Celebrating Black-owned brands during Black History Month is a great way to recognize the incredible contributions they have made to the fashion industry.

From groundbreaking designers like Patrick Kelly and Stephen Burrows, to inspiring entrepreneurs like Tracy Reese and Dapper Dan, African American icons have been instrumental in opening the door for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their hard work and dedication, and for inspiring future generations to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

It's so important to show love to Black-owned businesses all year round. We're excited to share this list of 10 amazing Black-owned brands that offer unique and high-quality pieces. Their designs are sure to bring unique style and character to any wardrobe. Let's keep on supporting these businesses and help them thrive!

Pyer Moss

Founded in 2013 by Kerby Jean-Raymond, Pyer Moss is a fashion brand with an artistic and socially conscious mission. Describing the brand as an "art project" or "a timely social experiment," Jean-Raymond aims to use the platform of the brand to challenge social narratives and evoke meaningful dialogue. The collections are produced in New York City, Italy, and Portugal, and with each season Pyer Moss continues to redefine itself with collections and runways that combine storytelling, activism, debate, theatre, and social commentary. To further the dialogue around seasonal themes, Pyer Moss also collaborates with other artists and brands.

Aleali May

Aleali May is a true inspiration, and her story is one of courage and determination. With her roots in Los Angeles, she went on to work at Don C and Virgil Abloh's RSVP Gallery in Chicago while studying at Columbia College, and has since become a respected style consultant, working with clients such as Kali Uchis, Lil Yachty, and more. Her personal style is a perfect blend of streetwear and luxury, and Aleali has become a leader in bridging the gap between the two worlds while also representing women of color and women who strive to break barriers in their everyday lives. Her story is a testament to what is possible when you work hard and never give up, and she is an example of what can be achieved when you stay true to yourself.

Sergio Hudson

The Sergio Hudson Collection by Sergio Hudson is a sophisticated, timeless label that has been crafted with precision and care since 2014. Every piece of clothing is designed with power dressing in mind, giving wearers a sense of elegance and poise. The garments are proudly made in the US, and their quality construction is guaranteed to stand the test of time. We are so impressed with the beauty and versatility of the Sergio Hudson Collection.

Fe Noel

Fe Noel is an incredible designer who is dedicated to helping women express their femininity through her clothing and lifestyle brand. She first opened her brick-and-mortar boutique at 19, which was an inspiration for her namesake brand. Fe Noel is passionate about travel and bright colors, and her bold prints really stand out. She is an amazing role model for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs, and her story is a reminder that anything is possible.

Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies is an amazing brand that is dedicated to keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. Founded by Aurora James, the Creative Director and Founder, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that combine her experience in fashion, journalism, art, music, photography, and horticulture with her passion for artisanship, design, and humanitarianism. These pieces are handmade artisanally across the globe and are sure to be timeless additions to any wardrobe.

Kimberly Goldson

It is truly inspiring to see Kimberly Goldson, the fashion brand created by sisters Kimberly Goldson and Shelly Powell, come to life in 2012. Their passion and drive to create a brand that represents their creativity, cultures and everyday women is commendable. The luxurious textiles transformed into beautiful garments has certainly made every piece of clothing a ‘Goldson Moment’. Their combined experience of over 40 years in fashion design and business is the perfect formula for bringing out the ‘it-factor’ in women all around the world. We look forward to seeing the amazing designs and ideas that the Goldson sisters come up with in the future.

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LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith is an inspiring example of hard work and determination in the fashion industry. After being denied by FIT and Parsons, he went on to create his own LLC, "LaQuan Smith 3D leggings," and is now celebrated by fashion icons and risk takers like Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian. His distinctive work has gained global acclaim from Lagos to London, and he continues to create and innovate with endless garments and details. It's a remarkable story of resilience and success, and we can all learn from LaQuan Smith's journey.

Waraire Boswell

WARAIRE BOSWELL is a brand that is renowned for its attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and commitment to innovation. Waraire began his career at United Talent Agency and William Morris Agency, where he caught the eye of his co-workers with his unique combinations and attention to detail. Since then, he has been creating menswear, both custom and ready-to-wear, that is both comfortable and stylish. His collections feature a wide range of fabrics and styles, all united by his signature dedication to quality and cutting edge fashion.

Telfar Clemens

Telfar Clemens is an inspiring fashion designer who has achieved great success despite facing many challenges throughout his life. Born to Liberian parents in Queens, New York, and moving to Liberia with his mother and four siblings at the age of five, Clemens experienced a difficult upbringing before returning to the United States after the outbreak of the second Liberian civil war. Despite these obstacles, he was able to pursue his dreams, moving to New York to become a model in 2002. He then began creating his own collection of deconstructed and reconstructed vintage clothes and launched his own fashion label, TELFAR, in 2004. His brand has been met with much critical success, including winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Prize and being invited to show at Pitti Uomo 97 as a guest designer for the Autumn/Winter 2020 season. Clemens' story is an inspiring one that demonstrates the power of determination and resilience.

Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood is an inspiring example of ambition and success. He has demonstrated creativity, resilience, and a commitment to justice. His journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born to Jamaican and Chinese parents. He spent his childhood between New York and Tokyo, developing a passion for fashion and design. After interning for Elle and Nylon magazines, he worked as a buyer for Crossroads Trading, making valuable connections with stylists and editors. In 2013 he launched his eponymous line, Brandon Blackwood, and in 2015, his handbags were featured in Essence magazine.

In 2020, his designs gained international recognition. To support the Black Lives Matter protests, he created a mini-tote with the words 'End Systemic Racism' engraved on the front. He donated a portion of the proceeds to the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a charity devoted to helping racial and ethnic minorities find legal representation for civil rights cases. Brandon Blackwood is an inspiration to us all, and a reminder that we can each make a positive difference in the world.

“There are more Black creatives now than any other time in recent memory, and I love to see that. As a Black creator, Black History Month represents a chance to reflect, sit down, and be proud. We may not see it since we’re living in it, but we’re all making history right now.” —Brandon Blackwood

As a Black Owned Business whether through social media, content marketing, or other strategies, we believe it to be our responsibility to elevate and amplify the voices and experiences of Black folks in the fashion industry in order to foster and help create a positive change and inspire a more inclusive and equitable future.

Supporting small businesses and independent designers helps to create a more vibrant and diverse fashion industry. Shopping with them all year long is a great way to show our appreciation and help their businesses flourish. Plus, their designs bring fresh style to our wardrobes that can't be found anywhere else. Let's keep on supporting these amazing designers and help them continue to create beautiful and unique designs!

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