Black Designers Lead Major Fashion Houses

Black creatives’ longstanding influence on fashion is increasingly being reflected in leadership and public recognition. Martine Rose’s appointment as Balenciaga’s creative director makes her the first Black person and first woman to lead the house, while adding to the visibility of Black designers at major fashion brands. In Richmond, The Culture Is Couture celebrated Black contributions to fashion, beauty and culture through an expo, performances and conversations featuring creators and businesses. Model and actress Toukie Smith, who helped advance Black representation in modeling and television, died at 74 after living with multiple sclerosis.