Olivier Rousteing

is a French fashion designer, assumed the role of creative director at Balmain in 2011, succeeding Decarnin. Despite his young age and relative obscurity at the time of his appointment, Rousteing brought a fresh perspective to the brand’s aesthetic, aiming to infuse it with the elegance of French couture while maintaining Decarnin’s essence. Rousteing’s vision included incorporating an Asian influence into Balmain’s designs, recognizing the significant portion of the brand’s clientele from Asia. However, his ascent to such a prestigious position in the fashion world, especially as a minority, stirred some controversy within the industry.

Under Rousteing’s leadership, Balmain experienced notable growth, with menswear contributing significantly to the brand’s revenue, accounting for 40 percent. Though exact figures were not disclosed, estimates suggest Balmain’s revenue surged between 15 to 20 percent from 2012 to 2015. Rousteing also expanded Balmain’s retail presence, establishing standalone boutiques in London and New York City, with plans for further expansion. Leveraging his connections with high-profile celebrities like Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, EMFAM, and models, including those associated with Victoria’s Secret, Rousteing played a pivotal role in Balmain’s social media success, notably becoming the first French label to surpass one million followers on Instagram.

In 2019, Rousteing’s personal discovery shed new light on his own identity. Though he had previously believed he was of mixed race due to his skin color, he learned that he is fully African, with a Somali birth mother and an Ethiopian birth father. This revelation adds another layer to his journey and accomplishments in the fashion industry, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in both personal and professional spheres.

---

Brandon Blackwood

From his Jamaican-Chinese background in Brooklyn, Brandon Blackwood’s trajectory in the fashion world unfurled along an unconventional path. While his roots suggested a traditional career trajectory, Blackwood charted a different course by delving into neuroscience studies at Bard College. Despite familial expectations of a STEM-focused future, his academic journey took an unexpected turn, revealing a passion for creativity and design. This divergence led him to internships at prestigious fashion publications and, ultimately, to a pivotal role as a buyer at Crossroads Trading. Amidst these experiences, Blackwood’s innate talent for design flourished, culminating in the creation of his iconic Portmore Backpack and catapulting him into the spotlight of the fashion industry.

---

Virgil Abloh

Born in Rockford, Illinois, United States, made his mark as a visionary in the fashion world. He kicked off his journey with Pyrex Vision in 2012, a line that grabbed attention with its bold fusion of high fashion and street culture. Expanding on this success, Abloh took another leap by launching Off-White in 2013, headquartered in Milan. As the driving force behind the brand as its CEO, he propelled Off-White to global fame, earning praise for its unique designs and forward-thinking approach. Sadly, Virgil Abloh passed away on November 28, 2021, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the fashion landscape. His innovative spirit solidified his status as a trailblazer, leaving an unforgettable impact on the industry.

---

Pyer Moss (Kerby Jean-Raymond)

Kerby Jean-Raymond, the visionary behind Pyer Moss, captured global attention with his Spring 2016 Menswear Collection, which debuted during New York Fashion Week. This groundbreaking show boldly addressed police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement, fusing fashion with social activism through videos, street art, and powerful statements. Jean-Raymond’s personal experiences, including being a victim of racial profiling, deeply influence his work, as seen in collaborations with icons like Erykah Badu for the “Double Bind” collection. His creative genius and dedication to social change have earned him numerous accolades, including the FGI Rising Star Award and recognition on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list. His impact extends beyond the runway, with celebrities and influencers proudly wearing Pyer Moss, and his recent appointment as Global Creative Director of Reebok solidifying his status as a transformative force in both fashion and culture. 

---

Telfar Clemens

Born in 1985 in Lefrak City, Queens, Telfar Clemens is a Liberian-American fashion designer and the founder of the fashion label Telfar. Clemens has earned acclaim in the fashion industry, winning prestigious awards such as the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, as well as the CFDA American Accessories awards in both 2019 and 2020. Raised by Liberian parents, Clemens briefly resided in Liberia before relocating to Gaithersburg, Maryland, to evade the Second Liberian Civil War. His journey into fashion began during his high school years at New York’s P.S. 206, where a monogram given by his teacher inspired the signature logo of his brand. Combining his interests, Clemens founded his eponymous unisex fashion brand, Telfar. He ultimately graduated from Pace University in 2008 with an accounting degree.

Clemens’ career trajectory saw significant milestones, including his partnership with Babak Radboy, who later became his creative director and business partner at Telfar in 2013. In 2014, Clemens introduced the inaugural version of the Shopping Bag, which would soon become a coveted fashion accessory. Collaborating with Radboy, Clemens showcased his artistic vision at the Berlin Biennale in September 2016, featuring an installation complemented by a video crafted by artists Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch. One of Clemens’ notable collaborations occurred in May 2017 when he partnered with musician Solange Knowles to design outfits for Knowles and her dancers for “An Ode To,” an interdisciplinary performance at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Through his innovative designs and collaborations, Telfar Clemens continues to leave a significant imprint on the fashion landscape.

---

 

Aurora James

Aurora James is a Canadian creative director, activist, and fashion designer. In 2013, she established the fashion label Brother Vellies, aiming to champion traditional African design practices and techniques. In 2020, James launched the 15 Percent Pledge as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses. Her memoir “Wildflower” was published in 2023.

Born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Aurora James comes from a diverse background, with a Ghanaian father and a Canadian mother. Her upbringing was split between Canada and Jamaica. In 2010, she made the move to Los Angeles before eventually settling in New York City.

---

Christopher John Rogers: CJR

Christopher John Rogers, an American fashion designer, hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. Making his debut in the fashion world at the young age of 24, Rogers showcased his first collection in fall 2018. In 2019, he attained the prestigious top prize at the 16th CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Christopher John Rogers comes from a family with a rich artistic background. His mother, Johnell, transitioned from a ballet dancer to a medical technologist, while his father, Christopher, initially pursued photography before embarking on a career in library technology at Southern University. During his time at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Rogers began honing his design skills, even creating a line for New Orleans Fashion Week. His early influences encompassed a diverse range, from anime to the artworks of Paul Gauguin, as well as the monochromatic attire donned by his grandmother and fellow congregants at the Baptist church his family attended. Despite originally intending to attend Parsons School of Design, Rogers ultimately graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2016 after his acceptance letter from Parsons was lost in the mail.

---

Carly Cushnie

Carly Cushnie, a Creative Director and Fashion Designer based in New York, infuses every aspect of her work—from the runway to lifestyle and home—with a sophisticated yet diverse aesthetic. With roots in London, Cushnie pursued her fashion education at Parsons School of Design in both Paris and New York, earning her BA in Fashion Design.

Renowned for her luxury women’s Ready-to-Wear collection, CUSHNIE, Cushnie is celebrated for her meticulous tailoring and graceful drapery, making her designs a favorite among celebrities like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Zendaya, Ava Duvernay and Rihanna.

---

LaQuan Smith

renowned for his glamorous and alluring designs, has become a go-to for celebrities like Beyoncé and Rihanna, earning him a coveted spot among fashion elites. Born on August 30, 1988, in Queens, New York, Smith stands as a distinguished luxury fashion designer and the creative force behind the women’s fashion label, LaQuan Smith, LLC, headquartered in the bustling streets of New York City. With Smith at the helm as chief executive officer, the brand has established itself as a symbol of sophistication and creativity.

Smith’s journey into the fashion realm commenced in his formative years, ignited by his grandmother’s heartfelt gesture of gifting him an old Singer sewing machine at the tender age of 13. This pivotal moment ignited his passion for crafting garments and propelled him towards his aspirations.  

---

Stella Jean

Stella Jean is renowned for her vibrant designs that intricately weave together her Haitian and Italian heritage, emphasizing sustainability and ethical practices. Despite initially studying political science, Stella Novarino, an Italian designer with Haitian roots, found her passion in fashion after a stint in modeling. She taught herself the craft and collaborates with artisans worldwide. Notable accolades include placing second in a Vogue Italia contest and showcasing eco-friendly fabrics at Milan Fashion Week SS14. Beyond her creative endeavors, Stella actively fights against racial discrimination and co-founded the WAMI initiative. Despite facing challenges, including industry criticism, she remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, as seen in her bold decision to withdraw from Milan Fashion Week in 2023.

---

Martine Rose

a British menswear designer born in 1980, is based in London, where she established her eponymous label in 2007. What began as a focused shirting collection has since transformed into a globally recognized brand, celebrated for its authenticity and modern aesthetic. With roots in her Jamaican-British heritage and a deep connection to London’s diverse music and cultural scenes, Rose’s collections exude a unique blend of underground appeal and international acclaim. Known for her innovative approach, Rose is sought after as a consultant and collaborator in the fashion industry, consistently influencing the trajectory of contemporary menswear. Central to her ethos is a commitment to community, reflected in her unconventional choice of show venues, ranging from covered markets to neighborhood cul-de-sacs and primary schools.

---

Grace Wales Bonner

born and raised in South London to an English mother and Jamaican father, experienced a multicultural upbringing between Dulwich and Stockwell after her parents’ separation. She honed her craft at Central Saint Martins, graduating in 2014 with accolades such as the L’Oréal Professionnel Talent Award for her BA collection “Afrique.” Since then, she has garnered numerous awards, including “Emerging Talent – Menswear” at the 2015 British Fashion Awards, the prestigious 2016 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, and the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund in 2019. Her remarkable achievements continued with the CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year award in 2021 and the British Fashion Council/GQ Designer Fashion Fund in 2023.