Canadian Designer George Sully Launches Black Designers of Canada

Renowned shoe designer, George Sully has launched the first-ever interactive index of Canadian black designers called Black Designers of Canada (BDoC). His platform aims to give a voice to black designers in the community and eliminate the excuse of exclusion.

It is imperative to recognize and highlight black talent, especially now, despite everything going on in society and facing the reality of systemic racism and the limitations it places on black people. Sully is experiencing first hand just like the other black designers who often feel omitted, ignored, and categorized without an explanation or real reason. That is what lead to him creating his platform to showcase black designers in Canada.

George Sully is a well-known designer in the Canadian fashion world. He is known for being the co-founder of Sully Wong, House of Hayla, private label work, international and local collaborations. He also serves as a mentor to Central Toronto Academy and their 6ixess program. Although Sully has been successful throughout his career, he encountered systemic prejudices within the fashion community due to the color of his skin.

Sully put out a call-to-action last week via social media, asking for people to send a submission of their favorite designer in all areas of discipline. The overall goal of BDoc is to make it next to impossible for the industry to make excuses rooted in ignorance to justify exclusion.

“I wanted to create a platform where we can be found,” says George Sully, “in the likely case you didn’t know we ever existed in the first place”.

You can make submissions of yourself or your favorite black designers at blackdesignersofcanada.com or through the official IG page @blackdesignersofcanada.  Stay tuned for the official list release date!