Kanye West is known for making big statements and some may be a little controversial but the latest from the rapper really resonated with me. “February is now Black Future Month.” His idea originated from an Afrofuturistic essay written in 2013 titled “How Long ‘Til Black Future Month.” West’s statement implies his belief that the future is here and we are ready to work towards it. As a fashion designer, I presume he believes the future has also arrived for Black fashion designers as well. There is still a lot of work to be done but as an optimistic Black fashion editor, his words were music to my ears. The future is here and this month is all about celebration so why don’t we have some fun shopping a few up-and-coming Black-owned fashion brands.
There’s is so much to love about indie fashion brands created by Black creatives and you must check them out. However, I’m here today to tell you about those Black-owned brands that have already landed at our favorite major retailers making them so easy to add to the cart during your next routine order. There is such a beautiful range from feminine dresses to edgy silhouettes from the below designers I’ve chosen so I insist you take a quick scroll and find something special for yourself.
When you hear about a brand from a friend, you know it’s good and that’s how I heard about Busayo—I was instantly hooked. The Brooklyn-based designer works directly with artisans in Nigeria who handcraft every piece with tender love and care.
Fashion editors are the most trusted source for finding high-quality pieces, I mean we’ve tried everything. One thing former fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski had never tried was a minimalist swimwear brand that had the quality level she was looking for—so she made one herself.
Beautifully designed leather goods that are both high quality and budget-friendly are hard to come across. Well, look no further because Edas does just that. Their take on the structured shoulder bag is what made me first fall in love with the brand.
I have never seen a dress that’s made me want to book a trip as badly as this one does. It’s giving destination wedding guest and I’m here for it. Pretty much each and every one of her pieces has elicited the same response from me.
Nothing looks better than the African-inspired, artisan handcrafted footwear by Chelsea Paris. Each season they donate a portion of their proceeds to an organization making the world a better place and I’m in love with that.
We all know and love Christopher John Rogers by know for his bright and fun fashion moments that happened to win him a CFDA this year. He’s not done yet, I guarantee this button-down shirt will be an it-buy this year.
If you’re anything like me you’re also obsessed with tennis skirts and this might be the greatest one I’ve ever seen. The designer’s attempt to give every piece in his collection a vintage feel has been quite the success.
Brother Vellies founder, Aurora James, has become quite the familiar face in the fashion industry. If not for her winning designs she also has impressed us by her activism and ability to dress politicians for the Met Gala. These mary janes however are the icing on the cake, I’m officially in love with the brand.
I kid you not, I have to find a more flattering swimwear brand. Their echo one-piece lived on my Instagram feed rent-free last year and now that I’ve seen this asymmetrical style, I need both. And also, the fabrics are so soft.
Anything Rihanna signs off on is gold and that’s exactly what gave this designer their first big break. Sergio Hudson is the designer who brings the rock and roll fashion of the 1980s into the current space so effortlessly.
I’ll never forget my experience watching Victor Glemaud’s first fashion show in New York City. He brought us all to Penn Station a place he passed through every day on his way to school. After his beautiful designs walked the runway he came out in tears and the level of humility won me over. Oh and the soft as skin fabric on all his knits.
Lingerie has become the home our bodies live in. It’s the one thing we rarely take off and having a fit that works for our shape is so important. Curvy Couture is making it so no woman ever has to struggle to find the right bra size again. You’re sure to fit right in to their pieces.
The designer that went viral on Instagram is still on a roll creating timeless pieces that have a right now feel to them. When femininity and minimalism become one, most fashion editors lose their minds myself included. Finding out the brand is sustainable really sealed the deal for me.
This designer also had a viral moment with his bags that loudly stated “end systematic racism.” They became a must-have amongst the fashion set including Kim Kardashian. His subdued designs are also worth raving about.
We all know Good American as Khloe Kardashian’s baby but her co-founder is just as cool. Emma Grede is a businesswoman who conceptualized the brand and also co-founded Skims. They have gone above and beyond to serve women of all sizes showing each piece on their site on a variety of body types. The denim is quality and a great price point so there’s nothing to complain about.
Mateo may just be one of the sweetest fashion designers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with since I became a fashion editor. And his pieces are even better. He sources powerful stones and puts an iconic spin on the classics, what more could you ask for?
Fashion for everyone is so much fun. That’s why Kingsley Gbadegesin started this unisex brand. Their cutout pieces are what made me first fall in love with their designs but I’m currently loving this sweater for the time being.
Khiry is a force to be reckoned with. Each piece has a very special meaning and the designer loves to use photography, painting, music, and sculpture to fuel his work. This piece in particular is inspired by the horns of the cattle herd by the nomadic Dinka of Sudan. How cool is that?
Every time Kylie Jenner wears a new designer, I’m the first to hear about it. The whimsical prints and shapes that these dresses embody caught her eye and mine as well. Launching during the middle of the pandemic in no way held designer, Mary-Ann Msengi back. The brand has truly taken off.
Laquan Smith is a name you just can’t go a day without hearing if you work in the fashion industry. His designs are just that iconic. He is a true New Yorker so he knows how to dress and has graciously helped the rest of us keep up by creating clothing that every cool-girl has in her closet.
If you love menswear-inspired pieces, I think by now we all do, then you’re in the right place. Wales Bonner. The brand started out with menswear only and then soon translated that soulful tailoring to a woman’s sizing range as well. And weren’t we lucky?
I think Soko has the coolest business model I’ve ever seen. Instead of relying on factory production they call upon artisans in Kenya and help connect them with the global market. Every piece they make is truly special.
A brand that Beyoncé is a fan of is quick to win me over. The designer lets each bag be influenced by matriarchs from Africa’s inspiring history. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by artisans in Senegal who have centuries of their ancestor craftsmanship backing their creations.
It-girl status is instantly achieved by wearing any design from Sami Miro Vintage. The brand takes upcycling to a whole other level. Having been founded with the intention of doing better for our planet, each item is made from the locally sourced headstock and vintage fabrics. So any piece of clothing can have a chance at a second life.
Bold ruffles, statement-making puff sleeves, and glorious skirts. You’ll feel like a princess in anything by this brand. The best-selling author and fashion designer met at the crossroads of fashion and made an impact—the rest was history.
Just one look at the leather on this bag and I can just tell it’s soft. Founded by a self-taught designer, Valrie Blaise, the brand succeeds in making stylish on-trend bags that also feel timeless.
Jewelry is meant to feel personal and Bychari makes that happen. Founder Chari Cuthbert knows that these are the pieces that live through every defining moment with us so she makes them well. Each piece tells a story and redefines minimal style.
This is the new brand that all of my coworkers are buzzing about. The designer has both Indian and Nigerian heritage and allows a combination of the two cultures to be woven into her designs. With some of the pieces being one-of-a-kind this brand feels very special.
This brand was designed for the woman who loves to work hard and then hop on a flight. Vibrant colors and beautiful prints are joined by her whimsical designs that are made for both work and play.
Supermodel turned fashion designer, Liya Kebede conceptualized the brand during a trip to Ethiopia. When she learned that traditional weavers were losing their jobs due to a decrease in demand she started Lemlem to help them continue their craft and preserve the art form of woven clothing.
Your average passport holder just got way more exciting. Ashya set out to transform travel accessories for the fashion set. Their well-crafted designs also serve the purpose of making your life easier.
Quality is a the forefront of each of this brand’s designs. Desiree Kleinen is putting the decades of experience she has under her belt to good use with her collection of luxury bags that are so chic.
Another brand I discovered by way of Rihanna, Maxmillian is certainly making an impact with exciting designs, unlike anything I’ve seen. One of the first brands I noticed creating the cutout mini skirts that are now everywhere. This is a designer worth paying attention to.
Setting out to deliver something new to the wide variety of carbon copy bags on the market, Nasrin Jean-Baptiste was onto something. She took a trip to Haiti that inspired her to create a line of handbags that carried the same flare and excitement that the country holds. All of her pieces are handmade in Haiti.
If you’re a minimalist your entire wardrobe awaits you amongst this brand’s collection. They offer seasonless and timeless designs that feel both sexy and elevated. BRB, starting my entire capsule wardrobe using this one brand.
