BLACK CREATIVES RULE!

What’s up, Indexers! Did you miss us? No need, we’re always with you. This week we’re asking the industry some serious questions! Because we care.

This week in database news:

• An exclusive interview with Molly Peachey-Pape, Founder of Makavelli Management and revolutionary casting director

• Where are the black designers…

Creating a Human-Centered Casting Agency

In our latest exclusive Interview, we linked up with Molly Peachey-Pape to discuss why the industry needs to care more about the models it utilises in every cross-section of production. Molly dove deep into everything from what it takes to create today, to showing people to love themselves.

In the flurry of fashion, style, and optics, it seems some people forget the people who bring the clothes to life in those beautiful editorials are more than mannequins. Molly describes a modeling industry beset by inappropriate situations and confrontations, and the modeling agencies that too often don’t speak up for fear of burning bridges and dealing with the fall-out, ^{essentially siding with the weirdos and some flat-out criminals.}

In a world that thrives on appearance and image, it's crucial to remember that models are more than what meets the eye. They're individuals with rights, dignity, and the right to work in a safe environment. This is where Molly has chosen to stand up where others sit down, by creating an agency with “Loyalty” and “Protection” as their core values.

Like many revolutionary creatives, Molly sees beyond the industry in its current form. We spoke in length about how representation of age is of growing concern to her, and promoting self-love for people of all ages. This shines brightest on her regular excursions to do street casting, essentially walking up to people and giving them the biggest smile of their day when you tell them they’re beautiful enough to be a model. What a great job to have.  

In an ideal world, everyone chases their dreams and makes a success out of it. In reality, many conform to how the system already operates. That’s why it’s important for entrepreneurs and creatives like Molly to take center stage. Building a business based on bringing people together and caring for other humans is not only a dream worth chasing but a must-complete mission.

Of course, it doesn’t just end with casting, as Molly embarks on creative escapades as a stylist, creative director, and consultant, she takes her values with her to every production. Just make sure you include her in the whole process less you incur her killer side-eye!

Yo, where ma people at ?!!

In a recent turn of events, Vogue appointed Chioma Nnadi as editor-in-chief of British Vogue to replace Edward Enninful. Why should we care?

Ummmm cause she’s awesome! Also, the continuance of having POC lead the most influential fashion publication in the world is a W we can’t overlook. Although, is it enough? One glance at Kering’s list of top dogs and creative directors tells you that fashion is far from getting into diversity and inclusion heaven.

We’re talking about this today because Black History Month is a time for remembering the game-changers, trend-setters, and style connoisseurs who consistently shake things up. From Emma Grede being at the helm of Good American, to watching young artist Soldierboyfriend do a collab with Timberlands just last night. Black creatives make history every day, whether they want to put us in the biggest fashion houses or not. Tremaine recently left Supreme citing racial tensions as a major issue in the hype house. It’s a shame that we can barely ever be surprised about things like this anymore.

Though as I said, it’s a time for celebrating all the wins. I still remember the announcement of Maximillian joining Ferragamo. For me personally, at first, I was like “That’s f***** awesome” then I was like “Thank God it’s possible”. Martine Rose continues to dominate, Mowalola continues to enchant, and young black designers are making it shake everyday. That’s what Always Index is here for - to spotlight the historically unseen. We want more, we want more, we want more.

I have big hopes for every black emerging designer and so should you.

That’s all folks!

You don’t gotta go home but you can’t stay here, unless you want to..😈 

As Always, Index.

Chuka Okonjo, Chief Editor