The world of fashion is always evolving and pushing boundaries, and one recent event served as a celebration of the influential and groundbreaking contributions of black designers. On October 2nd, a panel of esteemed designers came together at the Museum at FIT to commemorate the release of WWD’s “Black in Fashion: 100 Years of Style, Influence and Culture” book.
The panel, moderated by WWD’s style director, Alex Badia, included designers Tracy Reese, Mimi Plange, and Stephen Burrows. These talented individuals have each made their mark in the fashion industry, breaking barriers and inspiring others along the way.
The event was a part of the museum’s “Black Fashion Designers” exhibition, which showcases the achievements of black designers throughout the past century. The exhibition features over 75 garments and accessories from more than 60 designers, highlighting their unique perspectives and contributions to the fashion world.
As the panel began, each designer shared their personal journey and experiences in the fashion industry. Tracy Reese, known for her feminine and vibrant designs, spoke about the importance of diversity and representation in the industry. She emphasized the need for more inclusion and recognition of black designers, stating that “we need to see more diversity not only on the runway, but also behind the scenes.”
Mimi Plange, who has dressed celebrities such as Michelle Obama and Rihanna, shared her journey of starting her own fashion line and the challenges she faced as a black designer. She also spoke about the significance of African-inspired designs and how they have influenced her work.
Stephen Burrows, a pioneer in the industry, discussed his groundbreaking career and the impact he has had on the fashion world. He highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s own vision and not conforming to societal norms. “I never wanted to be a black designer, I wanted to be a designer,” he stated, emphasizing that talent and creativity know no boundaries.
The panelists also delved into the topic of cultural appropriation in fashion and how it affects black designers. They stressed the importance of giving credit where it is due and acknowledging the origins of certain designs and styles.
The event also featured a book signing of WWD’s “Black in Fashion” book, which celebrates the achievements of black designers throughout the past century. The book features iconic images and stories of influential designers such as Dapper Dan, Patrick Kelly, and Virgil Abloh.
The panelists also took the time to answer questions from the audience, providing valuable insights and advice for aspiring designers. They encouraged young designers to stay true to their roots and to never give up on their dreams.
As the event came to a close, it was clear that the panelists had not only shared their personal journeys, but also their hopes for the future of the fashion industry. Their inspiring words and achievements serve as a reminder of the immense talent and creativity that exists within the black community.
The “Black in Fashion” panel at the Museum at FIT was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the enduring influence of black designers in the fashion world. It served as a reminder that fashion knows no boundaries and that true talent will always shine through. As we continue to push for more diversity and representation in the industry, events like this serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.
