Dressing The Part: These Women in Fashion Are Keeping The Industry Fresh and Interesting
Fashion stands as a testament to the impeccable influence wielded by women, serving as the breeding ground for innovation, creativity, and unparalleled elegance. As we immerse ourselves in the celebratory spirit of Women's History Month, it is only fitting to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of some Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) fashion designers who have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also reshaped the very fabric of the fashion industry. Their unique perspectives, cultural richness, and unwavering determination have carved out a space beyond mere representation, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic landscape for the future of fashion. In acknowledging and applauding these BIWOC designers, we pay homage to their resilience, creativity, and the transformative power they bring to the forefront of the fashion world.
Hanifa
Hanifa, established in 2012 by Congolese designer Anifa Mvuemba, is a global fashion brand that places creativity at the core of its strategy. The brand pioneers fresh trends while responsibly shaping the future of luxury fashion. Committed to fostering empowerment for women, Hanifa encourages them to break barriers, excel in all aspects of life, and define their own rules. The brand firmly believes in the limitless capabilities of women, actively supporting and enabling them in every endeavor. This ethos is encapsulated in Hanifa's distinctive signature: "Empowering Women Beyond Boundaries." The brand has earned acclaim from superstars and icons, including Beyonce. Last October, Hanifa successfully launched its stunning new Bridal line. Noteworthy pieces from the brand that have garnered our attention include the Mina Tassel Knit Gown as seen on Monet McMichael, the Kinshasha Dress worn by Tracy Ellis Ross, and the Soraya Mini as seen on Bella Hadid.
Kim Shui
Kim Shui's eponymous brand, born in the cultural melting pot of New York City, authentically mirrors her diverse background—embracing her Chinese roots, Italian upbringing, and a life of constant movement. Fashion became an integral part of her identity, shaped by this eclectic mix. Celebrating diversity and cultural richness, the brand's abstract collage designs are a testament to this ethos. Kim Shui, grounded in values of family and female unity, has gained notable attention, with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Megan Thee Stallion donning her creations. Forbes acknowledged Shui's rising star in 2019, listing her among the "Under 30 Fashion Designers to Watch." To sustain this momentum, strategic development of the brand's social media presence is imperative, recognizing its pivotal role in Kim Shui's journey to widespread popularity. Kim Shui recently dropped a new collection this past NYFW which included a beautiful mix of textures, patterns and silhouettes. Some notable pieces from the collection include the Sheer Embroidered Grown, Oversized Trapper Hat, and the Snakeskin Trench.
Ru by Rupal
Established from her personal upbringing, Ru by Rupal combines Southern Asian culture and the culture of LA streetwear. Being from an Indian background, having a career in fashion wasn’t the most ideal as well. From a cultural standpoint, it was mostly frowned upon as South Asian culture emphasizes more traditional academic career roles. In addition, the fashion community was not as welcoming to diverse faces at the time. Starting in 2019, Ru by Rupal combined men's silhouettes to embody womenswear. Her current collection consists of worker-inspired styles and vibrant mesh dresses and skirts. The Ru by Rupal collection is mostly made to order as well, showing the authenticity and care of the craftsmanship in her work. One of the main goals of Rupal is to inspire other women from her background in the fashion space. “There aren’t very many women, especially Indian women, that are doing what I’m doing in this space,” says the designer. “I really hope to inspire other women by letting them know that they can really do it. It’s very possible.” A few pieces from her recent collection includes the Birds Of Paradise Velvet Bomber, the Chakra Asymmetrical Strap Dress and the Fire Print Maxi Skirt.
Amina Muaddi
Raised in both Jordan and Romania, Amina harbored a lifelong passion for the world of fashion, having been captivated by fashion magazines since the age of nine. At 16, she then moved to Italy and studied at the European Institute of Design. Amina then gained a career in fashion working at L’uomo Vogue, GQ, and designing footwear with Fenty. She used her extensive background to focus on quality craftsmanship and add an electric look to her shoes. Her shoes are more eclectic than most by the colors and patterns she uses and the wide look on her square-based heels, which became her signature. Unlike most heels, her shoes have received rave reviews for being comfortable. Amina has expressed she wants the brand to grow from just shoes, as she would love to get in touch with the creative side of her business. Her brand molds are also registered, which shows the authenticity of her shoes. One of her most popular silhouettes includes the Jaheel Slouchy Leather Over-The-Knee Boots, the Begum Glass Sling Transparent Pvc, and the Embellished Gilda Glass Sandals 95. Amina's main focus moving forward on her brand is “to not lose the spark.”
The fashion industry today is composed of individuals from different backgrounds and characters, and women play a pivotal role in shaping its landscape. While all figures may not have had a long tenure in her career, they all have opened a door for other women to pursue their careers. From the audacious designs of Hanifa to Kim Shui's fusion of cultures, each brand resonates with the intrinsic empowerment and innovation of the female narrative. Ru by Rupal's courageous blending of South Asian heritage with modern streetwear, alongside Amina Muaddi's journey to footwear mastery from Jordan, epitomizes the boundless potential of women in the fashion realm. As Women's History Month continues, we can take the inspiration from these inspirational designers as a guiding light to many women, alike or unlike, on how to help break barriers.