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- 8 Black Designers Who Are Sparking Joy in 2021
8 Black Designers Who Are Sparking Joy in 2021
2021 is a pivotal year for Black fashion designers, who are finally getting more of the recognition and support they’ve long deserved. Thanks to Brother Vellies designer Aurora James, many retailers are joining the 15 percent pledge, which demands large companies to buy 15 percent of products from Black designers. She’s already gotten major retailers like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Sephora standing behind the important initiative, and we’ll only see more as the year progresses.
This year started already off strong at the presidential inauguration with Christopher John Rodgers dressing Kamala Harris for her being sworn in as the Vice President and Sergio Hudson dressing Michelle Obama for the historic event. Kamala went on to wear a Sergio Hudson tuxedo coat and dress later that evening, too! Jason Rembert of Aliétte is also one to watch. He created that metallic cutout dress Zendaya wore in the Netflix movie Malcolm & Marie. (The dress is actually available for pre-order on Zerina Akers’s shopping destination, Black Owned Everything!) Ahead, we’re breaking down a list of eight Black designers that are surely going to shine in 2021. Keep reading to learn more about them ahead.
Aurora James of Brother Vellies
Besides Aurora James’s gorgeous Brother Vellies designs, which help keep traditional African design practices and techniques alive, she also created the 15 percent pledge which is graining a lot of traction amongst retailers.
Telfar Clemens of Telfar
There’s no way you haven’t seen Telfar Clemens’s coveted bags – which are constantly sold-out and have a cult following. Telfar was started in 2003 and its sleek logo bag has been dubbed “Buschwick’s Birkin.” The designer has even teamed up with a collaboration with UGG.
Christopher John Rogers
Christopher John Rogers is having a major moment. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner, who is known for creating colorful often theatrical designs, started off the year strong by designing Kamala Harris’s purple inauguration coat.
Jason Rembert of Aliétte
Jason Rembert is a celebrity stylist with clients ranging from A-listers like Issa Rae and Marsai Martin. His luxury label, Aliétte, is inspired by his mother and the nuances of womanhood. This year, one of his gorgeous creations was the main attraction when Zendaya wore it in her Netflix film Malcolm & Marie.
Sergio Hudson
Sergio Hudson is also shining bright this year with not one, but two inauguration outfits. The designer created Michelle Obama’s gorgeous plum look, as well as the black tuxedo coat and dress Kamala Harris wore later that night for the Celebrating America TV special.
Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss
While Pyer Moss’s Kerby Jean-Raymond is no stranger to success, the designer, whose collections often celebrate Black history, continues to shine with his line and multiple collaborations with brands like Reebok.
Mowalola Ogunlesi of Mowalola
Mowalola Ogunlesi is a Nigerian-born fashion designer who lives in London. You’ve probably seen her designs on the likes of Kim Kardashian and she’s known for working with a wide variety of textiles like as leather and PVC. She was recently hired as Kanye West’s Design Director for the upcoming Gap x Yeezy line.
Andrea Iyamah
Dumebi Iyamah is a Nigerian fashion designer who launched her swimwear line Andrea Iyamah in 2013. The pieces are inspired by “color, ethnic cultures, nature, and design elements.” The brand has also moved into ready-to-wear pieces with celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Michelle Obama, to name a few.