Shennel Fuller’s Post

The evolution of Black women’s fashion reflects a journey of resilience and expression. Beginning during enslavement with enforced dress codes, Black women used fashion as a form of rebellion, showcasing their identity through headwraps and vibrant fabrics. Post-emancipation, they influenced trends as skilled seamstresses and embraced popular styles. The 20th century saw fashion align with social movements, from dignified “Sunday’s Best” in the civil rights era to natural hair as a symbol of protest during the Black Power Movement. Learn more about the creativity and adaptability of Black women in fashion at the link below. ⬇️

🌟 Spotlight on Telfar Clemens for Black History Month 🌟 As we celebrate Black History Month, it's crucial to highlight individuals who are not only excelling in their fields but are also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. One such trailblazer is Telfar Clemens, the founder and creative force behind the fashion brand Telfar. Under the guiding principle of "It's not for you — it's for everyone," Telfar has become synonymous with inclusivity and accessibility in the fashion industry. Clemens's vision extends beyond just creating gender-neutral and universally appealing designs; it's about challenging and reshaping the narrative around luxury and who it's for. Telfar's approach to fashion is a powerful reminder of the impact that businesses can have when they commit to inclusivity at every level. From the brand's pricing strategy to its community-focused marketing, Telfar is setting a new standard for how companies can engage with their audiences and create spaces where everyone feels represented. As professionals, it's important for us to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those who are breaking barriers and making significant contributions to their industries. Telfar Clemens's work is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the importance of building a more inclusive world. Let's take inspiration from Telfar's success and consider how we, too, can contribute to creating more inclusive environments in our own fields. https://lnkd.in/gnz6vR4m #BlackHistoryMonth #Inclusivity #FashionIndustry #Leadership #TelfarClemens #OnlyHuman

Black is classic, right? Black is always the new black. But have you ever read an exploration of the intersection of fashion, culture, and humanities by tracing the attraction of black in the tapestry of western fashion history? This article has you covered... #fashion #culture #research #consumer

Get ready, y'all. Black cowboys are about to be everywhere this year. We're already seeing signs: Pharrell's Louis Vuitton show was centered on the Black cowboy (and modeled by real Black cowboys). Dapper Dan's collaboration with Gap centered on Western style. And then we're about to get Beyonce's country album and I can't wait to see her take on Western style. This has been my favorite story to write so far this year. I loved speaking with experts about why this aesthetic is hitting the mainstream now. Here are some highlights: 🐎 Cowboys are a uniquely American invention. Black cowboys made up a quarter of all cowboys in the American West in the years after the civil war. For young formerly enslaved men, it provided work that was slightly less oppressive than other options. 🐎 But in popular culture--in dime novels then movies--that came in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black cowboys were erased, and that influences how many of us think of cowboys today. 🐎 There's been a concerted effort by scholars and decedents of Black cowboys to correct the narrative. Now, pop culture is catching up. Fashion is now helping tell these stories. And I'm here for it!

One way to personally influence economic equity for Black and African Americans, is to be intentional when spending money and support Black-owned businesses. Find a few things on this list that you buy a similar product to anyway, and try something new. When that one time purchase introduces you to something you love, you may keep buying throughout the year and become a repeat customer. Eventually, you'll start checking out other products from the company and making recommendations to your friends and family. And voila! Your personal buying power is helping Black-owned businesses (and their owners, employees, and family members) thrive all year long- not just during Black History month!

There’s space in the fashion world for everyone. That includes independent retail. But what does it take to become an independent retailer? And what is it like to be a Black independent retailer, in an industry that hasn’t always been supportive of Black creatives? There’s a lot we can learn from Black independent retailers regarding business, but also regarding how to create a community and loyal customer base by creating space and opportunity and supporting others. This series is dedicated to highlighting Black independent retailers’ stories, and learning why they do what they do. Awet Goitom Woldegebriel, Alex St. Urbain, Jose Esperon

Let's take a second to talk about some seriously iconic people who've changed the fashion game. We're talking about those iconic black models who've rocked the runway. First off, let's talk about Naomi Campbell. She's the queen of the catwalk! Naomi's got this amazing vibe and confidence that's inspired tons of other models. She's not just a model, she's a trendsetter, showing girls everywhere that they can own their unique style and go after their dreams. 💃👑 Then there's Tyra Banks. You've probably seen her on the covers of all the top magazines and strutting her stuff on the Victoria's Secret runway. Tyra's all about breaking barriers and showing that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. With her pretty smile and unstoppable attitude, she's proved that anything is possible. 💁♀️💋 And let's not forget about Beverly Johnson. She was the first black model to ever grace the cover of American Vogue, which is epic. Beverly's grace and elegance changed the game and made space for tons of other models of color to shine. She's a trailblazer, and her impact on the fashion world is huge. 🌹💫 So here's to Naomi, Tyra, Beverly, and all the other models of color out there. They've made the fashion world way more inclusive and diverse, and that's something to celebrate. Let's keep spreading the love and embracing everyone's unique beauty! 🙌👏 #FashionIcons #BlackModels #Trailblazers #DiversityRocks #BeautyGoals #Inspiration #Legends #FashionForward #Inclusivity #Empowerment #RoleModels #FashionFaves #RepresentationMatters #Changemakers #StylishStars 🌟💃

The black businesses you probably haven’t heard of. It’s black business month. This month is important in emphasizing the importance and positive effect of black businesses. Here are some black women owned businesses to support. Jena Holiday of Spoonful of Faith | Illustrator designing wall prints, apparel, and home decor Gracemade | ethical and sustainable apparel Cloth & Paper | planners and stationary Rashida Coleman Hale | Illustrator designing wall prints, fabrics, and home decor Authenticality | non-toxic candles and body care What are other black businesses you love? #blackbusinessmonth #womenownedbusiness #womenentreprenurship

If you read one thing today, please make it this raw and insightful opinion piece. It’s from Nyaluak Leth one of the initial 13 models boycotting Melbourne Fashion Week to put the broader fashion and advertising industry on notice. There are now dozens more who opted out MFW for the same reasons including Modest Fashion Runways. “What happens to us does not happen to white models. It’s impossible to imagine a white model being asked to shave her head because a hair stylist doesn’t know how to style their hair. The fact that this occurred shows that in the mind of many within the Australian fashion industry, white is still the default. The reality is that many designers draw inspiration from the creative contributions of Black and other diverse cultures. But outside their Fashion Week catwalks, there is little diversity to be found within the offices, staff, look books or campaigns. There needs to be genuine efforts from the outside and in to improve this. Employ Black models and pay them equally, yes, but also employ Black creative directors, stylists, photographers, campaign managers, hair and makeup artists. It’s time for the industry to turn the lens on itself. If you saw what we see, you would boycott too. Racism is far from glamorous.” The Sydney Morning Herald Australian Fashion Council (AFC) City of Melbourne Australian Fashion Labels (part of IFG) Fashion Journal Mumbrella Adweek Ragtrader Modest Fashion Runways bandt #fashion #modelling #equity #racism #inclusion #tokenism #mfw #fashion