Black history is not only significant to black Americans. Essentially our history is the history of America. While February is the month to honor black history, I believe it is important to see the impact we make every day as achievements grow in innovation and influence within every industry.
Here are seven black influencers who are making moves and changing the game in the fashion industry.
Elaine Welteroth, Editor-In-Chief of Teen Vogue
Elaine Welteroth sprinkles black girl magic all over the fashion industry with not only her success but her work in making sure every girls’ voice is heard. Welterother made headlines when she became the first African American to become a Beauty Editor at Teen Vogue. Now, Welteroth sits at the big desk as the publication’s youngest Editor-in-Chief (the only the second African American Editor-in-Chief in Condé Nast’s history). (Photo via NYTimes)
Shayne Oliver, Hood By Air
Shayne Oliver is the man behind the sometimes controversial and always pushing the boundaries, Hood By Air. Oliver started Hood By Air by creating T-shirts and sweatshirts after dropping out of college. Years later, Oliver created a brand that uses premium quality that we can see worn by Kanye West, Rihanna, Ciara, Kendrick Lamar, and A$AP Rocky. (Photo via Vogue)
June Ambrose, Celebrity Stylist
Chic hats aren’t the only hats June Ambrose wears. The fashion expert is also a creative director, author, costume designer, and celebrity stylist. She is the woman behind the iconic styles of celebs like Missy Elliot in her “The Rain” music video. Ambrose has worked with companies like Vogue, Coca-Cola, and a phone full A-list celeb contacts. Ambrose is a stylish woman on a mission, slaying one outfit at a time. (Photo via JuneAmbrose.com)
Oliver Rousteing, Creative Director for Balmain
If you haven’t heard of Oliver Rousteing before, then I am sure you recognize him (and his gorgeous creations) from celebs like the Kardashians and Rihanna. Rousteing started his career under Robert Cavalli in 2003 and then in 2009, he went to work for Balmain. Due to his infamous nature, Rousteing brought a fresh take to Balmain when he replaced Christophe Decarnin as Creative Director. Since then he has helped the label grow in large numbers and even more influence within the fashion industry. (photo via Jean Stories)
Pat McGrath, Makeup Artist
Anna Wintour refers to Pat McGrath as “the most influential makeup artist in the world.” Do I even need to say anything else? McGrath is the hands behind the biggest makeup trends and the runway show makeup looks that steal our breath away. With a resume full of large names such as Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Versace, and so much more it is obvious McGrath is the leading makeup artist in the fashion industry. She not only runs her own brand Pat McGrath Labs she is also behind some our other favorite brands like Covergirl, Max Factor, and Gucci’s first makeup collection. (Photo via Sola Rey)
Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, Public School
Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Ti Chow are two New York natives who take influence from the street and created an entire line of tailored sportswear, Public School. The duo worked to create a line that was streetwear becoming fashion rather than taking fashion and trying to make it look like street wear. Osborne and Chow have been a duo well before their success at DKNY as Co-Creative Directors. Now focusing on their own line, Public Designer the two have been a constant crowd pleasure winning them the 2013 CFDA Swarovski Award for Emerging Menswear design. (photo via Scene Mag)
