Black Music Artists Making Waves With Their Fashion Brands
In honor of New York Fashion Week, it's important to highlight the growing influence of Black music artists shaping culture through music and leaving a lasting impact on the fashion world. Icons like Rihanna and Pharrell have redefined the intersection of music and fashion with their groundbreaking brands. Rihanna’s Fenty empire, spanning from luxury fashion to beauty and lingerie, has set a new standard for inclusivity and innovation, while Pharrell’s Billionaire Boys Club and his role as Louis Vuitton’s men's creative director showcase his trendsetting vision in streetwear and high fashion alike. These artists are pushing boundaries, merging creativity with business acumen, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Below are five musicians with their fashion brands.
Rihanna
Rihanna's Fenty x Puma is a collaboration between her and the sportswear brand. Initially launched in 2014 when she became Puma's creative director, the Fenty x Puma collection blended high fashion with streetwear and athletic influences. Come 2015, the more popular Fenty Puma Creepers arrived, serving up an edgy take on the brand’s iconic Suede sneaker. After a brief pause, Rihanna and Puma announced the revival of the collaboration in 2023, bringing back the partnership for a new era of innovative, trend-setting fashion.
The singer also has a successful lingerie line, Savage X Fenty. It has become especially influential for its inclusive sizing and body-positive approach, redefining the lingerie industry.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams is the creator of multiple fashion ventures, the most notable being Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Founded in 2003 alongside Japanese designer Nigo, the brands focus on luxury streetwear, blending high fashion with urban culture.
Pharrell has collaborated with numerous high-end fashion houses, including Chanel and Louis Vuitton. In 2023, he was appointed the men's creative director at Louis Vuitton, solidifying his status as a major force in the fashion industry.
Lizzo
Lizzo launched her fashion brand, Yitty, in 2022. The company focuses on size-inclusive shapewear, offering a wide range of styles and sizes from XS to 6X.
Yitty's mission is to promote body positivity and self-confidence, encouraging wearers to embrace their bodies unapologetically.
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Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, The Creator founded Golf Wang in 2011. The brand is known for its bold, colorful, and often eccentric designs, Golf Wang reflects Tyler's unique style and creative vision. It offers a variety of items, including graphic tees, hoodies, outerwear, and accessories, often featuring vibrant prints, playful patterns, and eye-catching color combinations.
In addition to Golf Wang, Tyler also has Golf le Fleur, a more upscale extension of the brand that leans into luxury streetwear and includes collaborations with companies like Converse for limited-edition sneakers.
Trippie Red
Trippie Redd's most recent collaboration with BoohooMAN is set to launch on Tuesday (Sept. 10). This new collection continues to embody his bold, streetwear-inspired style, featuring oversized silhouettes, eye-catching graphics, and vibrant color schemes. The collaboration promises a range of trendy pieces, from casual wear to statement-making outerwear, reflecting on the rapper's distinct fashion-forward vision.
