Even Though February is the start of Black History Month, we love to support these up and coming Black designers every day. The fashion industry has historically been an exclusive space especially for Black and BIPOC designers. Thankfully in the last few years, high fashion has become a more inclusive place for designers, photographers, models, and creatives. Models such as Winnie Harlow, Precious Lee, Jari Jones, Naomi Chin Wing, and Saffi Karina have represented Black women in fashion shows from major fashion houses such as Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, Miu Miu, and Calvin Klien. Additionally, Black designers such as Virgil Abloh, Olivier Rousteing, and Kimora Lee Simmons have carved a path for others to follow. 

1. Edvin Thompson of Theophilio 

Edvin Thompson is the creative director and founder of Theophilio, a contemporary clothing brand based in Brooklyn, NY. His designs draw inspiration from his youth in Kingston, Jamaica and his new experiences in New York City. His international influences are what makes Thompson’s designs stand out from other NYC based brands. He incorporates his native Jamaican colors like bright gold and dark green in his designs, paying homage to his heritage, while mixing modern elements in, making a fresh creative crossover. 

Heron Preston is an artist, creative director, content creator, fashion designer and DJ who gained popularity among celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber. Preston worked with other black designers such as Virgil Abloh. After working in the fashion industry he became an advocate for sustainability. Preston collaborated with the NYC Department of Sanitation on a collection of zero-waste clothing and accessories that sold out immediately following its launch in 2016. 

Louisiana born designer, Christopher John Rogers, has made a name for himself with his designs featuring bright colors, bold prints and mixed textures. He graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2016 and launched his CJR brand. Now at just 28, he has dressed iconic women such as Michelle Obama, Cardi B, Rihanna, Tracee Ellis Ross, Gabrielle Union, Tessa Thompson, and Lizzo. 

Founded in 2017, the Johnny Nelson Jewelry line has made a name for itself in New York City and beyond. Jamison’s jewelry designs pay homage to historical legends like writers, activists, and singer songwriters. One of his most beloved designs is the Let Freedom Ring piece, inspired by Mt. Rushmore which features the faces of four Black idols, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey and Frederick Douglass. Johnel Jamison is one of the key designers in what is being called the Black Renaissance, and we are here to support him and his groundbreaking designs. 

Brooklyn born designer, Brandon Blackwood, became a “cult favorite” thanks to his End Systemic Racism tote bag that went viral in 2020. The iconic bag is made with recycled leather, featuring brass plating that states, “End Systemic Racism”. Not only does the brand support social justice and equality for all, they are also zero waste when producing their leather products. The brand currently offers bags, outerwear, shoes, and accessories, but we can’t wait to see what else Blackwood has in store for the future.  

Celebrate Black History Month by supporting these up and coming designers and educating yourself on the Black-American history and the Black experience in America. See more Black designers that helped shape the fashion industry here. And follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

Sources: 

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g33312113/black-fashion-designers/ 

https://hypebeast.com/2022/2/emerging-black-fashion-designers-theophilio-maximilian-head-of-state-info-black-history-month 

https://www.whowhatwear.com/black-designers/slide26