To kick off Black History Month, I wanted to feature a selection of Black Fashion Designers. They don’t always receive their recognition in the industry they deserve. I think this is a perfect time. Who will be on my list? You have to keep reading to find out.
1. Tracy Reese
Known for vivid and bold designs, I look forward to her collections each season. Since the launch of her namesake label in 1997, the Detroit native’s designs has been worn notable ladies ranging from Michelle Obama to Sarah Jessica Parker. What I personally appreciated is that as of last season she began offering her designs in Plus Size beginning with the Spring 2017 collection. I can’t wait to see how this will develop.
2. Ozwald Boateng
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| Designer Ozwald Boateng (left) receiving Veritas Award from Harvard in 2014 |
My first introduction to the menswear designer happened back in my undergrad days at the Academy of Art University. I had a chance to view his 2012 documentary A Man’s Story. The designer even did a live Q&A session afterward via Skype. London-born of Ghanaian descent, Boateng is known for Savile Row influenced menswear designs.
3. Carly Cushnie of Cushnie et Ochs
Next on my list is Carly Cushnie the co-founder and designer of the label Cushnie et Ochs. Cushnie is London born of Jamaican descent who has been designing with her business partner Michelle Ochs since starting the label back in 2008. Under the label, Cushnie has created designs suited for the sophisticated yet sexy woman in mine. What I enjoy about her along with Ochs is how they bring fresh designs for numerous seasons.
4. Antthony Mark Hankins
Image Credit: Antthony Design Originals
The New Jersey native designer founded Antthony Designs Originals in the 1990s. Pratt Institute of Design and the prestigious Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne grad has been a constant fashion mainstay. In addition, Hankins also has an exclusive line for HSN since 1996. His on-air outfit choices definitely have caught my attention in addition to the designs.
5. Iman
Of course, I had to add Iman to my list. While most will know the famous model for her fan favorite cosmetic line for women of color, she also has a fashion line Global Chic for HSN. The Somalian-born model has transitioned from modeling to heading a successful fashion line. What sets her line apart from others is that she brings her expertise and is heavily involved throughout the process. She also isn’t afraid to use her platform to issues that are important to her. She is the epitome of a Style Icon.
6. David Tlale
Closing out my list is South African Fashion Designer David Tlale of David Tlale. I have only been covering the designer for a few seasons, but his collections have made an unforgettable impression. Tlale successfully combines intricate designs with a South African influence. In September 2012, Tlale was the 1st South African Fashion to showcase solo in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.
Those are just some of the designers making an impact. My hope is that we see more designers in the years to come. Stay tuned to this month as we will be highlighting those taking the fashion industry by storm.
Did you favorite Black Fashion Designers make our list?
Let us know in the comments below.
All opinions expressed on the blog appear courtesy of Tamarah Brown for My Own Sense of Fashion © unless otherwise stated (i.e. interviews). No use or reproduction may occur without the written consent of the author. This blog uses affiliate links & generates a small commission from purchases.