Fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie is breaking new ground in the fashion industry. Her latest venture, Haute Heritage Publishing, aims to make fashion education more accessible and inclusive.
Bridging the Gap in Fashion Education
Traditionally, fashion education has been the preserve of the privileged elite. Christie, a North Carolina A&T State University alum, is changing this narrative. Her publishing company is dismantling barriers to entry, especially for people of color and marginalized communities.
“We’re a publishing house dedicated to creating fashion-based content and resources that spotlight Black and brown contributions to fashion,” Christie told EBONY. This approach is revolutionizing how fashion history is taught and consumed.
From Social Media Influencer to Publishing Pioneer
Christie’s journey to publishing began on social media. As @bronze_bombSHEL on Twitter, she became known for her insightful fashion history analyses. Her posts often explore the intersection of fashion with race, class, culture, and politics.
Now, Haute Heritage Publishing brings her digital expertise to print. It’s a natural progression for Christie, who has over a decade of experience with industry giants like L’Oréal, Nike, and Vogue.
Introducing Black Fashion Legends to Young Readers
Haute Heritage’s flagship product is the “Black Fashion Legends ABC” book and flashcard deck. This educational resource introduces children to industry-disrupting Black superstars who have shaped fashion.
“The Black Fashion ABC book and the matching flashcard set are for children of all ages, people with children in their lives and adults who want to engage with fashion,” Christie explained. The book features icons like Dapper Dan, Naomi Campbell, and Virgil Abloh.
Making Fashion Accessible Beyond New York
Christie’s mission extends to libraries and reading centers across the country. She aims to bring fashion education to those outside traditional fashion hubs like New York City.
“Everyone can’t get to New York, right? So these products make it so that children and young people who are outside of New York can have access to fashion stories,” Christie said. This initiative is personal for her, having grown up far from fashion’s epicenter.
A Personal Mission to Diversify Fashion
As a proud HBCU graduate, Christie understands the challenges of navigating elite fashion spaces. She’s committed to disrupting the industry’s status quo, especially regarding the treatment of Black figures.
“I think my purpose is to innately be a disruptor and an agitator. A part of my life’s work is to innovate and stand in the gap,” said Christie. Her work gains significance in an industry where only 5% of publishing houses are Black-owned or staffed.
From Social Media Activism to Real-World Change
The seeds for Haute Heritage were planted during the 2020 racial reckoning. Christie realized the impact of her online advocacy and decided to take action beyond social media.
“I couldn’t continue to sit behind the keyboard and point my finger. I’m going to get in the field and do it myself,” Christie stated. Her transition from digital historian to publisher marks a new chapter in her mission to preserve and promote Black fashion history.
Through Haute Heritage Publishing, Shelby Ivey Christie is not just educating; she’s empowering the next generation of fashion enthusiasts and professionals. Her work ensures that Black contributions to fashion are celebrated, remembered, and built upon for years to come.
