Buying Black has become less far-fetched and more common in recent years, thanks to the 2020 racial reckonings that challenged various industries to amplify their support of the Black community. Fashion was one of the giants especially charged with this mission, and even with efforts like the 15 Percent Pledge, the support still feels transient. Representation for Black brands within the industry is still disturbingly low so every purchase truly matters. Looking to amp up your support? We’ve gathered some of the best brands that more than deserve your dollars.
While powerhouses like Brandon Blackwood and Kai Collective produce some of the most top-notch, revolutionary designs in fashion history, other brands are just as innovative and worthy of more flowers. From NYC-based accessory brand NAYR Studio that’s mastered the everyday tote with its statement-making, yet timeless heart bags, to London’s Gbemi which crafts it girl-approved pieces, these Black designers create a promising future for fashion while pushing the culture forward, and they don’t break the bank either.
Whether you’re a zillennial doing a much-needed closet purge or just discovering your style, keep scrolling to shop the underrated Black-owned fashion brands that deserve a spot in your wardrobe this year and beyond.
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NDG Paris
250MM Denim Bandana Bag
Birthed from the mind of Gwen Quantin, NDG Paris champions the fusion of Parisian luxury and Americana charm with its signature paisley bags. Each bag is made from high-quality canvas, vegan leather, and faux fur with a considerate price range of $200 – $300, making luxury accessible for all.Available at NDG Paris
Inspired by Li-Shan Jordan’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, The Back Row is the clothing brand you should have on your radar. It serves as a vehicle for fashion lovers to heighten their confidence through one-of-a-kind pieces and nostalgic finds, at no cost to the environment. From playful Y2K must-haves to vintage Banana Republic, you’re bound to find a piece you’ll love.Available at Back Row
Francesca Lake started her eponymous label to bring the unsung stories of her rich Jamaican culture to the globe. Based in London, the multidisciplinary artist and British Fashion Council scholar uses intricate techniques and tools like garment construction, ceramics, and film and prose to craft pieces that are more than just clothing. They’re all part of an experience that amplifies Jamaican creativity and proves modern fashion is truly global.Available at Francesca Lake
Founded by Asia Irving in 2021, Aseye Studio is a symbol of the ever-evolving relationship between sports and fashion. Having garnered significant experience styling her brother Kyrie Irving, Asia understands what it takes to elevate the intersection of the two worlds beyond stripe-adorned tees and sporty bottoms. With offerings like reimagined tennis skirts and elevated varsity jackets, Aseye Studio is a creative universe that perfectly blends sports culture and individualism for all to enjoy.Available at Aseye Studio
Calling all accessory lovers, we’ve just found your new favorite jewelry brand. The Chicago-based label was founded by Hayet Rida who draws inspiration from her Ghanaian heritage while inspiring customers to dream big and make their mark. Each uniquely crafted piece is made from brass and plated in 18K gold.Available at KHOI
New York-based NAYR Studio masters timelessness and innovation when it comes to everyday bags. Stylist and designer Alaïa Ryan is the creative genius behind the Instagram and TikTok-approved heart-shaped totes that sell out within minutes. And the designs speak for themselves. She’s since expanded to more experimental iterations like large fur totes and leather bags that not only go with any look but are worth every penny.Available at Nayr Studio
Stylist and editor Mecca James-Williams recently launched the prime destination for all things Caribbean and fashion in Sweet Like JAM. She’s always been inspired by and worn brands with rich stories and intentional design purposes, so she created a retail platform to not only show that fashion is global, but also that Black creativity in the Caribbean is nothing to sleep on. From Nia Thomas to Francesca Lake, Sweet Like JAM is a brilliant merging of legacy, community, and commerce. Available at Sweet Like Jam
“This is for the girls who are queens, the queens who wear dreams…” is the mantra that Gbemi stands on and their pieces exude just that. Through adventurous prints, bold graphics, and unconventional color pairings, founders and sisters Antonia Kemi Omisesan and Alice Oluyitan are making dressing fun again. Available at Gbemi
The Nigerian-owned resort wear brand to know? DLCT Contemporary. Founded by self-taught fashion designer Kike, the label exists to create clothing that feels personal to every woman and inspires her to show up as her authentic self in any space she enters. From Kike’s quest to find standout clothing that felt more meaningful than trends, came a brand that’s redefining luxury through high-quality and confidence-boosting designs. Available at DLCT Contemporary
Since launching in 2020 with its first baguette bag, Ciriaco has quickly amassed a reputation as one of the industry’s hottest accessory brands. Its namesake founder Ashley Ciriaco draws inspiration for her eclectic designs from frequent childhood visits to The Bronx and watching iconic shows like Sex and the City — ultimately pushing her to launch an accessories label that doesn’t adhere to trends, but starts them.Available at Ciriaco
