St. Louis Fashion Fund hosts panel to discuss the impact of African Americans in fashion
African American designers make up just 7.3% of the nation’s fashion industry, despite the heavy influence Black culture has on it. The St. Louis Fashion Fund is trying to shed more light on Black designers from the region through the “Black In Fashion” panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Hearth and Soul fashion boutique.
Fashion designers Brandin Vaughn and Yosh Dafney, along with jewelry maker Theresa Wangia, will discuss the impact Black St. Louisans have had on the fashion scene and the challenges and rewards of being Black in the industry.
Sometimes being in business for years is meaningless, because there are still some fashion networks in the area that are not welcoming to Black designers, especially emerging ones, said Vaughn, owner of the Brandin Vaughn Collection.
“The work has been consistent. The work is quality, and people are now seeing that, and they recognize it,” he said. “That's what's really opening the doors.”
Earlier this year Vaughn became the first Black draper for the Muny and also gained styling contracts with COCA and other area theaters. His celebrity client list is also growing and includes Beyonce, the Isley Brothers and St. Louis food entrepreneur and singer Robbi Montgomery. However, he said Black St. Louisans have always influenced fashion and style, but often are not recognized for their talents because of the color of their skin, which can be challenging…