As Fashion Week is coming to a close and fashionistas are slowly winding down their crazy schedules, the life of those who work behind the scenes and at the forefront of the industry is one that never gets a rest. Unlike many fashion week attendees who enjoy the shows, luncheons, parties and networking events for pleasure, power players in the world of fashion work year round to bring innovation, authenticity and of course style to an industry that’s constantly evolving.
With Black Enterprise’s 10th Annual Women of Power Summit approaching, we felt it was only right to highlight the real women of power who are making boss moves in fashion. From designers, to stylists and fashion diversity advocates, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 black women you should know who are dominating the fashion industry.
Click through to see what power players made our list and be sure to visit our Women of Power registration page here to get more info on how you can attend our highly anticipated conference held March 2-5, 2015 at the Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! Join us for the landmark 10th Annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, March 2—4, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL. This exciting, one-of-a-kind executive leadership summit is designed to train, equip and encourage women to become industry leaders, learn career strategies, and discover proven work—life balance techniques. Register Now! https://blackenterprise.com/wps
Bethann Hardison
Known as a fashion trailblazer, Bethann Hardison was one of the first black models to work for big name brands like Calvin Klein, Oscar de La Renta and Perry Ellis. She’s responsible for guiding the careers of many black supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford, Iman and more, and is one of the leading activist in the industry who pushes for more diversity on the runways.
Among the countless awards that Hardison has received in her fight for fashion diversity, she was also a 2011 recipient of Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Legacy Award.
June Ambrose
Anyone who follows June Ambrose on Instagram knows that this hardworking stylist is never on break. From keeping followers updated with pictures of her in a showroom, styling a client or on set of a Jay Z and Beyonce production, we know that Ambrose is a highly respected style genius in the industry.
Ambrose, whose June by June Ambrose collection just launched on HSN, was recently awarded the “Style Disrupter” award at Essence first ever Street Style Awards.
Claire Sulmers
As the creator of the award-winning blog site, Fashion Bomb Daily, Claire Sulmers has taken her brand to the next level, becoming the going-to source for
fans who eagerly want to know the designer their favorite celebs are wearing. From providing style tips and updates on the latest fashion news, to highlighting everyday people in her “Fashion Bombshell” column, Sulmers knows more than a thing or two about marketing herself as a trusted source in fashion.Rachel Johnson
As the lead stylist behind some of your favorite professional athletes including LeBron James, Chris Paul, Amar’e Stoudemire, Victor Cruz and more, Rachel Johnson can be considered an agent of change when it comes to fashion and sports. Heading her own wardrobe styling agency called Thomas Faison, Johnson is dedicated to keeping your favorite athletes, and their spouses, at the top of their fashion game.
Azede Jean-Pierre
When First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted wearing a custom piece by young designer Azede Jean-Pierre, it was clear that this Haitian fashionista from Georgia was the next big talent to watch.
Showing off her latest collection at the big tents during this year’s New York Fashion Week, Jean-Pierre’s designs did not disappoint, and she even pulled Solange Knowles in to curate the soundtrack to her runway show. Talk about boss!
Tai Beauchamp
At the tender age of 25, Tai Beauchamp became the first African American beauty director at Seventeen magazine, using her editorial voice in fashion and beauty to empower and uplift women of all ages. With other big name publications such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Suede, VIBE Vixen,
and more also having a place on her resume, Beauchamp is a boss in her own light.She currently serves as Style Ambassador of InStyle and is the CEO of her own company called Tai Life Media, LLC.
Tracy Reese
With a host of celebrities being spotted in her designs, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Tracy Reese is one designer whose clothing line we look forward to seeing every at fashion week. Her flirty, feminine and chic clothing can be found in big name department stores like Nordstrom, making her one of the most popular American designers of today.
Tamu McPherson
As the founder and photographer behind the street style website, All the Pretty Birds, Tamu McPherson is known for capturing some of the most stylish street wear looks. So much so, that actress and fashionista Tracee Ellis Ross has taken notice of McPherson’s eye for style and tried to re-create one of her Instagram looks.
Awarded the “Curator of Cool” award at Essence first-ever Street Style Awards, McPherson’s fashion photography skills are slowly giving her a respected name in the industry.
Chanel Iman
Known as one of the youngest and most successful African American models of today, Chanel Iman is surely a force to be reckoned with on the runway.
At just 23-years-old, the Atlanta native has graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar
and many more, as well as walked the runway for several high-fashion brands including Versace, Tom Ford, and Dolce & Gabbana.
Brandice Henderson
As the founder of Harlem Fashion Row, Brandice Henderson is dedicated to bringing more diversity to fashion. Providing a unique platform for designers of color to showcase their lines every year during New York Fashion Week, Henderson helps to give the necessary push and exposure that designers need to keep their business alive.
Earlier this year, Henderson expanded HFR to also include Harlem Fashion Row University as a way to reach student designers of color and provide them with the proper resources and opportunities needed to succeed in the industry.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! Join us for the landmark 10th Annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, March 2—4, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL. This exciting, one-of-a-kind executive leadership summit is designed to train, equip and encourage women to become industry leaders, learn career strategies, and discover proven work—life balance techniques. Register Now! https://blackenterprise.com/wps