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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Why Fashion Needs to Step Up Support for Black Students

To cultivate Black talent in the industry, fashion schools must improve on recruiting and retaining minority students, diversity experts say. Brands too can show their support through mentorship initiatives with HBCUs.
Fashion student in sewing class.
New York-based nonprofit Harlem’s Fashion Row has a programme linking top fashion companies with HBCU professors and programmes. On campus at North Carolina Central University. (Gap )
By
  • Nia Allen

Five years ago, Imani was a junior at Kent State University, and her future looked bright: She was a fashion student, and had made it to the second round of the CFDA’s Design Scholar Competition.

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Further Reading

How to Scale a Black Beauty Brand

Landing a retail partnership is often seen as a major milestone for beauty founders — but it brings a bevy of new challenges, from the logistical complexities to setting a marketing budget. Black entrepreneurs, who typically have far less capital to work with, often face tough choices.

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