Black-Owned Designer Brands I Love to Wear

This post has been a long time coming! Y’all. There are so many ridiculously talented Black designers out there. As a people, we are extremely creative, the inventors of cool, and lifelong trendsetters; culturally and otherwise. It is no wonder Black-owned brands are my absolute favorite to wear. The pieces are just so stunning and eclectic; like nothing else you’ll ever see. Gladly, I have been able to score several pieces from many a brand. So many of these drops have been on par with Jordan sneaker pandemonium and as soon as the collection hits, you better have your coins and browser refresh button ready. I have yet to score my Telfar bag, but it’s coming, y’all. I’ve tried to make this post as comprehensive as possible, but of course there are Black-owned fashion brands I am still discovering and have yet to discover. Keep reading for a list of Black designers I love to wear and want to support in the future. I’m also sharing my wish list at the end!

Clothing:

Akofas. A beautifully modern approach to African prints and design

Andrea Iyamah. Incredibly chic swimwear and resort style pieces

Christopher John Rogers. The bright colors and the bold prints definitely drew me in. Be sure to check out his collaboration with Target

Culture Fit Clothing. Workout clothing featuring West African print designs. And they have the yoga mats to match!

Da Spot NYC. Statement tees, sweatshirts, and accessories. There’s a Sade sweatshirt with my name on it!

Dressed in Joy. Print perfection. These sets are *chef’s kiss

Emmalyn Love. Amazingly feminine and flirty pieces

Future is Color. Beautifully colorful t-shirts with purposeful statements

God is Dope. Clothing and accessories featuring the homie, God.

Guerasfatim. These pieces are ridiculously unique! Tap the link and you’ll see just what I mean. This brand is for when you want to make a bold statement

Hanifa. Wonderfully printed and colorful pieces abound. I literally want every single item

It’s a Beautiful Day to Be Black. There’s a denim jacket that has my name on it

Keep It Kute. Cozy and beautifully curated lounge pieces

Mess in a Bottle. Statement tees, sweatshirts, jackets, and accessories for the culture

Official Girl. A wide range of pieces here. I especially love the 2 piece sets

Range Beauty. A beauty brand that encourages women to mind their Black-owned business. Tap the link and you’ll see

Sergio Hudson. Many of us were introduced to this brand with Michelle Obama’s iconic 2021 Inauguration Day look. Extremely chic. Stunning jewel tones

Something by Sonjia. Definitely one of my favorite brands to wear. Sonjia, a Project Runway vet, is extremely talented. Her unique designs feature high-waisted paper bag pieces, perfectly placed drapery, and utility belts that cinch you in. She has done two collaborations with one of my favorite bloggers, @monroesteele, and I’m already looking forward to the third coming this fall!

Souk and Sepia. Very eclectic apparel here featuring a little bit of everything

Soullennial. Statement tees and beautiful visuals

Tu Creative. TV sitcom-based tees and sweatshirts. I, of course, had to get one for my favorite show ever, Living Single!

Vana Vain. Can’t Love The Culture Without The People. Enough said

Bags:

Blk Girls Apparel. Offer up a reminder of how phenomenal Black women truly are

Brandon Blackwood. The most fab mini bags. He had me at End Systemic Racism

Cise. A fashion forward reminder of what we should all be advocating for: the protection of Black people

Femme Sucrée. Stunning pieces with rich gold detailing

Orijin Store. Beautiful handbags, belt bags, crossbody bags, and backpacks in the shape of Mama Africa

Silver and Riley. I love this brand so much! Luxury at its finest!

Sonique Saturday. Like I said, we make everything cool. This brand has a fun take on Birkin bags

Telfar. This brand is just bad! Everybody wants one. Everybody. These bags sell out in seconds!

Jewelry, Shoes, and Accessories:

Andrea Iyamah. I need these basket earrings in my life ASAP

Brother Vellies. These shoes are simply works of art

C.Ross Made. Beautiful geometric shaped jewelry and vibrant colors

Coco and Breezy. Beautifully crafted sunglasses with a more classic, understated appeal

Machete. Stunning jewelry + the most exquisite combs and hair accessories I’ve ever seen. I want to get some just to put them on display

Nroda. Whew. These sunglasses are fire!

My Personal Wish List:

Andrea Iyamah Basket Earrings

Orange Telfar Bag

Silver and Riley Executive Bag

Something by Sonjia Paper Bag Skirt

I hope you all enjoyed exploring this list and find brands you truly love! I know I have. Historically, Black-owned brands have received half the acknowledgement and patronage, but have twice the talent. I am so glad to see that shifting now. Let’s continue to support and share their amazing pieces! Feel free to share brands that aren’t on this list below in the comments so we can all check them out! Also, let me know what you add to cart. Happy Monday and Happy Shopping!

xx,

Photos by Tina Smith