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.
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Connect with TAMU on Instagram
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SS25 milan FASHION WEEK STREET STYLE
From the star-studded SS25 showcases to the dazzling post-show events, both Milanese locals and visitors alike are embracing the creative essence of the fashion capital.
LOGO HERE
Having previously founded menswear brand L’HOMME ROUGE, John is a Woolmark Prize winner, and was named the future face of global menswear by Interview Magazine. After a health scare 10 years ago, he took up running to relieve anxiety and cope with stress. He has since founded the holistic running brand UNNA, which means "treat yourself" in Swedish. He now serves as the creative director.
Contributor: Adam Katz Sinding
Founder & Creative Director
JOHN-RUBEN HOLTBACK
What changes have you seen influencing fashion culture?
I used to discover brands and designers by going to stores, feeling the fabrics, and trying on products. Twenty years ago, buying denim meant going downtown and touching it, you know? We had to invest time to really experience it. Now, you can just go on social media, do a quick browse of a brand, and get an idea. However, this doesn't tell you much about the actual product, its quality, or the depth of detail.
We've shifted a lot from focusing on product quality, to product presentation and branding. I see an opportunity in finding new ways to showcase products and be an influential source. Today, brands are more defined by their vibe than by the people wearing them. Customers lean into that vibe, so try to own it.
Do you think brick-and-mortar can have a resurgence in this environment?
Yeah, I miss the personal relationships you could build with the well-respected and passionate sales staff; these people educated me. It's just so hard to get that online. I'm not the type to post questions on Reddit; I prefer face-to-face interactions. Therefore, I believe physical retail has a role to play in the future, focusing more on the local community and bringing like-minded people together.
Staple wardrobe item?
I've been wearing my silver necklace from my friend Jonatan's brand, Kultur 5, a lot. I love it, and soon I think I need to get the bracelet too.
Do you think accessories are important, or is it just that piece that you’re drawn to?
Nowadays, I’m quite inspired by styling in general. Since entering the sports space, I’ve enjoyed merging and contrasting sports and technical clothing with wider tailored silhouettes, wool knits, jewelry, and similar items. Running with a necklace that has zero function and might even slow you down is a playful nod to all the performance-focused people out there—I don’t care.
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Connect with JOHN-RUBEN on Instagram
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SPOTLIGHT: NICOLAS BAROSI
Multidisciplinary Creative Nicolas-Barosi explores his desire to grow his brand and the nuanced connection between sociology and fashion as he sits down with Adam Katz Sinding.
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Pursuing an editorial path in fashion must have been quite exciting. What sparked that journey for you?
Essentially, it started because I wanted a cashmere sweater, and my mom said, “I am happy to buy you a sweater, but it’s not going to be cashmere. If that’s what you want, I suggest you get a job and buy it yourself.” So, I went to the nicest clothing store in town, Joseph P. Roth and Sons, and asked them if they needed any help after school or on weekends, and they said, “YES.” I have been working ever since. I was 16 when I started working.
So, the question is…how many cashmere sweaters do you own now?
I recently counted 47…I feel like there could be more…somewhere.
Looking back at your 35 year career can you pinoint any individuals or experinces that you feel helped to shape your journey?
I honestly think that Peter Rizzo, who was my boss at Barneys New York (1987–89), taught me everything I know today. He taught me how to look at brands, the way a collection is designed, how to choose fabric, and how to refine my taste and point of view. He really was a master.
Were you a buyer at this time? How did you take his advice and make it your own?
Yes. I was first an assistant buyer, then got promoted to buyer. In stores, buyers are called merchants. I really believe it was the best training I could ever have. It’s analytical, it’s creative, and it’s how I developed taste and a point of view. I just listened and soaked up everything, or as much as I could. It’s as if I knew this would last only a couple of years, so I truly made the most of it.
2025 MFC INCUBATOR PROGRAM: MEET THE BRANDS
MGNET Fashion for Change (MFC) presents an initiative that elevates designers of color and Black-owned brands to cultivate greater allyship, equality, and inclusivity in the fashion and beauty industries.
FW25/26 WOMEN'S TRENDS SESSION An interactive live presentation of key seasonal products, color trends, patterns, and graphic shifts in apparel, footwear, and accessories across women's markets.
