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
