Recent events in America have shone a bright light on racial bias and have reminded us of the socioeconomic disparities in our society along racial lines. One way to help black communities is to support them economically, by championing products and services of black-owned businesses. To that end, The Know has identified five leading black fashion designers in New York, who stand out in a crowded landscape, whose work competes with the very best the industry has to offer.
Baton Rouge native Christopher John Rogers, adopted New York as his home in 2016, debuting a made-to-order clothing from his Bushwick Studio.
Upon receiving a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award last year, Rogers moved operations to a swank new address in Soho, befitting his rapid ascent as a promising new designer.
His collection has many influences, including Pierrots and comic books.
Pyer Moss was founded in 2013, as a “mens and womenswear fashion label concerned with building a narrative that speaks about heritage and activism.”
Indeed, the brand’s collections have been inspired by topics such as mental illness and police brutality in seasons past.
Jason Rembert, founder of Aliétte, is a celebrity stylist working with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Issa Rae, Lizzo, and Erykah Badu. Known for his red carpet looks, the collection is alluring and structured to the body.
Telfar is a fashion label based in Bushwick, created by designer Telfar Clemens.
A Liberian immigrant who settled in Queens, Telfar’s collection has a post-identity aesthetic.
The house has designed a popular handbag that has affectionately been dubbed, “The Bushwick Birkin.”
TELFAR presented THE WORLD ISN’T EVERYTHING pt II, a Special Project on the occasion of Pitti Immagine Uomo 97
Queens-Born LaQuan Smith started his brand at the age of 21.
His distinctive work sparked interest among fashion icons, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian, all of whom were early supporters.
His business is headquartered and manufactured in Queen’s Long Island City neighborhood.
Text by Alfredo Mineo @alfredomineo