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Posts published in “Arts / Style”

Russell Simmons Encourages The Urban Arts Community With His Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation

By goodblacknews on September 24, 2012
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons attends the after party for the Gucci, Cinema Society & the Film Foundation screening of ‘La Dolce Vita’ at the Top of The Standard Hotel on June 1, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Known around the globe as a hip-hop pioneer, Russell Simmons’ passion for breaking new talent, particularly among urban youth, is well-documented and well-respected.  What largely flies under the radar, though, is his patronage of the arts in all forms, from the turntable to the easel, and his belief in the transformative effect that exposure to culture and having artistic outlets can have on the lives of urban youth.

Keija Minor Named ‘Brides’ Editor-In-Chief, First African-American To Head Up A Condé Nast Magazine

By goodblacknews on September 23, 2012

Keija Minor

Keija Minor has been named the editor-in-chief of Brides, making her the first person of color to ever hold the title at a Condé Nast Publications (CNP) magazine.  To put it simply–Minor’s new appointment is major news.

Keija Minor Named 'Brides' Editor-In-Chief, First African-American To Head Up A Condé Nast Magazine

By goodblacknews on September 23, 2012

Keija Minor

Keija Minor has been named the editor-in-chief of Brides, making her the first person of color to ever hold the title at a Condé Nast Publications (CNP) magazine.  To put it simply–Minor’s new appointment is major news.

Supermodel Alek Wek Journeys To South Sudan To Raise Awareness of Refugees’ Plight

By goodblacknews on September 22, 2012
Supermodel, former refugee and UNHCR Refugee Advocate, Alek Wek

Supermodel, former refugee and UNHCR Refugee Advocate, Alek Wek at a way station with UNHCR in Juba, South Sudan dancing with children. UNHCR/B.Sokol/July 10, 2012

Supermodel Alek Wek has come far, her journey from her native Sudan to the realm of high fashion rendering her a star. “I think the most important thing especially is that fashion should celebrate women,” the world-renowned beauty said of her profession walking runways and gracing magazine covers.  Yet, the fairy tale ending to Wek’s arduous trek from Africa to London has not dulled her memories of the war that uprooted her family. Wek spoke to theGrio after journeying back to her region of birth to help those still suffering from that conflict’s aftermath.

Philip Treacy Features All Black Models On The Runway at London Fashion Week

By goodblacknews on September 21, 2012


While models of color were largely underrepresented on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week, milliner Philip Treacy made a bold statement at London Fashion Week by featuring all black models at his Spring 2013 presentation.
25 African-American models participated in the show, which introduced Treacy’s elaborate collection of headpieces alongside original costumes from Michael Jackson’s estate. Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Nyasha Matonhodze were among them.  Treacy’s participation also fittingly included a soundtrack of Michael Jackson’s hits and an introduction by superstar and avid hat-wearer Lady Gaga.  Watch video below:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVVnL8urG1c&w=560&h=315]
article via clutchmagonline.com

Mataano Spring 2013: Somali Twins Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim Go Breezy, Feminine For New York Fashion Week

By goodblacknews on September 15, 2012
Designers Idyl Mohallim (L) and Ayaan Mohallim (R)

Designers Idyl Mohallim (L) and Ayaan Mohallim (R) walk the runway at the Mataano spring 2013 presentation during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Landmark on the Park on September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

The Mataano Spring 2013 show during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday was brimming with positive vibes and packed to the rafters with fashionable people. Landmark on the Park, a remarkable old church, was outfitted with rows of seats and a performance space for singer Wynter Gordon to appear after the show — a perfect setting for blacks in culture and entertainment to convene.

Top 20 Influential African Americans In The Fashion Industry

By goodblacknews on September 14, 2012


Fall is here. And so is New York Fashion Week. Sometimes lacking in the fashion spotlight are the African Americans who have been pioneers in this industry. So while you pack away the sun dresses and replace them with scarves and sweater, take a look at some of the most influential African Americans in the fashion world.

Here’s 10 to get you started:
Andre’ Leon Talley: Former American Editor-at-large for Vogue

Robin Givhan: A former Washington Post fashion editor who now writes for The Daily Beast, Robin Givhan is the first journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for criticism in fashion

Young Designer Laquan Smith Makes A Splash With His Spring 2013 Collection At Fashion Week

By goodblacknews on September 13, 2012

Laquan Smith is only 23 and yet has already established himself as a supremely talented designer.  Whether inspired by the colors and fluidity of water, or by the garden scenery during his many travels, Laquan produces collections that are beautiful, modern and decidedly feminine.

Black Muslim Designer Plucks Dominican Orphan From Obscurity To Model In New York Fashion Week

By goodblacknews on September 12, 2012
Nzinga Knight and Fior Mendez

Nzinga Knight and Fior Mendez at New York Fashion Week. (Photos: Getty Images)

Black American Muslim designer Nzinga Knight uses her designs to deliver a statement in fashion that few make: that a woman can dress modestly and still give full glamour. “My aesthetic was something really missing in the market,” she told the AFP news service.
The native New Yorker of Trinidadian and Guyanese decent started her clothing line in 2008 to bend the boundaries of feminine clothing. Mixing high style with the doctrines of her Muslim faith, “The look of my work is sensual, mysterious, innovative,” she stressed — without being overly revealing.
“It’s very distinct and can give me an edge,” Knight said of her fashion proposition.
Using the strength of her platform, Knight made another compelling — if unwitting — move: Launching a Dominican orphan’s modeling career.  By casting Fior Mendez, 22, to walk in her New York Fashion Week show last Friday at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Knight helped to make a big dream come true.

Tracy Reese Creates Colorful Symphony With Spring 2013 Fashion Week Collection

By goodblacknews on September 10, 2012
Tracy Reese at 2013 Spring Fashion Week

Tracy Reese at Spring 2013 Fashion Week. (Photos: Getty Images)

Tracy Reese became instantly buzz-worthy last week when first lady Michelle Obama wore a custom-made dress by the designer to deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention. The frock was so stunning that Reese had to rush the dress into mass production to meet consumer demand.  A similar reaction followed her Spring 2013 Fashion Week showing in New York City among the fashion industry insiders who flocked to the tents for more of Reese’s magic.