Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Know and Support Now
Now more than ever it is important to not only talk the talk about supporting people of color, but walking the walk as well. In addition to donating and speaking up agains racism and social injustice in the African American community, we need to support, follow and buy products from black-owned fashion brands. Black people account for 15% of the population in the US. Pledge 15% of your spending to black-owned businesses. We ran a questionnaire on our Instagram account asking you what are some of your favorite black-owned fashion brands. We coupled your suggestions with some of our own to come up with the following list:
JINAKI
Sharufa Rashied-Walker is the founder of this colorful, fearless and exuberant brand. Her collections celebrate a woman who is daring, feminine, and conscious, and include vibrant dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, and tops directly inspired by indigenous african textiles, travel and her upbringing.
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Love, Vera
A lingerie brand celebrating black women, black entrepreneurship, and black cultural influence. Love, Vera works with mostly black models, is a huge advocate for diversity, celebrates Afros and braids, and offers intimates in unlimited shapes and sizes.
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Hanifa
Hanifa is a contemporary ready-to-wear brand for women without limits. Designer Anifa Mvuemba is based in Maryland and offers collections in sizes 0-20 that are high quality but not ridiculously expensive. The colors and textures of the clothes cater to the natural curves of a woman’s physique and celebrate diversity in size, age and skin color.
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Stuzo Clothing
The founders of Stuzo Clothing, Stoney Michelli and Uzo Ejikeme, believe in genderless clothing. Their pieces are designed to invoke emotion and thought without being attached to a gender and offer a vast array of street style, urban collections celebrating black magic, women’s rights, and equality.
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Dope on Arrival NYC
This Brooklyn-based brand was founded by Imani B. Johnson who was tired of clothing that didn’t say anything significant. Her vision for DOA NYC is to have “conversation starters, clothing that sparks dialogue amongst the reader and the wearer.” This black clothing line is inspired by New York, 90s fashion, and self-advocacy of the black community.
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Nichole Lynel The Label
This LA-based brand is all about reimagining fashion for the modern woman. It offers sophisticated and fashion-forward collections, including denim and power suits.
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FLY by Knight
Established in 2016, “Fly by Knight” is a lifestyle brand celebrating women of color through original designs by Jamilah Knight. F.L.Y. is an acronym for “First Love Yourself” and Knight is the last name of the brand creator. The brand offers apparel, art prints and accessories.
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Lola Ade
This jewelry brand is inspired by color and culture, and offers a collection of dainty and bold African jewelry. The name Lola Ade comes from the designer’s West African heritage. Lola Ade (pronounced “Lullah Add-ae”) is a Nigerian name from the Yoruba language and translates to Wealthy Crown.
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Nubian Skin
Frustrated by the lack of skin tone choices to go with her wardrobe, founder Ade Hassan launched Nubian Skin to offer a collection of lingerie and hosiery to provide the essential underwear needs of women of color. The brand recently launched its men’s line, Cocoa by NS.
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Zellie For She
This plus-size brand is designed by Elann Zelie out of Los Angeles and offers chic clothes meant to celebrate women, friendship, and authenticity. All designs are a limited run and clothes feel special.
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