BLK N FSHN

Justin Haynes is the founder and CEO of RTW fashion brand JUS10H. Justin launched his brand after leaving a successful career in retail and hasn't looked back since. Over the last decade, JUS10H has shown collections internationally, been featured in several major publications, and has even been adorned by some big names in entertainment.  This week, Justin and I discuss his jump from retail to fashion design, his experience building a RTW brand outside of a major fashion capital, and the importance of mentorship in a creative industry. For more information on Justin and the JUS10H brand, please visit jus10h.com or follow the brand on Instagram @theofficialjus10h.

On July 10, 2021, Pyer Moss premiered their couture collection, returning to the runway after a two-year hiatus. This collection, titled “What U Iz”, brought the creativity and innovation of Black inventors to the forefront of a society where their contributions are oftentimes more overlooked than not. Creative Director, Kerby Jean-Raymond, also made history as the first Black American designer to show during Couture week. For this episode, I'll discuss the 5 reasons why this show has proven itself unforgettable.

This week I interviewed Nicola Watson, the founder of Le Fashion Lab, based in Atlanta, GA. Nicola created Le Fashion Lab to provide students of all ages with hands-on, technical skills and business savvy needed to launch their own careers in fashion design. During this interview, we discuss the inspiration behind Le Fashion Lab, Nicola's background in fashion design, and common misconceptions about starting a career in fashion.  **This interview was conducted pre-COVID, so no COVID updates are included in this interview. Please visit lefashionlab.com for more info.

Its been nearly one year since Beyoncé dropped the epic visual album Black is King as a companion to the 2019 soundtrack for The Lion King remake. The music, choreography, and visuals were unforgettable, but many also agree that the fashion took center stage in this production. For this week’s episode, I was able to connect with one of the talented designers whose pieces were featured in this amazing project.  Timeekah Murphy is the founder of the Alani Taylor brand and co-founder of Déviant La Vie, both of which were featured in the music videos for Bigger and Spirit and played a huge part Timeekah’s growth as both a streetwear and high fashion designer. During this interview, we’ll talk about her unique military background, how she discovered her passion for fashion design, and of course, her experience designing for Queen B herself. You can learn more about Timeekah and Alani Taylor at alanitaylor.com or follow the brand on Instagram @alanitaylorco.

Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter was the first Black person to ever win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for her work on Ryan Coogler’s Marvel superhero film Black Panther (2018). Prior to this win, she’d previously been nominated for her work on Amistad (‘97) and Malcolm X (‘92). She’s also credited for films such as School Daze (‘88), Do the Right Thing (‘89), What’s Love Got to Do with It (‘93), B*A*P*S (‘97), Love & Basketball (‘00), and Selma (‘14) just to name a few. In December 2020, SCAD FASH (Atlanta) partnered with Carter to launch her premier exhibition, entitled 'Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.'  For this week’s episode, I discuss the exhibition with the Director of SCAD FASH Exhibitions and Co-Curator for this exhibit, Rafael Gomes. Learn more about the exhibit and SCAD FASH at scadfash.org

You may know Elaine Welteroth as one of the co-hosts on CBS The Talk or as a New York Times Bestselling Author, but did you also know that she was the first Black Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue and only the second Black EIC in Conde Nast history? Under her leadership, she increased Teen Vogue’s coverage of politics and social justice, encouraged readers to become civically engaged, and developed the magazine’s first YouTube channel, featuring content on diverse subjects from campus-style to cultural appropriation. Check out this week’s episode of BLK N FSHN as I profile this young mogul in the making.

On April 5, 2021 Banana Republic announced a collaboration with Los Angeles-based designer, Prep Curry, in a dual-gender capsule collection. This self-taught designer is best known for his bold use of color and print, with floral being a key signature pattern. For the season premiere of BLK N FSHN, I interviewed Prep Curry where we discussed his incredible journey which led him to this collaboration with one of the world’s largest fashion retailers.

...and we're back! Here's a quick update BLK N FSHN and where I've been.

Many brands have jumped onto the performative allyship bandwagon with posts proclaiming Black Lives Matter despite histories of discriminatory, micro-aggressive acts within their own businesses. These brands include, but are not limited to, Reformation, Anthropologie, and Ferragamo just to name a few. Luckily, many of these brands are being called out by former employees of color for their blatant hypocrisy.    This week I was able to connect with former Zimmermann intern, Desiree Celestin, as she shares her experience interning for the global, Boho fashion label. Desiree was reposted on @diet_prada when she left a damning comment under Zimmermann's #BlackLivesMatter post on IG. This week, she shares her first-hand experience as an intern for this brand, why she left the internship, and the response she received for her speaking out.   You may follow Desiree and her business on Instagram @desireejcelestin and @lpdshoppe.

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.

Designer, dressmaker, couturier, businesswoman, and entrepreneur are a few of many titles used to describe our subject for this week.  Described as "Society's Best Kept Secret" Ann Lowe is one of America's forgotten legends whose work rivaled some of the biggest names in fashion, yet she never received the credit she deserved during her lifetime.

This week's episode we'll discuss Rihanna's entrepreneurial spirit, growth as a fashion icon, and the launch of her LVMH fashion brand Fenty.  Follow my special guest, Teyonna Lanez, on Instagram @teyonnalanez or visit her website at teyonnalanez.com.

This week's episode features an interview with community advocate, artist, and the founder of Black Men Smile apparel, Carlton Mackey.  Check out his apparel at blackmensmile.com.  You can also follow him on Instagram @carltonmackey or @blackmensmile.

This week's episode will profile the background, career, and legacy of the legendary fashion editor, historian, and icon Andre Leon Talley.

Hello, world and welcome to Black in Fashion!  Check out this preview to learn more about the show, the host, and what to expect this season.