While the initial conversations around quiet luxury often excluded Black consumers, several Black-owned brands are now challenging and transforming this narrative. The rise of minimalist fashion and interior design has traditionally been seen as a domain inaccessible to Black individuals, save for celebrities.
However, the integration of Black culture and luxury is far from new. Brands like Grace Wales Bonner and Fear of God exemplify how opulence and subtlety can coexist in Black-owned businesses. Jerry Lorenzo’s innovative designs and high-quality materials have marked a significant impact on the fashion industry, proving that quiet luxury is not exclusive. Here are 12 Black-owned brands that are redefining quiet luxury today.
1. Ashya
Founded in 2017 by Ashley Leslie and Moya Annece, Ashya specializes in leather accessories designed for those who appreciate the integration of travel and culture into their wardrobe.
2. A-Cold-Wall
Samuel Ross established A-Cold-Wall in 2015, blending elevated streetwear with social commentary on issues like societal disparities and youth culture in Britain, embodying both style and substance.
3. Brother Vellies
Since 2013, Aurora James’s Brother Vellies has drawn from traditional African design techniques to create an opulent footwear, merging cultural heritage with modern sophistication.
4. Bernard James
Bernard James’s fine jewelry brand, launched in 2010, focuses on intimate and nostalgic pieces, reflecting a quiet elegance through meticulous craftsmanship.
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5. Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders founded her menswear brand in 2017, challenging traditional gender norms with designs that balance tradition and modernity, ideal for those who seek unique, understated luxury.
6. Connor McKnight
Founded in 2020, Connor McKnight’s label draws on his Washington, D.C. upbringing, offering luxurious textiles and workwear-inspired clothing that merge practicality with opulence.
7. Fear of God
Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God, established in 2013, encompasses luxury athleisure to formalwear, with sub-brands ESSENTIALS and FOG Athletics, all characterized by high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
8. Khiry
Jameel Mohammed’s Khiry, founded in 2016, offers luxury jewelry deeply rooted in the Black diaspora, celebrating cultural heritage through elegant, meaningful designs.
9. Sunni Sunni
Sunni Dixon’s 2020-founded footwear brand, Sunni Sunni, features unique designs inspired by Black culture, showcasing a fresh perspective on quiet luxury.
10. Wales Bonner
Grace Wales Bonner’s eponymous brand, established in 2014, blends her interest in the history of the Black diaspora and her Jamaican heritage, resulting in luxurious, understated pieces.
11. Fear of God ESSENTIALS
A sub-brand of Fear of God, ESSENTIALS offers accessible luxury pieces that maintain the main line’s high standards, perfect for everyday wear with a touch of sophistication.
12. FOG Athletics
Another extension of Fear of God, FOG Athletics focuses on high-end athleisure, combining comfort and luxury for a refined, understated look.
Redefining Quiet Luxury
These brands demonstrate that Blackness and wealth often coexist, offering products that embody elegance and subtlety. Despite quiet luxury no longer being the buzzword it was last year, these Black-owned brands continue to push boundaries, showcasing that sophistication and opulence are accessible to all.
To explore more about these brands and support their incredible work, visit their websites and social media channels.
