In future books on fashion history, Tyler Mitchell will be remembered – and revered – as the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of American Vogue in the magazine’s 125-year history – and that’s very big deal. Mitchell got his start on social media curating skater videos on Instagram, which ultimately led to shooting Beyoncé Knowles Carter for that now-iconic September 2018 cover. The NYU Tisch School of Arts graduate’s meteoric rise is proof that fashion dreams can come true, and that the narrative of fashion – and those documenting it – is changing because of talents like him.

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.