Fashion Now
Black Designers Under 40
Defining Fashion for the Culture

Edited by Melody Boykin Fashion is more than clothing—it reflects culture, identity, resistance, creativity, and the times we live in. Each generation leaves its signature. The 1950s brought polished postwar glamour shaped by houses like Chanel and Dior. The 1970s embraced individuality through bold prints and bell-bottoms. By the 1990s, Karl Kani, FUBU, and other…

Fashion in the Water
The Hottest
Black-Owned Swim Brands of the Summer

Edited by Melody Boykin Miami Swim Week taught us that there’s nothing that a vacation or a date with the pool can’t fix! So ladies, this summer we are getting out of our heads and into the ocean. And of course you’ll need something fabulous to wear. We have handpicked 6 banging Black-owned swim brands…

From Project Runway to Bridal Visionary
A Conversation with Laurie Underwood

Edited by Melody Boykin Photo courtesy of Laurie Underwood In an industry driven by trends, Laury Bride has cut and sewn out a distinctive place in bridal fashion through timeless design, intentional craftsmanship, and a celebration of Black womanhood. Founded by designer Laurie Underwood, the brand has become known for creating elevated bridal experiences rooted…

From Akron to Windy City
Paul Tazewell’s Iconic Costume Designs in Film, Theater & Black Fashion History

Edited by Melody Boykin Paul Tazewell is a world-renowned costume designer and the recipient of an Emmy, two Tony Awards, and an Academy Award. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has brought stories to life through fashion across Broadway, film, television, and red carpets. His work includes productions like Hamilton, Wicked, Wicked:…

Spring Trend Report
7 Must-Watch Trends from Black Designers to Elevate Your Spring Style

Edited by Melody Boykin Spring 2026 marks a decisive shift in fashion—one where narrative, heritage, and bold individuality take center stage. This season, Black designers are not just influencing trends—they are defining them. From reimagined workwear to academic-inspired style, these collections challenge convention while celebrating cultural identity, craftsmanship, and innovation. From the runways of New…

Ancestral Denim
5 Black Designers Redefine Denim for Gap 2026

There’s just something that stands out about Chicago brands. It could be the quality material made and distributed locally for those who love to look great while they peruse the windy city…

Robert Earl Paige – Legendary Textile Artist

Born and raised in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, Robert Earl Paige emerged during the Black Arts Movement and became a member of AfriCOBRA (African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists)—a collective that redefined Black aesthetics in Chicago and beyond. The group centered unapologetic Black identity, vibrant color theory, and community representation at a time when…

Ruth E. Carter
The Costume Designer Behind Black Panther, School Daze, and Sinners

There’s just something that stands out about Chicago brands. It could be the quality material made and distributed locally for those who love to look great while they peruse the windy city…

Connecting Threads Africa Fashion in Chicago
Final Days At The Field Museum

This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. As we approach the final days of Connecting Threads: African Fashion in Chicago, we invite you and your family to join us February 28 through March 1, 2026, for the official Closing Days celebration of our inaugural co-curated exhibition at the Field Museum. What began as…

Adinkra
When Fashion Talks Back
Black History Month Spotlight

Edited by Melody Boykin Across the African diaspora, fashion has always been more than aesthetics. We have made rags into riches, transformed struggle into triumph, and done it all with intention and style. Historically, fashion has been a survival tool, a status marker, and a storytelling device—long before runways and trend forecasts existed. The Akan…

Fighting the Power in Fashion: Black Protest Style from MLK to Black Lives Matter

Edited by Melody Boykin A Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Spotlight Last year, we highlighted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a dandy man—sharp, intentional, and so deliberately styled that you might miss the statement if you blinked. But few ever did. His tailoring was disciplined, his presentation immaculate, and his fashion spoke before he…

12 Days of Black Fashion:
A Holiday Wrap‑Up

And just like that, the countdown comes to a close. The 12 Days of Black Fashion wasn’t just a holiday series—it was a celebration of culture, creativity, and the designers shaping what’s next. From trench dresses and quiet luxury staples to bold prints, winter accessories, and beauty trends that made us blush, each day highlighted…