Cultural influencer and media expert Dane Young is the founder of New York-based B Young Consulting Agency, and is a publicist and celebrity handler. He has been developing cool and innovative ways to integrate brands into the lives of both the urban and LGBTQ+ communities for more than a decade. One of his biggest projects is the globally coveted New York Fashion Week. Young shared a few of his thoughts with Gazelle.
Q: How did you get started in the fashion and event planning industry?
A: The entertainment industry subconsciously found me. The universe has placed me in certain positions even when I was too clueless to understand what they were. My first true introduction to event planning and fashion started back home in Detroit, where I developed a keen sense of the power that creativity and hustling provides. While in high school, I was a member of the student body council, and we raised funds for school festivities through organized events. With me being the visually driven person that I am, I always knew we had to do something extraordinary. I also attribute my interest in fashion to my mother, Vanessa Samuels, and growing up in the late 1980s. She and her friends were my first depiction of “it” girls, before I knew any of the socialites and supermodels of the world. From there, it was onward and upward for me, though my career trajectory was to become a lawyer, if my mother would have had her way.
Q: You played a key role during the shows at NYFW. How did you get involved?
A: Yes, I had a significant task at hand to assist with the overall fashion week experience for our clients, and I thank The Riviere Agency for hiring my company as a consultant for its shows. We’ve built a strong three-year relationship, and I am forever grateful. I had the daunting task of being the celebrity liaison. I use the term daunting because of the difficulty and tiresome effort of coordinating celebrity schedules in hope of their appearance. The odd in-between negotiations for procurement can be a lot, but I am definitely the man for the job.
Q: What is your most memorable fashion week moment?
A: Believe it or not, my most memorable fashion week moment was last September, when my mother got to witness firsthand what I do for a living. She had one of the best experiences ever. She met tons of celebrities, and got to see top-tier runway shows – even those that I had no dealings with. Like I said, we Detroiters are hustlers, and we will find a way or make one. I remember a story she told, while showing me photos from a show she attended, saying that she saw a group of people photographing a particular person, so she joined in, not knowing she was in the presence of Anna Wintour (editor-in-chief of Vogue) herself. I still haven’t met or seen Anna in person.
Q: Celebrities you were excited to see on the front row?
A: I don’t think I have an exact answer for this question. I am a fighter for the underdogs since I happen to be one, especially as a freelance publicist. A lot of the times I personally represent emerging talents. With that being said, at our shows I try to invite individuals who typically aren’t afforded the “front-row privileges,” or even get the chance to attend these coveted fashion shows. Of course, I stick to a formula and make sure their credentials are suitable enough to get them in the room. However, I pride myself on finding them a seat at the table. For example, last year, actress Indya Moore was just signing on for her first television acting role. I gave her the opportunity to be a part of the fashion experience, wear the designer clothes and sit in the front row. In just a short timeframe, she has graced the pages of Vogue and other major fashion outlets as a breakout star of Ryan Murphy’s FX series, “Pose.” For me, it felt rewarding to know that simple things could make an impact, and to this day, she thanks me for allowing her the chance.
Q: What was it like to be hands-on at one of the world’s most coveted events?
A: I would say that it is re-invigorating to know the quality and effort that goes into such a world-renowned production is priceless – especially knowing that you played a part, regardless how minuscule or significant it was. You will forever be a part of fashion’s history. I can Google my clients and relive those moments for years to come.
Q: What challenges have you experienced as a minority working in fashion?
A: My personal challenges have been sub-par compared to the overshadowing challenge of the lack of black presence in fashion, overall. We’ve seen a flux in the cultural movement for more of a black visibility in Hollywood, and now it’s time for a push for an increased presence on the runway, the designers, producers, etc. Also, I would love to see a day where our people celebrate our people, and decide to wear only black designers in all facets of their lives – rap about them, sing about them, post about them, salute them, and invest in our own.
Q: Can you share some advice for someone trying to build a career in fashion?
A: My advice would be: Be resilient, open to criticism, study as much as you can, and know your worth. People will place a price tag on you, and if you don’t know how valuable you are, then you’ll never break through the glass ceiling.
Q: Fashion weeks have evolved tremendously in the last decade, with major designers choosing to run their own shows. What is your hope for NYFW?
A: My hope is for inclusion across the board. I would also like to see more cohesiveness in where the shows are being held. I missed the days of Bryant Park and Lincoln Center.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I’m quiet and chilled, but what I enjoy most is alone time, when I am able to reflect and focus on the things that make me my greatest self. During this time, I’m the most creative, and ideas and plans are manifested. I also enjoy being with my friends, cooking and writing. My future goal is to write a script for a TV series and/or movie. Who knows what the future holds? But until then, you will see me at New York Fashion Week.
Visit Young on Twitter at #BYoungAgency or Instagram at byoungagency.
