Gucci Changemakers, which has been striving to increase diversity in the fashion industry since 2019, has recognised 22 new students with a $20,000 academic scholarship. These young creatives come from different backgrounds and are pursuing slightly different career paths, but they’re all honing their skills at community colleges, undergraduate colleges, or universities. This annual honour doesn’t just support young talent financially, by helping them afford tuition, but also offers mentorship and virtual internship opportunities, along with a platform to connect and engage with fellow scholars. 450 students applied for the 2021 program, and POPSUGAR talked to five of the talented and deserving recipients.
“Knowing that I have the safe space to experiment within the fashion industry pushes me to keep being a part of the representation for aspiring Black youth in creative fields.”
Jewellery maker Lacey Garza is focused on creating designs and campaigns for people with disabilities. Model Ar’Myiah Lee hopes to build a sustainable fashion line that pays no heed to race, gender, or religion. Brianna Byrson is a photographer that explores identity and is focused on representing the Black community. Quinten Clifford has only been sewing for a year, but has a vision to recognise unique talent that might have otherwise been overlooked. And digital artist John Davillier uses his art as a medium for shedding light on global matters.
Davillier summarises the motive behind Gucci’s initiative quite simply: “Fashion and design are great ways to spread messages because of how universally celebrated and admired these industries are.” In highlighting fashion enthusiasts that aim to make a difference and promote inclusion within their work, Gucci is paving the way for smarter, more dignified leaders to control the fashion narrative. Ahead, read what these Changemakers told POPSUGAR about building their portfolios that stood out for a very good reason.
Brianna Byrson, Freshman, Howard University
Gucci’s support . . . inspires me to continue exploring concepts surrounding experience and identity. Knowing that I have the safe space to experiment within the fashion industry pushes me to keep being a part of the representation for aspiring Black youth in creative fields.
My voice as a Black photographer . . . will not only bring diverse perspectives, but push positive narratives. I hope to create diversity and inclusiveness from a global perspective by influencing positive body image and photographing cultures that may be overlooked or negatively stereotyped.
My advice for building a photography portfolio . . . is to have each image represent you. Each theme you want to explore can give you a storyline. What I think made me stand out is the variety of powerful pieces in my portfolio. For example, my strongest work has been portraits and documenting protests. I made sure to give myself plenty of time to enhance my work and feel confident with what I was submitting. Do this, and the interviewers will be impressed and see the potential in whatever medium you submit.
“My Hair Is My Crown” . . . highlights a curly hairstyle that symbolizes prosperity and a spiritual connection. I wanted to showcase kinky hair because that can be an insecurity amongst some Black women. In the past, hairstyles were symbolic tribal traditions. However, in many workspaces today, it doesn’t meet society’s standards and may seem unkempt and unprofessional, so this shoot embraces the style regardless of the cultural stigma.
