- Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off annually, showcasing designs from the best of the best in the industry. Top models, celebrities, and tastemakers come from around the world to see the latest trends in one of the top fashion capitals. <br> <br> Most view the multi-million-dollar end product of a week's worth of events— whether from the front row, via the Web, or television—with major focus on the models and designers featured in the forefront. But the ultimate goal of such presentations is purchases and profits, and those behind the scenes ensure that goal is met. <br> <br> Take a look at five black fashion industry professionals making power moves beyond the runway, whether it's behind a lens or in front of it. <i>—Christian Law</i>
Fashion designer pinning female model's skirt, close-up
- <strong>THE PHOTOGRAPHER</strong> <br> <br> <strong>POWER:</strong> For more than a decade, Jeffrey Gamble has made his mark on the photography industry, from shooting iconic imagery for the Notorious B.I.G and Usher to editorial photos in the pit during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. <br> <br> <strong>PASSION</strong>: "I see the beauty in everyone and seek to shoot everyone in the best possible light." <br> <br> <strong>PROCESS</strong>: Gamble earned an undergraduate degree at FIT, interned at publications including British Elle, and assisted many photographers. "Assisting allowed me to learn the things the classroom couldn’t teach," he says. <br> <br> <strong>POWER PEERS:</strong> Indira Cesarine and Halley Ganges. Best advice he’s received from a mentor: Choose what you love, do it well and prepare yourself for 50 years down the road.”
- <strong>THE BUYER/BLOGGER</strong> <br> <br> <strong>POWER:</strong> Former Goldman Sachs trader Justin Bridges switched gears into fashion, working as an assistant buyer for brands including Gucci and Prada. He's also a photographer, having worked with clients including Club Monaco and GQ.com, and founder of <a href="http://tuckedstyle.com/" target="_blank"><strong>TUCKED Style</strong></a>, a men's fashion blog. <br> <br> <strong>PASSION</strong>: “I love being able to have a 360 view of the fashion industry— from editorial, street style and the buying side. I get to see it all.” <br> <br> <strong>PROCESS: </strong>Bridges recommends newcomers understand the marriage between finance and art. “Investors don’t pour dollars into ideas that don’t resonate with the consumer community." Work hard, be organized and have a "can do" attitude. <br> <br> <strong>PROVISIONS: </strong>Camera. “It is the way I communicate with people in the abstract and pure way.”
- <strong>THE MAKE-UP ARTIST</strong> <br> <br> <strong>POWER: </strong>Kim Weber has worked with clients including Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, WWD, Essence and Lucky Magazine, painting facial canvases for editorial, runway shows and commercials. <br> <br> <strong>PASSION:</strong> Creating temporary fantasy inspired by music, art, design, food, and architecture. <br> <br> <strong>PATH:</strong> Weber began working in cosmetics retail at Macy's, eventually landing a long-term gig with MAC. While there, she began taking on freelance work alongside veterans. "Being self-employed, there’s really no time off because how often you work determines how often you get paid." <br> <br> <strong>PROVISIONS:</strong> A passport ("You must be ready to travel international at a moment’s notice). A smartphone (which is always accessible for e-mail or phone calls).
- <strong>THE DESIGNER</strong> <br> <br> <strong>POWER: </strong>With a resume that includes working with Michael Kors and Alexander McQueen, Samantha Black debuted her own line, SAMMY B, a favorite of entertainers Keri Hilson, Olivia and Kelis. <br> <br> <strong>PASSION:</strong> "Combining my creative talents, culture, expression and personality, and channeling them all together through design." <br> <br> <strong>PATH</strong>: Black earned a degree in design and worked for retailers including Jimmy Z's and Stargate. She applied branding and business skills learned in launching her line. "Be dedicated, be able to cultivate relationships, and open to learning." <br> <br> <strong>PREDECESSOR</strong>: Legendary Damon: "He said, 'Listen to what everyone has to say, but in the end make your own decisions because you know best.'"
![THE MODEL
POWER: Kone Sindou has landed digital campaigns for design labels including Nom De Guerre, walked the runways for menswear brands including Copperwheat, and has been featured in magazines including The Fader.
PASSION: New once-in-a-lifetime experiences. "I love America. I'm able to embody Americana fashion as well as work toward the American dream."
PATH: “The [Ivorian Civil War] was going on in my country, so I left to escape it. I came to U.S. and began work as a chef." It was while walking to work that he was discovered. "Every time I shoot... I learn more about posing, how to give the photographer what he wants and how to be a better model."
PREDECESSOR: Tyson Beckford. “He is a strong black man in the fashion industry who is well respected."](http://cdn-live2.blackenterprise.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/02/konesindoumodelFashionWeek.jpg "konesindoumodelFashionWeek")
- <strong>THE MODEL</strong> <br> <br> <strong>POWER:</strong> Kone Sindou has landed digital campaigns for design labels including Nom De Guerre, walked the runways for menswear brands including Copperwheat, and has been featured in magazines including The Fader. <br> <br> <strong>PASSION:</strong> New once-in-a-lifetime experiences. "I love America. I'm able to embody Americana fashion as well as work toward the American dream." <br> <br> <strong>PATH</strong>: “The [Ivorian Civil War] was going on in my country, so I left to escape it. I came to U.S. and began work as a chef." It was while walking to work that he was discovered. "Every time I shoot… I learn more about posing, how to give the photographer what he wants and how to be a better model." <br> <br> <strong>PREDECESSOR</strong>: Tyson Beckford. “He is a strong black man in the fashion industry who is well respected."
Cheers to her journey!
Love her clothes!!!!!!
YES at this whole article and HECK YEAH! to my girl Kim being one of the featured professionals!!!!
I’m glad you enjoyed
Quite proud to read about my relative achieving additional media attention. Proud, but certainly not surprised!!! Fabulous as always!!!
Congrats to my friend Kim! She is a wonderful make-up artist (in the truest sense of the word) and so much more!
Zionb ids definietly a designer to look out for. Both LA and London based this designer turns heads with her designs. Check out bZion ‘Dare to Be Different’ at http://www.blessedzion.com OR bzion meaning Heavenly facebook page!!! You saw it here, now check them out
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