BLK N FSHN

All eyes were on Anifa Mvuemba as she premiered her collection on IGTV using 3D renderings of each garment. This moment was an industry game-changer and has since received praise from the biggest names in the industry. In this episode, I profile Anifa's growth as a designer. 

Between the global pandemic and social uprising, the fashion industry is facing a reckoning where innovation and progression have become paramount now, more than ever before. Join me and special guests, Brooke Sharee & Diego Torres from the fashion media platform the HGHLT, as we discuss the impact these social changes could have on the world of fashion as we know it.

Follow the HGHLT on Instagram @thehghlt

Kerby Jean-Raymond is the founder of high-street fashion label Pyer Moss and an unapologetic activist. The Haitian-American designer is known for using his platform to share the Black American experience while speaking his own truth through creativity. His collections have touched on subjects such as police brutality and mental health while sparking controversy and debate within the industry. This episode profiles the growth, obstacles, and success of Kerby Jean-Raymond as he developed from a budding designer in New York City to a leader in the global fashion industry.

The 2020 MET Gala: "About Time: Fashion and Duration" was postponed this year due to the global pandemic.  In this episode, I connect with Sarita from Los Angeles-based fashion blog we.wear.now, to discuss the documentary "The First Monday in May" where we critique themes within the highly publicized and controversial 2015 Met Gala: "China: Through the Looking Glass". Watch the entire review on Instagram @we.wear.now.

As COVID-19 continues to impact millions of people worldwide, businesses, big and small, across all sectors of fashion and beyond are doing their part to help combat the spread of this virus. The Kente Club Co. was one of the first brands I found that created stylish, affordable face masks. After ordering a mask myself, I had to connect with the founder of this emerging brand. Check out this bonus episode interview with the founder of The Kente Club Co, Kerene Nelson. To learn more about this brand and order your own mask, visit thekenteclub.co. You may also follow Kerene's platforms on IG @thekenteclubco, @kereneeeeee, and @ilovemelanin_

What better way to end this season than with an interview with legendary runway coach, Miss. Jay Alexander?! Best known as one of the main judges from America's Next Top Model, Mss. Jay has worked with models across the world from names like Naomi Campell to young models walking their first show. Take a listen as Miss. Jay shares insight on what it takes to break into the competitive world of modeling while sharing his own background and inspiration. Thank you all for your continued support, please rate, subscribe, and leave a positive review for BLK N FSHN on Apple or wherever you listen to Podcasts!

Last week, Thebe Magugu was the first person of African descent to be awarded the LVMH Prize for emerging fashion designers. Learn his story and how he came to achieve this prestigious award. Following the controversy of jewelry designer and CFDA Board member Kara Ross, Tom Ford has appointed several new members of the CFDA Board, all of which are people of color with 3/4 being Black designers.

One day, I was walking the streets of Philadelphia when I came across something that both caught my eye and piqued my interest. It was a traveling vintage & thrift store, a concept that was fairly new to me. After exploring the shop, I made a purchase and met the owner, Tia Whitfield. After talking with her about her unique business, I invited her to share her story with us on the show! If you're in the Philadelphia area, check out Retro Rewind Vintage & Thrift! You can follow them on Instagram @retro_rewindmobile.

You cannot go far in today's fashion industry without hearing his name. Whether you know him as the Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton Menswear, the founder of Off-White, or recognize his name from his iconic collaborations, Virgil Abloh has risen as one of the biggest names in fashion of today. Some may call him the king of "hype" since everything he touches becomes a trending topic, but where did he come from and how did he gain so much notoriety in such a short amount of time? 

Last month, Chanel and Gucci both announced new Heads of Diversity & Inclusion. This comes at a time where fashion brands have repeatedly made headlines over accusations of racism throughout the year. Has hiring a Head of Diversity & Inclusion just become the latest fad, or can these efforts actually bring about change? This week, we discuss these PR scandals along with their impact on brand image and customer reception with special guest and fashion-media expert Brooke Sharee. Follow her on Instagram @bpsharee and @thehghlt.

Ghanian-born designer Mimi Plange has been featured on the pages of Vogue and Harpers Bazar with her designs worn by names like Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, and Rihanna. After a decade of working in the New York fashion industry, Mimi launched her own ready-to-wear brand inspired by modern American luxury sportswear with an infusion of dark romance and international influence. This week, Mimi shares her background, inspiration, and advice for aspiring designers who want to make it in the fashion industry.

Check her out on Instagram @mimiplange and mimiplange.com.