One of the best things about NYFW is immersing yourself in a collective of creative shows and discovering new talent. This season, breathing in the fashion from the streets to the runway, we couldn’t help but uncover up and coming brands that caught our attention. For Black History Month, we’re celebrating the seamless talent and innovation of black owned brands. And as we support the community helmed by today’s tastemakers, here are 6 black knitwear brands to look out for this winter season and beyond.
AISLING CAMPS
Bloomed from the designer’s engineering roots focusing on sustainability, Aisling Camps dreams up superior and quality knitwear. The Trinidadian designer continues to make waves from her Brooklyn-based studio, churning out designs with meticulously sourced Italian garments. Each piece is handmade and thoughtfully designed, incorporating elements of material innovation that has become synonymous with the brand.. You may shop Aisling Camps on their website or exclusively at Moda Operandi.
KOAT
Koat founded by Kalechi Mpamaugo was initially an outerwear based brand. Now, Koat has evolved into one of the black knitwear brands breaking barriers in the world of luxury fashion. The label creates artistically inclined fashion shows by using technology as a metaphor for life – with the goal to empower people to live their lives authentically. Their line ranges from knitwear accessories to knitted outerwear and totes.
AGBOBLY
Agbobly is a Brooklyn-based independent design studio founded by Jacques Agbobly in the height of the pandemic. Their designs merges Black history and artisan traditions into the modern era to inform their view of the future of fashion. Known for their extensive and well curated palette, the brand developed a deep heritage of vibrant colors, artisanal materiality and visionary silhouettes inspired by Jacques’ experiences as an indigenous, non-binary immigrant.
KAI COLLECTIVE
Kai Collective is a London-based brand of attainable clothing with luxury aesthetics, founded by Fisayo Longe. The brand intentionally crafts clothes to make multidimensional women feel like the most confident version of themselves. With diverse and flattering designs, their line of knitwear offers vibrancy while embracing femininity.
HANIFA
Hanifa is a global luxury brand catered to inclusivity and innovation for womenswear. The brand, a recipient of the 2021 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Grant, incorporates African tailoring in their pieces, offering intense color and feminine silhouettes that feel exuberant and bold. As of late, the brand has undertaken bridal and is considering expanding its doors to atelier dressing.
NIA THOMAS
Included in this year’s Black in Fashion Council showroom lineup, Nia Thomas a born and raised New Yorker who now resides in Mexico city, uses wool, beads and materials to create her handmade knits. The pieces are made with precision craftsmanship that makes all of their pieces one of a kind. The sustainable slow fashion & luxury brand is paving the way for knitwear and elevated basics.
