26 Black Fashion Designers That Should Be on Your Radar

With demonstrations held across the United States protesting the unjust death of George Floyd during the summer of 2020, the fashion community stepped up to do its part. One way you can continue to support the community is by shopping pieces from Black designers. Some designers, like Aurora James of Brother Vellies, have issued powerful calls to action from big corporations. In an inspiring Instagram post, Aurora asked larger corporations like Net-a-Porter, Sephora, and Saks Fifth Avenue, to name a few, to step up to the plate and help make a change. She demanded a pledge from large companies to buy 15 percent of products from Black designers.

We still have a long way to go when it comes to addressing systemic racism, but it is crucial to do whatever you can to support Black-owned businesses — and not just now, but always. If you're looking for a place to start, we've created a list of Black designers you can support. From Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss, whose fashion shows have celebrated Black history, to Rihanna, who has helped changed the landscape with Fenty by becoming the first Black woman to create an original brand for LVHM, we're listing 26 Black designers you can support and shop from ahead.

Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss
Getty | Shannon Finney

Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss

Kerby Jean-Raymond created Pyer Moss in 2013 and his collections often celebrate Black history.

Aurora James of Brother Vellies
Getty | Nicholas Hunt

Aurora James of Brother Vellies

Chances are you've probably seen Aurora James's gorgeous Brother Vellies designs (like the fuzzy heels she's wearing in this photo here!) The accessory brand was created in 2013 "with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs."

Christopher John Rogers
Getty | Victor VIRGILE

Christopher John Rogers

Christopher John Rogers is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner who is known for creating colorful often theatrical designs, including Kamala Harris's purple inauguration coat.

Rihanna of Fenty
Getty | Robert Kamau

Rihanna of Fenty

Rihanna has two fashion lines: her luxury line Fenty and her affordable lingerie line Savage x Fenty. With Fenty, Rihanna became the first Black woman to create an original brand for with luxury conglomerate LVHM.

Telfar Clemens of Telfar
Getty | Astrid Stawiarz

Telfar Clemens of Telfar

Telfar Clemens started Telfar in 2003, and the brand has a cult following, thanks to its sleek logo bag which has been dubbed "Buschwick's Birkin." The brand's motto pretty much sums up its aesthetic: "It's not for you — it's for everyone."

Tracy Reese
Getty | Gilbert Carrasquillo

Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese is known for creating dreamy, feminine dresses. Her designs are beloved by many, including former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa
Getty | Ilya S. Savenok

Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa

Anifa Mvuemba's size-inclusive label, Hanifa, is inspired by Congo. Her collection includes bold, feminine pieces ranging from sizes 0-20.

Victor Glemaud
Getty | Albert Urso

Victor Glemaud

Haitian-born designer Victor Glemaud launched his eponymous brand in 2006. The designer is known for reworking classic knitwear pieces.

Jason Rembert of Aliétte
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Jason Rembert of Aliétte

Jason Rembert is a celebrity stylist with clients like Issa Rae, Rita Ora, and Marsai Martin. His luxury label, Aliétte, is inspired by his mother and the nuances of womanhood.

Maxwell Osborne of Public School
Getty | Nicholas Hunt

Maxwell Osborne of Public School

Public School is a New York City-based brand known for its streetwear-infused pieces. The brand was started by Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow in 2008 and supports local tailors and pattern-makers.

Heron Preston Johnson of Heron Preston
Getty | Thierry Chesnot

Heron Preston Johnson of Heron Preston

Heron Preston's streetwear pieces are inspired by both art and music. The designer is also a well-known DJ on the side.

LaQuan Smith
Getty | Sean Drakes

LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith started his label in 2013, and his statement-making pieces have been worn on the red carpet by celebrities like Winnie Harlow, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.

Brea Stinson of Stinson Haus
Davar Stephen

Brea Stinson of Stinson Haus

Although she's lived in LA for about a decade, Brea's Detroit upbringing heavily influences her work, which she describes as "comfortable confidence with an edge." Stinson Haus's loose, two-piece ensembles have a certain coolness, her outwear is embellished with glitzy baubles, and her fabrics are infused with vivacity.

Amaka Osakwe of Maki Oh
Getty | Ben Gabbe

Amaka Osakwe of Maki Oh

Founded 2010 by Amaka Osakwe, Maki Oh is a womenswear brand that uses traditional African techniques and blends them with contemporary construction. The brand has been worn by Lupita Nyong'o and Solange Knowles, to name a few.

Romeo Hunte
Getty | Ricky Vigil

Romeo Hunte

Brooklyn-born Romeo Hunte started his eponymous contemporary brand in 2014. The designer focuses on statement outerwear pieces that strike a balance between being edgy and sophisticated.

Andrea Iyamah
Getty | Bennett Raglin

Andrea Iyamah

In 2013, Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah launched her swimwear line Andrea Iyamah. The pieces are inspired by "color, ethnic cultures, nature, and design elements." Since its launch in 2013, the brand has moved into ready-to-wear pieces as well.

Corianna and Brianna Dotson of Coco and Breezy Eyewear
Joshua Kissi

Corianna and Brianna Dotson of Coco and Breezy Eyewear

At age 19, sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson started Coco and Breezy Eyewear, offering some of the funkiest, chicest pairs of optical specs and sunglasses on the market. Now, although a handful of notable A-listers have worn the sisters' specs — Beyoncé, Prince, Yara Shahidi, the list goes on — they feel most fulfilled when they spot a random stranger wearing their eyewear.

Ade Hassan of Nubian Skin

London-based designer Ade Hassan started Nubian Skin. The brand focuses on skin-tone lingerie and hosiery for women of color.

Laurence Basse
Getty | Jerritt Clark

Laurence Basse

Laurence Basse was a finalist on Project Runway season 15. The designer's work has appeared on everyone from NBA player Dwight Howard to actress Gina Rodriguez.

Whitney Michel of Michel Men

After graduating from Parsons School of Design, Whitney Michel started her men's accessories brand called Michel Men. The brand is currently selling masks, and 20 percent of sales will be donated to The Dream Defenders.

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi of AAKS

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi creates a variety of whimsical bags under her brand AAKS. All of her bags are handcrafted in Ghana.

Darryl Brown

Darryl Brown was a steelworker and a railroad conductor before breaking into the fashion industry as Kanye West's stylist. He later started his eponymous streetwear line.

Thebe Magugu
Getty | Bertrand Rindoff Petroff

Thebe Magugu

Thebe Magugu was the first Black designer to win the LVHM prize in the competition's seven-year history. The designer focuses on women's ready-to-wear and has committed to producing all of his pieces in South Africa.

James Flemons of Phlemuns

James Flemons creates genderless pieces under his clothing line Phlemuns. His designs even caught the eye of Solange Knowles, and he designed the outfits seen in her "Don't Touch My Hair" music video.

Akua Shabaka and Rebecca Henry of House of Aama

Akua Shabaka and Rebecca Henry are the mother-daughter designing duo behind the brand House of Aama. Their gorgeous designs often reference politics and history.

Kenneth Ize
Getty | Victor VIRGILE

Kenneth Ize

Kenneth Ize collaborates with artisans and weavers across Nigeria to help create his colorful designs. The brand is devoted to the long-established traditions of Nigerian craft and local artisans.