Introduction

As Black History Month unfolds, it is an opportune time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black individuals to the fashion industry. This guide spotlights Black-owned American fashion brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, fostering a commitment to diversity and positive social impact.

The Call for Lasting Change

Diversity and inclusivity should extend beyond February, transcending fleeting reactions to protests. In the wake of high-profile incidents of police brutality against Black Americans in 2020, the fashion industry pledged to bring about change. However, a year later, an inquiry by the New York Times revealed that Black representation in established brands, retail establishments, and magazines remains disproportionately low. While there has been progress, much work remains to be done to address diversity issues at every level.

Progress in the Fashion Spotlight

Despite ongoing challenges, the fashion industry has witnessed progress. The Fashion Spot reported that the Spring 2022 fashion shows marked the most racially diverse season on record, reflecting a positive shift. However, sustained change requires collective efforts and continuous support.

Insights from Industry Voices

Celebrity stylist Dechel McKillian, founder of Galerie LA, shared insights into the industry’s evolution since the “buy Black boom” of summer 2020. While acknowledging increased press features and visibility for Black designers, McKillian emphasizes that inclusivity in the industry is a work in progress. The need for more Black hires in creative, marketing, and design roles remains crucial for fostering lasting change.

McKillian advocates for collective action, urging allies to educate themselves, donate, and support Black-owned businesses. Recognizing the human aspect behind fashion production, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging each other as humans.

Black-Owned Ethical and Sustainable Fashion Businesses

Autumn Adeigbo

Autumn Adeigbo’s joyful, vibrant styles are made-to-order, ethically sourcing materials globally. The brand incorporates Indian fabrics and West African beading into tailored silhouettes crafted in New York City.

Hope For Flowers

Founded by iconic designer Tracy Reese, Hope For Flowers creates sustainable, feminine designs using organic cotton, linen, Tencel, and cupro. The brand has been adorned by prominent figures like Sarah Jessica Parker, Meghan Markle, Oprah, and Michelle Obama.

Valerie Madison

Valerie Madison’s fine jewelry brand, established in 2014, prioritizes responsible sourcing. Using recycled gold, Moissanite, and Canadian-mined or recycled diamonds, Madison creates timeless and elegant pieces in her Seattle-based studio.

Ashya

New York-based Ashya, founded in 2017, designs unisex travel accessories with a focus on minimizing waste. The brand responsibly sources materials, upcycles fabric scraps, and produces in small batches.

Taylor Jay

Oakland-based Taylor Jay offers fair-made clothing, ethically sourcing recycled and upcycled threads to create elevated basics with a focus on quality and sustainability.

Arrow + Phoenix

Established in 2012, Arrow + Phoenix is a sustainable swimwear line based in Los Angeles, emphasizing diversity and size inclusivity. The brand uses ECONYL, an Italian eco-luxe fiber made from regenerated nylon.

Aliya Wanek

Speech therapist and designer Aliya Wanek founded her Oakland-based label in 2016, creating timeless, comfortable clothing from natural fibers, hand-dyed in the Bay Area.

GOODEE

Certified B Corp GOODEE is a curated marketplace supporting traditional artisans and small brands worldwide. Co-founders Byron and Dexter Peart aim to reduce poverty, empower marginalized communities, and advocate for gender equality.

Gracemade

Los Angeles-based Gracemade, driven by faith, creates timeless designs from deadstock and natural materials, embodying modesty and sustainability.

Galerie LA

Founded by Dechel McKillian, Galerie LA curates ethical and eco-friendly women’s clothing and accessories from emerging brands worldwide, promoting conscious consumerism.

Jade Swim

Jade Swim, a sustainable swimwear line inspired by New York City, uses deadstock fibers and ECONYL, emphasizing minimal and sensual aesthetics made in Los Angeles.

CanDid Art

Established in 2011, CanDid Art crafts artisanal jewelry and home decor, drawing inspiration from African culture, indigenous designs, and cosmic geometry.

House of Aama

Mother-and-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka create made-to-order clothing, deeply rooted in African ethos and spirituality, merging personal history with fashion.

Kind Socks

Founded in 2017 by Stephen Steele, Kind Socks fills the gap for sustainable and fashionable socks, creating designs from responsibly sourced organic cotton.

Kpelle

Inspired by Liberian culture, Gwanyan Barker founded Kpelle, designing handmade gold, brass, and silver jewelry with locally sourced supplies.

Aziza

Aziza, a made-to-order jewelry brand by artist Aziza Nicole, draws inspiration from multi-layered cultural heritage, creating one-of-a-kind pieces.

Printed Pattern People

Brooklyn-based Shade Akanbi established Printed Pattern People in 2014, translating traditional ethnic materials into modern interpretations for everyday wear.

The Narativ

Founded by Farai Simoyi, The Narativ curates sustainable, ethical artisan brands worldwide, sharing narratives and promoting traditional craftsmanship.

Cee Cee’s Closet

Created by Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudo, Cee Cee’s Closet NYC celebrates West African prints through unique headwraps, accessories, and clothing.

Studio 189

Co-founded by Abrima Erwiah and Rosario Dawson, Studio 189 is a fashion lifestyle brand headquartered in Ghana and the U.S., supporting traditional craftsmanship and artisanal communities.

Brother Vellies

Aurora James founded Brother Vellies in 2013, preserving traditional African design practices and sustaining artisanal jobs across the globe.

Lemlem

Founded by Liya Kebede, Lemlem features sundresses, beach dresses, and tunics made mostly from natural cotton, supporting African women artisans through the lemlem Foundation.

Sarep + Rose

Designed by Robin Sirleaf, Sarep + Rose’s bags fuse African materials and craftsmanship with western design, creating a distinctive blend of modernity and heritage.