Fashion at its best, tells a story. Across the decades, Black creatives in design have reshaped what the industry looks and feels like – threading identity, innovation, and pride into every cut and concept.
This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting 8 influential Black fashion designers whose work continues to shift culture: legends who laid the foundations, and visionaries redefining the future.
Founding Voices: 5 Designers Who Paved the Way
Through every era, Black designers have shaped fashion’s story, each leaving behind a signature that changed how we see creativity and culture.
- Ann Lowe (1950s)
Ann Lowe’s legacy is one of quiet excellence and undeniable influence. Long before her name appeared in history books, she was crafting couture that defined mid-century glamour. Her most famous design – Jackie Kennedy’s ivory silk wedding gown in 1953 – remains one of fashion’s most iconic moments. Yet for years, her brilliance, sadly went uncredited. Her story remains a touchstone for students exploring the impact of Black designers on modern couture.
Fashion history moment: Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown, 1953.
- Stephen Burrows (1960s-70s)
Burrows is celebrated for his innovative use of colour, particularly his signature lettuce hem technique, which features a ruffled edge created by overstretching fabric. In 1973, Burrows was one of five American designers invited to participate in the historic Battle of Versailles fashion show, which showcased American fashion against French designers.
Fashion history moment: Battle of Versailles runway, 1973.
- Patrick Kelly (1980s)
Patrick Kelly turned fashion into pure joy and protest. His vibrant, body-conscious designs – covered in buttons, hearts, and bows – celebrated Black culture and Southern flair. Loved by icons like Grace Jones and Madonna, he made history in 1988 as the first Black designer admitted to Paris’s prestigious Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter.
Fashion history moment: Autumn/Winter 1988 collection, featuring his iconic button-covered garments.
- Dapper Dan (1980s)
Working out of Harlem, Dapper Dan reinvented luxury and was the first to bring designer fashion into the context of street culture. Dubbed “Hip Hop’s fashion godfather”, Dapper Dan’s client list included everyone from Run DMC, Mike Tyson, Salt and Pepa, LL Cool J and Bobby Brown.
Fashion history moment: Custom Louis Vuitton-print leather jackets.
- Ozwald Boateng (1990s)
This Haringey-born designer is credited with reviving London tailoring in the 1990s with his modern, youthful take on suit-making. In 1995, Boateng became the youngest designer to open a store in the area of Savile Row, blending Ghanaian heritage with razor-sharp British precision.
Fashion history moment: Became the first Savile Row tailor to show during the International Menswear Collections in Paris 1994.
Together, these influential Black designers transformed more than style – their stories are living proof of the power of Black history in design.
Fashion Futures: 3 Designers to Watch
Looking ahead, the next wave of Black creatives in design are expanding the legacies of those who came before them, building brands that blend heritage, innovation, and community.
- Tolu Coker
Tolu Coker draws inspiration from her British Nigerian heritage and her mother’s journey from Lagos to London in the 1970s. Her collections explore Yoruba spirituality and her mother’s life as a street hawker in Nigeria, expressed through sharp tailoring, bold colour, and a deep sense of cultural storytelling.
Notable collection: AW24 inspired by West Africa’s bustling markets, gridlocked streets and street hawkers.
- LABRUM London
Founded by Foday Dumbuya, LABRUM London blends classic British tailoring with West African heritage. Each collection merges culture, craftsmanship, and modern design. Dumbuya’s work embodies purpose and pride, creating pieces that feel timeless yet deeply connected to identity and the beauty of heritage.
Notable collection: SS23 Freedom of Movement.
- Nicholas Daley
Nicholas Daley’s work moves to the rhythm of culture. Drawing from his Jamaican and Scottish roots, he uses music, texture, and craftsmanship to explore identity and community. His pieces feel lived-in yet elevated, paying homage to sound systems, subcultures, and the artistry of everyday people.
Notable collection: AW24 Roots to Rebel – a tribute to British subcultures and Black musical heritage.
It’s clear that the next generation of Black creatives in design are carrying the legacy forward with fresh eyes and fearless energy. Blending heritage with experimentation, they’re shaping a global language of style and cultural storytelling.