New Voices: Emerging Black Designers
The artistry of those a part of Black culture is no longer being lost in the world of fashion. Black designers and their work are paving the way for others to have their work recognized on a grander scale. The likes of Telfar Clemens and his label Telfar have created a space for black designer luxury bags to be acknowledged and appreciated. The late Virgil Abloh’s vision for Off-White has made an everlasting impact by redefining streetwear. These known voices have made way for so many up-and-coming Black designers to have their work recognized and appreciated.
Image courtesy of: Thebe Magugu
Johannesburg-based designer Thebe Magugu takes inspiration from his country’s history, culture, and politics. These influences are interwoven with the brand. Every design references different cultural practices found in South African culture. Parts of history are used to tell a story with every dress and pant, and the collection themes are labeled like classes. In his most recent collection, Magugu translates fashion nostalgia from photos of the women in his family into designs that both modernize and heighten their sense of style.
Image courtesy of: Tia Adeola
Tia Adeola, founded by Teni “Tia” Adeola, is a rewriting of Renaissance fashion. Her work was inspired by her passion for Renaissance fashion and a desire to make it more inclusive for people of color. In Tia Adeola’s most recent collection, there is a takeover of deconstructed looks with said renaissance influence—tattered ruffles draped on barely covered silhouettes, dresses printed with biblical-esque artwork of a Black Virgin Mary holding a Black Jesus, and feathers making loud appearances on tops.
Image courtesy of: Homage Year
Founded in 2014 by Antoine Manning, Homage Year is slowly working toward Telfar status by paying homage to its roots. After a loss in his personal life, Manning paid homage with the intent to spark conversations about our culture and sociopolitical environment. Each new colorway promotes different virtues: the two-toned ova bag in red named Control and the ova bag in brown named Solidarity, just to name a couple. With its hard-to-forget egg design and mission, Homage Year will definitely be on its way to being the next “It” bag.
Image courtesy of: Bianca Saunders
With a focus on innovative menswear, the Bianca Saunders brand, founded by Designer and Creative Director Bianca Saunders, takes a modern and cross-cultural approach when confronting the lack of change. Taking inspiration from her Jamaican and British heritage, Saunders is able to create designs influenced by both Caribbean and European heritage, creating a different perspective on what menswear should be like. In Saunders’ latest collection, taking inspiration from the Jamaican side dish Hard food, designs that emulate the transition of texture in the preparation of this food are displayed. Each piece celebrates this through the careful draping of silks and combination of loose fabrics with oversized suits that still compliment a masculine silhouette.
Strike Out,
Alyssa Quarrie
Boca Raton
Alyssa Quarrie is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When she’s not losing herself in another book, she’s working out with friends, looking for flights, and thrifting her wallet away. You can reach her at alyssaquarrie@gmail.com
