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Tapestry Inc. And Kate Spade New York are the latest to adapt to Harlem’s Fashion Row.
In an effort to foster the next generation of creative diversity, Tapestry and Kate Spade New have formed a three-year partnership with HFR’s annual HBCU Fashion Summit. Through this initiative, students at Bowie State University, the oldest historically black university in Maryland, will have the opportunity to engage and learn with Kate Spade New York executives and designers.
Historically black colleges and universities were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the black community. There are currently 107 colleges nationwide recognized as HBCUs by the US Department of Education.
In the year Created in 2020, the HBCU Fashion Summit aims to transform art and fashion programs at HBCUs in America by providing students with knowledge from industry insiders. This year’s edition includes Tenacity Talks for Bowie State students to learn from Kate Spade leaders: CEO and President Liz Fraser, Senior Vice President of Brand Concept and Strategy Christine Nyman, Senior Vice President and Head of Design, Ready-to-Wear and Lifestyle Categories and Tom Mora, and Senior Vice President and Head of Design, Leather Goods and Accessories, as well as David Casey, Tapestry’s Inclusion and Social Impact Officer.
Topics covered include “How to Build the Bones of a Brand,” “Concept, Print, and Color,” and “Additional Design Materials.” There are a few more brand-focused, such as “The History of Kate Spade and Tapestry” and “Kate Spade Accessory Design 101.” There will also be a session on “Mental Health and the Fashion Industry”.
As part of its three-year commitment to HFR, Tapestry plans to build on the alliance by bringing in other leaders from its portfolio of brands, including Coach and Stuart Weitzman. Like other major conglomerates and some smaller companies, Tapestry is taking steps to improve diversity, equity and inclusion. Accordingly, Tapestry sponsors Bowie State University’s senior capstone fashion show. They also provide internship opportunities to students to gain further insights and experience in the fashion industry.
In this year’s HBCU rankings, the top four HBCU schools offering fashion programs were: Delaware State University, University of the District of Columbia, Clark Atlanta University and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
Tapestry is the latest major player to work with HFR to create more educational and career opportunities for young colorists. HFR partnered with Louis Vuitton North America to discover, mentor and showcase emerging talent of color through multi-platform, high-visibility events and tailored pipeline programs. Supporting HFR in nurturing young talent has proven beneficial for fashion powerhouses such as LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which was the lead sponsor of HFR’s annual Style Awards earlier this month. At that event, Zone President and CEO Lanessa Elrod of the US described hosting 75 designers earlier this year as part of the HFR Designer Retreat, noting their tough questions and how the gathering was a “very inspiring day.”
In February, Tommy Hilfiger announced new efforts to improve diversity in the industry, including a partnership with HFR. Tommy Hilfiger also has another partnership with the Fashion and Race Database, which includes research on American sportswear through denim, the cotton trade, the origins of preppy fashion at HBCUs, among other research topics.
Separately, Polo Ralph Lauren partnered with two HBCUs — Morehouse College and Spelman College — to launch a capsule collection earlier this year that celebrated the history and sartorial traditions of both institutions through an all-black campaign, featuring black designers and students from the schools. as models. In addition to being a tribute to college style from the 20s to the 50s, the initiative highlights the influence of black college students in setting style trends.
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