After sharing that holding this position has been his lifelong dream — an opportunity that he’s worked toward “every day for 15 years” — the 34-year-old designer calls the appointment “bittersweet.” He says, “We’re living in unprecedented times in the world, and I just hope in some way that I can bring hope, and, you know, with my community and colleagues, create positive for our industry and for the world.” And while the meaning behind the latter half of his message is clear — his goal is to help bring about change in regard to the mistreatment and underrepresentation of Black people and people of color in fashion — the fact that this open role went to a white man feels like a missed opportunity.