Black Design Collective – First Take PR

June 1, 2024June 3, 2024

Woodbury University Honors Black Design Collective Founders Kevan Hall and TJ Walker at Spectacular Fashion Showcase

Woodbury University presented an incredible evening of fashion on May 9, 2024, at the Alex Theater in Glendale, CA, honoring the Black Design Collective and its founders, Kevan Hall and TJ Walker. The evening was hosted by Dean Jeff Bellantoni and Fashion Design Chair Anna Leiker.

“Our students and faculty admire Kevan Hall and TJ Walker’s brand identities, awareness, and contemporary approach to glamour and menswear. We also appreciate their work with the Black Design Collective Foundation, which supports independent professionals-of-color and the fashion community, creating opportunities for emerging generations of Black design talent. Their representation of Black designers inspires students and gives them hope for support within Los Angeles’s diverse fashion community. The university is thrilled to honor Kevan Hall and TJ Walker’s life and work at the Woodbury University 2024 Fashion Runway Benefit,” said Jeff Bellantoni, Dean, Woodbury University.

Founded in 2018, the Black Design Collective (BDC) comprises accomplished fashion industry professionals of color who amplify the influence and create opportunities for Black designers in the US and abroad. Hall and Walker’s speeches were a highlight of the evening, emphasizing their commitment to bridging the gap between established brands and emerging designers and inspiring the next generation of fashion leaders.

Kevan Hall

Kevan Hall’s fashion creativity embraces couture as an interpretive art form. Following his tenure as Design & Creative Director at Halston, where he revived the dormant iconic brand to its former glory, he launched his signature Kevan Hall Collection in 2001, with a fashion philosophy that emphasizes purity of style. Mr. Hall’s sleek evening wear is worn by a distinguished coterie of celebrated artists and appears on legendary red-carpet moments at Oscar and Golden Globe Awards. Hall has won the 47th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Award in Chicago as “Designer of the Year” and was awarded “Stylemaker of the Year” by Life & Style Magazine. He has given lectures at USC Norman Lear Center, LACMA, Museum of the African Diaspora (San Francisco)—where he discussed fashion’s current trends on and off the red carpet, as well as appearing in many TV shows.

Kevan Hall’s signature pieces graced the runway that evening, dripping with elegance and luxury. His collection, titled “Faceted,” featured metallic tweed separates, pink guipure lace dresses, and diamanté crystal gowns, which showcased his exemplary artistry. Hall’s creations emphasize purity of style, impeccable tailoring, and sensuous silhouettes, earning him a distinguished place in fashion.

“I am thrilled to be honored by Woodbury University and grateful that they acknowledge the work that TJ Walker and I have done to amplify the impact of Black designers and prepare the next generation for greatness!” —Kevan Hall

TJ Walker

TJ Walker’s influence in fashion began with Cross Colours in 1998, a collection known for its bold designs and positive messaging around African American culture. The brand quickly achieved global recognition, amassing over $80 million in sales within its first two years. Walker has received numerous accolades, including the Rising Star Award from the MFA and the Chrysler Award for Innovation in Design. He has also been a featured member of the President’s Commission on the NAFTRA agreement and has spoken at the White House on behalf of the fashion sportswear industry.

Models walk the runway in Cross Colours during the 59th Annual Woodbury University Awards featuring Black Design Collective Founders TJ Walker & Kevin Hall

TJ Walker presented the latest collection from Cross Colours, featuring hip apparel for the new generation. The collection included colorful garments, bold statements, and edgy pieces such as baggy pants, hoodies, sweatshirts, and vivid hooded jackets. Camouflage patterns broadcasted an urban message of style, power, and community. Cross Colours continues to hold its title as pioneer of urban fashion trends.

“As a college professor and fashion designer, I know the importance of a solid education. Woodbury University has provided that platform for many years to promising talent, and I applaud them for their work!” –TJ Walker

Woodbury University’s “Parallel Universes” was a diverse assemblage of runway shows that honored the exceptional talents and creativity of the sophomore, junior, and senior class in fashion design. And the evening featured collections that boasted a diverse array of fashion from Woodbury University’s graduating class. The fashions were bold explorations of forward-thinking design, featuring Kassidy Hayslett’s “Green Grass Grows All Around the World,” Nanor Petrosdian’s award-winning “Something Borrowed, Something New,” and Angelica Torres’s “Enchanted Garden Collection.” One particularly heartwarming presentation featured a graduating designer who made prom dresses and prom suits for high school seniors. Around 12 or 13 non-models walked the runway in these dynamic pieces made with love, creating a moving segment that highlighted the range of design motivations and the impact of thoughtful fashion. These are just some of the curations that demonstrated ingenuity, style, and inspiration that captivated the audience. These are just some of the curations that demonstrated ingenuity, style, and inspiration that captivated the audience. Highlights included Alumni Inspiration Award recipients Brittney Diego (Class of 2016 Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year); Brea Holmes (Class of 2016 Costume Designer of the Year); and Black Design Collective member Donny White (Class of 2022 Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year). White launched his label, Donny White Designs, LLC.

“Parallel Universes” was a tribute to the vibrant future of fashion, highlighting the incredible talent of Woodbury University’s graduating class’s 59th Annual Fashion Runway Benefit, celebrating the profound influence of the Black Design Collective. With trailblazers like TJ Walker and Kevan Hall leading the way, the fashion industry is poised for a future where diversity, creativity, and innovation continue to thrive.

About Woodbury University:

Founded in 1884 and located in Burbank, California, Woodbury University is a private, four-year, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution in Southern California. The federal government designates the university as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Woodbury’s Fashion design program has had a long association with Hollywood designers. Howard Greer was instrumental in creating the first professional costume design training, offered by Woodbury in 1931. William Travilla, famous for his Marilyn Monroe designs, was a Woodbury graduate. The program has a storied and long tradition of fashion runway events for over half a century. The university’s past honorees include Sue Wong, Albert Wolsky, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Gustave Tassell, James Galanos, Jennifer Nicholson, and Lisa Kline. Visit: Woodbury University

About Black Design Collective:

The Black Design Collective (BDC) is comprised of accomplished fashion industry professionals of color, dedicated to amplifying the influence and creating opportunities for Black apparel, costume, and accessory designers. Their mission focuses on promoting scholarship, education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship among emerging Black fashion design talent. The BDC aims to increase the number of designers of color who start, maintain, and scale their businesses, provide a pipeline of highly trained potential employees to industry businesses, and train more designers in the latest fashion technology and manufacturing systems. The BDC is a federally registered tax-exempt organization. Visit: Black Design Collective

(Original Source: https://www.prunderground.com/woodbury-university-honors-black-design-collective-founders-kevan-hall-and-tj-walker-at-spectacular-fashion-showcase/00336163/

October 25, 2023February 13, 2024

Black Design Collective Community Meeting Presents Bishme Cromartie

BLACK DESIGN COLLECTIVE: Community Meeting October 29th

The monthly Black Design Collective members community meeting will be held October 29th at 3pm PST/6pm via Zoom and in person at the Black Design Collective Creative Center.

Located at 127 E. 9th Street Los Angeles, California
Featuring Bishme Cromartie, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Cromartie’s work is confident, sexy, and architecturally captivating. His garments reflect characteristics of the art that inspires him. His work has been published in Elle, Essence, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, Vogue, The Washington Times, and WWD, as well as shown on Bravo.

The Black Design Collective – Where Fashion Meets Progress

Since its founding in 2018, the Black Design Collective has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the fashion industry. We are a dynamic group of accomplished fashion professionals of color, passionately committed to amplifying the influence and creating opportunities for Black apparel and accessory designers and costume designers, both in the United States and around the globe.Our mission is grounded in the three pillars of Scholarship, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship.

“We believe in fostering the next generation of Black fashion design talent through educational support, mentorship programs, and business opportunities. Our aim is to build a self-sustaining Black fashion community that empowers creativity, innovation, and success.Become a BDC member to be a part of these incredible, exclusive events.” -Black Design Collective

To sign up, Visit: https://tinyurl.com/BDCOct29 #BlackDesignCollective #bishmecromartie #ProjectRunway #firsttakepr

March 31, 2023September 28, 2023

Model/Activist Bethann Hardison Talks About Her Career in an Explosive Interview for BDC’s Pull Back the Curtain Series.

Held at the Black Design Collective Creative Center in Downtown LA, with model/activist Bethann Hardison, Goo Goo Atkins hosts a once-in-a-lifetime conversation, followed by an audience Q& A.

Los Angeles, CA – March 31, 2023

On March 18, 2023, the Black Design Collective presented an intimate conversation with Bethann Hardison, the first Vanguard recipient for the 54th NAACP Image Awards. The event was hosted by celebrity stylist and influencer Goo Goo Atkins (Goo Ru Style). This conversation is part of an ongoing series titled “Pull Back the Curtain.” After Atkins and Hardison took their seats, the audience focused their attention on the stage with quiet anticipation.

FIDM Founder/President Tonian Hohberg attends Black Design Collective Pull Back The Curtain: A Conversation with Bethann Hardison. (Photo by Karim Saafir)

“Bethann Hardison was engaging and entertaining. ‘The Oracle’ shared that throughout her life, she always spoke her mind, fearlessly seizing every career-changing moment. Goo Goo Atkins’s questions were so well researched, they caught Bethann by surprise on more than one occasion. And her witty, well-timed responses had us in stitches so much throughout the discussion, Ms. Hardison could add comedienne to her impressive lists of credits. Black Design Collective’s Pull Back the Curtain provided something that was very special and exclusive. It was a rare honor to witness this living legend in such an intimate setting!” –Kaylene Peoples, Agenda Founder & Editor-in-Chief

AGENDA Founder/EIC Kaylene Peoples and Grammy-Nominated Bassist Bunny Brunel as part of the audience attend at the BDC Creative Center Stage in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023

Goo Goo Atkins introduced Bethann Hardison, deeming her “The Godmother of Fashion,” informing the audience that she is “affectionately called ‘The Oracle.’” Atkins opened dialogue with Bethann by asking her about her outspokenness and if that came with maturity.

Host/Influencer Goo Goo Atkins at the BDC Creative Center Stage in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023

Bethann responds, “It’s funny, I’m writing a book now, so you do go back and you start realizing who you were. I started saying that I was always successful from the time I was 12 years old. I was a leader. Outspoken? Maybe to get some things done.” Hardison continues, “I was lucky to grow up in the garment business. It’s not a corporate world, so it was much easier to be who I was.” Atkins talks about the very few Blacks who were involved in the fashion industry in the 1960s. Bethann reveals that there was no real fashion industry; it was the garment industry during that period. “It was just getting garments made, designers were there, racks of clothes were across the street. It was quite different, and I just wanted to be in the industry. I just needed a job. Back then you could go into the New York Times and look for employment. And they gave me a position in sales.”

Black Design Collective Pull Back The Curtain: A Conversation with Bethann Hardison. Photo by Karim Saafir

Goo Goo Atkins surprises Hardison with her next question, “Bethann, you walked up to the head of the Junior dress department and said, ‘if you want this to sell, then you need to put me in it.’” Shocked, Hardison replies, “How do you know all of this?” The audience bursts out laughing. Hardison continues, “It’s so funny when people interview you and they really do research. They had a Federated store with Junior dresses. It was Bernie Ozer of Federated Department stores, who was quite well-known in our industry,” Bethann goes on to say that when she was a child, she was a tap dancer, even on the radio. Bernie Ozer loved Broadway, so when Bethann saw him, she leaned in and said, “if you really want to have a great show, you should have me in it.” Hardison was scared that Ozer would be upset and tell her boss. Ozer said, “thank you.” By the time she got back to the office, they were so excited to tell her that Bernie wanted her in the show. She adds, “and that was the first time I actually did a runway show.”

The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show

Goo Goo Atkins: “In 1973, things changed one night in Paris when five American designers showed their collections along with five French designers. That became known as the Battle of Versailles. Tell us how you and the 10 other Black models changed fashion that night.”

Bethann responds, “We didn’t change fashion that night, we educated the European designers (the French) about who we were. Also, the American designers lost their set; they thought the set specs given were in inches, not centimeters. We were devastated. By the end of the day, we had music . . . and the French never used music. We had Barry White. They had never seen anything like it, and the show gave us an opportunity to be seen in that way. And that was ALL the girls (of all races).”

General Atmosphere – at the BDC Creative Center in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023

Hardison shocks with facts, as she talks about how within the industry, people embellish moments. She educates that much of this information about the Battle of Versailles [Fashion Show] wasn’t known until as recent as eight years ago when the diversity department of the Metropolitan Museum learned about the event and decided to give the models a citation, subsequently featuring the 11 girls of color from that show. “When we were there, it was a collection of many: the dancers, the models, all of us coming together. It was diverse. And it was all because of the great choreographer Kay Thompson (American in Paris), not ‘Black girl magic.’ We were scared to death, the French and American designers were fighting among each other, Anne Klein was so put upon, and as much as I was first Steven Burrows’s assistant, I was still a model. I had to talk a lot with Anne who was the only female . . . and it was such a controversy. But when showtime came, everyone came together. That’s what was American. That’s what really impressed me. We won, and it was a brilliant moment. At the end of the day, it was just a gig!”

Atkins and Hardison continued their conversation with topics about Bethann’s diverse modeling agency, why she founded Black Girls Coalition, and her being instrumental in managing and launching the careers of Kimora Lee Simmons, Veronica Webb, Brandy, and her son Kadeem Hardison (A Different World). They spoke about her agency’s involvement with model Tyson Beckford and their deal with Ralph Lauren and Polo, her role with Gucci Changemakers, and her collaborative film, Invisible Beauty, that was selected for the Sundance Film festival.

Goo Goo Atkins asks Bethann a final question: “Will you continue to fight?”

Black Design Collective Pull Back The Curtain: A Conversation with Bethann Hardison.

Bethann Hardison: “I talk about diversity, and because I come from the garment district, I want to focus on the designer—a lot of them don’t have the background to succeed. I want them to have a business that they can pass down to their children. I got so tired of hearing people ask, ‘Where are the Black designers?’ I said, ‘Just because you don’t hear about them doesn’t mean they don’t exist.’ Collectively, the CFDA and I brought designers together who already had a brand, and I was able to educate them about retail. That started February 2018. So now, I would like to diversify it racially. But that’s not interesting to them because they’re too comfortable within their community. So, when you talk about fighting the fight, or ask if my advocacy will still support diversity . . . [the answer is] yes, it always will. But when I talk about racial diversity, I mean ‘Racial Diversity!’ And sometimes people think this means all Black. But I think that we do better if we integrate.”

Emmy-winning designer Brenda Cooper attends Bethann Hardison’s interview at the BDC Creative Center in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023 (Photo: Karim Saafir)

Bethann Hardison was surprisingly transparent in her responses while Goo Goo dug deep with her questions. Many of Ms. Hardison’s responses were pearls of wisdom for anyone wanting to pursue a career in fashion.

Notable attendees who were present at the talk were FIDM founder & president Tonian Hohberg; AGENDA founder and editor-in-chief Kaylene Peoples, Grammy-nominated bassist Bunny Brunel; Robin Harrison (VP of Hollywood Bureau, NAACP); multi-award-winning actor multi-award-winning Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis; Emmy Award-winning costume designer Brenda Cooper; and fashion designers Kenneth Nicholson, Okera Banks, and Dena Burton. Guests that evening enjoyed drinks that were provided by Melody Murphy of Mixed Bar Services.

BDC Co-Founders/Designers: President Kevan Hall, Former President Angela Dean (Deanzign), and TJ Walker (Cross Colours) attend Pull Back the Curtain event at the BDC Creative Center in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023

About . . . Pull Back the Curtain (A Black Design Collective Series): A Conversation with Bethann Hardison

Bethann Hardison is an advocate, model, and muse with a career spanning over five decades. Hardison has gone from working in NYC’s Garment District to becoming one of the first Black models favored by European and New York designers. She’s been a creative director and producer, and founded her namesake agency where she guided the careers of some of the most prominent models. In 1988, she founded the Black Girls Coalition, and in 2013, she spearheaded the launch of the Diversity Coalition, sparking an industry-wide movement for diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her decades of advocacy work, Bethann received the CFDA Founder’s Award in 2014. In 2018, with the support of the CFDA, she founded The Designer’s Hub to guide and empower Black designers. In 2019, Hardison became an inaugural member of Gucci’s Changemakers Council. Bethann currently serves on CFDA’s Board of Directors and as Gucci’s Executive Advisor for Global Equity and Cultural Engagement. (bethannhardison.com)

Goo Goo Atkins has impeccable style and an audacious personality that depicts her dynamic portfolio as a designer, celebrity wardrobe stylist, creative director, actress, host, TV/radio personality, fashion columnist, and social media influencer. Atkins has worked, lived the fashion community, and more specifically, the plus-size community. You may remember her as the younger sister of Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary, but she’s since made a name for herself with her own spinoff WEtv web series, Goo Ru Style.

Black Design Collective was founded in 2018, and is comprised of accomplished fashion industry professionals of color who seek to amplify the influence of and create opportunities for the community of Black apparel and accessory designers and costume designers within the U.S. and abroad. The BDC mission is rooted in the promotion of scholarship, mentorship, and entrepreneurship within emerging generations of Black fashion design talent. Through this work, the BDC aims at ultimately fostering an independent and self-sustaining Black fashion community. Proceeds from this event go to the Black Design Collective, a 501 c 3, to mentor, educate, and equip Black designers with the essential tools to create generational companies and level the playing field in the competitive fashion industry. Founders of the BDC are president & designer Kevan Hall, designer TJ Walker of Cross Colours, Oscar winner Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther, Wakanda Forever), and designer Angela Dean of Deanzign

(blackdesigncollective.com)

Release by First Take PR

March 18, 2023September 28, 2023

BDC Pull Back the Curtain: Conversation with Bethann Hardison

This year’s NAACP Vanguard Award recipient, Bethann Hardison shares her incredible life accomplishments in the fashion world.

The event will be held in the breathtaking Black Design Collective Creative Center in the heart of Downtown LA’s Fashion District. Designer/Influencer Goo Goo Atkins hosts this once in a lifetime conversation with Bethann Hardison, followed by an audience Q&A. (The event will also be live streamed.)

“THOMASINA “GOO GOO” ATKINS HAS BEEN A CELEBRITY STYLIST FOR OVER A DECADE, SO IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT SHE’S A MASTER AT CREATING AMAZING LOOKS FROM HEAD TO TOE. YOU MAY REMEMBER HER AS THE YOUNGER SISTER OF ERICA AND TINA CAMPBELL OF MARY MARY, BUT SHE’S SINCE MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF WITH HER OWN SPINOFF WE TV WEB SERIES, GOO RU STYLE. HERE ARE 12 LOOKS GOO GOO ROCKED THAT TRULY GAVE US CURVY GIRL STYLE GOALS.” – Essence Magazine

About Bethann: Advocate, model, muse—with a career spanning over five decades, Bethann Hardison has gone from working in NYC’s Garment District; to becoming one of the first Black models favored by European and New York designers; to creative director and producer; to founding her namesake agency where she guided the careers of some of the most prominent models. In 1988, she founded the Black Girls Coalition, and in 2013, she spearheaded the launch of the Diversity Coalition sparking an industry-wide movement for diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her decades of advocacy work, Bethann received the CFDA’s Founder’s Award in 2014. In 2018, with the support of the CFDA, she founded The Designer’s Hub to guide and empower Black designers, and in 2019 became an inaugural member of Gucci’s Changemakers Council. Bethann currently serves on the CFDA’s Board of Directors and as Gucci’s Executive Advisor for Global Equity and Cultural Engagement.

For Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bdc-pull-back-the-curtain-conversation-with-bethann-hardison-tickets-541827168647

#fashionevent #blackdesigncollective #bethannhardison #firsttakepr #fashioninterview #googooatkins #designers #models #fundraiser

February 28, 2023September 28, 2023

Black Design Collective Designers Make an Impact with “Images: Fashion Moments in Time” at the 54th NAACP Image Awards.

Kevan Hall, Cross Colours, Kutula, In Earnest by Byron Lars & Sheila Gray, Harbison, House of Aama, & Kenneth Nicholson show their collections at the NAACP Image Awards, honoring the glam community.

March 1, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the NAACP hosted a fashion show luncheon, presenting the newest addition to the Image Awards, honoring hairstyling, make-up, and costume design. The Black Design Collective (BDC) followed the awards and wowed the audience with their most recent collections. NAACP president, Derrick Johnson, set the tone as he spoke about art and all its forms as a significant influence on the next generation. “There’s still protest in creativity, whether it is in the roles that we choose, the scripts that we write, or directions you give when you step out on the catwalk.” He continues, “So today, I want us to honor the accomplishments of the designers and nominees, because we recognize that it is very competitive in this environment. But I also want to challenge you to go further. We are here to celebrate Black essence, and let’s be proud of what we have accomplished in our journey in this country. Johnson concludes, “The fashion show was a new addition last year, because we want to make sure we embrace all of our creativity.” —Derrick Johnson, NAACP President

Karen Boykin-Towns followed up with these sentiments. “For the first time, we are recognizing the glam community with awards and their significant impact in the industry. It is an honor to celebrate all of you, because at one time, and even still often times our features, our body shapes, our hair, and even our style are harshly criticized. Yet, those very same characteristics are inspired for whole trends. Don’t they know you can’t mimic style? We set the culture.” —Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors

Last year, the NAACP reached out to Kevan Hall about showcasing Black Design Collective talent on their runway for the Image Awards, which proved to be a huge success. The show featured top talent from the rapidly growing community’s hand-picked assemblage of designers, and was appreciated by a distinguished audience of celebrities, fashionistas, and influencers. Designers came from New York, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles as they wowed the crowd. And BDC returned for this year’s NAACP Image Awards.

Fashion Designer and President & Co-Founder of Black Design Collective Kevan Hall: “We’re thrilled to partner with NAACP for its second year to shine the spotlight on our talented Black fashion designers. ‘Images: Fashion Moments in Time’ presents Black fashion throughout history—Harlem Renaissance, hip hop, Motown, and more. NAACP recognizes the importance of showcasing this illustrious group of designers and bringing them to the forefront of American fashion.”

“Black Design Collective was built on the premise that our actions do in fact speak much louder than our words. Of greater worth is both the amplification and consistency of the symbiotic voices between the Black Design Collective and the NAACP as we drive the changes that are essential to our cultural and economic empowerment. Thank you for a spectacular event, and as always, we look forward to what the future holds.” –Designer TJ Walker, Co-Founder of Black Design Collective

Each runway show had pre-taped highlights that shared inspirations of this year’s designers’ most recent collections that served as PSAs for the Black diaspora. Each collection carried with it the spirit of American Black culture and it’s varied experiences.

The Designers . . .

Harbison:

“During covid, I found a renewed sense of connection to nature. I’m opening the scope of my life in Los Angeles in a way that I hadn’t since arriving here. For Spring/Summer 2023, I wanted the feel of open space. I wanted to optimize florals, the sky, and the rainbow through these clothes. And I really feel like we did that. The great thing about Black style is that it’s understanding the empowerment that Black people experience through style, through affecting a different reality for themselves through their dressing that they may not be experiencing in society. It’s nice that the NAACP understands its importance and wants to reinforce that, even through this modern era. That’s exciting for all of us.”—Designer Charles Harbison (harbison.studio)

Images: Fashion Moments in Time — Models walk the runway wearing Harbison designs for the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show

Kutula by Africana

“At Kutula, we design clothes for the international business person and the very savvy fashionista who want pieces that stand for and celebrate the tribal beauty of Africa and its authentic nature. Most of our fabrics come directly from artisans and from all over Africa. We take those fabrics that are primarily adire and mud cloths and fuse them with cottons and silks to make every garment beautiful. Collectively, we try to elevate the culture for our clients to express themselves wherever they may be going in the world that most describes this line. What we’re trying to evoke is the ‘woo too’—the very raw nature of just being pure. All the designs are authentically sourced, and are ‘lifetime’ pieces. For Black fashion, what we really see is a rise to excellence where each of us are able to express ourselves with our unique backgrounds and our perspectives. –Bo Anuluoha of Kutula by Africana (shopkutula.com)

House of Aama (A Mother/Daughter Design Team):

“Our mission is to explore the folkways of the Black experience by shining light on nuance histories and unpacking family narratives. The garments are a vehicle for the stories that we tell. Our Bloodroot Heritage collection is the storytelling narrative centered on my family’s maternal lineage coming out of Louisiana, so it’s a Creole story. In this collection (and in our brand in general), we focus on the post-fallen South where you’re going to continually see at our core, silhouettes [with] touches of that. We’re also showing SALT WATER—a collection that pays homage to the seafaring legacy and water deities that come out of West Africa, but also to the lost but not forgotten resort communities that live in the Americas, specifically Oak Bluff, Idyllwild, etc. We are an Americana brand, focusing on specific themes dealing with the West. We consider ourselves to be filling our white cities and Americana fashion with these unexplored stories coming from the Black experience that are part of the fabric of America, not just fashion, but also part of the fabric of the country.” –Designer Rebecca Henry, House of Aama (houseofaama.com)

Cross Colours (Carl Jones and TJ Walker):

“Fashion always started with our communities. If they’re not willing to wear it, to push it, to style it, to rock it, then it’s not fashion. We wanted to make the statement very clear. It’s clothing without prejudice, but this is where it starts. When we relaunched the brand six years ago, it was mostly sweatshirts and sweatpants going back to the roots. We added some newer military looks as well.” –Carl Jones, Cross Colours Co-Founder

“It became very clear to us that hip hop was the huge influence of the brand, because it is so influential in the culture. And it’s a lifestyle. Hip hop brings a lot of things to it that many people don’t even understand. It was also important that we made sure that it was represented by us. All the advertisement, all the promotion were people of color.” –TJ Walker, Cross Colours Co-Founder (crosscolours.com)

In Earnest (Byron Lars & Sheila Gray):

“In Earnest is not just our name, but it’s also our mantra.” States Sheila Gray. Byron Lars adds, “Our point of view is women’s advocacy through the product itself, because no matter the theme, we never forget about her. There’s a lot of texture, lots of strong shoulders, really feminine shapes when people had a joy in dressing and dressed up. It’s about texture and color, pattern mixing. Harlem’s like the ham hock that flavored the whole pot American style.” Gray adds, “and that’s where Black culture . . . how it all started. Lars concludes: “We work and walk around Harlem every day and feel that history, so that’s what this collection evokes. When you think about Black fashion, it is fashion seen through a Black lens. And so often, Black people have had to go without, and have had to get extra inventive. And I think that is really the crucible of what makes us so fabulous!” (inearnestofficial.com)

Kenneth Nicholson:

“Growing up in Texas, I have found that it’s difficult to find pockets of community that are inspiring. One thing [in particular] is toxic masculinity. So, to me, the fully expressed man just means having more choices and more options to express a full sense of self. For instance, the red carpet . . . for the longest time, I would really only see women embracing and enjoying different silhouettes that are in color as it relates to fashion. As I began my work, I really wanted men to be able to engage in fashion in a way that felt enriching and exciting. With this collection, “From Grandmother’s Couch,” which was about sitting on your grandmother’s couch, and from that perspective, what did you see? Maybe a beaded lamp or a printed curtain or a ratchet rug, then taking all of these collage-like elements and making them exist harmoniously. This collection did invoke Sunday dinners, another sense of Black tradition. There’s a lot of love involved. I think it’s important to continue to tell these stories. And it’s very important to continue to highlight the work of Black Americans and our contributions, not only to American creativity, but to America as a whole.” –Designer Kenneth Nicholson (kennethnicholson.us)

Kevan Hall closes the show:

“My point of view as a fashion designer is to create clothes that are classic, beautiful, and made with the finest fabrics. I create designs that evoke a wonderful feeling of exuberance and excitement for women to wear throughout her day and night that become a part of her lifestyle. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I looked back to my beginnings in Detroit with Motown, Diana Ross and the Supremes and Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. I was inspired by the glamour of these icons dressed in sequins, feathers and dramatic silhouettes.” –Kevan Hall, Creative Director for Kevan Hall. (kevanhalldesigns.com)

The Inaugural Award-Winners:

Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film) Ruth E. Carter – BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (Marvel Studios); Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film) Debi Young, Sandra Linn, Ngozi Olandu Young, Gina Bateman –WE OWN THIS CITY (HBO Max); Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film) Camille Friend –BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (Marvel Studios); and the Vanguard Award Recipient Bethann Hardison (naacpimageawards.net)

“The act of not being inclusive, no matter what your intentions, the results are the same. Starting Bethann Management is a joy that I have out in the fashion industry. Fashion is no longer just on a little tiny island that nobody knows about. Now it’s part of popular culture. Now it’s influencing young people. It’s beginning to show people what things should look like. It’s giving you the idea of what we see, how we act when it comes down to race. You never can take your foot off the gas!”—NAACP Vanguard Award Recipient Bethann Hardison (Model and activist)

In-kind Sponsor: Beauty brand Black Radiance celebrates 30 years of uplifting the inner beauty and the outer allure of women of color. (blackradiancebeauty.com)

About the Black Design Collective:

Founded in 2018, the Black Design Collective is comprised of accomplished fashion industry professionals-of-color who seek to amplify the influence of and create opportunities for the community of Black apparel and accessory designers and costume designers within the US and abroad. The BDC mission is rooted in the promotion of Scholarship, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship within emerging generations of Black fashion design talent. Through this work, the BDC aims at ultimately fostering an independent and self-sustaining Black fashion community. (blackdesigncollective.com)

By First Take PR, Sean McKenzie

January 10, 2023September 28, 2023

Black Design Collective Presents “Designing the Costumes of WAKANDA FOREVER” with Oscar-Winner & BDC Co-Founder Ruth E. Carter

Production Stills from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Discover the importance of costumes in storytelling as Ruth E. Carter gives a behind the scenes look into the costume design process. Proceeds support the Black Design Collective Creative Center and The Black Design Collective Scholarship Fund.

(By Sean McKenzie) Los Angeles, CA

On January 12, 2023, the Black Design Collective will host a conversation with Academy Award-winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter as she shares the design process of creating over 2000 unique costumes for Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER.

Film Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter — Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther & Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Costume Designer)

Carter introduces superheroes and the underwater world of the Talokan to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with hundreds of new looks and multiple builds for characters that are steeped in symbolism and storytelling from two civilizations that battle on land, in air, and underwater. She elevates the Afrofuturistic Wakanda with more brilliance and depth of culture, creating new costumes and super suits for the original characters from the film BLACK PANTHER (2018) for which Carter won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Production Stills from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Featuring Angela Bassett

In the summer of 2020, Ruth Carter was approached by director Ryan Coogler, who informed her that the sequel would be introducing underwater dwellers—the Talokanil—inspired by Mesoamerican cultures. When Chadwick Boseman died in August 2020, the question was how would Wakanda continue. WAKANDA FOREVER is not only a tribute to Boseman, but an evolution of the world that was created in the first film.

The event, “Designing Costumes of Wakanda – A Conversation with Ruth E. Carter,” will be held at the Black Design Creative Center, located at The New Mart Building/Black Design Collective Creative Center 127 East 9th Street Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Bartender Melodie Murphy, owner of MIXED BAR SERVICES will craft 3 Signature cocktails honoring “Wakanda Forever”, Ruth E. Carter and Chadwick Boseman for the evening with UNCLE NEAREST, the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The brand is named for the first known African American master distiller: Nearest Green. Whisky Magazine’s American Icons of Whisky Awards named Nearest’s great-great-granddaughter Victoria Eady-Butler as Master Blender of the Year in both 2021 and 2022, the first person in history to take home that honor two years in a row. Led by Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver and CBO Katharine Jerkens, the all-female executive team of Uncle Nearest is changing the face of American whiskey while honoring the best whiskey maker the world never knew.

For Tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-the-costume-of-wakanda-forever-a-conversation-with-ruth-e-carter-tickets-498523676737

Date & Time:
Thursday, January 12, 2023
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM PST

ABOUT:
Ruth E. Carter is the Academy Award-winning film costume designer, known for turning the BLACK PANTHER superhero into an African King; making history as the first Black person to win in the category, and earning Marvel Studios their first Oscar recognition. Over three decades in film, television, and theater, Carter has earned seventy credits and collaborated with prolific directors, including Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler. Carter’s costumes based on real and imaginative characters provide an arc to the narratives of African Americans. From DO THE RIGHT THING, MALCOLM X, WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT, AMISTAD, THE BUTLER, MARSHALL, SELMA, DOLEMITE IS MY NAME, COMING 2 AMERICA to BLACK PANTHER; her devotion to retraining the eye to see beauty through costume design and telling stories that enrich the humanity of the Black experience cements her legacy as a preeminent voice and expert on period genres and Afro aesthetics. Carter’s outstanding costume design work has been honored with Academy Award nominations for MALCOLM X (1993) and AMISTAD (1998), and an Emmy nomination for the miniseries reboot of ROOTS (2016). The impact of her career in filmmaking has been recognized with the Costume Designers Guild’s Career Achievement Award (2019) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2021). Carter is a member of the board of governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Black Design Collective (BDC) Founded in 2018 is comprised of accomplished fashion industry professionals of color who seek to amplify the influence of and create opportunities for the community of black apparel and accessory designers and costume designers within the US and abroad. The BDC mission is rooted in the promotion of scholarship, mentorship, and entrepreneurship within emerging generations of black fashion design talent. Through this work, the BDC aims at ultimately fostering an independent and self-sustaining Black fashion community. BDC Founders are Ruth E. Carter, Kevan Hall, TJ Walker, and Angela Dean. Visit: blackdesigncollective.com.