Sunday evening, the Philadelphia University chapter of BRAG (Black Retail Action Group) hosted the annual “Talkin’ Fashion” event. As a national nonprofit organization, BRAG focuses on providing opportunities and preparing minority groups for leadership positions in the fashion industry.
The event started off with a mocktail hour. Each panelist was present during the hour, giving members of BRAG and other attendees the opportunity to network before the official panel discussion. The panel of industry insiders included designer duo, Jeantrix; stylist, Devon Milan; assistant buyer, Shelisa Melendez; and entrepreneur, Abu Fofanah.
Jeantrix was created by N¥ce and Hømm. The creative duo started out as young artists, designing sneakers, and has moved on to creating custom pieces for celebs like Alicia Keys and, recently, Queen Bey’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Jeantrix’s collection has also been seen on Keke Palmer, Bryshere Gray (a.k.a Hakeem from Empire), and others.
Young celebrity stylist, Devon Milan, has worked and is continuing to work her way up in the business, assisting with styling shows such as Michael Costello and Yeezy Season 3. Devon has also worked with the cast of VH1’s Black Ink Crew.
The panel was pretty balanced, offering insight from creatives like Jeantrix and Devon, and also featuring industry leaders from the business side of fashion. Shelisa Melendez is the assistant buyer for the dresses department at Burlington Coat Factory. During the panel discussion, Shelisa discussed her journey, making it in the fashion industry, and how she became a buyer at Burlington. Abu Fofanah is the CEO and editor-in-chief of House of Fofanah, a destination for fashion education online.
Each of the panelists were open and gave insightful tips on making it in the industry. A few take aways for striving fashion industry leaders and entrepreneurs: (1) Your brand is your brand. There may be someone that does something similar to what you do, but no one can do it like you. (2) Have a plan! Yes, building a business requires money, but it also requires planning to be successful. (3) Just stay on your grind. Even if you lack in experience compared to others in your field, if people see that you’re hungry, they’ll take you seriously.
Also at the event were artists, Fre$H $ide twins, and vendor, Emir Lucas (MRLCS Clothing).
Overall, the event was a great networking opportunity for students and entrepreneurs trying to break out in the fashion industry. The event is annual, so be on the look out for “Talkin’ Fashion” next year.
XO,
Sydney
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