Fashion

Put Your Money Behind These Black-Owned Fashion Brands

Pay attention to where you are spending your money.

Fashion can often seem tone deaf in moments like these. When the country is focusing its resources on fighting against opponents like systemic racism and police brutality, what to wear tends to rank very low on most people’s list of priorities. However, when it comes to long-term shifts in the industry, it is important to take note of the amazing creatives among the black community and to vote with your wallet where it matters. This is just a small way to shift the skewed breakdown of the fashion industry, a place where systemic racism flourishes. And when the talent is of such a high caliber, it is a privilege to do so.

ALIÉTTE

A RTW line by celebrity-stylist-turned-designer Jason Rembert.

Aliya Wanek

A womenswear label that focuses on exploring the connection between one’s identity and style.

Ashya

A New York–based label focused on designing unisex travel accessories.

Beads Byaree

Wearable art in the form of accessories for the whimsical at heart.

Brother Vellies

Aurora James’s sustainable accessories label is the ultimate brand for fashion savants.

Chalk Jewelry

Trendy jewelry that you can wear to make a statement.

Christopher John Rogers

Fashion’s darling, Christopher John Rogers never ceases to amaze with his bright colors and imaginative silhouettes.

Conversations Over Chai

Handmade and vintage jewelry for those with an eclectic taste.

Cushnie

Carly Cushnie’s luxury RTW and accessories are a lesson in sleek sophistication.

Duro Olowu

The vibrant prints in these collections will instantly bring a smile to your face.

EDAS

Innovative, sustainable accessories for women with a focus on superior craftsmanship.

Elexiay

Ethical fashion that doesn’t sacrifice style in the process.

Fe Noel

Silhouettes that will catch your attention, and colors that will brighten your mood.

Golden Girly Shop

Loungewear perfect for the current WFH environment.

Gueras Fatim

Clothing for strong women with a love of fashion.

Hanifa

A size-inclusive RTW line in a bold array of colors and textures.

Harwell Godfrey

These eclectic jewelry designs are the perfect addition to a simple outfit.

Heron Preston

This unique designer was nominated for the CFDA Emerging Designer Award in 2019 for his modern take on streetwear.

House of Aama

Clothing that explores folkways of the black experience.

Jade Swim

Luxe minimal swimwear with an emphasis on sustainability.

Karidja and Khadija

This was inspired by respect for forgotten legends of the designers’ Western African heritage.

Kenneth Ize

A clothing line full of bright colors and innovative prints.

LaQuan Smith

Always a hit at NYFW, LaQuan Smith is a favorite among fashion girls with an edge.

Latasha Lamar

Unique jewelry in interesting finishes for the modern collector.

Lemlem

Lemlem employs artisans across Africa to create each of these pieces.

Local European

A lesson in elegantly modern minimalism.

Maki Oh

Designer Amaka Osakwe focuses on reworking traditional Nigerian fabrics.

Mateo

This elevated jewelry brand offers the ultimate sophisticated accessories.

Muehleder

This innovative label is doing very unique things with neoprene.

Oma The Label

Dainty gold jewelry to wear every single day.

Phlemuns

Clothes that will make you want to give up minimalism for good.

Proclaim

Comfortable underwear for EVERY skin color.

Pyer Moss

Kerby Jean-Raymond uses his clothing line as a platform to spark a conversation.

ReLove

The coolest vintage selection based in San Francisco.

Romeo Hunte

New York–based label Romeo Hunte proves that sophistication can have an edge.

Riot Swim

Edgy swimwear perfect for the warmer temps.

Salone Monet

Finally, a label that produces nude heels for all skin colors.

Salyel

This Parisian label makes the coolest t-shirts you’ve ever seen.

Selly Raby Kanel

For those who are unafraid to make a statement with their clothing.

Serendipitous Project

A sustainable jewelry line that celebrates the past in its modern designs.

Shop Yowie

This creative design studio makes all the essentials—from towels to bags—you’ll want to carry everywhere.

Sincerely Tommy

Dubbed a lifestyle concept store, Sincerely Tommy has curated a very interesting collection of brands.

Soko

Modern jewelry you’ll want to add to your everyday rotation.

Stella Jean

Ethical fashion inspired by the designer’s multicultural background.

Studio 189

Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah joined forces to develop these bright and colorful pieces that will instantly bring a smile to your face.

T.A.

Separates you’ll want to mix and match and never take off.

Telfar

The designer of the iconic Bushwick Burkin, Telfar Clemens pushes boundaries with his unisex collections.

Thebe Magugu

Based in Johannesburg, Magugu is giving women a new way to dress through his innovative designs.

Tove Studio

These innovative silhouettes are pieces you will keep in your closet forever.

Tree Fairfax

Handmade leather goods that will last a lifetime.

Undra Celeste

Undra Celeste rethinks classic silhouettes in modern cool ways.

Victor Glemaud

Victor Glemaud’s RTW line is proof that knitwear does NOT have to be boring.

Wales Bonner

Grace Wales Bonner won the LVMH Young Designer prize in 2016 and has been a fashion favorite ever since.

Yam

Handmade in Queens, these eye-catching pieces are inspired by vintage designs.

Zou Xou Shoes

Unique shoes for women that are both practical and alluring.

Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@pyermoss

Want more stories like this?

Get to Know These 5 Emerging African Designers
8 Fashion Designers on How They’re Giving Back
How One Fashion Veteran Is Taking on the PPE Shortage

Sign up for our Newsletter