( ENSPIRE Fashion ) IN THE BLK and Builds Economic Independence for Black Designers in the Fashion Industry
ENSPIRE Contributor: Taylor Groft
Today, The Business of Fashion announces the launch of IN THE BLK, a 501(c) organization and global collective of Black creatives in the fashion industry founded and led by Haitian-American designer Victor Glemaud. Members of the collective hail from nations around the world, including the United States, Nigeria, Italy, South Africa, France, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, and more, and make up an extensive list of renowned designers including AliétteNY, ASHYA, Awa Meité, Bantu Wax, Bien Abyé, Christie Brown, Daily Paper, Fanm Mon, Fe Noel, House of Aama, Kenneth Ize, Khiry, Lem Lem, LoveOhLou, Loza Maléombho, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Maki Oh, Marty Moto, Maxhosa by Laduma, Off-White, Orange Culture, Rich Mnisi, Romeo Hunte, Tongoro, San Sovino 6, Selly Raby Kane, Sergio Hudson, Sewit Sium, Shekudo, Stella Jean, Studio 189, Thebe Magugu, THIRD CROWN, Tokyo James and Zashadu.
IN THE BLK and its members are dedicated to creating and expanding spaces for Black designers in fashion and developing opportunities for the designers to build economic independence. IN THE BLK has identified three pillars to aid in their advancement, politics, economics, and innovation, with each initiative created by the collective tying back to their established pillars.
The collective builds on these areas of focus by enlisting the resources and support of their seasoned members who offer development and mentorship to the collective’s up-and-coming designers.
On the collective’s launch, Victor Glemaud shares:
“A lot of Black-owned brands are self-funded…so what I realised was that this business services aspect is something that [In the Blk] can provide.”
“We’re bringing people on board with shared experiences … And everyone is welcome.”
Abrima Erwiah, co-founder of label Studio 189 and a member of the collective, shares their experience with IN THE BLK:
“It’s so encouraging — people just offered to support.”
“Virgil [Abloh] offered to design the logo and assets, and Victor was supportive and connected me to other brands … This is a distinctive community that’s needed.”
About IN THE BLK:
IN THE BLK is a collective of Black creatives in the global fashion industry who are dedicated to creating and expanding spaces for fellow Black designers in fashion by developing opportunities for them to build economic independence.
Founded by Haitian-American designer Victor Glemaud, the mission of IN THE BLK is to unify fashion creators and create solidarity for Black individuals in fashion, globally. IN THE BLK has identified and is committed to three pillars to aid in the advancement of Black creatives: politics, economics, and innovation. The collective builds on these areas of focus by enlisting the resources and support of seasoned fashion professionals who are devoted to the development and mentorship of up and coming designers. IN THE BLK, a 501(c) organization, has assembled an extensive global list of renowned designers from some of the fashion industry’s leading Black-owned fashion brands. For more information on IN THE BLK, visit INTHEBLK.ORG.