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6 Black queer designers whose looks we love supporting
It's important to support Black queer businesses and to continue to hire Black queer creatives for projects all year long
Black History Month may have just come to a close, but even though we need a longer month (shoutout to Whitney Houston!), we have to remember to support Black businesses and to continue to hire Black creatives for projects all year long.
Since we're still in the midst of award season approaches and there’s a slew of events coming up, you’re going to need a few pieces to make you stand out alongside your peers! So here are some of our favorite queer Black designers that you should know about, that you should support, and whose offerings will keep you looking fab!
One thing about it, luxury comes in all forms, and nothing beats a cute trunk bag to pull a look together! You need to get you a Brandon Blackwood bag. The New York native began his career in fashion in 2013, creating a bag for an Essence magazine editor and was featured. After, he began saving his coins and in 2015, his first collection was released and he took off. Blackwood not only makes fabulous bags, but also makes staple piece jackets. Let me tell you, you want a Blackwood bag — with the coat to match!
Follow Brandon Blackwood on Instagram at @brandonblackwoodnyc.
Now come on, if you don’t know Telfar, are you really a fashion girl? The logo for the brand came from one of Telfar Clemmons' (the CEO and founder) teachers when he was younger and it is now known around the world. I mean, the brand has collaborated with top-tier names like UGG, Eastpak, and Converse, just to name a few. Telfar has even had the Housewives in his collections with some of them wearing the bag onscreen as well. Big deal baby – go get you a bag, honey!
Follow Telfar on Instagram at @telfarglobal.
When you talk about a Blackity Black designer who gives you luxury and authenticity in his pieces, it’s LaQuan Smith! LaQuan Smith is more than a brand that serves, it’s an attitude you must have when you wear the clothing. The girls that get it, get it. From his shows to the celebrities who end in his pieces, LaQuan Smith is a household name for a reason — and if you don’t know, now you know.
Follow Laquan Smith on Instagram at @laquan_smith.
If you want to nail the cut-out, asymmetrical lewk, K.ngsley is your go-to! A brand that shows off your amazing body but keeps it chic. The founder, Kingsley Gbadegesin, gained experience working at high-end brands like Versace, Celine, and Loewe before launching his own high-end clothing brand and it’s been nothing but success for the first-generation Nigerian-American. You better rack up on these looks before the summertime steps in!
Follow K.ngsley on Instagram at @k.ngsley.
Timothy Nash continues to push the grain and has even styled one of our contributors, Ty Cole, having him look fresh from head to toe. There’s different feelings you get when wearing a handmade and stitched piece from Timothy Nash. So much flare and there’s a story with each piece. One of the fastest growing designers who you will remember for years to come!
Follow Timothy Nash on Instagram at @timothynashhh.
Cozy, comfortable, and chic are the three C’s to describe this brand, founded by Malik Waseem. You can get your airport wear from here, a quick throw on to the store, or even dress it up for a night out. The versatility and the quality of the clothing makes this designer a standout.
Follow URBANE MARKeT on Instagram at @urbane_society.
Ty Cole is an LA-based reporter and commentator for Out, specializing in pop culture, music, and lifestyle. His work includes in-depth movie and music reviews, sharp pop culture commentary, and exclusive interviews — known for asking celebrities the thought-provoking questions others often overlook.
Ty Cole is an LA-based reporter and commentator for Out, specializing in pop culture, music, and lifestyle. His work includes in-depth movie and music reviews, sharp pop culture commentary, and exclusive interviews — known for asking celebrities the thought-provoking questions others often overlook.
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