Rashad Benton

Anna Wintour on Emerging Designers, Individuality & American Fashion | CFDA Awards 2026

What makes Anna Wintour stop and look? I was given the opportunity to find out. At the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, I asked her what continues to draw her to emerging designers. She recalled discovering Thom Browne’s work and spoke about individuality, authenticity, and the support American fashion’s established names offer one another. A brief conversation from an evening with plenty to discuss. Interview by Rashad D. Benton at the American Museum of Natural History, November 2,...

At the CFDA Awards, Fashion Gave Credit Where It Was Due

Rachel Scott, Ralph Lauren, Ana Khouri, and Colleen Allen took home the evening's nominee categories at American Fashion's biggest night presented by Amazon Fashion.

Virginia Smith Steps Into the Frame

Vogue's Global Head of Fashion Network reflects on personal style, fashion's changing terrain, and the people who have made it all worthwhile.

Todd Snyder Enters Home with CB2

As CB2's first menswear collaborator, Snyder expands into a world he has quietly been building for years with a 65-piece home collection.

Nick Fouquet on Imagination, Instinct, and the Language of Hats

Western-wear has found new life across fashion and music - from Beyoncé to Pharrell. Nick Fouquet's work has quietly helped define that shift, shaping the role of headwear within it.

Andre Walker: Before, Becoming, Beyond

Self-taught and uncompromising, Walker reflects on childhood dreams, rebellion, Paris runways, and the truths that shaped one of fashion's most elusive, enduring, and legendary figures.

Tommy Hilfiger on Legacy, Innovation, and Embracing Hip-Hop

When Tommy Hilfiger opened his first store, People's Place, in his hometown of Elmira, New York, he had $150 in savings from working nights at a gas station and a dream larger than life. At People's Place, he and his buddy sold bellbottom jeans to their community of friends.

Words with (Fashion) Friends: Vanessa Friedman on Fashion, Culture, and Critique

Vanessa V. Friedman has been the fashion director and chief fashion critic of The New York Times since 2014, where she redefined fashion writing as a form of cultural commentary.

Career Conversations: Charles-Corvsky Dieujuste on Redefining Bridal Elegance

From an early age, Charles C. Dieujuste harbored an unwavering passion for fashion. However, as a child of a traditional Caribbean household from Haiti, his creative aspirations were met with skepticism. Encouraged to pursue a more conventional path, Charles initially redirected his focus toward medicine, immersing himself in biophysics and chemistry.

Career Conversations: Chee Smalls on Blending Innovation & Content Creation in the Corporate Sphere

In the heart of East Harlem, where the streets hum with life, Chiriga Smalls known as Chee Smalls emerged from a vibrant community known as the 1199 Eastside Co-op that shaped her into the Senior Director of Product Development at Coach.

Career Conversations: Felita Harris' Fashion Executive Life in Non-Profit

Born in Chattanooga and raised across Italy and various U.S. cities, Felita Harris has built an impressive career spanning over two decades in the luxury fashion industry, specializing in global wholesale, franchise strategies, and partnerships.

Career Conversations: Mike Press on Bridging Artistry and Entrepreneurship

Mike Press, a native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., has a resume that spans acting, fitness modeling, entrepreneurship, and the arts, including his role as a disc jockey. Press' early aspiration was to work as A&R in the music industry, a dream hindered by judgment from his peers at his Catholic school, who viewed a career in music as impractical.

Career Conversations: Kéla Walker On The Intersection Of Fashion And Broadcasting

Hailing from the outskirts of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Kéla Walker carves a unique path in the realm of entertainment as a consummate seven-time Emmy-nominated television host. Her journey from small-town roots to edgy Brooklyn streets epitomize the fusion of fashion and media.

Career Conversations: Taj Brayboy's Journey of Identity and Entrepreneurship

Born in South Florida, Taj BrayBoy's path was marked by a desire to explore his identity as a black man, a journey that would ultimately shape his trajectory in profound ways. While attending a predominantly White/Hispanic high school, Taj was at a crossroads yearning to delve deeper into his roots and cultural heritage.

Career Conversations: The Big Small-Town Dreams of Marquelle Turner-Gilchrist

Marquelle Turner-Gilchrist's journey from the stoplight-free town of Johnsonville, N.C., to the apex of global luxury brands is a testament to resilience and unyielding ambition. Raised in a single-parent household under the shadow of significant financial hardship, Marquelle discovered a sanctuary in fashion, using it as a shield against the harshness of poverty.

Career Conversations: The Multi-layered Journey of Sharifa Murdock

Sharifa Murdock is a Trinidadian American fashion, business, and lifestyle expert from Brooklyn, NY. In her youth, Sharifa harbored dreams of becoming a dancer, inspired by the dynamic performances by the Fly Girls-particularly Jennifer Lopez-on '90s television show "In Living Color."

Career Conversations: The History of Emil Wilbekin

Emil Wilbekin, a luminary of unyielding creativity and boundless curiosity, emerged from the heartland of Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio. He was adopted at six months and christened "Mr. Reporter" a sobriquet during his formative years born out of his relentless penchant for discussing matters of import within his household and neighborhood.

Career Conversations: Quohnos Mitchell, from Marine to Fashion Veteran

Quohnos Mitchell, a multifaceted individual whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring, has carved a remarkable path through life. Born and raised in Detroit, his journey led him from the disciplined ranks of the United States Marine Corps to a dynamic career in fashion and public relations.

Career Conversations: DexRob on his Niche Position in Sports & Diallo Brand

From a young age, DexRob was anything but conventional. His childhood was marked by an absence of traditional career aspirations-he was a free spirit and a true creative, his mother attested. While other kids gravitated towards sneakers and sports, the kid born outside of Philadelphia and raised in Virginia would find himself drawn to shiny patent leather shoes instead.

Career Conversations: The Collection & Story of Brandon Murphy

California native Brandon Murphy knew as a teen that he wanted to work with clothing and style. Although the term "designer" wasn't exactly what he meant, life eventually showed that design would be his specialty. During his time in school in Atlanta at the University Center (AUC) starting at Clark Atlanta, he acquired specialized sewing abilities thanks to the school's fashion program.

Career Conversations: The Bags, Edits & Influences of Ashley Ciriaco

Ashley Ciriaco, the 24-year-old designer behind the viral crescent moon purse, is a mixture of southern and northern roots. Born and raised in Atlanta, she spent every summer in New York City with her father's side of the family in The Bronx. Her first designs were princess dresses due to her infatuation with Cinderella.

Career Conversations: Influencing Global Strategy with Toni Renee

Toni Renee was raised just outside of Columbus, Ohio, in a city known as Reynoldsburg. Before becoming a global influencer marketing and strategy manager, she was an all-city honorable mention athlete who played basketball as a point guard from age 9 until college while also running track.

Career Conversations: The C-Suite Life of Stephanie Horton

Stephanie Horton is a leading global luxury and fashion executive from the South Side of Chicago. As a teen, she was a member of Jack and Jill of America, a leadership group founded during the Great Depression by African American mothers who wanted to bring their children together in a social and cultural setting to improve their quality of life.

Career Conversations: Romeo Hunte

West Indian, Brooklyn born designer, Romeo Hunte launched his namesake brand in 2014. He drew inspiration from the uncut activity he saw from outside his Brooklyn apartment during the 1990s, namely neighborhood residents sporting oversized, saggy jeans and hoodies while shooting dice on the corner.

Career Conversations: The Cut's Beauty Director-at-Large Maya Allen

Before her time at Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and InStyle, and even before joining Alpha Chapter's Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. at Howard University, Maya Allen could be found playing the flute, practicing ballet, and nurturing her innate love of writing through collecting magazines and journaling in her hometown of Rose City.

Career Conversations: Kevan Hall

What were you doing at age 7? Surely not sketching in front of a television set, I assume. That may what separated American fashion designer Kevan Hall from the pack.

Career Conversations: Autumn Adeigbo

Nigerian-American fashion designer Autumn Adeigbo launched her eponymous label in 2016 after years of entering business competitions, working retail and in hospitality at some of the most sought-after restaurants in New York City.

Words with (Fashion) Friends: Nick Wooster

Nick Wooster couldn't picture life today during his '60s childhood in Salina, Kansas. His father was a mechanic and his mother stayed at home, not knowing that her eldest son who played with dolls and was allowed to speak candidly, dress himself as a kid and request cashmere sweaters as a teenager would someday turn into a lucrative professional with a career in the world of fashion after studying journalism and advertising at Kansas State University in 1978-back when in-state tuition was...

Career Conversations: Reginald Christian on His Passage to Saks

Reginald Christian, the Southern Gentleman from just outside the limits of Lynchburg, Virginia, originally moved to New York City 13 years ago to study at Berkeley College and pursue a career in Child Psychology. Relocation was challenging for the family-oriented cook, but his decision to come out to his family and the thought of living freely in Virginia didn't quite mix.

Career Conversations: How Chris Chambers & The Chamber Group Came to Be

Boogie Down, BX, The Bronx-or whatever you call it-is where you could find Chris Chambers in the '80s. Back then, the Mount Saint Michael Academy student grew up in the era of Calvin Klein, Levi's, and Jordache-and can't forget the suede Pumas or leather bombers.

Career Conversations: The Coveteur's Beauty Director Ama Kwarteng

Born in Ghana, writer Ama Kwarteng grew up in a suburb outside of Columbus, Ohio. You might ask, "Rascal Flatts or Bow Wow?" In middle school, the Barnard College graduate aspired to be a political reporter, then Tumblr came along.

Career Conversations: Macy's Associate Men's Director Noah Thomas

Remember the time when Myspace was the go-to social media platform? Most of those who swore by Hip-Hop were listening to Young Jeezy, T.I, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Jay-Z. Music was reaching more youthful audiences thanks to the iPod - or MP3 player of choice and LimeWire, aka the gateway to free music.

Career Conversations: Transparent Lenses and Thoughts with Elisa Johnson

Elisa Johnson is a new business owner and an influencer - though, wait, influencer is a word she despises. The 28-year-old California native - sister to reality star EJ Johnson and daughter of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" and Cookie Johnson - was a performing arts kid who spent summers attending the prestigious French Woods Performing Arts Camp.

Career Conversations: The Work and Philosophy of André White's Brand

Elusive and enigmatic Southside Chicagoan André White - or Monsieur Blanc - is a multi-hyphenate creator and fashion designer. He is the lead designer of Le Grand Heirs, a brand he developed as a forward-thinking blend of fashion, art, film, philosophy, and philanthropy.

Career Conversations: Kim Kimble, A Titan of Hair

"Beautifying the world, one head at a time" is Kim Kimble's motto. And this is what she is precisely doing. An expert in beauty, an entrepreneur, and a celebrity hairstylist, Kim's work with Beyoncé, Kerry Washington, Nicki Minaj, Oprah, Taraji P. Henson, Tyra Banks, and Zendaya is truly inspiring.

Career Conversations: Meet Nigel Sylvester, Fashion's Coveted Pro-BMX Athlete

Outside of the Mongoose name and brand, many are unfamiliar with BMX. We've all seen it - perhaps if you had a PlayStation 2 and played many of the action-sport-inspired games in your room - but have we actually paid attention?

Career Conversations: Whitney Harper of Harp Media and Creatives

Whitney Harper, a native of the Bay Area, had always wanted to be a singer before becoming CEO and Founder of Harp Media and Creatives. Spoiler Alert: It's a career she never pursued, but her family wishes she had.

Career Conversations: Robin Givhan, The Washington Post's Unvarnished Senior Critic

Detroit native, mini-triathlon relay runner, author of "The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled Into The Spotlight And Made History," and 2006 Pulitzer Prize Recipient, Robin Givhan is Senior Critic-at-Large at The Washington Post, where she writes about politics, race, and the arts.

CFDA Career Conversations: Tommy J. Atkins, a Marketing Force at Hearst Magazines

Before leveraging his expertise to advance the marketing efforts of Hearst-owned publications such as Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, and Harper's BAZAAR, Mitten State native Tommy J. Atkins left his hometown of Saginaw, MI for college as a trumpet playing Bison at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Career Conversations: Adonis Bosso on Longevity, Male Models & Fatherhood

Before his face became familiar to the masses, Adonis Bosso was flipping burgers as a 17-year-old when he got his first chance at modeling thanks to a former girlfriend. He spent the next four years flying from Canada to NYC to Paris, hoping to get signed.

Career Conversations: Sheika Daley's Makeup Journey

Before Jamaican-born, Florida-raised celebrity makeup artist Sheika Daley ascended into the world of beauty, she focused on science and math. During her four years at Boyd Anderson High School, the Fort Lauderdale native was part of the International Baccalaureate "IB" program, and, during those formative years, spent time preparing for a career as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist.

Career Conversations: Chrisean Rose, From Finance to Photography

Photographer Chrisean Rose started out as a hopeful finance guy. The Bahamian American excelled in this field thanks to an early exposure as the offspring of family bankers. His native land is Exuma, the tiny Bahamian island of about 2000 people with one road and no red lights that is most famous today for the Instagram photos you see online of people swimming with pigs.

Career Conversations: Dr. Joyce F. Brown, FIT's First Back & Female President

Dr. Joyce F. Brown is the first Black and first female President of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and founder of the recently announced Social Justice Center (SJC) at FIT. She's a native New Yorker from Harlem who grew up on 141st Street and Convent, down the street from The City College of New York (CUNY).

Career Conversations: Blake Newby, Before, During & After Life in Editorial

This year's 2022 CultureCon Host, Blake Newby, spent her formative years preparing to become the next Soledad O'Brien. Originally from Detroit her first role in journalism came by way of her high school's morning news show where she was the broadcaster. Fortunately, her news reporter dreams were well supported by her Spelhouse (Spelman and Morehouse College) parents.

Career Conversations: Globetrotting Stylist Fatima B

New York-based celebrity stylist Fatima B's early years were spent in Japan and a few other Asia countries in Asia thanks to her parents' work at The United Nations before they settled in Harlem. Fatima's sport of choice in high school was fashion.

Career Conversations: Good American VP of Brand Marketing Patrick Buchanan

Lexington, Kentucky native Patrick Buchanan is from a family where the matriarch, his grandmother, birthed 11 children. From an early age, he knew that he'd have to leave behind his Kentucky roots to achieve his dreams. Having a big family was one of the reasons he definitely left, but Patrick primarily left because he wanted to achieve something that would only be possible if he left Kentucky.

Career Conversations: How James Carroll IV Went from Life Insurance to Nike & Beyoncé

They say if you pronounce the "t" in Baltimore, you aren't really from there. James Carroll passes the test. James, who is of African American and Blackfoot Cherokee descent, grew up with little interest in fashion. He was a lifeguard, worked at the YMCA, sold HVACs at Home Depot and life insurances.

Shawn Pean on Making it Big in Fashion & June79

Shawn Pean, a Brooklyn native, grew up in an environment that differs from the world he lives in today. Brooklyn in the 1990s was truly a concrete jungle that required young people to manage much more than youth problems at a young age.

Career Conversations: Costume Designer Dajia Milan on Pivoting & Working on Pose

When Mase said Harlem was on the rise, he might've been referring to Manhattan Avenue, aka Money Ave., the block Costume Designer Dajia Milan grew up on until moving just a little ways away to Morningside Heights.

Career Conversations: Lorenzo Atkinson, Tiffany & Co.'s Global Digital Content Specialist

Ask anyone born before 1995 who influenced them when they were growing up, and the majority will name a specific celebrity, athlete, or politician they saw on television. Not Lorenzo Atkinson though. The North Miami Beach Native credits his mother Sharon Gordon for introducing him to style and the commitment to dressing up every morning.

Designer Spotlight: Meet Larissa Muehleder, the Neoprene Queen

Larissa Muehleder of the Muehleder label has seen her designs in Vogue, Glamour, InStyle, and People magazine. Her take on neoprene has captured the attention of over 100,000 women plus some Hollywood darlings, including Issa Rae, Zendaya, and Angela Simmons, who's been a supporter since almost day one.

Career Conversations: Eric K. Thomas on The Quintessential Gentleman's Purpose

Somewhere between the 215, 267, and 445 area codes is where Philly Native Eric K. Thomas spent his early years. As an adolescent, The Quintessential Gentleman Founder consumed himself with gymnastics which he stuck with throughout high school, even after moving from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.

Career Conversations: Yanii Gough on Starting Yanii Models

As a native of the Bronx near the Fordham area, Haitian-American Yanii Gough wasn't focused on learning. In her world, she didn't grow up seeing or hearing inspiring stories about what life could be for her once she was older, so it left her without motivation to think big.

Career Conversations: James Whitner on Sneaker Culture & Community

There are many tales about individuals, specifically those from the African Diaspora, who grew up in housing projects. Most people outside of the projects learned about life there via TV shows like Good Times, based on the infamous Cabrini Green in Chicago, for example. Music has also had a hand in visualizing these stories.

Career Conversations: Catching up with Loewe Senior VIP/PR Manager Jummy Temidayo

There's a saying about those overachieving DMV folk, and 28-year-old Nigerian, Montgomery County native Jummy Temidayo exemplifies the definition. Jummy spent the first four years in New York City in Queens studying Public Relations at St. John's University, thanks to an aptitude test she took while in high school.

Career Conversations: UFCG Founder Umindi Francis Talks Fashion, Tech & The Metaverse

Calling Umindi Francis a jack of all trades would be an easy way out. It would be vastly understating her 20-plus years of expertise in fashion, entertainment, finance, public relations, and technology. The Trinidadian born, Brooklyn native's start, had zero to do with any of the previously mentioned.

Career Conversations: Reflecting with Stylist ICONtips

Casey Billingsley, who professionally goes by ICONtips, has been referred to as the byproduct if Dr. Dre and André Leon Talley collided. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he was raised by his grandmother, Doris "Dottie" Johnson, in one of the deltas which came with a healthy serving of deep southern Christian roots, and he received more than his fair share as he grew up in the city's West End.

Career Conversations: Creating with Melissa Mitchell

South Miami Native Melissa Mitchell dreamt of the perfect life society once sold us; in fact, she had it all planned out: the coveted career - entertainment law; the foreign car - a yellow BMW; life in a new city - Atlanta; the perfect family - husband + 2.5 kids.

EBONY Honors André Leon Talley with Special Issue

New York Fashion Week kicks off this Friday, and it will be without the 6'6 pioneering figure's presence and vast encyclopedia of fashion history. To celebrate and highlight the decades-long career of the fashion legend, EBONY Magazine unveiled a special February digital cover illustrated by Chicago artist Brandon Breaux; Breaux had also designed John Lewis' book cover art.

Career Conversations: Marielle Bobo of EBONY

Marielle Bobo, the Caribbean-American, Flatbush, Brooklyn born and raised Editor-in-Chief & Senior Vice President, Programming of Ebony, has worked in the publishing world for the last two decades. Her high school was Brooklyn Tech, Howard University the alma mater, and the Fashion Institute of Technology her gateway into fashion.

Career Conversations: Bianca Gracie on her New Role as a Managing Editor

There is something resilient about Bronx-born individuals. And if you've never been, you've heard a lot of the stories. You know the successes - Jennifer Lopez -aka Jenny from the Block - Fat Joe, Big Pun, Cardi B, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein - but what about those who aren't famed musicians and designers?

NATIVE SON 101 LIST CLASS OF 2021

The Native Son 101 is a list of Black gay and queer men who have had impact in 2021 on their community, profession or artistry, and on the world. This is an alphabetical listing of visionaries, dreamers, innovators, thought leaders, and change makers who believe in themselves, take risks, and audaciously make a difference while fearlessly representing themselves — and our community.

Designer Spotlight: Charles Harbison on Class Identity & Collaborating with Banana Republic

Born in Lincolnton, a city northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina, Charles Harbison lives a life that many from his birthplace probably never imagined. It is said that our upbringings shape us for the rest of our lives - both in positive and negative ways. In Harbison's case, his close-knit family keeps him grounded.

Career Conversations: Jacob Webster on his Voyage from Lifeguard to Photographer

Jacob Webster has photographed Chloe Bailey, Lori Harvey, Winnie Harlow, Diddy, and Michael B. Jordan - and the list goes on. Still, the Silver Spring, Maryland native who identifies as Black American with an exceptionally blended heritage didn't start with such a high-profile job. Truthfully, he didn't start as a photographer at all.

Career Conversations: Crown & Conquer Founder April McDaniel

April McDaniel has spent 17 years ideating events for an extensive list of prominent names - think Tao Group, Heineken, Lebron James & Maverick Carter's SpringHill Company, Jen Atkins, and more. Remember Drake's 30th Birthday party or 2 Chainz "Pink Trap Salon" in Atlanta? She created those as well.

Career Conversations: Jeremy Haynes on Dressing Black Hollywood in the South

Known to the industry and social media as NoIgJeremy, Jeremy Haynes's story started in Augusta, Georgia, around 145 miles from Atlanta - also known as Black Hollywood - where he currently resides.

Designer Spotlight: Esé Azénabor-Grembowski

As a child, Nigeria-born, Canada-raised designer Esé Azénabor-Grembowski's genuine curiosity swung a different way. Inspired by the mother of her childhood best friend and the gorgeous dresses she uniquely designed for her daughter, Esé became fascinated by garments and how someone could produce something so magnificent out of a piece of fabric.

Career Conversations: 12 Questions with WWD Associate Editor Victor Vaughns

Victor Vaughns exists in 2021 but lives in a 90s kind of world. That's what happens when you grow up loving the era you were born in - and when the Black sitcoms of the 90s raise, inspire, and influence you.

Designer Spotlight: Kara Chin

It's not unusual for millions of us to naturally start out loving something we're good at - until we don't. That's somewhat how designer Kara Chin's story goes. The Long Island native began as a stylist back in 2014 with the help of Ashaunna Ayers, who believed in her and offered her a chance.

Career Conversations: Delisha Fields, Director of Event Partnerships & Marketing at Forbes

From West Orange, NJ to Brooklyn, NY, Delisha Fields, Forbes' Director of Event Partnerships & Marketing, has been a woman about town for the last decade. An expertise in event production and strategic planning has presented her with the opportunity of pitching out-of-the-box concepts to million-dollar brands.

Designer Spotlight: Brett Banks

The beginning of Brett Banks' story reads like something out of a Black fairytale, one we nowadays only hear about from those folks who were around in the '40s and '50s. How so? When discussing Black ownership in the present time, we always look back to the days of Black Wall Street and the Black grocery stores, cleaners, and pharmacies that our communities owned.

Career Conversations: Deon Graham of Combs Enterprises

Deon Graham is the Chief Brand Officer of Combs Enterprises, a portfolio of businesses and investments built and cultivated by music legend and mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs or Puff, as Deon and those close to him still say. He was born and raised in Los Angeles until his parent's careers moved the family across the country to South Florida near Miami.

Nigel Isaiah: The Kolor Magazine Founder on Creating his Own Black Publication

Buffalo - six hours outside of New York City - is the birthplace of Kolor Magazine's Founder Nigel Isaiah. Like many others before him - think Kanye West - he's a college dropout after a term at the University of Buffalo via the Upward Bound Program and a semester at Erie Community College.

Sean Brown on Wearing Sean John like It's Prada, Life Evaluations & More

Relatively few individuals can say they were on-set with Justin Bieber as they were being interviewed for a story, but that is the beauty behind Sean Brown, the guy with many ideas who often gets to bring them to life.

Yashua Simmons: The Creative Consultant Opens Up About his Fashion Journey

Yashua Simmons' story started in Yonkers, NY, until his folks relocated the family to Rockland County so that the five kids could attend elementary and middle school in a better school district. When he entered Saunders Trades and Technical High, the family had returned to Yonkers, which allowed him to take advantage of the city's close proximity to Manhattan.

Alexis Bennett: From Working at ADT Security to Vogue Commerce Writer

As a little girl, Alexis Bennett always dreamt of becoming a model and would dress up in bathing suits to emulate the ladies of America's Next Top Model during the show's initial days. Bennett comes from Deerfield Beach, which is just outside Boca Raton in South Florida.

Designer Spotlight: Ashley Sky Walker on His Forever 21 Collaboration & Black Inspiration

Ashley Sky Walker comes from South Central Los Angeles - just like Ice Cube, Issa Rae, Meghan Markle, and many others. Being born and raised here comes with its own realities, but Walker grew up around purpose. One of the people in his life that he admired and looked to is his grandfather, Jimmie, who owned his own dry cleaners.

Designer Spotlight: Brent Yancy, the Small-Town Florida Creator of 3rd and WE + RE CREATE STÜDIOS

Brent Yancy, the second youngest of 13 and creator of 3rd and WE + RE CREATE STÜDIOS, is a product of two small cities - Bradenton and Sarasota, Fl. - with populations of about 60,000 each. He lived in one and attended school in the other, traveling between the two daily.

Designer Spotlight: Sai Sankoh Gets Candid About Life & Design

Sai Sankoh is the embodiment of the saying "you won't know until you ask." Precisely what wouldn't we have known? For one, she is initially from the motherland, Africa, for the individuals who are new to what that implies. Specifically, she hails from Sierra Leone, a country off the west coast of Africa.

Career Conversations: Robyn Mowatt, From FAMU to Writing in New York

Robyn Mowatt was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, so yes, she is a product of the Sunshine state. Half of her heritage is from Jamaica, with the other half Black American.

Career Conversations: Kat Mateo On the Responsibility of Being a Casting Director

Katherine Mateo started her life as a competition dancer in Orange, New Jersey - think Ballet, Tap, Jazz and a life reminiscent of Lil Romeo in the 2003 film Honey starring Jessica Alba. The Afro-Latina, who always makes sure to represent both the Dominican and Black sides of her heritage, has since turned into one of the new generation's coolest casting directors.

Designer Spotlight: Jerome LaMaar Reflects, Reemerges & Relaunches

Jerome LaMaar went from a Key Foods cashier to Baby Phat intern at 15. He's from the South Bronx - the Soundview area to be exact and it's been 20 years now that LaMaar, 35, has been in the industry.

Career Conversations: Julian Spencer on Loving Public Relations and His Next Five Years

Julian Spencer spent his childhood and youth in small towns such as Erial, New Jersey, and Holly Springs, North Carolina. His mother, a chemist, and father, who works in government, heavily influenced his adoration for fashion and always presenting one's best self.

Latoia Fitzgerald: Meet the Women's & Children's Designer

Latoia Fitzgerald is behind Lionne and Dillonger Clothing - the former a women's' clothing line, the latter a children's brand named after the designer's son Dillon. Fitzgerald's affection for the arts developed at a young age, which seems natural when your mother is a seamstress and your father a videographer.

Brandon Blackwood on Studying Neuroscience and Building an Accessories Brand

Prior to becoming one of the two most popular Black accessory designers of the moment, Brandon Blackwood, the Jamaican-Chinese Brooklyn native, studied neuroscience at Bard College. He comes from a customary Caribbean family that "foreseen him finding a vocation in the stem world" until they discovered at his graduation that he was receiving his Bachelor's degree in American Studies, not Neuroscience as they were led to believe.

Tahir Murray: Building a Fashion Brand Inspired by HBCUs

Tahir Murray founded Legacy. History. Pride, a collegiate brand inspired by Historically Black College Universities, better known as HBCUs. Murray stems from an ambitious West Indian family that immigrated from Trinidad & Tobago to Queens, New York in the 1960s. He was born and spent his early years there until his father decided to relocate the family to Atlanta, Georgia.

Devan Wallace: On Her Career in Luxury, Mentorship and True Diversity

Ask around, and you will find that Devan Wallace is something of a fashion legend, and her resume is the first thing people bring up. She's worked at Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Bally, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few.

Brittney Escovedo: The Beyond 8 Founder on Family Influence, Relationships & Betting on Yourself...

How many have parents in both the STEM and creative sides of life? For Brittney Escovedo, the mix has been part of her reality since the day she was born. How many have parents in both the STEM and creative sides of life? Her mother and grandmother found happiness in the world of healthcare; her grandfather is Mexican American percussionist Pete Escovedo, her father Juan Escovedo, a musician who’s toured with MC Hammer.

Karleen Roy: The Vanity Group Founder on Truth & Transparency, Working with Music's Top names |...

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Karleen Roy is the quintessential boss these days - with a come up and hustle that doesn't seem quite as common today as it was a decade ago. The Howard University graduate originally wanted to be a dermatologist, but learned at the HBCU in the nation's capital that the world was her oyster.

Kevin McIntosh: Keeping It Real as a Global PR Director

As somebody who spent the early portion of his adolescence on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kevin McIntosh's bio is nothing short of energizing. In 2001, his family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, a city and world vastly different from the island lifestyle.

Kenneth Courtney: From CMT & MTV to Fashion & PR

As stereotypes go, fashion is probably less likely expected out of Louisville, Kentucky, than, say, New York or Los Angeles. Nor is theater and PR and marketing. But for Louisville native Kenneth Courtney, that's exactly the foundation that propelled him into the American fashion industry.

Laron Howard: Burberry's Marketing Manager on his Journey from Howard University to the Fashion...

It's not often you encounter someone from Augusta, Georgia in fashion. Meet Laron Howard, the Howard University graduate leading Burberry's marketing efforts as a Marketing Manager for the Americas.

Tenique Bernard: From Aspiring Fashion Designer to Senior PR Director

Since 2007, Tenique Bernard, an East Flatbush, Brooklyn native of Jamaican descent, has worked with some of the best names in fashion - Calvin Klein, Brandon Maxwell, Public School, Ralph Lauren, and G-Star, to name a few.

TERRY LONG: FROM A PREACHER'S KID TO LIFE IN FASHION

With the CFDA I launched our #CareerConversations, which profiles the rise of talented young Black individuals in the fashion industry. Starting off the series is @_terrry, the Senior PR Manager for #CFDAMember brand @r13.

Rashad Benton: Fashioning a New Career in Communications While Working Full-Time

As the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University, we open access to knowledge at the highest levels to move careers, communities and industries forward.

Finn Buchanan doesn’t owe you an explanation on gender

MODEL of the Minute

24 Fragrances That Dad Will Want to Wear Every Day

CLIVECHRISTIANPERFUME/INSTAGRAM We spent weeks testing bottle after bottle after bottle of fragrances, all with one goal in mind: to create this versatile list of the top 24, which is sure to help you make a solid purchase this Father's Day.

31 Father's Day Gift Ideas That'll Surely Leave Him Impressed

For many people, choosing the perfect Father's Day gift is no easy task. Unfortunately, you can't just pick up some flowers and chocolates from the supermarket and call it a day; it's likely that dad's wants and needs aren't as concise. One moment, he might be eyeing a fancy watch at the mall.

Growing Up Jordan: Sneaker Heiress Jasmine Jordan on Living Up to the Family Name

When you ask Jasmine Jordan how many pairs of sneakers she owns, she says it depends on the state. The 25-year-old daughter of basketball great Michael Jordan keeps roughly 300 pairs in her home in North Carolina (all that can fit there, she says).

27 Father's Day Gifts for the Stylish Dad in Your Life

An "I love you" or "thanks for being there" is always appreciated, but you'll earn bonus points by giving dad something special to unwrap on Father's Day (paid for with your credit card this time).

The Best Places to Rent Your Prom Dress

Prom has always been a big deal for graduating seniors, but let's face it ... we live in a social media world where high-schoolers are going viral and definitely out-shining all of our mediocre prom memories. But one thing certainly hasn't changed.

We went to Manhattan's most luxurious department store to see how the 1% shops - and it revealed...

Department stores across the country are doubling down on discount options to offset slowing sales, but not Barneys New York. Established in 1923, Barneys is an exclusive department store known for having some of the sharpest and most expensive clothing items from the world's top luxury brands.

AGL Wants to Bring a Twist to Red Carpet Footwear

When AGL launched in 1958, founder Piero Giusti wanted to produce shoes for a certain type of woman: One who needed a functional and comfortable shoe that looked far more expensive than it actually was.

@karrueche & I during our interview

Here’s a Snippet Of @karrueche & I during our Interview!

Misa Hylton Championed Hip-Hop Style in the '90s: Now She's Got a New Mission

Misa Hylton was only 17-years-old and still in high school when, with the help of her then-boyfriend, A&R intern Sean Combs (he had yet to go by the monkier P. Diddy, Puff Daddy or Diddy) she began styling emerging Hip-Hop acts.

Pusha T And Adidas' Latest Sneaker Inspired By NYC's Bodegas

The "Bodega Babies," pays tribute to that special store on the corner that almost everyone from or who currently live in New York City can relate to. G.O.O.D Music's president and unstoppable rapper, Pusha T, has returned with his latest installment - or fourth to be exact - with Adidas.

Karl Kani Revisits His Revolutionary 'Baggy Jean' of the 1990s, Talks Tupac & Hip-Hop Style

Karl Kani is the godfather of urban streetwear, and he knows it. In early 1980's Flatbush, Brooklyn, when the grumblings of Hip-Hop`were just beginning to sprout, Kani, née Carl Williams, helped shape the look and feel of these new, street-centric ideals.

Could FUBU be the Next '90s Brand to Make a Comeback?

Any streetwear fan born in the '80s or '90s has a special place in their heart for FUBU (short for For Us By Us). Founded in 1992 by Daymond John, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown, the brand started small with a line of hats made in John's house in Hollis, Queens, New York, but grew into a cultural phenomenon.

Golden Goose Goes Even More Gold for Its 10th Anniversary

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of it Superstar Sneaker, Golden Goose is going gold! We're talking really gold. More gold-er than ever. Designers Francesa and Alessandro Gallo have created a 1000-piece limited edition capsule collection made of t-shirts, sweatshirts, bomber jackets, and of course its iconic Superstar sneaker, all of which look like they've received the Midas touch.

Kimora Lee Simmons Spring 2018 Collection

Kimora Lee Simmons

Kimora Lee & I

Kimora & I during our Interview for The Huffington Post. . in this particular clip she was speaking on Diversity in the Fashion Industry and how she's always pushed for that especially being that she's a minority herself...

Rotimi Discusses His First EP "Jeep Music", His Role on Power, What He likes in Women and 50 Cent

Olurotimi Akinosho who goes by Rotimi for short, but also known as Dre from Power has found his footing in two different industries and a life of fame that millions of people hope for every day.

Trina Talks Being The Baddest Bitch, New Music, Feminism, Her Legacy, & Female Rap

Trina came on the scene storming in 1998 when she was featured on Trick Daddy's hit single Nann N***a. Sure it was Trick's song, but the star of that epic record was no other than Trina!

Victor Cruz & I

Victor Cruz & I backstage during NYFW talking Labels

Nike Teams Up With Spike Lee For "Do The Right Thing" Inspired 'Fly 89' Jordan Sneakers

Brooklyn became the home to the launch of Jordan's newest sneaker "Fly '89", in partnership with the classic movie "Do The Right Thing". Nike has teamed up with legendary film director, producer, writer, and actor Spike Lee for the "Fly 89", a sneaker that pays homage to the Jordan IV, and Lee's classic film "Do The Right Thing".

The Sneakers That Future, Gucci Mane and More Will Be Wearing This Spring

Mikiel Benyamin, stylist to Cardi B, Keke Palmer, and Mario, predicts that for men this season the go-to sneaker will be the Vetements x Reebok InstaPump Fury trainers. "These are very hot right now. They've already been worn by Teyana Taylor, South Korean rapper G-Dragon of BIGBANG and other celebs.

Meet The Fashion Stylist Behind Nicki Minaj's New Look: Exclusive

Celebrity stylist Maher Jridi has a special task at hand. After styling high-fashion editorial shoots on and off for eight years and completing two stints at both a modeling and a photography agency, the Parisian stylist decided it was time to settle down.

Where Are They Now?: Rashad Benton

Featured in a Local News Paper back in Florida

A$AP Bari on Stylish Drug Dealers as Inspiration and Launching His New Kicks: Exclusive

A$AP Mob continues its cultural domination with A$AP Bari's Vlone streetwear line, which launched it's Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 during one of New York Fashion Week's buzzier pop-up events (Feb 10), on 116 th Street in Harlem, right up the block from where A$AP Mob spent their formative years.

Rashad Benton Sat Down with Singer Christina Milian at Curve's #CurveYourReality Event & Spoke...

On December 6th, 2016, which happened to be a rainy night in New York City I sat down with Grammy Nominated Singer and Actress Christina Milian at Curve's #Curveyourreality event which celebrated the launch of its 360˚ integrated marketing campaign inspired by the weirdest and quirkiest fantasies of young men.

Christina Milian & I during our Interview

Here's a Snippet of My Interview with Christina Milian tonight at the Curve | #curveyourreality | event | We talked about Curve, Love Don't Cost a Thing, && Music!! @christinamilian nice meeting you Doll!!!

Why Men Hate Doing Laundry

What is it about laundry that men, and even boys hate? Is it the labor or is it the time that it takes away from you?

Five Coats You Need This Season

Fall has arrived (depending on where you live), but I'm in the North East so fall has arrived, and with this season comes an offering of superb over & top coats for us to purchase. I've sniffed through one of my favorite menswear sites to provide you with pickings by Rashad.

Is My Barber Robbing Me?

As of late I've been feeling pretty robbed by my barber, simply because all he does is tax. Treats me to something I didn't ask for, and then tries to charge me for it. I'm at a quandary here, how do you feel entitled to charge someone for something they didn't ask for?

A Look at Russell Westbrook's Second Collaboration With True Religion - Kontrol Magazine

True Religion and Russell Westbrook have team up again for his most progressive and versatile collection to date. Westbrook served as the designer for his Fall 2016 collection which features 17-pieces consisting of denim, knits, tees, thermals and accessories that reflect his somewhat risk-taking style. Apparently, the first collaboration between Russell Westbrook, and True...

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH SPORTYHENRI.COM - Kontrol...

Christian Louboutin has launched exclusive capsule collection, a first-of-its-kind collaboration, with SportyHenri.com, the newly launched e-concept store for men devoted to sport and style. You may remember the name Sporty Henri as Mr.Louboutin partnered with the company earlier this year to support the Cuban National delegation as Official Supplier of the Celebratory Outfit in the recent Olympic Games...

VOGUE Magazine, and their Boss Anna Wintour Host Pre-Fashion Week Runway Show for Hillary Clinton...

Last night, Anna Wintour; the Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Magazine hosted a Pre-Fashion Week Runway show in support of Hillary Clinton. Ms. Wintour hasn't been shy about her support of the Democratic Party and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Wintour is also reportedly serving as Clinton's unofficial wardrobe consultant. Need I say more?

Suit Supply Releases Their Fall/Winter '16 Collection - Kontrol Magazine

If you know suits, then you know Suit Supply, if you've ever wanted a suit that didn't have to cost you more than $1000, then you know Suit Supply. If you've ever been to New York Fashion Week, then you know Suit Supply. Therefore this introduction is for those who don't fall under any of...

Foxy Brown; The Mahogany Rap Bitch

Foxy Brown; the chocolate rap bitch from the 90's. First off, where is she? Can someone tap her on the shoulder for a feature or an entire EP? It's almost sad to say, but when kids born after 1995 mention female rap, they usually only mention Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj.

Why People Who Work In Fashion Are Afraid To Admit They Love Zara

I've encountered many people who work in the Fashion Industry who love Zara, but are afraid to admit it. I've walked the halls of two of the top magazine publishing companies in New York City. I'm sure you can imagine the top-secret conversations that go on in between those walls.

The Sunglasses Hip-Hop's Biggest Names Swear By

When looking back on hip-hop style through the decades, sunglasses prove to a be a consistent and influential accessory. In the '80s and '90s, dark-tinted Versace shades, as seen on Biggie and P. Diddy, were all the rage. Today, there's much more variety in style and designers (including ski goggles previously only worn on the slopes -- thank you, 2 Chainz!).

Rashad Benton Interviews Designer John Varvatos At the Launch Of His New Fragrance Dark Rebel Rider

Held immediately following the John Varvatos Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Show on July 14th, as the last official event of New York Fashion Week Men's. John debuted his latest Fragrance Dark Rebel Rider a few hours later. I was there in time to ask John a few questions before the night grew and the party got crazier.

Rashad Benton Interviews Designer John Varvatos At the Launch Of His New Fragrance Dark Rebel Rider

Stop Hating on The Man Bag; It's Not a Purse!

What's with everyone and their hatred towards a man with a bag? Okay hatred may be a strong word depending on where you're from or currently live. In metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, NYC, Washington D.C, Miami, and Atlanta. The "man bag" controversy may not cause much controversy at all.

Is the Male Model Overlooked?

In an industry where the female counterpart trumps the male twice-fold does the male model get overlooked? Sure it's programmed in our nature to think female when you hear the word fashion; however in an industry where the male is used mainly for his pecs rather than his runway walk, I feel we get left behind.