To kick
off Black History Month, I wanted to feature a selection of Black
Fashion Designers. They don’t always receive their recognition in the industry
they deserve. I think this is a perfect time. Who will be on my list? You have to keep
reading to find out.
1.
Tracy
Reese
Known for vivid and bold designs, I
look forward to her collections each season. Since the launch of her namesake
label in 1997, the Detroit native’s designs has been worn notable ladies
ranging from Michelle Obama to Sarah Jessica Parker. What I personally appreciated is that as of
last season she began offering her
designs in Plus Size beginning with the Spring 2017 collection. I can’t wait to see how this will develop.
2. Ozwald
Boateng
 |
| Designer Ozwald Boateng (left) receiving Veritas Award from Harvard in 2014 |
My first introduction to the
menswear designer happened back in my undergrad days at the Academy of Art
University. I had a chance to view his
2012 documentary A Man’s Story. The
designer even did a live Q&A session afterward
via Skype. London-born of Ghanaian descent, Boateng is known for Savile Row
influenced menswear designs.
3.
Carly
Cushnie of Cushnie et Ochs
Next on my list is Carly Cushnie
the co-founder and designer of the label Cushnie
et Ochs. Cushnie is London born of Jamaican descent who
has been designing with her business partner Michelle Ochs since starting the
label back in 2008. Under the label,
Cushnie has created designs suited for the sophisticated yet sexy woman in
mine. What I enjoy about her along with
Ochs is how they bring fresh designs for numerous seasons.
4.
Antthony
Mark Hankins
Image Credit: Antthony Design Originals
The New Jersey native designer founded
Antthony Designs Originals in the 1990s. Pratt
Institute of Design and the prestigious Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la
Couture Parisienne grad has been a constant fashion mainstay. In addition,
Hankins also has an exclusive line for HSN since 1996. His on-air
outfit choices definitely have caught my attention in addition to the designs.
5.
Iman
Of course, I had to add Iman to my
list. While most will know the famous model for her fan favorite cosmetic line
for women of color, she also has a fashion line Global Chic for HSN. The Somalian-born
model has transitioned from modeling to
heading a successful fashion line. What
sets her line apart from others is that she brings her expertise and is heavily
involved throughout the process. She also isn’t afraid to use her platform to
issues that are important to her. She is the epitome of a Style Icon.
6.
David
Tlale
Closing out my list is South
African Fashion Designer David Tlale of David Tlale. I have only been covering the designer for a
few seasons, but his collections have made an unforgettable impression. Tlale
successfully combines intricate designs with a South African influence. In September 2012, Tlale was the 1st South African Fashion to showcase solo
in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New
York.
Those are just some of the
designers making an impact. My hope is that we see more designers in the years
to come. Stay tuned to this month as we
will be highlighting those taking the fashion industry by storm.
Did you favorite Black Fashion
Designers make our list?
Let us know in
the comments below.
All opinions
expressed on the blog appear courtesy of Tamarah Brown for My Own Sense of
Fashion © unless otherwise stated (i.e. interviews). No use or reproduction may occur without the
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