McDonald’s Creates Opportunities For Five Black Designers with Their ‘Black and Positively Golden Change of Fashion’ Program

Let’s talk. Looking back at the history of fashion over the past century, Black designers have created, influenced and driven trends. From the zoot suits of the 1930s to military wear of the 1960s, their influence on luxury brands in the 1970s to hip hop style in the 1990s, one thing is clear: the Black influence on American fashion is strong, diverse, dynamic and undeniably beautiful.

But when it comes to representation of Black designers in America, we’re still lagging behind as much as history would suggest. 7.3% of American designers are black* The fashion industry still often struggles to overcome hurdles such as institutional barriers and racial disparities.

In response, McDonald’s USA is helping provide opportunities and resources to discover the next generation of Black fashion designers. Black & Positively Golden® Change of Fashion Program.

Alternative fashion designers: Hart Roberts, Nia Thomas, Darrell Dupard, Larissa Muhleder, Shareef Mosby

This program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop dynamic Black talent into future leaders and pillars of the fashion industry. This incredible group of entrepreneurs, designers, and disruptors includes: Darrell Dupard (Founder of Freddie Estelle), Shareef Mosby (CEO of VICTIM15), Larissa Muhleder (Founder of Muhleder, Hart Roberts (Founder of HEARTHROB), and Nia Thomas (Nia Thomas Founder).

Fashion designer Larissa Muhleder replaces mentor Jacqueline Cooper

Through the program, the Golden Arches will launch designers onto bigger stages across the country, provide them with access to expert masterclasses and pair them with giant mentors in the industry. Elaine Welteroth, Justina McKee, Shawn Howell, Jacqueline Cooperand Shelley McMullenThis process will take place over the course of a year and will ultimately culminate in the launch of a capsule collection from these incredible talents.

“While Black influence in the fashion world is widespread, opportunities for Black designers to connect with top professionals and access critical resources are few and far between. Through its Black and Positively Golden Change of Fashion program, McDonald’s is not only providing access to critical resources, it’s investing in a powerful step toward a more inclusive and representative future in the fashion world.”

Learn more about these designers’ journeys here And follow Follow On Instagram.

*According to Zippia.com, as of 2021