Black Designers You Need To Know
Stylists and designers go hand-in-hand; we started off February by honoring Black stylists who have made an impact on style. Now we’re ending Black History Month by taking a look at rising Black designers you should have on your radar. These rising stars are definitely ones to watch!
TARON WADE: TOUSSAINT L’OVERTURE
Designer Tarontino’s ingenious work is cemented in the need to see cultural and human equality expand across the globe. Named after Haitian revolutionist Toussaint Louverture, the brand takes on the work of the war general, utilizing art & fashion to broaden perspectives, spread tolerance, and instill compassion & freedom.
BRIANA WILSON: MATTE BRAND
IG: MATTE Brand
Matte has been seen making headlines from publications like The Fader and can be seen at every corner of Instagram! Designer Briana Wilson meshes sex appeal and simplicity to create irresistible collections for women. Her pieces breed confidence and her sister line “Working Girl” adds another layer to a message that pays heed to women working towards their dreams..
TENI ADELOLA: SLASHED BY TIA
IG: Teni Adelola
There’s a new girl on the block, and her name is Tia. 20 year old Teni Adelola has undoubtedly taken over every high profile fashionistas closet. As seen on the backs of celebs like Bella Hadid. SZA, and GH, it’s clear that girls just can’t get enough of Teni’s avant garde take on timeless flaunts. Her signature cascading frills are just the beginning. After the release of her NYFW debut “Modern Renaissance” collection, it’s safe to say Teni Adelola is a fashion frontrunner.
LAQUAN SMITH: LAQUAN SMITH
IG: LaQuan Smith
All hail LaQuan! Smith’s clothes have a LOT to say, with his most recent collection featuring jaw-dropping pieces printed from top to bottom with the mugshots of arrested women, Laquan Smith’s claim to fame remains to be his boldness. And who wears bold like no other? That’s right the Queen Bey herself is a LaQuan Smith regular, she even trusted the spirited designer to create custom looks for her joint On The Run II Tour.
KERBY JEAN-RAYMOND: PYER MOSS
IG: Pyer Moss
Can we get another round of applause for Pyer Moss?! CFDA award winner Kerby Jean-Raymond is the mastermind behind Pyer Moss, a brand that exceeds modern fashion, social justice, and artistry. His collections stretch back to his roots and pay a homage to black culture in a way that only he can. We see his pieces grace the backs of some of the most known and respected black celebs, including former First Lady Michelle Obama. With their recent rebrand and transition into independent ownership, there is so much more to come from Jean-Raymond so get ready for it.
AURORA JAMES: BROTHER VELLIES
IG: Brother Vellies
There’s no such thing as fashion without footwear. Creator of Brother Vellies Aurora James shows us an ethnic side to the statement piece, with her exotic line of handcrafted shoes and handbags from South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Morocco.