It’s no secret that New York is one of the most stylish cities in the world.
From Harlem to the Upper East Side, SoHo to Flatbush, each corner of NYC has its own signature style that has been immortalized in pop culture. Whether you grew up watching Sex and The City, are a fan of Hip-Hop, consider yourself a hipster, or all of the above, it’s impossible to ignore the impact that the Big Apple has had on fashion for decades.
Fashion is one of the things that make New York, New York. It’s not just about what you see people wearing, but how the outfit is styled and where the pieces come from. And sometimes, it’s right under your nose.
Over the last ten years, there has been a rise in Black Owned businesses born in the city.
In 2020, BkReader reported that in Brooklyn, the number of Black-owned businesses surged 16.6% between 2012 to 2017s, making Brooklyn the county with the fifth-largest number of Black-owned companies nationwide. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, those numbers have fluctuated, but it’s safe to say that there has been a resurgence of Black ownership that doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
There are numerous Black-owned businesses in Brooklyn to support. You can find countless eateries and bookshops all around the borough, but who can you turn to for your 2023 birthday outfit? What about something unique for your next date? How about a Spring vacation haul?
We’ve gathered some of the hottest and most stylish Brooklyn-bred fashion brands to support this Black History Month.
1. TIER
Founded in 2014 by Nigeria Ealey, Esaïe Jean Simon, and Victor James–– TIER is a highly cultivated one-stop-shop. With staples like their sweatsuits that come in an ever-changing array of colorways and their easily identifiable TNY Caps, TIER became one of the most recognizable brands among millennial New Yorkers.
Staying true to their motto, “Art Never Dies,” TIER continues to up the ante with each release. For the brand’s first-ever, standalone New York Fashion Week runway show for Spring/Summer ‘23, they presented a Colligiate-themed collection – titled “Project 5: TIER University.” The new collection builds upon themes of culture and community via a reinterpreted Black College experience.
You can shop with TIER at their their website here.
2. FE NOEL
Fe Noel is a womenswear designer from Brooklyn, NY, with a passion for travel, a love of vibrant colors, and a penchant for bold prints. She entered the industry at 19, opening a boutique for vintage lovers and trendsetters in Brooklyn. That boutique catalyzed today’s clothing and lifestyle womenswear brand ‘Fe Noel’ and further stimulated her desire to help women embrace their femininity.
Fe is deeply influenced by her Grenadian heritage and has mastered the ability to bottle up culture and glamour infused with sensibility and sensuality. The designs serve as a one-of-a-kind ode to the Caribbean with beautiful patterns and swimwear with unique silhouettes.
Build your new vacation wardrobe by shopping Fe Noel at their website or Saks Fith Avenue.
3. Theophilio
Theophilio is a contemporary clothing brand based in Brooklyn, New York. Founder and Creative Director Edvin Thompson developed his brand to speak to & celebrate people who look like himself. His designs fuse nostalgia from his juvenile years in Jamaica with lived experiences in New York City’s progressive culture, making Theophilio a wearable biography. Whether you want to don a colorful standout or a sleek and sexy outfit, Theophillo has just what you need.
Grab your Theophilo here!
4. Kimberly Goldson
“BROOKLYN BORN. SISTER CRAFTED. LUXURY DRIVEN.” is the motto for our next fashion powerhouse. In 2012, Kimberly Goldson and Shelly Powell set out to develop the fashion brand of their dreams, crafted from their creative imagination and drawn from the dynamic cultures experienced during their international travels.
Kimberly Goldson is the byproduct of their love, partnership, and sisterhood. These components drive this brand forward into the fashion industry as they keep culture, creativity, and everyday women in mind. Their best sellers include dresses that will stand out from the crowd in the best way.
Get yourself in some Kimberly Goldson garb on their website or at Nordstrom!
5. June79
June79 is a luxury fashion house founded by Chief Architect / Creative Director Shawn Pean, an industry veteran and pioneer with experience at brands like Saks, Valentino, and Balmain under his belt. June79 transforms luxurious European fabrics into unique tailored garments that are easy and comfortable. His suiting draws inspiration from European sophistication and a Brooklyn attitude while being made in the USA.
Get suited in June79 by heading to their website.