Haitian-born, Atlanta-raised Azede Jean Pierre is all about contemporary women’s fashion that walks the line between femininity and edge. Founded in 2012 the brand has been recognized by major fashion magazines and worn by influential and stylish women like Solange and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Tie Waist Poplin Dress, $690, azedejean-pierre.com
Hailing from the DMV area, 25-year-old Anifa Mvuemba has managed to create a brand that speaks to the chic, bold and simple design aesthetic. Attracting a wide range of clientele, Anifa only has plans of elevating the brand in the years to come.
Kali Dress, $249, hanifa.co
Karissa Lindsay’s A Leap of Style is a celebration of traditional African print pieces for the modern woman.
Rules of Engagement Dress in Gold Feather, $250, aleapofstyle.com
Kai Avent-deLeon is owner of Brooklyn boutique Sincerly, Tommy. Her wildly popular concept store focuses on emerging womenswear brands and carries collections including the store’s own Sincerely, Tommy pieces. The Bed-Stuy, Brookyln native made sure to stay true to her roots while celebrating the uniqueness of Brooklyn with the concept and location of her store.
Sincerely, Tommy Hamilton Dress, $250.00, sincerelytommy.com
Stella Jean’s multicultural, Hatian-Italian roots have been the primary source of inspiration for her namesake ready-to-wear line. Her eclectic blend of vibrant wax batik textiles fused with high-fashion design is hard to miss. Since winning the 2011 talent contest ‘Who Is On Next,’ Jean has become a favorite for major stars like Beyonce and Rihanna.
Stella Jean Alchimista Cotton Striped Tube Dress, $200, modaoperandi.com
Brooklyn-based designer Recho Omondi started her namesake label in 2013 and has been consistently gaining steam. She uses her Kenyan roots and metropolitan lifestyle for a modern and ethereal line. Debuting during New York Fashion Week in 2015, Omondi has been on every fashion girl’s radar since.
Lavender Shirtdress, $420, omondi.com
Sisters Darlene and Lizzy Okpo are the dynamic duo behind William Okpo. Inspired by their Nigerian heritage and named after their father, the pair offers smart designs and rich culture in the form of effortlessly sleek designs.
Penni Jersey Dress, $215, shopspring.com
Haitian-born designer Marie Jean-Baptiste draws inspiration from her culturally rich background and Brooklyn-based surroundings. Fun, expressive and vibrant, Rue 107 is the everyday girl’s go-to line for statement-making pieces.
Jade Dress-White Lemonade, $88, rue107.com
A veteran in the game of fashion design, Tracy Reese is one of the few designers in the fashion industry that has been able to achieve a certain level of longevity. Born in Detriot and trained in fashion at Parson’s School of Design, Reese has become known for her whimsical, eye-popping yet chic designs.
Lace Cami Dress in African Tulip, $148, tracyreese.com
Models, bloggers and designers— the Dwuomoh-Piper twins, Chantelle and Danielle are definitely busy women. With a Carribean mother and African father, they make sure to incorporate elements from their culture in every piece they produce.
Shari Dress, $175, dpipertwins.com
Monif Clarke has been making waves in the fashion industry for over 10 years now. With one of the most popular brands for curvy girls, Monif has stayed true to her mission of being a body positive company that puts its customer first.
Erin One Shoulder Dress -Ivory, $118, monifc.com
Wardrobe stylist turned entrepreneur Tamika Monique Toler offers chic, affordable clothing. Foraying into the world of ecommerce and boutiques after solidifying her role as a fashion industry professional, Toler is all about fashion that really speaks to each individual woman’s personality.
Nyisha Dress, $75.00, disclothesure.com
Hailing from the Bay Area, Taylor Jay is the brains behind her namesake collection. Starting off as a stylist and moving into the design realm in 2012, Jay puts a heavy focus on empowering women through fashion.
Eggplant London Deep Pocket Dress, $116.00, taylorjaycollection.com
