New York Fashion Week kicked off last weekend with models and designers from all over the world in attendance. Even though NYFW is a global event it is still predominantly white. According to the research Site Zippa, only 17.1% of runway models are Black.

Cape Verdean model, and Fashion Designer, Lucius Firmin touches on his experience as a Black man in the fashion industry.  

“Influencing is definitely white women dominated. It is a lot easier to blow up or I guess be more relatable as a white woman in that industry just because usually the agencies and the talents are white women. Being a Black man, it’s tough, that’s why me and my friends we kind of stay close-knit together because there are just not that many of us. It may seem like it but there really isn’t.”

Firmin believes in the importance of uplifting fellow Black models and designers and is often seen wearing designs created by his friends. In the video above Firmin is wearing a varsity jacket designed by his friend Ricky Webster, patchwork jeans designed by fellow content creator Praise, and a silver chain designed by former classmate, Kimmy B Jewellery.

Modeling isn’t Firmin’s only creative outlet he is also a fashion designer. In 2020, Firmin founded the streetwear brand C.R.A.V* (Change Requires Accepting Views) Industries. While at first, every piece he created was unique, he now produces quantities of each item relative to demand. Athletes Kyrie Irving and Jalen Green are repeat customers and have been seen publicly wearing their designs. Firmin’s latest collection, The Art of War, which dropped in March 2022, encapsulates the importance of protecting one’s peace of mind during unprecedented times.