20 Major Minorities In Fashion You Need To Know
July 12, 2014 - 1:52 pm by VIBE Vixen Staff
There's no denying that fashion has a blind spot when it comes to brown consumers. In the cut-throat world of clothing—where ice queen Anna Wintour reigns supreme and the fairest of models saunter down stark, white runways—one has to ask... where is the diversity? Where are the leggy ladies who look like you and I? Certainly not crowding the catwalks. Fortunately, there are some minority gals and guys making great strides both on and off the runway.
Continue clicking to see 20 major minorities you should know in fashion.
Photo Credits: Instagram/Getty Images
Who: Pat McGrath
What: International Makeup Artist, Creative Design Director of P&G Beauty.
Why: Known as the most influential makeup artist in the world by Vogue Magazine, McGrath's perfectly flawless touch has remained relevant and in-demand for decades.
Who: Andre Leon Talley
What: International Editor-At-Large, Artistic Director at Zappos Couture, Previously editor-at-large at Vogue Magazine.
Why: Talley is the muva of all muvas. His influence on the youth through fashion dates back to the 80's, when he was Andy Warhol's assistant.
Who: Bethann Hardison
What: Former supermodel, Fashion Activist, Documentarian, Owner of Bethann Management
Why: Who better than Bethann Hardison to helm the call for diversity in the fashion world? With nearly five decades under her designer belt, she is relentless in revolting for a revolution regarding the representation of minorities in the industry.
Who: June Ambrose
What: Wardrobe Stylist, #RockMom
Why: The always upbeat and energetic Ambrose pioneered hip hop and rap's flavor in the 90's. Ever wonder who thought of those brilliant shiny suits Mase and Diddy wore? Or how about Missy Elliott's infamous garbage bag onesie? Yep, all Ambrose. What's not to love about this woman?
Who: Shiona Turini
What: Fashion Market Director of Cosmopolitan, previously Fashion Market and Beauty Director of CR Fashion Book
Why: After spying the goods in her closet on The Coveteur, we understand why we should know Shiona—the girl has got style. But aside from the masses of archival goods she possess, Turini's resume is beyond impressive: PR department of Tom Ford-era Yves Saint Laurent, Market Editor at W, Accessories Director at Teen Vogue, and the list goes on.
Who: Carly Cushnie
What: 1/2 of the dynamic designing duo of Cushnie Et Ochs
Why: We were first introduced to Carly by her beautiful mane of kinky and coily blonde curls. (Of course, a designer could have such an enviable, progressive haircut that inspires others.) Fresh out of Parsons in 2009, she launched Cushnie et Ochs with partner Michelle Ochs, and have become a designing duo dynamo, blessing women all over the world for their minimalistic yet sexy aesthetic.
Who: Chioma Nnadi
What: Fashion News Director/Writer for Vogue Magazine
Why: A true wordsmith, Nnadi's pen is equipped with as much personality has her chic yet tomboy tough style boasts of.
Who: Rajni Jacques
What: Fashion Features/News Editor at Glamour Magazine
Why: After style stalking her Instagram page scoping out her every move during various Fashion Week via street style blogs, there's nothing left to say—Rajni Jacques is one of our favorite fashion freaks—and not to mention, Vibe fashion alum.
Who: Sir John B.
What: Celebrity & Editorial Makeup Artist, Contributor for Vogue Italia
Why: Sir John B. definitely puts the "B" in beat. Anyone who says otherwise deserves a beat down. Most recently, John has been perfecting our favorite, King Bey.
Who: Tamu McPherson
What: Blogger, Photographer, Contributing Style Editor at Lucky Magazine, Director of Style and Digital Content at Out There Creative Agency
Why: Transitioning from law to the nontraditional realm of fashion was quite easy for the Milan-based photographer. She's gone from behind the lens to the sartorial muse of street style photographers and fashion lovers everywhere.
Who: Chrissy Rutherford
What: Digital Editor at Harper's Bazaar
Why: We love an independent, hardworking gal and Ms. Rutherford is just that. Working her way, literally, from the bottom to the top of the ranks of Harper's Bazaar where she started off as an intern, she is the epitome of the mantra, "hard work pays off". Or in the words of Drake, "started from the bottom now we here".
Who: Joe Zee
What: Creative Director of Elle Magazine, Fashion Stylist, Host of Sundance Channel's Revealing and All On The Line With Joe Zee
Why: The self-proclaimed fashion loudmouth is a fan favorite. He's a true leader in the digital reformation of fashion using platforms such as TV, blogs, v-logs, and social media to influence the masses.
Who: Edward Enninful
What: W Magazine Fashion & Style Director, Fashion Stylist
Why: Enninful was born into fashion and baptized into its holy and chaotic presence at a young age. By 18 he was i-D Magazine's fashion director, making him the youngest ever in history to hold such a high stature position at an international publication. Since then, Enninful has gone on to conquer Italian Vogue, American Vogue, and numerous campaign and runway shows. If there was a fashion god, Edward would totally be it.
Who: Eva Chen
What: Lucky Magazine's editor-in-chief, Former special projects/digital development at Teen Vogue Magazine
Why: Chen is a true gal's gal's - she's got a sick fetish for shoes and handbags - the perfect combination, we can definitely attest to that just look at her Instagram. She's only been in her position at Lucky for almost a year, but is making a name for herself as she's revamped the magazine into haven for technologically savvy fashionsta's.
Who: Fatima B
What: Wardrobe Stylist
Why: The blonde bombshell's swagger is a ten, but Fatima's humble demeanor sets her apart from the rest. The native New Yorker is the genius behind a handful of hip hop 's chart topping contenders.
Who: Jason Rembert
What: Wardrobe Stylist
Why: They call Rembert the celebrity image maker, we absolutely agree. At 26 years young his portfolio boasts of outstanding red carpet looks, trendsetting magazine covers, and enthralling editorials.
Who: Celia Smith
What: Founder of needle + thraed, ESSENCE.com Fashion Editor
Why: From her enviable mane to her unique style its no wonder why Essence would appoint Smith as their go to girl when it comes to fashion. We'd steal her style any day!
Who: Susie Bubble
What: Blogger, Fashion Journalist, Former commissioning editor at DazedDigital.com
Why: There's only a certain aura of joy one can portray fashion-wise and Bubble does it well. Her soft, sweet, and feminine style is internationally recognized and applauded by fashion-minded individuals.
Who: Mariel Haenn
What: Fashion Stylist & Costume Designer
Why: Ranked # 15 of the 25 most powerful stylist by The Hollywood Reporter, Haenn and her creative partner Rob Zangardi are responsible for some of the most coveted celebrity styles.
Who: Bryan Boy
What: Fashion Blogger, Former web developer
Why: Filipino fashion blogger, Bryan Boy, began blogging just as a travel diary but who can resist a quick OOTD (outfit of the day) selfie? He's more than just pictures though, the blogger's entertaining commentary keeps people interested as Women’s Wear Daily reported in November 2011 that BryanBoy.com averages 1.4 million page views per month. Things haven't changed much since then. You can still see Boy canoodling front row at Fashion Week with Anna Wintour or tweeting Stefano Gabbana. To put it simply, he's everything darling.
