Celebrating Women
Several Black fashion designers have made significant contributions to shaping women's history through their innovative designs, creativity, and impact on the fashion industry.
Tracy Reese
Modern African American fashion designer Tracy Reese has had a big influence on the business. Michelle Obama, the former first lady, is among the well-known women she has clothed with her feminine and contemporary designs.
Kimora Lee Simmons
In 1999, American businesswoman, fashion designer, author, philanthropist, television personality, and model Kimora Lee Simmons debuted her clothing line, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. The womenswear company that became a billion dollar success epitomized the '90s baby tee and bedazzled denim trend. She resurrected the brand in 2019 amid the fashion industry's nostalgia for the 2000s.
Stella Jean
Giorgio Armani gave Stella Jean an early endorsement when he shared his show space and media team with her in September 2013. With Italian and Haitian roots, her work combines traditional Italian tailoring with designs from various cultures. She is the sole member of the Italian Chamber of Fashion with an Afro-European ancestry.
Aurora James
New City-Based Aurora James, Brother Vellies' Creative Director and Founder, has an extensive resume of fashion industry expertise before launching the footwear business in 2013. Her mission is to preserve indigenous African design processes and techniques by highlighting cultural histories and artisanal craftsmanship.
Rihanna
With the debut of her luxury line Fenty, fashion and beauty entrepreneur Rihanna became the first Black woman to lead an LVMH-owned company. Though the brand closed in 2021, the actress has long had an impact on pop culture and style through her own fashion and successful enterprises, which include the lingerie label Savage x Fenty, Fenty Beauty, and the newer Fenty Skin.
Carly Cushnie
Despite the fact that her namesake company closed in 2020, Carly Cushnie will be recognized for its innovative take on feminine fashion. Michelle Obama and Beyoncé have both worn her clothing, which focus on elegant minimalism. Cushnie has expressed her desire to serve as an inspiration to other young color designers.
Torishéju Dumi
Torishéju Dumi debuted last season on the Spring/Summer 2024 runways, closing Paris Fashion Week with a beautiful, sculptural collection influenced by her Catholic upbringing as well as her Nigerian and Brazilian familial connections. Legendary fashion icons Naomi Campbell and Paloma Elsesser modeled the collection, which opened and concluded the show, respectively. With the help of her mentor Gabriella Karefa Johnson, who dressed the show, Dumi created headlines in the business by launching her first collection. The young designer graduated from the famed Central Saint London fashion program in 2021, having previously interned with Ann Demeulemeester and Phoebe Philo.
