The Fashion industry is such an illustrious, multibillion-dollar global enterprise, that many revere its presence. So to be a veteran with this sphere is something to be celebrated. Through the halls of the Fashion Industry, the name Frenchye M. Bush-Harris might be whispered from time to time. Having a passion for creating space for emerging and independent brands, Frenchye M. Bush-Harris has vowed to help with the significant absence of “Blackness” in the opportunities for black-owned fashion brands being sold in retail spaces, on the runways, in fashion magazines, and at the executive level. The dream is to see black creatives and fashion leaders not only thrive but have their presence and contributions be normalized. In February 2020, she founded the social media campaign, The Black Fashion MovementSM, to create a platform to celebrate black fashion while encouraging the fashion community and consumers to do the same. Having a chat with her was one of the most inspiring experiences with us at FEMI Magazine. Here’s what she had to say.
Before we discuss the Black Fashion Movement, I believe that it’s important for FEMI readers to get to know the woman behind the brand. “Who is Frenchye M. Bush-Harris, The Founder of The Black Fashion Movement?”
I am a 20+ year fashion industry vet that fell in love with fashion in the fourth grade while attending the Ebony Fashion Show during its annual tour stop in my hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Since entering the industry, I have always been passionate about working with emerging and independent brands, specifically Black-owned brands. I believe in providing opportunities to those that may not have the knowledge, the right connections, or access. I believe in giving back to those in the fashion industry that are coming behind me by sharing my knowledge, skill set, influence, and professional guidance. I believe that historically Black people have been the culture creators but have not often been able or allowed to profit from the culture that we birthed, particularly in the fashion industry. I believe in collaboration over competition and that in order for Black-designers and Black-owned brands to make headway in this industry that has historically been exclusive, there has to be more than one group or person working towards inclusivity, acceptance, access, and opportunities for Black people in the fashion.
As a fashion industry veteran with a career that spans over 20 years, what inspired you to create a grassroots social media campaign that celebrates Black-Owned Fashion Brands during Black History Month?
It was truly my way of celebrating Black History Month through the lens that I know most about which is fashion. I wanted to be a student as well as a teacher as in I wanted to learn more about Black fashion designers and Black-owned fashion brands and the stories behind them but to also dig deeper in finding ways to create opportunities for those brands to be in a position to scale, have retail opportunities, and increase awareness.
In your words, please tell the FEMI Readers exactly what the “Black Fashion Movement is and what it represents?”
The Black Fashion MovementSM challenges the narrative that Black fashion designers and Black-owned fashion brands are not accessible to consumers through the execution of authentic, creative, and diverse interactive in-person, social, and virtual experiences.
Our multi-prong approach celebrates and supports Black fashion designers and Black-owned fashion brands; it establishes a platform to influence and shift the culture to normalize buying and wearing Black-owned fashion brands ultimately, creating opportunities for economic sustainability.
We change lives. We create events that have a direct financial impact on the designers involved.
We understand that by positioning brands to be economically sustainable then those brands can be in a position to hire people, scale, and positively impact their community.
How can Black designers and consumers be a part of this amazing movement?
Brands can follow us on social media @theblackfashionmovement to event updates and visit the website at www.theblackfashionmovement.com to sign up for email updates.
What advice would you give to black designers who may not necessarily feel seen?
Be a student of the industry. Learn everything possible about design and production. Learn everything about running a business. Know your numbers- get and keep your finances in order.
Lastly, respect the process. There are no overnight design stars; it takes hard work, grit, and a lot of sleepless nights but if you want it- don’t stop.
What’s next for the Black Fashion Movement?
In 2022, we want to visit 8 cities and impact over 100 brands.
Through our partnership with Mastercard, we want to build a more robust platform that will provide BFM brands small business support, financial resources, and solid foundation for economic sustainability.
We can only be excited about the future of fashion in relation to the black community. We will look out for the new and talented creatives courtesy Frenchye M. Bush-Harris.
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