Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Program Student Interview
Here's How 5 Fashion Students Got Recognized by Gucci and Awarded a $20K Scholarship
Brianna Bryson, Freshman, Howard University
Gucci's support . . . inspires me to continue exploring concepts surrounding experience and identity. Knowing that I have the safe space to experiment within the fashion industry pushes me to keep being a part of the representation for aspiring Black youth in creative fields.
My voice as a Black photographer . . . will not only bring diverse perspectives, but push positive narratives. I hope to create diversity and inclusiveness from a global perspective by influencing positive body image and photographing cultures that may be overlooked or negatively stereotyped.
My advice for building a photography portfolio . . . is to have each image represent you. Each theme you want to explore can give you a storyline. What I think made me stand out is the variety of powerful pieces in my portfolio. For example, my strongest work has been portraits and documenting protests. I made sure to give myself plenty of time to enhance my work and feel confident with what I was submitting. Do this, and the interviewers will be impressed and see the potential in whatever medium you submit.
"My Hair Is My Crown" by Brianna Bryson
"My Hair Is My Crown" . . . highlights a curly hairstyle that symbolizes prosperity and a spiritual connection. I wanted to showcase kinky hair because that can be an insecurity amongst some Black women. In the past, hairstyles were symbolic tribal traditions. However, in many workspaces today, it doesn't meet society's standards and may seem unkempt and unprofessional, so this shoot embraces the style regardless of the cultural stigma.
