Black-Owned Fashion & Beauty Brands To Support Every Day
Photo via @christopherjohnrogers
The fashion and beauty industry is practicing a lot of self reflection as important conversations are held about race and racism within the industry. An industry that is largely responsible for dictating what is beautiful should be reflective of the world, but if these past few weeks have taught us anything, the industry as a whole still has a long way to go toward true inclusivity.
A good first step, however, is taking the time to highlight fashion and beauty brands from Black creators and pledge to feature them in a regular and noticeable way (check out the 15% Pledge to learn more about how the industry is being held accountable for featuring more Black-owned businesses). We’re sharing a number of Black-owned fashion and beauty businesses below as a way to encourage you all to support diverse entrepreneurs and grow your own knowledge base on all the brands that are out there. From favorite goodies from past SIMPLY gift bags to CFDA-recognized fashion designers, there are so many incredible businesses to support beyond what you may know.
This week’s protests and conversations have encouraged us to share this list, but we hope that you’ll develop long-lasting relationships with these businesses long after the trending hashtags have moved on.
Beauty Brands
Cruelty-free clean skincare products that you can find at Target? Yes, please! SIMPLY fans may recognize nyakio from past gift bags!
Hand-poured candles featuring a coconut and veggie wax blend, founded by a past SIMPLY team member!
We don’t need to tell you how good Pat McGrath’s beauty products are; the makeup artist extraordinaire developed a billion-dollar empire with her professional-grade makeup offerings
Oui The People is working to change the language of beauty and make it a more inclusive industry by providing skincare and shaving products for all skin types and concerns
Founder Nancy Twine started Briogeo to fill the gap in the natural haircare market and now offers a variety of clean haircare products
Hyper Skin’s products treat hyper-pigmentation with the use of vitamin C and other natural ingredients
The Lip Bar is working to make the beauty industry more inclusive and representative of diverse women
Non-toxic hair and skincare products that are truly luxurious
Life-changing makeup wipes that will remove product with ease without irritating skin
UOMA’s goal to create a more inclusive beauty industry includes a 51-shade foundation so women of all colors can find their right foundation fit
Ode To Self’s nourishing skincare products are specifically made to help women of color with common concerns like dryness, sensitivity, and hyper-pigmentation
Clean, ethical, and inclusive beauty
Fenty needs no introduction, but Rihanna’s fantastic and inclusive beauty line has paved the way for a more diverse beauty industry
Natural and vegan skincare for all skin types and tones
Co-founders KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson founded Mented Cosmetics to better serve women of color and help every woman find her best shade of lipstick and beyond
Not only are Hanahana’s skincare products all natural, but the brand is also committed to ethically sourcing ingredients, working with women from the Katriga Women’s Shea Cooperative in Ghana to provide them with fair wages
Celebrity hairstylist Vernon François launched his own brand to better serve natural hair types
From edible wellness in the form of matcha and turmeric latte blends to superfood masks, Golde is all about promoting health inside and out
This beauty brand not only offers a large variety of foundation, concealer, and powder shades, but they make it super easy for you to find your shade match online, too
This nail care brand offers fun & vibrant polish shades that are affordable without sacrificing quality
Natural beauty products that combine traditional West African beauty products with modern skincare
Hair care products designed for active women to keep their hair looking gorgeous through working out
Fashion Brands
Fashion lovers are obsessed with Aurora James’ brand Brother Vellies, and it is clear to see why. Her fashion-forward shoes and accessories are absolutely chic while also bringing in other cultures and artisanal practices from around the world. P.S. Aurora is the one who launched the 15% Pledge we mentioned earlier!
This contemporary brand founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond is all about creating wearable art that makes a statement
One of the brightest new talents on the fashion scene, Christopher John Rogers is a recent CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner and has dressed the likes of Cardi B, Michelle Obama, and Tracee Ellis Ross
This absolutely iconic resort wear brand founded by supermodel Liya Kebede and is crafted by African artisans
Look no further for your next statement bag
Elegant evening wear and ready-to-wear pieces with a huge celeb fanbase
Haitian-born designer Victor Glemaud’s line of knitwear and leisurewear is just the thing for any fashionistas updating their quarantine-comfy wardrobes
Designed and crafted in Brooklyn, these purses are ultra chic (and selling fast!)
Calling all boho lovers, this brand is about to become your new favorite. From flowing dresses and kaftans to a gorgeous bridal collection, you’ll fall head over heels
Inspired by her Caribbean heritage, founder Fe Noel has created a stunning fashion-forward label of ready-to-wear pieces
Telfar’s multi-functional tote bags and purses are a must-have for any on-the-go woman
Designer Mattew Harris was a 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, and he creates beautiful, luxurious jewelry at an accessible price point
Time to suit up! Kimberly Goldson offers dozens of bold blazers and pants in bright colors and eye-catching prints that are a must-have for any boss babe
This Queens-based fashion designer launched his brand in 2013 at the age of 21 and has worked with trendsetting celebrities like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna.
Stunning handmade and sustainable jewelry made locally in Los Angeles
With an emphasis on comfortable and sleek designs for both men and women, including best-seller pants that combine the ease of sweatpants with the sophistication of slacks, you’ll be wearing Pashko everywhere.
Entrepreneur and television personality Vanessa Simmons was inspired by her daughter Ava to create this adorable mommy and me clothing brand.
Print lovers, this brand is for you. Based in Cape Town, Sindiso Khumalo is a textile designer who focuses on creating sustainable pieces.
Pronounced like “crowned”, KRWND makes beautiful gold jewelry that is super affordable as well!
Each leather bag is hand cut and stitched with locally sourced leather. Not only are you supporting a small business but you will also receive a truly one-of-a-kind item!
These adorable scrunchie-like purses should be all over Instagram! They’re also all made sustainably from remnant and vintage fabrics