41 Black-owned fashion brands to have on your radar
Supporting Black-owned fashion brands is one of many ways you can be a better ally for the Black community. In fact, there's a dedicated initiative to exactly this.
On the 27th of July 2020 Black Pound Day was born. The national campaign, designed to help support Black-owned businesses and the growth of the Black economy, encourages shoppers to treat themselves by purchasing from a range of incredible Black-owned brands on the first Saturday of every month. And now, three years later, the campaign is still going strong. So, we've pulled together a range of stylish labels to have on your radar.
Scroll down to see the fashion labels to know, love and support going forward (make sure you check out our beauty and interior edits too).
(Edward Berthelot - Getty Images)
If you're after luxe clothing at affordable prices, look no further than KAI - a London-based brand offering just that. From trippy, psychedelic prints to silky evening wear, this label has something for everyone.
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(kaicollective@Instagram)
Founded by Aurora James in 2013, Brother Vellies is dedicated to "keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs." Check it out for luxury accessories and a gloriously extensive range of mules to shop.
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(brothervellies@Instagram)
Ethiopian-born model-turned-designer Liya Kebede is the founder of lemlem - a brand known for its beautiful, breezy and bright summery staples (Eva Chen and Leandra Medine are both fans), while also upholding a commitment to preserving centuries-old weaving techniques from Ethiopia. The label also recently collab'd with H&M - cool huh?
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(lemlemofficial@Instagram)
Owned by British/Nigerian award-winning journalist, Didi Akinyelure, April & Alex is a London-based slow fashion brand that creates "bold and edgy, fashion-forward pieces for the empowered woman."
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(aprilalexshop@Instagram)
Central Saint Martins graduate, Grace Wales Bonner, launched her eponymous label in 2014 initially as a menswear brand that then expanded into womenswear (and with fab results). With expertly tailored pieces, the brand describes its aesthetic as "proposing a distinct notion of luxury, via a hybrid of European and Afro-Atlantic approaches."
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(walesbonner@Instagram)
Founded by TeQuia Miller, 1929 Galore is a treasure trove for those with a weakness for all things bling-related. Think: perfectly stacked, chunky gold rings and delicately layered necklaces - this brand is your new go-to for polished, on-trend accessories.
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(1929galore@Instagram)
Minimalist chic swimsuits are Riot Swim's style M.O. Forget loose tassels that come undone as soon as they come into contact with water, these bikinis are edgy and fuss-free while the one-piece styles feature a famously flattering cinched waist detail.
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(riotswim@Instagram)
Shola Asante and Agnès Cushnie founded their namesake brand in 2019, designed specifically with offering all-inclusive footwear with sizes range from 38 - 46 (EU) in either standard or wide fit options.
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(santewade@Instagram)
Established by three childhood friends, Daily Paper describes itself as creating "rich heritage of African culture wrapped in contemporary designs". And, as one of the fastest growing European fashion brands, Daily Paper is definitely one to watch.
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(dailypaper@Instagram)
Mini top handle bags are a must-have accessory for summer, and few make them better than UK-based brand Flat Fifteen. Using sustainable fabric cut-offs to create each piece, it's no surprise these gems repeatedly sell out, so you've got to get in quick to nab one of these babies.
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(flat.fifteen@Instagram)
Based in London, Nubian Skin designs quality lingerie, hosiery, swimwear (and more) for people of colour - because 'nude' isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. Plus, with A-list fans like Lizzo, you know it's worth checking out.
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(nubianskin@Instagram)
When it comes to beautiful, size-inclusive swimwear and intimates, look no further than We Are We Wear. Available in sizes 4-30, the founders Natalie and Chelsea are on a mission to make every woman feel confident. And they are definitely succeeding!
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(wearewewear@Instagram)
You know you're onto a winner when you find a brand loved by the likes of Beyoncé, J.Lo and Ashley Graham (just to name a few celeb fans). Designed for strong, fearless women, Cushnie balances powerful feminine silhouettes with ultra-chic tailoring.
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(etochs@Instagram)
Founded by Tanzanian-born Rene Macdonald, Lisou transforms quality materials like silk and lambswool into eye-catching designs available in a range of pastel sorbet hues and exclusive custom prints. With an environmental and social conscience, the brand also donates part of its proceeds to local and international communities in need.
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(lisoulondon@Instagram)
Telfar earned itself the nickname 'Bushwick Birkin' after it became coveted by artsy, in-the-know creatives who didn't have enough money for the Hermès version. Over the years, the brand has become so hyped that its recent restock crashed the official website. But, fear not, you can still shop the label on sites like Farfetch and Luisa via Roma.
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(telfarglobal@Instagram)
If you're more into the street wear aesthetic, then Tier NYC is for you. Worn by cool girl Winnie Harlow, Tier is all about expressing art and culture through clothes. Their signature aesthetic? Fashion-forward, slouchy loungewear in fresh, crayon box hues.
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(tier_nyc@Instagram)
If you've seen Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, Sofia Richie or Winnie Harlow wearing swimsuits lately, chances are they're from Melissa Simone. The brand's fun prints make for an instant summer 'look', minus the high-end price tag. Pretty cool, huh?
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(melissasimoneswim@Instagram)
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi established AAKS to celebrate her favourite weaving technique, producing durable and stylish designs. Made in Ghana, these hand-woven bags also create sustainable jobs in Africa.
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(a.a.k.s@Instagram)
Founded by Hanna Olsen in 2013, DIXIEGRAZE went from being Olsen's hobby to a hugely successful business. Worn by all your favourite IT girls, including Little Mix member, Jade Thirwall. Hanna Olsen's has designed and handmade affordable unique pieces that are made specifically with layering purpose in mind.
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(dixiegraze@Instagram)
Looking for bespoke bridal and evening wear? Look no further than Rebecca Tembo. Made in London, the brand has been worn by the likes of Michelle Keegan and Grammy award-winning singer Maren Morris.
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(rebeccatemboofficial@Instagram)
If you're to add some bold custom jewellery to your collection. Razzle Tassel, founded by travel and style influencer, Tanka, is for you. The collection offers a range of pieces that could work be incorporated into your everyday style and for those special occasions.
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(razzletassel@Instagram)
If you're wondering what Kylie Jenner might wear next; I'd put my bets on Sodah London. The brand's fun prints and sexy designs make for an instant hot girl summer 'look'. Don't say we didn't warn you!
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(sodahbrand@Instagram)
Jamaican-Canadian footwear designer Téjahn Burnett founded the namesake brand in 2018. Téjahn Burnett is a contemporary footwear line that specialises in women's high heel boots and hand-crafted sandals. And the SIMIJAH in lilac is just what my Summer wardrobe needs!
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(tejahnburnett@Instagram)
Anima Iris is disrupting the global fashion industry by redefining luxury and including Africa in its narrative. The brand pays homage to Africa’s bold history through its use of colours, geometric shapes and cloth, and every piece is carefully handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is what made us fall in love.
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(anima.iris@Instagram)
BY.WUZZY is an independent, eco-conscious, reworked, denim brand based in London that is designed, sewn and reworked by Wuzzy. Launched last year, the brand is already shifting the culture around fashion production.
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(by.wuzzy@Instagram)
If you haven't heard about Farai London, I don't know where you've been! Worn by everyone from Jordyn Woods, to Megan Thee Stallion, Draya Michele and Lori Harvey, the brand is celebrity-approved, and we understand why.
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(farailondon@Instagram)
For far too long, the fashion industry has ignored and excluded fuller bust women by designing pieces without considering our figures. Well, allow me to introduce you to Taideux. Here to change the narrative and fill the existing gap, Taideux provides pieces made specifically for your fuller bust. We can finally rejoice!
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(taideux@Instagram)
Hanifa's 3D fashion show changed the game in 2020, and ever since the brand has continued to make waves. Utilising captivating designs, bold colours and unique textures, the brand's feminine designs illuminate natural curves and are available in XS to 3X.
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(hanifaofficial@Instagram)
Founded by Isabelle White, the South London rooted jewellery and accessory brand has quickly become a go-to for nostalgic pieces. Inspired by the founder's childhood, Image Gang draws inspiration from the women Isabelle was surrounded by. Each piece of jewellery is caringly handpicked, curated and created by the founder for everyday wear.
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(imagegang@Instagram)
When it comes to bags, Brandon Blackwood's designs are giving everything and more. From the bold prints, innovative use of fabrics, and hardware details, Brandon Blackwood's bags are adored by everyone. So much so, there's one question on everyone's lips when you rock it, "is that a Brandon Blackwood Bag?!”
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(brandonblackwoodnyc@Instagram)
High-end jeweller Thelma West has been creating show-stopping diamond pieces for over 15 years from her London-based studio. Born in Lagos, Nigeria and later studying in Antwerp, Belgium, the jeweller has made a name for herself due to her impeccable attention to detail.
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(thelmawestdiamonds@Instagram)
Founded by womenswear designer, Felisha "Fe" Noel. The namesake clothing label is deeply influenced by the designers Caribbean heritage, and each piece is a glimpse of the culture and glamour of the West Indies. If that doesn't get you excited for Summer or a beach vacation, I don't know what will!
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(fenoel@Instagram)
Founded by the mother and daughter duo Irene and Georgina Bello. The Hertfordshire-based brand of luxury couture designs offers timeless pieces that can be worn any season.
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(renny_exclusive@Instagram)
Studio Preta is a slow-fashion gender-neutral brand based in London. Each piece is handcrafted from sustainably sourced fabrics such as ex-designer, deadstock, and upcycled materials from clothes no longer being used. For sustainable fashion, look no further than Studio Preta.
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(studiopreta_@Instagram)
Founder Robert Jesse uses atelier craftsmanship to create practical and thought-provoking pieces. Combining elements of tailoring and a modern urban lifestyle, this London-based brand is bringing something unique to the menswear landscape.
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(prsnl.hb@Instagram)
The concept of Revival was formed in 2016 by Rosette Ale during her final year at university after learning about fashion's impact on the environment. Described as a slow fashion brand, the London label creates contemporary pieces using reclaimed textiles initially destined for landfill.
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(revivalldn@Instagram)
Designed with confident women in mind, TOFE was established in 2020. Available in sizes 4 to 14, the label's timeless yet rare pieces are guaranteed to have you looking and feeling bold and sexy.
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(tofecol@Instagram)
Supermodel Leomie Anderson established LAPP in 2016. What began as a blog with a small capsule collection has developed into an Athleisure brand that puts women at the forefront. Leomie's pieces are guaranteed to have you looking and feeling like an off-duty supermodel.
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(lappthebrand@Instagram)
From ready-to-wear to bespoke bridal and evening wear, Rebecca Tembo is the designer for those special occasions. Having worked with the likes of Cardi B, Michelle Keegan, and Grammy award-winning singer, Maren Morris, Tembo continues to make a name for herself in the fashion industry.
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(rebeccatemboofficial@Instagram)
Jade Rozana founded the London based label in 2019 after struggling for too long to find clothes that matched her young, fun and exciting life. Since it's birth, Rozana LDN has become a go-to destination for many tall women. Especially as the brand design all of their pieces in-house based on a 6ft frame instead of scaling up from an average size guide. Check out Rozana LDN if you want to add some spice and fun to your wardrobe.
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(rozanaldn@Instagram)Black-owned fashion brands in the UK and overseas to know about, including what they specialise in and why you need to know about them.