Entertainment industry icon Issa Rae owned the CFDA Fashion Awards as the first person of color to ever host the show. Issa has prevailed as one of the most talented black women in entertainment, becoming an amazing writer, producer and actress. With how hard she goes into her career field, we expected no less when it came to her CFDA show outfits. She not only slayed in bright numbers, from light green to bold red, but every one of her outfits were designed by black designers.
In an interview with Elle, Issa’s stylist Jason Rembert said that Issa wanted to “look amazing and true to her.” One of Issa’s best looks of the night was definitely the first one, which was a gem-coated, blue jumpsuit-dress hybrid.
Issa started the night off in this sparkling Pyer Moss gown, designed by black designer and CFDA award nominee, Kerby Jean-Raymond. The true blue gown was stunning with its thin long train and skirt, flowy fit and one-shoulder strap decorated with more thin sparkling fabric. The best detail by far was the little black belt at Issa’s waist, embroidered with an iconic lyric from a Boris Gardiner song, “Every N—- Is A Star.”
“It was a subtle reminder that we can do anything and go anywhere. We are not just tragic figures,” Jean-Raymond tells Elle.
Another fan-favorite was the classy green suit Issa wore, which is an ensemble designed by black designer Sergio Hudson, who’s worked with names like Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. Other incredible black designers Issa wore included emerging designer Shanel, Victor Glemaud and a gown by Rembert’s own fashion label.
It’s a truly astounding moment to see Issa sporting all black designers while hosting the CFDAs as the first person of color to emcee the event. As the CFDA awards snubbed a number of black nominees for the Emerging Talent award, it’s very apparent that people of color still haven’t gotten the recognition they so deserve. But as Issa hosted the event in incredible clothes designed by extraordinary black minds, she steered conversations throughout the show toward race and social change. Making it in the entertainment industry and the fashion industry still proves to be challenging as a person of color, with prejudice plaguing many of the efforts black artists make every day. However, supporting black designers and spotlighting their talent like Issa has with her stunning outfits is one step in the right direction.