4 Black Fashion Designers You Should Know About
Discrimination against people of color – particularly black people – is pervasive across several industries, and fashion is not an exception to this. During the height of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, conversations regarding the involvement of black culture in the world of design came up. While the fashion industry capitalizes on aspects of the black lifestyle and aesthetic, many black creators are typically not welcome in the predominantly white space. Designer Brandice Daniel has even talked about how she had to work twice as hard to break into the field just because of her skin color.
This is why it is important to support businesses run by black creators. This shows the world that their work is worth advocating for, and successful black entrepreneurs are found in every industry out there. In fact, we list some in our past articles like the one on '30+ Black Owned Nail Salons - Organized by State' which highlights the many black-owned nail establishments that are worth visiting. In the fashion world, showing support for these creators may empower more people of color to start their own brands and embrace their art. If you want to show your support, here are some black fashion designers you should look out for:
Maximilian Davis
CREDIT - @_mvximilian_
Kicking off this list is London-based designer Maximilian Davis. The Cut reports that he is driven by his passion to show black excellence through the clothes he creates. Black culture also served as a big influence on his collection for his second fashion week, drawing from different cultural points like Trinidad, old family photos, black models, and Sunday church clothing. His designs showcase amazing motifs and innovative creativity that consumers love and appreciate while also displaying the richness of black history.
James Whitner
CREDIT - @james.whitner
Known for creating streetwear, James Whitner is a name that has been making the rounds in fashion for years. He began his road to designing with his brand Social Status and has since collaborated with many big-name companies like Nike. A SoleSavy podcast episode that featured James Whitner, talked about his collaboration with the business to create the Air Jordan 3 "Raised by Women” line. This line aims to diminish the gender barriers found in the sneaker and streetwear community. While discrimination against black people is bad, black women face a different and arguably more difficult challenge. Whitner believes that everyone should be welcome, which makes this designer a great one to follow and support when rallying behind the black community.
Letesha Renee
CREDIT - @_letesharenee on Instagram
Another creator who wants to promote equality, Letesha Renee has created clothes that are unisex, genderless, and are reminiscent of the clothes worn in the 70s. She has previously expressed her belief that the period was one of the best in terms of fashion and design. She prioritizes comfort without sacrificing aesthetics, making her clothes great to wear for everyday occasions. Not only has this black designer excelled in her craft, but she brings forward the importance of a society that is accepting of everyone, regardless of their skin color or preference in clothing expression.
Teniola Adeola
CREDIT: - @tiaadeola on Instagram.
The last entry on this list is a designer that not only serves as an inspiration for black people but the youth as well. Honored in Vogue’s 21 Under 21 in 2018, Teniola Adeola aka Tia has made some amazing accomplishments. She has dressed notable celebrities like SZA, Kali Uchis, and Chloe x Halle, making her mark in the fashion industry quite early in her career. Tia braved the world of fashion design realizing that not many people of color were gaining recognition. With the hopes of changing the landscape of the industry, she is well on her way to creating a powerhouse brand that will certainly leave a legacy in fashion once she is done.
Inclusivity is an important aspect in every industry, but with one as widespread and visible as fashion, people of color need to be represented as they are a big part of the market. These black creators are making their mark and solidifying the fact that they deserve a seat at the table.