Discover the Impactful Black Creatives Transforming Italy

David Blank

Singer-songwriter, Milan

Blank humorously describes his narrative as the typical journey of an R&B and Nu-Soul artist: the son of a pastor who began singing in his small-town church in Le Marche at just five years old. After touring Italy and Europe as a background vocalist for the renowned Italian singer Laura Pausini, Blank launched his debut EP, Cuor Leggero, in 2017. His identity as a Black queer Italian deeply influences his artistry. “Even if I don’t want to be, I’m politicized,” Blank states. “Thus, I might as well address these important issues.” This autumn, in collaboration with the National Chamber for Italian Fashion, he unveiled a new single, “Foreplay,” accompanied by a video featuring an entirely Afro-Italian cast. Blank aspires to highlight the diversity within Italy and the contributions of Black Italians, saying, “We are here, we’re significant, and we have a voice.” Although residing in Milan, Blank expresses a fondness for Naples, praising its vibrant utilization of historical settings for various celebrations and exhibitions. His favorite dining spot is Trattoria da Cicciotto Marechiaro, offering stunning sunset views and delicious local cuisine.

On David Blank: Gucci blazer, $3,800, pants, $1,400, and shoes, $8,100; gucci.com. Scaglione sweater, $293; scaglione.it.

Stella Jean

Fashion designer, Rome

As a protégé of Giorgio Armani, Jean established her eponymous label in 2011, creating designs that reflect her Haitian-Roman heritage, which have been donned by stars including Beyoncé and Rihanna. Through her Laboratorio delle Nazioni—a sustainable development initiative—Jean collaborates with female artisans in various developing nations each season. Previous partnerships include skilled artisans from Peru, Kenya, and Pakistan, emphasizing economic upliftment and cultural heritage in her collections. Recently, she collaborated with Kenyan artist Michael Armitage, launching a limited-edition sweater that celebrates diversity and benefits youth arts programming. Despite her extensive travels, Jean remains enamored with her home city. Her culinary highlight in Rome is La Rosetta, where her friend Massimo prepares an extraordinary dish: cacio e pepe with oysters.

On Stella Jean: Custom Stella Jean dress, price upon request; info@stellajean.it. Veronica Tordi earrings, $125; veronica​tordi.com.

Bellamy

Founder, AfroItalian Souls, Piedmont

Driven by a desire to amplify Black voices in Italian media, Bellamy—who prefers to be addressed by her first name—established AfroItalian Souls, a digital platform dedicated to celebrating global Black culture and the African diaspora in Italy. “We aim to change the narrative and tell our own stories,” she explains. Through a mix of news coverage, videos, panels, and workshops, AfroItalian Souls strives to elevate BIPOC perspectives and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Black Italians. In addition to her platform, Bellamy leads corporate workshops in Italian workplaces to promote the excellence of the African diaspora. Raised in northern Italy, she seeks to dismantle the cultural stereotypes often associated with her country. “I’m a typical girl from Padania,” Bellamy jokes, adding she doesn’t conform to the often flamboyant Italian stereotype. Based in Milan, she frequently visits cioccolateria Casa Capitano for a delightful coffee and cake experience. “It’s a charming café with a vintage vibe,” she shares.

On Bellamy: Scaglione top, $397. N°21 by Alessandro Dell’Acqua skirt, price upon request; numeroventuno.com. Casadei boots, $1,150; casadei.com.

Tamu McPherson

Creator, All the Pretty Birds, Milan

Originally from Jamaica and raised in New York City, McPherson relocated to Milan over a decade ago with her Italian fiancé, quickly immersing herself in the city’s vibrant culture. She began capturing street-style photography for Italian Glamour and contributing to major Italian fashion publications before becoming editor-in-chief at Grazia.it. Since then, she has focused on her multicultural fashion and lifestyle platform, All the Pretty Birds, while forming partnerships with international brands like Gucci and Zalando to champion Black content creators. Early in 2020, All the Pretty Birds collaborated with the National Chamber of Italian Fashion to highlight digital creatives of color. “Through this small gesture, we hope to advance the conversation by fostering opportunities for collaboration and dialogue.” In June, amidst the global acknowledgment of the Black Lives Matter movement, McPherson penned a powerful call to action, urging luxury brands to engage more actively with Black creatives. Her idyllic retreat in Italy is Porto Venere, frequented by Lord Byron in Liguria. “Rent a boat to explore the captivating caves and grottoes, especially near Palmeria Island. Cala dell’Ammiraglio is exceptionally serene,” she recommends.

On Tamu McPherson: Max Mara jacket and skirt, price upon request; maxmara.com. Boss Hugo Boss top, $168; hugoboss.com. Veronica Tordi earrings, $110.