Black Fashion Fair

Antoine Gregory is a paragon of black solidarity in fashion, using his passion for the art form and immense social media influence to innovate the Black Fashion Fair.

Gregory’s major internet presence began with him joining Twitter in 2012 with a nascent academic career as a fashion merchandising management and fabric styling student at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He sought to interact with black designers, a vigor that was impassioned by his dissatisfaction with the lack of black designers on the 2016 New York Fashion Week schedule. Thus, he took the initiative by showcasing black designers in a Twitter thread, which became so popular that he dedicated his online presence to championing such underrated talent.

In the vein of the once-successful Ebony Fashion Fair, Gregory created the Black Fashion Fair, a digital trade show through which fashion buyers and consumers have the privilege of patronizing over 20 black brands. He is also advising these brands and assisting them with their commercial presentation. Initially a physical event being forced onto an online venue turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Gregory realized that the internet is the most effective means of connecting with one’s audience. As further proof of his noble intentions, the only monetary contributions he requests of the designers are 15% of proceeds, which will fund educational programs teaching the youth to design.

Even at the conclusion of the Black Fashion Fair, Gregory will continue to release different collections’ exclusive pieces each month. Additionally, his website contains a directory of black designers, thereby familiarizing the public with these names year-round.

Gregory aspires to expand to hosting galas, exhibits and trunk shows - with the success of his social media ventures, those goals will likely come to fruition.

Photo Credits: Complex

Report: Nia Hunt