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Black Fashion Designers Main Menu Nomenclature is Limiting: Complicating the Narrative Embracing Black Heritage in the Fashion Industry #BlackLivesMatter

Off-White

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Nomenclature is Limiting: Complicating the Narrative These designers strive to show the world that they're more than their skin color and their clothing goes beyond a stereotypical "black style." Furthermore, they're showing that there is no distinct black style.

ARTHUR MCGEE
"We are not black designers, but American designers..."
Known as the grandfather of fashion designers of color, he helped pave the way for other black designers. This cocktail dress was a departure from his usual reliance on African fabrics and architectural shapes, complicating the idea of just one distinct black style that was expected of designers like him. This dress is extremely versatile and was able to be worn by people of any race.

ANNE LOWE

She was a self made designer in the 1960's. It was a time where black fashion designers were not recognized in the industry. Despite the roadblocks placed against her, she persisted and became famous among American elite. She ended up designing Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress.

JOE CASELY HAYFORD
"I was always classified as a 'black designer' so I had to struggle to work against that. I was into punk, I made clothes for The Clash."
There's a direct dichotomy between the stereotypical "black style" and his own personal style. No one expected black designers to be designing edgy clothing for rockstars. The tension that he tried to create is represented in this outfit which exemplifies traditional British attire with a punk edge.

OFF-WHITE

"Streetwear is seen as cheap. My goal is to add an intellectual layer to it and make it credible."
The ropes on this jacket and the boots were inspired by both vintage mountaineering equipment and street style. The designer of this piece, Virgil Abloh, uses rope as a metaphor for climbing the corporate ladder. He calls his brand Off-White because he chooses to identify his customers as neither black nor white.