Black-Owned Brands Bringing Fashion to New Heights
Anifa Mvuemba, Founder of Hanifa, a brand “for women without limits.”
Fashion is at an all-time high. And Black designers, stylists and fashion enthusiasts are changing the landscape and claiming their earned space in the fashion industry. In a world obsessed with fast-fashion and trend turnover these brands have advanced their styles to win over the hearts and eyes of millions of style-obsessed followers and even, fashion-forward celebrities.
Many of us are familiar with TELFAR, the luxurious yet affordable bags. Telfar Clemons made things clear to the fashion community with their popular tag line “It’s not for you — it's for everyone.” The tag line set an expectation that this brand would be different. You will now find people of any gender, race, socio-economic status rocking a “Telfezzy”. Not to mention, their marketing content is my favorite. Their Bag Security Program minimizes waste by creating bags specifically with a pre-ordering system. A Black-Woman Owned brand, hailing from the DMV, designer Anifa Mvuemba debuted her Hanifa Spring/Summer 2022 Collection at NYFW, making us Black Women both proud and confident watching such vibrant colors and body inclusive pieces, strut down the biggest stage of all. Celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Sarah Jessica Parker have displayed their approval in Hanifa designs. With all that being said, I’m here to discuss some smaller brands that will soon emerge into the spotlight. You may want to keep reading so you can be one of the first to grab your hands on their items before it’s too late.
Kai Collective, a London based contemporary fashion and lifestyle brand has turned the global heads with their line of sheer, abstract-print dress, Gaia. They were one of the first brands to reintroduce the world to sheer fabric in an iconic, yet sustainable way. Each Gaia dress is unique because they prioritize saving 40% of the fabric rather than sending it off the waste. Kai Collective released their resort wear collection this August (hot off the press!). They’ve returned with bold colors and unisex designs while creating effortless pieces to rock this summer while traveling or chillin’ poolside.
We can all agree that accessories can turn a good outfit into great one, right? Tanginikia Vierira Jewelry features hand-made jewelry that classify as statement pieces all by themselves. Many of the designs replicate natural elements such as the sun, rain, flowers, and rotating fans. My favorite are her handmade iridescent and resin hoops. Tanginikia Vierira also creates face chains, adding beautiful detail to the face that I have yet to see anywhere else. Tanginikia one-of-a-kind designs are quick to sell out but don’t worry because she also takes custom orders.
Knit and crochet designers have made a new name for themselves in the fashion landscape. Knitting went from your granny’s favorite hobby to your favorite hot girl fit! Brands like WORLDSRIOT are selling head-turning knit and crochet sets that truly make you feel like art while wearing the art. WORLDSRIOT offers a wide range in sizing options, colors and designs. My favorite is the butterfly dress. Another knit-wear brand, SOSArchives creates custom orders for all your crochet dreams, even head wear. All their pieces are “handmade with love in every stitch” and strictly Instagram and email-based.
WORLDSRIOT Butterfly Mini Dress
Finding your individual style while supporting Black-Owned Businesses seems to be at the reach of our hands (literally through the phone). I’m so grateful that our media outlets have expanded, and small businesses have a better “shot” at gaining exposure and being discovered by like-fashioned people. The fashion industry reflects our society - I believe how we interact with it matters. I urge others to buy black, size and gender inclusive and must importantly, sustainable. Our fashion holds power and we can use fashion as a tool to create a better world and planet.
