Three Black Icons Who’ve Changed Fashion Forever
Although it’s impossible to cover all of black history in just one month, it’s important to acknowledge the ongoing legacy of black Americans. This legacy is especially evident in the fashion industry. In celebration of Black History month, we’re going to recognize three successful black fashion designers.
Rihanna
“I can compensate for all my weakness with my fashion.’’
Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born and raised in Barbados. She released her first music album Music Of The Sun as a seventeen-year-old, and it went on to sell more than two million copies worldwide. Rihanna’s continued releasing music and winning Grammy’s ever since, but she’s also started a makeup lined called Fenty Beauty and a fashion line called Savage X Fenty. She is known for her trendsetting outfits and daring fashion looks.
Willi Donnell Smith
“Everyone wants to be preserved a certain way, to gain the things that they have decided are the things they want in their life.’’
Willi Donnell Smith was one of the first influential and successful black fashion designers in history. Willi was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a child, he often spent his time drawing with his mother has a young boy, and often talked about his dream of becoming an artist. After years of school and hard work, Willi started his own business in 1973 with his sister, Toukie. From his unique designs, he created “WilliWear.” The pants became extremely popular. One of Willi’s collections sold for $200,000, and by 1982 had an annual topping of $5 million. Smith worked with large sportswear companies, allowing his company and creativity to grow.
Kanye West
“I’m talkin’ about us, the people who love fashion. I’m talking about us. You know? I love it! I loved it since age five.”
Kanye Omari West is from Illinois and is known for his popular music and fashionable Yeezy line. Kanye started rapping at a young age and soon got involved in the hip hop scene of his city. After taking one semester of art school in the 90's, West pursued a career in music. Even when he was rapping, Kanye never stopped being interested in art, especially drawing. After graduating high school, he began to plan for a clothing line. In 2009, West’s dream of opening a fashion line came true, when he collaborated with the globally-recognized Nike brand. Soon after the iconic collab, this duo released Air Yeezys, which became Kanye’s breaking point in his fashion career. Despite Kanye’s outspoken and controversial status as a musician and celebrity, his dapper and flamboyant sense of style has cemented his status as a modern fashion icon.
Many students here at Eastside feel inspired by these fashion designers. Freshman Jason Nguyen is one of those students. “Fashion Designers are influencers,” he says. “They’re just like rappers on how they dress, although in a more hard-hitting way. The designs make us think that there is no limit to creativity and fashion.”
