You can’t step into a fashion or beauty event in New York City, LA, Texas or Atlanta without encountering someone who proudly reps their HBCU roots. They’re everywhere, influencing the culture, setting trends and breaking barriers. This homecoming season, EBONY celebrates those who not only attended an HBCU but also took the fashion and beauty industries by storm. These trailblazers aren’t just opening doors for fellow HBCU alumni; they’re creating new lanes and setting blueprints for future generations to follow, whether they attended an HBCU or not.
When we talk about “mothering” and being a true “MOTHA” in the game, three names stand out: Shiona Turini, Kahlana Barfield Brown and June Ambrose. These women are not just style icons—they are innovators who redefine the fashion and beauty landscape for Black women, each in their own distinct way.
Shiona Turini, with her incredible styling prowess, has collaborated with everyone from Beyoncé to major fashion houses, blending high fashion with unapologetic Blackness. Her work expands the conversation around inclusivity and visibility in fashion, making her a force in the industry.
Kahlana Barfield Brown, one of the first Black beauty editors at a major publication, used her platform to champion diversity and reshape beauty standards from within the industry. She paved the way for many Black women in beauty, using her influence to highlight the importance of representation in media.
And then there’s June Ambrose, the legendary stylist and creative director whose impact on hip-hop culture and fashion is immeasurable. From crafting the iconic looks of artists like Missy Elliott and Jay-Z to her role as creative director for Puma, June’s innovative eye sets trends that shift culture. Her influence spans decades, and her ability to merge fashion, music and art has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Below are some of EBONY’s favorite fashion and beauty creatives of the next generation. They are making their mark and doing what needs to be done. These HBCU alums are not just rising stars; they’re legends in the making.
