Fashion First Black Voices in Fashion

The fashion industry’s external look might give the impression that race and religion are unimportant, particularly in this enlightened period where everyone is encouraged to wear fashion. The fashion industry’s external look might give the impression that race and religion are unimportant, particularly in this enlightened period where everyone is encouraged to wear fashion.
But in the background, black people and people of color (POC) in 2023 are still fighting for acceptance and recognition in a field where their abilities and voices have not received the same attention as those of white people.

There is a widespread belief that POCs in positions of authority should uphold the discriminatory status quo rather than serve as a model for other POCs. Every fashion week season, when POC and black people frequently experience racial prejudice and find opportunities to vent their grievances, brings this imbalance to light.

Our goal at The Garnette is to raise awareness of the persistent problems ailing the fashion industry and act as a catalyst for change.
To offer a thorough perspective, we consulted black fashion industry experts. Fashion stylist Jacques Point du Jour discusses

“Having your knowledge and opinions discounted as being less valuable than those of a white person while sitting in a room is one of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered time and time again. Then, after having to consider other options that weren’t great in the first place, your original idea ends up being the one that gets chosen in the end.”
Many black people in the field may relate to this scenario, which serves as further evidence that they are not skilled enough or have the necessary abilities to be given serious consideration.

With years of expertise in the beauty and fashion industries, Maria Atubiga is a makeup artist and businesswoman. She expresses her viewpoint as a black woman, saying, “My experience as an HMUA has been mixed.” We are undoubtedly underrepresented in the fashion industry.

Because of negative experiences in the past with artists who were unfamiliar with their hair kinds and tones, she draws attention to occasions during fashion week when Black and Brown models carried their foundation in their purses. Maria calls on designers to promote inclusivity and highlights the need for greater black and brown representation in the fashion industry.

Black creatives have often expressed worries about being marginalized or disregarded in a field that has greatly benefited from black culture. Hip-hop culture’s strong effect on streetwear is partly responsible for the present fashion industry’s appeal. Street fashion pioneer Will Smith, a black guy from Philadelphia, was instrumental in taking streetwear from the pavement to the catwalk and beyond.

From the 1920s through the 1960s, Ann Lowe, an African-American fashion designer who paved the way, received recognition for her distinctive designs. Lowe’s fortitude in the face of racial discrimination enabled her to launch Ann Lowe Originals on Madison Avenue in 1968. Her long impact is highlighted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is now honoring her extraordinary work.

Even though these are only a handful of the accomplishments black people have made in the fashion industry, these trailblazers sometimes don’t get the recognition or appreciation they so well deserve. “I’ve definitely had to fight for jobs and bylines against people who did not have my resume but came with a certain ‘look’ or the connections already,” says a fashion insider, sharing insight into their experiences.

Even though initiatives like Fashion for All, Black in Fashion, and 15 Percent seek to address issues of diversity, getting into these venues is still difficult.
For blacks and POCs in the fashion business, these efforts provide them with a voice and a community, although entry may be limited for newbies or those without social capital. Diversity in these settings may become more reachable with more comprehension and an honest discussion about how to bring about meaningful change.
The purpose of this piece is to contribute to the ongoing discussion on diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry by encouraging more candid and open communication.

Content courtesy of The Garnette Report & NFH