It’s finally summer and fashion week rolled into one. And with countless shows currently taking place globally, we can’t help but be on the look out for brands and pieces that speak to our summer style. As the season blooms, it breathes new life to a distinctive style we’d like to have in our closet that black designers have a special knack for. Although creatives bring birth to exceptional clothing lines globally everyday, black owned brands truly take art and creativity to the next level in the fashion world. Whether the focus is ready-to-wear, couture or resort / swim, the community’s creative eye for detail influence the distinctive garments presented in every collection. Below are 7 black owned fashion brands to watch out for your summer style this season and beyond. Take a look.
DIOTIMA
Diotima has its Jamaican roots imprinted in all its designs driving home their mission that luxury can come from the Caribbean too. Designer and Founder Rachel Scott, focuses on sustainability while incorporating tropical wools and basket weaves, giving a unique flare to each structure of its pieces.
WALES BONNER
Grace Wales Bonner has been taking the world by storm with her latest and on going collaboration with Adidas. Although this sparked her presence globally, the self named line “Wales Bonner” focuses on Caribbean heritage & earth tones as the backbone of her branding.
BIANCA SAUNDERS
With cross cultural references as the core of her brand, Bianca Saunders, a Jamaican multidisciplinary designer bringing distinct polarities into her world of what it means to be reinvigorated – a divine mix of masculine & feminine while addressing tradition and modernity.
TELFAR
The Liberian-American designer hailed as the people’s champ has long been offering up his distinctive unisex style over the years. But since Clemens delivered the iconic “Shopping Bag” and bag security program during the pandemic the brand has been synonymous with its “Bushwick Birkin”. ‘Til now, Telfar continues to build its personality by reimagining the old fashion system. Unfortunately, this year marks his last Telfar bag security drop but this gives a new opportunity for the brand to emerge into something greater.
MOWALOLA
Mowalola is a Nigerian born & London based fashion designer known for her expertise in leather and PVC materials. Her opposition to tradition makes her designs stand out while emphasizing a youthful approach.
JADE SWIM
When it comes to swimwear, Jade Swim combines minimalism with innovative designs. The brand gives an extensive array of colors and fabrics that would best match your skin tone and offers something for every occasion.
MARTINE ROSE
Menswear Designer, Martine Rose takes inspiration from her British-Jamaican roots to create meaningful and authentic designs. Using her personal interests in music and pop culture, she continues to create universality in fashion.
SELASI
Celebrating the diverse black beauty, Selasi’s reinvented what it means to be essential. With her pieces staying wearable yet elevated, this became her blueprint to create unique silhouettes.
