When thinking of blacks and the fashion industry, what comes to mind is our long legged, stunning models strutting down the runway. As far as the magicians behind the runway, most of them are far from being household names. With a lot of creativity, excellent taste, and awe-inspiring talent, the fashion industry also has several note worthy black designers. If we challenged you, how many of them could you name?  

We have complied our list of 8 remarkable black fashion designers below.

1. Kerby Jean-Raymond

Based in New York, Kerby Jean-Raymond started gaining popularity in 2013 when he founded Pyer Moss, a menswear label. A year later, he got the Rising Star Award from the renowned Fashion Group International. Currently. His fashion shows are known for highlighting social injustice with the use of video and street art. He was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2015. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ryZjunQTZ/

2. Tracy Reese

A fascinating thing to know about the talented Tracy Reese is that she frequently created for Michelle Obama. Her women’s collection was shown during New York Fashion Week in 2015. The line specializes in women’s ready-to-wear clothing.  Her use of bold, bright colors is everything!  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLuoicaJOxc/

 

3. Ozwald Boateng 

Like your super tailored suites and unique ties? Then this is the designer for you. Ozwald Boatega, known to have dressed Jamie Foxx and Will Smith for the red carpet, has been in the fashion industry for three decades. The British designer with Ghanaian roots used his mother’s sewing machine to create his first collection. As they say, the rest is history!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BpTISn0ne/

 

4. Laura Smalls

Laura Smalls is another fashion designer who started getting plenty of attention once Michelle Obama wore one of her beautiful dresses. But the former First Lady isn’t the only celebrity who enjoyed Laura’s creations. Angelina Jolie, Kerry Washington, and Halle Berry are just a few of the stars Small constantly designs for. Check our the line here. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRa5WnHghTw/

5. Kimberly Goldson

Empowering global women, Kimberly Goldson’s clothes are made out of rich fabrics and always have a cosmopolitan touch. She was one of the Project Runway Season 9 finalists and continues making herself noticed on the fashion scene.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CK1ujytl_fl/

6. Jerome LaMaar

Before launching his ready-to-wear line for women, Jerome LaMaar started his career at only 15 with an internship for Kimora Lee Simmons’ Baby Phat. Later, he was promoted to Senior Designer and moved forward with consulting for brands such as Armani. His 5:31 Jerome line has attracted celebrities like Beyonce,  whose interest in the designer helped take his brand to the next level. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKj8pRtB8Ir/

 

 

7.  Dumebi Iyamah

Dumebi Iyamah is the Nigerian designer behind the well known line Andrea  Iyamah. Iyamah emphasizes culture and color in her designs.  Although the line is best known for their swimwear, their collections also feature women’s wear. Her creations have been featured in several publications like Ebony and Cosmopolitan UK.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIRSPcsHdBg/

8. Carly Cushnie

Together with Michelle Ochs, Carly Cushnie launched the women’s ready-to-wear label Cushnie Et Ochs. The line, which was established in 2008,  promotes feminism by creating clothing “that juxtapose bold sensuality with minimalist sophistication.” Their clothes have been donned by Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, and many other celebs. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvrHXJDgr6/

 

The above list barely scratches the surface when it comes to remarkable black fashion designers. Tell us below who your favorite black designers are.