From Alicia Garza-approved Yema in California to an up-and-coming Nigerian brand in the UK, these are the Black-owned fashion brands giving back to the community.

Black-owned fashion brands to shop now 2022

Alicia Garza x Stylist

Best Black-owned fashion brands to buy now and wear forever

Yema is an incredible brand from California that creates cutting-edge pieces crafted from vibrant colours, prints and graphics while channelling African aesthetics through activewear. This Alicia Garza-approved streetwear also gives 20% of all purchases to orphaned kids in Ethiopia and Kibera slums in Kenya. You can currently shop Yema within the US.

This brand offers ethically handmade jewellery with Fairtrade African gold and globally sourced conflict-free fine metals. Sourced from small-scale artisanal mines while supporting the wellbeing of these miners and their communities, the brand equally contributes to their health care, education and living conditions. Omi Woods is based in Canada and ships internationally.

Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize uses handwoven Nigerian fabric known as Aso Oke to create impeccable garments steeped in the culture and tradition. His eponymous brand also supports a community of weavers and designers across Nigeria; creating powerful statement pieces full of life, art and the luxurious experience of Nigerian tradition.

Founded by Anifa Mvuemba, Hanifa is known for its bold and bright statement pieces. Her latest collection, Pink Label Congo, was inspired by the “hope of the Congolese spirit. The DC-based designer has become a force to be reckoned with, showcasing the first virtual 3D fashion show on Instagram live during the Covid-19 pandemic.

South African brand Thebe Magugu is the first African designer to win the prestigious LVMH fashion award for emerging talent. The eponymous label celebrates African culture with a modern approach. A new T-shirt line called Extracurricular, which launched exclusively to Dover Street Market stores this year, features emerging South  African voices across various creative fields.

Founded by mother and daughter design duo, Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, House of Aama explores Black experiences through its timeless garments using historical research and storytelling. The LA brand continues to raise awareness and conversations around Black heritage. Take a look at their brilliant designs and tailoring and you’ll be sold. 

This beautiful brand based in the US crafts from sustainably sourced materials while supporting women artisans. Its approach monitors and reduces their its and environmental impact, which makes us love them even more. Earth Toned Collective is definitely a Black-owned brand to watch and support. It also ships internationally.

Sindiso Khumalo is a South African brand on the rise creating sustainable designs with a modern twist. Her eponymous label focuses on storytelling and designing by hand through watercolours and collage. Inspired by her South African heritage, Khumalo's designs are also influenced by her mother, who was an activist fighting against apartheid when she was younger. She also works very closely with non-profit organisations.

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Meet the brands empowering the community, giving back and breaking boundaries.

Black-owned fashion brands doing incredible things around the world