Part 1

It’s time to shine a light and celebrate some of the 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.

Revival LDN 

Designer: Rosette Ale

Revival LDN is a London-based fashion label that specialises in upcycling textile waste to create sustainable and stylish clothing. Founded in 2016 by Rosette Ale, Revival LDN has quickly become a leading brand in the sustainable fashion movement. Ale was inspired to start Revival LDN after learning about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. She was shocked to learn that the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, and that millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills each year.

Ale decided that she wanted to use her fashion skills to help reduce the environmental impact of the industry. She started Revival LDN to create clothing that is both stylish and sustainable. Revival LDN sources its materials from a variety of sources, including textile waste from factories and vintage clothing stores. Ale and her team then deconstruct and reimagine these materials into new and innovative designs.

Rosette Ale is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion. She believes that the fashion industry can be more sustainable without sacrificing style. She is also a strong supporter of female empowerment and diversity. She is a definite role model for young entrepreneurs and fashion designers, proof that it is possible to create a successful fashion business while also being sustainable and ethical.

Farai LDN

Designer: Mary-Ann Msengi

Launched during Lockdown, Farai LDN is a London-based fashion label founded by Mary-Ann Msengi in 2020. The brand is known for its bold and colourful designs, which are often inspired by Msengi’s Tanzanian heritage. Msengi launched Farai LDN after graduating from the Royal College of Art. She was inspired to start her own brand after struggling to find clothes that reflected her personal style. Incredibly, only after a month of launching, an outfit was worn and shared on Instagram by Kylie Jenner and things really took off from there.

Farai LDN’s clothing is made with high-quality materials and construction. Msengi is passionate about sustainability, and she sources her materials from ethical suppliers. She is also committed to reducing the brand’s environmental impact, and she has implemented a number of sustainable practices, such as using recycled packaging and offsetting its carbon emissions.

Mary-Ann Msengi is a talented and innovative fashion designer. She is also a successful entrepreneur who has built a thriving business in a short period of time. Msengi is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs and fashion designers alike. Farai LDN is one of the most exciting fashion brands to emerge in recent years. Under the leadership of Mary-Ann Msengi, the brand is sure to continue to grow and evolve.

Gbemi

Designer: Oluwagbemisola Okunlola

Gbemi is a London-based fashion label founded in 2021 by sisters Alice and Toni. The brand is known for its bold and colourful prints, which are often inspired by the sisters’ Nigerian heritage. Alice and Toni launched Gbemi during Lockdown. They were motivated by the ‘Black Pound’ movement on the back of the Black Lives Matter protests during this period and as a result wanted to rekindle the idea of owning a clothing brand.

They used the social media platform ‘TikTok’ to good effect during this period to get feedback on designs and the positive vibes received from their followers provided them with a new impetus and vision for the brand. Gbemi’s clothing is made with high-quality materials and construction. The sisters are passionate about sustainability, and they source their materials from ethical suppliers. The brand has significant global traction and their clothes have been worn by A-listers such as Maya Jama.

Alice and Toni Olayinka are successful entrepreneurs who have built a thriving business in a short period of time. Their motto is ‘This is for the girls who are queens, the queens who wear dreams!’  Earlier this year, they partnered with online fashion retailer ASOS who now stock their clothing line. An amazing adventure so far and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Gbemi.

Sika Designs

Designer: Phyliss Taylor

Founded in 2005 Sika Designs, an esteemed fashion label, is a captivating embodiment of African heritage and contemporary style. At its core is the visionary founder, Phyllis Taylor, whose passion for preserving traditional African craftsmanship while infusing it with modern sensibilities has created a unique and globally admired brand.

Phyllis Taylor’s journey with Sika Designs began with a deep appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of Africa. Inspired by 3 generations of her family (her mother, sister and daughter), her mission was to celebrate and share the diverse traditions from her Ghanaian background. This ethos is beautifully reflected in Sika Designs’ collections, which feature handcrafted garments adorned with vibrant prints, intricate beadwork, and impeccable tailoring as well as also featuring a jewellery collection.

What sets Sika Designs apart is its unwavering commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion. Phyllis Taylor’s dedication to empowering local artisans and using environmentally friendly materials has garnered admiration in the industry. Ensuring that all of here staff are compensated fairly is something she is passionate about regarding her community. Whilst every piece is designed by herself in London, each Sika Designs not only showcases the craftsmanship of Ghanaian artisans but also tells a story of responsible fashion that respects both people and the planet. As Sika Designs continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to Phyllis Taylor’s vision and her ability to seamlessly merge tradition with contemporary ‘Made in Africa’ elegance in the world of fashion.