With every fashion week cycle in Milan, New York, Paris and London, those with even the remotest interest in design can reliably expect their attention to be diverted by a proliferation of headlines asking the same question: where are all the models of color? The industry, and most of the models, typically reflects a very specific type of beauty — thin and White.
To a similar extent, there is a lack of diversity among designers. That is one of the reasons why Dominique “Dom” Streater winning season 12 of Project Runway was so refreshing. Streater was the first Black designer to win on the show, and she infused a vitality and vibrancy into her designs that ultimately won over the judges.
By self-proclamation, Project Runway is searching for America’s next top designer. In reality, most would agree that the show offers a glimpse into the world of designers who are not quite at the superstar level yet — with the exception of Christian Siriano, who achieved success from the show — but who are earning a solid living through their art.
For winning the show, Streater won $500,000 and a new car, but she has stayed true to her roots in West Philadelphia. Although she has shown collections at New York Fashion Weeks, her studio is based in her hometown.
“From a really young age, I was into art,” Streater tells Diverse.
“Instead of having Barbie dolls, for me it was having crayons and paper.”
Her most recent designs sport bold abstract and floral patterns.
