Agents Change

At MAGIC Las Vegas, three brands from the 2023 IMFC Incubator Program made their event debut, bringing a fresh perspective and inclusive designs to the show foor.

Launched in 2020 to elevate and better support new design talent for Black-owned brands, the Informa Markets Fashion for Change’s (IMFC) mission is to foster allyship, inclusion, and equality within the fashion community through programs that nurture and spotlight minority-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+-owned fashion brands across men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and footwear categories.

Cise Agency

CISE Agency, a Black-owned fashion house based in Los Angeles, has curated a brand that according to its Founder and Chief Executive Oficer, Blake Van Putten, “amplifes the voices of marginalized communities… [and] strives to make a positive impact, one purchase at a time.” Beginning with its frst collection, “Protect Black People,” which featured garments with the message “PROTECT US,” CISE draws from inspirations in traditional as well as contemporary design, from nature and growth. “We have put a lot of efort into creating an expanded and well-rounded collection, with a focus on inclusivity and customer feedback, while staying true to our brand,” said Van Putten. “Being able to establish ourselves as a rising brand and having the chance to grow and thrive is what I am most excited about.” @cise.store

JOHN + JULIANA

For John + Juliana designer Eden Aruna, values of faith, love, excellence, and integrity are at the heart of her handbag brand. This season, she featured a bag collection made of African Wax prints and handmade tie dye imported from her home country of Sierra Leone, West Africa. “I have always been intrigued by various prints, patterns, and textures, however, coming from an African background, it was an easy choice to use African prints and tie dye patterns. I often choose vibrant colors and unique patterns because they invoke happiness, youthfulness, and demand attention. The handmade tie dye collection was heavily inspired by my mother. When I was a little girl, I would watch my mom make tie dye and was intrigued by the process. So, incorporating the tie dye collection just seemed natural. My mom is a big part of my inspiration as she is, and has always been, a great role model.”

@johnplusjuliana

TAO + SALOMA

Holistic wellness brand Tao + Saloma debuted its skincare line at the show, in addition to a collection of clinically crafted herbal medicines made for cleansing, detoxifcation, and repair. “The inspiration behind this season’s collection in both wellness and beauty is ‘coherence in nature.’ When we notice and adapt with the changing rhythm of the seasons, we naturally create a state of fow in our mind and body; something we could all use a little more of right now,” said Cicely Harmon Everson, Founder and Master Herbalist and Formulator. On their MAGIC debut, she noted, “We believe we are better together and more similar than we could imagine. We can’t wait to feel the magnetic energy and good vibes as together we celebrate another year in fashion!’

@taoandsaloma