It’s always the right time to shine a light on Black-owned fashion brands, but with Black History Month in the UK this October, it’s a perfect moment to take notice! We’ve put together a list of brilliant Black-owned and Black-founded fashion labels that are absolutely worth knowing about – not just for this month, but always.
Whether you’re after stunning womenswear, gorgeous lingerie that flatters every skin tone, or fabulous accessories, these brands have you covered. Have a little browse and see what catches your eye!
Farai London
This London-based brand specialises in premium womenswear. Designer Mary-Ann Msengi draws inspiration from her Zimbabwean roots and British upbringing, blending the two into bold and beautiful pieces that really make a statement.
www.farailondon.com
Looking for a dress that’s perfect for a sunny getaway or to make a waves at winter parties? The Aphrodite dress by Farai London is just what you need! It hugs your curves beautifully and adds a touch of drama with its maxi length, making sure you feel confident and radiant wherever you go.
SELFI
Based in Cape Town, SELFI creates sustainable and ethical clothing and accessories. The brand focuses on self-empowerment and personal growth, and each piece is carefully crafted with love and creativity. Their concept store in Cape Town is a hub for collaborations with South African creatives too!
This jacket is a wardrobe investment that’ll last forever. Timeless and effortlessly chic, the Selfi Cropped Oval Sleeve Padded Jacket has a unique structure thanks to its foam lining. Whether you dress it up or down, it’s sure to keep you looking stylish.
Abiola Olusola
This brand works closely with African artisans to craft stunning clothing, blending traditional fabrics with modern designs. Sustainability and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything they do, with a mission to tell African stories through fashion.
abiolaolusola.com
If you’re after a dress that works before, during, and after pregnancy, this is it! With its playful balloon sleeves, flattering V-neck, and comfy tie-back detail, this Abiola Olusola midi dress is all about style without sacrificing comfort.
Christopher John Rogers
Big, bold, and utterly fabulous – Christopher John Rogers is all about exaggerated glamour. Loved by the likes of Michelle Obama and Lizzo, his designs feature vibrant colours and dramatic silhouettes. Prepare to turn heads!
www.theoutnet.com
For a splash of colour and fun, Christopher John Rogers has you covered. This midi dress, with its vibrant stripes and fun piping details, is perfect for those who want to make a statement. Plus, you can unfasten a few buttons at the hem for an extra bit of drama!
Nubian Skin
Already looked at the best Black-owned jewellery? Now it's time for some amazing clothing! Nubian Skin offers lingerie that celebrates all skin tones. Perfect for finding something that makes you feel fabulous underneath it all!
www.nubianskin.com
Say goodbye to visible lines with this Nubian Skin bodysuit! Made with custom-dyed skin tones and adjustable straps, it’s as practical as it is flattering. Perfect for layering, it’s seamless and super comfortable with a soft cotton gusset.
Edas
Founded by Sade Mims, Edas makes feminine, handmade accessories that are both stylish and sustainable. Most items are made to order, reducing waste, and the brand’s playful collaborations make each piece even more special.
This hat is a game-changer! Thanks to its wire insert, you can mold it into different shapes and styles every time you wear it. A truly unique accessory that’s all about your personal flair.
Stella Jean
Italian-based designer Stella Jean’s heritage is reflected in her vibrant, feminine collections. She draws on her Haitian roots to create ethical womenswear, and she’s had support from big names like Giorgio Armani.
www.theoutnet.com
This Stella Jean tiered striped cotton-blend poplin midi dress is the cutest summer outfit! It’s effortlessly chic, and the kind of piece you’ll want to wear year after year. Perfect for warm days when you want to look stylish but stay comfy.
TOVE
Launched in 2019, TOVE has already made waves in the fashion world. Their minimalist, timeless designs are perfect for the modern woman who values style, comfort, and versatility.
tove-studio.com
The Lauryn dress is your go-to for summer events or beach days. Its feminine strapless design, with that signature gathered detail, makes it comfy and elegant. Falling just above the ankle, it’s the perfect dress for feeling stylish and breezy.
Daily Paper
Founded in Amsterdam by three childhood friends, Daily Paper blends African heritage with contemporary design. Known for their menswear and womenswear, this brand is all about timeless fashion with a unique edge.
uk.dailypaperclothing.com
The Nefeli dress is a soft, stretchy, long-sleeve maxi with a cool hood and thumbholes—ideal for staying cosy and stylish. With a slim fit and jacquard details, this is a unique piece that’s both practical and fashion-forward.
KAI Collective
Founded by fashion and travel blogger Fisayo Longe, KAI Collective offers affordable, luxury-inspired womenswear. Fisayo’s passion for women’s empowerment and equality shines through in her collections, and her blog is full of inspiration for the modern woman.
kaicollective.com
Looking for a year-round stunner? The Kai Knitted Long Sleeve Braid Dress works for both summer and winter, making it a go-to for any special occasion. It’s glam yet comfy, so you’ll always feel fabulous.
Sheer Chemistry
Founded by Tahlia Gray, Sheer Chemistry is an empowering Black-owned hosiery brand, driven by a mission to create a more diverse perception of beauty.
Dissatisfied with the lack of options on the market for tights to match her skin tone, and tired of alternating between black opaque tights and beige coloured tones labelled ‘nude’, Sheer Chemistry was established to create tights for women of all shades of brown.
11.
Gloss Tights
These tights are all about giving your legs that flawless, natural glow! Silky soft and designed to enhance your melanin, they’re perfect for date nights or parties, keeping your legs looking radiant and smooth.
Mumba Bra
Mumba Bra is a Black-owned brand, well-known for its maternity bras - this will be your new “go-to comfort” bra
The Mumba bra is "more than just a maternity bra", it is luxuriously soft and will keep you in comfort while running your errands in the day through to sleeping at night.
It features the unique Mumba clasp reminder for mums’ and the original BabyFocus® print to provide stimulation and relaxation for your baby. Cleverly incorporating a discretion panel for a simple but effective way to feed discreetly in public.
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Maya Freedom Bra
mumbabra.com
Stylish and practical, the Maya Freedom nursing bra takes you from pregnancy to nursing and even a night out! Its low neckline and ruched cups keep you feeling like the fabulous mum you are, without compromising on comfort.
How can I buy from black-owned brands?
Black Pound Day is a great place to start, it lands on the first Saturday of every month so it gives us an extra excuse to discover independent brands that may not get as much publicity as bigger brands – all while supporting a good cause.
Black Pound Day was founded in June 2020 by So Solid Crew member Swiss. Swiss was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and set up the monthly event to support the growth of the UK’s black economy. The goal: to encourage the British public to change their shopping habits and invest in the talents of black entrepreneurs.
Black Pound Day has its own searchable website directory, which covers everything you can think of including groceries, home improvements, plumbing, and even takeaways.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.