Whether it’s small independent brands or established labels, supporting black -owned fashion brands help put money into the community, and gives Black and Brown creatives a voice. Below, I’ve selected 12 dope Black-owned fashion brands to shop right now. From already established fashion labels to smaller independent brands, here is your chance to put your money where your mouth is. Remember, Support is a Verb! From household names like Kenya Freeman (project runway alum), Natt Taylor and Octavius Marsion to rising stars like Myriam Belasse (KeenaBela), Elle Stovall, Cedric Brown and Donald Jumper (Humble beginnings), browse some of my favorite black owned fashion brands below.
I’ll take one of everything, thanks.
Sassy sophisticated dresses and separates by NATT TAYLOR
Natt Taylor’s brainchild has garnered a wave of recognition and support in recent years thanks to the designer’s powerful messaging woven into the threads of her signature collections. Each piece radiates sex appeal, including the signature LOLA dress, a must have for your day to night wardrobe. Celebrities like Nicole Ari Parker, NeNe Leakes, Terri Vaughn and Keshia Knight-Pulliam have all been seen wearing pieces from the Natt Taylor collection.
Natt Taylor Designs. Courtesy Natt Taylor
OCTAVIUS MARSION You’ve probably already heard of Octavius Marsion. The menswear brand holds weight in the fashion world and has created designs for iconic celebrities from the world of music, entertainment, and sports including Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Nick Cannon and Tamar Braxton, just to name a few. But Octavius is more than just that. The corporate executive turned celebrity fashion designer never fails at delivering powerful messages through his work.
Octavius Marsion Designs. Courtesy Octavius Marsion
Sylvia Mollie Collection – Fashion Designer Project Runway Alum, Kenya Freeman has amplified plus-size fashion since launching her brand, Sylvia Mollie. Her love for everyday pieces and passion for inclusivity in the women’s wear led her to create Sylvia Mollie. Freeman wanted to prove that her clothing embodies bold femininity with transitional ready-to-wear pieces, and effortless makeup and that being trendy and curvy can go hand in hand. From the looks of it, she’s done just that.
Sylvia Mollie Designs. Courtesy Kenya Freeman
If the African diaspora had an official merch line, https://afrotheory.com/would be it. Afro Theory, founded by Francis Ukpolo , celebrates Africa’s rich colors and textures in modern designs. In addition to making waves in the fashion sector, they believe in giving back. Afro Theory donates ⅓ of their profits to charitable organizations supporting child education and small business owners.
Afro Theory Designs. Courtesy Afro Theory
It has been said not all superheroes wear capes. These days, they wear scarves and kimonos. Like many people working in the industry, Cedric Brown always knew he wanted to go into fashion. From interning to senior designer of www.cedricbrowncollections.com, Cedric Brown did it! His customized artwork has attracted him to Notable celebrities, Actress Lynn Whitfield, Vivica A. Fox, Rapper Young Thug, Wale, Singer Tamela Mann, Coca Vango, Verse Simmons, Lil Scrappy, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and Fortune 500 CEO’s John Miller, among others.
Cedric Brown Designs. Courtesy Cedric Brown
Bohemian loungewear – cicidionne
Cicily Swanson created cicidionne brand to fill a void in the marketplace. Her mission is simple: “to create bohemian inspired loungewear that tells your story! The pieces—much like the designer, aim to reimagine the way people think of loungewear by creating pieces you’ll want to show off anywhere but the house telling stories through fabrics and positive inspiring graphic messaging.
cicidionne Designs. Courtesy cicidionne
If there’s any fashion boutique, you’ll want to spend an hour or two window-shopping online, it’s Curvaceous Boutique, an e-commerce retail store that exclusively stocks plus size trendy clothing for curvy women. You might recognize the name from the brands prominent social media presence. The styles you’ll find are pretty unforgettable–including a range of colors and styles—frames to sequin sweatshirts, camo hi waist joggers, Ballon sleeve jumpsuits, and faux leather tops.
Curvaceous Designs. Courtesy Curvaceous
Inspired by her South Korean heritage, designer Elle Stovall set out to create clothing paying homage to the bold prints and vibrant hues her family would wear. And it’s clear from her designs that she wants to make our closets (and our lives) feel a little more beautiful—think redefined black dresses, dramatic sleeves, structural blazers, and wide-leg pants meet architectural cuts, Asian prints, and more.
Elle Stovall Designs. Courtesy Elle Stovall
Humble Beginnings USA (abrandforthepeople.com)
Both shoppers and designers are putting more thought into the processes behind making clothes and—importantly—their impact on the environment. Among them is Donald Jumper, who was inspired to launch a sustainable denim brand https://abrandforthepeople.com/ by his own passion for reworking vintage pieces. After altering his own jeans for years, he launched his own line to fill the void— from historically Black colleges and universities styles to customized patchwork denim collabs with reputable brands such as Krystal. It’s no wonder Big Boi, Sleepy Brown, Ray J and plenty of other celebs can’t get enough.
Humble Beginnings USA Designs. Courtesy Humble Beginnings USA
Women Loungewear & Sleepwear | KeenaBela | Atlanta, GA
St. Lucian -born, Barbados-raised Myriam Belasse is no stranger to the fashion game; her bold and vibrant hues have graced editorials and storefronts for years. Her latest venture, KeenaBela quickly gained the attention of sleepwear and loungewear aficionados. Proof? Despite enduring a global pandemic, KeenaBela is now available on its e-commerce website http://www.keenabela.com, has officially debuted at http://www.walmart.com and currently has a storefront. Nearly every drop sells out. Keep your eyes open and you might just find your new must-have available in your favorite color, style and size—then add to cart, stat.
KeenaBela Designs. Courtesy jwrphotography
Buy Casual Men’s Clothing & Apparel Online | Lee Rickie Collection
When you see a Lee Rickie piece, you see contemporary luxury and sophistication—which makes sense, since his pieces have graced the backs of celebrities like Diddy, Mary J blige , Dwele, Eyrikah Badu, Stephanie Mills, Tony Toni Tone, Morris Chestnut and Dwight Howard just to name a few.
Lee Rickie Designs. Courtesy Lee Rickie
One of the shops I found through my Instagram story, https://uptownyardie.com/, is a British company inspired by Jamaican heritage, selling a lifestyle, captured through shoes and clothes. Yardie’s pieces are anything but simple and modern “Yardie”-perfect for the adventurous fashionado.
Uptown Yardie Designs. Courtesy Uptown Yardie
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