We couldn’t end Black History Month without talking about the impact of Black culture on the fashion game, so I thought it would only be appropriate if we discussed a few Black designers who are shutting the fashion streets down!

Black Designers Shutting It Down:

#1: Anifa Mvuemba!

If you haven’t heard the name before, where have you been?

Anifa is the founder and designer of Hanifa! Anita, A Congolese designer, launched her ready-to-wear womenswear label in 2012 offering sizes 0 to 20!

Talk about Versatility!

She incorporates patterns, color, and mesh and goes beyond the basic idea of what women should wear. 

Her outfits can be worn in the boardroom, at dinner, or chilling on vacation. 

She’s got dresses, jewelry, knitwear, footwear, and even jumpsuits.

And did I mention that she has a bridal line too? So, if you’re getting married soon, consider buying a dress from this Black woman on fire! 

#2: LaQuan Smith 

You probably have seen every one of your favorite designers rocking this man’s work from Rihanna, La La Anthony, Ciara, and Serena Williams. LaQuan Smith gives nothing but designer excellence. 

A luxury fashion designer and founder of the womenswear clothing brand LaQuan Smith, LLC, Smith stepped on the scene at NYFW in February 2010. 

Offering a range of sizes from 0 to 14, Smith offers women multiple options, from catsuits to pants, skirts, dresses, and gowns!

And, while he may be considered luxury fashion, sis, I know you will spend your coins for the right outfit. Therefore, take some time to look at a Black luxury designer before your next purchase because he’s giving everything others can’t!

Giving Flowers to Those Who Have Paved the Way in the Fashion Game:

Although I have been discussing fashion designers who are killing the game, I also have to pay homage to those who gave birth to our fashion dynasties. 

#1: Misa Hylton: 

If you know the iconic fashions of Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim, then you must know Misa Hylton! 

Although she penned the trend of “hip-hop glamour,” Hylton has paved the way for some of the most popular fashion trends (Cavallo, 2024).

The reason you wear your jeans or hats the way you do. Or, the reason you buy those MARY boots is all thanks to the amazing Misa Hylton. 

A global creative partner for MCM and creator Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, Hylton has no signs of slowing down, delivering A1 styling back to back! 

#2: Kimora Lee Simmons:

If you are anything like me than growing up, then you have worn Baby Phat! 

Starting as a fashion model, Simmons has paved the way for streetwear. Debuting her first collection in NYFW 2000, Kimora has created a brand that has sustained decades and made millions of dollars. 

From jewelry, footwear, swimwear, denim, fragrance, and remember those sweatsuits! 

Everybody was rocking their Baby Phat back in the day, and with a recent relaunch in collaboration with Forever 21, Kimora has not stopped yet!

She created a powerhouse, influenced the fashion of so many of our favorite celebrities, and solidified her name in the Black Fashion Hall of Fame!

In the comments below, out of all the designers discussed, let me know your favorites. 

Who have you not tried but have desired to? 

What Black designer is not mentioned above that you want to purchase from in the coming months? 

And, whose fashions give you nothing but life!

Happy Black History Month!

See y’all in March for our next post. 

Peace and Prosperity,

Jadis DeShong-Venay

References:

Adhav, L. & Saint-Elien, T. (2022). 25 Black Fashion Designers Who Are Killin’ the Game. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g33312113/black-fashion-designers/

Cavallo, A. (2024). 30 Black Designers Who Shaped Fashion History. L’Officiel. https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/black-designers-fashion-history-virgil-abloh-telfar-clemens

Flanagan, H. (2023). Misa Hylton is (Still) the Blueprint. The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/2023/08/stylist-misa-hyltons-hip-hop-legacy.html

Starling, L. (2016). Kimora Lee Simmons Turned Her Culture Into A Billion-Dollar Fashion Brand. The Fader. https://www.thefader.com/2016/10/11/kimora-lee-simmons-baby-phat-black-fashion-interview