21 Black-Owned Brands to Shop in 2024
Whether it’s small independent brands or established labels, supporting black designers helps put money into the community, and gives Black creatives a voice. When so much of contemporary culture owes its origins to Black culture, the least we as consumers can do is actually pay the people who started it all.
For some brands, such as Daily Paper and Orange Culture, celebrating their heritage is a constant effort, as seen in their collections year after year. Others, like Union LA and Carrots by Anwar Carrots, have recently dropped pieces that will support the Gianna Floyd Fund, United Negro College Fund, and local BLM chapters.
Below, we’ve selected our top 20 Black-owned brands to shop right now, spanning from apparel to travel accessories. From already-established fashion labels to smaller independent brands, here is your chance to put your money where your mouth is. From household names like Patta, Pyer Moss, and Telfar to rising stars like Maximilian and Anwar Carrots, browse some of our favorite brands below.
Shop the Best Black-Owned Brands Below
Patta
Patta stands as a shining beacon in the streetwear landscape. Founded by Edson Sabajo and Guillaume 'Gee' Schmidt, the duo channeled their fervor for sneaker culture into an influential retail force in Europe. Their Amsterdam-based hub has grown into a melting pot of music, culture, and art, drawing the likes of giants such as Nike, ASICS, and Converse to its doors for collaborations.
Heralded as an all-time great collaborator with Nike, Patta's Air Max 1s or Air Jordan 7s are likely on your coveted list. The label's diverse collection of sought-after sneakers and evolving apparel continue to make significant ripples in the streetwear sphere.
Patta's origin story is rooted in passion and need, rather than commercial novelty. As the Dutch hip-hop scene blossomed in the late '90s, Sabajo and Schmidt aimed to equip themselves, their kin, and comrades with a constant supply of stylish kicks and gear.
This creative epicenter eventually leveraged its cultural acumen to launch its proprietary brand. Its sneaker collaborations have achieved an iconic status, with releases like ASICS GEL-Respector, Vans Old Skool 'Mean Eyed Cat', and Air Max 1 Parra still creating a frenzy among sneaker enthusiasts today.
Wales Bonner
An alumnus of Central Saint Martins and recipient of the British Fashion Award for emerging menswear designer, Grace Wales Bonner has been pushing the envelope of cultural exploration in fashion. Her ready-to-wear collections are a magnificent interplay of diverse cultures, blending African and West Indian influences with a deft disregard for Western norms.
The Wales Bonner label shines a new light on luxury, intricately delving into the multifaceted dimensions of masculinity and identity. Each piece in her collection, from trousers to tees, exudes an exquisite craftsmanship. Denim gets a retro-revamp, while tailored jackets in plush velvet or extravagant embroidery offer a tactile experience.
Her designs, grounded in meticulous research yet stirred by a soulful impulse, stand out in the fashion landscape. Whether it's T-shirts or track pants, each item on her lineup is a testament to uniqueness. Together, they weave an intriguing narrative about a world shrinking in the face of globalization and the evolving discourse of masculinity.
A-COLD-WALL*
Samuel Ross's brand, A-COLD-WALL*, traces its lineage to haute couture, yet with an undeniably streetwise aesthetic. The label's creations keep a foot planted firmly in Britain's working-class and youth cultures, making high fashion feel refreshingly accessible. A-COLD-WALL* serves up a brew of contemporary, utilitarian functionality, where each detail and innovation becomes the star of the ensemble.
The brand's catalog features an array of gear, from utilitarian vests and tailored tracksuits to overlocked knitwear, vibrant graphics, and robust materials inspired by austere surroundings. With A-COLD-WALL*, the spotlight shines on the intricacies that make a garment stand out.
Established in 2015, under Virgil Abloh's mentorship, Samuel Ross has rapidly become a potent force in the fashion industry, marrying social consciousness with material innovation. A-COLD-WALL* stands as a testament to Britain's social climate and class disparity, with each collection offering its critique on societal norms.
The brand's evolution is evident with every eagerly awaited release, a continuous process of refinement and exploration of new techniques. Partnerships with icons like Daniel Arsham, Nike, fragment design, and Dr. Martens have propelled the brand further into the realms of functional and conceptual fashion, garnering a broader fanbase. There's no question that A-COLD-WALL* lives up to the buzz that's been steadily building around it.
Denim Tears
Denim Tears launched its first collection in 2020. However, the brand’s founder, Tremaine Emory, has been in the industry for a minute. Emory co-founded No Vacancy Inn alongside Acyde, and has worked closely with Virgil Abloh and Kanye West.
The label’s first collection dropped on the 400th anniversary of the day the first slave ship arrived in America, in 1619. For the debut line, Emory printed cotton wreaths across denim jeans, hoodies, and tees, highlighting the country’s complicated relationship with the material.
Most recently, Emory announced that he won’t release his Converse collab (an ode to David Hammons’ African-American Flag) until he feels that Nike will have done more to help the black community. The designer called Nike’s recent $40 million donation a “very expensive band-aid.”
Ahluwalia
Priya Ahluwalia, through her self-titled fashion label, challenges norms by injecting new life into dead stock fabrics. A game-changer since her graduation from the MA Menswear course at The University of Westminster, Ahluwalia's been redefining the fashion scene since 2018. Her brand, a reflection of childhood trips to Nigeria and India, seamlessly intertwines her dual Indian-Nigerian lineage with London's urban grit.
Ahluwalia champions responsible fashion, meticulously considering the sourcing and manufacturing process. Her avant-garde creations amalgamate elements of her multicultural roots and repurpose vintage surplus clothing. She manipulates textile techniques to breathe fresh energy into pre-existing materials, morphing the old into something boldly novel.
But it's more than just clothes—it's a fusion of art, music, literature, and the rich cultures across the African and Asian diasporas. Ahluwalia paints a vivid panorama where far-off lands coalesce with familiar territories, past blends into the present, and nostalgia interweaves with the future. It's a testament to her forward-thinking approach, the Ahluwalia brand—always looking ahead, but never forgetting where it's been.
Billionaire Boys Club
Founded in 2003, Billionaire Boys Club set the foundations for a large portion of the other brands in this list. With Pharrell and Nigo at the helm, it was always going to achieve streetwear greatness. Now heading up Louis Vuitton and KENZO respectively, the two multi-hyphenate creatives have proven their mettle in an industry they helped shape.
Billionaire Boys Club has never strayed from what it does best, providing streetwear staples with heavy, '00s-style branding throughout. The returning graphics like the astronaut, ice cream, and fox act as visual anchors for the label's recognizable output.
Bianca Saunders
London designer Bianca Saunders takes inspiration from her British and Jamaican background to give her eponymous label its cross-cultural character. Not only do the designer’s collections bridge cultures, but also tradition and modernity.
Having been founded in 2017, Bianca Saunders has had a meteoric rise to success, having been selected as One to Watch by the British Fashion Council in 2018 and going on to win the 32nd Andam Grand Prix Fashion Award in 2021.
Having shown collections at London Fashion Week since its inception, Bianca Saunders’ move to Paris in January 2022 was a sure sign of this label’s trajectory. If you’re not paying attention yet, you’re already too late.
Nicholas Daley
Launched in 2015, just two years post his graduation from the illustrious Central Saint Martins in London, Nicholas Daley's self-named brand is a masterclass in blending artisanal skill with a deep appreciation for diverse cultural narratives. At the heart of his collections lies a complex interplay of influences, drawing from his Scottish-Jamaican roots and a broad musical palette that spans jazz, post-punk, and reggae.
As a finalist for the 2020 LVMH Prize, Daley has made his mark with effortlessly cool workwear-inspired pieces and tailored garments that dance to the beat of British craftsmanship, all while exuding a playful, irreverent vibe. It's this unique blend of heritage, music, and sartorial innovation that cements Nicholas Daley as a standout voice in contemporary fashion.
ALLCAPSTUDIO
ALLCAPSTUDIO, the brainchild of Philadelphia's own Saeed Ferguson, is more than just a brand—it's a multimedia concert that parades the multifaceted talents of this artist, photographer, and designer. With a foundation deeply rooted in activism, Ferguson and his crew pour meticulous care into every piece, ensuring their creations not only stand out in craftsmanship but also carry potent messages of peace, optimism, and positivity. It's this blend of detailed artistry and a forward-thinking ethos that makes ALLCAPSTUDIO a beacon of creative expression that continues to make waves across modern fashion.
Winnie New York
Idris Balogun started his journey into fashion aged 14 with an education that most menswear designers dream of: by cutting his teeth on the prestigious Saville Row. Lying about his age to get an apprenticeship, his resume before starting the brand Winnie New York continues in a similarly impressive manner, spending time at Burberry and Tom Ford.
Utilizing this masterclass in tailoring and craftsmanship, he launched his own label that operates with the same eye for detail. Balogun explained it best in a recent interview with Highsnobiety, saying that “I try to make sure that what we're creating has the authenticity and the handcrafted feeling that Savile Row gives, as well as making sure every collection is informed by art and passion.”
The end result are garments rooted in the history of classic menswear, each item including a twist that gives equal consideration to contemporary playfulness as it does the longevity and function of the piece.
Who Decides War?
Founded by Everard Best and Téla D’Amore, Who Decides War? continues a trend of young designers changing the face of luxury fashion. Lead by street-style influences like bold graphics and in-your-face detailing, it’s no surprise that Best spent time working with Virgil at Off-White™, with Virgil going on to be a strong mentor for the Who Decides War? duo.
The label’s latest season proved to be a statement of intent. While slashed denim and eye-catching prints (the brand’s signatures) were present, FW22 showed a number of deeper levels to the brand.
A stained-glass window sits at the center of the collection, decorating a number of the standout pieces. But further than being a pretty adornment, the designers explain that it’s a metaphor for their approach: You can see through a window as well as see yourself in it. Who Decides War? is making clothing to encourage self-reflection, to realize that everything we put out into the world has an impact on somebody else.
FEBEN
In the world of FEBEN, community isn't just a buzzword; it's the pulsating heart of an electrifying design philosophy that fuels the brand's trailblazing creations. Imagine a blend of vivid recollections and personal odysseys transformed into fashion statements that strike with the force of a thunderbolt, yet float with an ethereal grace.
This Central Saint Martins graduate is not just designing clothes; she's weaving narratives, blending the tangible with the fantastical in a fearless quest to redefine the boundaries of style.
FEBEN's design playground is one where silhouettes, textures, and a kaleidoscope of colors come together in a symphony of the familiarly bizarre and the innovatively strange. It's about reimagining the everyday – where draped dresses and ruffled tops aren't just garments but canvases displaying the brand's signature Twist technique. It's where bold tailoring meets wide-leg trousers in a riot of colors, challenging the norms and inviting wearers into a world where fashion doubles as wearable art.
FEBEN is more than a fashion label; it's a conversation starter, a bridge between the worlds of fashion and art, urging us to question, to explore, and to engage with our clothing in a way that's both profound and playful. With every collection, FEBEN invites us to step into a realm where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, making every garment a piece of a larger, more colorful puzzle.
Connor McKnight
Brooklyn's very own Connor McKnight is redefining luxury with a collection that's as much about comfort and utility as it is about thoughtful craftsmanship. Born out of the solitude of the 2020 pandemic, McKnight's debut collection was a labor of love, meticulously cut and sewn from the confines of his home. His approach? To challenge how we interact with our daily wear, transforming silhouettes typically earmarked for casual outings into enduring pieces of wearable luxury.
McKnight isn't just about the basics, though. Sure, you'll find impeccably tailored trousers and coats, but it's his foray into the experimental—think polar fleece hoods and cinched dress shirts—that really turns heads. And in a nod to inclusivity, his designs are agender, welcoming anyone and everyone who values functional, lasting, and elegantly understated pieces.
In essence, Connor McKnight is crafting the future of everyday luxury. His designs aren't just clothes; they're a creative dialogue with contemporary life, blending durability with a refined aesthetic. For those who live at the intersection of practicality and style, McKnight is delivering a fresh take on what it means to dress luxuriously every day.
Soulland
Professional skateboarder Silas Adler launched Soulland from Copenhagen in 2002 and the brand embraces the focus on craftsmanship and design that we have come to love from Scandinavian labels.
Its collections reference the history of bold graphics that has defined skateboarding brands and streetwear, combining it with a focus on timeless design and sustainability. Sourcing locally and using GOTS certified factories, it is presenting a way that streetwear can answer its sustainability problem.
Maximilian
Having just been announced as Ferragamo’s Creative Director, Maximilian Davis’ stock is only going up. But while the news of a Ferragamo move is well-deserved, we’re interested in the designer’s own label for this piece.
Manchester-born designer Maximilian Davis attended London College of Fashion and held a design position at Wales Bonner before starting his own label in 2021. The brand garnered instant praise for its unique aesthetic that draws from Davis’ Trinidadian background as well as Dalston club culture and even 18th-century carnival costumes.
Wrap all of that up in a very wearable package and you’ve got the recipe for a label destined for wild success.
Martine Rose
What's the current pulse on Kendrick Lamar's style radar? The answer is Martine Rose, the British-Jamaican designer who's sprinted from promising newcomer to an indomitable fashion titan in record time. As a brand frequented by the style savants and nominated for distinguished accolades, Rose's influence spans far beyond the confines of clothing.
Injecting her disruptive vision into the fashion conversation, Rose finds her muse in the raw vibrancy of the '90s rave and hip-hop scenes. Her London-based label dares to reimagine menswear essentials, painting a bold new world where rules bend and boundaries blur.
Envision a parade of pumped-up French terry hoodies, sweatshirts, and bonded cotton shirts stretched to imaginative extremes. Her collection features wide-leg jeans, roomy cord trousers, and expansive denim jackets that serve up robust style declarations. Reworked nylon flight jackets and athletic windbreakers twist and turn in remodeled silhouettes.
Every detail is scrutinized, from embroidered patches and cursive logos to striped rib knit trims that spruce up soccer shirts and basic tees. The label's keen eye for detail shines through in the unexpected draping, ruching, and cut-outs that punctuate the collection. With Martine Rose, it's all about reshaping the ordinary into the extraordinary.
CIRIACO
Introducing CIRIACO, the brainchild of Atlanta-bred, New York-refined designer Ashley Ciriaco. Drawing inspiration from the chic urbanity of "Gossip Girl" and "Sex and the City," Ashley's fashion merchandising background shines through in her label. Launched in 2020, CIRIACO's first handbag collection made waves for its bold use of rich textures, playful asymmetry, and vibrant colors.
CIRIACO isn't just about accessories; it's about making a statement. Each piece is a narrative, reflecting the dynamic energy of New York City itself. Ashley Ciriaco invites us to see handbags not merely as items of utility but as expressions of individual style and bold creativity.
4YE
Enter 4YE, a global fashion player that's rewriting the rules by diving deep into the crossroads of cultural identity and the power of community. This brand isn't just about clothes; it's about carving out a unique niche that's unmistakably theirs. Remember the buzz when they launched with those game-changing durags? That was just the beginning. 4YE has since broadened its horizon, embracing a spectrum of styles with vibrant fleeces, cozy shirts, and an array of accessories that keep the loyal fanbase coming back for more.
What makes 4YE stand out is its unwavering commitment to growth without losing sight of its core values.
It's a testament to evolving in the fast-paced fashion world while staying true to the essence that made them a hit. In every stitch, there's a story of community, identity, and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. 4YE is not just selling clothes; they're crafting a movement, one piece at a time.
Darryl Brown
Darryl Brown’s label combines two formative experiences in his life into clothing: working as an engineer and conductor for Norfolk Southern Railroad in Ohio and being Kanye West’s stylist.
Using his own experiences in working blue collar, industrial jobs he set out to create fashion-conscious workwear with true authenticity in 2019. He launched the brand in direct response to seeing the clothes he wore to work becoming a trend that was capitalized on by brands with no connection to its roots.
Since then, the designer’s boxy-fitting collections have not lost their real connection to the working class foundations that first inspired him. To put it simply, you know that anything you buy from Brown will not only look good, but be extremely hard-wearing.
Telfar
Telfar Clemons, as his name may suggest, is the man behind Telfar. Clemons was born in the United States to Liberian parents and moved to New York City in 2002 to pursue a modeling career. The year later, Clemons began creating deconstructed pieces from vintage clothes, sold in Soho and Lower East Side boutiques.
That proved to be successful, so in 2005, Clemons officially launched Telfar — his own brand of unisex fashion. Though Telfar is widely known for its chic sportswear and everyday staples, one particular offering stood out in recent years — the shopping bag. Dubbed the “Bushwick Birkin,” Telfar’s shopping bag quickly became a coveted accessory in NYC and beyond.
Telfar’s popular tote is made from vegan leather and comes with the brand’s “TC” logo embossed on the front, and its strap can easily turn it into a shoulder bag. The accessory is available in three sizes (small, medium, and big) as well as different colors such as white, black, tan, olive, or red. Best of all, the “Bushwick Birkin” is pretty affordable, too, with prices starting at $150.
Daily Paper
Based in Amsterdam, Daily Paper was co-founded in 2010 by Jefferson Osei, Abderrahmane Trabsini, and Hussein Suleiman, of Ghanaian, Moroccan, and Somali descent, respectively.
Inspired by the founders’ shared African heritage, Daily Paper fuses traditional aesthetics from the continent with modern and casual designs. Today, Daily Paper is a well-respected label in the fashion world, counting collaborations with PUMA, colette, Van Gogh Museum, and Wizkid in its repertoire.
But Daily Paper is more than a fashion brand. “It’s a movement of ingenious creatives from all walks of life, brought together by shared passions,” says co-founder Hussein Suleiman. “We’re creating a community of belonging rather than exclusion.”
Starting out as a menswear only label, Daily Paper is living up to this sentiment with the launch of its women’s line in 2017, further expanding its offering.
Carrots by Anwar Carrots
Before launching Carrots, Anwar Carrots founded Peas & Carrots International alongside Joshton Peas and rapper Casey Veggies. The streetwear label developed a cult-like following, thanks to its colorful and vibrant graphics. After parting ways with P&C International, Carrots went on to launch Carrots by Anwar Carrots in 2015.
Recently, the Los Angeles-based label joined forces with Cherry LA, Wasted Youth, Shabbaaaaa Sound Radio, and more, to release a limited-edition T-shirt in support of BLM. Named “Enough,” the T-shirt features names of the many black lives lost at the hand of police. All of the proceeds will be split between the United Negro College Fund and BLM Los Angeles.
B.STROY
Based in Atlanta, B.STROY is the brainchild of Brick Owens and Dieter Grams. Though the brand’s name may not ring a bell, you probably have already spotted some of their divisive designs online.
In 2019, the label dropped “SAMSARA,” a collection addressing gun violence via pieces inspired by the Columbine, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, and Stoneman Douglas mass shootings. B.STORY’s controversial moves don’t stop here, however. In the past, the label took over a metro station in Atlanta and even held a fashion show inside of a funeral home.
L’ENCHANTEUR
The brainchild of twin sisters Dynasty and Soull Ogun, L’ENCHANTEUR takes on an affordable essential you’ll find in any black household — the durag. After spending years perfecting their crafts in the textile and jewelry fields, the Ogun sisters launched the brand in 2012, debuting with a line of high-end durags made from silk, velvet, and denim.
While beauty supply durags usually retail for no more than five bucks, L’ENCHANTEUR’s fancy ’rags come with price tags of up to $130, turning the affordable accessory into a flex-worthy piece. But the Brooklyn-based brand’s offerings don’t stop there. With a shared interest in astrology, mythology, architecture, and magic, L’ENCHANTEUR’s collections also include apparel, hats, jewelry, art, and more.
Every piece is created with the goal to leave a mark on society, while also documenting the times we live in. In recent years, the brand has received nods from artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and J. Cole.
ASHYA
Founded in 2017 by Ashley Cimone and Monya Annece, ASHYA is a Brooklyn brand focusing on high-quality leather accessories such as belt bags, pouches, and other travel-ready accessories. After traveling to India and noticing a shortage of sophisticated and contemporary accessories, Cimone and Annece saw a unique opportunity to realize their design passions.
“The accessories market is quite saturated with traditional bag styles, and even the resurgence of belt bags sees the same shapes over and over again,” share the founders about the brand’s beginnings. That’s what motivated ASHYA’s founders to offer a newer approach to the accessory, opting instead for designs that are both stylish and functional, inspired by the modern traveler.
The brand’s designers have clearly been doing it right, with ASHYA having recently been picked up to take part in the CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad residency program for emerging designers.
Third Crown
Based in New York, Third Crown was created by husband-and-wife design duo Kristin and Kofi Essel. Kristin studied apparel design and worked in jewelry, while Kofi graduated in men’s design from FIT. After their respective experiences in fashion, the couple decided to become business partners as well, creating a line of unisex jewelry.
Using 18K gold, silver, and gunmetal, Third Crown’s latest collection includes jewelry that is simple yet full of attitude, featuring clean lines and elegant designs. “Masculinity and femininity are fused for us,” says Kofi. “Anyone can find something they love, regardless of their gender. If it fits, rock that joint.”
Though Third Crown is still in its prime, the brand has already caught the attention of celebrities including Beyoncé and Solange Knowles and has made appearances in Issa Rae‘s hit show Insecure.
Pyer Moss
You’ve probably already heard of Pyer Moss. The menswear and womenswear brand holds weight in the fashion world and counts ongoing collaborations with Reebok. Kerby Jean-Raymond, the brand’s designer, has also been appointed as creative director of Reebok Studies__, a new sub-division.
But Pyer Moss is more than just that. The Haitian-American designer never fails at delivering powerful messages through his work. He’s not afraid of calling people out, either, as he recently critiqued BoF in an open letter. For example, in September 2019, Pyer Moss’ NYFW show was inspired by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a queer black woman credited for having invented rock’n’roll. At the MET Gala, meanwhile, Raymond wore a custom-made suit paying homage to the legacy of black drag queens.
“I’m figuring out a lot of shit,” Raymond recently told Highsnobiety. “I’m figuring out how to navigate the world as a poor black man, and now as a rich black man. As I’m figuring it out, I’m putting it in my work and being transparent about it because I hope that somebody who feels like me — not just looks like me— back then, can also feel like me now.”
OMONDI
Recho Omondi, the Kenyan-American woman behind OMONDI, was born and raised in the Midwest, then later moved to Georgia to study fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Some years later, she moved to NYC to work on her own fashion label.
If you think you’ve seen the above sweater before, you may be right. OMONDI’s “Niggas” sweatshirt made the rounds in recent years, and was worn by Issa Rae’s during an Insecure episode. Unlike most designers, though, Omondi doesn’t show during New York Fashion Week, and she only drops one collection per year (which may explain why most of her pieces are currently sold out).
OMONDI is more than just a fashion label. The designer also launched The Cutting Room Floor, a podcast show focusing on the fashion industry and its challenges. So far, OMONDI’s podcast has had guests such as Heron Preston, Diet Prada, Matthew Henson, and many more.
Slashed by Tia
Slashed by Tia is the brainchild of Teni Adeola, a Nigerian-born fashion designer currently residing in New York City. Adeola started working on her brand in 2017, while pursuing an arts degree in culture and media from The New School. Her designs draw inspiration from her arts background, as it’s evident from Slashed by Tia’s Victorian-inspired garments.
Just picture what women from the Renaissance Era would wear if the crop tops were a thing. The result is dreamy yet sensual fits like matching see-through pants and crop tops, complete with ruffles, of course. Adeola’s designs became popular on Instagram, and soon caught the attention of celebrities, too.
Big names such as SZA, Dua Lipa, and Gigi Hadid have shown love to Slashed by Tia, and the success doesn’t seem to stop. In January 2020, Tia Adeola made her official debut at New York Fashion Week, which was welcomed by exciting reviews.
MIZIZI
If the African diaspora had an official merch line, MIZIZI would be it. The brand’s name translates to “roots” in Swahili and was founded in 2015 by Paakow Essandoh. While attending the University of South Florida, Essandoh noticed a lack of representation among African diaspora students and decided to literally put their countries on a jersey.
Essandoh dropped MIZIZI’s first jerseys in the summer of 2015, and the designs proved successful. So far, MIZIZI’s jersey rep African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and more. The African diaspora doesn’t stop at the continent, of course. And so, the brand’s designs also include countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and others.
The jerseys are available in basketball, soccer, and baseball styles. Recently, MIZIZI has also collaborated with Marvel for a “Wakanda” Black Panther collab, as well as Disney for a Lion King capsule to coincide with the movie release. They even had a “Blue for Sudan” edition in support of the country's 2019 uprising. Essandoh’s formula is clearly working, though we kind of wish MIZIZI would expand onto a full clothing line, too.
Bricks & Wood
Founded in 2014, Bricks & Wood is a label founded by Kacey Lynch, a native of South Central, Los Angeles. The brand is an ode to Lynch’s stomping grounds, with most lookbooks featuring residents of South Central as models (including Lynch’s own grandmother).
Fusing contemporary streetwear with everyday staples, Brick & Wood’s pieces tend to focus on high-quality staples, rather than in-your-face designs. The label counts collaborations with The Hundreds, along with celebrity co-signs by Anderson .Paak and Tyler, The Creator.
Atelier New Regime
Atelier New Regime (or ANR) is a streetwear brand hailing from Montreal, Canada. Co-founded by Setiz Taheri and brothers Gildas and Koku Awuye, ANR is a brand dedicated to “creating uniforms for the marginalized.”
The label’s collections often include powerful statements such as “We learn all our gang shit from the government,” “Fight the power,” and “Fuck racism” printed on T-shirts, hoodies, and work jackets. More thought-provoking designs include orange jumpsuits and tees, as well as uniform-inspired padded vests with “Dressed to kill” printed on the front.
Orange Culture Nigeria
Launched by Adebayo Oke-Lawal in 2011, Orange Culture is one of the most exciting fashion labels out of Nigeria. The brand fuses contemporary streetwear with traditional Nigerian fabrics, with all pieces manufactured in Lagos, Nigeria, by local experts.
Orange Culture’s offerings are androgynous and challenge the concept of African masculinity — something that wasn’t exactly easy. “Things have been written in the press that say Orange Culture is ‘feminizing our men’ and that we’re going to hell because of it,” Oke-Lawal told Vogue. “If you have a problem with a man wearing jewelry or an oversize blouse or painting his nails, that’s your problem.”
In 2018, Oke-Lawal appeared in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list of the most influential creatives in the continent.
Union LA
Despite its name, Union actually started in New York. The store first opened its doors in 1989 on Spring Street in Soho under the ownership of Mary Ann Fusco and James Jebbia. A new Los Angeles location then followed in 1991, which Chris Gibbs bought in 2008, after managing the store for a decade.
As a streetwear institution, Union LA is known for breaking many independent streetwear brands, and helping bridge the gap between the European and US markets. The biggest turning point for Union, however, is 2017 — when Gibbs launched the store’s first in-house collection.
Union LA’s line can now count collaborations with Nike, Carhartt WIP, Advisory Board Crystals, and more. More recently, Union has linked with Fear of God for a special collab tee, with all proceeds going to the Gianna Floyd Fund.
Joe Freshgoods
Joe “Freshgoods” Robinson is a designer and creative hailing from Chicago. After making one-off tees and accessories for some time, Robinson launched Joe Freshgoods, his very own streetwear brand.
Refusing to move out of Chicago, Robinson also opened Fat Tiger Workshop with the help of Vic Lloyd and Desmond Owusu. The shop, located in the Goose Island neighborhood, also serves as a creative hub for the local community, and has launched programs helping families in need of financial assistance.
Via Joe Freshgoods, Robinson dropped collections inspired by the black economy. In 2018, for example, he dropped a T-shirt named “The Not-So-Secret Power of the Black Dollar,” which served a reminder that the black community makes up for trillions of dollars in spending power.
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