Top 10 Black-Owned Apparel
Black-owned clothing brands are constantly being looked over even though they are known for influencing major trends in the fashion industry. This is why it is important for us to highlight and support Black-owned brands and fashion designers to help get creatives the recognition they deserve.
This body positivity brand was founded in June 2019 by Morenikeji Abina, a fashion and beauty entrepreneur. Abina used her Nigerian roots to evaluate her designs and with features like stretchy fabrics and artful silhouettes she creates clothing that is perfect for everyday wear. The brand also provides sizes ranging from US 2 to a US 20.
This brand has been worn by celebrities such as Oprah and Beyonce and ever since the brand's recent Bag Security Launch they are gaining more and more popularity. Telfar’s motto “It’s not for you it’s for everyone” explains why Telfar designs are known for their high-end quality at a more accessible price point. Aside from the brand’s infamous purses they also sell T-shirts, jewellery, hoodies, and shoes. Most recently the brand did a collection with the Australian retail brand UGGS.
Looking for elevated essentials? Re Ona is the perfect place to shop if you are on the hunt for basics. The brand sells luxury basics frm cropped ribbed cardigans to joggers to dresses, great for adding more staples to your wardrobe. The brand's products are also set at affordable prices.
Aurora James created her luxury brand Brother Vellies in 2013 to create head-turning shoes and accessories. Worn by celebrities like Zendaya the brand takes pride in using African craftsmanship practices. The brand is designed in Brooklyn and their products are handcrafted and susceptible made by artisans from Nairobi to New York.
A brand that was created with diversity and inclusion at the forefront. Pyer Moss was launched by Kerby Jean-Raymond in 2013. The brand aims to use its voice and platform to challenge social narratives and evoke dialogue. Shedding spotlight on the lack of recognition that Black designers get in the industry, Pyer Moss creates collections that combine storytelling with activism, debate, theatre and social commentary. They also collaborate with artists and brands as a medium to further the dialogue around seasonal themes.
Fisayo Longe is a fashion and travel blogger who founded London-based womenswear brand Kai Collective in August 2016. After 5 years of building an online presence through her blog Fisayo decided to establish her brand KAI. Fisayo travels the world sourcing the best fabrics and meeting and collaborating with ethical designers. The brand gained immense popularity on Instagram with the Gaia dress and was spotted on influencers like Patrica Bright.
This brand is internationally known for their statement bags. At the height of 2020’s civil unrest Brandon Blackwood dropped a line of totes that featured the phrase “End Systemic Racism” across the front. The bags immediately sold out after the launch and they are still out of stock today. Blackwood first launched his line of handbags in 2015 and they went on to be featured in Elle and Galore.
House of Ama was rebranded in 2017 by mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka. The brand features sophisticated lines that highlight the folkways of the Black experience through timeless garments. The brand also works to evoke dialogue, social commentary and conversations around heritage. House of Ama manufactures 100% of their products in Los Angeles, California.
From cut-out catsuits to futuristics designs this is a major brand to look out for. The brand has gained the attention of celebrities like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna. Smith debuted his brand in 2013 and ever since then gained great notoriety for his distinct garments and details. In 2020 Smith’s collection sold out even during the pandemic.
This Los Angeles based sustainable fashion brand was founded in 2016 by Sami Miro. Miro has always had a passion for second-hand thrifting and decided to create a brand that produced upcycled pieces. Miro’s pieces are constantly selling out and range from products like vintage jeans, asymmetrical tops to dresses.
Kai Collective
Sources:
ABOUT SMV. (n.d.). SAMI MIRO VINTAGE. Retrieved November 19, 2021, from https://samimirovintage.com/pages/about-smv
May, N. (2020, July 20). Small brand shout-out: Kai Collective. Evening Standard. Retrieved November 19, 2021, from https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/fashion/small-brand-shout-out-kai-collective-a4501476.html