What to Shop From Black-Owned Fashion Brands This Summer
Cute Clothes to Celebrate Summer, All From Black-Owned Brands Our Editors Love
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This July, we're shopping Black-owned businesses for feel good, stylish summer items that put smiles on our faces. You can be sure we'll rally behind these exciting bag and shoe labels, jewellery designers, and swimsuit companies year-round, but let's focus on summer staples, because we're finally venturing outside and willing to dress up a little for social distance walks and small, safe gatherings (accessorising with a mask first and foremost, of course). That calls for breezy throw-overs, swimwear, lightweight handbags, and delicate jewellery made for layering.
A lot of the items on this list have unique stories, too. The woven raffia bow pot bag Dana has her eye on is handcrafted by women in Ghana, who are passing down their signature artistry. Meanwhile, Lisa calls out her big love for Lemlem, which was founded by supermodel Liya Kebede and partners with artisan groups across Africa to complete its gorgeous collection of bohemian essentials. Ahead, you'll discover even more gems to shop in support of these incredible Black artists and designers who are on our radar now and forever.
Stella & Haas The Vivian Necklace
"I think of this Stella & Haas The Vivian Necklace ($38) as a foundational layering piece. It's an everyday chain that still has a special, luxe feel, even when it's just throw on with a t-shirt or a swimsuit in the backyard (which I fully plan on doing)." — Hannah Weil McKinley, director, Fashion
AAKS Bow Pot Natural
"These beautiful bags are handcrafted in Ghana by women who have passed this technique of weaving down for generations. I love the unique shape of the AAKS Bow Pot ($135) one." — Dana Avidan Cohn, executive style director
Hope For Flowers Straw Hat Stripe Tiered Skirt
"This adorable Straw Hat Stripe Tiered Skirt ($198) from Tracy Reese is perfect for summer (and years to come). Classic, comfy, and very easy to wear!" — Lisa Sugar, president, POPSUGAR
Khiry Khartoum Ring
"I love the shape of this Khiry Ring ($295). It's something you can wear every day, but it will still make a statement." — DAC
Andrea Iyamah Dress + Pants
"I know it seems like very luxe resortwear when worn as a set, but the Andrea Iyamah Sabra Dress ($245) and matching Sabra Pants ($150) can be worn separately with just a swimsuit underneath. The turquoise silk reminds me of the ocean — I don't think I'd ever need another beach cover-up again." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion
Jade Swim Contour One Piece Ribbed
"Jade swim's luxe fabric and cut fits just right. The Contour One Piece Ribbed ($198) is so minimal, it can double as a bodysuit for layering." — DAC
Lemlem Eshe Classic Pants
"The perfect travel pant. I'll wear these Lemlem Eshe Classic Pants ($295) over bathing suits or for daytime with slides and a linen top." — DAC
Melissa Simone Christine Ruched Bandeau Top
"This Melissa Simone Christine Ruched Bandeau Top ($80) and Bottoms ($80) come in the perfect tie-dye print for the warm weather. You'll find me sitting in my backyard in this swimsuit all summer." — Nikita Charuza, associate editor, Fashion
Come Back As A Flower Oatmeal Tie Dye T-Shirt
"This Come Back As A Flower Oatmeal Tie Dye T-Shirt ($110) is sustainably made and hand-dyed in LA, making the quality just one of the many things to love about it. I also love the fresh take on tie-dye, a perfect addition to my summer wardrobe — which consists largely of cool tees and denim to wear on repeat." — HWM
Telfar Large Embossed Logo Shopper Bag
"I'm always carrying a tote bag in the summer as I need enough room for my hardcover books and sunglasses case! I'm newly obsessed with the pool blue shade of Telfar's Large Embossed Logo Shopper ($263)." — SW
Tove Studio Ceres Organic Cotton Midi Dress
"File this Tove Studio Ceres Organic Cotton Midi Dress ($527) under forever summer staples. While it has elements that make it more contemporary, it also has all the makings of a classic white dress I will treasure for years." — HWM
Le Clare Stella Woven Hemp Slippers
"I already own the Le Clare Stella Woven Hemp Slippers ($95), made sustainably in Italy, and I've been wearing them all around the house with my loungewear and Hawaiian shirts. The natural, earthy tone sold me." — SW
Humans Before Handles L.A. Girl Necklace
"I love this Humans Before Handles L.A. Girl Necklace ($42) because it's a little bit of everything. It has the gold chain mixed in with pearls." — NC
A.W.A.K.E. Josie Top
"Well(un)known is a shop curated by Aneesha DuBois and Christopher Taylor, and they just so happen to stock my favourite labels for statement wear, like Each x Other, Brother Vellies, and, yes, A.W.AK.E. The Josie Top ($520) is right up my alley. It's a conversation piece I'd be thrilled to add to my summer wardrobe — especially once you see the back." — SW
Lemlem Biftu Scrunchie
"I've been a huge fan of Lemlem cover-ups for years, but this year I want to add the cute Biftu Scrunchie ($20) to my list. They are cute and colourful, and I never leave home without a way to control my hair." — LS
Brother Vellies Nile Handbag in Lavender
"I've been meaning to get my hands on something from Brother Vellies. While the brand is known for its fuzzy shoes, I can't stop thinking about this Brother Vellies Nile Handbag in Lavender ($995)." — NR
Hidden Gem NY Bohemian Bracelets
"Adding these Hidden Gem NY Bohemian Bracelets ($28) to my wrist ASAP." — DAC
Label By Three Aquila Blouse
"This cropped Label By Three Aquila Blouse ($104), complete with an oversize collar, is an updated modern classic. You can dress it up or down and wear it a million ways." — LS
Riot Swim Vista Bikini
"I can't help but favour interesting bikini cuts with cutouts in cool, eye-catching shades, and the Riot Swim Vista Top in Matcha ($75) and matching High-Waist Bottom ($75) is right up my alley." — SW
Savage X Fenty Daisy Lace Triangle Bralette
"Ever since seeing Rihanna wear the latest Savage x Fenty line, I've been dreaming of getting a fun neon piece, like this Savage X Fenty Daisy Lace Triangle Bralette ($30)!" — NC
