14 Black Fashion Designers You Need to Know in 2026
Some of the most stylish people in the biz who create even more stylish clothes.
The right time to support a Black-owned isn’t just during Black History Month or Juneteenth. It’s all year round. There are so many stellar brands creating clothes and accessories that I cannot get enough of, and you won’t be able to either.
Over the years we’ve seen the growing support of Black brands and as time goes on, we’re seeing the rise of new stars in the space, too. Below, check out some of my favorite Black-owned brands right now. All of these designers are making stylish and unique clothes and accessories, while also paying tribute to their culture and history.
Telfar Clemens. The brand gained massive fame for its vegan leather "Shopping Bag" (dubbed the "Bushwick Birkin"). Beyoncé, Zoë Kravitz, and Oprah Winfrey and almost everyone in New York has been spotted wearing the brand.
Who Decides War is a luxury streetwear and denim brand founded by the design duo Ev Bravado and Téla D'Amore. The label is famous for its intricate, couture-level deconstructed denim and unique Americana-inspired storytelling. Notable celebrities spotted wearing the brand include Ice Spice, Teyana Taylor, and Central Cee.
Fear of God was founded in 2013 by self-taught designer Jerry Lorenzo, whose minimalist aesthetic blends faith, ‘90s grunge, and hip-hop culture. The brand's elevated hoodies, tailored sportswear, and neutral tones have become staples for celebs like Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Zendaya.
Khiry is an Afrofuturist luxury design brand founded in 2016 by designer Jameel Mohammed while he was a student. His works has attracted high-profile figures like Solange Knowles, and Cardi B.
London-based British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose launched her eponymous streetwear and menswear brand in 2007, drawing deep inspiration from 1990s rave, reggae, and football subcultures. Her distinct, distorted proportions and cool aesthetic have made her a favorite across pop culture. Kendrick Lamar, Timothée Chalamet, Rihanna, and Drake have all worn the designer, proving she’s loved by some of our favorite stylish celebs.
Christopher John Rogers is an acclaimed American fashion designer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who launched his vibrant, color-saturated namesake label in New York in 2016. His joyful, high-volume creations have made him a red-carpet favorite. From Michelle Obama to Beyoncé and Rihanna, everyone wants to wear CJR.
Kai Collective is a London-based contemporary womenswear brand founded in 2016 by British-Nigerian fashion designer Fisayo Longe. The label became viral internationally largely due to its signature, curve-accentuating mesh Gaia print dress. Its bold, vibrant designs have captured high-profile attention, too. Celebs like Saweetie, Adwoa Aboah, and Jackie Aina have all been seen in pieces from the brand.
Brooklyn-born designer Brandon Blackwood launched his independent luxury label in 2015, rising to fame for his viral "End Systemic Racism" totes and structured trunk bags before expanding into footwear and custom red-carpet apparel. His handbags and clothing have become a staple for major A-listers, worn by Beyoncé, Olandria Carthen, Megan Thee Stallion, and Serena Williams.
Nia Thomas launched her eponymous ethical knitwear and resort-wear brand in 2018 after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Nia Thomas focuses on slow luxury, hand-crocheted heirloom pieces, and sustainability.
Established in 2014 by British designer Grace Wales Bonner, the luxury brand blends European tailoring with African and Caribbean heritage. Her popular Adidas collaborations and elegant ready-to-wear collections have been worn by Rihanna, Lewis Hamilton, and FKA Twigs.
Brother Vellies is a luxury sustainable accessories label founded in 2013 by creative director Aurora James to preserve traditional African design and artisanal practices. The brand's distinctive handcrafted shoes and handbags have been worn by Zendaya, Solange, and Meghan Markle.
LaQuan Smith is a New York-based luxury womenswear designer known for his glamorous, body-hugging, and sexually empowered aesthetic that channels high-energy city nightlife. Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and so many of our faves have been seen in his designs.
Sergio Hudson is an American luxury ready-to-wear fashion designer from South Carolina renowned for his power tailoring and vibrant colors. His high-end brand has become a favorite for powerful women, famously dressing Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris for the 2021 presidential inauguration.
Founded in 2021 by Jamaican-born designer Rachel Scott, Diotima is a luxury ready-to-wear label renowned for blending sophisticated tailoring with artisanal Caribbean mesh, macrame, and crochet work.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
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