This episode features Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem's Fashion Row, who candidly discusses the disheartening regression in DE&I efforts within the fashion industry. She shares insights into how HFR facilitates crucial partnerships between emerging designers of color and major fashion companies, highlighting strategies for impactful collaborations and sustained funding. This is a must-listen for ecommerce operators looking to understand the nuances of brand partnerships, industry advocacy, and the critical importance of authentic inclusivity in their business models.
Key takeaways
Despite setbacks in broader industry DE&I, strategic partnerships with established brands like H&M and Nordstrom can still open doors and provide significant growth opportunities for diverse designers.
Funding and recognition from influential bodies like the CFDA and Vogue are pivotal for amplifying the reach and impact of initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in fashion.
Leverage e-commerce platforms and curated directories—like HFR & Co.—to create direct pathways for consumers to discover and support diverse talent.
Actively pursue diverse talent by creating dedicated initiatives that focus on showcasing and supporting emerging designers of color.
Authentic DE&I efforts require moving beyond symbolic gestures to implement concrete business strategies, including dedicated platforms, funding, and influential partnerships to foster long-term change.
Brandice Daniel's approach to securing deals for emerging designers by focusing on mutual value and strategic alignment with mega fashion companies, provides a blueprint for effective business development in a challenging landscape.
2023 was a big year for Harlem’s Fashion Row, the agency that launched in 2007 to connect brands and designers of color. To start, the company partnered with H&M, Tommy Hilfiger, Nordstrom, and Abercrombie & Fitch; launched the combined e-commerce site and Black and Latinx designer directory, HFR & Co.; and published a coffee-table book, “Fashion In Color.”
Similarly, the company’s list of 2020 accomplishments was long. “2020 was a pivotal year for us,” said Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, on the Glossy Podcast. “We started our nonprofit, Icon360; we got a million-dollar donation from the CFDA and Vogue; and Anna Wintour had me in her editor's letter in August. It opened up so many doors for HFR.” During the episode, along with discussing fashion’s fluctuating prioritization of inclusivity over the last four years, Daniel shares her secrets to driving deals between emerging designers and mega fashion companies and her hopes for fashion’s future.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Despite setbacks in broader industry DE&I, strategic partnerships with established brands like H&M and Nordstrom can still open doors and provide significant growth opportunities for diverse designers.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Funding and recognition from influential bodies like the CFDA and Vogue are pivotal for amplifying the reach and impact of initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in fashion.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Leverage e-commerce platforms and curated directories—like HFR & Co.—to create direct pathways for consumers to discover and support diverse talent.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Actively pursue diverse talent by creating dedicated initiatives that focus on showcasing and supporting emerging designers of color.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Authentic DE&I efforts require moving beyond symbolic gestures to implement concrete business strategies, including dedicated platforms, funding, and influential partnerships to foster long-term change.
