There are so many fabulous designers out there who are women of color that you may not know about as they are not represented in major department stores, I am included in being unaware. I wanted to understand why and I learned that this is often due to the systemic racism within the fashion industry that our world is finally recognizing. As people have been posting about different shops and designers run by women of color, I have been exposed to new stunning and wonderful clothing lines, shoes, jewelry, accessories, home decor, etc., that I never knew about.
I have been so humbled by this new awareness and I wanted to save some of these stores for myself to reference. A few friends have asked for these new resources and so I figured a blog would be a good place to keep and share them. I did my best to collect as many as possible, but I know that there must be many more super talented women out there to add to this list and will continue to do so.
A.Au
Asiyama Gold is the creator of this well rounded company. She has engaged her community in Nigeria to empower women to learn and create. Her designs are handmade and 10% of the proceeds go towards education scholarships to help women follow their dreams.
Aliya Wanek
Aliya is the designer of the soft, simple, clean, locally made in the Bay Area clothing. According to her bio, she works directly with the production team and will often sew items with them.
Andrea Iyamah
Andrea Iyama is owned by Dumebi Iyamah. The company based in Lagos, Nigeria and Ontario, Canada. Her designs are "inspired by colour, ethnic cultures, nature and design elements that stay true to creating authentic clothing and resort wear with hints of a retro yet contemporary edge in design." She also has an evening wear line called Andrea Iyamah Bride.
Cushnie
Cushnie is founded and designed by Carly Chushnie. Her designs are remarkable! They look like something your skin is craving to wear. She very much meets her goals of developing timeless pieces.
Fe Noel
Fe Noel is from and based in New York. She takes inspiration from her Caribbean heritage, which I can totally see as it reminds me of the beach life. Not only is she a designer, she also helps pioneer other young woman her are passionate about becoming entrepreneurs, by establishing the Fe Noel Foundation.
Galerie.La
Galerie.La is curated and designed by Dechel Mckillian. Her main effort has been making a clothing company that is ethical and sustainable, to leave a small carbon footprint. Galeria.La is based in Los Angeles, CA and is pioneering the way for future socially conscious companies.
Hanifa
Anifa Mvuemba is the designer behind Hanifa. She has two lines, Pink Label Congo and Essentials. She draws on the stories her mother told her about women in Congo. She also started a blog in June 2020, so if you start reading now you can be fully up to date on what she has to share.
Hope for Flowers
Tracy Reese founded Hope for Flowers with the effort of creating and producing locally in Detroit, MI. Part of her mission if to "create a positive social impact by empowering women and young people through arts programing in public schools and collaboration with local artisans in Detroit."
Lemlem
Liya Kebede is the mastermind become Lemlem. She decided to launch her brand to help provide a revenue for the struggling artisans of Ethiopia. These are handwoven, made of natural cotton, are so unique. Also, the mommy-and-me line is such a cute option!
McMullen
McMullen is a boutique founded by Sherri McMullen, which has two locations, Oakland and Palo Alto. She has a statement of commitment to support African and African-American apparel and designers. The colors and variety blew me away, especially that Rachel Comey Tan Skirt! This is promoted as a luxury brand.
Mind of Kye
Kyemah McEntyre is the artist and brains behind these fun, out there, pieces. She became well known when her self made prom dress went viral! Her skills as a painter are remarkable, which she uses to create her clothes. Her fashion is art on fabric. You can also purchase her paintings and accessories as well, including the hottest accessory of masks.
Selva Negra
Selva Negra was founded by Kristen Gonzalez and Sam Romero, drawing from their Latina heritage and merging their individual styles. Their products are produced in Los Angeles, CA with efforts to remain ethical and sustainable. They also have been making and donating cotton masks to help with the COVID-19 efforts! How perfect!
Stella Jean
Stella Jean takes her message of fashion and culture being intertwined and thoroughly expands this idea. She lives the efforts of bringing cultures and communities of developing nations to the forefront of the fashion world. This mission is done by engaging local artisans who then collaborate with her company to implement their skills and then share with the world their craftsmanship through clothing. Each season is a unification of a different community, so be sure to check back to see what is next! Side note, there is a kids collection too!!
I will continue to do my own research, and at the same time, I would love to hear about other designers of color that you have liked. I will update this list to feature them or write another blog featuring more designers of color, including men! It is so important for these voices to be heard, and one way is to support fashion lines that have previously been less publicly visible.
xoxo,
Shana Bryn
Disclaimer
*All product images come from designer's or seller's sites.*
*Link is on each photo for the original source.*
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