Black Fashion Directory

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AAKS: A homemade handbag line. Akosua Afriyie-Kumi started AAKS with the objective of presenting the world with her favorite weaving skills by Ghanaian women, raising awareness about ethical manufacturing practices, and encouraging sustainable consumption in the fashion sector. AAKS handcrafts handbags in forms that attempt to preserve the origin of weaving as an art form.

ALYDA: A petite womenswear brand that ethically produces timeless clothing for the modern woman under 5'4. Their mission is to produce timeless, quality designs that complement and empower tiny figures of all shapes and sizes. The founder, Abbey always struggled to find fashionable, trendy clothing that fit her body. Abbey was motivated to establish her own petite womenswear brand after realizing that her dissatisfaction had to be shared with other people under 5'4.

A.Marie Clothing: A brand created to empower women through modesty. Their main goal is to make women feel cute and confident while being covered. Women should be able to feel loved and wanted whether or not they are fully clothed, and A. Marie was created for that exact reason. 

AM:PM: A premium footwear brand specializing in nude heels for women of all skin tones. AM:PM focuses on diversity, design & quality to promote luxury, inclusive footwear for all women.

Andre Leon Tally: André Leon Talley was born in Washington, D.C. in 1948 and was raised by his grandmother in Durham, North Carolina, during Jim Crow. He was a fashion journalist, stylist, creative director, and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine. He was the first Black man to hold a position at Vogue. “I have experienced racism all my life as any Black man does,” Talley said before adding, “it shows that even in the glamorous world of fashion, there is racism.”

Ann Lowe: Ann Lowe was an esteemed fashion designer best known for creating Jacqueline Kennedy’s iconic wedding gown. Her exquisite craftsmanship and elegant designs earned her recognition as one of the top couturiers of her time, despite facing racial discrimination in the industry.

ArtREV & Co: A multidisciplinary creative firm founded and operated by our advisory board member, Travon Bracey, also known by his artistry name, Von Childs, that focus on the intellectual experience of the cultural diaspora through fashion, art, business and design. Travon has contributed into the industry while being the company's Creative Director to showcase creative innovations in fashion, contemporary art, tv/film, visual design, project management, and business, primarily using his platform to promote the leadership of Black creativity in the industry.

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Brandon Blackwood: Brandon Blackwood is a New York-based fashion designer known for his eponymous luxury handbag brand. His creations blend classic silhouettes with modern sensibilities, gaining popularity for their quality craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetic. Blackwood’s designs have garnered attention from celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike, solidifying his status as a rising star in the industry.

Brother Vellies: The brand is dedicated to sustainability and works with artisans in Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa to make handcrafted shoes. The brand was founded with the purpose of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. Brother Vellies is handmade across the globe.

Buzzoms: A Black-owned, woman led company that specializes in designing and creating clothing for women with large breasts. Buzzoms believes that women of all shapes and sizes should be able to wear braless clothing. Their motto: We’re not just here to support your girls, but to support you.

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Chelsea Paris: A luxury footwear brand, founded in 2012 by Nigerian-born, footwear designer, Theresa Ebagua. Chelsea Paris is inspired by her African heritage and named after her two daughters. “Chelsea Paris is the embodiment of diverse creativity, global perspective and timeless luxury.”

Christyn Breckenridge: An entrepreneur. She is owner of eyewear brand, 3rdEyeView. For its consistent devotion to community, comfort, and quality, the brand has been dubbed "the best known unknown eyewear brand'' by InStyle, Beyonce.com, Marie Claire, and WWD.

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Danzy: Founded by Marshall Danzy Taulbert in 2018. A line that is curated from his mid-western up bringing mixed with his love of Los Angeles, CA. Danzy wants to bring the vintage look and feel to each of their garments. The brands pure intention is to provide “comfortable chic” pieces that will stand the test of the seasons.

Demetrius Harmon: An actor, writer, poet, model, and creative director. Harmon is from Detroit, Michigan where he began his career in social media. Harmon now has a fashion line named You Matter. His purpose is to “spread love and normalize the complexities of the human experience.” He intends to use every medium he possibly can to convey that message and feeling.

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Edas: A sustainable accessories line. The brand was founded in 2013 in Brooklyn where it started out as a “love letter to jewelry,” but has now expanded to bags, hats, and home objects. “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.” 

Eunice Johnson: Eunice Johnson was a trailblazing businesswoman and the founder of the Ebony Fashion Fair, a groundbreaking fashion show that showcased the work of Black designers. Through her work, Johnson provided a platform for Black models, designers, and entrepreneurs, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the fashion landscape.

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Fanm Mon: A luxury womenswear brand that launched in 2013, as a tribute to Haitian ancestry and the allure of Haitian fashion. Their brand is known for a rainbow of wonderful hues, one-of-a-kind designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. Their objective is to form deep connections with their community in order to foster beauty from the inside out.

Felisha Noel: A womenswear designer from Brooklyn, NY. She was just 19 when she opened a boutique for vintage lovers and trendsetters. Her philosophy: “Eat well, travel often, and dress to inspire!” 

Frere: Founded by Davidson Petit- Frère. “The new voice of modern fashion.” His take on classic tailoring, design and attention to detail has been very influential. He was put on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and has captured the attention of numerous celebrities and worldwide figures. All of Frère’s garments are hand-made by the finest artisans in the world.

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Geo Owen: A London-based creative director and designer. He studied at Kent's University of Creative Arts and founded GEO in 2016, collaborating with a variety of companies, including HighSnobiety. GEO is a streetwear brand that draws inspiration from the cosmos and planets in space.

GOLF-WANG: Established by Tyler the Creator. It is an American Streetwear brand that was established in 2011. The brand is known for its colorful visual aesthetic and streetwear styles.

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Half Baked: A swimwear line based in London and manufactured in the United Kingdom and Europe. Designed using the softest, lightweight quality fabric, with UV protection. Ease, sensuality, adaptability, and modernism are all features of this line.

Hanifa: A global luxury brand founded in 2011 by Anifa Mvuemba. Hanifa features statement pieces that cater to the natural curves of a woman's body. Their mission is to empower women to break barriers and achieve excellence in every aspect of their lives.

House of AAMA: The brand was established in 2015. “House of AAMA is the spiritual expression of a mother and daughter design duo.” House of AAMA explores the Black experience by designing timeless garments with nostalgic references informed by historical research. “We aim to evoke dialogue, social commentary and conversations around heritage, remembrance and shed light on nuanced histories.”

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Ibrahim Kamara: A stylist and senior fashion editor at I-D. His work includes clients such as British Vogue, Dior, Nike, and Off-White. Kamara is among the industry's most innovative and inspiring.

Iesha Reed: A former director of communications for Montblanc and Swarovski. She is now the founder of IR. IM+CC, a marketing and communications collective with A-list clients like Estée Lauder and Condé Nast. She states, “Cultural appropriation is at an all time high. Our community sets the trends – period. Our music, our authentic street style aka hood style gets copied daily by big brands.”

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Jolie Norie: An elevated leisure wear brand created by sisters Kim and Keyondra. It stands for Pretty Black in French. “At JOLIE NOIRE we choose to believe that Black, like other colors, is beautiful!”

Jyotisha Bridges: A celebrity stylist. Some of her clients include, Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande and Ann Hathaway. Bridges has made a name for herself in the fashion styling industry and continues to influence others through her sense of style. She states, "I was able to produce new designs when I got more at ease in my own skin and in expressing that confidence in my personal style, understanding that if I embody this presence, others will accept and adapt to the aesthetic I am showing."

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Kerby Jean Raymond: Haitian American fashion designer and the founder of Pyer Moss which is a New York-based label. “Pyer Moss continues to redefine itself every season with collections and runways that combine storytelling, activism, debate, theatre and social commentary; all while using collaboration with artists and brands as a medium to further the dialogue around seasonal themes.”

KJ Moody: A celebrity stylist who has also done freelance editorial and corporate styling. KJ is the creative manager and stylist for Parkwood Entertainment. He studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Dallas. He states, “We are now aware of our culture, contributions, ethnic qualities, and special spark that makes us different.”

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Law Roach: A Hollywood stylist and self-described "image architect”. Law has collaborated with some of the greatest stars in the entertainment world. Some of his clients include Zendaya, Ariana Grande and Celine Dion. Roach began his career in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood as owner of a vintage clothing company called Deliciously Vintage. Law’s first large client was Zendaya and his Hollywood career took off from there.

Legendary Roots: A Black-owned fashion brand. Their mission statement is to empower, liberate, and uplift Black culture worldwide. “Legendary roots was created due to a need for representation and a safe space for the Black community. Our purpose is to reclaim our history and celebrate Black culture through powerful apparel and accessories.  

Lois K. Alexander Lane: Lois K. Alexander Lane is known for founding the Black Fashion Museum in Harlem, New York. Through her dedication, she curated a collection that celebrated the contributions of Black designers and chronicled the evolution of Black fashion. Lane’s legacy continues to illuminate the rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation within the Black fashion industry.

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Marcellas Reynolds: Marcellas Reynolds is a prominent figure in fashion, entertainment, and literature. From modeling to styling to hosting popular TV shows, his dynamic career spans various media platforms. With acclaimed books like “Supreme Models” and groundbreaking documentary series, Marcellas continues to celebrate and spotlight the achievements of iconic Black women, solidifying his influence and legacy.

Mateo New York: A Black-owned fashion brand created by Matthew Harris. Matthew was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He discovered his passion for jewelry making in New York City. Mateo’s success is from his effort of making fine jewelry at a reasonable price. The brand is sold in many retailers worldwide. “Mateo New York was also selected by the Smithsonian Museum to be featured and sold at the African American Museum of Art and Culture in Washington D.C in 2016, and the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum of Contemporary Art in 2017.”

Mecca James - Williams: A multi-talented creative who has worked as a stylist, editor, and creative director. She styled Solange's visual album" When I Get Home", as well as countless Vogue China and Japan publications, always pushing the established paradigm.

Megan Carter: A designer and stylist based in New York. Carter has made a name for herself with her streetwear label, LAVNTG. She admires fashion as an ever-evolving kind of art, drawing influence from her mother's and grandmother's taste and grace.

Milano Harris: Designer of Milano Di Rouge, a luxury streetwear brand located in Philadelphia PA. You can find her clothes on celebrities like Cardi B, Meek Mill, Monica Brown and many more. She states, “I want the youth to know that hustling can be a positive thing and they can literally become whoever/whatever they aspire to be.”

Misa Hylton: A stylist and fashion designer. Hylton is known as a pioneer in the fashion industry. She has styled many hip-hop and R&B artists since the 1990s, most notably Lil' Kim and Mary J. Blige. She owns the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy where students can channel creativity and business savvy into a fashion education. MHFA is dedicated to empowering the next wave of fashion.

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Naclo Apparel: Jamie Williams and Charles (Chuck) Royals founded Naclo Apparel in 2020 as a means of expression and necessity during the first COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate. Their quest for fun, functionality, and original clothing gave rise to Naclo Apparel. After just over a year in operation, the brand has grown into a diverse community with a broader product offering.

Naomi Sims: Naomi Sims was a trailblazing model, businesswoman, and author who broke barriers in the fashion industry during the 1960s and 1970s. As the first Black supermodel, she challenged beauty standards and paved the way for future generations. Sims later ventured into entrepreneurship, launching successful beauty and fashion ventures, and became an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the fashion world.

No Sesso: Founded by Pierre Davis in 2015. No Sesso means “no sex/no gender” in Italian. Other collaborators are Autumn Randolph and Arin Hayes and together they have created a line “that challenges the conventions of fashion, art, culture and design.” The brand is community powered that focuses on empowering people of all colors, shapes, and identities. Non Sesso celebrates the community it serves with their collections.

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ÖFUURË: An African fashion brand, featuring beautiful pieces with vibrant prints and bold patterns for the everyday Queen. Launched in 2015. ÖFUURË highlights the underrepresented lively colors and beautiful patterns of the African continent.

Orange Culture: A clothing brand created by designer Bayo Oke. He has been designing since the age of 10. He worked with several Nigerian designers to launch the brand in 2011. “The label is more than a clothing line, Adebayo insists. It is a ‘movement’.”

O-Studio Design: A knitwear brand heavily influenced by athleticism and futurism. This brand specializes in the future of apparel. Founded by El Lewis, a creative director, and stylist.

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Par Bronté Laurent: By designer Bronté Laurent. Located in Brooklyn, NY. Laurent is a womenswear fashion label. They use recycled material and sustainable packaging.

Patrick Kelly: Patrick Kelly was a pioneering fashion designer known for his playful and bold designs, often incorporating cultural references and humor. He rose to prominence in the 1980s, breaking barriers in the predominantly white fashion industry with his vibrant aesthetic and inclusive vision.

Paula Whittle: Founder and director of the most avant-garde fashion and entertainment event, Atlanta International Fashion Week. A platform for aspiring designers and models while bridging the gap and connecting continents through fashion.

Petit Kouraj: A luxury handbag line, created by Nasrin Jean-Baptiste. Based in Brooklyn NY, but handmade in Haiti. “Petit Kouraj makes fun, stand alone pieces of wearable art that celebrates a love of knitwear, sculpture and identity.”

PHLEMUNS: By designer James Flemons. A Black-owned fashion label founded in 2013. “Born out of desire to bridge the gap between elevated fashion and everyday communities, the unisex brand adopts an inclusive ‘slow fashion’ approach, meticulously crafting each collection with intentional design and accessibility in mind.”

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Queen Anna House of Fashion: A women's boutique located in Minneapolis. Founded by Nicole Jennings. A contemporary women’s retail and lifestyle boutique offering brands from influential fashion houses and independent emerging designers. The brand is dedicated to Nicole’s grandmother, Ms. Anna who was a huge inspiration in her life.

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Rendoll Lagos: Rendoll is a Nigerian apparel brand created in June 2019 by Reni (Abina) Kekere-Ekun. The brand offers trendy and practical clothing for ladies in sizes 6-24 that are sure to turn heads in any environment. At Rendoll, they feel that you should be able to be yourself without fear of being judged. Their brand is centered on femininity and body positivity.

Rene Macdonald: Founder and Creative Director of Lisou, a clothing brand. Rene is a former stylist. Her love for vintage clothing led her to start her Lisou. The brand is a host of vibrant and bold pieces.

Romeo Hunte: Known for dressing Zendaya, Beyoncé and Michele Obama. Hunte has always been about bridging the gap between past and present fashion. His outerwear designs are the essence of street style fantasies, not only for celebrities, but for the average street style connoisseur. He got his start in childhood, dropping his athletics to pursue a career in fashion. He states, “I wasn’t familiar with garment construction or illustration, but I did attend classes to refine my knowledge.”

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Sergio Hudson: A designer and owner of Sergio Hudson Collections, a luxury women's wear label designed and produced entirely in Los Angeles. His line is composed of jaw-dropping statement pieces and wardrobe staples.

Shiona Turini: A costume designer, stylist, and consultant. Shiona has established herself as being one of the industry's top specialists throughout the course of her decade-long career. She established a freelance career focused on editorial and commercial styling, music videos, and red carpet. She was a stylist on Beyoncé's 'Formation' music video and collaborated with Solange Knowles on her magnificent audiovisual works, 'Don't Touch My Hair' and 'Cranes in the Sky.' Shiona also worked as a costume designer for HBO's hit show 'Insecure,' starring Issa Rae.

Sky Stitched Designs: Sky Stitched Designs is committed to fashion inclusivity and accessibility. The brand is for those who like innovative designs that bring anime inspirations to reality. Becoming a Sky Stitched Doll is not just a title, it’s a lifestyle! Professionalism, Uniqueness, Sexy, Sweet, and a “YES” mindset when it comes to fashion accessibility!

Solely Fit: An activewear line designed by Stefania Okolie. As a fitness fanatic and a lover of design, it has long been her dream to create a brand that empowers and unifies strong women while expressing their stories. Solely Fit aims to capture the wonderful story of a woman's body and the essence of who she is, while also encouraging her to be everything she was born to be.

Soul By Amè: Founded by 22-year-old Phillip Petty of Utah. He developed the brand in 2019. His brand is inspired by Black culture. His brand blends Black culture with luxury streetwear.

Stephen Burrows: An fashion designer recognized for his groundbreaking use of color, fluid silhouettes, and innovative fabric techniques. A key figure in the 1970s disco era, Burrows’ designs captured the energy and spirit of the times, earning him acclaim as one of America’s top designers.

Styledby3K: An e-commerce market featuring established and emerging streetwear within menswear and womenswear. Being innovative, Styledby3k demonstrates various virtual styling approaches to showcase pieces from underground to luxury streetwear brands. The founder Chanel Robinson-Hill, is a scientist, personal shopper, and stylist from Philadelphia. Her scientific background inspired her to explore fashion and merge the two worlds together.

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Telfar Clemmons: Founder of TELFAR. TELFAR is a genderless fashion label. Telfar bags are produced cruelty free, and gender neutral. His idea was to be exclusive and include everyone regardless of their gender, background, or race. Telfar has been an advocate of using fashion to speak for the underprivileged from the brand's start. Flares, high-waisted denim, and sporty pieces that turn the trend on its head are just a few examples of how the Queens native blended functionality with a stylish aesthetic.

Thelma West: A diamond specialist and designer. Founder of jewelry line, Thelma West Diamonds. Her designs have been worn by many inspiring women, including Rihanna who wore a ring from the collection to complete her 2021 MET Gala look.

Theophilio: A clothing brand by designer Edvin Thompson. Located in Brooklyn, NY. Thompson has used his experiences growing up in Jamaica as well as living in NYC as inspiration. A large portion of his designs are unisex clothing that is vibrant, and colorful

Theo Tyson: A curator who invites conversations about the sociocultural implications of race, gender, identity, and sexuality through a lens of fashion, art, and culture. Her practice focuses on creating sartorial spaces of reclamation and authority to share the powerful stories of Black women and those on the LGBTQI+ spectrum. Theo privileges noncanonical ways of seeing, offering audiences poignant new perspectives from which to view the rich diversity of our humanity. Using the language of fashion, she unravels threads that put forward opportunities for deeper connections to the import and impact of clothing and dress.

Tier NYC: A clothing brand founded in 2014 by Nigeria Ealey, Esae Jean Simon, and Victor James. Their brand motto is "Art Never Dies" which represents the ever-changing growth of creativity and the ability to use fashion as a vehicle to express ourselves individually and collectively.

Titi Adesa: A luxury footwear brand created by Titi Adesanya. Titi Adesa footwear is handcrafted in Milan and known for its devotion to superb artistry and remarkable quality. The brand was created for the contemporary lady with a youthful essence. In refined, basic shapes, each collection aspires to strike a seamless balance between modest elegance and sophisticated femininity.

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Undra Celeste by New York: A clothing brand. Founded by Undra Celeste, a modern multicultural women’s designer. “The goal is to empower multicultural women to show up to work feeling like their authentic selves exuding confidence by providing modern, fun, and bold workwear.”

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Victor Glemaud: A Haitian-American designer. Glemaud launched his leisurewear collection in 2006. It is designed for all people, genders, races, sizes, and personalities. He was a finalist in the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. He studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

Virgil Abloh: Abloh was a Ghanaian American fashion entrepreneur and fashion designer. In 2009, he worked with Kanye West during an internship with Fendi. Abloh worked in street wear and international fashion before passing away on November 28th 2021. He was the founder of Off-white and the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear division.

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Waraire: A bespoke suiting and ready-to-wear brand. Founded in 2002 by Waraire Boswell. The brand has paid attention to detail, proper fit, style, taste level and innovation. Waraire applies comfortable, quality techniques to a spectrum of fabrics, giving his work a unique sensibility.

White Space Jewelry: A luxury jewelry brand founded by Khadijah Fulton. Fulton is graduate of Parsons School of Design. Most of her designs are crafted in her Los Angeles, CA studio. Fulton also works as creative consultant.

Willi Smith: Willi Smith was a visionary fashion designer celebrated for his innovative streetwear-inspired collections and commitment to diversity. His label, WilliWear, revolutionized the fashion landscape with its accessible yet cutting-edge designs.

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XULY.Bët: Founded by Lamine Kouyaté in 1991. It means “Keep your eyes open.” Kouyaté fell in love with the Parisian fashion scene which led him to move to Paris and begin working as a fashion designer. The brand is known for its use of recycled clothing to create high fashion.

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Yam: Made to order, handmade jewelry brand by designer Morgan Thomas. Located in Queens, NY. The brand embraces vintage silhouettes and feel-good materials such as pearls and recycled metals.

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Zelie for She: A plus sized clothing brand company. Zelie for She is a bold declaration of one's uniqueness and individuality. Elann Zelie designed and produced the work in Los Angeles. She said, "It was difficult growing up plus-sized and not having fashion alternatives to reflect my uniqueness, emotions, or whatever I was becoming. I'd see other skinny girls with choices and the ability to express themselves via their clothing. That's when I discovered my passion for design. I want my art to speak for itself... it's like a movie, where I cast people that remind me of myself and utilize them to convey my tale."

Zerina Akers: Akers is currently the personal stylist and wardrobe curator for Beyoncé. Akers started as a fashion intern with W Magazine. She also freelanced at other fashion publications such as Bazaar and WWD. She received her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing from L.I.M. She says fashion is not only about luxury but about inspiring her clients to express their authentic selves as well.

Zou Hou: Handcrafted, sustainable, and ethically made, Zou Xou (pronounced ‘zu ‘zu) was made in 2015 as a slow fashion footwear brand. CEO and creative director, Katherine Theobalds, was in a personal crisis right before starting the brand and used her negative experiences within the fashion industry in NYC to fuel her passion to start her own company.