RADAR ROUNDUP: The Most Stylish Black Creatives to Follow Now
As Black History Month comes to a close it is a perfect time to inspire the celebration of black culture all year round. What better way than to get to know the current class of Black Creatives making history right now? This is a shortlist of innovators, ground-breaking creators and artists who convey iconic style for the culture. The truth is that Black culture has defined ‘cool’ for decades, and we salute these leaders for carrying the torch into the future. They set the standard and challenge the status quo as the new wave of originators. Because #blackboyjoy and #blackgirlmagic can’t be contained in one month, especially with these style stars at the helm, we created a list of 20 for 2020. After all, Black History is American History and should be consumed and celebrated by everyone regardless of race. To quote Rihanna at this year’s NAACP Image Awards “pull up”, get familiar and get inspired!
This artist is known for not only his incredible style of art but also his impressive fashion collabs. His recent offering is a limited collection with Levi’s for Black History Month featuring his “Future Finish Jeans” created using a collage of various words from prolific Black poets and writers.
Seleen Saleh, a published photographer, has been on the fashion scene for years snapping street style photos of some of the most fashionable Black folks on the planet. Her soon to be released book
Street Culture, is a coffee table street style book, featuring the most “inspiring, unique and creative individuals”.
This DJ is a fan favorite on the fashion scene having provided the sounds for many a bash for various top names in the industry. When you can draw Beyonce to the dance floor you know your winning, and Kitty Cash can accurately make this claim. Kicking off 2020, she was hand-selected and interviewed by Rihanna herself for the Rihannazine edition of iD Magazine. Need I say more?
Fearless fashion alien is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Kelsey Lu, who prefers to go by “Lu”. She is an artist who is both a vocalist and cellist. She combines immense talent with otherworldly looks reinventing herself again and again with purely artistic vision.
Anthony Prince Leslie is a NY based film director and producer of @equatorproductions, who captures the culture with sartorial style. His recent project for Ruth Carter x H&M is his second project featured in Times Square. His incredible personal style should be a film of its own!
She’s an author, a blogger, host of @awkwardgirlpod, owner of @sociallyawkwardsocietyatl and an ATLien. She covers all things style, beauty, travel and food, and she can rock a chapeau like no other!
Suzi Anaglogue is a unicorn of electronic music with a style that is not easily replicated. She is also a singer, songwriter, beatmaker and the creator of Never Normal Records. Your new girl crush for sure!
Featured on BET’S Hustle in Brooklyn this model and influencer emotes covetable personal style. It’s a diary of his fashion life often featuring the equally stylish @theeguapp and his creative accomplishments proving he is a multi-talented visionary.
Writer and Co-Founder of Urban Bush Babies and @her_take_his_take, Cipriana Quann is a mood board favorite as her style is so killer it landed her on a Vogue Best Dressed list. Did I mention that her TWIN sister is singer @TK_Wonder? Double style overload!
Ugo Mozie is a creative executive and social activist of Nigerian origins who brings Africa and its youth into a global spotlight. He is a fashion force to reckon with and his honorable mission to ‘sustain the world’ is made obvious through his long list of successful efforts.
London and New York based photographer, Justin French’s approach to capturing LGBTQ+ and PoC subjects has created a signature style of its own. His roster of celeb editorials and fashion portraits expands by the week, and he is quickly becoming a media favorite for his brilliant creative aesthetic.
This award-winning visual artist and storyteller has an impressive background with a laundry list of high profile collaborations that would make your head spin. Trevor Stuurman is noted as one of Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2019 and currently a Most Beautiful Object in South Africa 2020 nominee. Speaking of most beautiful, his IG account is filled with eyegasmic content charged with contemporary African influence and endless style.
This singer/songwriter is breaking down doors and conquering the music industry on his own terms. Put J. Scott on your list of ones-to-watch, and do yourself the favor of checking out his IG for all of his fashionable glory.
Quentin Thrash aka Stay Fly Thrash aka The Sartorial Rockstar has a personal style that defies any category or box that you may wish to put him in. He’s both traditional and modern, polished and street. He’s the founder of Thrash Bespoke, which has an impressive list of clientele and ongoing creative projects, including the release of his new book Thrash The Sartorial Rockstar.
London native, Natasha Nyanin is a writer, creative consultant and author of the blog The Ecstatic Flash, which covers life elevating experiences with “meditations on truth and beauty and life lived artfully”. This word guru is also a true style aficionado as captured on her IG page filled with gorgeous travel photos and wanderlust dreams.
This Parisian fashion creative delivers some of the best OOTD moments brimming with streetwear gold. She is an endless source of style inspiration and trendsetting ensembles captured in curated snaps on Paris streets.
Brooklynite Jorge Gitoo Wright has many accomplishments in the world of fashion, entertainment and the nightlife party scene. His background includes modeling (Gap, Givenchy) and casting collabs with various brands. His brand is built around his infectious persona, which makes him such a draw as host of the global hit party Everyday People and AfroPunk events.
London DJ and Producer, Siobhan Bell is one of the hottest go-to sound selectors for both top fashion brands and celebs. She’s a regular on the London Fashion Week scene and knows how to slay a flawless hair moment serving color and cuts that will make you cry with envy.
Nigerian model, Jason Kusimo’s IG page is filled with menswear magic and stunning imagery. Beyond his Muse status, Kusimo is a storyteller with a mantra stating “I live to create, I create to live”.
Model and actor Nyang Reat, a LA-based talent, is a recognizable face featured in Beyonce’s Spirit video for Disney’s Lion King. He fluidly masters a wide range of looks proving his versatility as a model and style inspiration.
Story by Ayoka Lucas, Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine.
Instagram: @ayokalu
Style With A Cause highlights designers who support a cause such as sustainability, charities, and fair trade.
