If you’ve attended a fashion show, gala or runway in the Twin Cities over the past few decades, chances are Richard Moody had something to do with it. The internationally connected show producer, model, and community advocate is known as much for his fly fits and jet-set schedule as he is for his commitment to creating space — for Black artists, for youth, and for creatives determined to shape their own path.
“I’m global,” Moody declares. “I see the world. I’m not just Minnesota safe — which can sometimes be safe, not interesting, not creative, and even boring.”
From an adolescent start as a University of Minnesota cheerleader turned model, he was featured in department store marketing campaigns and eventually grew his career in fashion to be the icon he is today. Moody says stability is a top priority; thus he stayed committed to his work as a flight attendant, and leveraged it to reach new heights in the fashion industry.
“I’ve worked up front, in First Class. I just started my 45th year with Delta,” he shares. “That’s taken me all over — Paris, London, Amsterdam, Cape Town. I lived off and on in South Africa for 20 years during the season. That’s where all the international models come in.”
Moody doesn’t romanticize the fashion industry, and he stresses the importance of credibility. He breaks it down with honesty and care, especially for young people trying to break in. “Modeling on Instagram or Facebook is not modeling,” he says firmly.
“Go to an agency, submit photos. Mirror someone who might look like you. Read the business.”
Reading the business means knowing how to move in it. “Be professional, be polite, be punctual,” he says. “Time is of the essence. If I’m five minutes late, I might as well get a new job because the plane has left.”
It’s this blend of creative instinct and business discipline that has kept Moody relevant across eras, genres, and continents. His fashion taste is cultivated from years of global experience — collecting pieces in Paris, Amsterdam and Japan; collaborating with designers; and building looks that suit his body and reflect his identity.
“You know, I’m not wearing skinny jeans… I’ve got an a** and thighs. That’s not gonna work,” he jokes, before rattling off his favorite brands, from London-based COS to Japan-founded Yohji Yamamoto.
Moody shares his reason and his intentionality in collaborating with the community. “At some point, someone ahead of us pushed us forward,” he says. “So my role is to continue the momentum — for my nieces and nephews, for Minneapolis-St. Paul, for the Black community.”
That momentum includes “Threads of Impact,” a fashion and beauty showcase in partnership with MSR’s Sister Spokesman to be produced by Moody on May 3 as part of Black Fashion Week Minnesota. The event is designed not just to dazzle but to elevate.Â
“You’re going to meet Katherine Rogers,” Moody says, referring to the lead designer for House of KLynn. “She’s done the costumes for “Hidden Figures,” “Star Wars.” She’s worked with Zac Posen. She’s lived here for over 30 years, and I never met her until Covid. We’re closing the show with five of her amazing gowns.”
The show will also feature African-inspired fashion, menswear pieces, and other curated selections from local creatives. “It’s not going to be a 90-minute full-on show, but people are going to love the looks,” Moody explains. “We want to support designers who are actually in the business. If nothing else, we don’t know what we miss if we don’t come.”
His point is clear: “We go to [see] Beyoncé. We get our hair done and spend all kinds of money. Why are we not supporting our local magazines, our local artists, our local designers?”
In the same breath, Moody reminds creatives that success doesn’t come from production alone. “Start with a good product. Do your homework. Collaborate,” he says.
“Everyone’s doing candles and T-shirts — what makes yours different? Be authentic. If it’s herbs or art or fashion, make it excellent and work with people you trust.”
He’s also a strong believer in owning your digital identity. “Get your domain. GoDaddy. Is it dot com? Dot net? Own your name. Secure your Instagram,” he says. “Stop thinking small — start thinking global.”
Part of that global mindset, for Moody, means being prepared to represent your culture in every room you walk into — especially those where you’re the only one. “They’re going to ask us the questions,” Moody said, reflecting on conversations he’s had while traveling abroad.
“We, as people of color, have to know that every day we’re an educator. We have to be open for those hard conversations. Don’t snap — listen, and then process and give them some honest feedback.”
It’s this quiet fire — this blend of style, strategy, and soulful purpose — that makes Richard Moody a force. Whether he’s styling models for a fashion show, serving meals 30,000 feet in the air, or mentoring the next generation of creatives, the mission stays the same: Show up, own the narrative, own the space, and bring your community with you.
“Threads of Impact” will be held at the St. Paul Wilder Center on May 3, noon to 3 pm.
Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@spokesman-recorder.com.