WE HAVE ANOTHER WINNER

Words: Nhlanhla Masemola | Photography: Getty

In the face of much tragedy and tension, it’s a welcome respite to learn that South African designer Rich Mnisi has just bagged the Emerging Designer of the Year at the inaugural Essence Best in Black Fashion Awards. And we’re oh-so proud! If we (or the rest of the world) ever denied the creative power of Africa as a talented, fashion-forward and fashion-rich continent, it would be an incredibly difficult thing to do so now. In case you missed it, we’re still reeling from Thebe Magugu’s historic LVMH win...

Essence, a pioneer in media for black women, celebrated the culture of black creatives on September 4 with its inaugural Best in Black Fashion Awards. The invitation-only soiree kicked off with a two-day experience ahead of New York Fashion Week by awarding 2019's most talented black stylists, models, designers, photographers and more from all over the world. The selection process for nominees was a challenging one, with the Essence team sifting through lookbooks, social media and other outlets for hidden gems not yet known by the general public.

In an effort to bring together disparate African figures, Essence allowed its readers to decide on the winners. Mnisi, a true South African fashion treasure, sat in admirable company with Itaysha Jordan winning Photographer of the Year, Fe Noel for Designer of the Year, Aminah Abdul Jillil winning Accessory Designer of the Year and Zerina Akers taking Stylist of the Year. Honourees included Billy Porter for the Trailblazer award, Zendaya for the Influencer award and legendary model Pat Cleveland for the Icon award.

Essence established its Best In Black Fashion Awards to tackle the lack of credit that black creators receive in the global fashion industry. Black culture has long been a creative well of ideas and the root of many popular trends, from beauty to pop culture, and rarely receives the acknowledgement for birthing them. Esteemed programmes such as the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund have received criticism for repeatedly snubbing deserving black creators and this is part of what makes the Essence Best in Black Fashion Awards so valuable. We admire the wins of Mnisi and Magugu not only because they represent the craftsmanship and optimism of South Africa, but also because they are part of an overdue shift in the international fashion industry. Furthermore, they show what black collaboration and support for one another looks like. More, please.