Keep reading for our January '22 roundup of amazing Black fashion designers and Black-owned fashion brands that have inspired us.
1. Pyer Moss
Started in 2013 by designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, Pyer Moss is a clothing label that tells stories and sends a message. Jean-Raymond made history last summer as the first African American designer to present a collection on the official couture calendar. Haute couture is a 150 year old institution originating in Paris that has for a long time been dominated by White, European designers, thus the inaugural Pyer Moss couture collection was a major step in breaking this mold. Keeping in line with his storytelling design style, Jean-Raymond presented a couture collection in which each of the 25 pieces represented a Black invention. These included an orange bodysuit encompassed by a miniature 3-D fire escape paying tribute to crucial patented improvements to the fire escape by Joseph Winters, and a floor length hair piece filled with rollers, worn with a luxurious burnt orange robe, inspired by heated cylinder tubes for styling hair that were invented by Solomon Harper in 1930. And, to really drive it all home, Jean-Raymond very thoughtfully staged his show at Madam CJ Walker’s estate in New York, the Black woman who was America’s first self-made and female millionaire. If you did not already know about Pyer Moss before, they should definitely be on your radar now. With this historical couture presentation under their belt, Pyer Moss has staged itself as a crucial voice bringing Black perspectives and experience to the highest ranks of fashion.
Check them out here
2. Tove
Clothing brand Tove was created in London in 2019 by design duo Camille Perry and Holly Wright. Tove’s mission is to provide a contemporary, minimalist, and refined wardrobe to the modern woman. In addition to designing timeless, functional pieces, the brand ensures that in the production process all fabrics are sourced from mills implementing sustainable, low impact practices. Tove pieces are simple yet elevated. Among my favorite looks are their leisure suit sets in various colors and patterns- they are effortlessly cool and can be utilized in a multitude of ways in any wardrobe. This brand is perfect for those with an eclectic style, but appreciate an easy minimal closet.
Check them out here
3. Salone Monet
Often when a brand refers to ‘nude-colored’ heels, they’re most likely referring to something in beige. But what about all of the other nude colors that exist? Nude tones exist in a wide range and are not limited to a single universal shade of beige. It was once very difficult for women of darker skin tones to find a true nude heel which actually matched their skin tone, but Salone Monet has changed this. Salone Monet created her namesake label to offer a color-inclusive collection of nude shoes. After realizing the idea for her brand, Monet took shoemaking classes in Brooklyn where she eventually produced her first pair of nude heels by hand. Salone Monet nude heels bring value not only through their inclusivity, but in their contribution to a functional wardrobe. Nude heels are staple pieces that go with everything in your closet, eliminate excess spending on new shoe styles because nude never goes out of style, and they are incredibly flattering. If you’re in the market for a nude heel, Salone Monet is the place to go!
Check them out here
4. Duro Olowu
Duro Olowu launched his namesake brand in London in 2004, and went on to receive the “New Designer of the Year” award at the British Fashion Awards in 2005. For his most recent collection for Spring ’22, he pulled inspiration for his loud, colorful pieces from the works British-Argentinian surrealist painter Eileen Agar and jazz composer Le Sony’r Ra. You can see hints of these inspirations throughout the collection in the striking color story and the movement of the prints. Duro Olowu knows how to mix and match prints, and his pieces are perfect for those who like to experiment with layering. The silhouettes that he created in this and his past collections are sophisticated and timeless, including pantsuits, skirt-suits, blouses with tie-necks, and trench coats. His collections are also very functional, taking its woman from the office, to a weekend brunch, then to a night out. If you’re looking to add a pop of color and print to your wardrobe, you have to check out Duro Olowu.
5. Melanie Marie Collection
Melanie Marie was born and raised in NY. After initially applying to college to become a nurse, Melanie decided to pursue what she felt was her real passion, design. Her namesake label, the Melanie Marie Collection, sells original jewelry pieces that are exclusive and fashion-forward. Her custom gold nameplate necklaces in particular are perfectly reminiscent of urban jewelry styles of the 90’s. Whether you’re looking for a simple understated piece, or something with all-out bling, the Melanie Marie Collection offers a comprehensive selection of necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets.
Check them out here
Art Inspired by Fashion
Each of my favorite black designers of the month have a special place in my heart that fuels my creativity. If you love fashion art and fashion-inspired art, make sure to browse my current selection of custom art here
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