So Fashion Week is officially over, and lots of hot new fashion debuted on New York’s catwalks. The amount of shows seemed to be on 100,000 this year, but we’ve curated a list of 10 Bomb Black Designers that should stay on your radar.
1. David Tlale
South African designer David Tlale melded contemporary with culture for his Spring 2015 show, offering a mix of African affiliated Dutch Super Wax Empire Vlisico fabrics with the more muted, hushed tones championed by New York brands.
Light catching pink, orange, and blush shared the stage with fantastically printed hot shorts, dresses, and vests, ensuring that everyone in attendance would find something to pique their sartorial senses.
A stunning range of black models, led by Tyson Beckford, ensured a spectacularly impactful visual onslaught.
See more at DavidTlale.com.
2. B. Michael America
Industry veteran B. Michael honed his singular skills under the tutelage of Oscar de La Renta and Louis Feraud, setting the stage for the simple, elegant aesthetic his Spring 2015 couture collection conveyed.
Prim flared frocks, dotted with florals, were accessorized by hats fit for a First Lady; scintillating pants and bell sleeved shirts seemed perfectly pegged for a Park Avenue princess.
B Michael’s offerings were elegance personified, fashioning frocks and fabrics fit for an American Queen.
See more at BMichaelAmerica.com.
3. Josh & Nicol
Created by designer Ufuoma Ekpecham, UK brand Josh & Nicol strives to promote African pride without the typical attachment to Dutch wax prints and fabrics. Their collection, instead, encompasses easy chiffon and satin pieces, decorated with the side profile of Queen Idia, the 17th century warrior queen of the Benin Kingdom.
Tops and blazers boast a cameo of this powerful woman, telling the story of her attachment to bold jewelry, lipstick, and baubles with embellishments.
Read more about the brand at JoshandNicol.com.
4. Azede Jean Pierre
Azede Jean Pierre has been on my designer to watch list for several years, and her Spring 2015 collection shows why. Her designs continue to show growth, skill, and originality, as witnessed by her latest foray.
This season she continued her nature inspired predilections with leaf print separates, and also played with larvae and butterfly imprints on lace.
She also dipped her toe into knitwear, with crop tops and skirts sets and dresses boasting fantastic fringe.
Stay tuned for the review.
In the meantime, learn more about Azede here.
5. 5:31 Jerome
As I wrote here, 5:31 Jerome’s collection was inspired by the notion of a desert mirage, given an extra dose of glamour with sequins, jewels, and scintillating accessories.
Both tailored an insouciant, standout pieces included big buttoned shorts and pants suits, paired with ethereal blouses, and lemon hued safari vests, worn with shorts, and topped off by granular lace ups.
Learn more about the brand at 531Jerome.com.
6. LaQuan Smith
LaQuan Smith is another show we reviewed here on the site, a show that bubbled over with neutral black and white tones edged in sequin, PVC, and lace.
Smith’s signature sex appeal was on 10, witnessed by delightfully sheer shirts dotted in glitter, and scandalously cropped tops paired with midi skirts.
Purchase at LaQuanSmith.com.
7. Dom Streater
Project Runway winner Dom Streater showed her collection to a packed crowd at No.8 in the Meatpacking District. Her Spring 2015 foray took inspiration from flight attendants with pizzazz; think printed separates topped by stewardess hats and accessorized by chic carry ons.
Colors skewed neutral with blacks, whites, and blues with pops of red. Swirling shifts could carry you from the office to the after party.
Learn more about the designer at DominiqueStreater.com.
8. K. Milele by Kianga “Kiki Kitty” Peterson
After designing for a slew of urban brands (The Nicki Minaj Collection, Jay Z’s Rocawear, Nelly’s Apple Bottoms, Nicky Hilton’s Chic, Eve’s Fetish, Sean Comb’s Sean John, Justin Timberlake’s William Rast), Kianga Kitty Peterson decided to launch her own line of resort wear, made for the girl who wants to look glamorously chic while traveling the world. Spring 2015 saw jumpsuits, cute coverups, and stomach cinching dresses with intricate details.
Shop at KMilele.com.
9. Harlem Haberdashery
Harlem Haberdashery is known for their Varsity inspired, prep pieces, fashioned for the urban man on the go. Their runway show, presented during Harlem’s Fashion Row, took a dark turn with everyone from Fat Joe modeling contrast sweatpants and a swaddling jacket, to models rocking military inspired pieces.
Learn more at HarlemHaberdashery.com.
10. Byron Lars
Byron Lars also showed during HFR’s show, with items curated for the woman on the go. With no shortage of sparkles, eyelets, and prints, the collection was not for the shrinking violet, but for the woman unafraid to shine.
This is a quick rundown. I’ll be reviewing individual shows soon.
Until then, do you see anything you love? Is there anyone we neglected to mention?
Images: Karl Pierre, NYMag, HelloBeautiful.com.
I am glad the first designer decided to use majority black models in his show. Its always nice to see us representing us.
All lines look good.
Great post and it was wonderful learning about these designers.
Great post. As mentioned I love that the first designer used so many black models.
I can’t believe you skipped Deola Sagoe
Amazing ! I twin Duo Dpipertwins should be on this list . Their show rocked
OMG Azede Jean Pierre collection was beyond beautiful
Love the beautiful African inspired prints. The white dress with the fringe is absolutely gorge!!
Sooooo glad this post was made. Most of us only think of Tracy Reese when it comes to Black designers. It’s so many that don’t get the recognition.
Love this post!
Standing ovation for David Tlale. Fellow South African representing!!!!
Nothing else even mattered once I saw the David Tlale collection. Oh MY! The prints are exquisite and beautiful! I love!
Bre from Top Model!! Yay!
Thank you so much for this post!
I REALLY loved the Azede Jean Pierre collection. Her pieces were everything to me and I love the nature incorporation. I am definitely going to have to check her out! The DAvid Tlale was beautiful as well, I really enjoyed the African Prints. I wish all these designers much success !
Excellent coverage, Keep up the great work.