[Change of Fashion Designers: Shareef Mosby, Heart Roberts, Durrell Dupard, Nia Thomas and Larissa Muehleder.]
It’s hard to imagine a world without the imprint of Black designers in the fashion world. Throughout history, A-list celebrities, athletes, and models have worn innovative designs created by or heavily influenced by Black creators. From zoot suits to tracksuits to sweatsuits, many modern fashion trends were popularized by pioneering Black trailblazers. Black designers have undoubtedly been threads that weave the very fabric of the fashion industry, yet their influence is not reflected in their presentation. In fact, only Black designers are seen wearing Black designers’ clothes. 7.3% of American designers are black (Zippia.com, as of 2021) Despite their significant contributions, they often face institutional barriers and racial disparities.
Those who have broken through these barriers have done so through hard work, effort, persistence, and overcoming a lot of resistance. Despite progress and growing societal awareness of these disparities, it is still extremely difficult for new designers to establish themselves in the industry. To support the diverse communities the company serves, McDonald’s USA launched the “Black and Positively Golden Change of Fashion” program, leveraging its platform to provide resources to five emerging Black designers who are on the brink of greatness.
The program features designers from across the country, including Durell Dupard, Shareef Mosby, Larissa Muhledder, Hart Roberts and Nia Thomas. Throughout the journey, they will be paired with experienced mentors, participate in expert-led masterclasses and one-on-one mentorship sessions, have the opportunity to be featured on the big stage and create two product lines, including a capsule collection scheduled to launch in 2025.
These young designers had a variety of experiences during New York Fashion Week in September, including a live meet and greet at the iconic McDonald’s Times Square location, a pop-up shop and short film premiere at the Black & Positively Golden Change in Fashion Symposium, and a “Cheers to Black Excellence” reception hosted by the Black Excellence Brunch. McDonald’s also partnered with luxury design house LaQuan Smith for a week-long apprenticeship for the designers and became the official late-night food sponsor at the after-party for his first runway show, providing Chicken McNuggets and fries for guests. The Golden Arches are committed to elevating Black-owned brands by leading Zerina Akers’ “Show Up and Show Out in Black” initiative. All Black-Ownedwill be giving Black Designers patrons an “I Support Black Fashion Designers” pin with their purchase, and they’re encouraging everyone to shop for clothing from Black-owned brands with Change of Fashion designers during NYFW and share it on social media by tagging @WeAreGolden and @BlackOwnedEverything.
These designers made their name at NYFW. Meet these visionary Black designers who plan to make their mark in the industry and how their mentors are helping them advance their careers.
[Change of Fashion Designer: Nia Thomas ]
Nia Thomas
Having a label with your name on it is a bold commitment to your industry and the mark you want to leave on consumers of your product. Having your name on the label motivates you to deliver the best work possible. Nia Thomas Nia Thomas exemplifies this by prioritizing quality over quantity in her designs. She creates fashion that makes the wearer feel empowered while also using eco-conscious fabrics and considering sustainability. The New York native has been paired with retail executive and buyer, Shawn Howell. Shawn has years of experience as VP and Merchandising Manager at Saks Fifth Avenue and is a respected figure in the industry for achieving results in fashion retail. Shawn’s mentorship will help accelerate the growth of Nia Thomas, which is already present in over 30 countries around the world.
[Change of Fashion Designer: Shareef Mosby]
Shareef Mosby
If there is one word Shareef Mosby The word he uses to describe his designs is “unconventional.” The Harlem-born, Richmond-raised designer and CEO Victim 15 Shareef has carved his own path in the fashion world, fully infusing his avant-garde creations into the world of streetwear. Shareef’s journey began at the age of 15 in Richmond, Virginia. Through the creative community of this unlikely fashion hub, he founded his company, which has evolved from just a clothing brand to an immersive experience highlighting his fashion. He dreams of taking his creations to the major fashion hubs of New York City and Miami, and seeing his brand make history and gain global recognition. Shareef is Elaine Welterothis Condé Nast’s second-youngest Editor-in-Chief and only the second Black woman to hold this role in the company’s 107-year history. By partnering with this industry pioneer, Shareef will be under the mentorship of someone who knows how to break boundaries and achieve lasting success in the fashion industry.
[Change of Fashion Designer: Heart Roberts ]
Hart Roberts
Hart Roberts He knows there are no rules in fashion: he mixes, matches, manipulates and distresses to create beautiful pieces that go beyond traditional creative realms – resulting in the birth of his own brand. Someone I admireGrowing up in Brooklyn, New York, he has been surrounded by fashion and creativity his whole life, and it has always been one of his goals to branch out into areas that were previously inaccessible to people who look like him. Now, he is determined to break even more boundaries and redefine what is possible in the industry. He Shelley McMullenCEO and founder of luxury retailer McMullen. With over 20 years in the fashion industry, he has a keen eye for emerging talent and a deep commitment to developing Black designers.
[Change of Fashion Designer: Larissa Muehleder]
Larissa Muhleder
Larissa Muhleder Her connections with people from all over the world have inspired her fashion journey. Born in Germany to Austrian-Nigerian parents, living in Paris and eventually relocating to Brooklyn, New York, her concepts, designs and overall outlook represent her global perspective and the inspiration she draws from people all over the world. MuhlederHer fashion brand is a testament to empowerment, both for those who wear her designs and the broader community she represents. Throughout her career, she has proudly used black models to showcase her clothes and confidently states, “I want black people to feel luxurious, especially in a luxury brand.” The mentor for the program is COO Laquan Smith. Jacqueline Cooper“Cooper is a strategic force whose creative strategies have made the brand a favorite among the fashion elite, and he will undoubtedly provide Larissa with the skills and support it needs to continue to grow as a Black luxury brand.”
[Change of Fashion Designer: Durrell Dupard]
Darrell Dupard
Originally from New Orleans Durell Dupard Darrell has taken sewing and crocheting to a whole new level when it comes to fashion. Inspired by his parents and grandparents who practiced these crafts, Darrell has created some of the most unique designs worn by cultural icons. These unique pieces are part of his fashion brand, Freddie Estelle. Through McDonald’s Change of Fashion program, Darrell has collaborated with his mentor, Justina McKee (Matt Collection CEODarrell considers Justina a “sister,” and as a Black creative working in the industry, he knows she’s available to answer any questions he has and lends her expertise in organically connecting with audiences and growing a sustainable business.
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Source: Fashion Bomb Daily – fashionbombdaily.com
