In the vibrant fashion world, black British designers are not just creating clothing; they’re shaping narratives, redefining style, and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Join us to unveil the most trending and influential black British fashion brands that are setting new standards in fashion.
Farai London was founded by Mary-Ann Msengi and specialises in “It Girl” outfits, including sexy and chic cutaway dresses, and their pieces have been seen on so many celebrities, including Megan Thee Stallion and Kylie Jenner. Their pieces are available for purchase at Selfridges
.
See more of their fashion pieces here: FARAI LONDON
Fisayo Longe launched Kai Collective in 2016. With a solid collection of unique and show-stopping dresses, shirts, and even sleepwear, the Kai Collective is renowned for it’s widely-popular Gaia print dress, which is designed to celebrate the female form.
See more of their fashion pieces here: KAI COLLECTIVE
Multi-award-winning label Ahluwalia was launched in 2018 by Priya Ahluwalia. The label combines elements from the designer’s dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots. Ahluwalia is deemed a pioneer in the fashion industry and is regularly featured in press from all over the world, from the New York Times and i-D to Vogue and many more.
See more fashion pieces here: AHLUWALIA
Mowalola is a black British brand founded by Mowalola Ogunlesi, She is a Nigerian-born fashion designer whose inspiration comes from Nigerian and London youth culture. Mowalola has attracted the attention of artists like Drake, Solange, Steve Lacy, Kelela and Kanye West. In 2020, she was appointed by Kanye West as Design Director for YEEZY GAP. She was also named by Elle as one of “10 Trailblazing Women Changing The Future You Need To Know.
See more of their fashion pieces here: MOWALOLA
Launched by Grace Wales Bonner, the brand began as a menswear brand before expanding to womenswear. Grace Wales Bonner has received numerous awards, including the LVMH Young Designer Prize (2016) and the Winner of the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (2019), etc. Wales Bonner has collaborated with brands including Adidas Originals, Anderson & Sheppard, and Dior, and her pieces have been seen on renowned stars like Solange Knowles and Rihanna.
See more of their fashion pieces here: WALES BONNER
Ozwald Boateng has had a transformational impact on menswear fashion for almost three decades, with a design aesthetic rooted in Savile Row traditions but defined by international style, detail, and artistry. The designer has dressed celebrities such as Jamie Foxx, and Spike Lee, he has served as the Creative Director of Givenchy Homme; and has won extensive fashion awards around the globe.
See more of their fashion pieces here: OZWALD BOATENG
Tokyo James is the eponymous brand by British-Nigerian designer Iniye Tokyo James, a creative endeavour he launched to combat stereotypical notions of “African design” and masculinity. James’ fuses traditional European tailoring with elements of streetwear to create a range that is comfortable, wearable, and thoroughly modern. His pieces have been featured on The Fader, Elle South Africa, and American Vogue.
See more of their fashion pieces here: TOKYO JAMES
Tolu Coker is a sustainable luxury fashion and lifestyle brand, founded in 2021, rooted in three core pillars: community, craftsmanship, and culture. Coker had several successful stints at J W Anderson, Celine and Maison Margiela, and has racked up an impressive array of awards and honours including the 2024 ‘Sustainability Trailblazer’ Cover of British Vogue, and the Forbes 30 under 30 list (2022).
See more of the fashion pieces here: TOLU COKER
Torishéju Dumi produces womenswear and menswear under her newly launched label of the same name, TORISHÉJU. Born in North-west London, Torishéju’s first exposure to fashion was her mother’s taste in 19th-century design and art. Her Nigerian-Brazilian, Catholic upbringing also figures centrally in her work.
See more of the fashion pieces here: TORITSHEJU
Bianca Saunders is the namesake brand of British Jamaican designer and creative director Bianca Saunders. The brand is known for innovative silhouettes, often featuring bespoke prints, and an emphasis on the concept of body mapping around the male form. Saunders has won a number of prestigious awards and accolades, including a spot on Forbes’ ’30 Under 30′ list (2020) and inclusion on the BOF 500 list (2023).
See more fashion pieces here: BIANCA SAUNDERS
Boutique de Nana is a fashion brand in Wales, founded by Yousra Elsadig, a Sudanese fashion designer. It is a luxury, sustainable brand that specialises in unique and trendy clothing. It has the objective of breaking stereotypes, merging cultures, and advocating for inclusion and the celebration of uniqueness within fashion. Boutique De Nana has showcased its work during London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Week.
See more fashion pieces here: BOUTIQUE DE NANA
Duro Olowu is a Black British fashion brand with a liking for maximalism and vibrant prints. The Duro Olowu women’s fashion brand was founded in 2004 to high acclaim. It entails pieces that feature colour blocking, print clashing, and sleek tailoring.
See more fashion pieces here: DURO OLOWU
Maison Bent is a black British sustainable fashion brand founded by Shanna Bent in 2020. The brand, which specialises in luxury womenswear, has described her work as “combining vintage Caribbean aesthetics with modern glamour.”
See more fashion pieces here: MAISON BENT
April & Alex is a London-based women’s wear brand owned by creative director Didi Akinyelure. The fashion brand is a sustainable brand passionate about creating fashion-forward statement pieces that women feel empowered in. April & Alex has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Tatler, InStyle, Glamour, and more.
See more fashion pieces here: APRIL AND ALEX
Other notable black british fashion brands include Nyla Rei, TOVE Studio, Lisou, Casely-Hayford and God’s Gift London.
“Fashion is a powerful tool that can be used to tell stories, express identity, and challenge the status quo.”- Ozwald Boateng
This quote by legendary designer Ozwald Boateng perfectly captures the essence of what Black British fashion is all about. These brands are not just creating clothes; they’re using fashion to make a difference in the world.
So, the next time you’re looking for something new and exciting to add to your wardrobe, be sure to explore the world of Black British fashion.
Read more Fashion articles from KLATMAG
Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
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