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When Brigethia Arai enters the room, she brings more than just strategy—she brings perspective. Her career isn’t defined by one lane. It’s the intersection of brand strategy, media, culture, and fashion—all rooted in one mission: shifting the narrative and the power.
We sat down with Brigethia to talk about the nuances of representation, why equity still feels elusive, and how she’s actively shaping a new reality for Black creatives in fashion and beyond.
Advisor.: Your career spans brand strategy, culture, media, and fashion. How has your intersectional approach shaped the way you navigate and influence the industry?
Brigethia: “My intersectional approach has shaped the way I navigate and influence the industry by recognizing the multifaceted nature of identity and lived experiences. This means challenging similar “target audiences” in brand strategy to create authentic connections with diverse communities, pushing for inclusive storytelling and amplifying marginalized voices in culture and media, and promoting inclusivity in fashion by challenging beauty standards and celebrating diverse bodies and styles.
By understanding how these fields intersect with social categories like race, gender, and class, I strive to identify opportunities for innovation, create meaningful connections, and drive positive social change towards a more equitable and inclusive industry, even when it requires challenging the status quo.”
Advisor.: Black representation in fashion is often framed as “progress,” yet true systemic change remains elusive. What fundamental shifts do you believe need to happen for inclusivity to be more than just a buzzword?
Brigethia: “It’s a complex issue, and one I’ve personally experienced. Like many, I’ve often been the “First, Only, Different” in various spaces, which brings immense pressure to represent and succeed. We see these symbolic wins – Angela Bassett’s Honorary Academy Award, Beyoncé being the most Grammy-awarded artist yet only recently receiving Album of the Year – and while they’re significant milestones, they can feel performative, a temporary gloss rather than a deep-rooted shift.
For true inclusivity to transcend buzzwords, we must dismantle the fundamental power structures perpetuating inequality in fashion. This means actively dismantling gatekeeping by creating opportunities for Black talent at all levels, investing in Black-owned businesses to foster economic empowerment, redefining beauty standards to celebrate the breadth of Black aesthetics, centering Black voices and perspectives in creative processes, and holding the industry accountable for past and present injustices.
Ultimately, the responsibility is on us to continue sharing and protecting our narratives, even amidst challenges and feelings of defeat, especially given the current climate. We can’t solely rely on external forces to drive change; we must rise to the occasion, showcasing the beauty and power in genuine inclusivity.”
Advisor.: From your vantage point, where is the biggest disconnect between the industry’s performative allyship and actual equity for Black professionals in fashion?
Brigethia: “Performative allyship prioritizes visibility, while genuine equity demands a redistribution of power and access. The true test of allyship lies in the actions taken when the spotlight fades – a genuine commitment to equity, not simply fulfilling a quota.
Brands seeking to connect with Black audiences must have leadership that reflects that diversity, ensuring decisions are made by a range of perspectives and experiences. Until the industry addresses this power imbalance, systemic change will remain elusive”
Advisor.: You’ve built a platform that challenges traditional narratives in media and fashion. What has been the most powerful moment in your career where you felt you truly shifted the conversation?
Brigethia: “That’s a great question. While many moments stand out, I’d have to highlight my role on the PR team that helped build P&G’s “Widen The Screen” initiative. This expansive platform, dedicated to content creation, talent development, and partnerships, celebrates creativity and empowers Black creators to share the full richness of the Black experience. It was this project that solidified my passion for elevating diverse voices and challenging limited narratives within the industry.
Witnessing Black stories told authentically, and seeing representation both on and behind the camera, truly ignited a fire within me. I’m incredibly grateful to wake up each day doing work that I love and believe in.”
Advisor.: Luxury, streetwear, and mainstream fashion all pull inspiration from Black culture, yet Black creatives rarely reap the benefits. How do we begin reclaiming ownership over the culture we create?
Brigethia: “The exploitation of Black culture in fashion is a long-standing issue, and reclaiming ownership requires a multifaceted approach. We need to empower Black creatives by strengthening their intellectual property rights, supporting Black-owned brands and businesses, and demanding transparency from brands that profit from our culture. Creating our own platforms and educating consumers are also crucial steps.
Ultimately, this is about shifting the power dynamics. We need to ensure that Black culture is not just a source of inspiration for the industry, but a source of wealth and opportunity for Black communities. It’s about Black creatives controlling their narratives and building a fashion industry that truly reflects and respects our contributions.”
Advisor.: You’ve worked across multiple sectors—how has that cross-industry experience influenced your approach to reshaping fashion’s current landscape?
Brigethia: “Having worked across brand strategy, media, culture, and fashion, I’ve gained a unique perspective on the systemic issues hindering true progress. I’ve seen firsthand how these sectors influence and reinforce each other, often perpetuating harmful narratives and exclusionary practices. This understanding underscores the need for holistic solutions – we can’t address issues in silos. That’s why I’m launching ‘Culture and Conversations‘ this spring: a platform for thought-provoking panel discussions designed to amplify Black voices, challenge dominant narratives, and inspire positive change. By fostering dialogue within our communities and tackling topics from representation and beauty standards to mental health, we can begin to rebuild a sense of community and shared understanding, ultimately reshaping fashion’s landscape from the inside out.”
Advisor.: As someone who not only critiques but also builds within the industry, what legacy do you want to leave behind, and what work are you most committed to in the coming years?
Brigethia: “Like Bethann Hardison, a model and activist I deeply admire for her work shedding light on the lack of diversity in fashion, I want to leave a legacy of action. She didn’t just critique the industry; she stood on the front lines and created change. I relate to that deeply, and I’m committed to paying it forward, being the change I want to see. We can’t wait for a seat at the table; we have to create our own, and we do that by building community. It won’t stop with me, though. My hope is that, in the next 10-15 years, seeing Black people in various spaces and positions won’t be a shock, but the norm. I don’t want to be the only one; I want to help build a future where equity is ingrained in the fabric of the industry.”
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