Black-Owned Brands for Her
Written by Amiya B
Labels founded by people of colour have not received nearly enough acclaim in the past. However, the industry is finally recognising their talent and giving them their well-deserved moment in the spotlight. It has never been more important to support diversity in every industry. And if the cause isn’t reason enough, let the fashion speak for itself. Boasting innovative elegance in the name of fashion, these Black-owned brands are breaking boundaries one collection at a time.
1. Petit Kouraj
Founded by Nasrin Jean-Baptiste in 2018, Petit Kouraj has always been geared towards the circular fashion trend. At the label’s core is a focus on sustainability in craftsmanship. Inspired by the designer’s visit to her homeland in Haiti, Petit Kouraj has entrusted local artisans around the world to promote slow fashion and preserve cultural communities. If you fancy treating yourself to an early Christmas present, Petit Kouraj’s gorgeous bags are wishlist-worthy.
2. Kai Collective
From being a lifestyle blogger to establishing her fashion brand, Fisayo Longe is shattering stereotypes and empowering women through her apparel. The Black-owned brand is known for its slow sexy fashion across social platforms with a fan favourite being the iconic Gaia dress in collaboration with Adebusola Adetona. Kai Collective epitomises clothes made by women for every woman.
3. Wales Bonner
Said to infuse her work with an ‘Afro-Atlantic spirit’, Grace Wales Bonner’s semi-eponymous brand is synonymous with gender-fluid luxury. What started as a menswear brand soon expanded into womenswear and has been the talk of the town since the label’s inception in 2014. Each design is crafted to the highest quality and interspersed with representations of the designer’s cultural roots.
4. Hanifa
Anifa Mvuemba is the founder behind the seams of the trendy fashion label Hanifa. While the brand is known for its fabulous bridalwear, do not miss out on the rest of Hanifa’s collections. The label’s bold colour blocking and stylish knitwear have cemented its virtue as a notable luxury brand. Not only is this Black-owned brand doing great things in fashion but 1% of each purchase is donated to a choice of non-profit dedicated to supporting people of colour.
5. Thebe Magugu
Thebe Magugu’s label materialises modern design and ancestral influences in perfect harmony. Strongly rooted in the brand’s South African heritage, this designer has garnered merited attention from celebrities and luxury fashion connoisseurs alike. Powerful storytelling is at the heart of this brand’s ethos and we wouldn’t have it any other way. There is just something entrancing about this label that will make you look, learn and fall in love with fashion all at once.
