Someone, anyone, pinch me; I am having a FUBU (For Us By Us) moment at the second annual Black Carpet Awards in Milan. Held in the heart of the city at Via Alessandro Manzoni, the event was a magnetic draw for Afro-fashion lovers from around the globe. The vibrant mix of Africans from different ethnicities created an incredible sense of community, which made the event feel like home away from home.
The creativity, eccentricity, colour explosions, fabric choices, traditional blends, innovation, and style? Everything felt just right! The event was created to celebrate change leaders committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the fields of fashion, design, art, cuisine, music, technology, business, sports, and cinema.
It brought together the crème de la crème of the fashion world, like Anna Wintour, Sofia Ricci, Tamu McPherson, Ugo Mozie, designers, models, celebrities and influencers, all under one roof to honour the Motherland’s outstanding contributions to the fashion industry.
Speaking on the growth of the event, Michelle Francine Ngonmo, founder of the Awards, said, “I am filled with pride and emotion. This event is so much more than just an awards ceremony; it is a powerful platform to celebrate and uplift those who are often invisible in our society. It is a reminder of the importance of visibility, recognition, and the profound impact that diversity, equity, and inclusion have in the creative industry. By honouring these Change Leaders, we are not only celebrating their achievements but also inspiring others to continue driving meaningful progress.”
Multi-faceted Black Carpet
The elegant night began with a spectacular black carpet, where fashion pioneers such as Anna Wintour, Sofia Ricci, Tamu McPherson, Ugo Mozie, and Ayoub turned heads with their stunning ensembles. The black carpet was rich in cultural diversity, setting the tone for an unforgettable night in history.
The Awards: A celebration of diversity and inclusion
This year’s edition emphasised the importance of immigrants finding their tribes in the European fashion scene as we push for inclusion within the industry. There were five award categories, with a total of 10 winners divided into two groups: five chosen by the jury and five by the public.
Leader of Change – Culture
Cinzia Adanna Ebonine was the people’s choice and took home the prestigious award for her exceptional work with the community. Her innovative designs and creative vision have made a significant impact on the fashion industry, while Danielle Madame was the Jury’s selection.
Leader of Change – Creativity
Sister duo Adriana & Luciana of the brand Le Sorelle Toledo emerged as the people’s winners. They are both fashion enthusiasts and conscious stylists who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The Jury’s choice, Alberto Malanchino, had the judges particularly impressed by their latest projects incorporating what they’ve termed conscious styling.
Leader of Change – Community
This award is for those who have brought significant changes to their community through their work and knowledge. DEI Futuro Antirazzista, a social collective, whose goal is to address issues concerning civil and social rights, especially for the BIPOC community, won as the people’s choice. Johanne Affricot was selected by the jury for her work in using creative spaces as regenerative forces for cultural and social impact.
Leader of Change – Legacy
The Jury went with Justin Randolph Thompson, the Co-Founder and Director of Black History Month Florence and of the research centre, The Recovery Plan. Miyuki Yajima, the people’s choice, is passionate about the desert and archaeology and adventure to the point of almost risking her life. Their work has a long history of culturally diverse and inclusive projects that have been carried out with continuity.
Leader Of Change – Entrepreneurship
These people made a significant contribution to the development of new business models and design principles that promote positive change. The prestigious Entrepreneurship Award went to the jury’s winner, Ada Ugo Abara, and the people’s choice, Affroriccie.
Virgil Abloh Award
This highly coveted award considers the following: awareness, authenticity, brand identity & DNA, and an overall exceptional individual like the man it is named after, the first Black creative director of Louis Vuitton, the late Virgil Abloh.
The award went to Romy Calzado, who was honoured for her impactful work with garments made of antiviral and antibacterial graphene denim. Her designs, advocacy, and resilience were rewarded here.
Milan, we’ll be back!
This night will always have a special moment with me; I have been to Milan, but I can honestly say, in the cheesiest way possible, Milan has been through me. Celebrating Black excellence on this scale in a major European city like Milan was a delight.
The Fashion Awards night was a testament to the talent and creativity that drive the fashion industry. It was an evening of recognition, celebration, and inspiration, reminding everyone of the power of fashion to influence and shape our world. As the night came to a close, we all left with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future of fashion in the black community.
