Celebrating Diversity and Community in Fashion: An Evening with Bevy Smith and H&M
Authentic connection can be a challenge in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, where the glitz and glamour often overshadow genuine relationships. However, with the guidance of best-selling author and television personality Bevy Smith, fostering community becomes a seamless endeavor. On February 25th, 2025, Smith, alongside Donna Dozier Gordon, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at H&M, hosted an intimate cocktail party in H&M’s Los Angeles showroom in West Hollywood. This event was designed to celebrate the upcoming ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards and to honor the diverse talents that contribute to the fashion industry, often without the recognition they deserve.
A Night of Celebration and Connection
The cocktail party was a vibrant gathering that brought together a carefully curated guest list of influential figures from the fashion and entertainment industries. Previous collaborations between H&M and Smith had set a precedent for inclusivity, and this event was no exception. Attendees included notable personalities such as Yvonne Orji, Tai Beauchamp, Cynthia Bailey, Yvette Nicole Brown, Claire Sulmers, and Estelle, among others. The evening aimed to inspire and create networking opportunities, allowing attendees to build connections and explore potential collaborations within the fashion and entertainment communities.
Bevy Smith: A Champion for Diversity
Bevy Smith, a seasoned veteran of award season events, understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. She expressed her enthusiasm for the gathering, likening it to a family reunion where individuals come together to celebrate their shared heritage and achievements. “I love award season, especially when it comes to Black-centric events because it’s a time for us to get together,” Smith remarked. Her passion for fostering community support and encouragement was palpable, making the event feel like a celebration of Black excellence.
H&M’s Commitment to Inclusion
H&M has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion, a mission led by Donna Dozier Gordon. She emphasized the brand’s commitment to making fashion accessible to all, stating, “We understand that we can’t be successful without a commitment to inclusion.” This ethos is deeply embedded in H&M’s DNA, and Gordon’s partnership with Smith was a strategic move to further amplify these values. By engaging with communities where they operate, H&M aims to ensure that everyone feels seen and celebrated.
Showcasing Fashion Forward Collections
The event also served as a platform for H&M to showcase its latest fashion-forward collections. Highlights included collaborations with the HBO Original Series, The White Lotus, as well as the Spring/Summer 2025 Studio Collection and the latest Men’s Atelier collection. These collections not only reflect H&M’s commitment to style but also its dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can find something that resonates with their personal aesthetic.
Culinary Delights and Networking Opportunities
As guests mingled, they enjoyed curated hors d’oeuvres from Alta, featuring delectable options like fried chicken lollipops, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, black-eyed peas fritters, and oxtail bites. The atmosphere was lively, with attendees toasting with Ingrid Best’s iBestWines and specialty cocktails, all while exploring the stunning collections on display. Influencers and tastemakers expressed their excitement about H&M’s offerings, with Claire Sulmers, founder of Fashion Bomb Daily, praising the brand for its affordability and fashion-forward designs.
A Call to Action for Diversity
The evening was not just about fashion; it was a rallying cry for diversity and inclusion in a time when such efforts are often under threat. Sulmers highlighted the importance of H&M’s commitment to affirming the contributions of marginalized communities in the fashion and beauty industries. “In our country, diversity and inclusion efforts are being scaled back, and they’re trying to erase our history,” she stated, underscoring the significance of H&M’s initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As the event drew to a close, Gordon expressed pride in supporting the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, emphasizing the importance of celebrating and uplifting voices that have historically been overlooked. She reflected on her personal connection to ESSENCE, recalling how the publication has always represented women who reflect her own experiences and identity. This sentiment resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the idea that fashion is not just about clothing but about community, identity, and representation.
In a city where connections can often feel superficial, the collaboration between Bevy Smith and H&M stands as a testament to the power of community, diversity, and the celebration of Black excellence in the fashion industry.
