7 US-BASED BLACK-OWNED FASHION BRANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW
I recently shared some beautiful European Black-owned sustainable fashion brands, in a bid to challenge all of us to be more mindful of diversity when deciding to buy a piece of clothing. Black creatives are underrepresented in every field, not least of which fashion, and are often faced with obstacle after obstacle when trying to break through. Because of this, many consumers end up missing out on some gorgeous labels that they would have otherwise supported all along — like these ones, which are US-based this time, and available globally.
Fanm Mon
Fanm Mon
A Euro-American label, Fanm Mon has headquarters in the US, Turkey and Ukraine. The luxury brand is headed by husband and wife duo Sophia and Kerem Demirtas. A native New Yorker with Haitian roots, designer Sophia Demirtas brings to life the pieces that she could not find before co-founding Fanm Mon in 2013: feminine, pastel-hued dresses and jumpsuits, adorned with florals or unique details. Each piece is crafted and hand-embroidered in-house to the highest standards by masterful artisans. Fanm Mon ship internationally.
CBAAF
Simplicity is at the heart of CBAAF. Their collections are made from 100% recycled cotton, hand-dyed and ethically produced in Los Angeles. The mood is vintage, tie-dye, casual and very cool. Online only.
Monrowe
Monrowe
Dani Evans created her label as an ode to her grandfather, Monrowe. He was a free-spirited jazz saxophonist from the American South, and he would have loved Dani’s hats. They are bold, unisex, both classic and innovative, handmade to the highest standards and cut to order. Monrowe ship internationally.
Sami Miro Vintage
Sami Miro Vintage
Sami Miro Vintage creates one-of-a-kind pieces entirely from vintage and recycled fabrics. The brand wants you to know that climate change is no joke, and that change can start anywhere, including fashion. Described as “raw-with-a-touch-of-denim,” Sami Miro Vintage makes super-cool t-shirts, velvet tops, dresses and jumpers. Online only.
House of Aaama
House of Aaama
House of Aama is the creative and spiritual expression of mother-daughter designer duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka. Their label explores the diversity and fullness of Black experiences, with the aim to spark conversations around heritage and history. Their garments, manufactured entirely in Los Angeles, range from graphic hoodies and totes to soft-lined dresses, coats, tops and more, each telling its own story. Online only.
I Am Kréyol
Another mother and daughter-led brand, I Am Kréyol is the product of a rich family history — from Haiti to the USA, from mother Yolette Fontaine’s background as a businesswomen, engineer, teacher and seamstress to daughter Joelle Wendy Fontaine’s spontaneous decision to enter three pieces for runway presentation at New York Fashion Week, which were immediately accepted. I Am Kréyol was born and Joelle recruited her mother as her seamstress to help her create her bold, vibrant, unusual pieces. The ethic behind Kréyol is to empower disenfranchised women through partnerships and programs that serve them. Each piece is custom and made to measure.
The Tiny Closet
The Tiny Closet is true to its name. Founder Natalie handmakes each piece to order in Los Angeles, always striving to keep her carbon footprint low, supporting ethical wholesalers, using dead stock fabric and eliminating waste thanks to the made-to-order model. Natalie’s clothes are simple and chic for everyday wear, with many block colours that will make any capsule wardrobe sing.
Imagery courtesy of Fanm Mon