5 Black Owned Fashion Brands
In lieu of recent events, it is crucial that we promote black-owned fashion brands and ensure there is space for black names and creativity to join the fashion community. Not only today but tomorrow and always. Here are 5 “need to know” brands that are perfect for this season.
CASTAMIRA Swim
Jamaican-born former fashion model Chantel Davis was heavily inspired by aesthetics popularly found in the ’70s and ’90s. She struggled to find luxury swim pieces that enhanced and complimented her curves. By blending these two time periods together, she created the luxury swim brand entitled CASTAMIRA that successfully brings together a classic shape and modern styles. All one-piece suits are made with environmental impacts in mind as her fabrics consist of eco-friendly fibers and her packaging is mindful. CASTAMIRA shows just how flattering, yet comfortable, a one-piece can be.
2. Fe Noel
Inspired by her Grenadian heritage and Renaissance art, Felisha “Fe” Noel, a self-taught designer and entrepreneur, created her brand entitled Fe Noel. Noel aimed to shift the accepted Eurocentric narrative that Renaissance art pushes, to one that is reflective of her own identity. Fe Noel embraces femininity, sensuality, and sensibility through its simple, yet flattering, silhouettes. From Fe Noel’s origin in Felisha’s mom’s basement, this brand has been seen on the likes of Gabrielle Union and Michelle Obama, has collaborated with Nike to help create the first women’s basketball shoe for Lebron James and has been seen in New York Fashion Week 2020.
3. MATTE BRAND
Matte Brand embodies simplicity and minimalism through its must-have basics that promote comfort, sensibility, and femininity. Launched in 2014 by Texas native Briana Wilson, this brand was able to capitalize on the many perks that social media has to offer. This lifestyle brand has been worn by notorious celebrities such as Karrueche, Teyana Taylor, Kim Kardashian, and more. Wilson made it her priority to showcase diverse women in her photoshoots and cater to her broad range of customers. The Matte Brand prides itself in neutral colors and nudes for every skin shade. Their must-have basics, activewear, and sets are perfect for your everyday monochromatic streetwear.
4. RIOT SWIM
Launched in 2016 by model Monti Landers, Riot Swim is the perfect chic blend of popular minimalistic aesthetics and sensuality. This brand’s signature cinched waist, second-skin feel and inclusive sizing is what draws its customers in. The love for this design is reflected in Riot Swim’s bestseller, the “Echo” one piece. Riot Swim draws on ‘80s inspired silhouettes to bring some excitement to its one-pieces and swim bottoms. The swimsuit’s deep cleavage and high cut lengthens the leg and accentuates natural curves. Riot Swim has featured in VOGUE, BAZAAR, ELLE, and more.
5. Kai COLLECTIVE
Fisayo Longe started Kai Collective in London, 2016. Longe started out as a fashion blogger and used that momentum to give her brand the push it needed to be loved by many. Longe now travels the world in search of perfect and ethical fabrics for her brand such as the vegan leather she uses for the “Beebeeta” dress. Kai Collective is most known for its statement sleeve, more specifically the exaggerated bell sleeves. The combination of bell sleeves and the fitted silhouette of the dresses allow for a sophisticated look that contours to your body’s natural shape.
These past events may have served as a wake-up call for many people and for others, it may be a call to action. Through supporting Black-owned fashion brands, allies are able to learn and invest their time into Black creators who may have not received the recognition that they deserved from the fashion world. Fashion is not only about clothes, but it's also about the experience and feelings shared through them. Thus, by supporting these brands, we are successfully listening, acknowledging, and creating space for Black creators to thrive.