It's been more than four years since the 2020 racial justice protests. And while there was an immediate call to purchase from Black-owned brands in the wake of the reckoning, that push is still necessary. With representation at an alarming 7.3 percent for Black designers in a highly saturated fashion industry, anything you purchase directly affects their business. You may not have the power to change the economy or business world, but you can become part of the solution by putting your dollars into companies that truly deserve it. And one of the best ways to show genuine support sooner rather than later is by including these brands in your holiday shopping.
Finding the right gift is already difficult, but the stakes are even higher if you're shopping for the fashion lover in your life. Fortunately, we've curated some of the best fashion-forward items birthed from some of the industry's most talented creatives. On the hunt for a bag that's the epitome of luxury? Consider accessory mavericks like Maya Winston and Brandon Blackwood. And if you're looking for sophisticated tailoring and versatile pieces that will last for years, heritage brands like Hanifa and Kwasi Paul also fit the bill. Regardless of your gifting needs, your money is guaranteed to be well spent with this curated list of products.
Whether you're doing your holiday rounds on a budget or in the mood to splurge on that special someone (or yourself), keep scrolling to shop our favorite Black-owned fashion brands this season and beyond.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Aseye Studio
Byrd Classic Knit Pants ($120)
Birthed from the mind of Asia Irving in 2021, Aseye Studio aims to represent the new and improved relationship between sports and fashion. As the sister and stylist of famed basketball star Kyrie Irving, Asia creates pieces that brilliantly merge sports culture, effortless passion, and individualism for any wearer. Designs like these uniform knit pants are part of what makes the brand successful: classic techniques mixed with nostalgic influence and a modern attitude.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: JLANI Jewels
Olivia Ring ($45)
For the jewelry-obsessed tastemaker in your life, look no further than JLANI Jewels. The eco-friendly sustainable brand was founded in 2011 by Lani Nesbit, who aims to fuse the heritage of her New York upbringing with the subtle luxuries of everyday life like nature and architecture. Her jewelry has been worn by stars including Beyoncé and Issa Rae, and is listed among Oprah's Favorite Things. Referential pieces made from ethical materials include this 18K yellow gold plated ring that reflects Nesbit's love for softness and femininity.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Kai Collective
Gaia Hooded Printed Robe ($292)
Fisayo Longe founded Kai Collective in 2016, four years before the brand went viral with its highly praised Gaia dress. The London-based style authority makes it her duty to design clothes that help women feel most confident and discover who they are. As a fashion and travel blogger, Longe began by sourcing fabrics and developing them into monumental creations, setting the standard for Kai Collective's ethos — attainable luxury that doesn't compromise quality. One of her most impressive expansions is loungewear, seen through this vibrant robe inspired by the brand's signature print. The epitome of comfort meets style, this piece works inside and outside the house.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Savage X Fenty
Savage x Diesel Foiled Fishnet Maxi Sleep Slip ($80)
Established in 2018 by multihyphenate Rihanna, Savage X Fenty prides itself on celebrating femininity and individuality with sultry lingerie and confident-evoking sleepwear designed for everyone, regardless of their body shape or size. While well-known for these pieces, the brand has since expanded into statement-making options that you'll want to wear outside the house, like this distressed slip dress.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Brandon Blackwood
BB Studio Mini Jersey Dress ($20)
Since breaking the internet with their viral "End Systemic Racism" bag, Brandon Blackwood has amassed a reputation for being one of the industry's most respected accessory brands. Not only has the namesake founder championed creating flawless handbags, but he's expanded into shoes, outerwear, and apparel — even dressing Beyoncé. While any selection from the site would suffice as the perfect holiday gift, this high-quality jersey dress at this price is a no-brainer.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Kwasi Paul
Obaa Sima Jacquard Vest ($195)
First-generation Ghanaian American Samuel Boakye started Kwasi Paul in 2020 to represent the "in-between" of the African diasporic world and the Western world. Heavily influenced by his childhood in Queens, NY, Boakye crafts pieces that reflect the heritage of his family's blended culture combined with individual modernism. This jacquard vest is a stunning representation of such, complete with a joyful scene of two ladies dancing and inviting colors in their background.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Maya Winston
Bowling Bag ($130, originally $200)
All the women in your life deserve a Maya Winston bag. The New York-based label's eponymous founder prides himself on crafting luxury accessories that marry his Jamaican roots and innate love for design. His Internet-favorite handbags are uniquely handcrafted in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East, like the small leather tote worn by stars like Angela Simmons. Winston has since graduated to silhouettes that evoke even more confidence, like this bonded leather and tweed bowling bag.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Diotima
Vanguard Medusa Open-Backed Crocheted Cotton-Blend Dress ($1,495)
With the holidays come parties, so why not add this distinct number to your pool of gifts? Its intricate hand-crocheted material and swishy fringes create a figure-flattering fit, catered to any body shape.
Founded by Rachel Scott in 2021, Diotima presents a fresh perspective on Caribbean style, directly inspired by her Jamaican upbringing and mission to redefine luxury. The brand specializes in crochet pieces, specially handcrafted by local Jamaican craftspeople to honor her home country's artisanal techniques and processes. The Medusa dress and other hero designs are inspired by traditional doilies and come in various patterns and textures.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Téjahn Burnett
Simijah Chrome Heels ($279)
Whether you're shopping for yourself or your bestie, a pair of heels is always a great gift idea. Consider these lacey square-toe beauties from Toronto-based brand Téjahn Burnett. As one of their signature styles, these heels show Burnett's masterful ability to merge sultry flair and classic luxury by utilizing practical materials that champion size inclusivity, versatility, and quality. Not to mention, they're Cardi B-approved.
Black-Owned Fashion Gifts: Fumi the Label
Destiny Mini Skirt Set ($229)
Imagined from Fumi Egbon's unmatched sense of style, Fumi the Label is more than just pretty clothing. It serves as a vehicle for every woman to heighten their self-love and confidence through figure-flattering silhouettes and timeless pieces. If you're looking to find your sartorial voice, shop one of the brand's newest offerings: the Destiny Mini Skirt Set. Its ruched waist, oversized sleeves, and draped hem create a perfect, effortless vibe.
Naomi Parris is a New York-based fashion and beauty writer with over seven years of experience. She served as an editorial operations associate at PS, specializing in all things fashion. Obsessed with telling stories that merge fashion and culture, her areas of expertise include Fashion Week coverage, daily news, high-profile interviews, shopping roundups, and beauty stories.