Last year, in the wake of racial justice initiatives, we saw an uprising of consumers supporting Black-owned and minority streetwear brands. Recognizing talent in the Black community, corporations started backing more and more Black businesses. Black-owned brands aren’t anything new though, and there has always been a rich sneakerhead and streetwear culture in the community. Just some of those early brands are Fubu, Cross Colours, Karl Kani, Phat farm, Sean John, and LRG.
Continuing that legacy, more Black-owned brands are showing up, proving to be big contenders in the world of streetwear.
Our #minority-streetwearbrands slack channel will give you information about new drops, pop-up shops, latest collabs, and foundation initiatives.
Keep an eye out for brands such as Anwar Carrots, Pyer Moss, Daryll Brown Midwest Kids, Denim Tears, Wales Bonner, Brick & Woods, and Brandon Blackwood. Behind each brand is a story, and we’ve taken time to learn more about those stories here.
Anwar carrots
About: After breaking away from former brand Peas & Carrots, Anwar Carrots was established in 2014. Anwar, the creative force behind Carrots by Anwar, focuses his brand on improving the classics. Instead of reinventing the wheel, he takes iconic brands and makes them his own. Throughout the years, he’s released collabs with Puma, Brooks, K- Swiss, and Champion. Through each collection, he pulls inspiration from his upbringing and aims to represent his culture.
Pyer Moss
About: As a brand that has gained massive notoriety within these recent years, the luxury streetwear brand Pyer Moss salutes Black culture and relays strong political statements through each collection. Founder Kerby Jean-Raymond describes himself as an artist who, at the tender age of 13, set the intention on being a footwear designer. The Brooklyn native later stumbled into fashion design and worked as an apprentice for Kay Unger. Throughout the seasons of his life, the passion to design never left, and he continued to perfect his craft. After Rihanna wore his camo leather jacket, he launched Pyer Moss in 2013. Since then, his work has graced many stages, red carpets, and galas, and he is now the global creative director for Reebok.
Darryl Brown - MIDWEST KIDS
About: Darryl Brown, former railroad engineer and former head stylist for Kanye West, launched his own fashion brand in 2019. Using influences from established brands such as Levi’s, Carharrt, and Dickies, Darryl’s vision was to create something similar that represented the Midwest and weathered the test of time.
Kacey Lynch - Bricks & Wood
About: Bricks & Wood is a South Central, Los Angeles based apparel company that focuses on storytelling through manufacture, design, & collaborations. Kacey Lynch is the founder and CEO of the brand, and his inspiration comes from everyday walks of life within his hometown of South Central.
Grace Bonner- Wales Bonner
About: Grace Wales Bonner launched her brand in 2014, shortly after graduating from Central Saint Martins. First established as a menswear brand, Wales Bonner’s soulful tailoring soon expanded to womenswear. Her designs are characterized by a blend of sportswear and tailoring and her interest in making everyday clothes, such as the tracksuit, more elegant.
Brandon Blackwood
About: The young global designer Brandon Blackwood made his mark in the handbag industry by providing what he describes as “New York City luxury”. After graduating from Bard College, he took a risk and started his first handbag line, drawing inspiration from the women in his family. His goal is to create pieces that elevate the essence of a person. Each bag is composed of ethical-sourced, conscious materials, including vegan leather. In 2020, the release of his End Systematic Racism collection flooded Instagram feeds in the fight against systematic oppression. His bags continue to sell out online and can now be found at select boutiques.