Influential African American Designers In The Fashion Industry

Influential African American Designers In The Fashion Industry

Exclusivity made it difficult for many African Americans and Blacks to break into the fashion industry. But many have paved the way into the industry as designers, stylists and executives. Both black men and women designers have left their marks in the books of fashion history and it is time to appreciate these artists for their work. Here are 4 blacks who have become influencers in the fashion industry.

Arthur McGee

Arthur McGee was both a fashion designer and civil rights, activist. Born in Detroit in 1933, he left for design school in New York at just 18 years old. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in the 1950s, McGee went on to build a name for himself in the industry. In 1957, he began running the design room for Bobby Brooks, making him the first African-American designer to run the design room for an established brand. He continued breaking down bridges as stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s that had never stocked African American designs before, began selling his work. McGee later opened his own store in St. Mark’s Place in the 60s that immediately captured the attention of some of New York’s best dressed.

Perry White

Perry White has been in the fashion world forever and continues to make an impact with both his designs and personality. Throughout his career, Perry has dressed both male and female superstars. His designs manage to appeal to anyone and everyone. Perry has also received an award for his designs by Vogue and VH1. You can find goddesses like Queen Latifah and Macy Grey rocking his looks as well as musical legends Prince, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre who have all been seen killing it on the red carpet thanks to Perry White. Recently this year he has begun more projects with smaller brands such as The Rogue Collective along with the release of his new “Ath-Glam” collection, which was inspired by athleisure and glamor. Perry wanted to celebrate female sexuality by creating clothes that women could express themselves in. This new line is sleek, simple and absolutely sexy, he even included a few men's pieces in his latest collection.

Olivier Rousteing

Appointed to the helm of Balmain in 2011, aged 24, Olivier Rousteing was the youngest creative director in Paris since Yves Saint Laurent . Known for his embellished high-end gowns making. He has leveraged his behind-the-scenes role and access to promote what was a historic and traditional French house. ‘Balmain Army’ – a group of internationally famous women including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian-West, and Rosie Huntington-Whitely.

Scott Barrie

Scott Barrie began his empire in his New York apartment filling small garment orders for small boutiques. His big break came when prominent stores like Henri Bendel and Bloomingdale’s placed orders for his famous jersey dresses. In 1969 he opened his own workshops in the city and founded his company Barrie Sport. He was most famous for his work with jersey material. His jersey dresses were perfect for city socialites and celebrities going out for a night on the town.