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SPONSORED BY McDonald’s
We know that Black culture feeds fashion, but did you know that only 7.3% of American fashion designers are Black?* That’s a problem. The McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Change of Fashion Program aims to shine a light on the underrepresentation of Black people in the industry. They’ve paired five Black Designers and five industry insiders together for life-changing mentorships, access to resources and the recognition that they deserve.”
These incredible designers recently made an appearance at McDonald’s Fashion House at ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Guests had the chance to meet them while exploring the space and virtually try on one of outfits they created to unleash their inner model.
Meet The Designers!
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Nia Thomas
Hailing from New York City, NY, Nia’s hand-made knit designs are runway-
ready looks that echo her own roots of growing up as a Black woman in America. “I’m a one woman show, I want to show the evolution of clothes trough the evolution of me,” says Nia. Her line features all-inclusive sizing and supports her sustainability goals by creating zero emissions while providing an upscale, chic collection.
https://www.instagram.com/niathomas.co/
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Heart Roberts
This self-taught designer and Brooklyn native, Heart’s brand is called HEARTTHROB and has already been seen on celebs like Lizzo and Saweetie. With unconventional wearable art featuring different textiles and textures, he’s pushing the boundaries of fashion with unique silhouettes and styles. “I do this for me but also for my grandmother who passed away, I always want to make her proud,” he says. “I want to leave a legacy of a fashion house that’s known worldwide.”
https://www.instagram.com/teenagehearthrobb/
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Durrell Dupard
Originally from NOLA, but fresh from Los Angeles, Durrell named his company, Freddie Estelle after his biggest inspiration, his uncle who passed away from cancer. From streetwear to event styles, his styles feature handmade crochet details that pop. You might even recognize these look on some celebs, like Busta Rhymes. “When I get to a certain point, my dream is to do a collab with a sewing machine company and give out sewing machines to underprivileged kids,” he says.
https://www.instagram.com/freddie.estelle/
![‘More Black Designers’ is the New Black](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Change_of_Fashion_SINGLES_DAY_02_0136_LARISSA-scaled.jpg)
Larissa Muehleder
Originally from Nigeria and now in NYC, Larissa created Muehleder to help
women feel beautiful and empowered. “The brand to me is about community,” she says. “I strive to be a brand that’s all about inclusivity, that helps you find and connect with like-minded people.” Affordable, yet luxurious this brand is all about bright, vibrant color and fun balloonist shapes—and $3 from each piece sold online goes to benefit a charity in Nigeria that supports women entrepreneurs there.
https://www.instagram.com/muehlederlabel/
![‘More Black Designers’ is the New Black](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Change_of_Fashion_SINGLES_DAY_02_0038_SHAREEF-scaled.jpg)
Shareef Mosby
Shareef is based in Richmond, Va, where he says his family were victims of many circumstances. He started making clothes at age 15 and launched his line in 2015, hence the name Victim 15. From pants to vests to accessories, he loves working with denim, laser cutting and 3D welding to give each piece a signature style. “I am super excited to push my abilities and push boundaries with new creations,” Shareef says.
https://www.instagram.com/shareefmosby/
Learn more about each of these talented Black designers and follow their journeys on @WeAreGolden on Instagram.
*Per Zippia.com, as of 2021