LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2022 / Over the last few years, more attention has been paid to the fact that for decades, African American fashion designers have not received the same recognition and opportunities. Systemic racism and various socioeconomic factors have contributed to the fashion industry lacking Black designers. Amongst all fashion designers in the United States, only 7.5% are Black. When asked about this disparity, major fashion companies may point to all the diversity in the industry, including Asians and Hispanics/Latinos. While it is valid to acknowledge this inclusion, the lack of representation of Black designers remains. One company that believes they can help increase the number of African Americans working in fashion is Murway, a gender-neutral leather bag line made in Italy.
What Obstacles Do Black Fashion Designers Face?
Black fashion designers face obstacles that are often different from those faced by other designers. One is that while some fashion houses have recently experienced shakeups at the designer level, the designers are rarely people of color.
Since it is so hard to break into the fashion industry this way, many Black designers choose to start their own businesses. Doing so, however, requires funding. Money is also required to make a designer's products accessible to the public. Inventory and advertising are two other large expenses that may potentially affect the ability of a designer to bring their brand into stores or build up a direct-to-consumer business. Without capital, then, the designer may encounter barriers to success.
Denishio Murray, founder of Murway, notes there are certain characteristics that make you more likely to succeed when starting your own business. Doing so requires "determination, resilience, taking the time to educate yourself on business and your industry, and having a very strong work ethic." For a Black entrepreneur, he stresses that these things are even more important.
Murway Making Strides
As a Black-owned business, Murway is one example of a company that formed in part due to the difficulties African Americans face in the fashion industry. It is common for Black fashion designers to have a very creative, unique vision. Sometimes this vision is not shared by those higher up on the food chain.
Murray encourages future entrepreneurs like him to "never let anyone place a limit on your capabilities." He also tells up-and-coming Black designers that "your own approval is enough." This is an important reminder for all designers, he says, because he believes that it is easy to get rejected in a world where creativity and subjectivity are the name of the game.
Murray Remembers His Roots
Murray recalls when he was his mother's stylist from a young age. He would style looks for his mother and other family members whenever there was a special event. His love for fashion is rooted deeply in his love for his family. This is one reason why he named his most recent "MoMo" collection by Murway after his late uncle, who passed away from COVID-19 in September 2021.
How Murway Can Change the Game
Murway is actively combining unique Black creativity with Italian leather. In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, more and more people are looking to purchase from Black-owned businesses. The "Buy Black" movement is growing. Gen Z consumers are increasingly socially conscious and looking for companies with a mission and stance on equality. Murray is making his products accessible to everyone by selling them directly to consumers on the Murway website. Although these bags are a luxury product and could sell for over $1,000, Murray lowered his prices to make them more accessible.
For more information on Murway, please visit:
Website: https://Murwayofficial.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/murwayofficial
Denishio Murray
[email protected]
SOURCE: Murway