In partnership with Creatively, IMPACT’s immediate focus is to create opportunities for Black and Brown creatives and adjacent professionals in the form of jobs and internships, but we know that fostering a more equitable and diverse fashion community starts with understanding how to promote advancement on a daily basis.

We talked to one of our IMPACT brand partners, award-winning designer Billy Reid, about inclusivity, creativity, and starting a career in fashion. 

What’s a common misconception about launching a career in fashion? 

A career in fashion is so much more than just designing great clothing. The industry is a multifaceted and multi logistical endeavor that touches on so many parts of a business from creation, marketing, distribution, inventory management, sales, retail, wholesale, direct to consumer, and so on. There are so many career avenues within the industry to explore.

Name three qualities you look for in a creative job candidate at Billy Reid 

Attitude, work ethic, and being a good person.

What unique position does Billy Reid hold in furthering IMPACT’s goal of creating a more diverse and equitable fashion industry? 

I would first say sharing our involvement and building awareness of our support for CFDA IMPACT. As a supporter and being actively engaged, it’s important we also influence our peers in the fashion industry to get involved in furthering IMPACT’s mission. 

Additionally, it’s also about ensuring we share our opportunities equitably but also be proactive in leveraging our experience to be mentors, developing an equitable pipeline of talent, and constantly exploring ways to authentically connect.

How does fashion influence the conversation around race? 

Fashion has the ability like art, music, and food to bring people together, find common ground, have a conversation, and educate. As designers, we present collections in a way that tells a story. We have the ability and the responsibility to decide who and how we include people to share that vision and tell that story. 

IMPACT is a CFDA developed initiative to identify, connect, support, and nurture Black and Brown creatives and professionals in fashion.

See more jobs from Billy Reid and our IMPACT partners here!