of Africa, Africans and people of African descent to world civilization and in celebration of Black History Month. Many of our UoF readers know how much we love history, so before we honor some of the Black fashion designers that helped shape our industry, we’d like to take a look back at how Black History Month became a global celebration.

The first recorded celebration of Black history in the United States dates back to February 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson founded “Negro History Week,” to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two important figures in Black American history. The week was later expanded to a month-long celebration and was officially recognized as Black History Month by President Gerald Ford during the celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, to bring attention to the contributions of Black Americans and to promote a greater understanding of Black history and culture.

Canada also celebrates Black History Month in February (since 1995) and Belgium celebrates in March (since 2017). In Europe, October is Black History Month and has been celebrated in  the U.K. (1987), Germany (1990), Ireland (2010), Netherlands (2010), France (2018) and in Africa (2020).

Black History Month in the U.S. is observed with a theme chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The theme is meant to highlight a specific aspect of Black history, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the contributions of Black women, or the role of Black Americans in the arts. Throughout the month there are a variety of events and activities held to celebrate Black history, including parades, cultural festivals, and lectures. The theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance,” and explores how African-Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings, since the nation’s earliest days. As recently as Jan. 7, 2023, Tyre Nichols, a young black man in Memphis was brutally beaten and killed during  a traffic stop by five Black police officers.

In 2020, the killing of George Floyd led to the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement. This movement led to subsequent protests and forced many fashion brands and designers to re-examine their practices and their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry. The Black Lives Matter movement has had a significant impact on the fashion industry and so has the pandemic. In fact, according to a recent article in Axios:

“The last couple of years have ushered in a Black entrepreneurship boom. 

  • In 2021, Black-owned businesses were started at the fastest clip in 26 years, The Washington Post reports.
  • The number of Black business owners was 28% higher in the third quarter of 2021 than it was pre-pandemic, per U.S. News and World Report.
  • Other groups are starting more businesses, too. The number of white business owners was 5% higher in 2021’s third quarter than pre-pandemic, and the number of Latino entrepreneurs was 19% higher. But the biggest change is in Black communities.”

“What’s happening: Many Black entrepreneurs across the country used federal stimulus checks to start businesses.

  • The top sector where Black owners are creating businesses is health care, Andre Perry of the Brookings Institution tells NPR. Many of the startups are in home health care, contact tracing, or vaccine distribution.

Reality check: Although many Black entrepreneurs are starting businesses, most of these startups are micro-businesses, where the owner is also the sole employee, Perry tells Axios.

  • Black people represent 14% of the U.S. population, but just 2% of owners of employer firms, which are businesses that employ people, he says.
  • “Wealth is the major driver,” Perry says. Employer firms are bigger and require more capital than many Black small business owners have access to due to racial disparities in who gets loans.

But the effect of the stimulus investment in Black communities can be a lesson, he notes. We shouldn’t just say we need to invest in people during a pandemic.”

We’d like to give a shout-out to the CFDA who, in 2020, for the first time in their 60-year history, recognized three Black designers with top awards: Kerby Jean-Raymond for Pyer Moss, Telfar Clemens and  Christopher John Rogers.

BLACK LIVES MATTER’S IMPACT ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY

A few Black supermodels who changed the fashion game. (Photo Credit: Getty Images, Collage Hello Beautiful)

One of the most visible impacts of the Black Lives Matter movement has been the increased representation of Black models on the runway and in fashion campaigns. The movement has also focused on the lack of diversity with regard to designers, photographers and stylists. In response, many fashion brands and organizations have made commitments to promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in their hiring practices.

André Leon Talley (1949-2022), editor-at-large for Vogue magazine, speaking to a reporter at the opening of the 2016  “Black Fashion Designers” exhibit at the Fashion Institute of Technology.  (Photo Credit: AP Photo)

Edward Enniful editor-in-chief of British Vogue and European editorial director of Condé Nast (Image Credit: The New York Times)

Kerry Washington and CFDA Stylist Award winner Law Roach. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement, there has been an increased focus on supporting Black-owned businesses, including fashion brands and designers. View our lesson by designer Parron Allen and read all about his success story on our blog.

Black-owned brands and designers to know such as, The Brooklyn Circus, Abasi Rosborough, ALLCAPSTUDIO, Albert 1941, Armando Cabral, Blackstock & Weber, Bricks & Wood, Brownstone, Darryl Brown, Denim Tears, Fear of God, G + Co. Apparel, Glenn’s Denim, Golf Wang, Martine Rose, Mifland, Nicholas Daley, Post-Imperial, Public School NYC, Ship John, Southern Gents, Studio 189, Third Crown, Union, and Wales Bonner. (Photo Credit: Gear Patrol)

The movement has also brought attention to the issue of cultural appropriation in the fashion industry. Many designers have been criticized for using elements of Black culture in their designs without giving proper credit or compensation, such as African textiles and handicrafts. In response, many designers have made a commitment to using cultural elements in a more respectful and culturally appropriate way.

In addition, the Black Lives Matter movement has been significant in promoting social justice. Many fashion brands and designers have used their platforms to raise awareness about social justice issues and to promote activism and advocacy. In addition, many brands have made donations to organizations that support Black communities and designers have created collections inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. UoF has been a supporter of Custom Collaborative and Black Fashion World, offering free access to our lesson library to assist their budding Black designers.

While there is still much work to be done, the Black Lives Matter movement has inspired many in the industry to make positive change and promote greater representation for the Black community.

Michelle Obama often supports young Black designers. At President Joe Biden’s inauguration she wore Sergio Hudson. (Photo Credit: The Cut)

BLACK DESIGNERS WHO’VE MADE A MARK ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY

Beginning with Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes, considered the first African American fashion and costume designer, as well as the first Black designer to open her own New York City shop in 1948, Black designers have played a significant role in shaping the fashion industry. From creating new styles and techniques, to challenging existing norms and pushing the boundaries of what is considered fashionable, Black designers have made a lasting impact on the world of fashion. Here are a few of our favorites, but of course there are many more.

PATRICK KELLY

Patrick Kelly surrounded by models in his looks. (Photo Credit: Vogue)

Patrick Kelly (1954-1990) was the first Black designer to be admitted to the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter in Paris. Kelly was known for his bold use of color, print, and texture in his designs and for his innovative use of buttons as a decorative element, a technique that is still widely used today.

STEPHEN BURROWS

Stephen Burrows’ collection for Henri Bendel in Central Park in 1970.Credit. (Photo Credit: Charles Tracy)

Stephen Burrows was the first Black designer to receive international recognition for his work. He is known as the originator of color-blocking, the Lettuce Edge, rainbow jersey dresses and was included in the Battle of Versailles 1973 (when five French designers were pitted against against five Americans). Burrows was the first Black designer to win a Coty Award. He dressed Michele Obama in a matte jersey pantsuit in 2009 and, in 2014, created his third Barbie®doll, Nisha™. Burrows received the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award at an exhibition of his work entitled An American Master of Invention at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).  

DAPPER DAN

Gucci and Dapper Dan’s Collaboration in 2018. (Photo Credit: Gucci X Dapper Dan)

Dapper Dan was a legendary streetwear designer from Harlem, known for his bold and irreverent designs that fused high fashion with streetwear. He was a pioneer of the “Hip Hop Fashion” movement and continues to inspire designers today.

WILLI SMITH

Willi Smith surrounded by models in his fall 1972 Collection. (Photo Credit: Willi Smith Archives)

Willi Smith was a fashion designer who rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was best known for his colorful and whimsical sportswear designs, which blended elements of streetwear and high fashion. Smith was one of the first African-American designers to achieve mainstream success and his eponymous fashion label, WilliWear, became popular among both celebrities and everyday consumers. Unfortunately, Smith passed away in 1987 at the age of 39.

BYRON LARS

For famed designer Byron Lars, the Spring 2012 collection was about giving up control! (Photo Credit: Essence)

Byron Lars is an American fashion designer and the creative force behind the Byron Lars Beauty Mark label. He is known for his timeless and sophisticated designs that celebrate the feminine form and his collections often feature structured silhouettes, bold prints, and rich fabrics. Throughout his career, Lars received numerous accolades for his work, including the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Talent in 1992 and the DHL Award for Fashion Excellence in 1998. He continues to be an influential figure in the fashion industry and his collections are sold in high-end department stores and boutiques around the world.

VIRGIL ABLOH

In 2017, Virgil Abloh won the British Fashion Award for Urban Luxe Brand for his label Off-White. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Virgil Abloh was a Ghanaian-American designer, artist, and DJ. He was best known for his work as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection, as well as for his collaborations with brands such as Nike, IKEA, and Rimowa. Abloh was also the founder and CEO of his own streetwear label, Off-White, which became one of the most influential brands in the industry. He is recognized for his unique creative vision and ability to bridge the gap between streetwear and high fashion. Sadly, the designer passed away on Nov. 28, 2021, of cancer. He was only 41 years old.

OZWALD BOATENG

Ozwald Boateng celebrates Black excellence during London Fall 2022 Fashion Week. (Photo Credit: Vogue)

Ozwald Boateng is a British fashion designer who has been at the forefront of promoting Black designers in the fashion industry. He was the first Black designer to open a flagship store on London’s prestigious Savile Row.

TRACY REESE

Tracy Reese returned to her hometown of Detroit to reimagine her approach to making clothes. (Photo Credit: The New York Times)

In business since 1998, Tracy Reese is a prominent American fashion designer who has been praised for her use of color and for her partnerships with Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Anthropologie. Throughout her 25 years in the industry, Reese has consistently promoted diversity and inclusivity and is a vocal advocate for greater representation of Black designers.

AURORA JAMES

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, wearing a white custom Brother Vellies gown with the words “tax the rich” at the Met Gala with designer Aurora James. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Aurora James is a Canadian-born designer and founder of the slow-fashion brand Brother Vellies. She is known for her commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion and for her use of traditional African techniques in her designs. In 2020, in response to George Floyd’s murder, James initiated a public challenge to retailers to make good on their solidarity promise by dedicating 15 percent of their shelf space — roughly the percentage of the population that is Black in the U.S. — to Black-owned businesses. The 15 Percent Pledge resulted in 400 Black-owned brands added to the inventory of retailers in the U.S.

LAQUAN SMITH

LaQuan Smith and a model in one of his recent designs. (Photo Credit: Grazia Magazine)

LaQuan Smith is a rising star in the fashion industry and known for his daring and provocative designs. He has been praised for his innovative use of materials and his commitment to promoting inclusivity in the fashion world.

FE NOEL

Designer Fe Noel with a few of her designs. (Photo Credit: WhoWhatWear)

Fe Noel is a Brooklyn-based, Grenada-bred designer who has been praised for her use of vibrant colors and has been a vocal advocate for certain causes. For her Spring 2023, in a partnership with financial services organization TIAA, she focused on retirement inequality by creating a corset-bodice gown tiered with $1.6 million in (faux, but entirely real-looking) dollar bills – the amount of potential savings lost for women, per a 30 percent retirement income gap.

OLIVER ROUSTEING

Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing is a celebrity favorite. Here he is flanked by Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner. (Photo Credit: AP Images)

Oliver Rousteing is a French fashion designer and creative director of heritage brand Balmain. In 2011, he was appointed creative director, making him one of the youngest creative directors in the fashion industry, as well as one of the first Black designers to run a French luxury house. Rousteing is known for his bold, sexy and daring designs that feature a mix of luxurious fabrics, embellishments, and prints. Rousteing has been praised for his ability to merge contemporary and classical elements, creating collections that are both modern and timeless. He has also been recognized for his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, and for casting a diverse range of models in his fashion shows and campaigns.

TELFAR CLEMENS

Telfar Clemens at home surrounded by his signature handbags, wearing a Telfar track jacket and pants and his own Ugg slippers. (Photo Credit: Harpers Bazaar)

Telfar Clemens is the creative director and the founder of the Telfar Global fashion brand. Born in Liberia and raised in the United States, Clemens began his career in fashion in 2005 and has since become one of the most influential and innovative designers of his generation. Clemens is best known for his unisex and gender-neutral designs that challenge traditional fashion norms and celebrate individuality and diversity. He is also known for his “Bushwick Birkin” bag, which has become a cult favorite among fashion insiders and has been seen on many high-profile celebrities and influencers.

KERBY JEAN-RAYMOND

Kerby Jean-Raymond made history with Pyer Moss Couture Debut during the Fall 2021 Couture shows. (Photo Credit: WWD)

Pyer Moss is a New York-based fashion brand founded in 2013 by designer Kerby Jean-Raymond. The brand is known for its socially-conscious collections that address issues of race, politics, and culture. Jean-Raymond has received recognition for his innovative designs and thought-provoking presentations.

CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS

Chistopher John Rogers (center) was the 2019 winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. (Photo Credit: CFDA)

Christopher John Rogers is a fashion designer based in New York City and is known for his use of bright colors and bold silhouettes.  The young designer gained recognition for his contributions to the industry through awards such as the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award and the Pratt Fashion Visionary Award. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times.

As the world continues to debate critical race theory (CRT) and the events of the last decade, which have increased public awareness about things like housing segregation, criminal justice policies and the legacy of enslavement on Black Americans, Canadians and Europeans, the fashion industry continues to do its part by becoming a more diverse institution.

Do you think the fashion industry is doing enough to support Black fashion labels? Let us know on our social media channels Instagram and Facebook