Renowned media personality and former fashion editor Elaine Welteroth has partnered with McDonald’s to launch the groundbreaking “Black & Positively Golden (B&PG) Change of Fashion” program.
This initiative aims to uplift and empower emerging Black fashion designers by providing them with a collective $200,000 grant, invaluable industry mentorship, and vital resources to accelerate their career trajectories.
Addressing the Underrepresentation of Black Designers
Despite the profound influence of Black culture on fashion trends, from the iconic zoot suits of the 1930s to the iconic hip-hop tracksuits of the 1980s, Black designers remain underrepresented in the industry. Shockingly, they account for a mere 7.3% of the fashion industry workforce, hindered by systemic barriers and racial disparities.
“Having navigated the fashion industry as a Black woman, I understand first-hand the challenges around Black designers breaking through and sustaining a profitable business,” Welteroth stated. “Partnering with a global brand like McDonald’s, I am honored to leverage my experiences as a fashion editor to mentor the next generation of designers and to ultimately help foster more inclusivity in an industry that thrives on Black culture.”
A Year-Long Mentorship and Capsule Collection Launch
The B&PG Change of Fashion program pairs five emerging Black designers with five esteemed Black industry experts for a year-long mentorship. This comprehensive experience will provide access to expert-led masterclasses, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and national exposure through a television commercial featuring the designers and their mentors.
The mentors include Elaine Welteroth herself, Matte Collection CEO Justina McKee, retail executive Shawn Howell, Laquan Smith COO Jacqueline Cooper, and Sherri McMullen, Founder of luxury concept retail stores and CEO of McMullen.
Empowering Emerging Talent and Inspiring Industry Change
Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting diverse communities. “For decades, McDonald’s has leveraged its size and scale to invest in and support the diverse communities we serve. The Change of Fashion program builds on that legacy, pushing new boundaries in an effort to inspire real change, not only for our five designers, but for the fashion industry at large.”
The five designers selected for the inaugural program are Durrell Dupard of Freddie Estelle, Shareef Mosby of VICTIM15, Larissa Muehleder of Muehleder, Heart Roberts of HEARTHROB, and Nia Thomas of Nia Thomas. Their unique styles and perspectives will be showcased in a highly anticipated capsule collection at the culmination of the program.
A Lasting Impact on Diversity and Inclusion
By providing financial support, mentorship, and industry exposure, the B&PG Change of Fashion program aims to create a lasting impact on diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry.
Through this initiative, McDonald’s and Elaine Welteroth are paving the way for emerging Black designers to overcome barriers and thrive, ultimately reshaping the fashion landscape to better reflect and celebrate Black culture.
