Black & Positively Golden® Change of Fashion

‘More Black Designers’ is the New Black

The 2024 McDonald’s Change of Fashion Program is focused on driving change when it comes to Black representation in fashion. The industry frequently pulls inspiration from Black culture, but doesn’t always embrace Black creatives. After all, only 7.3% of American fashion designers are Black.*

So, we’re pairing five, rising Black designers with five fashion insiders for career-changing mentorships. The program will also provide access and resources, and give their brands a chance to shine.

Be on the lookout for these rising brands and follow their journey on Instagram @wearegolden

*Per Zippia.com as of 2021.

Follow on Instagram @wearegolden

Elevate Black Fashion Designers

Join the “Show Up and Show Out in Black” Initiative, in Partnership with Black Owned Everything

In partnership with BlackOwnedEverything.co—an organization on a mission to elevate the visibility of Black-owned brands—McDonald's invites fans to shop the collections of the Change of Fashion designers and raise awareness of underrepresentation in the fashion industry by donning a “Show Up and Show Out” badge.

Fans can earn a badge in two different ways, while supplies last:

Make a purchase in support of Black designers, including the five Change of Fashion designers, on BlackOwnedEverything.co. All e-commerce purchases will receive the physical Show Up and Show Out in Black badge.
Download a digital badge (PNG, 101 KB)

Anyone can join the movement on social by posting a photo or video featuring a look from a Black fashion designer and tagging @WeAreGolden and @BlackOwnedEverything.

To learn more about the program, and to follow the journeys of our Change of Fashion designers Shareef Mosby, Nia Thomas, Durrell Dupard, Larissa Muehleder, Heart Roberts, visit @WeAreGolden on Instagram.

Meet the 2024 Black & Positively Golden Designers

Shareef Mosby

Richmond, VA, CEO of VICTIM15

Motivated by personal adversities and a challenging upbringing, Shareef has molded his brand to transmute traditional, utilitarian fabrics and silhouettes into urban-chic, contemporary ensembles juxtaposed against traditional artistic backdrops.

Shareef is paired with Elaine Welteroth, award-winning journalist, editor, NY Times best-selling author, and television host. Elaine was the second youngest Editor-in-Chief in Condé Nast history and the second Black woman to hold the title in the company's 107-year history. She has played a pivotal role in elevating politics and social justice in Teen Vogue.

Nia Thomas

New York, NY, Founder of Nia Thomas

Nia started a clothing line producing limited-edition garments and original jewelry inspired by inward discovery nourished by her worldly travels. Today, Nia is a luxe lifestyle brand with handcrafted pieces for people who own their power, sensuality, and capacity for love.

Nia is paired with Shawn Howell, who brings over twenty-five years of expertise in men’s luxury retail to his role as Category Lead of Men’s Apparel at Walmart Marketplace. Shawn offers a unique perspective in retail, with a rich background including serving as the Vice President of men’s luxury collections at Saks Fifth Avenue and Vice President of Saks Off 5th men’s sportswear, designer, owned brands, and children’s categories.

Durrell Dupard

New Orleans, LA, Founder of Freddie Estelle

Inspired by streetwear, Durrell began creating custom 1-of-1 designs for close friends at 15 years old. Freddie Estelle specializes in merging streetwear trends and upcycling to create unique custom designs.

Durrell is paired with Justina McKee, the visionary behind the acclaimed swimwear fashion house Matte Collection, through which she is empowering women worldwide to feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident—with affordability at the foundation. Throughout her ten-year career in concept development and design experience, Justina has cracked the code on building targeted brand audiences and sustaining organic, rapid growth.

Larissa Muehleder

New York, NY, Founder of Muehleder

Muehleder isn't just a brand—it's a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream, to create, and to defy their insecurities and self-doubt. With each design, she continues to write her story and find a piece of herself in everyone.

Larissa is paired with Jacqueline Cooper. As COO of LaQuan Smith, Jacqueline is the strategic powerhouse behind the brand adored by fashion luminaries such as Beyoncé, the Kardashians, and Rihanna, to name a few. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Jacqueline’s path to the fashion world was unconventional. She began her academic journey studying biology, but her true passion for fashion and communication soon led her to pivot into the industry.

Heart Roberts

Brooklyn, NY, Founder of HEARTHROB

Heart’s passion for denim and leather knows no bounds, particularly in the art of manipulation and distressing. Enter the realm of HEARTHROB, where sustainability intertwines seamlessly with high fashion, forging a path toward a more conscious and stylish future.

Heart is paired with Sherri McMullen, founder of eponymous luxury concept retail stores, McMullen. With more than 20 years of fashion industry experience, Sherri is dedicated to advocating for industry change while committing resources and platforms for Black designers and creatives.