65+ Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Shop Now and Forever

The brand: The artistic inspiration behind Christopher John Rogers's pieces, which have already been featured in countless editorials and on many a red carpet, is undeniable and instantly recognizable. Above, Aurora James of Brother Vellies models one of Rogers's bright pieces in Brooklyn, where he has been making made-to-order clothing for customers since 2016. Rogers hails from Baton Rouge, LA, and he is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner.

Where to shop: Exclusively online at Net-a-Porter and in stores at McMullen and Forty Five Ten

The brand: Telfar Clemens recently reinvented the Telfar brand and launched what some are calling "the new Birkin," worn by the likes of Dua Lipa, and the various sizes and colorways are almost all sold out on the website.

Where to shop: Online at Telfar, Cettire, Farfetch, SSENSE, and Italist

The brand: Carly Cushnie is the CEO and creative director of the label, known for its sexy, groundbreaking, minimalist designs, many of which have unexpected cutouts and belong on the red carpet.

Where to shop: Online at Net-a-Porter and 11 Honoré.

The brand: LaQuan Smith started his brand, currently headquartered in Long Island City, NY, in 2013, and the statement-making runway pieces have been seen on the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian.

Where to shop: Online at LaQuan Smith, FWRD, and ASOS, where he created a budget-friendly collection

The brand: The beautiful styles — which range from resortwear to contemporary loungewear — come in gorgeous colorways and silhouettes for sizes 0-20. Everything from the brand's current Pink Label Collection is inspired by the beauty of Congo.

Where to shop: Online at Hanifa

The brand: Created by fashion designer, artist, and DJ Heron Preston, the runway-ready, streetwear-cool label offers outerwear and accessories worn by some of the biggest celebrities.

Where to shop: Online at Heron Preston, Saks Fifth Avenue, SSENSE, Neiman Marcus, and Farfetch

The brand: Founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, the resort and swimwear here is beautiful with eccentric patterns. Everything is handmade in Africa from natural cotton sourced in Ethiopia.

Where to shop: Online at Lemlem, Bloomingdale's, Shopbop, Farfetch, Mytheresa, Net-a-Porter, and Revolve

The brand: Designer Stella Jean aims to combine her heritage — she has an Italian father and Haitian mother — through her beautiful garments made from "cultural fabric." Her runway-ready pieces run the gamut (you'll see sequins and intricate embroidery on some of her more high-fashion looks), but we are all about the fun, vacation-ready dresses and skirts you'll find at some of your go-to retailers, like Shopbop.

Where to shop: Online at Farfetch, Shopbop, and The Outnet

The brand: Darryl Brown, who is notably a former stylist of Kanye West, fused his time working in the labor union with the look of contemporary streetwear to churn out button-downs and cargos that are meant to empower the wearer.

Where to shop: Online at Darryl Brown

The brand: Dani Evans created Monrowe fully inspired by her grandfather, who was a jazz musician from the South. The unisex hats are influenced by '40s and '50s fashion, and they're all hats Dani's grandfather "would have worn" but reinvented for the modern woman.

Where to shop: Online at Monrowe NYC

The brand: Edgy graphics and risky leather separates make up Nigerian-British designer Mowalola Ogunlesi's collection, which you might shop for tees, bold accessories, or going-out tops.

Where to shop: Online at SSENSE

The brand: The beautiful, feminine dresses created by Tracy Reese are even more covetable since, as a brand, the fashion house has been championing body diversity for years. Michelle Obama is a fan.

Where to shop: Online at Hope For Flowers, where Reese's products are being made through eco-conscious methods, and at Anthropologie

The brand: This brand features beautiful, vibrant, hand-crafted raffia bags made in Ghana and is founded by Ghanaian native Akosua Afriyie-Kumi.

Where to shop: Online at AAKS and at Bloomingdale's

The brand: Find well-crafted sac bags and geometric belts that are neutral in tone and functional enough to wear every day.

Where to shop: Online at Agnes Baddoo

The brand: Created by Alima Bello, the ready-to-wear women's workwear label is made in Accra, Ghana, both giving talented people local job opportunities and promoting a "slow" fashion initiative rather than producing wasted materials and overstock.

Where to shop: Online at Bello|Edu

The brand: Think: unisex statement pieces like crystal fringed denim and head-to-toe cloud prints. These clothes, created by James Flemons, are not for the faint of heart. You might recall that he created outfits for Solange Knowles's "Don't Touch My Hair" video.

Where to shop: Online at Phlemuns and SSENSE

The brand: Designer Undra Duncan creates beautiful dresses and two-piece sets for working women who don't mind a bold touch of sex appeal in their wardrobes.

Where to shop: Online at Undra Celeste

The brand: Championed by Michelle Obama and also worn by Lupita Nyong'o, Solange Knowles, Thandie Newton, and Azealia Banks, to name a few, the brand was founded in 2010 by Amaka Osakwe to keep traditional African design techniques alive. The contemporary pieces are an experiment in prints and buzzy, beautiful patterns.

Where to shop: Online at Maki Oh

The brand: Oji Royale was started in LA as the first line of luxury durags, today expanding into luxe-looking outerwear and sweats. "Our goal is to address and rectify the misconceptions that attempt to dilute our culture and the countless styles it has influenced," founders the Imoohi brothers wrote on their site.

Where to shop: Online at Oji Royale

The brand: Sheri McMullen founded this all-inclusive concept shop based in Oakland, CA as a destination for luxury labels that empower women. McMullen has remained dedicated to supporting African and African-American apparel and home designers in her boutique.

Where to shop: Online at McMullen and in-store at the Oakland and Palo Alto locations.

The brand: Founded by actress and entrepreneur Draya Howard in 2011, these swimsuits are made to accentuate your natural curves and come in risky, high-rise cuts — though you can shop some of the affordable cover-ups if you're comfortable in a bit more material.

Where to shop: Online at Mint Swim

The brand: Jamela Acheampong is the founder and brand director behind Kahmune, which is a luxury footwear label that caters to all skin tones and was started in London in an effort to spread the word that, hey, by the way, the color "nude" doesn't mean the same thing for everyone. At the current time, you can shop flats, pumps, and sandals in different materials and up to 10 different shades.

Where to shop: Online at Kahmune

The brand: Harwell Godfrey was created by Lauren Harwell Godfrey and is based in San Francisco — a fine jewelry brand made up of 18k gold designs with aesthetic roots in ancient textiles and ethnic patterns, many of which have the purpose of healing for the wearer.

Where to shop: Online at Harwell Godfrey or at select stockists.

The brand: Husband-and-wife team Kofi and Kristin Essel codesign these gender-neutral, architectural pieces that bring attitude to contemporary jewelry. Both Beyoncé and Solange Knowles have been spotted wearing the designs.

Where to shop: Online at Third Crown

The brand: Even though you might know Sergio Hudson for many a red carpet dress or even Kamala Harris's and Michelle Obama's inauguration outfits, Sergio (who was a competitor and winner on Bravo's Styled to Rock) is now offering statement belts online at a more contemporary price point. He created his brand in 2014 with an '80s-rock influence, and the aesthetic still rings true today.

Where to shop: Online at Sergio Hudson

The brand: Riot Swim was created by model Monti Landers in LA in 2016 for those with a minimalist aesthetic, and bestsellers include the ruched bikinis and one-pieces in neutral colorways with cheeky cuts. If you're in need of a plain swimsuit with sex appeal, this should be your new go-to.

Where to shop: Online at Riot Swim

The brand: Born and raised in Jamaica, Matthew Harris started his brand with a love for jewelry in NYC in 2009 and has since launched a fine-jewelry collection that has been recognized by the CFDA. We're big fans of the statement pearls, and the chic, structured handbag collection is beautiful and ladylike.

Where to shop: Online at Mateo New York, Farfetch, Matches Fashion, and Saks Fifth Avenue

The brand: Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah launched the first official Andrea Iyamah swim collection in 2013, and as a whole, the brand aims to channel ethnic cultures through design. The bold pieces — there are plenty of avant-garde dresses, tops, and bottoms — are for the most adventurous and fashion forward.

Where to shop: Online at Andrea Iyamah

The brand: Haitian-born Victor Glemaud launched his statement-making knitwear in 2006 and is increasingly relevant right now, when the appeal of ribbed knitwear is at its peak.

Where to shop: Online at Glemaud, Nordstrom, Moda Operandi, SSENSE, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Shopbop

The brand: Onyii Brown started the label from Houston, though the clothing is made and sold throughout the US, Ghana, and Nigeria. The wrap dresses have become the most popular pieces for the brand, which is founded on the basis of spirit for the cosmopolitan woman.

Where to shop: Online at Onyii & Co.

The brand: Carlton Jones launched his eponymous label based out of NYC in 2015, and has worked with celebrities such as Queen Latifah, Halle Berry, and Michelle Obama. His current collection of resort wear screams "relaxed fluidity," and that's exactly how he likes to describe it.

Where to shop: Online at Carlton Jones

The brand: Brooklyn-based designer Fe Noel has a passion for travel, and that comes through when you see her colorful collections that are inspired by her Caribbean heritage.

Where to shop: Online at Fe Noel and Bloomingdale's

The brand: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu founded the footwear brand that is produced ethically, providing jobs to the communities of Ethiopia and wages three times the industry average. The made-to-order shoes can be shipped to every country in the world, and there's a full vegan assortment to shop from.

Where to shop: Online at SoleRebels

The brand: Founder and Creative Director Sarah Nakintu wanted to offer her customers handmade, quality bags at a fair price point, and she sources her leather from Italy and hardware from Kenya. The 100 percent vegetable tanned leather is soft and flexible, and the bright colors and embroideries speak to those who like to show their personality.

Where to shop: Online at Kintu New York

The brand: Laduma Ngxokolo is a mastermind in knitwear. As one of the Xhosa people (a South African ethnic group), he started the line to create pieces suitable for traditional dress, so beadwork, mohair, and wool come into play through his beautifully crafted designs.

Where to shop: Online at Maxhosa Africa

The brand: Jameel Mohammed founded luxury brand Khiry, which offers customers impeccably made gold jewelry such as hoops, rings, and necklaces with a twist. Yara Shahidi, Solange Knowles, and model Naomi Chin Wing (pictured above) are fans.

Where to shop: Online at Khiry

The brand: Jamaican-born Wilhelmina model Chantel Davis founded Castamira Swim out of her love for figure-flattering, bodyconscious shapewear. Chantel debuted her first collection of luxury one-pieces to do just that and today is focused on using eco-friendly materials and packaging to share her gorgeous maillots with the world.

Where to shop: Online at Castamira

The brand: Telsha Anderson was set to open her brick-and-mortar store, t.a., in NYC when the coronavirus began to spread. She quickly transition to e-commerce in under 24 hours, and is now curating designer collections online sourced from all across the globe.

Where to shop: Online at t.a.

The brand: The exclusively pure, high-karat gold jewelry company was founded by Gina Love in 2017. After being frustrated at the lack of high-quality gold products in the US, the Jamaican-born designer introduced her line of 22k and 24k pieces so customers can purchase fine jewelry that's rare and worth the price tag.

Where to shop: Online at AUVERE

The brand: Based in LA and founded by D'Ana Smith, 4THPRD is a streetwear brand full of hoodies, sweatshirts, and accessories that make a proud, confident statement.

Where to shop: Online at 4THPRD

The brand: Founded by mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, House of Aama's designs are meant to spark conversations about Black experience and traditional heritage. Many of the pieces are vintage reinterpreted and re-styled, and everything is produced in LA, California.

Where to shop: Online at House of Aama

The brand: Mmii Orji is a Nigerian fashion designer and creator of B.FREEDOM, which is a contemporary brand centered around achieving boldness with ease. Think: gorgeous resort-style flounce jumpsuits and two-piece sets that would be perfect for a tropical vacation.

Where to shop: Online at B.FREEDOM

The brand: Model Monét Nejon makes custom crochet clothing that, impressively, is completely handmade. Her swim cover-ups have long skirts that won't take away from your swim style. Nejon is regularly promoted by Pop Chic & Vintage.

Where to shop: Online at Mochips Etsy shop

The brand: CEO Shilla Kim-Parker started Thrilling to provide shoppers with the best vintage. The company scours small boutiques to curate the selection, which you can shop online all in one space. According to the brand, Shilla was "driven by environmental concerns, seeing an opportunity to create a space that would aid in the reduction of pollution in the fashion landscape. She is also passionate about a desire to help local small businesses – the majority of which are owned by women – survive in a fiercely-competitive, digital-first world by reaching new consumers worldwide."

Where to shop: Online at Thrilling

The brand: Evin Harrah is the creative designer behind Yori Collection, a line of beautiful matching sets, dresses, and jumpsuits with unique details like surprising cutouts, sweepings of sequins, and giant bows. The line is playful, but impactful.

Where to shop: Online at Yori Collection

The brand: The Annalise Group is a boutique distributor, branding, and e-commerce agency started by Mikisha Ruffin. The company helps artisanal brands, like these Le Clare Italian slippers, launch digitally in the US. "We have a passion for beauty, timeless items of quality, artisanal craft, and great design. We believe in preserving craftsmanship and ethical sustainable production by offering these products that display these values to a broader market," Mikisha told POPSUGAR.

Where to shop: A. Andreassen and Le Clare are the first two brands launched under the group, and there will be more to come.

The brand: LaToia Fitzgerald launched Lionne in 2018, and she's also behind Dillonger Clothing, a unique brand for children. Her bold pieces are meant to uplift strong women and they range from statement joggers to bodyconscious dresses.

Where to shop: Online at Lionne.

The brand: Well(un)known was created by Aneesha DuBois and co-founded by Christopher Taylor for the fashion-inquisitive who aspires to discover new brands. Aneesha hopes to always offer that introduction through her online shop, which includes labels like A.W.A.K.E, Valas, Mara Paris, Personal Effects, and more.

Where to shop: Online at Well(un)known.

The brand: Vashti Bryant founded LA-based brand Amalfii in an attempt to find stylish yet sustainable clothes in a world dominated by fast fashion. The pieces are designed to be styled in multiple ways, all in color tones that work for every season. The company is also constantly upcycling its fabric, working old textiles into new collections to reduce waste.

Where to shop: Online at Amalfii.

The brand: Created by Isoken Ogiemwonyi, Zazaii is curated collection of Black contemporary fashion that ships worldwide.

Where to shop: Online at Zazaii.

The brand: Re Ona is a minimal womenswear label with a focus on transitional, functional, and luxe designs, reimagining the classic basics.

Where to shop: Online at Re Ona.

The brand: The brainchild of Head Designer Sade Mims, Edas turns unusual home foods and refurbished elements into modern and highly covetable accessories for the eclectic being. Sustainability is central to the brand, as Edas works with craftsmen make pieces of jewelry by hand. No two items will be exactly the same, and that just makes every piece feel more special.

Where to shop: Online at Edas

The brand: Founded by stylist and costume designer Waina Chancy and fashion designer Viviane Valerius, Ndigo Studio crafts sculptural, edgy clothes that blend beauty, art, and fashion. Expect rich jewel colors in equally and colorful elevated fabrics.

Where to shop: Online at Ndigo Studio.

--

The brand: Muxe is a gender-free streetwear label that is founded, designed, and operated by New York-based Parsons alum Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe, with the intent of creating unisex garments that comment on gender, politics, and culture. Kadeem is a passionate advocate for change to underrepresented communities, with a specific focus on the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. A portion of all sales are donated to Live Out Loud, the NYC based LGBTQ+ youth organization, which helps to inspire queer minority youth.

Where to shop: Online at Muxe New York.

The brand: LaSette is a transitional lingerie brand with a mission to create depth in your everyday, challenge the norm, and give you the power to feel and look good. The brand intends to empower customers and their bodies.

Where to shop: Online at LaSette.

The brand: DAEM is a Black-owned Brooklyn-based luxury watch brand. Each timepiece and collection is thoughtfully designed, including the latest collaboration with The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, which showcased a beautiful moment when the talents and ingenuity of the Black community can come together and complement one another.

Where to shop: Online at DAEM Watches.

The brand: Aminah's shoes are daring, feminine, and playful.

Where to shop: Online at Aminah Abdul Jillil. The brand was launched by Aminah Abdul Jillil who was awarded 'Accessory Designer Of The Year' by ESSENCE Magazine in 2019.

Where to shop: Online at Aminah Abdul Jillil.

The brand: London-based womenswear brand Kai Collective launched in 2016 and was founded by fashion and travel blogger, Fisayo Longe. With colorful, highly spirited designs that embrace feminity in all its forms, the brand is actively championing female empowerment.

Where to shop: Online at Kai Collective.

The brand: Elisa Johnson blends classic sensibilities, current trends and an eye for luxury into her collection of one-of-a-kind eyewear. As a born and bred LA girl turned NYC fashion entrepreneur, founder Elisa Johnson brings her unique point of view to the art of making undeniably cool glasses.

Where to shop: Online at ElisaJohnson

The brand: House of Bloom Fashion is a luxury womenswear label with a great passion for fashion and a flair for design which found a home in empowering women and inspiring individuality. Founded and established by Nia Brown, the lifestyle brand is the epitome of luxury, femininity, and diversity - where everyone is allowed to fully bloom and thrive while looking their best at all times.

Where to shop: Online at House of Bloom Fashion.

The brand: A visit to his motherland in 2015 changed Tewodros Dechase's journey, and eventually left to the birth of Dechase. Tewodros spent some time studying shoemaking, visiting factories and learning alongside skilled artisans. Dechase brings together a passion for high-quality, comfortable shoes and a commitment to ethical production to provide modern styles for both men and women.

Where to shop: Online at DECHASE

The brand: Specializing in silk-based clothing, Leigh NY is the purveyor of classic and timeless garments. Founded by Morgan Johnson, the brand makes undeniably chic pieces that will be the foundational blocks of anyone's wardrobe.

Where to shop: Online at Leigh NY

The brand: Designer Theresa Ebagua imagined luxury footwear that represents her African heritage, and she brought that vision to life. Chelsea Paris, born in 2012 and named after the designer's daughters, promotes a global perspective, timeless luxury, and diverse creativity.

Where to shop: Online at Chelsea Paris and Neiman Marcus

The brand: Shop boldly colored, tailored work pieces for the modern woman interested in adventure and making a statement. There are some crop tops, miniskirts, and going-out statement pieces here, too.

Where to shop: Online at Ama Nwoke

The brand: Founded in 2017 by Alysha Cassis-Shaw, Neutral Ground is a collection of curated women's vintage and designer pieces. Committed to conservation, style preservation, and conscious consumerism, the brand sells unique well-made and long-lasting pieces that continue their life cycle.

Where to shop: Online at Neutral Ground.

The brand: Aurora James is one of the most renowned accessory designers in fashion, with her shoes in particular (especially those furry slides) making waves. The brand was founded on the purpose of keeping traditional African design processes alive.

Where to shop: Online at Brother Vellies, Farfetch, and Shopbop