20 Twin Cities Fashion Icons | Richard Moody

In Minnesota’s fashion community, Richard Moody stands as a steadfast force—and a devoted champion of indie designers, both local and global. A U of M cheerleader–turned–model who first stepped onto Twin Cities runways in the ’70s, Moody has spent decades weaving himself into the creative fabric of the region. When he’s not jetting across the world as a Delta flight attendant, he’s back home uplifting emerging talent with his signature enthusiasm, style, and support for independent design. As the founder of IamMoody, he’s produced various shows around the Cities, including the annual all-black fashion show at MartinPatrick3 and Technicolor Truth Pt. 3—an exhibition at Grace Trinity Community Church celebrating artists of color across generations—Moody continues to spotlight diverse voices while cementing his status as a true cultural icon.

Tell us about your tie(s) to the local fashion scene?

My involvement in fashion has either been working as a professional model (still), choreographer, model trainer or fashion show producer. I’m going on nine years producing the All Black Attire Fashion Show and party at MartinPatrick3.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the possibility of creating something from nothing. Just ideas in my head—then to see it come to life either in print or on the stage or runway.

What makes our local creative community so special?

I think what I like most about the Minnesota fashion scene is everyone keeps trying. 

Do you have any muses?

My muses are my uncles, Richard Roundtree (a black male model, actor, and outstanding role model for young black men), the younger me, as well as black men in the black churches. 

Favorite fashion project to date?

My favorite project to date has been working with local couture designer Kathryn Rogers of House of Klynn to create A Pop of Pink, a fashion show and fundraiser to support different types of cancer. I’ve also loved watching the All Black Attire Fashion Show grow.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic, effortless, sleek, worldly, global. Lots of black and turtlenecks and tees with colorful, unique shoes from John Fluevog (a Canadian designer). It’s my uniform.