Diversity and inclusion are (finally) a growing focus in the fashion world, though it's been a steep hill to climb. Designers of Black-owned clothing brands have long been overlooked in the space (and underrepresented on shelves)—as highlighted by Aurora James’s 15 Percent Pledge and the work of the Black in Fashion Council—and there's still plenty of room for change.
In celebration of the Black-owned brands and designers that are producing some of the most top-notch, innovative designs out there, we're throwing well-earned recognition to some of our favorites. From NYC-based labels to those all the way in London and Africa, these Black-owned clothing brands continue to move the needle and push the culture forward via a blend of style, activism, and altruism. If you're wondering how to show continued support to the Black community, shopping these fashion brands makes it possible to do so through your style choices and beyond.
Telfar
“It's not for you—it's for everyone” is the Telfar motto, which explains why Telfar's designs are known for their high-end feel and accessible price points. While the designer behind the infamous “Brooklyn Birkin” made quite the splash in 2020, success was a slow burn. In fact, Telfar Clemens launched the unisex label way back in 2005. If you can't get your hands on the brand's infamous Shopping Bag purse—which is constantly sold out—you can still stock up on T-shirts, hoodies, jewelry, and shoes.
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The Folklore
If there’s any fashion boutique you’ll want to spend an hour or two window-shopping online, it’s The Folklore, a New York–based retail store that exclusively stocks emerging high-end brands from Africa and the diaspora. You might not immediately recognize the names, but the styles you’ll find are pretty unforgettable–including butterfly wing leotards, slime-green leather handbags, and trippy wide-leg pants.
Wales Bonner
British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner has dressed Meghan Markle, collaborated with Solange, and taken home an LVMH Young Designer Prize—and her star only continues to soar. The relative newcomer to the fashion world started out in menswear but launched women’s wear in 2018, making clothes that touch on her heritage as a half-Jamaican, half-English woman and cleverly reference culture and art. Her latest? A ’70s-esque collection inspired by jazz trumpeter Don Cherry.
Farai London
If these dresses look familiar, it's because Kylie Jenner nearly broke the internet (again) when she wore Farai London's Gaia minidress. Designer MaryAnn Msengi launched the brand only in summer 2020, making it all the more impressive that it's now available at retailers like Revolve and Selfridges. She offers vacation-ready pieces with abstract swimsuits, mesh cover-ups, bodysuits, and a range of popular dresses that look like works of art.
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LemLem
Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede launched her fashion label LemLem (which means to bloom or flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic) as an homage to her mother continent and a way of giving back to local artisans. Its mainstays are beachy caftans, swimsuits, and other resort wear, all handmade in cheerful designs by traditional Ethiopian weavers. As an added feel-good benefit, 5% of proceeds from the line go toward the LemLem Foundation, which helps women artisans in Ethiopia and Kenya find job opportunities in the fashion industry.
Diarrablu
Diarrablu founder Diarra Boussu got her start on Wall Street as a financial analyst but kept feeling that her calling was in design. She eventually launched Diarrablu as a love letter to her African heritage as a Senegalese woman, and the result is a sophisticated line that offers elegant jumpsuits and work separates, plus splashy printed styles. Everything sizes up to a 3XL, and the price points are accessible too, with most pieces falling under $200.
Re Ona
On the hunt for elevated basics? That's where Re Ona comes into the picture. From cropped ribbed cardigans to cotton tees, body-con dresses, joggers, and more, you're bound to find new wardrobe staples when browsing its clothing line. The luxe basics come at a more affordable price point too—so they can have a place in everyone's closet.
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Samaria Leah
Both shoppers and designers are putting more thought into the processes behind making clothes and—importantly—their impact on the environment. Among them is Samaria Leah, who was inspired to launch a sustainable denim brand by her own passion for reworking vintage pieces. After altering her own jeans for years, she launched her own line to fill the void—from sexy lace-up styles to patchwork denim—and celebs like Saweetie quickly took notice.
Riot Swim
Model Monti Landers launched Riot Swim in 2016 with the idea that everyone should have access to swimwear coverage that makes them feel comfortable. Accordingly, the brand makes sexy and functional pieces for all body types, sizes, and skin tones. Shoppers can also browse based on coverage preferences, so you can add everything from extra-cheeky bottoms to high-waist one-pieces to your cart.
Brother Vellies
Designer Aurora James set out to make head-turning footwear and accessories when launching Brother Vellies in 2013, and she did exactly that. The luxury brand takes pride in using African craftsmanship practices that have been passed down for generations, and employing artisans across the globe. In addition to making waves in the fashion industry with the 15 Percent Pledge, you can also still find James designing shoes and accessories from vegetable-tanned leather—whether in sky-high heel form or eccentric versions of your faves (like cow-print clogs). Subscribe to the brand’s Something Special initiative for small, made-to-order pieces (think ceramic vases and hand-poured candles) from the Brother Vellies community.
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Kimeze
Baffled by the lack of eyewear specifically made to fit Black faces, sisters Clare and Christina Kimeze set out to create their own with Kimeze. Its unisex eyewear line offers luxury sunglasses and glasses in a range of colors and styles—from colorful cat-eye frames to retro shapes—that are designed to complement brown skin tones and features.
Alyda
As a 4'11" woman, Alyda founder Abbey Gregg fully understands the struggle of finding a good fit when you’re shorter than average, which is why she launched this line for petites that’s all about “timeless clothing for the modern woman under 5'4."” Its clothes are tested on a range of petite models to zero in on the perfect fit, from delightful minty silk button-ups to a low-cut midi dress that’s begging to be part of your wedding guest rotation this year. Keeping sustainability top of mind, everything is produced in small batches to prevent waste.
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Pyer Moss
Kerby Jean-Raymond launched Pyer Moss in 2013 with diversity and inclusion at the forefront. (Exhibit A: His runway show during New York Fashion Week in 2018 kicked off with the powerful message “Stop Calling 911 on the Culture” emblazoned on a T-shirt.) Since then, the designer has continued to call out the industry and shed light on the lack of recognition that Black designers face—despite being pioneers and influences in the space.
Salone Monet
Nude shades aren't universal, and while we've seen more skin-tone inclusivity in categories like shapewear and lingerie, Salone Monet tackles it in the shoe department. The brand makes it possible to rock a pair of heels that match your shade of nude, with each style available in six hues, ranging from fair to deep brown.
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Jade Swim
Jade Swim is both Glamour-editor-approved and designed by a former Vogue fashion editor and stylist, Brittany Kozerski, who set out to create a line of chic and minimalist swimwear with versatility in mind. Featuring asymmetrical details, sleek one-pieces, and moody colors, the pieces work as well on the beach as they do at dinner as part of your favorite outfit.
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Local European
“Less is more” is the vibe when you're scrolling through Local European's offerings. Alexandra Bunch launched Local European in 2019 with the goal of creating garments that were high-quality and could be worn time and time again. The many minimalist silhouettes with a hint of ~edge~ include backless dresses, string bikinis, utilitarian pants, and more.
Kai Collective
When Beyoncé features you on her site, you know you're the real deal. Kai Collective's Gaia dress in particular took IG by storm—in fact, you might have spotted it already on celebrities and influencers alike. Even better? The brand's infamous swirled print is now found on the brand's leggings, swimwear, shirts, gloves, and more—all at budget-friendly price points.
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Essentials by Fear of God
Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God is beloved by streetwear aficionados. Proof? Nearly every drop sells out. The same goes for its more affordable sister brand, Essentials, and getting your hands on its crewnecks, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and sneakers is no easy feat. Keep your eyes open and you might just find your new must-have available in your size—then add to cart, stat.
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Brandon Blackwood
Once designer Brandon Blackwood dropped totes with the phrase “End Systemic Racism” splashed across the front—and at the height of 2020's civil unrest, not coincidentally—they immediately sold out. While the O.G. tote remains out of stock, you can still snag Blackwood's other designs—including leather and suede handbags, wallets, card holders, and more—in eye-catching colors and prints.
Laquan Smith
Futuristic designs are front and center with LaQuan Smith's pieces. From cutout catsuits to mesh-paneled leggings and more, the Queens, New York, native knows how to turn heads and catch the attention of celebrities like Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian.
House of Aama
Mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka rebranded House of Aama in 2017 (from its original name, Urban Nomad) to introduce a more sophisticated line that still highlights their African roots. That means breezy wrap skirts, tops, and dresses rich in texture and vibrant in color and print.
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Fe Noel
Inspired by her Grenadian heritage, designer Felisha “Fe” Noel set out to create clothing with bold prints and vibrant hues in every piece. And it's clear from her designs that she wants to make our closets (and our lives) feel a little more beautiful—think dramatic sleeves, structural blazers, swimwear, and wide-leg pants meet architectural cuts, floral prints, and more.
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KIN by Kristine
Kristine Thompson has amplified plus-size fashion since launching her blog Trendy Curvy in 2013, and her love for everyday pieces and passion for inclusivity in the women’s wear led her to create KIN. Thompson wanted to prove that being trendy and curvy can go hand in hand, and from the looks of it, she's done just that.
Liberté
“For women, by women” is at the heart of lingerie brand Liberté, and designer Amber Tolliver wants people to know it. Aiming to honor the “craft(wo)manship” of seamstresses, Liberté offers comfort, support, and truly luxe Italian fabrics in every design.
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Zou Xou
In a world where fast fashion still dominates, it's refreshing to see handcrafted, time-tested footwear take up space. Zou Xou's collections are limited, as each pair is handmade by Venezuelan artisans—but (clearly) worth the wait. You can browse the styles, such as strappy block heels to classic loafers, when they're available to shop or still in production.
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Bronté Laurent
Sustainability is at the forefront when it comes to Bronté Laurent: The label sources recycled materials and prioritizes eco-friendly packaging, so you can feel as good about your purchases as you do when wearing them. It achieved the eponymous designer's goal of making women feel so comfortable in their clothes that they'll never want to take them off.
Hanifa
Available in sizes extra small to 3XL, Hanifa prides itself on offering a full ready-to-wear capsule collection for women of all shapes and sizes. Cutout dresses, cozy cardigans, and breezy jumpsuits paired with pops of color (think neon green, orange, and fuchsia) are all part of the need-to-have lineup.
Tove
Friends Camille Perry and Holly Wright launched London-based Tove in 2019—and quickly gained the attention of minimalists everywhere. Despite enduring a global pandemic in a critical second year in business, Tove's clean finishes and feminine silhouettes have earned the brand a loyal following.
Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese is no stranger to the fashion game; her bold and vibrant prints have graced runways and storefronts for years. Her latest line, Hope for Flowers, prioritizes sustainability by using materials that cause minimal harm to the environment and sourcing ethical textiles that require less water for production.
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Taylor Jay
Comfort for every woman is the simplest way to describe the Taylor Jay brand. The pieces—a variety of cozy sets, knit dresses, cotton bodysuits, and stretchy pants—are not only WFH-appropriate but functional enough for stepping out in.
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Honor the Gift
The more you know: Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers is actually the creative director of athleisure brand Honor the Gift. His line of understated T-shirts, fleeces, face masks, accessories, and shorts for everyone—even kids—is all about elevating everyday basics.
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Rendoll Lagos
Morenikeji Abina sought to honor her Nigerian roots with Rendoll, which is produced in Lagos with body positivity in mind. Her elevated designs feature stretchy fabrics and artful silhouettes for comfortable everyday wear.
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Nude Barre
As we've said, all nudes aren't universal, but Nude Barre has you covered. The company designs hosiery like fishnet and opaque styles in all skin tones and has since expanded to other garments, including bras, seamless thongs, and bikini-cut underwear.
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Sami Miro Vintage
Influencer and designer Sami Miro made a name for herself by thrifting, and now she's taking it offline and into your closet. Her brand Sami Miro Vintage produces upcycled pieces—and once they sell out, they're gone forever. So if you want to snag a pair of vintage jeans, cutout tops, or asymmetrical tops and dresses, you'll have to act fast.
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Anya Lust
Anya Lust, a haven for sexy underthings that launched in 2015, is a one-stop shoe for luxury lingerie that lies on the friskier end of the spectrum. The mission of Anya Lust, which houses many small brands from all over the world, is to encourage people to “live passionately, love deeply, and be open to exploring new things”: For starters, consider its pearl-encrusted thongs or Botticelli-inspired lingerie sets.
Studio 189
Cofounded by actor Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, a former global and communications executive for Bottega Veneta, Studio 189 is a big celebration of Africa and its colorful history. All of its pieces come in colorful African-inspired Batik prints (sometimes, a mix of prints) for women, men, kids, and nonbinary unisex, and pieces tend to sell out quickly. Everything’s made in Africa, where Studio 189 offers jobs and skill-training initiatives.
AAKS
Summer isn’t just a season; it’s eternal at AAKS, a handwoven-raffia brand that specializes in vibrant handwoven bags. Founder Akosua Afriyie-Kumi wanted to introduce the world to the traditional weaving techniques found in Ghana, and the result is a line of whimsical arm candy—including bowl-shaped bags festooned with bright pompoms, vase-shaped mini bags, and fringed totes.
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Petit Kouraj
Net bags have had a big moment over the past couple of years as a stylish alternative to canvas totes, but Petit Kouraj takes them to another level. Its intricate fringed net bags are all made in Haiti, with each bag taking around 8 to 12 hours to hand-sew. Founder Nasrin Jean-Baptiste was born in London to Haitian immigrants and used her experience as a fashion stylist to conceive these wearable art pieces, which gives work to artisans in her home country.
