As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to gain momentum across the world, many of us are looking at ways we can help in the fight for equality, whether that’s through words or actions.
With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing and lockdown measures in place, not everyone wants or is able to join protests, but you can also show support by buying items from black-owned brands that don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
There’s a wealth of incredible design talent out there, from menswear tailoring to women’s swimwear and everything in between. Some labels have been on the scene for years, while others are emerging designers tipped for greatness.
Here are seven black-owned fashion brands worth investing in…
1. Wales Bonner
After founding her eponymous menswear label in 2014, Grace Wales Bonner expanded into womenswear and since has amassed a legion of fans who love the strong tailored looks she creates.
Earlier this year, the designer was asked by Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri to contribute her take on the French fashion house’s iconic ‘new look’ silhouette for the SS20 cruise show in Marrakech.
Meghan Markle also chose a Wales Bonner dress for her first post-pregnancy appearance when introducing baby Archie to the world.
2. Mowalola
Remember when Naomi Campbell caused controversy by wearing a white halter neck dress with a ‘bullet hole’ for the Fashion for Relief 2019 show? That was the work of Nigerian designer Mowalola Ogunlesi, who is known for her sexy, high-octane aesthetic.
Some critics said the dress glamorised gun crime, but Ogunlesi defended it, saying: "This dress is extremely emotional to me – it screams my lived experience as a black person. It shows no matter how well dressed you are or well behaved, we are time after time seen as a walking target."
The London-based designer founded womenswear brand Mowalola, available to buy on Ssense, in 2018.
3. Lemlem
Founded by Ethiopian-born model Liya Kebede, lemlem is an ethical fashion brand that produces clothing via artisan groups based in Africa.
Specialising in floaty, woven dresses and swimwear in bright colours, the brand is available to buy from the lemlem website.
4. A-Cold-Wall*
Menswear label A-Cold-Wall*, founded by Samuel Ross, is known for its futuristic, utilitarian aesthetic and is beloved by streetwear enthusiasts.
In response to worldwide protests, Ross, who grew up in south London, announced he would be providing 10 grants of £2,500 to black business in sectors including fashion and retail, and made a £10,000 donation to Black Lives Matter.
5. Casely-Hayford
Father and son duo Joe and Charlie Casely-Hayford set up their much-loved tailoring brand in 2009 and ran it together until Joe’s death in 2019.
Charlie remains at the helm of the label, which offers bespoke and off-the-peg suits, which have been worn by the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Marion Cotillard and Michael Fassbender.
6. Martine Rose
Starting life as a shirting brand, Martine Rose has since expanded to offer a full menswear collection. The Jamaican-British designer favours a ‘high/low’ mix taking inspiration from the cultures of London to create streetwear and denim staples.
7. Duro Olowu
Born in Nigeria, Duro Olowu founded his womenswear label after moving to London in the Nineties, making his name in 2005 when the ‘Duro dress’ was hailed by fashion editors as the must-have of the year.
The designer’s creations, which draw on his African heritage and feature bright colours and bold prints, have been worn by Michelle Obama and Solange Knowles, and are stocked at Matches Fashion.
