Elliott Carlyle A quiet force is opening doors and giving black designers a big boost.
Officially operates as a Creative Consultant for the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) tom fordand the founder of Here We Are During the program, he found a way to use his skill set and influence for black creators in the fashion industry.
At Carlyle, we understand the importance of being seen, heard and recognized for your passion. He also recognizes the importance of having resources, access, and support to help nurture that passion, and wants to help in any way he can.
“We are honored and excited to help them grow and be recognized as power players. They are very passionate leaders. And we understand this as people of color. When you’re building without resources, access, or support, all you have is a continuing passion.”
How Elliott Carlisle is helping black designers
Long before he became popular, Carlisle made it his mission to find and shine a light on talented black designers who are often overlooked.
carlyles Here We Are The program introduced many black designers to New York City’s Jewelry Week. In 2019 he Here We Are A program to address the lack of representation and unfairness in the jewelry industry. Here We Are Emphasizing creators, it focuses on “building industry awareness on issues of diversity, inclusivity, equity, representation and alliances.”
Over the years Carlyle has also participated in many regional fashion weeks. CFDA Connect A program designed to shine a light on talent in small regions, create unity in the fashion world, and provide designers with much-needed resources. CFDA Connect We provide access to education through workshops and professional development programs covering topics such as partnerships, sponsorships and fashion law.
After the Indiana Fashion Foundation, the organization he helped launch, held its first event, the pieces really started to fit in.
“Those were moments that really came together to show me what some of the issues were…I also worked at Charleston Fashion Week. I represented Atlanta International Fashion Week. Northern Virginia Fashion Week is one of my clients, I know the team at St. Louis Fashion Week and Philly Fashion Week, and I’ve been involved in a lot of local fashion weeks and myself Coming from the local market, we know what it’s like to build without resources or access.”
Carlyle not only shines a spotlight on hitherto neglected luxury black design and provides much-needed education, but also mentors many black designers in the fashion industry.
Carlisle way Here We Are has shaped the industry
Since its founding Here We AreElliot Carlyle is a go-to person to help others build diversity programs.George Floyd’s Homicide and the CFDA in 2020 reached out to discuss the Impact program. “The National Diamond Council contacted me. They were building a program with Lorraine Schwartz to create what was known as the Emerging Designers Diamonds Initiative. $1 million in diamond credits to give, and each get $20,000 in diamonds to make a fine metal jewelry collection.”
Carlyle has worked with everyone from the National Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz to De Beers’ Radiance bike couture program, which offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for diverse designers. In November 2022, he partnered with his Muzo Emerald Colombia to exhibit at New York City’s Jewelry Week, featuring a collection from nine black and brown designers.
Carlisle is thrilled to see some of his Here We Are The new cohort of program participants he’s helping love how his program has been able to catalyze much-needed change in the industry.
“Here We Are It’s like a discovery channel.These are things that wouldn’t have existed if there were Here We Are It didn’t happen…these are breakthrough moments. What Muzo is doing has never been done before.everyone could look back Here We Are Program it and say, “How did you do this?” and “Who did you work with?” So it made sense for them to talk to me. During the pandemic, I have spoken with all jewelry organizations from WJA to National Jewelers Publications about what they can do and the problems they can solve. ”
How Elliott Carlyle Entered the Industry
Volunteering at New York Fashion Week stepped in the door Carlyle needed.
“It was a catalyst for all possible portals in fashion. You could see so many moving parts.” It was the PR aspect that resonated most with him. He became a freelance publicist and event coordinator for him, but also took on a number of odd jobs that inspired his next move. Those odd jobs you ask? Oh, I worked briefly at a real estate company, worked as a creative director for THEE Gladys Knight for a year, and was just an executive assistant.
Carlyle eventually secured a role as assistant to New York Fashion Week creator Fern Mullis. “I was hired to be her assistant, but in reality I was her assistant, her publicist, her production coordinator. So I was everything. I loved that.” I ended up booking and managing her,” he recalled.
Beyond all of Carlyle’s CFDA affiliation and influence on the fashion scene, people are truly drawn to his optimistic personality, passion for change, and willingness to do what he can. Elliott Carlyle can be found on his website, CurrentlyGlobal.com or Instagram. @elliotcarlyle
