McDonald’s USA has launched the Black & Positively Golden (B&PG) Change of Fashion program to address the underrepresentation of Black designers in the fashion industry. With only 7.3% of fashion designers in the U.S. being Black, this initiative aims to bring attention to the issue by pairing five emerging Black designers with experienced fashion industry insiders for mentorship and career development.
McDonald’s is expanding its commitment to this cause by taking the Change of Fashion program to New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The company is encouraging the fashion industry and consumers to support Black-owned brands throughout September and beyond by purchasing from Black designers and raising awareness of their contributions.
Elaine Welteroth, a journalist, bestselling author, and advocate for Black designers, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, highlighting the importance of showcasing Black talent during NYFW. She emphasized that this initiative is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the Black community to the fashion industry and to push for greater inclusivity.
In collaboration with Black Owned Everything, McDonald’s is inviting the public to participate in the “Show Up and Show Out in Black” campaign. Supporters can earn a “Show Up and Show Out” badge by purchasing items from Black designers on BlackOwnedEverything.co, requesting a badge at ChangeofFashion.com, or downloading a digital badge from the same website. Participants are encouraged to share their support on social media by posting photos or videos of their favorite Black designer looks and tagging @WeAreGolden and @BlackOwnedEverything.
Zerina Akers, founder of Black Owned Everything, praised the initiative, noting the importance of celebrating the creativity and achievements of Black fashion designers. She expressed pride in supporting McDonald’s effort to spotlight Black-owned businesses and foster a more inclusive fashion industry.
McDonald’s USA will host several events during New York Fashion Week 2024, including a designer meet-and-greet and a symposium on the state of fashion. These events will provide opportunities for fans to engage with the Change of Fashion program and support Black designers.