Behind Fashion Week: 5 Black Professionals To Watch in 2012
(Image: Thinkstock)
(Image: Thinkstock)
THE PHOTOGRAPHERPOWER: For more than a decade, Jeffrey Gamble has made his mark on the photography industry, from shooting iconic imagery for the Notorious B.I.G and Usher to editorial photos in the pit during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
PASSION: "I see the beauty in everyone and seek to shoot everyone in the best possible light."
PROCESS: Gamble earned an undergraduate degree at FIT, interned at publications including British Elle, and assisted many photographers. "Assisting allowed me to learn the things the classroom couldn’t teach," he says.
POWER PEERS: Indira Cesarine and Halley Ganges. Best advice he’s received from a mentor: Choose what you love, do it well and prepare yourself for 50 years down the road.â€more
THE BUYER/BLOGGERPOWER: Former Goldman Sachs trader Justin Bridges switched gears into fashion, working as an assistant buyer for brands including Gucci and Prada. He's also a photographer, having worked with clients including Club Monaco and GQ.com, and founder of TUCKED Style, a men's fashion blog.
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PASSION: “I love being able to have a 360 view of the fashion industry--- from editorial, street style and the buying side. I get to see it all.â€
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PROCESS: Bridges recommends newcomers understand the marriage between finance and art. “Investors don’t pour dollars into ideas that don’t resonate with the consumer community." Work hard, be organized and have a "can do" attitude.
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PROVISIONS: Camera. “It is the way I communicate with people in the abstract and pure way.â€more
THE MAKE-UP ARTISTPOWER: Kim Weber has worked with clients including Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, WWD, Essence and Lucky Magazine, painting facial canvases for editorial, runway shows and commercials.
PASSION: Creating temporary fantasy inspired by music, art, design, food, and architecture.
PATH: Weber began working in cosmetics retail at Macy's, eventually landing a long-term gig with MAC. While there, she began taking on freelance work alongside veterans. "Being self-employed, there’s really no time off because how often you work determines how often you get paid."
PROVISIONS: A passport ("You must be ready to travel international at a moment’s notice). A smartphone (which is always accessible for e-mail or phone calls).more
THE DESIGNERPOWER: With a resume that includes working with Michael Kors and Alexander McQueen, Samantha Black debuted her own line, SAMMY B, a favorite of entertainers Keri Hilson, Olivia and Kelis.
PASSION: "Combining my creative talents, culture, expression and personality, and channeling them all together through design."
PATH: Black earned a degree in design and worked for retailers including Jimmy Z's and Stargate. She applied branding and business skills learned in launching her line. "Be dedicated, be able to cultivate relationships, and open to learning."
PREDECESSOR: Legendary Damon: "He said, 'Listen to what everyone has to say, but in the end make your own decisions because you know best.'"more
THE MODELPOWER: Kone Sindou has landed digital campaigns for design labels including Nom De Guerre, walked the runways for menswear brands including Copperwheat, and has been featured in magazines including The Fader.
PASSION: New once-in-a-lifetime experiences. "I love America. I'm able to embody Americana fashion as well as work toward the American dream."
PATH: “The [Ivorian Civil War] was going on in my country, so I left to escape it. I came to U.S. and began work as a chef." It was while walking to work that he was discovered. "Every time I shoot... I learn more about posing, how to give the photographer what he wants and how to be a better model."
PREDECESSOR: Tyson Beckford. “He is a strong black man in the fashion industry who is well respected."more