Young, Gifted & Black: Celebrating Our Very Own

Black fashion creatives continue to shape the story of modern fashion; their influence in the industry is both powerful and enduring. Through the fusion of heritage and modernity, they challenge outdated ideas of what fashion and luxury have long represented, bringing fresh perspectives that celebrate identity and creativity.

Signs of Black culture — spanning British, American, African, and Caribbean influences — are increasingly coming to the forefront of the Western fashion scene, led by global pioneers who continue to redefine the industry. This shift is also reflected in our university, through the rising wave of Black fashion creatives across our Warwick campus. Drawing inspiration from streetwear, high fashion, and their cultural roots, they're redefining what style and representation look like on campus.

Why is it important to celebrate this rising wave of Black presence in fashion? In many major brands, Black History Month has become more of a passing gesture than a genuine celebration. We can’t truly honour the past without recognising the future, and the work of those who paved the way for today’s generation of Black creatives to thrive.

Here, we highlight students at Warwick who are actively making their own space in the industry. Whether they are stylists, designers, creative directors or just passionate about their artistry, they bring a new outlook to the fashion scene.

Within the Wardrobe

Within the Wardrobe holds a distinctive place in the creative industry. Its founder and stylist, Awurabena Akonnor, has carved out a niche that few others manage to capture with such depth and authenticity. Her creative direction carries a unique sense of storytelling, blending her refined fashion sensibility with influences from her Christian faith and Ghanaian heritage. Each project reflects an intricate balance of spirituality, culture, and artistry, making her work both meaningful and visually captivating. Having had the opportunity to work with her personally, I truly hope her talent gains wider recognition and that her vision continues to inspire more creatives.

“Centred around the Christmas period and celebration, Follow the Star follows the protagonist through photography and videography (short film) as they journey closer towards the Star. The project focuses on the difficulty of doing life on your lonesome and maintaining focus, highlighting the difficulties that can occur in life and the distractions that can arise through the fast-paced nature of everything. It’s through encountering community and doing life together that we’re able to get closer to the star: Jesus.”

What feelings or ideas do you hope people take away from your work?

“I hope people take away the importance of introspection and looking inward, as it will always reflect on the outward. A lot of the projects that I’ve worked on have a lot of meaning and context at their foundation. Therefore, I want people to always think of how there’s much more to what meets the eye - this can be applied to a plethora of things. I just so happen to apply it to the realm of creativity, style and shoots! I always want people to think of how creativity has no limitations, and you can choose what you want to decide and fuel your creativity! For me, it's a lot of my faith that does so.”

What inspires or influences your work the most?

‘As previously mentioned, a lot of my Christian faith in God inspires and influences my work. Some of the concepts and themes that have been at the foundation of my work are rooted in my belief system that plays a big part in informing who I am, my identity. Furthermore, the conversations I have with people influence a lot of my work, the things happening in my life, and, on a more practical level, my Pinterest feed!’

What does being a Black creative mean to you in today’s creative landscape?

“Being a Black Creative in today’s creative landscape, to me, means not conforming to the

Westernised norm that has been interwoven into a lot of systems of what creativity looks like. This is hence why in my projects, I love to give Black creatives that platform and spotlight and therefore work with them. To me, it also means using my experiences, a lot of which can be rooted in my identity as a Black woman, to inform areas of my work. Some of the styling choices may be rooted in Black culture and fashion, or using Black music to tell the story of a shoot. On a more specific level, it can also look like choosing certain locations or ensuring lighting complements the Black skin and complexion of the models I’m working with. It’s all about taking into consideration, applying and reflecting the Black experience in every facet possible.”

How has the Warwick community shaped or supported your creative journey?

“It’s the likemindedness of individuals and how we’ve all been able to encourage each other, but also hold each other accountable. Balancing the academic demands of University, especially at Warwick, with being a creative requires a community. Knowing that there are people who will understand why your mind is in 5 different places at once on a Monday morning is comforting and encouraging! Furthermore, working with creatives at Warwick, who also value the importance of their academics, makes the process of carrying out a project easier, as unrealistic and unfair demands and expectations are not placed on each other. A lot of the creatives who have also gone before me have not only sewn time into me but also words of wisdom, encouragement and a reality of knowing it is possible.”

Trnqlty

At first glance, Trnqlty - founded by Arinze Moneke & Timayo Adeoye-Showole  - presents a distinct design identity that draws clear inspiration from athletic wear and Black British culture. While some pieces reflect current trends that appeal to their target audience, the brand maintains a timeless quality, creating garments that can be worn year-round for a range of occasions: whether for activewear, casual outings, or social events. There is so much to admire in their shoots and marketing approach, from the high-quality campaign videos to the cohesive photography that captures the essence of their brand. It’s remarkable that students at our university are producing such an impressive standard of design and content, demonstrating creativity and professionalism beyond expectation. That is exactly why it’s so important to celebrate their work and give them the spotlight they deserve.

Shoot showcasing Trnqlty ‘912 baby tees’.

What feelings or ideas do you hope people take away from your work?

Shoot showcasing Trnqlty ‘Angel Jerseys’.

“When putting on our garments, we hope to inspire our customers with a sense of boldness and confidence. Our aim is to design clothing that embodies effortless grace with minimal effort, what some might call ‘sprezzatura’. We pride ourselves on using bold motifs and distinctive details that allow our customers to stand out subtly, creating a unique balance between confidence and composure, somewhat of an oxymoron but one that defines our brand identity.”

What inspires or influences your work the most?

“Our work is deeply influenced by our athletic background and Nigerian heritage, which together shape our vision of creating versatile garments suitable for both leisure and active use. We draw inspiration from icons within the sporting world and Western rap culture, blending their influence with our cultural roots and lived experiences as university students. The name Trnqlty itself carries biblical connotations, which we express through our signature Archangel logo a symbol of faith, protection, and calm amidst chaos.”

Shoot showcasing ‘Total 9aija shellsuit’.

What does being a Black creative mean to you in today’s creative landscape?

“Being Black in today’s creative landscape is something we see as a strength and an advantage. Our influences from rap and sports culture naturally connect us with other Black creatives, fostering collaboration and mutual growth. The Black streetwear community is incredibly supportive, and we see ourselves as part of a wider network of innovators who share ideas, elevate one another and build organic success collectively. Creativity within the Black community thrives on this sense of shared purpose and connection.”

How has the Warwick community shaped or supported you in your creative experience?

“The Warwick community has played a major role in our creative journey, offering platforms and opportunities to showcase our work from AfroFest to ACS-endorsed pop-ups. The Black community at Warwick has been especially supportive, helping us grow our brand presence and refine our creative identity. Moving forward, we aim to expand our reach across the wider university through engaging events, collaborations, and interactive giveaways, creating spaces where style, culture, and community intersect.”

Sheldon Da Cr8tor

When it comes to the rise of Black creative talent, Sheldon Nana Amoako truly raises the standard. Known professionally as Sheldon Da Cr8tor, he is a stylist, creative director, and writer whose work has featured in major events such as the BRIT Awards, MOBO Awards, British Vogue, and London Fashion Week. His artistry carries a clear sense of soul and intention, with each creation feeling timeless and meticulously thought out. His editorial work stands out for its striking use of bold colours and thoughtful composition, making every project a visual statement that reflects both his talent and his vision.

What feelings or ideas do you hope people take away from your work?

“I genuinely believe that with work like Rarity, which was featured in New Wave Magazine's digital feature, it’s not just about capturing attention; it’s about inviting people into a story they can finish for themselves. I want my work to be seen as art open to personal interpretation, where meaning is discovered rather than dictated. Everything I do is grounded in intention and integrity. It’s not that every idea comes to me in some divine spark, but there’s a way I create that always seems to align with divine timing, even in the final outcome. In that sense, much of what I make rests in the hands of my creator, God.”

What inspires or influences your work the most?

 “Most recently, history has been a major source of inspiration in my styling work. Above all, it’s Black women who inspire me the most. They are the DNA of everything I create. I came from a Black woman, and my mother continues to be my greatest source of inspiration. Anything that moves me, with a story or a sense of purpose, can influence my work too.”

What does being a Black creative mean to you in today’s creative landscape?

“I honestly believe it means being the living embodiment of a free person. Throughout history, Black people have been at the centre of all things popular culture, including fashion. While this is true, we have endured disrespect, appropriation, and the infringement of our work, with Black women in particular often being the most overlooked and uncredited voices in the industry. As someone who is exhausted by the phrase "first Black," I want to make sure my work speaks volumes. If I do contribute something significant and successful, what will I leave behind for others? I want the norm for Black people to be the ability to exist and create unapologetically, without feeling the burden of carrying the world on their shoulders simply because of the colour of their skin. We deserve to create freely in any space we enter in this world.”

Rarity Editorial Shoot

How has the Warwick community shaped or supported your creative journey?

“It has made me realise more than ever that we are the future. Being among people within the Warwick community, especially during the intensity of university life, has shown me the importance of having a community, no matter how big or small. Serving as President of Warwick Pop Culture Society is a great example of that. No matter who I create with or what I create, community has to be at the centre.”

Rapcha

Rapcha, founded by Malachi Amadi and Onaola Albert, is a streetwear brand defined by its bold creativity and the meaningful slogan “Never Left Behind.” While streetwear has long dominated modern fashion, Rapcha stands out for its distinctive designs and alternative edge. Their consistent yet captivating marketing highlights the individuality and depth behind each piece, making the brand both stylish and purposeful. Each piece embodies confidence and individuality, ensuring that anyone wearing Rapcha stands out with purpose and style.

What feelings or ideas do you hope people take away from your work?

“We want people to take away a sense of belonging from our work. neverleftbehind as an ideology is the original and essential human mind frame. We have existed in communities since the dawn of time as a means of survival. Only recently does there seem to have been a shift towards individualism and although there are positives from the idea of putting oneself first sometimes, that cannot be at the expense of community. Rapcha exists to remind us that we are still our brothers keepers, and that in turn we will be kept by our brothers and sisters.”

What inspires or influences your work the most?

“Above all else our experiences influence our work, both in terms of clothing and campaigns. Our experience of growing up was being raised by a village, and contnuing that legacy by making sure to look out for and support our friends. The majority of what we produce attempts to display that via presenting scenarios relatable to us and the people of our generation.”

What does being a Black creative mean to you in today’s creative landscape?

 “Being a black creative today to us means to be excellent. And to be excellent with others. Synergy between other creatives is everything.”

How has the Warwick community shaped or supported your creative journey?

 “Funnily enough, the Warwick community seems to embody what it is that the brand represents. The support has been loud and constant throughout our time here, and it's given us a platform to try out things we may not have done with a smaller audience.”

Special thanks to all the creatives who contributed to this blog post. Their insights and experiences within the industry are truly invaluable, and the UNDERLINED team can’t wait to see all that they go on to accomplish in the future!

Where to find them:

@withinthewardrobe

@sheldon.da.cr8tor

@rapcha.nlb

@trnqlty.clo