2021 is a pivotal year for Black fashion designers, who are finally getting more of the recognition and support they've long deserved. Thanks to Brother Vellies designer Aurora James, many retailers are joining the 15 percent pledge, which demands large companies to buy 15 percent of products from Black designers. She's already gotten major retailers like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Sephora standing behind the important initiative, and we'll only see more as the year progresses.
This year started already off strong at the presidential inauguration with Christopher John Rodgers dressing Kamala Harris for her being sworn in as the Vice President and Sergio Hudson dressing Michelle Obama for the historic event. Kamala went on to wear a Sergio Hudson tuxedo coat and dress later that evening, too! Jason Rembert of Aliétte is also one to watch. He created that metallic cutout dress Zendaya wore in the Netflix movie Malcolm & Marie. (The dress is actually available for pre-order on Zerina Akers's shopping destination, Black Owned Everything!) Ahead, we're breaking down a list of eight Black designers that are surely going to shine in 2021. Keep reading to learn more about them ahead.