We were lucky to catch up with James Sanders recently and have shared our conversation below.

James , appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

In order to address the question, we have to look at history right? Because history informs the future.

So when being asked about what corporate America gets wrong in the fashion industry, we have to understand first, that corporate America is driven by capitalism. That’s obvious. BUT we must face a few other ugly truths as well. Fashion, an industry that allegedly praises diversity, has capitalized off the ideas and concepts of minorities — specifically Black people, but has not allowed those same Black people to profit in any REAL way.

What does a REAL way look like?

It looks like corporate roles and titles — enough to be able to bring other Black people into the same positions.

Why?

Because in doing so, it creates an unsafe environment for those in power. And those in power in fashion have always been others and have never been Blacks. But the ideas, concepts, and trends that have made fashion (especially as of late with the emergence and popularity of athleisure and streetwear) more lucrative than ever before, will continue to go uncredited.

So when going back to the original question of what Corporate America gets wrong, well, in fashion, as with other things, it is accountability–or the lack thereof.

James , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

James is a NY-based Black Creative Director and Writer. His mission is empowerment through knowledge of self by any means necessary.

“Even in fashion, I feel a responsibility; I won’t ignore the injustices as storied and truer than the fabrics we adorn ourselves in. Words and Style are tools to liberate.”
– James R. Sanders

James’ work has appeared in Vogue, GQ, Blavity, HuffPost, and Complex as News Editor. He’s covered the 2008 presidential election, race, entertainment, and fashion.

As a celebrity stylist, James has worked all the major red carpets during awards season—dressing the biggest names in music, TV, and film.

In 2020 during the protests for the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, James created the Knowledge of Self: A Guided Journal. Filled with writing prompts, playlists, mental health resources, and photos; this journal functions as a Black Power time capsule and is available everywhere books are sold.

Most recently, James began teaching fashion journalism and styling workshops at Columbia University Barnard College. His students excel and go on to enter graduate programs at some of the top colleges in the country—and internationally.

James has a BA in Journalism and an MA in English. His collection of essays and fashion photography entitled Reparations: Style + Soul (Lineage Multimedia 2022) is number 1 in Essence Magazine.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Traditionally, Black people have not been taught early on about financial literacy. This is a crime, but also a generational curse. When I thought of finances, I used to be intimidated due to my lack of knowledge. I wasn’t taught about money management, where and how to handle business credit and the differences between personal and business leveraging of accounts. This is information we have a responsibility to share with one another as W.E.B. DuBois says in his classic work, “The Souls of Black Folk” when he refers to the talented tenth.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During the pandemic, I had to rely more on journalism than in styling. People weren’t around one another as much and with good reason. As Black people, we must understand that the idea of being a master of none and the concept around, “doing too much” does not apply to us. We must pick up multiple skills and trades because we always have to work twice as hard, and be twice as talented often to get half of what our white counterparts get. During the pandemic, I found myself relying on other skills and talents to make ends meet. I have multiple degrees and utilizing those talents put me in a different position than others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jamesrsanders.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesrsanders
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styledbyjames
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrsanders
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesrsanders
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesRSanders/