The former Neiman Marcus buyer’s knack for spotting design talent has elevated her profile, making her a familiar face at fashion weeks and the most recent CFDA Awards.
“She also has an incredible eye, always on the cusp of an emerging designer that she will carry in her store and usually really gets it on the front line, so that client or designer gets recognition,” said Tunjani, framing McMullen’s efforts to introduce new designers to clients has helped build a community. “We really look to Sherri to see what’s next in fashion,” she added.
As a devoted advocate and thought leader on issues of equality and representation, McMullen blends her heart with her head for business, consciously sharing her platform with talent — of all kinds, not just fashion — that may have few other opportunities. Guests at the fashion show were animated, snapping to the poetry of a young student and clapping at several of the looks that were heading down the runway.McMullen glowed with every word, and also with every look that popped down the runway afterward. At the end, roused by a standing ovation, she almost seemed to float over the floor. Eventually the revelers flowed into the after-party, where DJ Nisa spun a set and pianist D’wayne Wiggins offered a special performance.