‘WWD’ Releases ‘Black In Fashion’ Book Authored By Tonya Blazio-Licorish And Tara Donaldson

WWD has officially published Black In Fashion: 100 Years Of Style, Influence, and Culture. Authored by Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson, the literary work features a forward penned by fashion designer Tracy Reese. Published in partnership with Union Square & Co., Black In Fashion marks the first-ever WWD book derived from the Fairchild Archives.

News of the book was first announced by the publication earlier this year and is described as featuring more than 375 black-and-white and color photographs, illustrations, and original articles on the designers, models, scene-makers, and stylists who have shaped the fashion landscape over the past century. 

“Black in Fashion is an opportunity to shine a light on a groundbreaking array of talent ever-fluid in fashion’s timeline,” explained Blazio-Licorish at the time, per WWD. “It looks not just at the contributions of Black creatives, it also captures influences that have evolved and been embraced by the cultural zeitgeist.”

WWD/Union Square & Co.

“This book comes at a pivotal time for both WWD and the broader fashion industry,” added Amanda Smith, President of Fairchild Media Group in a statement on publishing day.

Black In Fashion celebrates the vibrant legacy and ongoing impact of Black talent in fashion. We are proud to contribute to the enduring narrative of diversity and innovation that defines our industry.”

Figures and eras covered in the 304-page, hardcover book include Stephen Burrows, Virgil Abloh, Naomi Sims, Josephine Baker, André Leon Talley, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Is Beautiful era, America’s triumph at the “Battle of Versailles” in 1973, and Hip-Hop’s fashion takeover.

Preview Black In Fashion: 100 Years Of Style, Influence, and Culture and purchase on Amazon or the official website.