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23 Thriving Black Designers You Should Know

With Juneteenth coming up, I wanted to spotlight a group of Black designers who are making some of the most dynamic, thought-provoking clothing around the world. Some, like Grace Wales Bonner, Christopher John Rogers, and Telfar Clemens have already reached contemporary icon status. Others, including Thebe Magugu, Áwet Woldegebriel, and Kingsley Gbadegesin are rising stars to watch—before you know it, their stunning work will be everywhere. Here’s a primer on the creative forces who are making their mark on the global fashion industry by pushing boundaries, challenging norms, experimenting with new and traditional techniques alike, and ultimately using their platforms to help bring awareness to their various cultures.

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Grace Wales Bonner

Ever since the British-Jamaican fashion designer was awarded the LVMH prize after showing her first solo runway collection in 2016, she has been a dominating force in the fashion world. She has collaborated with Dior and Adidas, always producing on boundary-pushing clothing and accessories inspired by a variety of cultures. Her most recent collaboration with American artist Kerry James Marshall supports the nonprofit Study and Struggle.‌

Christopher John Rogers

Rogers does not shy away from the fantastical. The use of bright jovial colors that capture the pure feeling of happiness are common themes that can be seen throughout his collections. A healthy use of crystals and gemstones also find their way on Rogers’ designs, which have garnered him a client list that includes Zendaya.

Pierre Davis

Davis’s brand No Sesso (which means no sex or no gender in Italian), is all about challenging status-quo with pieces that can be worn by anyone.

Áwet Woldegebriel

The son of an Eritrean tailor who moved to the U.S. in 2000, Woldegebriel makes his colorful, comfortable streetwear in New York’s garment district. A portion of the proceeds from his latest collaboration with the artist Caroline Harris (below) are being donated to the NAACP and the National Urban League.

Theresa Ebagua

Ebagua has said that launching her brand Chelsea Paris in 2012 was a leap of faith. Since then, she has been successfully churning out fresh, free-spirited pieces inspired by her upbringing.

Maximilian Davis

Davis, who was recently named creative director of Salvatore Ferragamo, pulls from his Trinidadian-Jamaican heritage for his eponymous brand. Plunging necklines and backless gowns are a few standout features throughout his collections.

Kingsley Gbadegesin

The K.NGSLY designer is all about uplifting black and brown queer bodies by way of his designs. His most recent addition, swimwear, features bold, monochromatic designs in a minimalist Speedo silhouette.

LaQuan Smith

Formerly known as “the leggings guy,” Smith has dressed Beyoncé, Rihanna, and the Kardashian-Jenner crew in his sensual, expertly tailored pieces.

James Flemons

Flemons’s brand Phlemuns is all about careful attention to detail. In addition to a slow fashion approach, the designer has also focused on making his brand accessible to all, offering unisex options in every collection.

Asata Maisé

This 28-year-old designer known for her handcrafted, patchwork handbags continues to explore the potential of upcycled materials. The familiar retro shapes make them a pleasure to carry.

Thebe Magugu

Since his first collection in 2017, the South African designer has been crafting forward-thinking designs that cater to women who crave clothing with a modern edge.

Idris Balogun

The Winnie New York designer made it onto the fashion map in 2022, as an LVMH Prize finalist and the winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Special Prize. His most recent collection draws inspiration from artist Dumile Feni, and is notable for its flowing, beautifully tailored separates.

Bernard James

For his latest Maxi Flora collection, the Brooklyn-born jewelry designer, drew inspiration from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. The results are delicate, romantic and super wearable.

Telfar Clemens

Already one of the best known Black designers of this generation, Clemens successfully tapped into the energy of New York City with his iconic Telfar shopping bag (dubbed “The Bushwick Birkin” for its status appeal). But don’t sleep on the rest of his collection, which features creative sportswear and logo-embellished accessories.

Kerby Jean-Raymond

Raymond has pushed fashion forward with his futuristic, experimental designs for Pyer Moss, the brand he founded in 2013. More recently, he has expanded his collection into covetable leather goods and women’s shoes

Maxwell Osborne

You may know him as a co-founder of the influential streetwear brand Public School, but now he’s focusing on his totally upcyled label, AnOnlyChild, which features flowing silk separates and boldly tailored trousers.

Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece

‌The duo behind the accessories brand ASHYA have made a name for themselves by making elevated travel accessories and sculptural handbags.

Anifa Mvuemba

Washington, D.C.-based ‌Mvuemba founded her label, Hanifa, with the goal of making bold, exciting designs for all women. With colorful, party-ready looks in sizes that run from 0-20, she’s making it happen.

Martine Ali

This young jewelry designer’s bold designs are inspired by the playfulness of the early 2000s—every one of her pieces is made to be layered and worn daily.

Andrea Dumebi Iyamah

The Nigerian designer incorporates flourishes inspired by her culture and the natural world that give her ready-to-wear pieces a serious wow factor.

Lara Olutunbi

The London-based designer founded her accessories brand, LarAllan, in 2019, and has quickly become known for her bold, colorful evening bags and cheerful totes.

Sai Sankoh

‌Sai Sankoh’s designs combine vintage-inspired silhouettes with bold colors, taking glamour to the next level.

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Source: W Magazine

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