Fashion has always been a mode of expression. It was gatekeeping, though, that once placed importance upon tradition and lack of affordability. In today’s climate, impacted by a plethora of Black fashion and accessory designers, fashion has expanded. Not only is it the most accessible that it’s ever been, it’s taken on new meaning. For many Black designers, it’s captured the history, cultures and imaginations of the diaspora. Collections featured on runways and/or developed for seller partnerships have taken the world by storm. These Black fashion and accessory designers are taking over. Shop their must-have collections now!
Established and Esteemed: Black Fashion Designers You May Know
Telfar, who launched his business in 2005, has been making waves with skyrocketing profits and recent styling of Nigerian Olympic athletes. The designer has created a collection of genderless fashion, calling Brooklyn his home and developing pieces at affordable prices. Colorful, faux leather bags are one of his claims to fame although he also offers hats, denim and apparel.
Inspired by a desire to extend the life of traditional African prints, Aurora James launched Brother Veilles. Her fashion design incorporates traditional practices, developing collections of shoes, bags and accessories from her base in New York City. Sustainability influences her work as does social awareness. Proceeds go toward vegan materials and movements that champion Black-owned businesses.
The designer behind looks for Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Rihanna and Cardi B, Christopher John Rodgers is the recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Originally from Louisiana, he develops bold pieces that incorporate color-blocking and other techniques that draw attention. His recent collaboration with Target, characterized by more affordable prices in addition to his talent, made him a household name for shoppers and fashion lovers.
New-ish To the Scene: Black Designers To Embrace
LaQuan Smith is known for his red carpet looks supplied to Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and a wealth of other celebrities. He got his start sewing and pattern making, inspired by his grandmother’s love for clothing construction. Born and raised in Queens, the designer launched his brand at 21 and has only continued to grow. He combines luxury with culture to create timeless works that reflect on diasporic cultures.
The 2020 Black Lives Matter protests gave this Brooklyn-based designer the platform he’d been working for since 2015. He’d launched his brand then, although he began to soar thanks to his small tote bag that displayed the words “End systemic racism.” Combining social awareness with his luxe, affordable fashion collection, a portion of the proceeds (from those bags) were donated to the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, a pro bono legal assistance program. Tessa Thompson and Jodie Turner-Smith are among the celebrities to wear his brand, which has now expanded to footwear.
Anifa Mvuemba is a Congolese fashion design icon who is celebrated for creating quality pieces with vibrant colors and stellar construction. Hanifa, her brand, features cardigans, knit dresses, oversized pants and other staple pieces that catch the eye for quality and individuality. The celebrities who’ve worn her collections include Bella Hadid, Zendaya, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Graham, Kylie Jenner and Tracee Ellis Ross. She was the first designer to launch a 3D fashion show, which went viral for its ingenuity during the pandemic in 2020.
Unforgettably Unique and Making a Name As We Speak
A London-based, Nigerian designer, Fisayo Longe launched Kai Collective in 2016. A love for fashion sparked her habit of sourcing fabrics during her trips, which led her down the path of fashion. She created outfits with one-of-one patterns that have framed her success. Fisayo creates to empower women to embrace all corners of who they are in a society that asks them to silence themselves.
Newest to the scene, Tia Adeola has designed for Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa and SZA. Her love for art and history influence her work, featuring elements from eras that make her pieces stand out. She designs womenswear and menswear, combining and inspiring boldness and reserve. Nike also sponsors her brand.
Which of these designers are already in your closet? Is there a must-have item that you’ll be searching for first?
