On the Style Beyond Age blog, we´re featuring 24 Black owned Fashion Brands to support today.
In the wake of recent events, many people have asked what they can do to help. And while there is so much to be done about educating ourselves on systematic racism and police brutality, as we protest, organize, call our local government officials and vote, there is nothing like putting our money where our mouth is. It is my goal to help amplify the voices of the many talented Black designers that have graced us with their visions. Here is a list of 24 Black-owned design houses that we love to support.
24 Black Owned Fashion Brands we LOVE
Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies was founded by Aurora James in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. Now handmade artisanaly across the globe, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design.
Edas
EDAS founded by Sade Mims, was created from an innovative standpoint, initially focusing on sustainability while using unusual home-goods and refurbished elements. Through the maturity of the brand, EDAS now delivers feminine and staple accessories, accommodating the everyday, eclectic woman. We create each piece of jewelry by hand, and we take pride in seeing the hands of the craftsman within our pieces. Our signature is making each item one of a kind, and uniquely tailored to whoever chooses to wear it.
lemlem
lemlem is an artisan-driven collection of women’s, men’s, children’s and home goods made entirely in Africa. Supermodel Liya Kebede was inspired to launch the brand following a trip to her native Ethiopia where she met a group of traditional weavers who no longer had a market for their craft. Meaning to bloom and flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, lemlem is committed to elevating artisanship and expanding production and jobs across Africa.
Petit Kouraj
Petit Kouraj is the creation of fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste. Handmade in Haiti, Petit Kouraj makes fun, stand-alone pieces of wearable art that celebrates a love of knitwear, sculpture, and identity.
Cushnie
Cushnie, founded by Carly Cushnie, is a luxury women’s ready-to-wear and accessories brand that empowers women and celebrates diversity. Defined by the balance of proportion, structure and fluidity, the CUSHNIE aesthetic embodies a refined sense of cosmopolitan minimalism and femininity. Cushnie launched their Target capsule collection this week!
Victor Glemaud
Haitian-born designer Victor Glemaud launched his eponymous leisurewear collection in 2006 and is known for his brilliant use of knitwear and color for all people, genders, races, and sizes. Victor Glemaud was a finalist in the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and honored for his achievements by the Ambassador of Haiti to the United States.
Vavvoune
Founded by self taught designer/artisan Valerie Blaise, in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav•une) is a leather accessories brand recognized by way of cultured design. Introducing passionate wearable leather accessories , while hinting spunk in effortless ways of impression. Moods, moments of nostalgia, and functionality introduces inspiration.
Undra Celeste New York
Undra Celeste New York, founded by Undra Duncan, is known for its elevated basics; like our ultra-soft sheer turtlenecks to the eye-catching faux collar statement coat. Elements that you will find prevalent in the brand’s aesthetics are BOLDNESS (color and prints), MODERN (clean lines and silhouettes) and FUN (embellishments and metallics).
Island Tribe
Island Tribe is a womenswear lifestyle brand, founded by Angeline Hayling and OD Odero, with a strong commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices. “The Tribe” embraces femininity, environmental consciousness and holistic living. Inspired by the Ocean and the Elements of life; their intimate designs are created with peace, love and blessings for all the free spirited around the world. In 2020, they were selected as one of the top 25 emerging brands by the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Andrea Iyamah
Andrea Iyamah, owned by Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah, is a clothing line strongly inspired by color, ethnic cultures, nature and design elements that stay true to creating authentic clothing and resort wear with hints of a retro yet contemporary edge in design.
Thebe Magugu
Founded in 2015 by Thebe Magugu, the eponymous label is a contemporary South African fashion brand producing women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, celebrating its African cultural roots with a modern approach.
Mateo New York
Mateo New York, founded in 2009 by Jamaican jewelry designer Mattew Harris, is a fine-jewelry collection that takes inspiration from modern art. The fine jewelry collections bare Mateo’s true aesthetic of simplicity and minimalism, drawing inspiration from modern art for the modern woman. Each piece is made from 14KT gold with a consistent use of diamonds and precious gemstones.
House of Aama
House of Aama is the spiritual expression of mother and daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka—materials range from orange faux fur to light, delicate lace.
Kimberly Goldson
Kimberly Goldson, founded in 2011 by sisters Kimberly Goldson and Shelly Powell, is all about brightly colored, statement pieces. The Kimberly Goldson lifestyle brand is inspired by the flavor of Kimberly and Shelly’s hometown, Brooklyn, and draws from the dynamic cultures encountered during their international travels. It was created as a mix of those worlds for women who love luxury and dare to be bold and vivacious, fearless and distinctive.
Laquan Smith
Laquan Smith, founded his eponymous brand in 2013. His distinctive garments and eye for detail, instilled by his grandmother, created a passion, and he’s become known for his sewing and pattern making.
Stella Jean
Stella Jean is a black Italian designer recognized for her multiculturalism and ethical clothing designs.
Bernard James
Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Bernard James is known for his craftsmanship and intricate attention to detail. Bernard aims to reinvent the standard of luxury by creating timeless unisex pieces.
Brandon Blackwood New York
Brandon Blackwood ’s label is known for its high quality detailing and timeless silhouettes. The brand has grown into a contemporary leather goods line with a solid range of handbags, trunks, backpacks, and small accessories.
Octave Jewelry
Focused on bold forms, saturated colors, and subtle movement, Brooklyn fine-jewelry brand Octave Jewelry is inspired by the balance between sharp geometry and the soft organic form.
Coco and Breezy
Corianna and Brianna Dotson (better known as Coco and Breezy) are the twin sister duo behind their eponymous sunglass line, Coco and Breezy. The brand is known for its signature cutouts and bold frames.
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