Black Owned Fashion Brands
Black-owned fashion brands have a rich and liberatory legacy. These brands hold immense cultural significance and have been supported by Black throughout history. The fashion industry has often overlooked and marginalized Black designers, but the rise of these Black-owned brands is challenging the status quo and reshaping the narrative. These brands not only offer unique and stylish designs but also serve as a platform for self-expression, empowerment, and representation for the Black community.
Top 12 Black Owned Fashion Brands
1. Savage X Fenty
Created by pop icon Rihanna, Savage X Fenty has become known for its inclusive and diverse approach to lingerie and intimate apparel. With a focus on celebrating all body types and sizes, Savage X Fenty has disrupted the traditional standards of beauty in the fashion industry. The brand offers a wide range of products, including bras, underwear, sleepwear, and accessories, catering to women of all shapes and backgrounds.
2. VLONE
Vlone is a popular streetwear brand that has gained recognition for its stylish and unique fashion designs. Founded in 2011 by members of A$AP Mob, Vlone has quickly risen to prominence, thanks in large part to its strong presence on social media platforms. The brand has successfully collaborated with famous artists and public figures, further solidifying its reputation in the fashion industry.
One of the most recognizable aspects of Vlone is its logo, a stretched “V,” which has become iconic. Vlone offers a wide range of clothing items, including jackets, sweatpants, hoodies, and long-sleeve shirts, all of which are known for their fashionable and comfortable designs. The brand caters to the fashion demands of young people by offering a variety of colors and textures in its products.
3. Telfar
Telfar Clemens, a self-taught Black designer from Queens, New York, launched his eponymous fashion brand in 2005. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that the Telfar Shopping Bag gained widespread popularity, thanks to the increased support for Black businesses during the current activism and social awareness movements. The bag has developed a cult-like following over the years due to its unisex, accessible, and practical design.
Notable figures like Solange, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ashton Sanders have been spotted wearing the bag, especially as the Telfar Shopping Bag is more affordable and fashionable compared to luxury brands. This bag’s success not only showcases support for Black businesses but also challenges the elitism that often permeates the fashion industry. Telfar aims to create luxury products for everyone while fostering a sense of community among its customers.
4. Milano
Milano Di Rouge is a premium fashion brand that has inspired dreamers to make their dreams a reality. The brand’s name, MDR, stands for ‘Making Dreams Reality’, which reflects its mission and values. With a focus on quality, simplicity, and tailoring, Milano Di Rouge offers stylish and fashionable clothing options for individuals who want to express themselves through their fashion choices.
5. The Marathon Clothing
The Marathon Clothing is a popular urban clothing store that specializes in T-shirts, hats, sweatpants, and accessories. Established in June 2017, it has quickly gained recognition as a record-breaking streetwear retailer in South Los Angeles. The Marathon Clothing has collaborated with renowned brands such as Puma and Lauren London, further enhancing its appeal. Despite the tragic loss of the late and great Nipsey Hussle, The Marathon Clothing remains a symbol of his commitment to the culture.
6. Hanifa
Hanifa is a black-owned and woman-owned fashion brand that has gained recognition for its unique designs and commitment to inclusivity. Founded by Anifa Mvuemba, a Congolese designer, Hanifa has made a mark in the global luxury market with its viral collection that showcased the brand’s distinctive silhouettes. Mvuemba is dedicated to offering inclusive clothing and draws inspiration from African tailoring. She has faced challenges as a black designer but remains determined to break barriers and create a more diverse and inclusive fashion industry.
7. Daily Paper
Daily Paper is a Dutch fashion brand that was established in 2012. Founded by Hussein Suleiman, Jefferson Osei, and Abderrahmane Trabsini, the brand started as a blog where they sold T-shirts and later expanded into a full clothing line. The company draws inspiration from landscapes in Somalia and other African regions, incorporating traditional African elements, prints, and colors into their designs. Daily Paper has gained recognition in the fashion industry for its combination of contemporary streetwear with African cultural heritage.
8. Dope Era
Dope Era Clothing is an Oakland-based brand that was founded and curated by Mistah F.A.B. in 2011. The brand specializes in clothing for men, women, and children, offering a wide range of stylish and trendy options. What sets Dope Era apart is its unique and colorful designs, which are inspired by ’80s cultural references.
These designs have gained popularity among both celebrities and fans alike. Mistah F.A.B.’s childhood experiences in Oakland have heavily influenced the brand, with his love for video games like Super Mario serving as a source of inspiration.
9. Wales Bonner
Wales Bonner is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 2014 by Grace Wales Bonner. Originally starting as a menswear brand, Wales Bonner has since expanded to include womenswear as well. The brand is known for its soulful tailoring and embraces cultural research in its designs.
Grace Wales Bonner has received numerous awards for her innovative and artistic creations, and she has even collaborated with renowned fashion house Dior. Wales Bonner’s collections can be found in various high-end retailers, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
10. Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies is a luxury footwear and accessory brand founded by Aurora James, who started the brand on a shoestring budget until it gained significant popularity. The brand is known for its sustainable and stylish creations, which have gained a loyal following.
James’s commitment to sustainability is further evident through her involvement, as she aims to depict what makes a brand truly sustainable. With their unique designs and ethical production practices, Brother Vellies products have become highly sought after and are available for purchase at MatchesFashion.com.
11. Denim Tears
Denim Tears is a fashion brand founded by Tremaine Emory. Known for its unique and thought-provoking designs, Denim Tears has gained recognition for its exploration of fashion’s relationship with black culture.
Emory’s vision for Denim Tears goes beyond just creating stylish garments; it is about using fashion as a platform for empowerment and social change. As a result, the brand has garnered a dedicated following and continues to push boundaries in the world of fashion.
12. Riot Swim
Riot Swim is a black-owned fashion brand that specializes in swimwear. Their swimwear has been featured in top fashion magazines. The brand offers a wide range of swimwear options, including new arrivals, best sellers, tops, bottoms, and one-pieces.
Customers can also shop by color and fit, allowing them to find the perfect swimsuit that suits their style and body type. In addition to swimwear, Riot Swim also offers a collection called Ocean Ave, which features tops, bottoms, and one-pieces in different colors. The brand also has a section for lounge wear, with options for tops, bottoms, rompers, and dresses.
Honorable Mention Black Owned Fashion Brands:
– Farai London
Website | Instagram
– Samaria Leah
Website | Instagram
– Bianca Saunders
Website | Instagram
– Pyer Moss
Website | Instagram
– Armando Cabral
Website | Instagram
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