Black Fashion Designers Everyone Should Know

This month, we’re highlighting some designers of color that deserve to see the spotlight! Know any we missed? Let us know in the comments so we can learn too!

1. Ann Lowe

You may not be familiar with her name, but her most famous creation, Jackie Kennedy’s iconic dress, has inspired fashion couture for decades. Born in Alabama in 1898, Lowe inherited her passion and talent for sewing and design from her mother and grandmother.

2. Arthur McGee

McGee graduated from fashion school in the mid-’50s and created for stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Bonwit Teller. He became the first African-American designer hired to run a design room on Seventh Avenue in 1957. Broke racial barriers, being honored by the Fashion Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, in NYC.

3. Stephen Burrows

Designer Stephen Burrows is celebrated for his graphic color blocking and innovative use of matte jersey fabric at the height of the disco era. He became one of the first Black fashion designers to achieve international acclaim.

4. Tracy Reese

Her brand of sustainable clothing uses organic material and is known for its retro-inspired styles and floral patterns. A-listers like Michelle Obama and Regina King have worn her creations, and, since 2007, she’s been a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

5. Telfar Clemens

Telfar Clemens is a Queens-NY native and started Telfar in 2003, and the brand has a cult following, thanks to its sleek logo bag which has been dubbed “Buschwick’s Birkin.” The brand’s motto pretty much sums up its aesthetic: “It’s not for you — it’s for everyone.”

6. Reuben Reuel

Brooklyn-based designer Reuben Reuel is the mind behind the brand Demestik. A clothing line characterized by bold African prints, architectural patterns, and soft, supple cotton fabric.

7. Anifa Mvuemba

As fashion shows were canceled around the world last year, the Hanifa designer surprised fashion followers with her May 2020 digital runway show.

8. Christopher John Rogers

At only 26, the Lousiana native has caused buzz during the NY Fashion Week and worked with A-listers.

9. Romeo Hunte

Since launching his label in 2013, Romeo Hunte has dressed a long list of celebrities. Michelle Obama, Zendaya, and Beyoncé have all worn Hunte’s designs.

10. Dapper Dan

Synonymous with the hip-hop stars of the ’80s and ’90s, Dapper Dan has made his studio at 125th street famous for reworking designer logos into his clothes and has collaborated with Gucci.