Ayoka Lucas is a New York-based stylist, freelance editor, and visual director with a bounteous media background. As founder, Lucas envisioned Charleston Fashion Week and is responsible for the attention this market has received and for its current success.
Her website and current blog www.stylepublic.com showcase a cool, fresh take on the outdoor runway we simply call “the street.”
What type of a fashion career are you most interested in and why?
A career in fashion isn’t an easy journey, so I’m extremely blessed and thankful for the career that I have had. I continue to work towards my ultimate goal – to be one of the top cultivators and influencers of style, specifically as a Black creative. I want my career as a fashion editor, stylist, and creative to have a purpose that goes beyond my ambition, but moves the industry forward not only with representation and inclusivity but also by making fashion more accessible in an eco-friendly, sustainable way. I hope to be a storyteller through style and by documenting fashion culture. I ultimately want my career in fashion to open doors or be an inspiration for those who have the same dreams I have, especially people of color.
What in your view do you add to the fashion industry?
I believe one of my strengths is creative vision. I find that my best work has been on projects, editorials, etc. that I have been given creative freedom and allowed to build an idea out to fruition. I have my background, my culture, and funnily enough, being an only child to thank for that (God included). The other strength that I rely on is my instinct to pull great teams together and to identify emerging talent. I think that’s valuable for any aspect of the industry.
How do you define fashion?
I define fashion as one of the tools that define style. It’s just one of the ways you express who you are. Similar to the type of car you choose to drive or the type of phone you use it’s all a part of speaking to one’s style and style always speaks volumes for you before you even say a word. I’ve always believed there is a psychology to fashion. When a person knows they look good, they feel their full superpower to do great in the world.
CFDA IMPACT was established to further the economic mobility and social inclusion of Black and Brown people in the American fashion industry by expanding access to jobs, providing career development and exploration, and building community among existing and emerging talent in the fashion industry.
To explore the benefits and opportunities of being an enrolled IMPACT talent and how it can support your career here.
To explore the benefits and opportunities of being an IMPACT supporter and how it can support your organization in moving fashion forward here.
Contact us at DEI@CFDA.com
