10 Must-Know Women of Colour In British Fashion

Industry

10 Must-Know Women of Colour In British Fashion

Let's talk diversity!

In Alexandra Shulman’s final issue of Vogue as E-I-C, the magazine team assembled for a portrait to mark the occasion. Not only did this give us a rare insight into the publication, it exposed the lack of opportunity for women of colour, with no black or Asian team members present.

 

As a woman of African-heritage, I can personally speak on the many challenges faced as an ethnic minority pursuing a fashion career. One of which is that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Therefore in celebration of the incredibly talented, hard-working and resilient women of colour, we present 10 of our favourite fashion trail-blazers! Enjoy…

 

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Donna Wallace (Accessories Editor, Elle Magazine)

Donna Wallace is somewhat of an online mystery as very little information exists about her on the internet. Despite having over 3’000 followers on Instagram, she follows nobody! (We’ve heard she’s very nice IRL).

Yet, Wallace is noted for her impeccable style and strong eye for a trend. Her presence is definitely be felt on the pages of Elle as the Accessories Editor.

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Tandy Anderson (Co-founder and CEO of Select Models)

Tandy Anderson is the co-founder and CEO of Select Models, founded in 1977. Select is one of the most influential agencies in the world and one of the longest-running agencies in London. Tandy is responsible for discovering and championing international stars such as David Gandy. She has been voted as one of the top ten most influential black people in the UK on the annual Power List.

 

WOC in fashion

Vanessa Kingori (Publisher, GQ Magazine)

Vanessa holds two very prestigious titles as the first female publisher of British GQ and the first black publisher at Condé Nast UK. Kingori studied management and sociology at the Royal Holloway University of London.

Before joining Condé Nast, Vanessa worked on ES Magazine, followed by a role as fashion manager of Esquire magazine UK.

 

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Michelle Ogundehin (Editor-in-Chief, Elle Decoration UK)

Before being appointed as E-I-C of Elle Decoration in May 2004, Michelle held the position of creative director of the same publication and is renowned as an authority on interiors, style and contemporary design. Adding to that, she is a brand consultant, TV presenter and writer.

Michelle was born in Manchester, grew up in London, and now lives in Brighton with her young son and two boisterous Basset Hounds.

 

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Stephanie Horton (Ex-Chief Marketing Officer, Farfetch)

Stephanie Horton is the ex-chief marketing officer of Farfetch and has 20 years of experience in the luxury fashion and marketing industry. She started her career in the fashion office of Dayton Hudson/Marshall Fields in Chicago, mainly within the merchandising field. After several roles within fashion, Stephanie’s career lead her to Vogue, where she joined as the Executive Director of Creative Services and Communications.

More recently and just before Farfetch Stephanie was the Head of Global Communications at Shopbop.com, working to develop and execute Shopbop’s global communications and PR strategy for Asia and the US. We can’t wait to see what she does next! 

 

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Kenya Hunt (Fashion Features Director, Elle UK)

Kenya Hunt is the American-born, London based Fashion Features Director of Elle UK. Having previously worked as a writer and then later as an Editor, her work has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, Metro International, Vogue Italy, Marie Claire, InStyle and more.

 

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Lynette Nylander (Deputy Editor, Teen Vogue)

Unsurprisingly, Lynette landed her first fashion internship at age of 14 and has been trailblazing in the industry ever since. Fast forward 14 years, she was featured as one of 2017’s Forbes 30 under 30. Where she was commended for ‘covering the whitewashing of the beauty industry and the force of women in fashion’. As of Friday 11th August, Lynette was appointed as Deputy Editor of Teen Vogue

Lynette has previously held positions as i-D as deputy editor and managing editor for indie mag, INDUSTRIE.

 

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Julia Sarr-Jamois (Senior Fashion Editor, i-D)

Julia Sarr-Jamois is a London based stylist and is the senior fashion editor for i-D. To add, she is a contributor for Teen Vogue, Vogue Italia and many other international fashion publications.

You may have seen her street style outfits and iconic afro on many of your favourite blogs as Julia is regularly included in best-dressed lists of publications such as Vogue US and British Vogue.

Julia kicked off her fashion career as a model for various fashion brands. But then realised that she craved a more creative career, from which she delved into styling. She didn’t go to University and her first internship after college was at i-D magazine.

 

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Lisa Rahman (Art Director, Glamour Magazine)

You’d only have to take a look at Lisa’s Instagram to know that she’s either in fashion or graphic design. And actually, the answer is BOTH! Lisa studied graphic design at University of the Arts London, where she achieved a 1st class degree. Following from that she’s held titles as designer at Elle Magazine, Acting Associate at Elle Magazine, Art Director at Elle Collections, Deputy Art Director (Elle Magazine) and Art Director (Glamour). And breathe…

Lisa has won many personal awards such as D&AD pencil award for graph design and best print designer.

 

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Des Lewis (Senior Style Editor at Marie Claire)

Des started her fashion career at i-D magazine before moving onto assist the now E-I-C of British Vogue, Edward Enninful. With enough experience to launch into a freelance styling career, Des worked on advertisements, editorial photoshoots and with recording artists.

From there, she went in-house as a Senior Fashion Assistant at Glamour magazine, then onto Fashion and Shopping Editor at InStyle. After which, Des went back to Glamour as Acting Fashion Editor. But her journey didn’t end there. Since 2010, Des has been at the helm of style at Marie Claire.

Did we miss any of your favourites women of colour in fashion off the list?

We’d love to hear them, please comment below.

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2 Comments

  1. Rebecca Osei Baidoo- Head of WW Buying @ Tsum Moscow, previously @ Browns

    Lydia King- WW Buying Director @ Selfridges

    Tiffany Hsu- Buying Manger @ Mytheresa, previously @ Selfridges

    Caroline Issa – E-i-C @ Tank Magazine

    A few of my favourites

  2. Loved this list, I’m so happy to see women of colour in high fashion positions.
    You missed Kahlana Barfield, she’s the editor of InStyle magazine and she’s honestly got impeccable style! x

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