“ Art can really paint a picture that connects with people. It is almost like connecting with people’s souls. And fashion has the ability to do that too.”
KD: How can white professionals best use their own privilege to assist people of color in succeeding within the world of fashion? BD: “I think it is [by] opening doors. And so, what do I mean by that? For example, we started a non-profit, Icon 360, and Icon 360 partnered with Ray’s Fashion. Ray’s Fashion was started by two white women, and most of their board members are not Black. They’ve done a really incredible job of using their privilege to help open doors for designers of color. Sometimes that’s by calling a buyer to see if they can get them through the door. Sometimes that’s calling a factory to see if they can get a lower price on samples, based on their relationship. Sometimes that’s taking the time to look through a designer’s business plan and connect them to their personal network. It’s basically been about physically opening doors. How do you open doors? How do you take what you have and say: How can I use what I have, my relationship, my status and use that to help a person of color? ”
KD: How can social media create a community for minorities looking to help each other succeed? BD: “I think you can create anything you want on social media. I see social media as my classroom: A place where we are all in class together, and as I’m learning, I teach. I think sharing some of the backstory is helpful for creating that community. People don’t want to see only your highest moments; they want to see your backstory, the struggle behind your story. They want to know that you are human, just like them. People wanting to build a community have to get a bit vulnerable and open up, in order to build real connections through social media.”
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Measure Magazine
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