We’ve all seen America’s Next Top Model and heard the radio advertisements for model calls. Many of us have watched New York Fashion Week and obsessed over the behind-the-scenes videos on TikTok. It’s apparent that the fashion industry gets more diverse as time and generations pass. Showcasing more models of various colors, shapes, and sizes. Debunking the idea of the stereotypical model who only does runway. But we don’t often see the face and groundwork behind the unification of the fashion industry.
Marmelade, Haiti native; Samantha Joseph is the Co-Founder of the Colorado nonprofit, Color of Fashion. An organization that bridges the gap between diversity and high fashion. “My partner and I, Alicia Myers, have been modeling for a while and experienced mistreatment backstage at shows, photoshoots, and agencies because we are minorities. We wanted to create solutions and promote change in the industry. We knew there needed to be more diversity in Denver’s fashion industry. Color of Fashion was created to be the voice that bridges the gaps and gives a voice to models who felt like they have yet to be heard” Joseph explains.
Aiming to be the footsteps that younger fashion creatives follow, Color of Fashion is a physical form of empowerment for minorities in the fashion industry. Providing representation in a space where it historically often lacked. Ensuring support in the form of hair care and makes up needs to ethnic models and providing models and designer opportunities. “We’ve proven that Denver is a catalyst for the direction that the fashion industry can and should be moving towards. Color of Fashion continues to effectively showcase the talent and creativity behind fashion and the intention that BIPOC artisans curate” Samantha Joseph says.
In the next 5 years, Samantha Joseph plans for her nonprofit to see immense growth, becoming the premier fashion organization in Denver, introducing new designers, venues, and themes, and curating an experience for all those involved. “This year is going to be our most significant season yet. SS24 will be a transportive experience with cross-border designer collaborations and designer duo debuts at venues you’d never expect to see a runway at. We want everyone to enjoy getting to know the designers’ craftsmanship firsthand and gain insights into their artistic process” Samantha described.
With ____ years in operation, Samantha Joseph sees and relishes in the growth of her nonprofit organization. Continuing to pave the way for other BIPOC creatives in the industry and continuing to curate meaningful and innovative opportunities of collaboration. “Alicia and I knew what we wanted to create and hoped this community would welcome us into this space. To see it actually happen was extremely memorable and helps keep Color of Fashion going. Hopefully, our work can encourage others to just go for it. Through it all, you’ll meet people who don’t believe in you. Remember to focus and work hard; the rest will follow” Joseph admonishes.
Color of Fashion is always looking to work with people who believe in the mission. To collaborate and support or to gain more information about Color of Fashion, visit their website at https://www.coloroffashionco.com/.
