3 BLACK-OWNED CLOTHING BRANDS
Fashion is more than just fabric—it's a canvas for storytelling, identity, and heritage. Black-owned brands are redefining the landscape, intertwining culture with craftsmanship and pushing creative boundaries. From bold expressions of diasporic history to innovative designs grounded in sustainability, these designers remind us that fashion is both personal and political. In this piece, I’m excited to spotlight three remarkable Black-owned brands that deserve a place in your wardrobe and your heart. Let’s begin with Nicholas Daley, a designer whose work celebrates the rich tapestry of Black British identity.
NICHOLAS DALEY
Community, craftsmanship and culture lie at the heart of nicholas daley’s work. Having graduated from central saint martins in 2013, the london-based designer launched his eponymous brand in 2015, a practice intertwining personal narrative with wider black british and diasporic themes.
Clothing deeply rooted in both present and past, daley reconsiders meaningful subcultural movements through his contemporary menswear wardrobe. Incorporating bespoke textiles and complex finishes into every collection, the label partners with a range of artisan makers in the uk and beyond to infuse garments with nuance and depth; expanding its sustainable systems through ethical sourcing and innovative repurposing.
BLACK BOY KNITS
Black Boy Knits (BBK) is an independent design studio which emphasizes black, queer and immigrant naratives, while highlighting its contributions on a global perspective. As a design studio, BBK centers on creating unique pieces on a made-to-order basis.
BBK’s made-to-order practice eliminates the possibility of excess in production. Products are made in-house on a hand-operated knitting machine using natural fibers that are biodegradable and eco-friendly. In the future, I want to work directly with local wool suppliers to guarantee an ethical supply chain. BBK prioritizes custom and durable products while consuming less energy, wasting less resources and creating less waste.
ANWAR CARROTS
Hailing from trenton, new jersey, Anwar Carrots in 2007 founded peas & carrots international, an emerging streetwear brand and creative collective.
Known for his dynamic approach to aesthetic both in personal style and creative output Anwar has become an entrepreneurial leader of the next generation of los angeles creatives and fashion icons of street culture and music.
Always evolving, anwar started an eponymous menswear label, "Carrots by Anwar Carrots" launching at the scion a/v retail gallery space in march 2015.
The stories woven into each garment by Nicholas Daley—and others like him—speak to a future of fashion that is inclusive, conscious, and deeply rooted in cultural pride. By supporting Black-owned brands, we contribute to preserving traditions, amplifying voices, and fostering innovation within the industry. As you explore these labels, I hope their artistry inspires not just admiration but action—because fashion thrives when we celebrate diverse creators and their unique visions.