26 Black designer brands to support instead of Gucci and Prada

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Check out these High End African American Designers and Brands

As you were looking through your wardrobe today, have you ever asked yourself, “Just how many of my clothes were designed by a person of color? Do I have any that were?”

If the answer is no, fear not. There are a wealth of black designers and clothing lines out there for you to support! Below are just 26 popular apparel brands that are Black-owned.

Stella Jean and her brand are a reflection of her Creole heritage. Her collections are firmly in line with her fundamental need to convey a new, modern concept of multiculturalism.

Romeo Hunte is a brand that puts a modern spin on transformable fashion at a contemporary price. His designs always have a perfect blend of femininity and masculinity for his clients.

Muehleder is a brand known for creating eye grabbing dresses out of neoprene and the brand has expanded into cool leather pieces and designs perfect for night events.

The Spot by Voodo Fe’ is both an exhibit space that studies the effects of Art on mental health and acts as a display area for Fe’s art, music and fashion brands.

Incorporeal Philosophy, designed by Courtney Smith-Kimble, is a clothing line that focuses on an examination of all that contribute to our present self through self reflection.

Ashya, a brand designed by both Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, is known for their chic style belt bags that are perfect for multiple occasions.

Telfar Clemens of the Telfar brand is one that emphasizes unisex clothing and since 2002 his designs have stressed gender neutrality and freedom.

Pyer Moss is a brand founded by Kerby Joan Raymond whose goal is to challenge social narratives and evoke dialogue concerned with building a narrative that speaks about heritage and activism.

Co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, Studio One Eighty-Nine is an artisan produced fashion lifestyle brand and social enterprise that supports various community led projects in Africa and in the USA.

Cushnie et Ochs is a luxury women’s ready-to-wear and bridal brand designed by Carly Cushnie. Their philosophy embodies a refined sense of minimalism and femininity.

Hideoki Bespoke is a luxury custom menswear brand created by Dedrick Hideoki Hagiwara Thomas. Their goal is to create an exquisitely customized garment that is unique to the client alone.

LaQuan Smith by LaQuan Smith is a clothing brand that features bold designs that have been tapped by world­ recognized brands like Heineken, Tidal, Samsung, Microsoft, and Verizon and even captured the eyes of celebrities like Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Fe Noel, inspired by both Caribbean heritage and Renaissance art, Felisha is a designer that seeks to break the mold especially with regards to African American women.

Andrea Iyamah, owned by Nigerian designer Dumebi Iyamah, is a brand that has a strong sense of color and an ethnic cultural background. Although popularly recognized for its eccentric and unique take on swimwear using vibrant colors inspired by African cultures, the brand also specializes in ready-to-wear and custom special event dresses.

Datari Austin London by Datari Austin is a brand & clothing line that evokes sophistication and elegance. One of the unique traits of his brand is combining modern craftsmanship with vintage shapes.

Miguel Wilson Collection is a conservative Men’s collection that has been worn by many celebrities. A few notables are Hollywood Producer, Will Packer, reality stars Peter Thomas and Todd Tucker, NFl players Bobby Rainey and Travis Daniels and actor Josh Morgan.

Hstry Clothing is a clothing line by the iconic hip hop artist, Nas that highlights Black history and Black leadership.

HerFavoriteLA is a brand created by Charamon that features sporty chic streetwear apparel.

Rue107 is a contemporary women’s wear lifestyle brand that creates whimsical, fun, and statement-making clothing and swimwear for women who want to express their unique personality through their wardrobe.

Milano Di Rouge is an apparel brand that is owned, operated and founded by Milan Rouge and focuses on providing affordable luxury to the fashion enthusiast.

Avenue N is a clothing brand by Nareasha Willis based around black activism. She focuses on the modern day fashion activist who loves fashion.

Brother Vellies was founded by Aurora James with the goal of introducing the rest of the world to her favorite traditional African footwear, while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs within Africa. Handmade in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Morocco, Brother Vellies creates boots, shoes and sandals in styles that maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts.

Mifland Leather Goods is an American based mixed accessory goods company with a modern utilitarian approach founded by brand director Tobi Egberongbe.

Stella Hues is a collection by designer Stella Maze that fuses authentic Italian tradition with the flair of the Virgin Islands and pays homage to classic British influence.

Love Cortnie is a handmade bags and accessories line created by Cortnie Elizabeth.

Undra Celeste New York is a contemporary women’s line brand by Undra Duncan who designs modern workwear for the modern woman.

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