KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH →
Megan Smith
KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED
CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE
As promised, I’ve updated my black luxury directory after an inspiring time at New York Fashion week, witnessing the raw talent that’s evident in the black luxury marketplace. Read more to see who’s been added!
I know I’m not the only one who’s ever witnessed a cringey convo where someone is talking all this and that about how much they looove fashion but when asked who their favorite designer is, they get to stuttering, scratching their heads and avoiding the question. I don’t want this to be you!
As a black woman stylist, I think it’s so important that when having conversations about fashion and culture, we know just as much about today’s hidden gems within the black luxury marketplace as we do about the mainstream luxury fashion houses that have been around for centuries. Respectfully, there’s more to designer than Gucci and Michael Kors… I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite working black designers of today, some you may already know and some you may not. Read up and enjoy!
ANDREA IYAMAH
I originally learned of Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah back in 2016, and have since fallen in love with her brand’s eclectic and vibrant aesthetic. Originally known for making amazing swimwear, the Andrea Iyamah brand now covers even more ground in the resort wear space, creating gorgeous collections full of effortlessly sultry silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and stand out prints that often pay homage to African culture, all ideal for the ultimate stylista’s vaycay. Shop andreaiyamah.com. | @andreaiyamah
ROMEO HUNTE
Image source: @romeohunte
When you think Romeo Hunte, think minimalist streetwear, turned up a notch… or two. The Brooklyn born and raised designer specializes in taking the most practical articles of clothing and making them more refined, more sophisticated, and then adding in some edge. Perhaps most known for his unique take on outerwear, the designer’s luxurious fur jackets, tailored blazers, and voluminous coats can be spotted on the likes of Zendaya, James Harden, Queen Bey, and so many more. Shop romeohunte.com | @romeohunte
SERGIO HUDSON
And now for my current ABSOLUTE FAVORITE designer in the industry right now, the iconic Sergio Hudson. You may have just gotten hip to Sergio’s work when our former and forever reigning first lady Michelle Obama shut down the inaugural in a head to toe burgundy Sergio Hudson ensemble. I truly believe that prior to that major moment, Sergio Hudson had been one of the most slept on designers of our time, but IYKYK.
Sergio’s ability to cater to the female form while creating cohesive collections that are timeless and distinctive, yet reminiscent of some of our culture’s most memorable style icons ,reminds me that glamour and femininity within today’s fashion scene are still very much alive and well. In fact, his latest SS22 collection, a “Return to Glamour” has inspired many influential fashion figures to start celebrating life by getting dressed again, after a long life of leisure wear due to the worldwide quarantine. Shop sergiohudson.com | @sergiohudson
LAQUAN SMITH
And of course, I couldn’t leave out another one of my top 3 in black luxury designers. I’ve been following LaQuan Smith since way back… before many major media outlets refused to acknowledge his genius and I had to look high and low on the internet just for a simple collection review. Now one of the brands of choice for celebs and tastemakers alike, you can catch your fav public figures like Cardi B and Lizzo stepping out in a sexy bodysuit, motor pants, or a sexy sheer gown by the beloved LaQuan.
His avid eye for statement making details and just knowing how the modern woman likes to showcase her curves has brought him to the forefront of fashion. He’s another one of the few luxury designers responsible for keeping glamour and feminine sensuality alive through style. Laquan Smith’s latest SS22 offering at NYFW revealed a new partnership with sportswear brand Puma, shifting the looks to a more simplified approach that’s still sexy with a hint of streetwear influence. Shop laquansmith.com | @laquan_smith
MAH - JING WONG
Image source: @mahjingwong
As I mentioned in my Fashion Week recap, Mah-Jing is one of my favorite Project Runway veterans. I had the pleasure of viewing his latest collection in person at the Fashion Bomb Daily show a few weeks back, and through witnessing his precision of cuts and his use of quality fabrics, I had to add him to this list. MJW mixes the colorful, cheery playfulness of the Japanese fashion scene with sexy, bold silhouettes, resulting in a well-balanced, modern and luxurious look for the bold and confident woman. Shop mahjingwong.com | @mahjingwong
& SO MANY MORE…
Scroll through the rest of the images below to discover more of today’s black designer labels.
Let me know in the comments which designers you plan on supporting this season!
More posts making their way to you very soon! Make sure you’re subscribed here so you’ll never miss one!
Sharra,
“The definition of walking art.”
KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY
It is Black History Month! Do not get caught slipping! I know I’m not the only one who’s ever witnessed a cringey convo where someone is talking all this and that about how much they looove fashion but when asked who their favorite designer is, they get to stuttering, scratching their heads and avoiding the question. I don’t want this to be you!
As a black woman stylist, I think it’s so important that when having conversations about fashion and culture, we know just as much about today’s hidden gems within the black luxury marketplace as we do about the mainstream luxury fashion houses that have been around for centuries. Respectfully, there’s more to designer than Gucci and Michael Kors… I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite working black designers of today, some you may already know and some you may not…
Read More"AUTHENTICALLY HERSELF": MY INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER, BRAND OWNER, & AMAZON PRIME'S "MAKING THE CUT" COMPETITOR MEGAN SMITH
WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE & FEATURING MEGAN SMITH
Megan Smith.
If you’ve been watching the hit Amazon Prime fashion series “Making the Cut”, you should be hip to women’s ready-to-wear designer Megan Smith of the growing brand, Megan Renee. Upon binging the series, I was instantly drawn to her, both as a resilient woman who comes from humble beginnings and as an immaculate designer who’s mastered balance when it comes to sultriness and sophistication. Rooting for her from the couch, I watched her kill challenge after challenge, showcasing innovative silhouettes and impressing the likes of Tim Gunn and the legendary Naomi Campbell. I was so inspired that I HAD to connect with her and learn more.
Looks from Megan’s SS’18 & SS ‘19 collection.
In my latest episode of Style With Sharra: The Podcast Series, Megan and I chop it up about the ways she navigates the ever changing fashion industry. I interview her on various topics ranging from where she started her career in design, her experience as a contestant on “Making the Cut”, the support she’s received from Naomi Campbell, and ways we can elevate each other as black women in fashion.
Megan consulting Tim Gunn on “Making the Cut”.
Hit the button below to listen to our full interview on Style With Sharra, available here, on iTunes, and in your Apple Podcasts app.
Check out Megan’s amazing collections and shop her line at shopmeganrenee.com
Follow her brand here and keep up with her journey on Instagram here!
Make sure y’all let me know your favorite part of the interview in the comments!
Sharra,
“The definition of walking art.”
P.S. New style advice is coming up next on The Walking Art Blog very soon. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss a post!