When The Chi While it touches on a variety of important topics related to breaking social norms and stereotypes for people of color, one notable way the Showtime series does this is through fashion, especially streetwear. Lena Waithe, creator of the show, said The Chi Meet up-and-coming fashion designers.
Rather than featuring lavish, big-name brands in character wardrobes, Waithe is on a mission to give others the chance to shine while working with wardrobe stylist Mercedes Cooke (pictured above). . In doing so, the show’s fashion serves a much larger conversation: not only does it look cool and fresh, but it’s a subtle way to amplify her POC, especially Black creatives, in our community through talent. is also important. hype bay Andre Jones, Zia Nixon and Willene Capehart discuss their experiences with their designs and brands being featured in Season 5 of the show and why this kind of representation is so important in fashion and media. We spoke to entrepreneurs from
Jones, who founded Rabbit 3, a brand with a visually futuristic aesthetic, has elaborated on the important role black creatives play in society, which isn’t always properly appreciated. “It’s about doing the right thing,” he says. “Black culture is the epicenter of pop culture. But the black community is rarely given the recognition it deserves.”
Most importantly, the focus on real talent rather than big shots leaves room for stimulation. “Seeing Lena selflessly reach out her hand to increase our visibility is hopeful,” Jones adds. “I hope you can achieve your ‘big break’. I hope your people keep coming back for you, even if it ends up in Hollywood. ”
Meanwhile, BLVCK SHEEP founder Nixon uses his designs to tell stories. “As an artist and his slash designer, I pride myself on being creative and original,” he said, adding, “I like incorporating meaningful messages and cultural knowledge into my clothes.” added. For example, one of his designs featured on the show is his Rise puffer coat, which he calls “The Sun Will Rise,” which provides warmth in multiple ways. “Be grateful that you wake up every day. We all go through different obstacles and experiences in life,” he explains. So we must cherish every moment, make memories with each other, stay healthy, and do what makes us happy.”
Phase CEO Cape Hart serves as an example of what fashion is often lacking. She is a streetwear woman, especially a black female designer. As her woman, she brings a unique approach to her own designs. “I tend to look at clothing from a gender-neutral perspective because I recognize that both streetwear and luxurywear are losing their relevance,” she says. I’ve seen brands like Balenciaga wear skirts on male models, and I’ve seen artists like Teyana Taylor often take a more masculine approach to her sense of style. As a black female designer who designs clothes that give off a masculine impression and that style, an opportunity like this is extremely rare.
Capehart reiterated the initiatives Waithe is taking and how they can pave the way for others. “It has allowed me and a few other black designers to step in the door,” she says. Getting your brand noticed is one of the hardest things to achieve as a new brand and this opportunity has been hugely helpful, not just the items featured in the episode , the brand was also tagged on several different occasions.
Check out Jones, Nixon, and Cape Hart’s designs on Season 5 of The Chi, streaming now on Showtime, and the Instagram post below.
These interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.