1. There’s been a lot of talk recently concerning Diversity in Hollywood, Diversity in
Modeling, Diversity in Fashion. When I hear diversity I automatically think “women of
color”. But there are so many dynamic women of color for us to look up to and who
offer “Black Girl Magic”.
The first diverse woman of fashion is of course, the First Lady of the United States,
Michelle Obama. Who can equal her fierceness? Oprah Winfrey? I say no. Sorry, not
sorry.
There is not a lack of role models available. Naomi Campbell still rules the runway and
was the first black model to appear on the cover of TIME magazine. Ava DuVernay
now has her own Barbie doll, Serena Williams is the Sports Illustrated Person of the
Year, Taraji P Henson and Viola Davis are winning big in Hollywood. Misty Copeland
has been named the first African American Female Principal Dancer with the prestigious
American Ballet Theatre. Beth Ann Hardison is one of the first successful Black models
and since retiring has founded the Diversity Coalition/Balance Diversity to eliminate
racism during casting and get more women of color on the runway and in editorials.
Man Repeller (Diamond, 2016)
So is there really a lack of diversity or is there a lack of exposure? I think there is a lack
of exposure for all these magnificent women. The diversity in the fashion industry isn’t
just represented by models, actresses, entertainers or sports figures.
I can think of many women of color that I am in awe of who are fashion icons in their
own rights: Solange Knowles, Kerry Washington, Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o just to
name a few. But there is a whole other contingent of Stylist and Bloggers to take into
consideration.
June Ambrose has been a stylist blogger for over a decade and is the author of the
book “Effortless Style” and the host of her own style show on VH1 “Styled by June” . I
have long been a fan of her eclectic and varied fashion choices; not only for her clients
but her personal style.
Claire Sulmers is a globe trotting, celebrity It Girl. From her immaculately maintained
dreads to her curvalicious body, she is not to be forgotten.
Shiona Turini is most commonly known for being bestie’s with Solange Knowles, but her
own elegant sense of style is what has secured her position in the fashion industry.
2. June Ambrose
In the image-obsessed world of music, who do the hottest artists call for a total
fashion re-haul? With a career spanning over a decade, and a clientele which
includes such icons as Mary J Blige, Mariah Carey, Sean Combs and Jay-Z, June
Ambrose is the reigning queen of the trade. On The Inside. (Zahurak, 2016)
3. The second Stylist and Blogger who is doing it big is Claire Sulmers of The Fashion
Bomb.
Claire Siobhan Sulmers is a writer and editor based in New York City. Her editorial
work, which focuses on fashion, beauty, and health, has appeared in Real Simple,
Newsweek, New York, and Essence magazines and on the websites of Paris and
Italian Vogue. In August 2006, Claire founded the blog The Fashion Bomb, a daily
destination for the multicultural fashionista. From celebrity style to fashion news,
trend reports to street style, the blog delivers fresh, engaging content from an
informed point of view. With 2.4 million monthly visitors, The Fashion Bomb made
Ebony Magazine's 2011 Power 100 List, while Claire was named Black Blogger of
4. the Month by Black Enterprise. Claire holds a B.A. magna cum laude with highest
honors in Romance Languages and Literatures and African-American studies from
Harvard University. The Fashion Bomb (Claire Sulmers, 2016)
Shiona Turini
Born and raised on the island of Bermuda, Shiona Turini began her career at Yves
Saint Laurent as the Public Relations Coordinator. Under the direction of designers
5. Tom Ford then Stefano Pilati, Shiona handled press for both the women’s and men’s
categories, as well as celebrity dressing. Throughout her career in publishing, Shiona
has solidified herself as one of the industries leading experts and has been
commended for her personal style and editing abilities. She is currently a Creative
Consultant, Freelance Fashion Editor and Stylist based in New York City with recent
clients including Amazon Fashion, Salvatore Ferragamo, the Bermuda Tourism
Authority and more. Shiona Turini (Shiona Turini, 2016)
