In an exclusive 2013 interview with British Vogue, Stella Jean, an influential Haitian-Italian designer and protege of the legendary Giorgio Armani, emphasized the power of fashion as a cultural translator and a means of combating colonization. According to Jean, fashion plays a vital role in restoring balance by integrating symbols, stories, and diverse worlds through style. In light of the Black Lives Matter protests that unfolded during the summer of 2020, this message holds newfound significance for leaders in the fashion industry.
Throughout history, high fashion and haute couture have adhered to Eurocentric beauty ideals, neglecting to acknowledge the undeniable impact of Black influence. From trailblazers whose work helped shape their respective eras to the modern trendsetters who define what is cool today, Black artists, creators, influencers, and luminaries have made substantial contributions to the highest echelons of fashion. This section of Black Ensemble: Fashion for the Culture pays tribute to the pioneers, models, designers, and thought leaders who have laid the groundwork for contemporary luxury fashion.
The present generation of Black creatives carries a rich legacy that must be protected and nurtured in the ever-evolving fashion world. However, we have only scratched the surface in highlighting the unsung heroes of fashion who deserve recognition from multibillion-dollar luxury brands that have reaped the benefits of their early contributions. As you delve deeper into this series, you will discover more forward-thinking features that celebrate the Black designers, stylists, and tastemakers who are currently propelling the industry to new heights. Additionally, we explore stories of triumph in mainstream fashion, where Black individuals are spearheading the movement for size inclusivity and challenging the tradition of cultural appropriation in commercialized fashion. Click below to uncover more Black Ensemble features.
Credits
Reporting: Ashley Davis
Editing: Stephanie Hallett
Copy editing: Jonann Brady
Series editing: Brea Cubit, Stephanie Hallett
Design, development, and graphics: Taylor Tyson
Design editing: Kazi Awal, Jenny Chang-Rodriguez
Photo curation: Crystal Cox, Isabel Fernandez-Pujol
Photography:
Josephine Baker Hulton Archive/Getty Images, General Photographic Agency/Getty Images, Gaston Paris/Roger Viollet via Getty Images, Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images;
Zelda Wynn Valdes Carl Van Vechten Collection/Getty Images, Bettmann / Getty Images, George Freston/Fox Photos/Getty Images;
Cicely Tyson AP, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Dennis Oulds/Central Press/Getty Images;
Dapper Dan Ezio Petersen/Getty Images, Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co., Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for Manhattan Magazine;
Donyale Luna RDB/ullstein bild via Getty Images, Patrice Habans/Paris Match via Getty Images, Jack Garofalo/Paris Match via Getty Images;
Tracey Africa Norman Business Wire, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for GLAAD;
Grace Jones Anthony Barboza/Getty Images, Chris Walter/WireImage, John Kisch Archive/Getty Images, Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images;
Winnie Harlow DANI POZO/AFP via Getty Images, Dave Benett/Getty Images, Kelly Taub/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images, Arturo Holmes/Getty Images;
Anne Lowe Bachrach/Getty Images, Ted Fitzgerald/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images, Bettmann Archive/Getty Images;
Jay Jaxon Bequest of Lloyd Hardy, Rachel Fenderson Collection, Bequest of Lloyd Hardy, Rachel Fenderson Collection, NBCU Photo Bank;
Willi Smith Thomas Iannaccone/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images, Anthony Barboza/Getty Images, John Bright/Penske Media via Getty Images;
Virgil Abloh Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, AP Photo/Thibault Camus;
André Leon Talley John Lamparski/Getty Images, Taylor Hill/Getty Images, Craig Barritt/Getty Images, Jemal Countess/Getty Images;
Telfar Clemens Jamie Squire/Getty Images, Arturo Holmes/Getty Images, Mireya Acierto/Getty Images;
Zendaya Edward Berthelot/Getty Images, Karwai Tang/WireImage, James Devaney/GC Images;
Pharrell Williams Anthony Reginato/Newspix/Getty Images, Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images, Evan Agostini/Getty Images;
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