A celebration of the best and brightest creators of color within the fashion space, ESSENCE’s inaugural Best in Black Fashion Awards shines a light on top designers, stylists, photographers, models and insiders who made an impact in 2019. The star-studded roster of honorees and nominees will gather at pre-NY Fashion Week dinner on September 4th.
Creative incubators Johnny Nelson, L’Enchanteur and Aminah Abdul-Jillil are doing it for the culture with their timeless designs. Nelson creates hip-hop-inspired jewels celebrating Black trailblazers and cultural icons. The Brooklyn artist hand-carved mock up’s of artist like Biggie, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisholm, Tupac. Nigerian Yoruba twin sisters L’Enchanteur specializes in culturally informed pieces molded in metal and stones worn by Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska. Abdul Jill creates exciting footwear beloved by Tracee Ellis Ross and Angela Simmons.
Read more about these standout creatives below and visit ESSENCE Fashion House on September 5th for exclusive runway shows where you can see their collections up close. Stay tuned to find out who takes home the prize!
01
Johnny Nelson
In 2017, Johnny Nelson officially trademarked his brand, Johnny Nelson Jewelry. The Brooklyn artist transitioned into jewelry in 2014 after deciding that it was time to look as good as he felt. Nelson’s first piece was a 3-finger ring made with stone and wire that was brought to life by his mother. It was then that the designer realized he had a genuine passion for jewels.
02
L’Enchanteur
L’Enchanteur was founded and created by Nigerian Yuruba twin sisters, Dynasty and Soull Ogun. The sisters seek to create timeless inspirations of spirituality, mythologies, colour theory and sciences. Staying true to their motto, “Transform Your Lifestyle,” Dynasty and Soull continue to progress and ascend on an unknown path to introduce a new vision of design decorum to the world.
@l_enchanteur
03
Aminah Abdul-Jillil
Before launching her collection in 2012, Aminah Abdul-Jillil was a professional dancer in Los Angeles performing for entertainers like Janet Jackson and Britney Spears. The Alaska native is a triple threat as she has appeared in commercials for Pepsi and New Balance and has recently performed as the lead character, “Crimson” in Cirque Du Soleil’s, BELIEVE. Traveling around the world has cultivated her eye for culture, art, design and fashion. What makes her designs unique is her willingness to try something different.
