“When you speak things aloud, they go into your subconscious. They are things that you think about and things that, you know, remembering in yourself the things that are important to you. Whether its if you are looking for a partner or a new job or how to navigate a certain situation it is always important to remember the things that are important to you. Those pillars, those points because they will correct you when you go astray.” – Carly Cushnie 

Carly Cushnie is the founder of namesake label CUSHNIE, one of the most prominent Black-owned brands in American fashion. The women’s ready-to-wear luxury brand has achieved utmost recognition for its modern approach to femininity and refined sense of minimalist sophistication, every detail carefully considered with the female form in mind. After 12 years, Carly announced in late 2020 that CUSHNIE would be closing its doors due to the devastating effects of the pandemic.

Carly reflects on this past year and its many lessons in patience, letting go and allowing life to unfold the way it is supposed to. Looking forward to what lies ahead, the New York based designer views this new and unknown chapter in her life as an opportunity for bigger and better. 

In 2020 Carly Cushnie became one of the first Black female designers to launch a successful collaboration with Target and co-founded RAISEfashion, an organization providing free mentorship to Black designers, founders and businesspeople in the fashion industry. Support a few of Carly's favorite Black-owned businesses Harwell Godfrey, Fe Noel and BYCHARI.

To connect with Carly Cushnie click HERE

To connect with RAISEfashion click HERE 

To connect with Lauren Chan click HERE

To connect with SCHUTZ click HERE

To learn more about Lauren Chan’s Deep Truth Campaign with SCHUTZ click HERE