Young Women Stage ‘Fashion in Action!’ Demonstration at New York Fashion Week

On September 9, the opening day of New York Fashion Week, a group of young Black women staged a silent demonstration. The 20-something ladies wanted to acknowledge the first time in their lifetimes that Essence magazine– a formidable Black women’s print beloved by scores Black girls for 40 years–does not have a Black fashion director. The group of professional and educated women, many of whom are fashion and media insiders also stood in protest of the added fact, there are no Black fashion directors at any mainstream fashion or lifestyle publication.

Dressed in all black, the walkers carried signs of every fashion director in Essence magazine’s 40 year-old history. Large signs in bold font read “I Am Susan Taylor,” “I Am Kevin Stewart,” “I Am Harriette Cole.” Signs also read simply, “I Am A Black Fashion Director.” The demonstration was informed by the iconic 1968 “I Am A Man” march.

The walk began at the Essence magazine headquarters at 50th street and concluded at 63rd street in front of the Lincoln Center, the new home of New York Fashion Week.

CLUTCH magazine was on hand for the demonstration and walked in solitary and support of the cause.

The organizers were moved to action after discovering Essence magazine hired a White fashion director. The walk’s participants were primarily inspired by Michaela angela davis, a fashion and media veteran who boldly spoke out to several media outlets, and exclusively to CLUTCH about her sadness on the print’s shocking decision.

Davis was not only a muse for what the organizers deemed, “Fashion In Action!,” she was an on-hand organizer, and trailed the ladies for the entire walk. CONTINUE READING...