Disruption in the fashion industry usually doesn’t happen overnight. Rather than a gentle whisper, destruction pushes out concepts that are seen as refreshing and vibrant. For countless years, Black designers have existed in the industry, creating work that speaks to the colorful history of their backgrounds. They have taken control and driven an agenda consisting of diverse models and memorable storytelling.
In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting eight Black designers to watch this year. For these people, 2018 was a year filled with high scores and significant accolades. Our selection includes Kerby Jean-Raymond from Pyer Moss, Chanel Campbell from Chanel, Recho Omondi from her eponymous label, and more.
Founded in 2013, Pyer Moss is the brainchild of Kerby Jean-Raymond and named after his mother Vania Moss-Pierre. Raymond has looked to his roots and political views for past inspiration in his ready-to-wear brand. Last year, the Haitian-American designer was introduced to a new audience when she won the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Foundation Award. Additionally, his 2018 was marked by numerous sneaker collaborations with Reebok. Later this year, Michelle Obama and Anderson Paak appeared in his designs.
In May of this year, Chanel Campbell experienced a breakthrough moment as a designer. Solange Knowles wore pieces from Parsons’ graduation collection. The 26-year-old Bronx-born artist of Afro-Caribbean heritage is known for centering black women in her work. During New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019, Campbell presented her first collection. At the presentation, 18 Black women wore her meticulous pieces, which are aesthetically unique and striking. Her designs have also been worn by Issa Rae and Tracee Ellis Ross.
LaQuan Smith launched his eponymous brand when he was just 21 years old. He says his upbringing involved learning to sew from his grandmother. Beyoncé and Cardi B have recently worn his pieces. In 2018, Smith released a wildly popular collaboration with ASOS featuring items in a wide range of sizes. His work is best known for its inherently sexy nature. Without a doubt, 2019 will be a breakout year for the Queens, New York native. We can’t wait to see what he has in store.
micaiah carter
Kenyan-American designer Recho Omondi’s namesake label OMONDI has been on our radar for quite some time. She started making clothes in 2010. It is Omondi’s background that drives the brand’s DNA forward. Summers in her hometown of Nowhere, Oklahoma, while studying fashion design at Savannah College of Art and Design, and in Nairobi, Kenya. Not only is her work aesthetically beautiful and quirky, but it’s also an unmistakable representation of New York’s underground fashion industry.
Recho also launched The Cutting Room Floor, a gorgeous podcast that explores the business of fashion. Past guests have included Heron Preston and Dolly Carter. The fashion label counts Issa Rae and Solange Knowles among its fans.
Nigerian-born designer Teni Adeoloa’s fashion line, Slashed by Tia, is full of Victorian-inspired separates. The label quickly gained popularity through Instagram thanks to celebrities like Gigi Hadid, SZA, and even Dua Lipa wearing it. Despite having many celebrities co-signed, it’s a breath of fresh air to see Adeolowa’s diverse campaigns intentionally featuring black models. Teni credits her upbringing and continued studies at Parsons University for her striking aesthetic.
In 2012, Grenadian designer Felisha Noel created her first fashion collection. She rebranded as Fe Noel in 2015 and debuted her first New York Fashion Week show on Fashion Row in Harlem. In 2018, she teamed up again with HFR and two other Black women designers to create a sneaker design for LeBron James. Fe Noel’s luxury womenswear is a masterpiece of color. Each garment expresses her love for Caribbean culture and effortless elegance.
Founded in 2008, Cushnie is designed by CEO and Creative Director Karlie Cushnie. Kali designs are well known for their sophisticated and tailored silhouettes. Cushnie’s aesthetic is unforgettable, inherently chic, feminine and worthy. The luxury women’s ready-to-wear and accessories label was originally coined Cushnie Et Ochs. Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong’o and Ava DuVernay have also worn the line in the past.
Anifa Mvumba’s fashion line, Hanifa, originally debuted in 2012. According to ELLE, the former Morgan State University student started creating designs after dropping out of school. Her sophisticated pieces and numerous footwear releases have earned her a loyal following on Instagram. What’s refreshing about Hanifa is the bold color palette it chooses and the experimental silhouettes it drops several times a year. Since Anifah started marching to the beat of her own drum, Ciara has started wearing Anifah’s creations and even opened a boutique in Maryland.
