Fashion

42 best Black-owned fashion brands to support this Black History Month (and forever)

Be an ally by buying fashion from a Black-owned brand.
42 Best BlackOwned Fashion Brands to Support This Black History Month
George Chinsee

This is a label that takes up space, literally, and Michelle Obama, Ashley Graham and Cardi B love it, too. Couture level craftsmanship, voluminous silhouettes and saturated colours... Rogers is bringing exaggerated glamour back to the catwalk and we are so here for it.

2. Edas

Instagram content

Edas was founded by Sade Mims in 2015 and delivers feminine and staple accessories. Most items are made-to-order, meaning the company as a whole creates less waste. Edas is known for energetic colourways and fun collaborations including their most recent sling bag with Warby Parker.

3. Martine Rose

Instagram content

Known for its cult pieces, Martine Rose has become a go-to for reinvented basics that push gender dressing. The brand is inspired by the quirks of British culture - like the pub and we particularly love the updated tailoring. Her sought out sneaker collaborations with Nike were a sell-out and her recent shoe collaborations with Clarks are following suit.

4. Wales Bonner

Instagram content

Grace Wales Bonner’s menswear label quickly expanded into womenswear as the fashion pack fell for her innovative tailoring. Expensive – yet worth it – Wales Bonner won the British Fashion Awards Emerging Menswear Designer prize in 2015 and International Men's Designer of the Year at the 2021 CFDA Awards. Her cult sneaker collabs with Adidas are on every fashion editor’s wishlist.

5. Sami Miro Vintage

Instagram content

Founded by Sami Miro, this cult LA-based brand is known for excellent eco-credentials, which include sourcing vintage denim, deadstock fabrics and hemp and Tencel (which both use less water than conventional cotton crops). The SS24 runway debut titled ‘zero waste’ was an encapsulation of all of the above, featuring the designer reworking an item on the runway.

6. Tove Studio

Instagram content

Hitting the sweet spot between affordable and expensive, this minimalist label was founded by Camille Perry and Holly Wright, who worked together at Topshop before launching their own label. Tove pieces are timeless and the ideal investment for effortless dressing.

7. Thebe Magugu

Instagram content

South-African based luxury ready-to-wear brand that fuses the traditions of Magugu's heritage with modern design. The label received the prestigious LVMH prize in 2019 and recently released a capsule collection in collaboration with Christian Dior.

8. Torishéju

Instagram content

Torishéju Dum is a Nigerian-Brazilian designer based in London. Her debut Paris collection in SS24 put her on the map, with Naomi Campbell and Paloma Elsesser walking and Gabriella Karefa-Johnson styling. Her designers are innovative and expressive so it's really no suprise that Zendaya is a big fan.

9. Mowalola

Instagram content

Unapologetically sexy, Mowalola Ogunlesi’s eponymous label mixes up her Lagos upbringing and the London life she leads. In a 2018 interview, Mowalola said “Working with a variety of cultures will allow fashion to not operate in a bubble.

We should be aware of what is going on in the world and constantly think of what we can do to make it more progressive.” Kanye West is a fan and recently sat front row for her SS24 LFW show.

10. Brother Vellies

Instagram content

Designer Aurora James wants to keep traditional African design practises alive in her luxury accessories line and employs artisans in Ethiopia, Morocco and Kenya. She’s been vocal on Instagram asking major retailers to make a pledge to buy from black-owned businesses. “So many of your businesses are built on Black spending power. We represent 15% of the population and we need to represent 15% of your shelf space.”

11. Tolu Coker

Instagram content

Tolu Coker has worked in-house at Maison Margiela and JW Anderson, which is evident through her ability to tell a story through a collection. Her brand is a celebration of her British-Nigerian culture and we love the feminine cuts and refreshed tailoring.

12. Ahluwalia

Instagram content

Priya Ahluwalia has become one of the most hyped up brands coming out of the London fashion scene. Upcycling and sustainability is the centre of her design process. The designer uses deadstock garments, locally sourced vintage and pre-loved pieces to create new designs inspired by her multi-ethnic background.

13. Telfar

Instagram content

Telfar was founded by Telfar Clemens in 2015, and has since grown to popularity, taking on the name of ‘the Brooklyn Birkin’. Telfar is known for its sell-out bags and iconic collabs including UGG, Converse and Eastpak.

The brand now offers RTW and has expanded its accessories offering, which is all still non-leather. With Oprah, Beyonce, Bella Hadid as fans, the bags continue to sell-out as they drop.

14. Diotima

Instagram content

Founded in 2021, Diotima offers a versatile wardrobe designed for year-round wear, with pieces that transition effortlessly between seasons. Crafted between Jamaica and New York, the brand is deeply rooted in a respect for craftsmanship, with a strong focus on supporting and showcasing Jamaica’s artisanal communities. The collection's signature crochet work is handmade in Jamaica, forming the heart of Diotima’s unique style.

15. Lem Lem

Instagram content

Lemlem was founded by supermodel (and former GLAMOUR Woman of the Year) Liya Kebede, and is as chic as you’d expect with all products made in Africa. Airy cotton blouses and rompers feel easy to throw on in any season.

16. Daily Paper

Instagram content

Daily Paper was founded by three friends and has gained a following for its sought-after streetwear. It is an Amsterdam-based menswear and womenswear fashion brand inspired by the African heritage of its founders.

17. AAKS

Instagram content

Handcrafted by Ghanaian women and founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, this collection of woven bags are bright and colourful. A delight to carry all year round.

18. Mateo NY

Instagram content

Mateo NY should be on everyone’s radar, if it isn’t already. The brand offers a unique and precious selection of fine and demi-fine pieces of jewellery. We especially love the new romantic pearl pieces that look very cool and very chic.

19. Ace & Prince

Instagram content

This online lifestyle store has become famous for its striped tote bags. Founded by Chloe Forde (a stylist) and Heidi Murray (a former model) the printed lounge sets and tie-dye T-shirts are favourites too.

21. atijọ

Instagram content

atijọ is a curated vintage online platform run by three friends who met working in luxury fashion. Anu Odugbesan, Glamour's very own European Fashion Editor - Londiwe Ncube and Safiya Yekwai came together to extend the lifespan of pre-loved clothing and after the success of their womenswear pieces they extended their collections to menswear and homeware. Their latest project focuses on reworked denim pieces, upcycled with a contemporary design.

21. Fe Noel

Instagram content

Influenced by designer Felisha Noel's Grenadian heritage, Fe Noel collections are made up of bold prints and statement silhouettes making them the perfect clothes to celebrate life in.

22. LaQuan Smith

Instagram content

The New York designer has created private order pieces for fans including Beyonce, Cardi B and Rihanna. He knows how to do high-impact glamour and is known for creating sexy silhouettes for women who are unapologetic and confident in how they dress.

23. Farai London

Instagram content

If this brand was an emoji, it would be straight up flames. Sexy cut-away details, look at me colour and skin-tight finishes make these dresses and jumpsuits perfect ‘Going Out Out’ options.

24. Nubian Skin

Instagram content

The perfect skin-toned underwear is a wardrobe essential but for so long finding colours that were a match to different skin tones was impossible. Founder Ade Hassan set out to remedy this and the thongs are now essentials in every stylist’s prop kit.

25. Kai Collective

Instagram content

London-based label founded by blogger-turned entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 powerhouse, Fisayo Longe. KAI is an obvious fave with influencers, the collection is full of bright satin blouses and vegan leather dresses but the sizing runs up to UK 20 to ensure inclusivity. The distinctive marble print was a big inspiration for some fast fashion brands (ahem, they pretty much copied KAI's signature pattern) but shopping from the source will show your allyship and fashion knowledge.

26. Selasi

Instagram content

Ronan Mckenzie, the founder of Selasi, makes clothes that celebrate the female form and honour her Ghanaian roots. Expect contemporary shapes in gorgeous earthy tones.

27. Lisa Folawiyo

Instagram content

Lisa Folawiyo is a Nigerian fashion designer who creates luxury womenswear known for its West African prints and textile being combined with modern silhouettes. The designer provides the best outfit inspiration for how to wear her collections. The brand has recently launched beaded accessories in a bold colour story that refelct their RTW collections.

28. Lisou

Instagram content

London based fashion brand Lisou, is all about playful prints and delicate fabrics. Inspired by designer Rene Macdonald’s African heritage and her vintage collections, Lisou is vibrant, feminine and chic with a dedicated celebrity fanbase.

29. Jakke

Instagram content

When Jakke was born in 2015, they set out to merge ethical practices with a fashion forward aesthetic, and the designer, Nina Hopkins has done exactly that. Offering recycled and vegan outerwear in contemporary and modern styles, it’s a no brainer when it comes to making your next coat investment.

30. Roop

Instagram content

Cult squishy bags – and scrunchies – crafted in jelly bean shades that are made for carrying on your most fabulous nights – and days – out. Roop has a dedicated Instagram following and is a fashion pack favourite.

31. Jessica Rich

Instagram content

If you are a bright-coloured mule or a pvc heel, look no further than Jessica Rich. The brand has a wide offering of mules and sandals that have the quality of a luxury item that won't break the bank.

32. Savage X Fenty

Instagram content

Celebrity fashion labels are not a new thing. But tapping into the zeitgeist with inclusive sizing, membership options and hella sexy styling IS. And of course, with Rihanna at the helm, how could it fail? We stan.

33. Brandon Blackwood

Instagram content

Brandon Blackwood was founded in 2015 and has since become a go-to for classic accessories that don’t feel too classic. With a fanbase stretching from Taylor Swift to Ice Spice, the bags are nothing short of contemporary and chic. The designer also created a custom look for Beyonce’s iconic Renaissance tour wardrobe, major!

34. Harbison Studio

Instagram content

Harbison was founded by Charles Harbison who was an architect turned designer. This is evident in his neo-sculptural designs that are a nod to modern glamour.

35. Ree Projects

Instagram content

Your go to for understated luxury bags, Ree Projects is an Amsterdam based contemporary brand founded by Desiree Kleinen in 2015. The bags are bold, functional and modern, it is the perfect timeless addition to your wardrobe.

36. SoulVisionary Jewellery

Instagram content

SoulVisionary is exclusively handmade by Nyanda Yekwai and crafted in her London studio. The pieces are bespoke and designed with the most precious stones and shapes that truly embody the phrase ‘made with love’.

37. Hanifa

Instagram content

Founded by Congolese designer Anifa Mvuemba, Hanifa became a sensation when it staged its one-of-a-kind, 3D-rendered fashion show on Instagram back in 202. They have become a firm favourite since with bold colours and exaggerated silhouettes that make the brand a go-to for statement pieces. They are also launching an anticipated bridal collection this October and we can’t wait.

38. Stella Jean

Instagram content

Italian-based Jean has always drawn on multi-cultural references from her Haitian heritage for her ethical womenswear brand. We love the vibrant femininity of her collections and so does Giorgio Armani, who was an early supporter.

39. Tia Adeola

Instagram content

Tia Adeola was born in 2016 and became popular for her dramatic ruffle pieces. The brand creates modern luxury pieces for a cool girl. Her clothing has been worn by Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid and most recently Blue Ivy wore her accessories on stage for the Renaissance tour, in case you needed convincing.

40. Tongoro

Instagram content

Founded by Sarah Diouf, Tongoro is a sustainable brand creating handmade pieces that showcase the craftsmanship from Africa. The monochrome prints and statement shapes really are a show piece; if it’s good enough for Beyonce’s Renaissance tour wardrobe, it’s good enough for us.

41. Ashya

Instagram content

Brooklyn-based label Ashya has made a name for themselves as the go-to for functional contemporary accessories. They are working toward a zero waste model by dropping small-batch capsules where items are made-to-order. The signature slingback comes in a variety of wearable earthy tones.

42. Jade Swim

Instagram content

Look no further for modern swimwear silhouettes than Jade Swim, the brainchild of former fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski. The sustainable brand may have created the ultimate swimwear featuring clean lines, bold colours and sculpting – it’s a no brainer.