Black Creatives In Fashion: 7 Powerful Women To Follow
The world does not progress without Black creativity, and that’s nowhere more apparent than in the fashion industry. Throughout history, Black men and women played pivotal roles in creating and advancing technical aspects within the fashion industry, while simultaneously demonstrating previously unseen innovation. Despite mainstream acceptance or acclaim, there isn’t a sector of this industry that a Black person hasn’t significantly impacted.
From couturier Ann Lowe - who created the wedding gown that Jackie Kennedy wore to marry JFK in 1953 - to global icon André Leon Talley - the first Back male creative director at VOGUE; the past several decades are saturated with intriguing and brilliant Black creatives.
With the first fashion season of the year in full swing, it proved to be the perfect time to highlight the impact of Black creativity in fashion. From editorial to show production to styling, the business of fashion is complex and requires departments to perfectly align in order to deliver an exceptional product.
Keep reading to learn about 7 Black creatives that are making moves in the industry while constantly creating spaces for others to flourish.
Shelby Ivey Christie
For years, Shelby Ivey Christie has been a staple in the social discourse, especially the intersection of fashion and race. As a fashion and costume historian, Shelby was recognized by Forbes' ‘30 Under 30’ and an honoree for the VOGUE Business 100 Innovator. On Twitter and Instagram, one can find Shelby delivering insightful and thoughtful commentary in a hilarious and digestible way.
From incredible deep dives into Black fashion history to hilarious takes on fashion’s breaking news, Shelby delivers insightful and thoughtful commentary in a digestible way, which has helped to solidify her status as a powerful emerging player in the fashion industry.
Ivy Coco
At this point, what can’t Ivy Coco not do? As the founder of the clothing line ‘House of Ivy’ and the newest stylist for her mother Sheryl Lee Ralph, Ivy Coco is an emerging force in the fashion industry. But, she doesn’t just serve looks, she also serves her community. For years, Ivy has been the creative director for WalkGood LA, an organization dedicated to bringing people together from all walks of life to fight for racial equity. Because of her work, Ivy was recently named in the CCNYC’s 2023 Creative Class, which celebrates Black culture-shifters across a variety of disciplines.
Aïssata Diallo
Dubbed the Internet’s “Mother Nature,” Aïssata Diallo is a dynamic content creator and model with close to 1M followers across her social platforms. Aïssata focuses on modest dressing, incorporating extraordinary shapes and textures to achieve style icon status. Aside from showcasing exceptional outfits and looks, Aïssata utilizes her platform to bring awareness to places and issues close to her heart.
Gabby Prescod
A veteran in the fashion industry at this point, Gabby Prescod is a fashion editor with a strong presence across all social media platforms, for both her fearless looks and equally witty commentary. Rising through the ranks of the editorial world, Gabby is currently working as the fashion director at large for Blanc Magazine. And if you still can’t get enough, be sure to watch her debut season on the Bravo hit show Summer House, airing now!
Jessica Cruel
Another veteran in the editorial industry, Jessica Cruel is the current Editor-In-Chief for Allure magazine and had a huge impact in creating diversity and inclusivity at one of the biggest magazines in fashion. When she’s not updating her audience on the latest fashion news, she’s dishing out advice on home ownership and home renovations, aptly named #LandlordLesssons by her following.
Sandrina Charles
With over 14 years of expertise specializing in fashion and lifestyle communications, Sandrine started her own business in 2016, Sandrine Charles Consulting. While building a business that centers on championing emerging brands, Sandrine saw a lack of opportunities for Black creatives in fashion and decided to help. In 2020, she co-founded Black In Fashion Council with Lindsay Peoples, to represent and secure the advancement of Black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry.
Toronto Shay
If there’s one person who understands the importance of representation in fashion, it’s content creator-turned-entrepreneur, Shannae Ingleton-Smith - better known as @TorontoShay to her loyal followers. After building a community of engaged fashion enthusiasts and dominating the industry for years, Shannae saw a huge gap in the marketing world for Black and brown creatives. This is the idea that led to the creation of Kensington Grey Agency, a boutique influencer agency rooted in diversity.
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Feature image by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for Allure
Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When you think of a Virgo, you think of Beyoncé, Zendaya, Idris Elba, Keke Palmer, and more. You think of the type of celebrities that have made their presence known through their tact, dignity, and work ethic. Individuals who own their skillset, yet also embrace a humble sort of approach to how they choose to express themselves and all they have done and accomplished.
Virgos are the type of people who will dedicate their whole lives to their careers but won’t sacrifice their vision or their personal taste in the process. They are the taskmasters of the zodiac, and the success of this earth sign is not only earned, but it is highly admirable.
Have you ever wondered why Beyoncé seems to do more in 24 hours than the average person? We have all heard the saying, “What Would Beyoncé Do?” when debating on how to move forward with something, and that is because Virgos can see solutions and the time it will take to execute said solution within seconds after presenting them with something. Virgos are the type of people you want on your team or leading the team altogether because they know what it takes to get the job done. In addition to making her mark in the haircare game with CÉCRED, Beyoncé has released three works of art within the past five years, each album its own entity and its own piece of her.
Beyoncé celebrates the launch of her hair care line, CÉCRED, with an intimate gathering.Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Media/WireImage via Parkwood
Virgos are a mutable sign, once you think you fully understand them, they will do something that keeps you on your toes. Hence, Beyoncé's newest work of art, her country-inspired album, Cowboy Carter, has fully shaken the music industry and changed the way we look at different genres and what is possible for its artists.
If you ask a Virgo what it means to be a Virgo, they’re going to say, “Beyoncé is a Virgo.” They know the weight those words hold and that by saying that alone, you get the full picture of what it means to be a Virgo.
"That Beyoncé, at 42, having worked in the entertainment industry since she was a teenager, is still conquering new charts is a testament to her work ethic, longevity and sheer cultural staying power," @KarenAttiah writes. https://t.co/o9wbBTcdyh
— Washington Post Opinions (@PostOpinions) April 7, 2024
No one is more proud to be a Virgo than Beyoncé, and no other zodiac sign is more proud to share a sign with a celebrity like Beyoncé than other Virgos. Her songs, "Virgo’s Groove," "Spaghetti," "Gift from Virgo," and the classic, "Signs," all showcase Beyoncé's love for the Virgo Maiden.
Virgos own their presence and stand by the work they do because they don’t do anything that doesn’t align with who they are. Virgos are perfectionists, but you can’t help but admire the fact that someone cares enough to want to make something perfect in the first place.
This dedication to their work is commendable, which is often why people look at these Virgo celebrities like Beyoncé in complete awe.
Virgos are so lucky.
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) July 29, 2022
A Virgo’s mind is like a computer, they are constantly analyzing information, figuring out what serves and what doesn’t, and making sure they have all the details. Virgos pay close attention to everything, and a lot of this has to do with the fact that they are Mercury-ruled as Mercury is their planetary ruler. Being a Mercurian is being someone who is ruled by the mind, and who is constantly receiving and seeking new information and insight. Virgos are organized, pragmatic, hard-working, intelligent, and love to help and be of service to others.
In Astrology, Virgo rules the 6th house which is the area of life that has to do with daily routine, lifestyle, work, health, colleagues, acts of service, and overall wellness. They do everything at 100% and you can see it in the results they bring.
Virgos don’t miss a beat, and you can look at all of Zendaya’s work and runway looks to support that statement.
Zendaya attends the World Premiere of 'Dune: Part Two' in 2024.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
The roles she has played throughout her career have all been vastly different, yet she has excelled in everyone and has created her own space in Hollywood. Virgos take one project and will not only accomplish it but will then look to top it and see how much further they can evolve from there.
Zendaya began her career in acting and has now produced for Euphoria, the Netflix film, Malcolm & Marie, and has goals to step into the director chair one day. This is the progression of Virgo.
Denis Villeneuve and Spielberg talking about Zendaya and how Denis could see her as a director 😊 pic.twitter.com/zPQCA0FUOM
— Justin (@jerstonfilm) March 26, 2024
Following the success of this year'sDune: Part Two, Zendaya’s new movie, The Challengers opens another new door for Zendaya and showcases the wide range this powerhouse is capable of. A Virgo is always trying to do better than who they were yesterday, and people close to them can attest to this.
So many fellow peers and colleagues who work with Zendaya rave about her work ethic and how much dedication she puts into what she does, and that energy translates on screen and to her fan base as well. Virgos are highly involved in everything they do and Zendaya’s press tour looks whenever she is working on a new project highlights that.
Zendaya’s red hair during the Spider-Man press tour, something seemingly so small, had such an impact because of her attention to detail. Or any of Zendaya’s Met Gala looks which always make the top list of best-dressed celebrities. Her attention to detail might even extend to her beauty choices as the starlet even once said toVogue Australia that she preferred to do her own makeup because, "I’m a Virgo and I know what I like."
Zendaya attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Met.
Noam Galai/Getty Images for New York Magazine
Virgos have a way of making efficiency look easy, effortless even. You give them a task, they are going to understand the assignment. These are the type of people who will work enthusiastically with you, and who love to feel like what they do or what they say, can truly have an impact on people. Virgo celebrities showcase this earth sign well, and their high standards translate into quality work. They think through everything, and their professionalism is often what leads them to success in life.
Just know, while you are sleeping, there is a Virgo out there who is working or thinking about their next move, and this is a sign that deserves all her flowers.
Honorable Virgo Celebrity Mentions:Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, Michael Jackson, Kat Williams, Cassie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Wiz Khalifa, Justine Skye, Jodie Turner-Smith, Sanaa Lathan, Angela Simmons, Ava DuVernay, Ludacris, Nas, Sofia Richie, Metro Boomin, Lil Yachty, Damon Wayans, Dave Chappelle, and more.
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Featured image by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage