In a groundbreaking move to address the underrepresentation of Black designers in the fashion industry, media personality and former fashion editor Elaine Welteroth has joined forces with McDonald’s USA to launch the Black & Positively Golden (B&PG) Change of Fashion program.
Amplifying Black Talent and Fostering Inclusivity
The B&PG Change of Fashion program aims to uplift emerging Black fashion designers by providing them with invaluable mentorship, resources, and financial support to accelerate their career trajectories.
“Having navigated the fashion industry as a Black woman, I understand first-hand the challenges around Black designers breaking through and sustaining a profitable business,” said Elaine Welteroth.
Welteroth, a former fashion editor and television host, brings her extensive industry experience to mentor the next generation of designers and foster greater inclusivity in an industry that thrives on Black culture.
A Game-Changing $200K Fashion Fund
As part of the program, McDonald’s USA and its Owner/Operators will collectively grant $200,000 to five selected designers, providing them with the much-needed financial backing to scale their brands and pursue their dreams.
“Partnering with a global brand like McDonald’s, I am honored to leverage my experiences as a fashion editor to mentor the next generation of designers and to ultimately help foster more inclusivity in an industry that thrives on Black culture,” Welteroth shared.
The program pairs these emerging designers with five Black industry experts, including Welteroth herself, for a year-long mentorship filled with access to valuable resources, education, and national exposure.
Celebrating Black Excellence and Driving Change
The B&PG Change of Fashion program not only celebrates Black excellence in fashion but also serves as a catalyst for industry-wide change, addressing the systemic barriers and racial disparities that have long hindered Black designers’ representation and success.
“The Change of Fashion program builds on that legacy, pushing new boundaries in an effort to inspire real change, not only for our five designers, but for the fashion industry at large,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s.
By shining a spotlight on these talented designers and providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive, McDonald’s USA and Welteroth are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive fashion landscape.
As the program gains momentum, it promises to inspire and empower future generations of Black designers, celebrating their creativity and impact while driving meaningful change within the industry.
(@wearegolden)
