KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH →
Kendall Miles Designs
KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED
CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE
As promised, I’ve updated my black luxury directory after an inspiring time at New York Fashion week, witnessing the raw talent that’s evident in the black luxury marketplace. Read more to see who’s been added!
I know I’m not the only one who’s ever witnessed a cringey convo where someone is talking all this and that about how much they looove fashion but when asked who their favorite designer is, they get to stuttering, scratching their heads and avoiding the question. I don’t want this to be you!
As a black woman stylist, I think it’s so important that when having conversations about fashion and culture, we know just as much about today’s hidden gems within the black luxury marketplace as we do about the mainstream luxury fashion houses that have been around for centuries. Respectfully, there’s more to designer than Gucci and Michael Kors… I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite working black designers of today, some you may already know and some you may not. Read up and enjoy!
ANDREA IYAMAH
I originally learned of Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah back in 2016, and have since fallen in love with her brand’s eclectic and vibrant aesthetic. Originally known for making amazing swimwear, the Andrea Iyamah brand now covers even more ground in the resort wear space, creating gorgeous collections full of effortlessly sultry silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and stand out prints that often pay homage to African culture, all ideal for the ultimate stylista’s vaycay. Shop andreaiyamah.com. | @andreaiyamah
ROMEO HUNTE
Image source: @romeohunte
When you think Romeo Hunte, think minimalist streetwear, turned up a notch… or two. The Brooklyn born and raised designer specializes in taking the most practical articles of clothing and making them more refined, more sophisticated, and then adding in some edge. Perhaps most known for his unique take on outerwear, the designer’s luxurious fur jackets, tailored blazers, and voluminous coats can be spotted on the likes of Zendaya, James Harden, Queen Bey, and so many more. Shop romeohunte.com | @romeohunte
SERGIO HUDSON
And now for my current ABSOLUTE FAVORITE designer in the industry right now, the iconic Sergio Hudson. You may have just gotten hip to Sergio’s work when our former and forever reigning first lady Michelle Obama shut down the inaugural in a head to toe burgundy Sergio Hudson ensemble. I truly believe that prior to that major moment, Sergio Hudson had been one of the most slept on designers of our time, but IYKYK.
Sergio’s ability to cater to the female form while creating cohesive collections that are timeless and distinctive, yet reminiscent of some of our culture’s most memorable style icons ,reminds me that glamour and femininity within today’s fashion scene are still very much alive and well. In fact, his latest SS22 collection, a “Return to Glamour” has inspired many influential fashion figures to start celebrating life by getting dressed again, after a long life of leisure wear due to the worldwide quarantine. Shop sergiohudson.com | @sergiohudson
LAQUAN SMITH
And of course, I couldn’t leave out another one of my top 3 in black luxury designers. I’ve been following LaQuan Smith since way back… before many major media outlets refused to acknowledge his genius and I had to look high and low on the internet just for a simple collection review. Now one of the brands of choice for celebs and tastemakers alike, you can catch your fav public figures like Cardi B and Lizzo stepping out in a sexy bodysuit, motor pants, or a sexy sheer gown by the beloved LaQuan.
His avid eye for statement making details and just knowing how the modern woman likes to showcase her curves has brought him to the forefront of fashion. He’s another one of the few luxury designers responsible for keeping glamour and feminine sensuality alive through style. Laquan Smith’s latest SS22 offering at NYFW revealed a new partnership with sportswear brand Puma, shifting the looks to a more simplified approach that’s still sexy with a hint of streetwear influence. Shop laquansmith.com | @laquan_smith
MAH - JING WONG
Image source: @mahjingwong
As I mentioned in my Fashion Week recap, Mah-Jing is one of my favorite Project Runway veterans. I had the pleasure of viewing his latest collection in person at the Fashion Bomb Daily show a few weeks back, and through witnessing his precision of cuts and his use of quality fabrics, I had to add him to this list. MJW mixes the colorful, cheery playfulness of the Japanese fashion scene with sexy, bold silhouettes, resulting in a well-balanced, modern and luxurious look for the bold and confident woman. Shop mahjingwong.com | @mahjingwong
& SO MANY MORE…
Scroll through the rest of the images below to discover more of today’s black designer labels.
Let me know in the comments which designers you plan on supporting this season!
More posts making their way to you very soon! Make sure you’re subscribed here so you’ll never miss one!
Sharra,
“The definition of walking art.”
KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY
It is Black History Month! Do not get caught slipping! I know I’m not the only one who’s ever witnessed a cringey convo where someone is talking all this and that about how much they looove fashion but when asked who their favorite designer is, they get to stuttering, scratching their heads and avoiding the question. I don’t want this to be you!
As a black woman stylist, I think it’s so important that when having conversations about fashion and culture, we know just as much about today’s hidden gems within the black luxury marketplace as we do about the mainstream luxury fashion houses that have been around for centuries. Respectfully, there’s more to designer than Gucci and Michael Kors… I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite working black designers of today, some you may already know and some you may not…
Read MoreTHE EVOLUTION OF THE HANDBAG
WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE
Me, in the OG Runway Bag from House of Rehab.
If there’s any article of clothing that serves as a symbol for how much high-low fashion has transformed the entire industry, it’s the handbag. The essential accessory serves as a prime example of how what once was mainly flaunted by the elite as a symbol of status, has now evolved into a staple with way less rules and restrictions and is more of a reflection of one’s personal taste and preference.
There was a time in history when a woman’s purse was almost always, undoubtedly, the most expensive piece of her entire outfit. With Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” being first introduced in the 20th century, along with Coco Chanel’s innovative “2.55” design being one of the first bags designed to be worn on the shoulder, luxury bag wearers of the 1910’s, 20’s, 30’s and beyond were giving very much this energy:
This mentality reached a new height in the 80’s, when Hermes first introduced the rare and precious Birkin. Highly sought after for possessing both beauty and practicality (many women wanted a bag that was spacious while still being stylish), the Birkin bag quickly rose to fame and hasn’t gone anywhere since, with bags today starting at $11K and ranging all the way up to $3 million, depending on scarcity and the demand of certain styles.
However, today you can find your average fashionista comfortably sporting bags outside of the luxury market. The concept of mixing high end with low end names has disrupted almost every facet of fashion, including accessories.
There once was an era where one would be embarrassed to be seen with anything less than an authentic luxury good on their arm. Now, it’s so common to see anyone from middle class to elite rocking a knock - off or , "designer inspired” purse and tagging the brand’s page on their post for the gram… and it only makes sense, seeing that we now have so many affordable alternatives from online retailers. It’s almost a flex to brag about knowing where you can find something cheaper these days.
But as much as we’ve evolved when it comes to handbag culture, it is still safe to say that the luxury handbag isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can still catch our fave public figures collecting as we covet.
Hot Girl Meg showing off her amazing designer bag collection.
However, I do think that it’s interesting that we can now catch, even the wealthy, unapologetically owning a bag that ranges anywhere from $40K to $40. It’s definitely a sign of the times where we now are generally more open minded and accepting of lesser known brands, lower price points, and practicality when it comes to shopping. As long as the fit still hits!
Do you prefer your purses luxury or more affordable??? Let me know in the comments. In the meantime, Check out a mix of some of the most prominent styles from my current fave handbag brands rn, some luxury and some mid range.
Sharra,