Balmain Partners Up with Victor Glemaud’s IN THE BLK For a New Mentorship Program

In 2020, designer Victor Glemaud established IN THE BLK (ITB), a collective of influential Black fashion creatives that work together to shape the future of the industry by promoting the growth of Black-owned fashion brands. The non-profit association supports designers with a focus on professional growth, job creation, and enhancing their profits; and counts over thirty established and emerging designers along with other industry creatives as members. 

Today, it is announcing a partnership with Balmain, who will provide support to ITB’s mentorship program. The first recipient of this mentorship is Dayanne Danier, the founder of the women’s accessories brand Bien Abyé, which is made by female artisans in Haiti. “I selected Dayanne because of her impressive drive and commitment to impact via entrepreneurship, and her uniquely creative design POV,” says Glemaud. “Dayanne is a designer that is 100% committed to uplifting artisans of color who are often overlooked in fashion’s global supply chains.” Danier, who describes this opportunity as a pinnacle point for her as both a designer and a business owner, is an ITB founding member, who joined the collective at its inception in 2020. “I love the concept of Black creatives convening because I do believe that we are stronger together,” she shares via email, adding that this residency will “offer a roadmap for growth that allows me to continue to provide employment to more artisans in Haití.” 

In its first two years, ITB supported six emerging designers—including House of Aama and Khiry—to showcase their work at fashion week with major sponsors such as Instagram or IMG. Moving forward, this partnership with Balmain will enable ITB to extend its community, beef up its resources, and expand its scope. “Too many talented early to mid-career creatives reach a plateau in the fashion industry,” says Glemaud, explaining that many folks age out of chances for many fellowships, competitions, and prize opportunities that support start-up entrepreneurs. “Creatives of color need a chance to step away from day-to-day job demands to dream and recharge strategically and creatively,” he adds. “They need a supportive network of expert mentors who can help them to break through. Our solution: Professional residencies with global fashion houses.”

Balmain’s Chief Marketing Officer, Txampi Diz, has contributed to ITB since it started, and Rousteing has worked with ITB in the past as well. “I am extremely happy that Balmain will be supporting IN THE BLK and mentoring Ms. Danier,” shared Rousteing via press release. “Of course, we all know that the fashion industry has been embarrassingly slow in pushing for the needed changes that will help create a fashion future that better reflects the beautifully diverse world where we all live. The work of the dedicated professionals behind IN THE BLK is helping us to start making up for lost time and the association’s mentorship program is a smart way to kick-start the development of tomorrow’s Black design and business leaders.” 

As part of the six-month residency, which begins this month and lasts through October, Danier will be meeting with members of Balmain’s team to receive guidance across design, marketing, sales, and finance; in the process gaining valuable advice on how she may overcome the hurdles she faces in her business. In honor of preserving the fraternal spirit that defines ITB, Danier’s residency will culminate with a presentation of her learnings to the ITB community. “I’m looking forward to the entire experience and what I will be able to learn,” she says, adding that she’s also very excited to meet Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, who she says shares her passion for handcraft couture techniques. “I am excited to apply the knowledge and guidance I gain from my interactions with these experts to strengthen my business plan for my brand, Bien Abyé, including my work directly with the artisans who make my brand in Haití. This is historic.”