Mekka Lloyd

Mekka Lloyd is a media enthusiast hailing from Pittsburgh, PA aka Steel City. She is one of seven children and was raised and adopted by her grandmother. Growing up “Nana” as Mekka likes to call her, instilled the love of knowledge into her. From a very young age, Mekka began to read books that ignited her active imagination. It was also at this age that Mekka discovered the power of a story and storytelling. She knew she wanted to grow up and be a storyteller. Since then Mekka has worked in several artistic disciplines, including creative writing, journalism, film, photography, fashion, etc. Art has always been a means of expression for Mekka and she plans to represent the underrepresented in the stories she tells.

Black In Fashion: Day 21 Virgil Abloh

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Virgil Abloh 2019 Photographer: Fabien Montigue Via: Museum of Contemporary Art      Do you know which designer created a brand to help erase classism between streetwear…

Black In Fashion: Day 20 Michael Alan Stein

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Michael Alan Stein Via: Goodman Theatre      Are you aware of the Chicago-based designer who provided costume wardrobes for some of Chicago’s theater communities? Born in…

Black In Fashion: Day 19 Stevie Edwards

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Stevie Edwards Via: Chicago Defender      With iconic silhouettes and luxurious use of fabrics, you really couldn’t help but love Stevie! Born and raised on the…

Black In Fashion: Day 18 Bryan K Osburn

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Bryan K Osburn Via: Black Bride      Do you know which black designer in Chicago has over 35 years as one of the top black bridal…

Black In Fashion: Day 17 Barbara Bates

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Barabara Bates Via: Barbra Bates Foundation      Barbara Bates is a Chicago Westside native born June 27, 1955, and was influenced by her stylish mother and…

Black In Fashion: Day 16 Jermikko Shoshanna

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Jermikko Via: Jermikko Designer Instagram      Jermikko Shoshannah was the first designer and clothing manufacturer brand led and operated by a Black woman in the state…

Black In Fashion: Day 15 Jae Jarrell

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Jae Jarrell Via: Black Art Story      Do you know which Black Designer paved the way for Chicago’s Black Fashion Designers today? Well, allow us to…

Black In Fashion: Day 14 Kevan Hall

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Kevan Hall Designer, Kevan Hall Via: Kevan Hall Website      Kevan Hall is the Detroit namesake brand of fashion veteran Kevan Hall. Born in The Motor…

Black In Fashion: Day 13 Bishme Cromartie

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: Bishme Cromartie Designer: Bishme Cromartie Via Bishme Cromartie Website      Bishme Cromartie is a Baltimore-born and bred designer hailing from Charm City. Taught by his aunt…

Black In Fashion: Day 12 Rebecca and Akua Shabakka

EDITED BY MELODY BOYKIN Pictured: House of Aama Designer: Rebecca and Akua Shabakka Via House of Aama Website      House of Aama's origin story starts when the daughter, Akua Shabakka of…