In a striking revelation, only 7.3% of fashion designers in the U.S. are Black. Acknowledging this disparity, McDonald's USA is taking action through its Black & Positively Golden (B&PG) Change of Fashion program. This initiative pairs five emerging Black designers with seasoned fashion industry experts, providing them with transformative mentorship and support.
McDonald’s is intensifying its commitment by featuring the Change of Fashion program at one of fashion's premier events, New York Fashion Week (NYFW). As part of this effort, the company is encouraging the fashion community and consumers nationwide to support Black-owned brands by shopping and showcasing Black fashion designers throughout September and beyond.
“Having witnessed the challenges and underrepresentation that Black designers face in the fashion industry, I am thrilled to advocate for their incredible talent through McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Change of Fashion program,” said journalist, NYT bestselling author, TV host and founder for the birthFUND, Elaine Welteroth. “During New York Fashion Week, a highly coveted time on the fashion calendar, I look forward to seeing fans join the Show Up and Show Out in Black movement by using their style and platforms to support Black designers. It's time to celebrate the community’s contributions and drive meaningful change towards a more inclusive fashion industry.”
In a bid to highlight the achievements of Black-owned fashion brands and address industry underrepresentation, McDonald's USA has teamed up with Black Owned Everything for the “Show Up and Show Out in Black” initiative. This campaign invites fashion enthusiasts to support the Change of Fashion designers by wearing a special “Show Up and Show Out” badge.
Fans can obtain a badge through one of three methods while supplies last:
- Request a free physical badge at ChangeofFashion.com
- Download a digital badge from ChangeofFashion.com or the Black Owned Everything website
- Engage on social media by posting photos or videos of favorite Black fashion designer looks and tagging @WeAreGolden and @BlackOwnedEverything
"It's time for the industry to shine a light and pay homage to the incredible creativity, tenacity and accomplishments of Black fashion designers," said Black Owned Everything founder, Zerina Akers. "Black Owned Everything is proud to champion McDonald's Show Up and Show Out in Black movement in celebration of Black-owned businesses, community, and inclusion."
As part of this initiative, McDonald's is actively participating in New York Fashion Week 2024 with a range of events:
- September 8, 2024: McDonald's In-store Designer Meet & Greet at 1528 Broadway, Times Square, New York, NY, from 3 PM to 5 PM ET
- September 10, 2024: McDonald's Change of Fashion State of Fashion Symposium at Moonlight Studios, 330 Hudson Street, New York, NY
Since the launch of the B&PG Change of Fashion program, participating designers have benefited from funding, impactful mentorship, and prominent exposure at events such as the BET Awards and the Essence Festival of Culture.
This year, McDonald's is collaborating with luxury designer LaQuan Smith to provide further industry mentorship to the Change of Fashion designers during NYFW. For more information about the program and the featured designers—Shareef Mosby, Nia Thomas, Durrell Dupard, Larissa Muehleder, and Heart Roberts—visit ChangeofFashion.com or follow their updates on Instagram @WeAreGolden.
