Jeramiah Irwin, @jerairwin
The Jersey City–based designer attended Afropunk for the first time last year, and the festival’s accepting ethos made him come back again this year. “I love festivals in general, but this one to me is so different. Everyone is so friendly. There’s no judgment,” he says. “It’s really true what they say—the no sexism, no homophobia here.” And given the opportunity to fully express himself, Jeremiah chose a denim corset and ripped jeans that were inspired by the pop-country music he’s been listening to. Says Irwin, “I was going to wear a cowboy hat, but I’m saving that for later.”
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TAMU MCPHERSON
Multidisciplinary Creative
McPherson began her fashion career in 2006 as a street style photographer for Glamour Italy, later writing for Vogue Pelle and Elle Italy. She launched her portfolio, All the Pretty Birds, a few years later while serving as Editor-in-Chief of Grazia Italy and contributing to Glamour U.S., Harper’s Bazaar, Metro, and Refinery 29. In 2020, she became Bvlgari's CSR Ambassador, partnering with Save the Children. With her dedication to human rights, she founded Shoe Up For Justice, advocating for voting rights. In 2024, she became the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Ambassador for Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana. Tamu now focuses on All the Pretty Birds and consults for luxury brands in digital communication, photography, styling, and fashion journalism.
Contributor: Adam Katz Sinding
Published February 2025
What values from those around you have most influenced your approach to your work?
My mother and aunt are examples of resilience in my life. They moved to the U.S. with very little and were extremely resourceful in forging a life for themselves. As a team, they provided abundant opportunities for me, and when I am having a tough time with work, I lean into their experience and am confident that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My career journey highlights their contribution and the resourcefulness I inherited from them.
Past or future what projects are you working on or have worked on that excite you the most and why?
I am extremely passionate about my role as Corporate Social Ambassador for Bvlgari. In my role, I focus on education, women’s empowerment, and diversity. My involvement in the Save The Children Arte di Bvlgari project, which provides after-school art labs for participating children in underserved communities, has enriched my life greatly. Working with elementary school children and encouraging them to use their imagination to create the world they dream of is a great way to witness hope grow and flourish.
The work you do is truly admirable. How do you find a balance between the dedication to work you’re passionate about while also meeting industry demand?
Someone once said that I am an open book. I am what you see. Being true to myself is the only path I know. This is, once again, a blessing from my mother and my aunt. They are joyful, straightforward, kind beings. Growing up with them and being loved by them has given me a rock-solid foundation. While I am sensitive, parts of my being have tough skin.
Where I lack confidence, I have preparation from years of academics. When I am not sure, I can pick up the phone and call them or my best friends and check myself. I think I am able to maintain a balance between meeting industry demands and staying true to my brand’s authenticity because I have a supportive village. I believe that when you approach your work with a clear understanding of who you are, you are able to create authentic, meaningful work that truly adds value.
Q&A
What is most fulfilling about the work you do?
I love the therapeutic nature of creating content. Entering the zone and letting my vision unfold is something I find very soothing. I also enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life and discovering their narratives.
How has the intersection of technology and fashion influenced your work?
Technology continues to create new social media platforms, enabling me to reach new audiences. Additionally, technology is allowing fashion brands to complement and elevate artisanal traditions. Technology works best when it accompanies humans in creation, and we see impressive results every day. I am interested to see how we can responsibly and ethically incorporate AI and ChatGPT into our industry.
In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?
My style is an adventure guided by beauty and substance.
Q&A
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