Black Business Month: Must-Shop Black-Owned Fashion Brands
In honor of National Black Business Month, BET.com is spotlighting trailblazing Black entrepreneurs who are redefining success and paving the way for future generations.
If you're ready to refresh your wardrobe this season, look no further. Here’s a curated list of 15 Black-owned fashion brands that should be on your shopping radar.
Denim Tears
Denim Tears was founded in 2019 by designer and aesthete Tremaine Emory. According to the official wesbite, each collection tells its own story.
The brand's approach to heritage and design earned it a spot in the permanent collection of The Met Costume Institute in New York.
A.Au
A.Au is not only a fashion brand, but also a lifestyle brand that empowers women to embrace their history, culture, identity, stay connected to their roots, and to continue to push the narrative of their legacy.
The founder, Asiyami Gold, came up with the name A.Au while in nursing school. A stands for Asiyami and the symbol for Gold in chemistry is Au. She wanted the brand to represent two aspects of herself -- science and creativity.
Each design is handcrafted.
Chris Port New York
Chris Port New York is an accessory line founded by Chris Port, an experienced tailor and seamstress.
Queen Latifah, London on da Track, and Christian Combs are just some of the few celebrities seen wearing the brand.
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Daily Paper
Daily Paper is an Amsterdam based menswear and womenswear fashion brand established in 2012. It was founded by three friends, Hussein Suleiman, Jefferson Osei, and Abderrahmane Trabsini.
Other flagship stores are located in London and New York.
Myth House
Myth House is a luxury accessory company founded by Akua Buckman in Ghana. The brand's everyday mission is to produce high-end fashion accessories for modern, youthful, trendy and haute women, using galvanized metal mesh and other materials to craft uniquely designed handmade bags, belts and more.
LFJ
LFJ was birthed in Lagos, Nigeria by its creative director Princess Juliet Olanipekun in 2020.
The brand was also featured in GQ South Africa last year. It is known for its edgy play on pleats. The vision is simple: to create pieces that make you stand out regardless of the occasion and accentuate your style no matter your shape or size.
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Lost Shdws
Lost Shdws is an avant-garde luxury brand that caught the attention from many stylists and celebrities like Future, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Cash Cobain, G Herbo, PJ Tucker, and more. It was founded by Ship Skylark in 2020.
From 2020 to 2022, Skylar personally handcrafted each pair of pants in his Tennessee warehouse.
OLA STORES
OLA STORES (formally known BY OLA) is an East London brand founded in October 2023 by Ola Alabi.
Alabi wanted to give the fashion scene an extention of what he loved which was K fashion. The whole brand was inspired by asianaesthetics.
Lumère
Lumère is a brand that seamlessly blends classic elements with a contemporary twists to create a unique and compelling fashion narrative.
Founded in New York City in 2019 by its creative director Mounir Sakho, Lumère is dedicated to redefining the global perception of African-American design.
The 2024 collection has been in development for five years!
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Art Money
Art Money is a New York streetwear brand and creative collective founded by Mamadou Maiga in 2020.
Every item expresses the brand's admiration and appreciation for the arts hailing from the continent of Africa.
Villa Moor
Villamoor was founded by designer and creative Jamilla Cagnolatti in 2017.
The fashion brand offers artsy, playful, bold, and sexy wearable statement pieces for every fashion-forward individual. Villamoor aims to deliver a luxurious feel and a premium experience inspired by diverse culturally aware brands.
NYRVA
NYRVA, founded in 2020, started as a bedroom brand with a simple goal, which was to create the best streetwear.
The menswear brand was worn by some of the biggest stars including Gunna, Asake, Burna Boy, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, Tyga, Roddy Ricch, DJ Mustard, Shaboozey, Kodak Black, and more.
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JLANI Jewels
JLANI Jewels, founded by Lani Nesbit in 2011, consists of eco-friendly, sustainable accessories.
The brand has been featured in Adidas, Maybelline, Nike, and Urban Decay Cosmetics campaigns. The jewels have been worn by countless celebrities including Beyoncé, Ciara, Issa Rae, Lola Brooke, Tamron Hall and more.
Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies is a luxury footwear line founded by Aurora James in 2013.
When James created the brand, she had a goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs.
Beyoncé, Ayesha Curry, Issa Rae, and Tracee Ellis Ross are a few of the many celebrities seen wearing Brother Vellies.
Fe Noel
Fe Noel is a womenswear brand created in Brooklyn, New York.
The company is deeply influenced by the founder Felisha “Fe” Noel's Grenadian heritage and large, close-knit family.
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