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10 Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Shop This Month (And All-Year Long)
From Canadian favourites and runway rulers.
by : Lauren Knowles- Feb 14th, 2023
Brother Vellies
February marks the commencement of Black history month, and although we support Black-owned businesses all year round, we’d like to take a moment to highlight some of our favourite black-owned fashion brands. From homegrown Canadian favourites like Brother Vellies and Andrea Iyamah to runway rulers Theophilio and Christopher John Rogers, here are 10 of our current favourite Black-owned fashion brands to shop from below.
Theophilio
A self-titled “wearable biography,” Theophilio is the clothing label founded by Edvin Thompson that blends the nostalgia of a young life lived in Jamaica with the progressive culture of New York City to drive its designs. The brand’s Rasta Prints collection honours its Jamaican roots with pieces like this beach-worthy Rasta Ruche Dress ($437) — and did we mention that a similar look from its Spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection landed Theophilio a name drop in the Gossip Girl reboot?
Khiry
Afrofuturist luxury brand Khiry transforms art and the culture of the African diaspora into luxe vermeil jewellery — with larger aspirations of becoming a complete fashion house in the future. With custom engagement rings, ready to shop staples and statement-making standout pieces, Khiry covers all the jewellery bases.
Andrea Iyamah
As seen on celebrities like Michelle Obama and Issa Rae, Andrea Iyamah is the Canadian brand that celebrates the African roots of its founder, Nigerian fashion designer Andrea Dumebi Iyamah, with bold colours and nature inspired designs. Sift through a vivid selection of cheery yellow and bright pink pieces from its Resort 23 collection to consider packing for your next vacation.
Selasi
Founded by multi-hyphenate creative Ronan Mckenzie, Selasi is the minimalist clothing label that favours sleek, neutral-toned designs. In conversation with Vogue, Mckenzie revealed that the name of this brand means “God hears me” and is derived from Ghana’s Ewe language. “I’m not religious, but for me, I take [Selasi] to mean trust my intuition, and I hear myself and my soul hears me. Selasi is a project that comes straight from my heart,” she shared.
L'Enchanteur
Identical twin designers Dynasty and Soull Ogun are the brainchildren behind L’Enchanteur, the brand inspired by mythology, magic and fairy tales. Designed with a “Transform Your Lifestyle,” mantra in mind, this label’s whimsical creations have even been spotted on Hollywood’s most powerful it-couple, Beyoncé and Jay Z.
Christopher John Rogers
Since 2018, Christopher John Rogers has been lighting up runways and red carpets with his eponymous brand and its rainbow-coloured palette worn by celebrity clients like Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lil Nas X. In 2021, founder Rogers received the CFDA award for American Womenswear Designer of the Year in honour of his bold designs — and its not hard to see why.
Brother Vellies
Founded in 2013 by Toronto native Aurora James, Brother Vellies channels traditional African design practices and techniques into handmade luxury accessories with a one-of-a-kind feel. Though the brand carries beautifully crafted handbags and a tempting array of lifestyle items, Brother Vellies’ most sought-after offering is its irresistible assortment of shoes, like the fan favourite Globe Sandals ($735).
Harbison
The creation of clothing is both an artistic and scientific process — and Charles Harbison understands this. With a diverse educational background, this designer uses his knowledge of both aesthetics and the science of fabrics to create his neo-luxury sustainable brand, Harbison. Inclusive of handbags, clothing and jewellery, there is nothing Harbison can’t do.
Victor Glemaud
Haitian-American designer Victor Glemaud’s eponymous label came to life in 2006 and has been wowing us with its inclusive designs for all people and personalities ever since. The brand is best known for its signature knitwear garments, but we’ve also got our eyes on its chic collection of sunglasses.
Sergio Hudson
Defined by sharp construction and a keen attention to detail, Sergio Hudson is the ready-to-wear label worn by stylish stars like Iman and Kerry Washington. Well versed in the art of “power dressing,” wearers of this brand are sure to feel sophisticated and in control with statement pieces like this canary yellow Peak Label Single Breast Blazer ($566).
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