The Black-Owned Edit: 5 Fashion Brands Worth Your Closet Space
Everything we do is the blueprint, especially when it comes to fashion. Black people have always defined what style is and what it will become. Even when our looks were dismissed as “ghetto” or “urban,” they still made their way to the forefront, copied time and time again without the credit. Now, let’s highlight five Black-owned fashion brands that continue to move fashion and culture forward.
Kai Collective
You’ve probably seen those cool barrel jeans online with the one painted pocket and logo on the front, yes, those are from a black-owned brand based in London called Kai Collective. Founder Fisayo Longe saw a void in the market related to attainable yet luxurious statement pieces that don’t shortchange the quality and filled it. These pieces are made to be conversation starters and encourage authentic self-expression in fashion. So if standing out is your thing, this is the brand for you!
Waydamin
One thing we love about Jayda Cheaves is that she’s always going to pursue every passion, while also getting to the bag, and rightfully so. With a vision to create chic, trend-forward pieces for the everyday girl, she launched Waydamin in 2023 with just one collection, which sold out immediately. Every drop since has flown off the shelves, each one stronger than the last. If you’ve ever wanted the Skims aesthetic from a Black-owned brand, Waydamin delivers.
Fear of God
Jerry Lorenzo had no formal training in fashion, but you would never know it by the success of his clothing line, Fear of God. Known for its elevated essentials like jogging suits, T-shirts, outerwear, accessories, and footwear, the brand quickly made waves. Shortly after debuting his first collection, Lorenzo caught the attention of Virgil Abloh, and the rest is history. Today, Fear of God is everywhere. If you have not tapped in yet, Black History Month is the perfect time to do so.
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Hanifa
Remember the 3D virtual fashion show that broke the internet in 2020? That moment belonged to Hanifa designer Anifa Mvuemba, and it completely shifted how we view and what we expect from fashion shows. Every piece embodies Black girl luxury and serves couture-like designs at an affordable price. If you have a special occasion to slay, Hanifa offers no shortage of standout options to be the best-dressed in the room.
The Marathon Clothing
The late Nipsey Hussle took his message that life is a marathon, not a sprint, beyond music and into fashion in 2017. He was intentional about opening his store in the neighborhood that raised him, to bring revenue and positivity back to the community, and he did just that. Today, his message and legacy live on not only through his music but through his clothing line as well.
