If you haven’t heard of #BlackMenAreLit, #BlackGirlMajestic or Fashion Forward you are definitely missing your daily dose of Melanin Poppin’. This past weekend Kristin and I were invited to Fashion Forward’s second fashion show #BlackMenAreLit and it was LIT! There was high fashion, a live DJ, vendors and a plethora of fine black men dominating the catwalk. We were able to catch up with the founders of Fashion Forward and ask them what inspired #BlackMenAreLit.
Indy Hip Chic: What is BLACK MEN ARE LIT?
Kandis of Fashion Forward: #BlackMenAreLit, is a fashion experience that portrays the beauty of black men and black culture.
Tell us a little about the inspiration behind this show.
Fashion Forward wants to change the narrative of people of color versus what is usually told or shown in the media. We did that with #BlackGirlMajestic and we wanted to tell that story with men!
Tell us a little bit about your background.
At Fashion Forward we curate fashion events that have a purpose! We center our events around community and social activism to make fashion accessible to all.
So you’ve done Black Girl Majestic and Black Men Are Lit, why do you think shows like this are important?
It’s important to tell our story ourselves. Black people have to support and celebrate Black people. Yes, there are other races who support us and speak up but we have to support our own. Fashion can be revolutionary when you are creating joyful and uplifting experiences vs the trauma that has become so common for people of color.
What can we expect in the future?
From Fashion Forward you can expect more interactive events that involve the mind, body, and soul. It’s important that we take time for self-care.
So…Why do you think Black Men Are Lit?
What!!? Why do I think!? I know Black men are lit lol. Black men are just so cool. They show resilience when all odds are stacked against them and do it in a cool laid back fashion. They are nerds and are so funny! Seriously, there’s nothing more exciting than to watch a group of brothas. It’s also beautiful how in hard times they support and stand next to each other. They are just awesome in every way shape, form and fashion.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Stay lit! Lol
