One of the most impacted industries of the past two years has definitely been the fashion industry. So many changes had to be made in order for the industry to continue to thrive as the world adjusted to social distancing, virtual events, working from home, and stores and businesses being closed. But despite the challenges that the past two years have shown, the fashion industry has prevailed as well as its new designers who are just now making a name for themselves. Here are seven up and coming Black designers that you should keep on your radar.
1. Lukhanyo Mdingi, designer of Lukhanyo Mdingi
Lukhanyo Mdingi is a South African native who attended Cape Peninsula University Technology and studied fashion design. He was one of the finalists of Elle’s Rising Star Design Award, as well as a joint winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize. Lukhanyo Mdingi’s pieces “celebrate the essence of ease and storytelling…rich in cross-cultural references.” According to Vogue, he is a “master of pattern.”
2. Feben, designer of Feben
Feben is a Central Saint Martins graduate based in London, whose work “takes on a surrealistic approach to exploring the visual codes of Black life from all corners of the globe. Her work plays with popular imagery that links all Black people to create an aesthetic vision embedded in community…” In summary, her pieces are bold and beautiful. And she’s worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Erykah Badu and Janelle Monáe.
3. Rosario Dawson & Abrima Erwiah, designers of Studio 189
Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah co-founded Studio 189 “as an agent for social change.” The label’s collections are made in Africa by skilled artisans that practice traditional craft such as indigo dyeing, batik and weaving. Studio 189 empowers communities in Africa by creating jobs, and providing opportunities for education and skill training. They are also now looking into holistic sustainability for the creation of their pieces.
4. Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, designer of Petit Kouraj
Based in Brooklyn, Nasrin Jean-Baptiste started her career as a stylist for Alicia Keys, then after the birth of her daughter transitioned to creating her own handwoven bags. Her brand, Petit Kouraj, translates to “little courage” and her collection of bags include all sizes from mini to large with neutral, earth-inspired tones. Her bags are crafted by local Hatian artisans, in collaboration with DOT Haiti which protects Haitian arts and culture.
5. Edvin Thompson, designer of Theophilio
Edvin Thompson is a Jamaican-American designer whose roots inspire his collections. In an interview with In The Know he said, “Jamaica always specifically pops up in my collection with the colorways I choose. I feel like I own the colors green, red, yellow and black.” Through his clothing brand, Thompson feels he is able to create opportunities for himself and his community as space to share stories and visions.
6. Foday Dumbuya, designer of Labrum
Branded as “Designed by an immigrant,” this slogan appears printed on various garments of Foday Dumbuya’s Labrum. Founded in 2015, it was inspired by Dumbuya’s passion for British tailoring and West African design, “and aims to bridge the gap between Western and West African culture.” It focuses on sustainable production methods and unique clothing. Dumbuya hopes that his brand will push out the fad of fast fashion and give way to more appreciation for “timeless built-to last garments.”
7. Anifa Mvuemba, designer of Hanifa
Anifa Mvuemba has created a standout label with Hanifa by pledging to only feature black and brown models, and embracing size inclusivity with sizes 0-20. Mvuemba embraces her Congolese nationality and reflects it in her work. In an interview with CNN she stated, “I do everything with intention… If you’re African then you know about African seamstresses and how detail is so important, and the color is so important, and the prints are so important.” Mvuemba vows to continue defining fashion with her label, through her own terms.