It’s been proven before that the space of fashion hasn’t always been welcoming to Black designers. There have been some great strides in recent years like Black in Fashion Council and Black Fashion Fair. These have aided in the visibility of uplifting Black-owned fashion brands. Still, there are some up-and-coming brands that have yet to gain widespread recognition. These brands have carved out their own lane in fashion with unorthodox and new innovations that deserve acknowledgement.
How to Seek out Up-and Coming Black Owned Brands?
One of the most effective methods for discovering up-and-coming Black-owned brands is through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Utilizing hashtags such as #BlackOwnedBusiness, #SupportBlackOwned, and #BuyBlack can lead you to a surplus of new brands. Following influencers and accounts dedicated to promoting Black-owned businesses can also provide recommendations and introduce you to brands that may resonate with your style. Additionally, online marketplaces such as Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify often feature sections or tags specifically for Black-owned businesses, simplifying the process of finding curated lists or specific categories highlighting these brands.
Under the leadership of Chioma Nnadi at Vogue, there has been a notable spotlight on Black-owned and up-and-coming young brands on Vogue.com or Vogue Runway, offering increased visibility and introductions to Black-owned brands who deserve the spotlight, so much so, they curated a list of 89 Black-owned brands to shop.
21Ninety has rounded up some of our favorite up-and-coming Black-owned Gen Z and Millennial brands.
Tia Adeola
Tia Adeola is known for her intricate ruffles, exaggerated silhouettes, and and a soft color palette that challenge traditional notions of femininity and glamour. She draws inspiration from diverse and “divine” sources, including art history and her Nigerian heritage. Doing so results in collections that are both visually striking and culturally rich. If you’re looking for going out tops and dresses that surpass the standard body con, then the Ruffle dresses and tops are for you.
Diotima
Diotima’s collections are a celebration of unorthodox designs and individuality. They embrace a range of styles, silhouettes, and textures to that take on an islander or Caribbean inspired style in a knit wear form. The knits are intricately designed to take on new shapes and forms. These manifest into effortlessly chic ready-to-wear pieces to statement-making couture pieces.
Head of State
You may have seen Evan Mock’s Gilded Glamour 2022 Met Gala look. Yes, that was Head of State. Head of State’s collections are a bold fusion of heretical prints, unexpected textures, and avant-garde silhouettes. They reflect the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions of luxury in Black spaces. From casual jeans and statement outerwear to tailored suits and luxe loungewear, each piece exudes a sense of masculine sophistication.
Mowalola
For punk lovers who have long sought after Vivienne Westwood’s 90s Archive punk pieces, Mowalola offers a modern interpretation. As a creative mastermind for brands like Gap and Yeezy, Mowalola’s designs celebrate sensuality, self-expression, and a punk-centered ethos. Drawing inspiration from her Nigerian heritage, British punk upbringing, and global pop culture, her pieces fuse the best aspects of each cultural experience. Mowalola’s signature aesthetic combines provocative graphics, diverse silhouettes, and striking prints, resulting in pieces that command attention and have sparked controversy in the past.
House of Aama
Resort wear all the time? Yes please! Telling pan-African diasporic stories through clothes is what this mother-daughter duo does best. From the antebellum South to the Great Migration and beyond, House of Aama explores the complexities of Black identity and resilience. They pay homage to the ancestors who paved the way for future generations.
Meticulous attention to detail characterizes House of Aama’s designs. They are known for luxurious fabrics and thoughtful design. From heirloom-quality dresses and blouses to statement outerwear and accessories, each piece is a work of art. The work reflects the brand’s commitment to authenticity, and cultural pride.