Black Fashion Fair, a digital directory of black designers founded by Antoine Gregory, is bringing the project to print.
What started in 2016 is twitter thread Gregory’s long list of “Black Designers You Should Know” has created a robust online library of independent designers and Black-owned brands, and a marketplace where people can buy directly.
Ahead of New York Fashion Week, Black Fashion Fair has released its first print edition, a nearly 200-page book that focuses on designers past and present and explores black influence in fashion through essays, interviews, and photography. (Shows start February 11th.)
“I wanted to convey a true world view of black fashion, style and culture that exists today,” Gregory, 28, said in a video interview from Long Island, where he lives. “I value black things, black designers, and seeing it done at the highest level.”
As the fashion industry continues to confront systemic racism, a number of organizations, including the Black in Fashion Council and Your Friends in New York, are working to ensure that Black designers receive the recognition they deserve. This includes raising the signal for independent businesses and promoting more inclusive casting on runways and advertising campaigns.
Fashion magazines, in particular, have been criticized for not featuring black creators and black culture in their pages, and change is slowly progressing. Gregory, who is also a stylist, consultant and brand director for fashion label Teofilio, said he wanted to create something that challenged the industry’s gatekeepers. He sees this as different from the current rush in the fashion industry, which he describes as “powering” black talent away.
Please wait while we confirm your access. If you’re in reader mode, exit and log into your Times account or subscribe to all Times.
Please wait while we confirm your access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want to know all about The Times? Subscribe.
