ANTHONY MARK HANKINS

Anthony Mark Hankins is known for designing clothes seen in J.C.Penney, Sears, and Nordstrom. Additionally, his work can be seen on the Home Shopping Network. This young man is an African American in his mid-twenties and is worth about $40 million. He is originally from Dallas. Hankins is known as the Calvin Klein of the coupon set.

LAURENCE STEELE

Laurence Steele is a black designer with a very low profile. He is from Chicago, Illinois and has his own label named Milan. Steele was once an employee of the very much respected and expensive design company Prada. He is a graduate from the Art Institute. His clothes focus on the movie star glamour, with styles such as slinky dresses and pencil skirts that can be seen on super-models such as Naomi Campbell.

MICHAEL NEWELL

Michael Newell, a Chicago-based designer, had some comments on the presence of blacks in the clothing industry: "African Americans buy from who they choose and we really can't afford to start our own businesses." Newell and wife Lisa have owned and operated Newell Neckwear for 4 1/2 years. His target age group is between 29 and 60 years old. When asked his opinion on how youths dress, he replied, "Youths follow trends, but also create them." Michael Newell believes that there is a lot of room for African American work in the clothing industry. His advice is to have money, discipline, and planning.