8 Black Designers That Are Sparking Joy in 2021

Aurora James of Brother Vellies

Besides Aurora James's gorgeous Brother Vellies designs, which help keep traditional African design practices and techniques alive, she also created the 15 percent pledge which is graining a lot of traction amongst retailers.

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Telfar Clemens of Telfar

Image Source: Getty / Mireya Acierto

There's no way you haven't seen Telfar Clemens's coveted bags — which are constantly sold-out and have a cult following. Telfar was started in 2003 and its sleek logo bag has been dubbed "Buschwick's Birkin." The designer has even teamed up with a collaboration with UGG.

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Christopher John Rogers

Image Source: Getty / Victor VIRGILE

Christopher John Rogers is having a major moment. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner, who is known for creating colourful often theatrical designs, started off the year strong by designing Kamala Harris's purple inauguration coat.

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Jason Rembert of Aliétte

Image Source: Getty / Ben Gabbe

Jason Rembert is a celebrity stylist with clients ranging from A-listers like Issa Rae and Marsai Martin. His luxury label, Aliétte, is inspired by his mother and the nuances of womanhood. This year, one of his gorgeous creations was the main attraction when Zendaya wore it in her Netflix film Malcolm & Marie.

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Sergio Hudson

Image Source: Getty / Noam Galai

Sergio Hudson is also shining bright this year with not one, but two inauguration outfits. The designer created Michelle Obama's gorgeous plum look, as well as the black tuxedo coat and dress Kamala Harris wore later that night for the Celebrating America TV special.

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Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss

Image Source: Getty / Mireya Acierto

While Pyer Moss's Kerby Jean-Raymond is no stranger to success, the designer, whose collections often celebrate Black history, continues to shine with his line and multiple collaborations with brands like Reebok.

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Mowalola Ogunlesi of Mowalola

Image Source: Getty / David M. Benett

Mowalola Ogunlesi is a Nigerian-born fashion designer who lives in London. You've probably seen her designs on the likes of Kim Kardashian and she's known for working with a wide variety of textiles like as leather and PVC. She was recently hired as Kanye West's Design Director for the upcoming Gap x Yeezy line.

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Andrea Iyamah

Image Source: Getty / Bennett Raglin

Dumebi Iyamah is a Nigerian fashion designer who launched her swimwear line Andrea Iyamah in 2013. The pieces are inspired by "colour, ethnic cultures, nature, and design elements." The brand has also moved into ready-to-wear pieces with celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Michelle Obama, to name a few.

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