Carly Cushnie Breaks Barriers in Fashion
written by Alyssa Mongroo
Meet world-renowned Afro-Caribbean designer Carly Cushnie. Cushnie has recently been trending on social media after retailer Target decided to collaborate with the designer and sell her limited edition collection online. At 35 years old, Cushnie is breaking barriers with her sleek and minimal designs. Her celebrity clientele range from pop stars like JLo to the iconic former first lady, Michelle Obama.
Born and raised in London, by her Jamaican parents, Cushnie left Europe to attend Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. She ended up attending both Parsons schools in New York and Paris. Design school is an extremely competitive environment, it can even be described as fashion’s version of Ivy League competitiveness. While history has shown a lack of diversity at many top tier schools, Cushnie broke these historical barriers. Only 4 years out of design school Cushnie was a finalist in Vogue’s Fashion Fund competition.
In 2008, Cushnie launched her brand CUSHNIE. Keeping the image of the modern woman in mind, the CUSHNIE collection was based on fluidity and the desire to fit the female form. CUSHNIE is a luxe brand made for women by a woman. Diversity comes in many forms including the fashion industry’s acceptance of various body types. No two women are shaped the same. Cushnie’s designs take that into consideration, designing with extremely clean lines and clos- knit tailoring. Yet, the design is not the only feature that makes CUSHNIE stand out. In a 2019 interview with Essence Magazine, Cushnie addressed being a black woman in the fashion industry.
“..as a black designer it is very easy to be pigeonholed based on what the industry assumes you will do. It took a lot for me to break those preconceptions, especially when there are very few examples to aspire to”.
While Cushnie’s brand exudes luxury, her collaboration with Target has posed an opportunity for women to own quality luxe pieces at affordable prices. The collaboration features several slip dresses, as well as strapless and professional dresses. CUSHNIE x Target was launched in 2020 and is now on sale at target.com. Grab these beautiful pieces before they’re gone! Check out CUSHNIE x Target.