Tracy Reese’s Spring Fashion Collection
Nationwide — From breaking down stereotypes to launching lines that celebrate black culture, these revolutionary black fashion designers have changed the fashion world as we know it.
Known for being ahead of his time, Telfar Clemens has been designing genderless fashion since 2002. His passion for designing gender-neutral fashion started when he was only 15 after his mother refused to buy him a crop top. By making his own clothes, he found that he didn’t have to subject himself to the labels associated with wearing clothes designed for girls or boys. Three years later, he launched his company, Telfar. Since then, he has remained dedicated to breaking down stereotypes – as conveyed by his brand’s tagline, “It’s not for you, it’s for everybody.”
Tracy Reese
Before Tracy Reese became one of the most renowned black fashion designers, she was making her own clothes from scratch alongside her mother in Detroit, Michigan. Today, she has her own namesake clothing line and even designed pieces for the former first lady, Michelle Obama. In addition to her successful signature line, she also has multiple diffusion lines that produce products such as nail polish and shoes.
Jérôme LaMaar
Jérôme LaMaar began his career at the young age of 15 years old by interning for Kimora Lee Simmon’s label, Baby Phat. By the time he was 18, LaMaar received a promotion, naming him Senior Designer and Creative Brand Coordinator at the company. It wasn’t long until he launched his own line, 5:31 Jérôme, at 22 years old. The line embodies his love for maximalism, glamour, and “South Bronx Luxe.” It has attracted attention from A-list celebrities like Beyoncé, Hailey Baldwin, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian.
Kerby Jean-Raymond
This ambitious Brooklyn native is known for his menswear line, Pyer Moss, which celebrates Black culture in America and highlights social injustice through its fashion shows. Prior to starting his own fashion line, he attended The High School of Fashion Industries in Manhattan and apprenticed under Kay Unger. He went on to work with a number of distinguished designers such as Georgina Chapman, Keren Craig, and Marc Jacobs before starting his own line. Since launching his label, he received the Rising Star Award in the menswear category from Fashion Group International and made it on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List.
With New York fashion week almost upon us, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for these revolutionary black fashion designers.