Top Black-Owned Luxury Brands You Need to Know

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in supporting Black-owned businesses, especially in the luxury sector. These brands not only offer high-quality products but also represent cultural pride and identity. Here, we explore some of the most notable Black-owned luxury brands that have made significant impacts in various industries, from fashion to beauty and beyond. Supporting these brands not only enhances your style but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable marketplace.

1. Telfar

Telfar is a New York City-based brand founded by Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens in 2005. Known for its unisex approach to fashion, Telfar offers a range of clothing, accessories, and its iconic "Shopping Bag," often referred to as the "Bushwick Birkin." The brand has garnered a cult following for its accessible pricing and inclusive ethos, embodying the slogan, "Not for you, for everyone." The Telfar Shopping Bag, available in various sizes and colors, is a staple piece that has become a symbol of status and support for Black-owned businesses.

2. Hanifa

Founded by Anifa Mvuemba in 2012, Hanifa is a contemporary women's wear brand that gained widespread recognition for its innovative digital runway show during the pandemic in 2020. The brand is known for its bold colors, innovative designs, and size inclusivity, reflecting Mvuemba's Congolese heritage. Hanifa's garments are designed to accentuate and celebrate the female form, making it a favorite among women of all shapes and sizes. The brand's commitment to diversity and representation in fashion has made it a standout in the luxury sector.

3. Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 by Aurora James with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also creating sustainable jobs for artisans. The brand offers a range of handmade footwear and accessories crafted in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco. Brother Vellies is known for its unique, handcrafted pieces that blend modern style with traditional craftsmanship. Aurora James also launched the 15 Percent Pledge, encouraging retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, further advocating for systemic change in the industry.

4. LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith, a native of Queens, New York, launched his namesake brand in 2010 and quickly became a favorite among celebrities and fashion insiders. Known for his sexy, bold designs, Smith's clothing is a celebration of confidence and glamour. His collections often feature luxurious fabrics and daring silhouettes, catering to those who aren't afraid to make a statement. LaQuan Smith's influence extends beyond fashion, as he is often seen as a pioneer for young Black designers aspiring to make their mark in the luxury sector.

5. Fenty Beauty

Rihanna's Fenty Beauty revolutionized the beauty industry with its inclusive range of products catering to all skin tones. Launched in 2017, Fenty Beauty's debut foundation line featured 40 shades, setting a new standard for diversity in makeup. The brand's commitment to inclusivity goes beyond product offerings; its marketing campaigns feature models of various ethnicities, genders, and body types. Fenty Beauty's success has made it a blueprint for other brands looking to embrace diversity and inclusivity, solidifying Rihanna's status as a beauty mogul and a champion for representation.

6. Savage X Fenty

Continuing her dominance in the beauty and fashion industries, Rihanna also founded Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand that promotes body positivity and inclusivity. Savage X Fenty offers a wide range of lingerie and loungewear in sizes XS to 3X, ensuring that everyone can find something that makes them feel confident and sexy. The brand's annual fashion shows have become cultural events, showcasing diverse models and performers, further pushing the narrative of inclusivity in fashion.

7. Pyer Moss

Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond in 2013, Pyer Moss is a fashion label that blurs the lines between fashion, art, and activism. Jean-Raymond uses his platform to address social justice issues, often incorporating political statements into his collections and runway shows. Pyer Moss is celebrated for its storytelling approach to fashion, where each collection is a chapter in a larger narrative about Black culture and history. The brand has collaborated with Reebok on several occasions, creating collections that combine streetwear aesthetics with high fashion.

8. Off-White

While not Black-owned, it's essential to acknowledge the influence of Virgil Abloh, the founder of Off-White, a luxury streetwear brand. Abloh, who was also the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection, was one of the most influential Black designers in the luxury fashion industry. Off-White's bold graphics, ironic quotations, and unique designs have left a lasting impact on fashion. Abloh's work at both Off-White and Louis Vuitton has paved the way for more Black designers in luxury fashion and has challenged traditional notions of what luxury can be.

9. House of Aama

House of Aama is a mother-daughter design duo that explores the folkways of the Black experience by designing timeless garments with nostalgic references informed by historical research, archival analysis, and storytelling. Founded by Rebecca Henry and her daughter Akua Shabaka, the brand is known for its unique approach to fashion, blending historical and contemporary elements. The collections often pay homage to the African-American experience, celebrating the beauty and resilience of Black culture.

10. Lemlem

Founded by supermodel Liya Kebede in 2007, Lemlem is an artisan-driven collection of women’s, men’s, children’s, and home goods made entirely in Africa. The brand is known for its handwoven, sustainable pieces that blend traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship with modern design. Lemlem supports local artisans and aims to create economic opportunities for African communities, promoting sustainable growth and development in the fashion industry.

These brands represent just a fraction of the talent and creativity within the Black-owned luxury market. By supporting these brands, consumers can help foster diversity, innovation, and sustainability in the luxury industry. Whether you're looking for fashion, beauty, or accessories, there's a Black-owned luxury brand that offers high-quality, stylish products that align with your values. As more consumers seek to make conscious purchasing decisions, Black-owned luxury brands are poised to continue making significant strides in the industry, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative market.