Black represention in Fashion

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Permalink Reply by Admin on June 30, 2008 at 3:36pm

Hey Kristin, Thanks for joining and taking the initiative to start an important discussion. Because, we've recently launched, the groups are less populated. Therefore, you are more likely to get a great dialogue started on this topic if you posted it in the Kitchen Table Forums. There, anyone, even those who are not part of this group will be able to view and respond to your topic. Right now, only those who are members of this group will be able to see and respond to your article.

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Permalink Reply by Cee Cee on July 2, 2008 at 9:50pm

There are women of color behind the scenes in fashion but don't often get the chance to break out. For some reason the brothers have a better shot at getting to the forefront. Look at Edward Wilkinson and Patrick Robinson. Unfortunately, I don't think celebrities really count. Come on, who believes they actually design the stuff that their names are on. People buy it for the name alone, not because it looks good. Tracey Reese has hung in there but still doesn't have the noteriety she deserves.

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Permalink Reply by Admin on July 2, 2008 at 11:48pm

Hey,

Check out this microsite i created a little while back. It showcases African Americans that have pioneered in fashion. Who do you think was left out?

Click Here to see the gallery

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Permalink Reply by kristin haskins on July 3, 2008 at 11:09am

Yeah there are some good people on there. WIlli Wear! Wow, taht takes me back but are still celebrities on there and like Cee Cee said, celebrities don't really count. .. .

But good job on the site!

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Permalink Reply by Cee Cee on July 3, 2008 at 12:13pm

I liked the site too. But the people that stick out are still men: Patrick Kelly, Byron Lars. It's a shame that Tracey Reese is the only current name in the mix.

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Permalink Reply by kristin haskins on July 3, 2008 at 1:08pm

Exactly. Why do we only see Tracey Reese?I know Damion Dash's wife has a collection which I saw on Style.com but her clothes are not that great. I was hopeful but disappointed. I guess my concern is that I know there is talent out but we never hear about them. And I think it would be good for young people especially to know about designers of color and more about the industry as a possible career path.

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Permalink Reply by Cee Cee on July 4, 2008 at 1:55am

I went to Pratt and there have always been women of color in the fashion design program. I wonder what happens to them once they graduate? One woman I went to school with changed course entirely and became a chef, go figure. I think Damon Dash's wife falls into the celebrity category, although she isn't famous for anything of note. He has the money and backs her less than stellar work.

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Permalink Reply by kristin haskins on July 7, 2008 at 11:18am

Isn't that a shame? No talent getting backed by big $$. Actually a guy I know worked for Sean John, he was his Accountant and Financial Advisor, #2 guy in the company. He wore on of Sean John suits and wanted to crawl out of his skin. He said it was poorly made and just felt like his skin couldn't breathe. So he may be a billionaire now but it's because he skimps on the quality of the product. That is so sad and frustrating to hear. I guess I frustrated because I know I have talent (I design clothes) and have been told but don't know how to really put myself out there without being a celebrity, or married to one. . ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Cee Cee on July 7, 2008 at 1:18pm

Sister, if this is your passion don't give up. You never know when the right person will be wearing one of your designs at the right time and voila backers will emerge. In the meantime, let me know how I can help get the word out on your stuff. Keep the faith.

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