Black Is Art: Unapologetically Black Designers
The Black style has become a cultural phenomenon that others often attempt to imitate. Our style time and time again has been appropriated and watered down by mainstream fashion. Society has spent years telling us our fashion was "ghetto" or "too loud," and now suddenly, they're raiding our closets for inspiration. Our edges that were carefully carved with love in every swoop have been claimed and repackaged as “sticky bangs.” It's more than just clothes; it's a statement, a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and where we're headed. This is why fashion should be an expression of you, don’t wait for anybody else to like it.
Ruth E. Carter is an Academy Award-winning costume designer, who has left her mark in the film industry with a career spanning more than three decades.
Carter's career took off when she collaborated with Spike Lee on the film "School Daze" in 1988. However, it was her work on "Malcolm X" (1992) that earned her the first Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
Some of her most popular designs include iconic costumes for films like "Black Panther," which showcases the richness and diversity of African culture.
Kerby Jean-Raymond is a Haitian-American fashion designer who is also the founder and creative director of Pyer Moss, a mens and womenswear fashion label that weaves activism and fashion.
Jean-Raymond uses his platform to address issues such as racial inequality and social justice. He has received accolades for his impactful designs and collaborations.
Aurora James is a Canadian designer and the founder of the fashion label Brother Vellies. She is also the founder of the "15 Percent Pledge," a movement advocating for increased representation of Black-owned businesses in major retailers.
James uses her influence to drive positive change and support Black entrepreneurs. Her goal has always been to “keep traditional African design practices and techniques alive.”
Brother Vellies is worn regularly by influential people such as Beyonce, Meghan Markle, Zendaya, Rihanna, Serena Williams, Solange, and many more.
Haleigh Alridge is an upcoming fashion designer who has made waves with her work at North Carolina A&T University.
Her fashion brand, H.E.A.Designs, is committed to up-cycled slow fashion, driven by Haleigh's passion for sustainability and ethical fashion practices. Each piece is not only handmade but also utilizes raw materials, showing her dedication to environmentally conscious design.
Haleigh aspires to utilize her brand as a platform for making thought-provoking statements about the world. Her goal is to inspire curiosity about consumer choices, urging others to be mindful of the impact of their consumption.
