22 Black-Owned Fashion and Beauty Brands to Support Now and Always
Graphic by: Sara Plank
By: Aaron Royce
Between this week’s protests after the murders of George Floyd and numerous black citizens by police and massive grief from the COVID-19 pandemic, the black community is facing immense challenges –– and this is nothing new. In addition to signing petitions, protesting and educating ourselves on racial issues, we can help black communities by supporting black-owned businesses. In the fashion and beauty realms, supporting these brands show that we stand with the communities affected by recent events.
No matter the purchase amount or if it’s simply a follow on the ‘gram, supporting black-owned brands is activism that everyone can do. In times like these, it’s important to stand by our communities, and right now, the black community needs our help more than ever.
A favorite of celebrities like Issa Rae and Laura Harrier, Victor Glemaud is one of New York’s most inspiring black designers today. Regarded for his use of bold colors, Glemaud showcases his Haitian heritage through designs that merge comfort and style for all races, genders and sizes.
Launched by Rachel James in 2012, Pear Nova is a vegan nail polish line that’s especially connected to fashion, as each collection’s color palette is made to inspire women’s wardrobes. James has also pioneered her brand’s advocacy aspects by committing to spreading and raising funds for domestic violence awareness.
Formed on an ideology to “make life beautiful,” Felisha Noel’s designs are based on her Grenadian background and love for feminine glamour. Bright prints and hues are part of each collection, proving there’s always an occasion for making statements.
In just a few years, Crayon Case has become one of the beauty industry’s go-to’s for all things nostalgic and fun. Created by Reynell Steward, AKA Supa Cent, this beauty brand has rapidly grown since its “Box of Crayons” palette and school supplies-themed packaging went viral.
Rogers’ artistic, fantastical designs incorporate details we adore like tailoring, volume, vibrant colors and show-stopping textures — making him a standout at NYFW. With inspiring women like Rihanna, Ashley Graham and Tracee Ellis Ross as fans, it’s no wonder he’s one of the industry’s stars to watch right now.
Pronounced ‘uh-mah,’ UOMA Beauty’s name means ‘beautiful,’ and its products fully celebrate inclusivity and diversity. Created by Nigerian-born Sharon Cuter, the brand’s foundation, concealer and contour stick lines have been especially celebrated for their wide range of skin tone colors.
Sade Mims created this accessory, jewelry and home goods brand with eclecticism in mind. Mims aims to provide sustainable craftsmanship with all of her pieces through her made-to-order system and use of materials like denim and brass wire.
When Lauren Napier couldn’t find a makeup remover that worked for her, she created her own—and an innovative beauty line was born. Lauren Napier Beauty is founded on the idea that all people should feel comfortable in their own skin. Her makeup removers come in a variety of formulas for different skin types, so there’s something that works for everyone.
Pyer Moss is one of the most powerful black brands in the fashion industry right now. Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond has been a longtime advocate for racial equality and activism within the American fashion system, especially through his pieces’ bold statements and heritage inspirations.
We’re already fans of Aurora James’ Brother Vellies, and it’s easy to see why. This accessory brand was founded with the goal to keep traditional African design methods in practice, while creating jobs for workers in Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Its sustainable shoes and handbags have since become industry favorites.
South African designer Thebe Magugu has become a star in the international fashion market, thanks to winning the LVMH Prize and showing at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. His namesake brand merges modern designs with African heritage, providing innovative, thoughtful pieces for the modern woman.
Nancy Twine created Briogeo to fill a gap in the beauty market for natural ingredient-based hair care. Her performance-driven line has been heralded as a revelation to haircare, with online features showing specific products to consider for specific hair problems.
Designed with unique women who dress for themselves, Katherine Theobald’s Zou Xou combines elegant, sharp design with fine craftsmanship. The brand’s shoes are all handcrafted in Argentina, showing appreciation for the slow fashion movement.
Created with sustainability and healthy ingredients in mind, this New Orleans-based brand was founded with a line of non-toxic, vegan nail polish. It’s since expanded to creams and balms, fully covering any hand-related beauty needs.
Using an array of colors and cuts inspired by numerous African cultures, Andrea Imayah has found a niche within the swimwear market for women with bold style. Embracing culture through fashion is one of the brand’s values, which Imayah has upheld since its 2013 debut.
LaQuan Smith has made a name for himself as a designer for glamorous, dynamic women. After dressing celebs like Lady Gaga and Beyonce and creating a highly-anticipated NYFW show every season, it’s easy to see that Smith has a permanent place in NYC’s fashion industry.
This Instagram-based fashion brand promotes individual style through a love for craftsmanship and pre-loved clothing. Unique pieces like vintage tops and handmade seashell earrings can regularly be seen on Lait’s feed, bringing tropical island inspiration to your every day.
Kristen Noel Crawley founded KNC with the intent of creating a natural lip mask in the mask market. Known for its star-shaped eye masks and collagen-infused lip masks, KNC is one of the wellness industry’s latest darlings that's surely expanding its Insta-worthy repertoire.
This plant-based skincare brand has grown since its 2015 launch. Aiming to nourish skin with a minimal, multi-purpose routine, Kaike purely believes in celebrating the body you’re in.
Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori formed Golde on the belief that wellness should look, taste and feel good. Their brands’ latte blends and face masks are boosted with superfoods like turmeric, papaya and spirulina, proving that wellness can be healthy in every sense of the word.
Craftsmanship-based fashion brand Aff and Jam is known for their sustainable, hand-painted and printed clothes that promote empowerment. Combining their Ghanian and Jamaican backgrounds, this duo has used their brand to create heritage-oriented, wearable art.
One of New York’s hallmark designers, Romeo Hunte combines modernism and streetwear in his forward-thinking designs. Keke Palmer, Beyonce and Zendaya have all worn his garments, cementing Hunte as a bonafide brand for innovative style.
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