Meet the Minds Behind 5 Black-Owned Brands That Are Shaking Up the Fashion Scene
In honor of Black History Month, Hypebae highlights the disrupters driving change, community and culture within fashion.
In every lane, Black creatives carve their own path forward — fueled by the steadfast support of their community, a deep-rooted desire to drive their culture forward and a true calling to bring their artistic visions to life. In honor of Black History Month, Hypebae is shining light on Black creatives from fashion, footwear, beauty and sports who are making waves in their prospective industries.
To take an idea – one that speaks to your creative spirit, champions your community and celebrates your culture – and transform it into entrepreneurship takes grit, guts and love of the game. Whether it’s a sustainable womenswear brand like STRIPT, that supplies figure-flattering styles for every shape and size, NOMA, an emerging label that nods to Nigerian style sensibilities with a Western touch or brands like GLAZED NYC, LARAQUE and Kwame Adusei that prioritize quality over quantity with their pieces, it’s a path fueled by the fiery passion of Black creatives who have the courage to dream it, design it and do it.
Behind these brands stand some of the most innovative individuals in the industry today – creatives who not only drive momentum but continue to maintain it. Former attorney and founder of STRIPT, Arianna Davis, found her footing in fashion with a booming Black Friday debut in 2020 and has only skyrocketed ever since. Made and manufactured in Los Angeles, her body-snatching silhouettes have sparked a sense of confidence, comfortability and community for women from coast to coast and beyond. In New York City, NOMA spotlights the luxe side of streetwear with standout suede jackets, sculptural heeled sandals and a signature silver chain, courtesy of the creative mind of Amon Ogyiri.
Down in the Garment District, Danielle Laraque of LARAQUE works in tandem with her creative director Alani Nöelle to craft dainty, delicate designs dedicated to the female form. Back in Brooklyn, Banna Nega and Shelby Macklin’s GLAZED NYC spotlights the special design synergy between the two that shines in their carefully-curated collections of elevated everyday wear. In L.A., Nana Kwame Adusei goes global with his self-eponymous brand by infusing it with Ghanaian influences and a poignant perspective on genderless garments.
Each of these five trailblazers and tastemakers gave a glimpse into the mindsets that shaped their journey in an intimate conversation with Hypebae.
Continue scrolling below for the full conversations and join us every week this month to discover the journey of five new innovative faces shaking up their creative scenes.
On mutual support and community building
Arianna Davis – STRIPT
Arianna Davis/Stript
For us, community is central to our brand because it’s not just about clothes — it’s about how the clothes make women feel. The messaging behind the brand also boosts women’s confidence. You’re buying into something where we’re saying “[good girls go to heaven,] bad girls go everywhere.” I really feel like you should feel limitless and our community really feels like they’re bad b-tches.
Amon Ogyiri – Noma
Amon Ogyiri/Noma
Community is vital for our growth. The stories of individuals forming a mutual connection and bonding over Noma pieces accomplishes the sense of unity we intend to create. [When we released] the “Peace Noir” collection in February 2021, it was the inception of one of our best-sellers, the Noma keychain. It’s a metaphorical meaning of having the power to unlock our own success and happiness and it was a concept many individuals aligned with. I was inspired by the moment of Black empowerment and pulled inspiration from pivotal moments within African American history.
Nana Kwame Adusei – Kwame Adusei
Nana Kwame Adusei/Kwame Adusei
Because the brand was built off of community, we aim to satisfy what’s missing within the community. [We're] playing the role of actively building a [sense of] community within a space where there’s less and less of it. Every single day I pour back into my community by creating jobs within it that support the growth of its individuals that have shared goals.
On the role representation plays in their work
Banna Nega, Shelby Macklin – GLAZED NYC
Banna Nega,shelby Macklin/Glazed Nyc
Danielle Laraque – LARAQUE
Danielle Laraque/Laraque
Representation is at the heart of my brand, empowering women to embrace their unique style and identity through fashion. Growing up, self-expression through clothing allowed me to explore who I was, and I want others to experience that same freedom. My designs celebrate femininity in all its forms, inspiring confidence and individuality.
On advice they’d give to those starting out in the industry today
Amon Ogyiri – Noma
Amon Ogyiri/Noma
If I could rewind time, I would have studied my craft more. My “youthful ignorance” allowed my ego to think that inspiration from what has been done before me was considered “copying.” We are all innately inspired, and I would advise anyone starting out in the industry to learn and take notes from someone who has had success navigating the industry.
Nana Kwame Adusei – Kwame Adusei
Nana Kwame Adusei/Kwame Adusei
Take the time to learn a skill — a genuine skill.
Banna Nega, Shelby Macklin – GLAZED NYC
Banna Nega, Shelby Macklin/Glazed Nyc
[Before starting our brand, we wish we knew] to focus more on quality vs. quantity. In the beginning, we felt pressure to have more pieces in our collection with every colorway. Now, we’ve realized that less is more. People value scarcity, especially in fashion. [We'd also say] to focus on refining your skills and staying ready, so you don’t have to get ready when opportunities arise.
On inspiration and collaboration
Arianna Davis – STRIPT
Arianna Davis/Stript
[Our Goodwill activation] will always stick with me. We were the first brand ever to have a collaboration with Goodwill and it was literally groundbreaking. We had a thousand girls show up and there was a line down the entire block. It was a really huge turnout and I think that was the one thing where I [ realized] that we’re doing something huge.
Danielle Laraque – LARAQUE
Danielle Laraque/Laraque
Hearing how my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams has been the most rewarding [thing.] Unexpected messages of encouragement and people seeing themselves in my story has fueled my passion even more. I also enjoy connecting with other designers and receiving feedback from them.
