The POC pioneering the fashion industry

Every Black History Month brings us an opportunity to become better allies of the black community. When it comes to fashion, supporting and following designers and stylists from a range of backgrounds is an impactful way to expand our knowledge of the fashion industry while supporting the black community in fashion!

We’ve gathered some remarkable figures from the BAME community that deserve recognition for their contribution to fashion.

Edward Enninful

After a successful career as a stylist for publications like i-D, Ghanaian stylist Edward Enninful recently progressed to taking on the most coveted position in the entire fashion industry: Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Britain.

Notorious for his inclusive ideals when it comes to cover stars and representation throughout the magazine, Enninful recently made the press for making actor Timothee Chalamet British Vogue’s first solo male cover star- talk about a fashion revolution!

Olivier Rousteing

Despite dropping out of fashion school for ‘lacking creativity’, French designer Olivier Rousteing went on to prove his professors wrong by designing for some of the most esteemed fashion houses in the world. From Jean Paul Gaultier to Balmain, Rousteing’s work has left a lasting impact on the global fashion industry.

Anifa Mvuemba

As a female black designer and owner of the clothing label, Hanifa, Anfia Mvuemba strives to ‘empower women to break barriers’ through her designs. Her goal is exemplified by Hanifa’s slogan: “for women without limits”.

Anifa’s empowering fashion ethos shines through her outlandish abstract clothing line, filled with ruched materials and empowering silhouettes, Hanifa is available to women from sizes XS to 3XL. Its clear inclusivity is at the forefront of Mvueumba’s work!

LaQuan Smith

Starting his brand at just 21, LaQuan Smith has dedicated his entire career to dressing women in well-tailored clothing.

Since 2008, LaQuan Smith has pioneered his own female fashion label and has had the privilege of dressing the world’s biggest names from Lady Gaga to Rihanna.

Characterised by feminine silhouettes and revealing cut-outs, Smith’s clothing line is a sultry ode to women.