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Tag: Antoine Gregory

  • Black Fashion Fair Launches Inaugural Symposium

    Get ready for New York Fashion Week with a powerful new initiative! Black Fashion Fair has launched its very first symposium, dedicated to shining a spotlight on the incredible talent and contributions of Black creatives in the fashion and beauty industries. This one-day event, held on September 6th, aimed to unite, support, and amplify the voices of designers, photographers, beauty leaders, and more, in a space where they’ve historically been underrepresented.

    Building a Foundation for the Future

    Black Fashion Fair Founder Antoine Gregory articulated the core mission: “Black Fashion Fair exists because Black fashion has always deserved more: more visibility, more access, more investment, more ownership. We are not just observers of Black fashion. We are building a foundation that will sustain generations to come.” The symposium served as a powerful extension of this vital work.

    A recurring theme throughout the day was the immense power of community and collaboration. Creatives shared how mutual support from fellow Black fashion professionals has been instrumental in their journeys. Photographer Donté Maurice, part of the duo AB+DM, highlighted this synergy: “Collaboration is something that’s important to us, because we’re two people working together as one unit.”

    Lessons from Industry Leaders

    The symposium also delved into pressing industry issues. The impact of economic challenges, including Trump-era tariffs, was a significant topic. Beauty influencer Danessa Myricks spoke candidly about how tariffs cost her millions, emphasizing the precarious nature of running a business: “You could be doing extremely well and be out of business in the next week.”

    Another insightful panel brought together fashion heavyweights like Edvin Thompson (Theophilio), Jacques Agbobly (Agbobly), and Tia Adeola to discuss the intersection of fashion, politics, and activism. They explored how their identities as Black designers influence their work, with Thompson noting, “We’re actually activists even when there’s not necessarily a call to action for us. Because we wake up Black every day.” Agbobly added that while their stories might reflect broader political themes, their primary focus is on telling their own narratives.

    Amplifying Voices and Impact

    The event featured a host of other influential Black fashion leaders, including luxury accessories designer Brandon Blackwood, Tomi Talabi (founder of the Black Beauty Club), Sofia Maame Thompson (PR director of Buttah Skin), and makeup artist Keita Moore. Their presence underscored the symposium’s commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of talent.

    While Antoine Gregory hasn’t yet confirmed if the symposium will become an annual fixture kicking off New York Fashion Week, this inaugural event has undoubtedly made a powerful statement. It signifies a crucial step forward in ensuring Black creatives receive the recognition, access, and investment they profoundly deserve.

    What are your thoughts on the importance of events like the Black Fashion Fair symposium? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • Black Fashion Fair Symposium Celebrates Genius

    Get ready, because Black fashion is here to stay and Black Fashion Fair (BFF) is making sure everyone knows it! Their recent debut symposium, ‘Black Fashion Forward,’ wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful declaration of talent, community, and the enduring genius within the Black fashion and beauty industries.

    A Gathering of Black Excellence

    Hosted by BFF founder Antoine Gregory just before New York Fashion Week, this symposium drew Black fashion and beauty creatives from all over the country. It was a vibrant space designed to celebrate and connect, and it certainly delivered. In a time when the fashion industry is facing economic headwinds, this event offered a much-needed dose of optimism and solidarity.

    Gregory kicked off the afternoon by emphasizing BFF’s mission: ‘Black fashion has always deserved more: more visibility, more access, more investment, more ownership,’ he declared. He stressed that BFF isn’t just observing Black fashion; it’s actively building a sustainable foundation for future generations.

    Visual Languages, Collaboration, and Self-Belief

    The event kicked off with a fascinating panel on visual languages and Black representation in fashion media. Photographer duo AB+DM (Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice), makeup artist Keita Moore, and editorial director Irene Ojo-Felix discussed their work, including capturing Iman for Harper’s Bazaar. They highlighted the power of collaboration, emphasizing how involving makeup artists in the post-production process enriches their visual storytelling.

    The duo also shared how mentors like Zendaya and Law Roach taught them the importance of ‘paying it forward’ and proper advocacy. Moore added a crucial piece of advice for aspiring creatives: ‘you have to be a little delusional’ – that unwavering self-belief is key to navigating the industry.

    Navigating Finances and Building Brands

    Later, esthetician Sean Garrette moderated a discussion with beauty leaders Danessa Myricks (Danessa Myricks Beauty), Tomi Talabi (Black Beauty Club), and Sofia Maame Thompson (Buttah Skin). The conversation turned poignant when discussing finances, especially following the news of Ami Colé’s closure. Myricks shared the immense challenges of self-funded growth, noting how external factors like tariffs can create sudden, massive financial pressures.

    • The critical need for customer support in sustaining businesses.
    • The importance of securing investment to build long-term wealth.
    • Navigating unexpected financial hurdles in the industry.

    Fashion as Activism and Cultural Force

    The energy continued with a panel featuring New York powerhouses like Kia D. Goosby (Vanity Fair), Edvin Thompson (Theophilio), Jacques Agbobly (Agbobly), and Tia Adeola. When asked about fashion’s intersection with politics and activism, the panelists offered thoughtful perspectives. Thompson noted that simply existing as Black individuals makes them activists, while Agbobly cautioned against being pigeonholed, stating his aim is to tell his own story, with any political undertones being a byproduct.

    Scaling Success and Embracing Grace

    The final conversation featured luxury accessories designer Brandon Blackwood in discussion with Antoine Gregory. Blackwood, known for scaling his handbag empire and designing for stars like Beyoncé, echoed the need for ‘delusional’ self-belief. He candidly shared behind-the-scenes stories of brand growth, including navigating Twitter backlash and scaling operations.

    Gregory pointed out that Black brands often aren’t afforded the same grace as others when facing challenges. Blackwood also revealed his current focus on investing time in home and furniture design, even sharing that a hotel has commissioned him for furniture design. While his accessories brand is thriving, this new venture is proving personally fulfilling.

    A Day of Connection and Celebration

    Throughout the day, hosts Shelcy and Christy Joseph expertly guided attendees between panels. The symposium also included moments for fun and connection, like a flower-embellished water station by Maison Perrier, custom airbrushed Champion T-shirts as keepsakes, and a lively cocktail reception featuring Crown Royal cocktails.

    While details for the next symposium are still under wraps, the success of this inaugural event strongly suggests that 2026 will be another must-attend gathering for anyone passionate about Black excellence in fashion.

    What were your favorite moments or takeaways from the Black Fashion Fair symposium? Share your thoughts in the comments below!