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Part 2
Once again, it’s time to shine a light and celebrate some of the most talented and outstanding Black British Female Designers who have established an impact on the global fashion scene and have ownership of their established brands. These brands have their own unique beginnings as do the creators behind the designs.
These trailblazing designers not only redefine style and aesthetics but also pave the way for inclusivity and representation in an industry known for its dynamism and creative spirit. Join us as we explore the narratives, creations, and empowering journeys of these visionary designers who are shaping the future of British fashion.
Table of Contents
Wales Bonner
Wales Bonner is a London-based fashion label founded in 2014 by Grace Wales Bonner. The brand is known for its elegant and refined designs that celebrate Black culture and heritage. Wales Bonner’s work is often inspired by her Jamaican father and English mother, as well as by her studies of art history and literature. Wales Bonner’s collections feature a mix of menswear and womenswear, as well as accessories. Her designs are characterised by their use of luxurious materials, sharp tailoring, and intricate detailing.
Wales Bonner is also known for her collaborations with artists and craftspeople from around the world, which add a unique and personal touch to her work. For example, she has partnership with Adidas for a collaboration for their Originals collection and more recently, produced some amazing designs for the Jamaica national football team for both the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz. Wales Bonner’s fashion has been praised for its sophistication, its celebration of diversity, and its commitment to sustainability. The label has received numerous awards, including the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2016 and the CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year Award in 2021.
Grace Wales Bonner is a visionary designer who is pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. Her work is not only stylish and innovative, but it also carries a deeper meaning. Wales Bonner is using her platform to celebrate Black culture and heritage, and to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Wales Bonner is also a role model for young designers and entrepreneurs. She has shown that it is possible to be successful in the fashion industry while staying true to your own values and vision.
Wales Bonner’s work is helping to promote diversity and inclusion, and to raise awareness of sustainability issues. Wales Bonner is also inspiring a new generation of designers to create fashion that is both stylish and meaningful.
LAPP the Brand
LAPP the Brand is a London-based fashion label founded in 2016 by model and activist Leomie Anderson. The brand is known for its bold and empowering designs that are made for women of all shapes and sizes. Anderson’s vision for LAPP is to create fashion that makes women feel confident and beautiful, while also promoting female empowerment and body positivity.
LAPP’s collections feature a mix of ‘athleisure’, streetwear, and evening wear. The brand’s designs are characterised by their use of vibrant colours, flattering silhouettes, and high-quality materials. LAPP is also known for its inclusive sizing and its commitment to diversity and representation.
Anderson’s journey into fashion began at a young age. She was signed to a modelling agency at the age of 14, and she quickly rose to fame. However, Anderson was frustrated by the lack of diversity in the fashion industry and the unrealistic standards of beauty that were being promoted. In 2016, Anderson decided to launch her own fashion label, LAPP the Brand. She wanted to create a brand that would make women feel confident and beautiful, regardless of their size, shape, or ethnicity. Anderson also wanted to use her platform to promote female empowerment and body positivity.
LAPP the Brand has become a force for change in the industry. Anderson is using her platform to promote diversity, inclusion, and female empowerment. LAPP’s designs are made for women of all shapes and sizes. LAPP the Brand is helping to change the way that women are portrayed in the fashion industry.
Kai Collective
Kai Collective, a contemporary fashion label, has emerged as a dynamic force in the fashion industry under the visionary leadership of its founder, Fisayo Longe. This brand represents a fusion of bold design aesthetics and inclusivity, making waves for its commitment to celebrating individuality and diversity
Fisayo Longe’s journey with Kai Collective was driven by a desire to challenge traditional beauty standards and create fashion that empowers women of all backgrounds. With an eye for bold prints, striking silhouettes, and a fearless approach to design, she has crafted a brand that encourages self-expression and body positivity. Kai Collective’s collections celebrate the beauty of diversity, offering garments that not only look stunning but also empower individuals to embrace their unique identities.
One of the standout features of Kai Collective is its global reach and inclusivity. Fisayo Longe’s vision transcends borders, and her brand has garnered a dedicated following from diverse corners of the world. The label’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices also aligns with modern consumers’ values. As Kai Collective continues to gain recognition and influence with its classy and elegant pieces, it stands as a testament to Fisayo Longe’s dedication to redefining fashion norms, championing individuality, and promoting a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Martine Rose
Founded in 2007 by the Jamaican-British designer Martine Rose, the London-based fashion label, Martine Rose, is renowned for its audacious and often subversive designs, which boldly challenge conventional notions of gender and style. Rooted in Rose’s Jamaican heritage and her profound affinity for streetwear and sportswear, the brand has become a vanguard of contemporary fashion.
Martine Rose’s collections seamlessly meld menswear and womenswear, augmented by a distinctive use of vivid hues, oversized silhouettes, and unconventional detailing. Notably, Rose has cultivated a reputation for fruitful collaborations with renowned brands and artists, including Nike, Adidas, Stussy and Supreme, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry.
Beyond its avant-garde aesthetics, Martine Rose stands out for its commitment to sustainability and the celebration of diversity. The label has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the ANDAM Prize for Emerging Designers in 2017 and the BFC Award for British Designer of the Year Menswear in 2018.
Martine Rose’s impact extends far beyond the runway, as it serves as an emblem of change within the fashion world, championing inclusivity and challenging the prevailing norms of beauty and style. With Rose at its helm, the brand remains an inspiring beacon for emerging designers and entrepreneurs, exemplifying how success in the fashion industry can be achieved while remaining authentic to one’s values and vision.
