How Black Creative Directors Are Shaping Fashion Right Now
How Black Creative Directors Are Shaping Fashion Right Now
By Jane Dunn - February 26, 2025
Fashion is constantly evolving, and Black creative directors are at the forefront of this transformation. Bold new perspectives and boundary-pushing ideas are leading some names to stand out as visionaries who are redefining what style means in today’s fashion world.
Let’s start with the man behind Balmain since 2011, Olivier Rousteing. Rousteing took over this iconic Parisian house and injected it with his bold vision of inclusivity and sleek glamour. He’s known for his ability to blend classic and modern luxury and make daring twists, making Balmain a synonym for luxury, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression. It's not just about the clothes for Rousteing; it's about showcasing a broad, diverse spectrum of beauty on the runway and making space for people who are often overlooked in fashion.
Then there’s Telfar Clemens who made waves with his iconic Telfar bag by turning it into a symbol of accessible luxury. But his impact goes way beyond accessories. Telfar’s unisex designs are a statement on their own. They challenge the traditional norms of high fashion by making it accessible, stylish, and above all, inclusive. Clemens’s designs are for everyone—and that’s exactly what makes them so powerful. Clemens is a game-changer who proves that luxury doesn’t have to be exclusive.
We can’t talk about Black creative directors without mentioning the iconic LaQuan Smith. Known for his sultry, body-conscious designs, Smith has mastered the art of sensual glamour. His collections are made for those who want to make an entrance—think bold, sculpted shapes, sleek lines, and fabrics that hug every curve. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Rihanna love his designs because they exude confidence and luxury, creating moments that are as unforgettable as the women who wear them. Fashion is all about empowerment for Smith, and he makes sure you feel every bit of that power when you slip into one of his creations.
Then there’s Rachel Scott, the founder of Diotima. Her work blends high fashion with Caribbean culture, using traditional craftsmanship to create pieces that feel both modern and deeply rooted in history. Diotima is all about redefining luxury, and Scott’s focus on sustainable materials, intricate details, and storytelling through fashion gives her collections an undeniable depth. Each garment is a narrative in itself, and she’s not afraid to push the envelope when it comes to structure and form. Scott’s work is more than just clothing—it’s wearable art that speaks to culture, history, and craftsmanship.
Last but certainly not least, James Jeter made history in 2024 as Ralph Lauren’s first Black creative director. Ralph Lauren has been an iconic fashion house in America for decades, and Jeter is bringing a fresh, modern perspective to its classic American style. His vision blends the brand’s legacy with new energy, making it feel sleek, refined, and relevant to today’s world. Jeter’s approach turns heads, and it’s clear he’s poised to bring Ralph Lauren into a new era with his eye for detail and sophisticated style.
Black designers are leaving their mark on the industry in a big way. Whether it's Olivier Rousteing’s bold glamour at Balmain, Telfar Clemens’s accessible luxury, or James Jeter’s fresh perspective, these creatives are undoubtedly setting the stage for the evolution of fashion—and we can’t wait to see where they take us next.
For more fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content, keep reading Square Magazine. Follow Square on Instagram and TikTok for exclusive content.
All images belong to their respective owners.