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 →
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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 More4 TIPS FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THE PERFECT BRUNCH FIT
WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE
Shop Our Looks: My friend Comfort of CNK STYLEBOOK (check her site out!) is wearing a two piece plaid set and white ankle boots from Nasty Gal, and a thrifted DKNY blazer (shop a similar one here) I am wearing a ribbed fringe sleeve mini dress by Akira, PLT studded belt and snakeskin thigh high boots, double disc earrings from Forever 21, vintage clutch, bangles and ring I got forever ago.
Over the past year or two, brunching has become THE go-to activity for my generation to link up and catch up with friends in the midst of everyday “adulting”. Many use their brunch dates as an excuse to bring out their best fits and flick it up. Here are a couple of guidelines to help narrow down your options for that perfect brunch fit.
DRESS IN LAYERS
This way you can get comfortable at brunch, and then throw your extra layers of jackets, dusters, etc, back on for any #ootd pics you may wanna take. Plus, if it’s chilly at the restaurant or outside, you can keep warm.
CHOOSE A THEME FOR YOUR LOOK
Whether it be leather and floral like the look I put together below, or stripes, monochrome, etc, try having each of your friends focus on a theme for their brunch outfit. This will give each of you a chance to stand out and express your individual aesthetics while brunching together as a unit. Commenting on the bomb looks everyone is wearing could also serve as a great convo starter.
FOLLOW THE SLOUCHY / FIT RULE
I call this rule the slouchy/ fit rule because it involves going for a slouchy look with one article of clothing and going for a more bodycon fit with the next. This is something that I like to do a lot, especially when I’m going out to eat, I’ll pair tight fitting jeans or shorts with a more loose fitting top (that way I can eat whatever without looking full afterwards).
BRING OUT YOUR BEST HEELS
I like to choose days where I’ll be sitting most of the time as a break in day for my newest and favorite pairs of heels. It’s the ultimate cheat code where you don’t necessarily have to dress for comfort.
Stay tuned for more style posts coming very soon to the blog! Have an idea for a post? I’d love to hear it. Send ‘em all to styleadvicebysharra@gmail.com.