Constance C.R. White is an award-winning journalist and author of the popular Rizzoli coffee table book “How to Slay.” She has helped steer brand and editorial direction for some of the most exciting companies, from magazines like Essence and Elle to The New York Times and eBay. Constance is a consulting editor for Silicon Valley startup Ozy.com and edited the bestselling book “From the Editors of Essence: Salute to Michelle Obama.”
Black Style Matters
Event Overview
In this panel, four Black industry professionals will discuss the barriers to success that they have faced and offer solutions and strategies that fashion brands and publications can adopt in order to be more racially equitable and inclusive. They will also share helpful tips on the best ways for future fashion professionals to capitalize on the heightened racial awareness created by the current social justice movement. Join us for a courageous conversation about the future of Black fashion talent and the manner in which the fashion industry can and should move past its long history of creative and professional marginalization.
What You'll Learn
- The obstacles and opportunities currently experienced by Black professionals working in the fashion industry
- Tips and strategies for minority professionals interested in effectively navigating future employment within the industry
- Insights from insiders on what the fashion industry needs to do to be more equitable and inclusive
Speakers
Helen Aboah is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Zen, a design vision and philosophy company founded by fashion icon Donna Karan. Urban Zen defines the space where creativity, culture, and collaboration converge with retail, technology, wellness, and social impact. Helen’s cross-industry career spans fashion, hospitality, health and wellness and entertainment, with a deep foundation in the global luxury goods market across wholesale and retail (digital and physical channels). Helen was previously a member of the executive team at the global luxury brand LVMH/Donna Karan International and at Alexander Wang, where she led the global merchandising and supply chain.
Mikaila Brown is a fashion anthropologist with a doctorate in Anthropology and Education from Columbia University. After working for designers like Oscar de la Renta, Pamela Roland, and Betsey Johnson, she ran a socially conscious fashion line for four years. This has evolved into The Common Thread Project (TCTP), a travel and fashion brand which highlights the cultural diversities within the fashion industry by investigating the style trends of local communities. TCTP uses anthropological tools to unpack the historical, cultural, and political roots behind the trends that locals wear, specifically looking at the ways in which these communities use style choices to communicate who they are and what they value. Dr. Brown shares this knowledge with the public by offering cultural shopping tours through Airbnb’s new experiential arm. Her company also works with fashion brands to help them provide design options that are as culturally sensitive as they are consumable.
Shirae D. Ravenell is the Senior Director of Product Development and Production at Bandier, managing women’s private-label activewear. Her achievements have made her a thought leader and pacesetter with significant contributions in apparel manufacturing. Shirae’s journey into fashion started as a merchandising intern for Louis Vuitton and went on to include brands such as LOFT, Alexander Wang, and COACH RTW. She is also the founder of Back of House Business Essentials, an online course in product development and apparel production.
Constance C.R. White is an award-winning journalist and author of the popular Rizzoli coffee table book “How to Slay.” She has helped steer brand and editorial direction for some of the most exciting companies, from magazines like Essence and Elle to The New York Times and eBay. Constance is a consulting editor for Silicon Valley startup Ozy.com and edited the bestselling book “From the Editors of Essence: Salute to Michelle Obama.”
Helen Aboah is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Zen, a design vision and philosophy company founded by fashion icon Donna Karan. Urban Zen defines the space where creativity, culture, and collaboration converge with retail, technology, wellness, and social impact. Helen’s cross-industry career spans fashion, hospitality, health and wellness and entertainment, with a deep foundation in the global luxury goods market across wholesale and retail (digital and physical channels). Helen was previously a member of the executive team at the global luxury brand LVMH/Donna Karan International and at Alexander Wang, where she led the global merchandising and supply chain.
Mikaila Brown is a fashion anthropologist with a doctorate in Anthropology and Education from Columbia University. After working for designers like Oscar de la Renta, Pamela Roland, and Betsey Johnson, she ran a socially conscious fashion line for four years. This has evolved into The Common Thread Project (TCTP), a travel and fashion brand which highlights the cultural diversities within the fashion industry by investigating the style trends of local communities. TCTP uses anthropological tools to unpack the historical, cultural, and political roots behind the trends that locals wear, specifically looking at the ways in which these communities use style choices to communicate who they are and what they value. Dr. Brown shares this knowledge with the public by offering cultural shopping tours through Airbnb’s new experiential arm. Her company also works with fashion brands to help them provide design options that are as culturally sensitive as they are consumable.
Shirae D. Ravenell is the Senior Director of Product Development and Production at Bandier, managing women’s private-label activewear. Her achievements have made her a thought leader and pacesetter with significant contributions in apparel manufacturing. Shirae’s journey into fashion started as a merchandising intern for Louis Vuitton and went on to include brands such as LOFT, Alexander Wang, and COACH RTW. She is also the founder of Back of House Business Essentials, an online course in product development and apparel production.
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