Tukii Tucker and Columbus Hinson IV Take Harlem’s Fashion Row and the Mint

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) alumni Tukii Tucker '23 and Columbus Hinson IV '20 are stepping into major national fashion spaces together this spring, with selections for both the Harlem's Fashion Row Designer Retreat and the Mint Museum Uptown competition.

Their appearances place them in the center of one fashion's busiest cultural moments, as the Harlem's Fashion Row retreat coincides with the Met Gala in New York City on May 4.

While their paths to recognition began in different North Carolina cities, Sanford and Charlotte, their shared connection at NCCU and continued support for one another have helped propel their careers forward.

"In any field, relationships are key," Tucker said.

A Shared Foundation at NCCU

Tucker and Hinson's creative partnership began at NCCU, where as students, they immersed themselves in programs that encouraged the exploration of identity and purpose through design.

Tucker earned a Bachelor of Science in fashion apparel and textile design, while Hinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in textile and apparel design.

Mentors like Wadeeah Beyah '97, '00, retired professor, and Darlene Eberhardt-Burke, Ph.D., interim associate dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, played a pivotal role in challenging them to refine their technical abilities while thinking more deeply about narrative in design. Both alumni have maintained relationships with Beyah and Eberhardt-Burke beyond graduation.

Stepping Into National Spaces Together

Their dual selection for Harlem's Fashion Row and the Mint Museum competition marks a shared milestone and highlights the strength of their ongoing collaboration.

Hinson learned about Harlem's Fashion Row's Designer Retreat through his network and immediately recognized an opportunity for both designers.

Rather than attending alone, he ensured Ticker was included.

"It was a really fun moment for us, being that we're both going to be doing the Mint Museum, and then directly after that, traveling to New York together," Hinson said.

Creative Vision Meets Strategy

Tucker and Hinson bring distinct, yet complementary perspectives to the fashion industry, shaped by their individual paths and disciplines.

Now based in Chicago, Illinois, Tucker's design practice is grounded in storytelling, craftsmanship and visual expression. He is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in theater with a concentration in costume design at Western Illinois University.

His work has been featured at New York Fashion Week and in exhibitions at the North Carolina Museum of Art connection to a screening honoring fashion icon André Leon Talley. He has also received national recognition with a top placement in the French Embassy's sustainable fashion competition in Washington, D.C. Tucker previously taught fashion design at Eastern Guilford High School and continues to emphasize concept, structure and narrative in his work.

Hinson's work bridges creativity, strategy and execution. After earning his bachelor's degree from NCCU, he completed a Master of Management at North Carolina State University, and a Master of Science in global luxury and Management at SKEMA Business School in Paris, France.

His experience spans retail and luxury, with a focus on brand presentation, client experience and operations. Through his FOR HINSON platform, he leads projects from concept to execution, collaborating with photographers, models and creatives while managing production, shoot coordination and visual direction.

"My background in retail and branding taught me that design isn't just about what you create. It's about how people experience it and connect to it," Hinson said.

Building Legacy Through Design, Business, and Mentorship

With the designer retreat and Mint Museum competition serving as key milestones, Tucker and Hinson are focused on what comes next.

Hinson's next chapter centers on expanding FOR HINSON.

"I want to build something that I can pass down to my kids one day," he said.

Tucker is expanding his design work through high-profile creative opportunities.

He is currently designing a custom look for Laura Gardner, founder of Local Style Chip, for her appearance at the James Beard Awards.

"The James Beard Awards are like the Oscars of the food and beverage industry, so it's pretty exciting," Tucker said.

He also expressed a strong desire to return to NCCU to teach and mentor fashion students.

"I definitely want to get into education and be able to pour back into students the way my mentors poured into me," Tucker said.

Supporting Their Work

Experience Tucker and Hinson's work at Mint to Be: The Feminine Body as Costume Art, taking place at the Mint Museum Uptown located in Charlotte beginning May 1.

To purchase tickets, visit mintmuseum.org/exhibition/mint-to-be/.