Let’s talk about it. When you look through the history of fashion over the last century, Black designers have created, influenced, or driven trends. From the zoot suits of the 1930s, the militant wear in the 1960s, the influence on luxury brands in the 1970s, and the hip hop style of the 1990s, one thing is clear: Black influence on American fashion is strong, diverse, dynamic, and undeniably beautiful.

However, when it comes to the representation of Black designers in America, it lags behind what history would suggest. Only 7.3% of designers in America are Black within the fashion industry, often still attempting to clear the hurdles of systemic barriers and racial disparities. McDonald’s USA is stepping forward to help provide opportunities and resources to highlight the next group of Black fashion designers through their Black & Positively Golden® Change of Fashion program.

This program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a dynamic roster of Black talent to grow into future leaders and pillars of the fashion industry. This stellar group of entrepreneurs, designers, and disruptors includes: Durrell Dupard (founder of Freddie Estelle), Shareef Mosby (CEO of VICTIM15), Larissa Muehleder (founder of Muehleder), Heart Roberts (founder of HEARTHROB), and Nia Thomas (founder of Nia Thomas). 

Through the program, the Golden Arches will continue to put the designers on big stages across the nation, provide access to expert-led masterclasses, and pair them with industry giants as mentors in the field. These mentors include