black owned brands you should know about
and buy from all year round
Happy February! And Happy Black History Month! Buying from black owned brands is one of the many ways to show support to a community that has been deeply affected by systemic racism. This is a curated collection of black owned fashion, beauty, and home decor brands I love and admire. I hope you discover a new brand that becomes a staple for you or that you’re inspired to find black owned businesses in your area that you can support this month and beyond!
Fashion
Leigh New York - is a Brooklyn NY-based, small-batch, and made-to-measure apparel brand focusing on vintage design and contemporary silhouettes. Founded by Morgan Johnson, her collections aims to empower people through apparel. Her current collection is focused on silky sets, and these reversible tops are so stunning!
Brandon Blackwood - Brandon is an NYC-based designer who grew up hand-making accessories for his friends and family. His focus is “modern luxury” accessories without the typical luxury price tag (most of his line is under $400!). This hot pink mini bag is adorable and I am pretty sure I need this zodiac sign bag!!
Orire - They are a contemporary fashion brand “committed to exploring artistic femininity through artisanal craftsmanship and conscious production”. The pieces are so stunning and unique, hand made in Lagos, Nigeria. Most of their wholesale line is produced on a made-to-order basis to eliminate excess and allow flexibility to our customers by providing the option to customize fit (this is so important!!). If I had any events this spring, I would be wearing this incredible dress!! or maybe this red number!! They are recently available on Shopbop.
Daily Paper - Daily Paper is an Amsterdam-based fashion and lifestyle brand created by three childhood friends. The brand is fueled by the rich heritage of African culture wrapped in contemporary designs and has quickly become one of the fastest growing street style brands in Europe. They offer two collections a year, focusing on timeless designs across accessories, ready to wear, and a range of capsules for both men and women. You can find them at Nordstrom!
TOVE - this brand was “conceived with the ethos of creating a minimal, refined wardrobe for the modern woman”. They explore the concept of creating collections that layer season upon season, intending to all seamlessly build upon each other (we love a capsule wardrobe). Their silhouettes are so stunning and special. I am obsessed with the cut of this dress.
AAKS - founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi with the goal of introducing the world to her favorite weaving techniques by the women of Ghana, increasing awareness around ethical production processes and encouraging sustainable consumption in the fashion world. Everything is handmade in Ghana and each collection has a different theme making everything one of a kind.
Wales Bonner - Designed by Grace Wales Bonner. She launched her line at just 25 years old and won the “Emerging Talent - Menswear” award at the 2015 British Fashion Awards, and the LVMH “Young Designer” prize in 2016. She started out designing menswear, and it’s easy to see that influence in the androgynous silhouettes and sporty details throughout her womenswear collections. Her drops with Adidas are incredibly sought after and sell out instantly. I am dying to get my hands on this cheetah-print pair of sambas!!
Brother Vellies - The brand’s founder, Aurora James, created the 15% pledge in 2020, a non-profit organization that encourages retailers to pledge at least 15% of their shelf space to black-owned businesses. While definitely on the higher-priced end, James’ products are always incredibly beautiful and well designed, like these doodle print cowboy boots or these sea-shell adorned heels.
Telfar - you have most definitly seen a Telfar bag out in the wild or on instagram. Celebrities and everyday people alike, everyone is obsessed with Telfar. The brands founder, Telfar Clemens, made it his motto to make designs “not for you, for everyone,” especially those who can’t typically afford designer brands. Everything he does keeps accessibility in mind, despire the innate exclusive nature of the luxury fashion market. In 2023, he introduced his version of “dynamic pricing,” meaning that the greater the demand for an item, the less expensive it will be. Instead of gatekeeping, he continues to invite everyone in. I love this new circle bag that he added to his line!
Beauty
Oui the People - Their mantra is “Bodycare products designed to make you feel great in your own skin.” They started their brand with a razor that was specifically made for women, and not just a men’s razor with pink packaging and a $5 markup. Over 2 billion plastic razors are sent to landfills each year. I really want to try their brightening body lotion! Read more about the founder and the company here.
Eadem - made specifically for women of color in mind. They created what they have coined “Smart Melanin Beauty” which is the first of it’s kind technology that keeps melanin in mind. Most beauty products aren’t tested on people of color’s skin, which is why Smart Melanin™ Beauty is made by women of color chemists, vetted by women of color dermatologists, and tested on skin of different shades. I have heard amazing things about their dark spot serum!
Bread Beauty Supply - Founded in 2020, most of their products cater to women with curly or textured hair, and they emphasize having fun with the basics. Their hair oil smells like fruity candy (in the best way possible) and works great on all hair types. Their scrunchies are also so cute!
Golde - Their mission is to make self care & wellness easy and accessible. They emphasize the use of superfoods in their skincare and food products, with everything being 100% natural and vegan friendly. I highly recommend trying their latte mixes! I found this sample pack at target that is a great deal.
Ami Cole - another amazing clean beauty brand, Ami Cole (named after the founders mom) makes products specifically for women of color aka, with melanin rich skin. Her branding is super chic and the packaging is super minimal and clean. Everythig is super price accessible as well!! I haven’t tried her products yet, but I have heard amazing things about the lip oil (I specifically am eyeing the color “smitten”).
Hyper! Skin - Hyper Skin is a “clinical skincare brand rooted in diversity and joy”. The founder, Desiree Verdejo, wanted to create skincare solutions for all skin types and skin tones, starting specifically with a long overlooked concern, hyperpigmentation. All their products are clean and great for all skin types, including dark skin and senstive skin. I have their Fade & Glow mask in my sephora cart right now!
Topicals - if there is one thing to know about me, it’s that I love good branding. Topicals packaging is fun and colorful and they are incredibly mission-driven in everything they do, especially when it comes to their product line. Their products are specifically developed for chronic skin conditions and flare-ups. They also donate a percentage of profits to mental health movements to help raise awareness around the connection between mental health and skin health. Their mint lip balm is one of my favs.
Briogeo - I first learned about this brand at a salon in SF. My hair stylist recommended the brand for curly hair, and I was sold. They have a great variety of products for hair of all types, so whether you are looking for extra moisture or de-frizzing, you can find something that fits your needs from Briogeo. I have been using their deep conditioning mask about once a month for yeaaarrs; it makes my hair feel so silky.
Lys Beauty - Founded by makeup artist Tisha Thompson, she follows a skin-first approach and strict formulation guidelines. She focused specifically on people of color to fill gaps in the market as it relates to clean products, performance, shade offerings, undertones and marketing representation. All their products are clean, cruelty free, and super well priced. I was recently gifted the cream bronzing and contor stick and I love the consistency!
Home
Jungalow - a colorful maximalist’s dream! The founder, Justina Blakeney, started Jungalow as a design blog in 2008. She draws inspiration from her family, roots and world travels, bringing to life a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and natural elements. She has an amazing selection of home decor items, as well as an amazing guide to wallpaper.
Clare - If you’re looking to upgrade your space with paint, Clare feels like a no-brainer. The founder is an interior designer, and she is super passionate about color and quality. They offer peel-and-stick paint samples (aka no mess! genius) and what they call the “Clare Color Genius” that can help steer you in the right color direction for your space. They also deliver all the supplies you need with the paint!
Lichen - co-founded by Ed Be and Jared Blake in 2017, Lichen is a design incubator and studio centered around furniture, spatial design, and the discovery of how we interact with these elements. Focusing on minimalism and functional design, all of their products are super unique and many are one of a kind. Like I didn’t know I needed a cool broom and dust pan set? They are a great follow on instagram for interior design inspo!
Goodee - is a curated marketplace offering essential homegoods and lifestyle products for better living. Goodee is a platform centered around responsible brands and artisans producing timeless everyday objects and consumers looking to make a difference with their purchases. They have an amazing curation of products and a great price range. I love this watering can and if I were a biker, I would 100% want this bicycle basket.
Linoto - Linoto makes amazing, real linen sheets, napkins, tablecloths, and spa towels. They use high quality, Italian and Belgian linen, and all their products are made in Westchester County, NY. I have had linen bedding for the past 3-ish years, and I love how soft and luxurious it is. And it only gets better the more you wash it. We should all be investing in our sleep, starting with pillows and sheets! (PS I love this green color)
Estelle Colored Glass - Estelle Colored Glass is a luxury brand of hand-blown and specialty made colored glass cake stands and stemware in a mix of jewel tones and soft pastels. The brand is named after the founders grandmother, who used thrifted and vintage colored glassware at family meals. When I tell you I am obsessed with this brand… it’s taken everything in me not to buy myself a cake stand (I do not bake) because they are so beautiful. I love these coupe glasses and how cool is this decanter?
Happy shopping!
xx, kd