During Milan Fashion Week, a different kind of runway took center stage—one where visibility, access, and dialogue were the real stars. Held at The Wilde, the inaugural edition of “Communities at Work”, an initiative by the volunteer-driven Afro Fashion Association, brought together fashion leaders, creatives, and corporate stakeholders for a vital conversation on the future of diversity and inclusion in fashion.
With backing from Vogue Italia, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), and the Camera Moda Fashion Trust, the event was a first-of-its-kind platform during Milan Fashion Week dedicated to spotlighting emerging BIPOC talents (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and addressing the systemic barriers they often face within the industry.
Anna Wintour & Michelle Francine Ngongmo
The event welcomed prominent figures such as Anna Wintour, Carlo Capasa, and Diego Della Valle, alongside industry professionals, creatives, and HR leaders. Hosted and moderated by Tamu McPherson, the gathering fostered a vibrant and much-needed dialogue about real, measurable progress. From designers and stylists to photographers and creative directors, ten inspiring professionals were given the stage to share their stories, innovations, and creative journeys.
Tamu McPherson
Carlo Capasa with creative talents
More than a panel discussion, Communities at Work served as a launchpad for change, formally unveiling the Afro Fashion Association’s Global Partner Program. The goal? To establish long-term partnerships that generate tangible career opportunities for BIPOC talents across the Italian and international fashion scenes. Founder Michelle Francine Ngonmo emphasized the importance of results over rhetoric, advocating for systemic transformation rooted in transparency, commitment, and accountability.
By nurturing this inclusive ecosystem, the Afro Fashion Association is not just advocating for visibility, but building sustainable pathways to success—enabling emerging creatives to thrive within Italy’s creative industries.
Diego Della Valle, Tod’s
The initiative also reinforced Vogue Italia’s commitment to inclusive representation, using its platforms to connect BIPOC professionals with meaningful collaborations and industry awareness.
Arianna Casadei
With Communities at Work, Milan Fashion Week took a step toward ensuring that fashion isn’t just about style—it’s about equity, access, and the power of creative expression to reshape an entire industry.
