The Other Black Fashion Creatives

On Thursday, September 10th or on Monday, September 14th depending on who you talk with, some iteration of New York Fashion Week will occur despite Covid-19 pandemic. the CFDA's virtual fashion week is a 3 day attempt to follow other cities such as Milan, Paris, and London. However, because of mediocre global response; IMG announced in late July that they would provide in-person shows at Spring Street Studios and were accepting applications. No one can know what the result will be; but sadly once again it appears I; an aspiring event production person will not be in the mix.

Deciding to start an event production company came after years of volunteering, interning, and freelancing in the fashion events community; yet failing to secure a position with ANYONE. Even when the city shutdown due to the pandemic I participated with a small business incubator because I remained optimistic that we would get back to in-person activities; while they may be smaller and with more requirements. Cool. I can adapt to making sure the events I execute are maintaining social distance, participants are wearing masks, even researching the best ways to provide hospitality.

The shutdown, the pandemic, and the senseless murders of people of color by the hands of the police brought a good deal of things to a head in May. The biggest being an admittance that systemic racism exists EVERYWHERE in America. Specifically gratifying for me was the admittance by the fashion industry that they too; lack diversity within their community. Many were quick to jump on the wagon that said we have to provide equity to all people of color; but Back people in particular; because we are so poorly represented in an industry that we probably have the most influence on culturally. Now; let's keep it real; there has always been a call for more diversity in the fashion world. The discussion to this point has always revolved around two specific groups- designers and models. And possibly; that is why after a decade; we are still talking about a lack of diversity. Because let's face it while designers and models might be the Alpha and the Omega; there are a whole lot of letters in between that make up the alphabet; and similarly; in the fashion community there are a whole bunch of "others" that make it run.

So; what happened? The CFDA pledged one million dollars to the cause; however; the money is being used to benefit Black Designers. What about the photographers? What about stylists- clothing, hair, and make-up? What about the fashion journalists? Anna Wintour was one of many that admitted she was responsible for the lack of diversity at Vogue as well as some insensitive editorials. And while many publications pushed by making appointments, utilizing more talent, putting prominent Black people on covers, etc.; I am pretty sure that those interns that manage the closets for these magazines or the copywriters, etc. have noticed little change. I totally support the endeavor to develop more Black designers and more Black models; but I am apprehensive about the rest of us.

I would be less so if the Blacks in Fashion Council; an entity that emerged was more on point with their game. Launching on August 3rd they have identified their mission two-fold- analyzing the diversity of fashion companies which will take until Fall 2021; and creating a database for Black Fashion Creatives to align them with companies needing their services. However, in order to be in that pool you have to be vetted; and approved by a board for membership. I can say, I submitted my credentials on August 4th and my membership is still pending. So, hypothetically, if Calvin Klein, a supporter of the Council who usually shows in their showroom is looking to have a Black photographer create their look-book and the database is not up...........

Yes, I am anxious and impatient. I recognize that at this point and time I might actually be able to have a breakthrough professionally; but this time period is truly a sliver. Like catching lightning in a bottle; this is the time for me to strike. I applaud all these agencies that are opening to assist us; but I need it to go faster. If I could rely on the idea that the designers the CFDA and Harlem Fashion 360 are funding;are going to retain me I might feel less anxious. However, when starting on the path of special events some of the companies I tried to get hired by Sean John; BabyPhat, Tracy Reese etc. didn't notice me either. Because even Black-owned companies are not as diverse as they could be.

With all the different companies, coalitions, organizations etc. championing the cause of the Black Fashion Creatives; let us remember all of us. LeBron James who received funding from Black Enterprise to expand the media landscape should be creating a black fashion magazine with Mr. Andre Leon Talley as Editor-in-Chief. Jay Z and Beyonce who have been supporting small Black-owned businesses should create pop-ups in communities like Bed-Stuy, Harlem, and Jamaica, Queens; not only highlighting new designers but providing jobs in communities of color. Lincoln Center should be showcasing fashion the same way they do opera. We need an exhibit which features Black Designers at The Brooklyn Museum with an opening reception and the likes of Rhianna and Billy Porter hitting that grand staircase. And, finally, you should hire me to execute everything listed above.