Not all heroes wear capes, and Carly Cushnie is no exception. The British-Jamaican designer is CEO and creative director for her namesake label, joined the CFDA Board last year, and is a mother of two beautiful children.
You’ve seen her clothes on some of the world’s most powerful and influential women including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava Duvernay, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Lopez, Ashley Graham, and Padma Lakshmi, among many others.
We caught up with Carly during quarantine to see how she’s keeping inspired and creative, and to get a peek of what goodies have been coming out of her kitchen.
Talk about anything you’re working on, something/someone you want to spotlight, or share a message you’d like to send.
I am super thrilled to be one of the founding members of RAISEfashion, that just officially launched a couple of weeks ago. It’s a non-profit advisory network of industry leaders providing pro bono consulting to Black-owned brands and Black individuals. Our mission is to really advance the equity of Black talent within the fashion industry through mentorship support.
What does this recipe mean to you?
I’ve always found baking to be very relaxing, but since having my second child (at the height of the pandemic) I don’t have a lot of time. I love this recipe that I discovered by Pamela Salzman because there aren’t many steps – you simply blend all the ingredients and bake. The result is a super yummy, moist cake that isn’t terrible for you since the only sugar involved is half a cup of maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar at the end if you like.
This time with my family at home together has been incredibly special. My eldest daughter loves watching my husband and I in the kitchen and so it has been a wonderful bonding time for the 4 of us to cook and enjoy our delicious meals together.
What are you doing to stay connected and creative in this time?
It’s not always easy to stay creative during a trying time like this. With so much uncertainty in the world on so many levels and trying to manage everything at home, like work and juggling two babies, there’s barely a moment to think. But although this time has had its challenges the silver lining is all the extra family time we’ve had together and having the opportunity to press reset and focus on what’s important.
If you could prepare this recipe for anyone to enjoy with you, who would it be and why?
It would be for my parents. They live in London and because of the pandemic they haven’t been able to visit and meet their newest granddaughter, so I look forward to making it for them when they can finally come to New York and spend time with my girls.
