Denali White Elk: Native Style

In 2004, Fashion Designer Charm Logan attempted to gather a lineup of all-indigenous models for her fashion show, Fashion Nation. After discovering that there were simply not enough Indigenous models signed to talent agencies, she had to scout aspiring actors and models in First Nations communities. In 2019, fifteen years later, another fashion designer named Leslie Hampton attempted the same thing for her Toronto Fashion Week debut, only to find that, once again, agencies just did not have enough Indigenous models, so she also had to scout for models in native communities. Though both these cases took place in Canada, the same rings true in America. The unfortunate truth is that there is a notable lack of Native American representation in the fashion industry, especially modeling, which means someone like Denali White Elk being featured on the cover of Vogue Italia is a surprising headline.

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Ernest Alexander: The Prep Look Culture Fashionisto

The way we dress is a conscious decision we make. It is a clever way to declare who we are, what we are about, and what societal class we belong to. One look that has always communicated class, style, prestige, and education is the preppy look. Adopted after preparatory school uniforms, the prep look is a style that is never a fashion faux pas. This look of wealth and success is usually a pair of loafers or boat shoes, Oxford button-downs, some chinos, an argyle sweater, a woven leather belt mixed with Nantucket Reds mixed in. Clean. Fresh. Relaxed.

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Black Pumas: Bring on the Accolades

The 2020 Grammy Awards were full of big names in the “Best New Artist” category, such as Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X, but a surprise stuck out among the rest: a band called Black Pumas. They’ve performed on late-night shows, reached over 50 million views for the live session of their song “Color,” and they have gained nearly 300,000 followers on Spotify; but most people still haven’t heard of them. They didn’t grow through social media or viral dances. They have received acclaim and success because of their innate talent for lyricism and the unparalleled sound that Black Pumas’ two members bring to the table.

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Stephen Wiltshire: From Memory to Paper, His Artwork Shines

When people think of autism, words like “mute,” or “special needs,” or “withdrawn” tend to get thrown around in a room or you might even hear whispers as if there’s some taboo surrounding the disorder that affects 1 in 160 people or 1% of the world’s population. 

Now, what if I told you that once upon a time there was a mute 5-year-old autistic boy who began communicating with the world through the language of drawing in a way no other child has ever done? Oh yeah, and whose net worth is now 4 million dollars! Stephen Wiltshire is an artist in his own right and he has not let his autism diagnosis get in the way of that.

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Nanushka: Saving the Planet with Fashion

One of the defining characteristics of the fashion industry is the constant changing of trends. Every six months, fashion brands churn out a new season of looks, and buyers are expected to embrace the new while discarding the old. The fast pace is certainly entertaining from a consumer perspective, but an oft-overlooked drawback is the huge impact that it has on the environment.

According to BBC, ten percent of global carbon emissions come from the fashion industry, and it also contributes 20% of the world’s wastewater. With climate change becoming a more urgent issue each passing day, the fashion industry needs to pursue more sustainable methods of production. Luckily, fashion designer Sandra Sandor is stepping up to the plate with her eco-friendly clothing brand Nanushka.

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Korporate Bidness: Chicago Affairs

Aight, so peep... There’s this guy out in Chicago who has been doing his thing on several different levels. In the midst of all of the negativity that surrounds the city, it’s refreshing when you hear about a young Black man doing something positive to spread joy in the Black community. He started out with rap as his primary focus, then transitioned to observational comedy skits, and both have led him to become a contributor to Chicago youth activism. The man I’m talking about is none other than Korporate, on Gaude!

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