My Favorite Black Owned High Fashion Brands

We all have our passions. I am passionate about voting. It’s one of the easiest ways to make change happen and to have a say in how our cities and country work. Another way to help make change is with money. Money is power. When you give a company money, you give them power. I know many of you would like to spend more money on black-owned high fashion brands, so I’ve put together a list of my favorites. You will see many lines new to you. Others will be familiar…

Kìléntár

Kìléntár is a high fashion brand by British-Nigerian designer Michelle Adepoju. The name comes from “kí lén tá,” which means “What are you selling?” in Yoruba. I’m loving the brand’s bright colors and feminine silhouettes. This black-owned designer brand is sold through its own website.

This dress is available at Kìléntár.

Sizing: 0-18

Material: Printed chiffon

lemlem by Liya Kebede

lemlem by Liya Kebede is one of my go-to designers for summer and resort wear. The beautiful prints and breezy silhouettes say, “vacation.” This black-owned high fashion brand is sold at lemlem, Bloomingdale’s, Shopbop, Yoox, Farfetch, and Madewell.

This dress is available at Farfetch and lemlem.

Sizing: S-L

Material: Cotton 95%, Acrylic 5%

Khoi

Khoi is a fabulous jewelry line by Hayet Rida, featuring bold statement pieces. It’s sold via its website and store showroom in Chicago.

This bracelet is available at Khoi.

Sizing: Standard (63mm) or extended (68mm)

Material: Brass, plated in 18K gold

Andrea Iyamah

Nigeran designer Andrea Iyamah launched her brand when she was just 17 years old. Her designs are focused on resort wear and swimwear and feature bright colors and patterns. You can shop Andrea Iyamah at Shopbop, Moda Operandi, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Andrea Iyamah.

This top is available at Shopbop, Moda Operandi, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Sizing: XS-XXL

Material: Lightweight, non-stretch organza, boned bodice & polyester shell

Telfar

Telfar Clemans is perhaps most known for his iconic bag that soared in popularity after celebs like Oprah and Issa Rae were spotted carrying it. Telfar is available on Amazon and Telfar.

I love these clear sandals that he teamed up with Melissa to make. They’re available at Telfar and Melissa.

Sizing: 5-10M

Material: Outer: 100% PVC, Insole: 50% PVC, 50% PET

Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese

Plenty by Tracy Reese was one of my go-to lines many years ago. Now, Tracy has put all her efforts into her Hope for Flowers line, which is even better. Hope for Flowers is all about sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly textiles and “slow fashion.” It is sold at Anthropologie, Saks 5th Avenue, and Hope for Flowers.

This dress is available at Anthropologie.

Sizing: XXS-XL

Material: 70% Tencel, 15% nylon, 15% linen; 80% nylon, 20% elastane lining

Rebecca Allen

Rebecca Allen has long been one of my go-to brands for shoes. Rebecca Allen is sold at Nordstrom, Amazon, Macy’s, and Rebecca Allen.

These boots are available at Nordstrom, Amazon, and Macy’s.

Sizing: 6-11M

Material: Leather upper, textile lining, rubber sole

Good American

You know Good American is one of my favorite brands for jeans. It’s sold at Revolve, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, Bloomingdale’s, Anthropologie, Shopbop, and Good American.

These jeans are available at Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, Bloomingdale’s, Anthropologie, Shopbop, and Good American.

Sizing: 00-24

Material: 95% organic cotton, 4% elasterell-p, 1% elastane

Christopher John Rogers

Christopher John Rogers is on the higher end of the black-owned high fashion brands. Turn to Mr. Rogers if you are looking for feathers, taffeta silk, or grandiose silhouettes. You can find Christopher John Rogers at Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus, FWRD, and Bergdorf Goodman.

This blazer is available at Net-A-Porter.

Sizing: XS-XL

Material: 100% polyester

Fe Noel

Fe Noel is another go-to black-owned designer brand for gorgeous summer resort pieces. Fe Noel is sold at Shopbop and via its own online store.

This matching set is available at Fe Noel.

Sizing: XS-XXL

Material: 100% Viscose

Stella Jean

You can tell how much I love designers who put out these incredible prints and refreshing silhouettes. This black-owned designer brand is sold at Shopbop, Farfetch, and Saks 5th Avenue.

This dress is available at Shopbop and Amazon.

Sizing: 38-46

Material: 50% acrylic, 50% merino wool

Diarrablu

Founded by Diarra Bousso, the brand focuses on sustainability. Its mission is to highlight Africa’s rich colors and unique patterns through versatile pieces that are designed using mathematical concepts. Pictured is my favorite piece from their current collection. I love the dynamic drama of this look from Diarrablu. This black-owned high fashion brand is sold at Nordstrom, Shopbop, and via its own online store.

These pants are available at Diarrablu and Nordstrom.

Sizing: XS-3XL

Material: 100% Polyester Jacquard

Lurelly

Although Lurelly, by designer Lurell M, focuses mainly on bridal or formal wear, I love the occasional more casual pieces she puts out. Lurelly is sold via its own online store.

This dress is available at Lurelly.

Sizing: 2-14

Material: Heavy Linen

Coco and Breezy

How refreshing to see a line of sunglasses that’s not part of the Luxottica eyewear conglomerate! Coco and Breezy creates sunglasses and prescription glasses that are edgy and fun, fresh and cool. The glasses, by twin designers Corianna and Brianna Dotson, are sold via their own online store.

Mangishi Doll

You know all I want to do is wear extravagant dresses or matching sets and call it a day. That’s what Mangishi Doll makes. Founded by Kapasa Musonda, Mangishi Doll may be my favorite on this list because they have the largest selection of fabulosity. This black-owned fashion brand is sold at Shopbop, Amazon, and via its own online store.

This matching set is available at Mangishi Doll.

Sizing: US2-20

Material: Cotton Chitenge (Non-Stretch)

Nude Barre

Many of you know that I am bonkers for nude micro-fishnets. I adore Nude Barre for providing micro fishnets in a plethora of nude shades from Irish cream to mocha. Nude Barre, founded by Erin Carpenter, is sold at Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, its own online store, and Macy’s.

These tights are available at Nordstrom, Nude Barre, and Macy’s.

Sizing: S-5XL

Material: 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex

My Favorite Black-Owned Fashion Designs From Years Past

I originally wrote this post on my favorite black-owned high fashion brands a few years ago. Some of the items I was inspired by then have sold out, but I’ve left the photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts, I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.

lemlem Orange Dress

Hope For Flowers Dress

Mangishi Doll Shift Dress