Julian Spencer spent his childhood and youth in small towns such as Erial, New Jersey, and Holly Springs, North Carolina. His mother, a chemist, and father, who works in government, heavily influenced his adoration for fashion and always presenting one’s best self. Before finding his place in fashion PR, he was pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalism at UNC-Charlotte before transferring to UNC-Greensboro, where his major switched to Communications Studies focused on public relations. After graduating from college in 2014, Spencer relocated to NYC and found work in a laboratory, thanks to his mother’s company having a branch in the city.

With hardly any fashion experience, he applied to numerous agencies hoping to land an internship. He was offered his first fashion opportunity at PR Consulting, working on the Rick Owens, Vera Wang, and Roland Mouret accounts. He then became a freelance fashion assistant at Interview Magazine, and, from there, took an opportunity at Hermès in the public relations department. Today, he’s a publicist at Kaleidoscope PR, which works with Sacai, Overcoat, HYKE, Officine Générale, LeSportsac, and Repossi.

How’d you get your start in fashion? 

It’s quite a cliché; however, I spent my days in high school watching The Hills and The City. Those two shows introduced a different world for individuals who weren’t from Los Angeles or New York City. From fashion PR to exposing the editorial publication landscape, those series pushed me to go after a fashion career. I remember looking at runway shows and drawing inspiration for my outfits every day. The layered gold Givenchy necklaces and snakeskin pieces by Riccardo Tisci, Chanel tweeds, Rick Owens and his whole aesthetic, I went crazy. When I graduated, I moved to New York City. My first job was at Interview Magazine as a Freelance Fashion Assistant working in the fashion closet, like so many others.

Today, your job title reads Publicist. What was it about public relations that enticed you to make a career out of it? 

I tried editorial, I tried public relations, and in college, I was exploring many different avenues. I even worked in non-profit and Human Resources for a bit. Public relations seemed like greater innovativeness was involved. The campaigns, runway shows, dressing VIP’s, discovering new talent, I turned out to be exceptionally enamored with the business. I’ve had really great experiences, and it all started with my first internship and how welcoming the environment was along with the people who were managing me. Public relations and specifically fashion PR provide a constant change and newness, and that’s exciting.

You’ve been in New York City for seven years. What are you hoping to achieve within the next five? 

Five years from now, I will be a PR Director preparing to transition to VP. Outside of my professional work, I’m starting to tap into the creative side of Julian. Many people don’t know it because I’m quite private, but I am also a writer, so novels and plays are also on my to-do list. I’m naturally curious about life, and at this point, especially considering all that happened in 2020, I am determined to fill my life with things that make me feel.

I would love to know what motivates you to keep going, especially in such an unforgiving industry. 

There’s an element of psychology in public relations that is quite fascinating because here, we are creating an environment to make people feel comfortable and confident. I also love the part of the work that permits me to work with people; collaborating is one of my favorite aspects of the work. When I wake up in the mornings and turn over to check my email, there’s pleasure there; I’m never dreading the fact that my inbox is full.

You’re Black and working in fashion; how has that been for you? 

When I decided I wanted to work in this industry, the separation of my blackness and the field I wanted to enter hadn’t crossed my mind. I had no clue that this industry had a racist hitch when I initially set out to pursue this profession. It wasn’t until I began hearing stories and individuals’ declarations that it hit me. With that being said, I feel like there’s “being Black” in every industry that exists, whether that’s tech, fashion, or finance. The root of the problem is also the root of America, and it’s going to be challenging to change the ingrained mindsets of individuals, but it’s something we have to work at every day.

On the concept of inclusion, what are your thoughts on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts being pushed forward, and do you believe we’re witnessing a real change, or is it performative? 

I’m sure there are equal parts of authenticity and performance in every movement, but what’s most important is that we shine a light on those striving to make an actual change and do the work. I admire people like Lindsay Peoples Wagner, who was doing the work before this movement ever grew to the size that it is now. What’s also important is that the movement has visibility, and we have an opportunity to grow together.

Since it is Black History Month, I would love to know what this month represents for you. 

February is a period where this nation centers around Black individuals and our contributions. It’s quite warming to see the influx of African-American content and facts through television and social media. Black History Month is where everyone takes the time to celebrate each other. However, we should be singing each other’s praises outside of February, and really year-round, it shouldn’t be enclosed to a month as we had a major hand in making this country and its economy. This month is imperative for everybody, not merely Black individuals.

What it represents for me is an opportunity for recognition. The Black Lives Matter movement has opened many people’s eyes and has shined a light on many of the hardships Black individuals face. I believe people are paying attention to the inequities in society. Black History Month is another way to highlight that and push for change in all areas of life. It’s a time to learn, educate, and give thanks to those who’ve come before us.

Is there any ancestor of ours you wish you could’ve met and why? 

Harriet Tubman. I wish I could have met her so I could’ve had a chance to question and get into her head about how she found the mental fortitude to escape and afterward the courage to go back to help other people escape. We could all learn a lesson about being selfless, doing what’s right and what’s best for everybody. Harriet was taking a risk with her own life by returning, and she proceeded with no regrets.

Are there any Black Designers known or unknown that you would like to bring to the CFDA attention? 

Josue Thomas from Gallery Department. He’s an artist/painter based in Los Angeles, and I’m fixated with the pants he creates. Lisi Herrebrugh and Rushemy Botter of Botter Paris; love them and Sunni Dixon of SUNNI SUNNI.

What are some of the things you think the CFDA should do to improve diversity and inclusion? 

I think that the CFDA is doing a good job of hiring black individuals. The new president, CaSandra Diggs, is a good example of that and their partnership with the Black in Fashion Council. I think it’s important that if any organization is going to converse with brands about how to hire a more diverse staff and how to be more inclusive, there need to be people of color present. The organization must continue its efforts even after the momentum has died down and stays open to partnering with people of color.

IG (Personal): @_lehomme

IG (Kaleidoscope): @kaleidoscopenyc