Honoring Black Designers Who Paved the Way and Redefine Style Today
Image credit: Anne Lowe
The contributions of Black designers, stylists and creatives have built the foundation of the fashion industry as we know it today. From the elegant craftsmanship of Anne Lowe to the modern innovation of Hanifa, Black creatives have continuously shaped the industry with their innovative designs. This Black History Month, we honor five designers—past and present—who have and continue to create fashion history.
Image credit: Anne Lowe
Anne Lowe
Before Black designers were recognized, Anne Lowe was dressing America’s most high profile women. Born in 1898, Lowe was a trailblazing couture designer who specialized in hand-sewn gowns. She was known for creating elegant, luxury women garments, words that were hardly associated with black women in the 1950’s. Despite facing racial discrimination, she became the top designer for elite women, most famously designing Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress in 1953. Though her name was largely erased from history, Lowe’s craftsmanship and legacy continue to inspire today’s designers, reminding us of the many Black creatives whose work has been overshadowed or claimed by others.
Image credit: Lil’ Kim (left) and Misa Hylton (right)
Misa Hylton
Misa Hylton, New York’s very own, changed the fashion scene in the ‘90s by blending high fashion with New York hip-hop culture. As a stylist-turned-designer, she was the creative behind some of the most iconic looks in music, including Lil’ Kim’s famous purple pasty jumpsuit at the 1999 VMAs and Mary J. Blige’s signature street-chic aesthetic. Many of the fashion trends she helped create like oversized streetwear mixed with luxury have inspired mainstream fashion and streetwear today.
Image credit: Misa Hylton
Hylton reflected on her career and influence in BET’s “Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion”, where she shared highlights of her journey, the challenges she faced as a Black woman in fashion and the lasting impact of hip-hop style in the fashion industry. Through the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, she continues to trailbraze for the next generation of Black creatives in fashion, ensuring that Black contributions to the industry are recognized and celebrated.
Image credit: LaQuan Smith
LaQuan Smith
When it comes to dressing influential women, LaQuan Smith never disappoints. With his signature form fitting silhouettes and sheer fabrics, Smith has dressed women like Beyoncé, Rihanna and Zendaya. As a self-taught designer, he launched his brand under his name in 2013 and has since become a staple at New York Fashion Week. Smith’s work continues to prove that Black designers can both challenge industry norms and maintain luxury. His contributions to fashion solidifies his position as a fashion heavy hitter.
Image credit: Edvin Thompson
Edvin Thompson
As the creative mind behind Theophilio, Edvin Thompson blends his Jamaican roots with modern fashion. Thompson’s designs are bold, colorful and rich with cultural references, making his work relatable and distinct in today’s fashion. Thompson’s work celebrates the Black and Caribbean experience, mixing nostalgia with new interpretation. His impact is proof that so much of what we see in mainstream fashion today, from athleisure to logomania, was first embraced and popularized by Black culture.
Image credit: Anifa Mvuemba
Hanifa
Anifa Mvuemba, the designer and brains behind Hanifa, is revolutionizing fashion through technology. She made history in 2020 by hosting a 3D digital runway show, proving that fashion could thrive beyond traditional norms and even through technology. Her designs celebrate the curves on every woman.
Image credit: Mattel
In celebration of her impact, Mattel honored Mvuemba with a Barbie doll modeled after her in 2022, further cementing her influence in both fashion and culture. Hanifa is a brand that blends innovation with empowerment, redefining what’s possible for Black designers even in the digital age.
The Backbone of Fashion
From couture to streetwear, from past trailblazers to present innovators, Black designers have shaped and continue to shape the industry. Their influence is undeniable, and their creativity is limitless. Continue honoring the legacy that continues by shopping with Black designers and giving them the flowers they have worked so hard to grow.