Letters.

BLACK DESIGNERS

I appreciated your recent article on the plight of black designers ("Special Report: Inside The Fashion Industry," July 2000). It is a shame that black designers did not capture much of the market's share in 1999.

As we all know, African Americans spend millions of dollars per year on clothing. What we need to realize is, that lovely clothing we buy through retailers probably has the ingenuity and creativity of a brother or sister behind it. Personally, I buy most of my clothing from black designers. We must do more to be conscious shoppers, support our own and learn to "wear ourselves."

If there is any lesson to be learned here, it is that we must trust, organize and build through trade. I applaud the black designers who are hanging in there and not going after short-term profits and frills--there is nothing like having your own. Who wants to be on someone else's avenue? It's time we create our own!

Arlene Bailey Brooklyn, New York 

As a self-confessed fashion aficionado and information junkie, I was pleased to pick up your July 2000 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE from the newsstand. Before I go on, I must say that I am a 40 year-old black woman and I have been a not-so-easy-to-please couture customer for the past 18 years. I wear Galiano, Valentino, Chanel, Ungaro and Armani as well as select pieces from various designers around the globe.

I must say that Monique Brown wrote a very informative and insightful article ("Fashionably Speaking") for your magazine, but I was left a bit confused as to why there was so much emphasis on the fact that there are "no" high-fashion black designers or that they are reserved to custom shops. The article also states that "high-end fashions are declining in popularity among consumers." Is that a fact or an assumption? I am worried that these statements could discourage young creative people from pursuing their true art, whether it be conventional, avant-garde or haute-couture. On the contrary, most of the places where I buy my clothes tell me that business has never been better.

Beverly A. Berry New York, New York

Editor's note: Our reporting is based on fact, not assumption. The typical fashion consumer does not buy Galiano, Valentino, Chanel, Ungaro, Armani and select pieces from various designers around the globe. Right now, discount clothing retailers rule.

THE BOONIES 

Yippee! Thank you for shining the spotlight on Aaron McGruder, the creator of "The Boondocks" in your July 2000 issue ("Blowin' Up In `The Boondocks'," Powerplay).

I have been an avid reader of his comic strip for approximately nine months. It is truly, without a doubt, the greatest comic strip there is. No other nationally syndicated comic strip speaks to the young African American generation the way this one does. Moreover, the strip really does make reading "fun-n-mental" because of his witty humor, likable characters and creative ability to raise our political and social consciousness. For these reasons, I thank you, Aaron.

Debbie Christie Evanston, Illinois 

LEADING THE WAY

Several years ago a friend gave me a subscription to your magazine as a Christmas gift. Since that time, you have been a constant source of support and encouragement in the areas of money management and business development. You have helped me to plan for my financial future as I have learned to pursue a diversified and somewhat aggressive investment strategy.

Additionally, your tireless support of African American business ownership has been of particular benefit to me. In August of 1998, I started my own toy company, Davis Toys. My company distributes its own line of children's financial education and personal achievement board games. Your February 1998 article "From Inventor to Entrepreneur" provided timely and valuable copyright and trademark information. Also, your book, The Black Enterprise Guide To Starting Your Own Business (John Wiley & Sons), helped me to write the business plan I use as an operational guide for my business.

Thank you, BE, for leading the way to business and financial empowerment.

Jerry Davis Davis Toys Peoria, Illinois [e-mail]

BE welcomes comments from our readers. Address all correspondence to Letters, BLACK ENTERPRISE, 130 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011. Fax: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]. Letters should include the writer's full name, address and daytime telephone, and may be edited for clarity or space.