Lindsay Peoples Wagner first navigated her way through the fashion ranks like many others did – via internships, hers in the fashion closet at Teen Vogue. She then worked for Style.com and New York Magazine’s The Cut, which allowed her to use her voice towards meaningful change in fashion. Her powerful feature, “Everywhere and Nowhere; What it’s really like to be black and work in fashion,” became the talk of the industry for all the right reasons, and served as further proof that Peoples Wagner, now with a new platform as the Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, is a force to be reckoned with.

Editor’s Note: In honor of Black History Month, we highlight some of the most influential forces in fashion, in no specific order. Their impact on the culture is undeniable – and we use this time to tip our hats off to their Black excellence.