Khiry
Designer Jameel Mohammed's jewelry is rooted in African diaspora, each piece inspired by historical and cultural importance. His signature horned silhouette, seen in rings, bangles and earrings, resembles the curve of a big horned cattle, a store of value among the nomadic Dinka people of Sudan. And a mask motif, seen in the form of a pendant, is inspired by features prominent in West African masks. I just love how his pieces embody femininity and power.
Sika
London-based Ghanaian designer Phyllis Taylor founded SIKA in 2005 with the vision to celebrate the colorful and bold prints of West Africa. Some of my favorites include a cotton batik off-the-shoulder dress and a puffer jacket in canary yellow pattern. Each collection is produced in Ghana by a skilled garment production team that receives fair wages.
Harwell Godfrey
San Francisco based designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey creates pieces with the talismanic power and healing energy of stones in mind. Gemstones like pink opal, lapis, onyx, malachite and tiger's eye are combined with references to the Four Elements and a modern take on geometric patterns inspired by ancient textiles. My latest obsession is her beaded necklace which is made up of a rainbow of smooth rondelle gemstones - it's an absolute stunner. Lauren also recently raised over $50k for the NAACP with the sale of her black onyx and diamond heart charm!
Saint Fort
Wow. I'm floored by Saphyra Saint Fort's collection of hats. Wool fedoras, bucket and straw hats are adorned with pearls, beads and crystals - they're each showstoppers!
Fanm Mon
Sophia Demirtas is truly a citizen of the world. After relocating her family to Turkey, the New York-raised Haitian designer transitioned into womenswear after creating jewelry on and off for several years. Sophia and her husband opened an atelier in Kiev, Ukraine to design and produce collections under her label Fanm Mon. Each piece is crafted in the highest quality linen and embellished with both traditional and proprietary hand embroidery. I personally scored the prettiest off-the-shoulder midi dress, in mint green and with bright red rose embroidery.
Wow Thanks for sharing! Love it
Swoon, swoon, swoon. I have to say, there are a lot of others doing this sort of round-up at this time, but yours have been some of my absolute favorites. Thank you!! Off to follow these amazing designers and tempt myself daily!
Thank you so much, Sara Beth!
Simply stunning, all! Thank you Erica, so much beauty!
Thanks, Claudia!!
Hi Erica,
I’ve been a reader for years! Maybe since 2010? I’ve never been more happy than today seeing this post of these very talented designers of color.
Martine
Thank you, Martine!
Thank you for sharing! These designs are stunning!
tanks for sharing this post
I’m so glad that more black designers are finally getting the press they deserve. It’s way past time, and it’s fun for people like me who are always looking for new fashion 🙂
xoKaelen | Darling Marcelle
Hello Erica,
This is an amazing post to give some light to black-owned brands and made in Africa is a great opportunity to reach people all around the world. Thank you so much.
I was wondering, if you will continue this series as I would love to submit my brand name “Omôl” which mean “Mademoiselle” in my father language. We are a young brand made in Africa ( Cameroon ), that produce short series of silhouette out of upcycled fabrics. We established our first atelier in my home country and we craft clothing and accessories we are very proud of.
Hope to be featured on HONESTLYWTF soon.
Anne
The bangles and specially rings are of class. Loved it.
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful blog. it gives a lot of information. keep sharing like this.