A self-proclaimed people-builder and architect of influence, Florida native Elliot Carlyle is also a man-about-town. His ability to maintain a strong  perspective on life gives purpose to his voice – and there is no shortage of listeners. Carlyle considers himself “an outsider who happens to be on the inside.” His professional tenure runs the gamut, cross-pollinating various creative industries. The former Executive Assistant to Fern Mallis is sought after. His personality and candor not just add to his appeal, in fact, these attributes are his currency. Carlyle acquired his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion and Retail Management from The Art Institute of Charleston and works tirelessly on his own soi-disant brand. Meet ELLIOT CARLYLE- the brand and the voice.

You embody a “jack of all trades” spirit. You’re a consultant, a public speaker, a life coach, an author, a philanthropist, a brand ambassador… how did you get your start in the fashion industry?

That’s an interesting question, as I didn’t plan these endeavors. Everything evolved as I began to journey through life. I’m originally from Florida and began a career in public relations with a foundation in event planning. I was attending college on a full scholarship studying music. I wanted something different. I didn’t know anything about fashion. I had never read a fashion publication. I was clueless. I decided to take a risk, came to New York and volunteered for New York Fashion Week. This was during its incumbency at Lincoln Center and my first time working on set as a Production Captain. My work ethic was outmatched, and I was afforded the opportunity to experience the enterprise of production and behind-the-scenes operations. This was the summit! The ne plus ultra!  I immersed myself wholeheartedly with fervor in the industry and began my career as a freelancer in fashion and entertainment.

How did you start working with Fern Mallis?

I always knew who Fern was via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, but our meeting did not happen until my time in Charleston, South Carolina where I was instrumental with Charleston Fashion Week. I was asked to assist her as a volunteer and did so for five years consistently as she returned to Charleston. We clicked. Once an opportunity emerged in her office, she extended it to me and here I am.

Fern was instrumental in centralizing and modernizing fashion week, which gained respect in other markets, above all from the international press which was groundbreaking.

You’ve worked with several fashion weeks in many cities, what was the driving force behind your interest in Fashion Week?

That’s interesting that you ask, as I cannot pinpoint it. I love clothes and my accoutrement and penchant for style awarded me “best dressed” in school. My parents contributed towards my passion. I don’t know if it was something precise, but it just made sense at the time. I grew weary of my music affection and had a decision to make regarding school. At that time, My Space was the platform of relevance and I began to network and connect with many in the fashion métier across various markets. What energized me to get into other fashion weeks was the attention I was receiving for my work in PR and entertainment. Eyes were watching, which parlayed into more opportunity. I had something special the people wanted.  New York Fashion Week was the hub and represented a community. The “tents” were a different time. Socialization was organic and pure and I was able to consort with people from all over. I have always been an individual interested in helping people build their vision and dreams. I saw something unique and special in what we call the “regional market” which is very different from New York. The untapped talent, and emerging designers had a sense of celebration for the fashion industry although they were “outside of it.” That was very endearing to me, and I wanted to help foster that.

How can the fashion industry change its direction of how it used to function pre-COVID, and sustain its significance?

Honestly, that is a very tough question. It is going to take the powers that be to figure out what matters to the consumer, and what matters to their values. When you have life shifts, such as this one impacting the entire world, you must pause, reevaluate, and redefine. It will require a pivot. This will be a wait-and-see moment, and with that, the fashion industry must be ready to respond and act.

How has the death of George Floyd impacted the way you view the world?

I am a Black man and take this personally. What the death of George Floyd represents and exposes metaphorically is the oppression and the weight that Black people have had to carry for hundreds of years. Often times we die invisibly under the pressure. It is my hope and prayer that his visible death causes the hearts of humanity to be sensitive to the fact, that change must and will come. It is not an option.

If you could wave a magic wand, what problem/crisis would you solve in the fashion industry, and why?

I would want ensured safety for all freelancers in the structure of their employment –  paid their worth for their time and expertise, medical benefits, and investment on every level. This is very personal to me as the fashion industry has not done an applaudable job in making sure their people are taken care of.

What makes your aptitude so meritorious in your current role as a Black creative?

Wow, wow! Everything goes back to the foundation of my upbringing. I would not be who I am and have the ability to engage if it were not for my parents. I am an only child and the expectation was great. Failure was not an option. My parents were very luminous in conveying the message that; friends they were not, but supportive procreators they were. Period. My faith in God is my bedrock and most are not privy to the verifiable truth that I am ordained in ministry. When you get to where I am, you look back and recognize that all lessons were necessary. There is no part of life I’ve navigated – good, bad, ugly or indifferent – that does not speak to where I am now. As a Black man in my position, I’ve always known I was different and to be ok with my difference first, and because of that, it’s noting for me to celebrate and embrace the difference in others. There is nothing that I wasn’t equipped to handle. I’m constantly reminded of something I also gained from my parents: “When you are in spaces and places of privilege, it is imperative that you maintain a universal perspective.” This is what I know for sure.

What criteria do you use for defining success?

The criteria for success to me starts with one question: Is this aligned for my purpose of existence? I do believe the most rewarding life you can live is purpose driven. The only way you can be fulfilled in life… no matter monetary gain, affluence, or societal circle, none of that matters. If you are disconnected from purpose, I truly believe you will not live a realized life. That is the way you get paid of the heart and the checkbook. Although I am a man of vision, and plan to reap the rewards of my labor, for me, EVERYTHING must align to my purpose.

What change is unquestionably necessary, for talented people of color to obtain success in this business?

This is so good and gave me chills. I can speak to this in so many ways, but recently watching Michelle Obama’s documentary “Becoming,” which has blessed my life, communicated the overall message of “the power of owning your story.” We as black people have always had to produce against the odds. I believe the change and shift that’s needed is for others outside of us…to take the initiative to learn how to embrace us for not just what we do, but also embrace us for who we are in our story. We must find elaborate ways to share our stories, and make room for them, as society does not ask us to express our stories. When we are introduced, it is our beginning and our end. There is an unjust balance that exists, as non-people of color have their stories told. They are offered countless opportunities to do so. I appreciate platforms like “Making My Mark” and “Three Minutes, Three Questions,” and as a result, it is a space we use to tell our own stories, our way.

What is the Elliot Carlyle mantra?

To teach people how to turn up the volume in their life and business. As one who is considered a voice, I am a voice to voices. My voice is time sensitive, and I manifest at the speed of thought.

IG: @elliotcarlyle

www.elliotcarlyle.net