In fashion’s expanded and more diverse new reality, brands have more options when it comes to choosing cultural collaborators and should approach collabs with an open mind, recognizing the value of once-outsiders like rappers, graffiti artists, athletes, and beyond to influence a new generation of consumers. It’s important that brands give their BIPOC collaborators the space and resources to truly make a difference, making long-term investments in communities and upcoming cre

A movement towards handmade, one-of-a-kind, or custom clothes and accessories taps into how much Gen Z values uniqueness, sustainability, and being the first to discover something new online. What’s more, as talented non-white designers continue to shake up the homogeneity of the fashion industry, social media and peer-to-peer selling platforms like Depop give extra power to the small, independent designer. This has created a new path forward for young designers to follow, sk

Edward Enninful taking the reins at Vogue UK; Kanye West installed as creative director for an archetypically “white” brand like the Gap; TikTok driving trends unlike the runway ever has: it’s clear that fashion’s gatekeepers are changing, no longer the old guard of white, privileged perspectives that have dominated for so long. A new generation of creatives and consumers are dedicated to changing the system itself, breaking down old standards and building new power structure

It wasn’t just the political players who elevated the voice of Black creatives; in 22 year-old poet Amanda Gorman took the word by storm with her poetry and her Prada.  Gorman’s popularity and alignment with the Italian luxury brand signaled a shift towards a new kind of influencer: one who takes a stand and one who values purpose and people. Virgil Abloh and Louis Vuitton also tapped a poet, Kai-Isiah Jamal, to read for the FW21 men’s show. Image courtesy of: @kai_isaiah_jam

2021 has already provided the fashion industry with the hope of new beginnings; among them Kamala Harris, America’s first female, first Black and first Asian-American Vice President. The Biden-Harris inauguration was not just an important day for politics, but a timely reminder of the symbolic power fashion holds, and the power of political figures to help establish new designers. Kamala Harris in Christopher John Rogers.  Image courtesy of AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Harris

Image courtesy of: A look from the Monica Ahanonu collection for Peloton Four Black artists teamed with instructors from the fitness brand to create 18 apparel and accessories pieces. Peloton is celebrating Black History Month by introducing a special apparel collection intended to celebrate Black artists from around the world. The at-home fitness brand has collaborated with four artists to create 18 custom apparel and accessories pieces, each with its own story. The artists