The streetwear brand Mifland
The fashion industry has been critiqued for its lack of diversity for years on end, with models usually at the center of the conversation. Black designers also face the brunt of a lack of inclusivity in the fashion industry yet despite this, they continue to break boundaries, create trends, and accomplish great feats.
This year and ongoing we will be sharing upcoming Black designers you should know.
Tobi Egberongbe
Tobi Egberongbe is a designer from Atlanta who’s well-known for his streetwear brand Mifland which was founded in 2011. Mifland is renowned for its bold pops of color, characterized by overlapping eye-catching patterns. Egberongbe also offers neutral tones and edgy leather accessories, displaying his versatility and flair for streetwear.
Mifland is inspired by architecture, furniture, and photography, which is evident in Egberongbe’s handmade and contemporary designs. What makes Egberongbe’s designs stand out is how functional they are — they don’t just serve an aesthetic purpose — which makes Mifland a quality lifestyle brand.
The Lip Bar was rejected by Shark Tank, but now
Melissa Butler
In 2012, founder and owner, Melissa Butler started The Lip Bar (TLB) out of simply being frustrated with not only the limited choices in the beauty industry, but also how most cosmetics were being produced with harmful and unnecessary chemicals and having a very narrow view of what beauty means. With her determination and passion, Butler was on a mission to change the status quo and narrative of what beauty means by creating an inclusive cosmetics brand.
Butler states, “Everywhere I looked beauty companies, magazines and the TV were telling women that you need to look a specific thing to be considered beautiful. I hated that. So I started making lipstick in my kitchen because I believed beauty shouldn't compromise health and because I was determined to not change the way I looked to fit into some superficial or trendy beauty standard. F*ck that. There is no standard.”
The Lip Bar is about inclusivity and reminding people that they don't have to settle for anything. The goal is to ensure that everyone is represented. “You don't have to transform to look like the next "It Girl." You don't have to do anything but be you, because you are enough, says Butler.”
After pitching her brand on Shark Tank, a TV show that gives budding entrepreneurs a shot at securing a business deal, Butler was rejected by the sharks. One of the critics from the sharks were that women wanted to try on the makeup before they purchased it. Now, TLB has a Virtual Try Before You Buy, that allows anyone to virtually see how the makeup would look before they purchase it online. In addition, you can take a 30 second Complexion Quiz online to determine what products work for your skin complexion.
TLB is now in over 1,000 stores nationwide and now available in 750 Target Stores, 500 Walmart Stores, and their Flagship Store in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. They offer a variety of products for a diverse range of complexions, which have even been worn by stars like, Taraji P Henson and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Butler definitely had the last words.
From red carpet to casual and trendy everyday wear
TheoPhilio
Theophilio is a Caribbean-inspired brand created by Jamaican fashion designer Edvin Thompson. Thompson’s designs offer a style for every occasion — from classic and sophisticated looks at the red carpet to casual and trendy everyday wear.
Thompon’s designs are attention-grabbing not only because of how they look but because of the social commentary behind some of his pieces. His latest collection, Migration, which is accompanied by a short film, redefines immigration by positioning it as the beautiful creation of a new home rather than a threat.
His refreshing take on urban wear is what makes Thompson one of the upcoming black designers to watch in 2021 and beyond.
Luxury hat company is redefining the fedora
Atlanta based Wear Brims, that started in 2016, is a unisex/gender luxury hat company that is redefining the fedora while helping you to look and feel your best.... literally. The company was founded by friends and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers Archie Clay III and Tajh Crutch. Clay attended HBCU, Tuskegee University, while Crutch attended Troy University.
Clay III and Crutch states that their vision is to create a world where low self-esteem is a thing of the past and confidence is the wave of the future, all while leading the charge in expansive diversity in luxury retail. They understand the importance of being your best self internally, and how that translates into how you express yourself fashionably. Wear Brims also offers customers the ability to customize their hat.
According to an interview with Rolling Stones Magazine, Crutch’s advice to Black entrepreneurs just starting off is proper planning. Take that time and initiative to really plan out exactly what you want to create. Don’t just rush it because you see everybody throwing out their ideas and brands. Sit down and draw out exactly what you want to create. It might take three or four samples. Don’t panic at the time if you get a sample back and it’s not exactly what you want. Do your research, outsource, try different factories and manufacturers until you find the one. If you’re not 100 percent comfortable with the material that you want to create, you’re not gonna be 100 percent comfortable trying to sell it to your customers.
Wear Brims exclusive collection is now available at Nordstrom.