3 Black Designers You Can Shop Right Now
Image: Good American
You’ve probably heard of Good American as the brand founded by Khloe Kardashian, but what you probably didn’t know is the brand was co-created and designed by Emma Grede. Emma Grede is a member of the Women for Women International’s Global Board of Directors and a Women for Women International UK Ambassador. Grede founded Good American alongside Khloe Kardashian in 2016 with the mission of creating denim and clothing with an inclusive size range. Sizing ranges from sizes 00- 24 and the launch of Good American was the largest clothing launch in history at the time and continues to reach new heights of success with each collection launch. Grede is the daughter of Jamaican and Trinidadian immigrants and grew up in London. Grede says, “I would like to think that when people see me, my race is not the first thing that they think about. I’d hope that they think about all the things that I’ve done in the past and that I just so happen to be black. But I’m also aware of the fact that I get a lot of resumes and letters from a disproportionately high number of young black women who want to talk to me about how I got into the business.” We love that Good American is created by strong women for strong women. Our favorite pieces are of course their denim but we love to pair their jeans with their bodysuits and most recently, their shoe collection that launched late last year. Shop more Good American on Nordstrom.com.
Image: Fear of God
2. Fear of God
Fear of God, founded by Jerry Lorenzo in 2012 is a luxury menswear label that focuses on classic American styles and silhouettes. Collaborations with brands like Nike and Vans throughout the years has made this brand accessible to regular joe schmoes like you and I - and for that we are thankful. Lorenzo’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection offered menswear as well as womenswear. Oversized blazers and hoodie sweatshirts in neutral colors like browns, beiges and creams referenced luxurious west coast lifestyle with easy breezy relaxed flavor. Fear of God’s “Essentials” as an extension collection that focuses on comfort pieces such as sweatpants, t-shirts and sweatshirts as well as classic white sneakers that complete the “Essentials” look. Looking at FOG’s website and we see diversity and inclusivity, all shapes, genders and colors grant us a glimpse of the America Lorenzo represents through his clothing. Celebrities such as Rihanna, John Mayerr and Jay-Z are fans of the brand and the fashion industry has dubbed Lorenzo as the next Ralph Lauren for his classic American s silhouettes. We can’t wait to get our hands on his latest Essentials drop and you too, can shop Fear of God at Nordstrom online.
Picture: Carly Cushnie/ Courtesy: Varley
3. Cushnie
Cushnie is a Black female owned label that is a favorite of celebrities such as J. Lo, Kristen Bell and even Michelle Obama. The contemporary brand is known for its sophistication and minimalist approach to fashion. Founded in 2008 by Carly Cushnie, the brand has been seen on dozens of red carpets and release parties alike. After graduating from Parsons with a BA in Fashion Design, Cushnie interned at Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta and went on to create pieces for Gal Gadot, Lupita Nyong’O, Ava Duverny and the list goes on and on and on. Cushnie is known for constructing silhouettes that flatter and celebrate the female figure. The goal that Cushnie had going into fashion was to create clothing that was sexy without, “trying too hard.” Unforttunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cushnie had to close her twelve-year-old company, in an open letter announcing the closure she says, “One of the great ironies of the fashion industry is that while it caters to and profits from women, it has never felt like an industry that supports them. This is true for women of color.” Whereas we are sad that Cushnie’s company had to close, we are so happy that we can shop some of our favorite tops, skirts and dresses at Neiman Marcus online. Strapless peplum tops and one-shoulder strapped tunics and frocks are some of our favorite pieces we can’t wait to wear in the warmer months.
xo