It Starts With Us- Black Designers Making Their Mark
As we celebrate the late great Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the civil rights movement, we also want to celebrate black voices in fashion. Below is a list of six incredibly Black fashion designers you should have on your radar who are blazing a trail of innovation leaning on their heritage and personal stories to help push fashion-forward.
Virgil Abloh
Known for his keen eye as artistic director of Louis Vuitton Menswear and his own personal brand Off- White, Virgil continued to break barriers in luxury and street fashion.
Kerby Jean- Raymond
Kerby Jean-Raymond describes his brand as “a timely social experiment” that aims to use its voice and platform to challenge social narratives and evoke dialogue. Notably, Jean-Raymond gathered PPE for hospital workers and provided $50,000 in grants for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Telfar Clemons
Clemens’ approach to fashion is perhaps best summarized by the name of his S/S '19 collection: “Not For You, For Everyone.” A unisex brand established in 2005 by Telfar Clemens, its iconic shopping bag is hailed as an affordable status symbol in the fashion industry.
Dapper Dan
Dapper Dan was influential in bridging the gap between high fashion and the hip-hop world. His collaboration with Gucci and clientele of hip-hop artist Eric B. & Rakim, LL Cool J, Salt-N-Peppa, and Jay Z have made him a force in fashion.
LaQuan Smith
Since his formal debut in 2013, Laquan Smith has gained acclaim for its endless archive of distinctive garments and details. Smith has cultivated an equally dynamic private order clientele that spans the globe from Lagos to London.
Martine Rose
Established in London in 2007, Martine Rose has since evolved from a tightly edited shirting collection to an internationally renowned and critically acclaimed brand. Martine has become one of the most in-demand consultants and collaborators in fashion - and for many years now has consistently influenced the direction of contemporary menswear
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