African-American Fashion Designers ?

[Fashiongirl1]

Hey, I was wondering if someone could give me a list of any REAL black fashion designers? I am talking about REAL designers. Not someone who had to marry rich, or become some type of celeb and then wants to claim status that they really don't have or really have not earned. I wanted to know if there is a long list of REAL black fashion designers out here. I don't care what country but is there any good amount in America? I would also like to know what countries they are from. I know of Tracy Reese, that is about it. I think the Enyce, Fubu, and Akademiks were created by REAL designers too. Maybe LRG. I am not too sure. I cannot think of anyone else. Again, I am talking REAL designers not Baby Phat, Sean John, Rocawear, Applebottoms etc... They are not REAL designers.

Thanks

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

 

[Spike413]

The first name that comes to mind is Patrick Robinson who used to be design director at Perry Ellis and is now heading The Gap. There's also Lawrence Steele who is probably best known for desiging Jennifer Aniston's wedding dress and the dress she wore to the 2000 Academy Awards.

 

[mass]

first name that comes to mind for me is joe casely-hayford, who has had quite a well-rounded career.

 

[birdofparadise]

In the US, Zulema Griffin shows every season and is going from strength to strength. Victor Glemaud has garnered a lot of attention for his sweaters. I think Rachel Roy is solid. CD Greene out of Chicago worked on SATC's Sam Jones. In the UK, Gavin Douglas won Fashion Fringe under Tom Ford a few years ago, hard to see if he's done something for spring 2009. Duro Olowu holds his own, Joe Casely-Hayford is possibly far better than we ever will know though time will tell. There's of course Mr Boateng. Keep your ear to the ground, there's some interesting stuff happening.

 

[The.Rock.Inc.]

Patrick Robinson at GAP and Tracy Reese.... for the now generation.

in the past - Willi Smith who designed Willi Wear, it was a really wonderful, energetic, New York collection... Stephen Burrows, who was also big in the early-80's and Pat Cleveland was his muse. There's also Duro Olowu now, although he's not a major name/force in fashion - but at least he's known to the insiders. There are also quite a few design directors who are black - Edward Buchanan used to design Bottega Veneta, Edward Wilkerson who used to design Donna Karan Collection - there's also someone named Xiomaya who I believe is still at Donna, who Donna really relies on for eveningwear.

 

[kapocia]

In South Africa we have: David Tlale, Thula Sindi, Bongiwe Walaza, Sun Goddess, Stoned Cherrie and many more. These are the some that have been come well known and theor clothes are worn by our celebrities.
Some of them can be found at www.vogue.co.uk in the fashion shows section, you can also check out www.sanlamsafashionweek.co.za for other black designers.

Peace !

 

[kimair]

i would add kevan hall to the list (former designer for halston), he has a studio in los angeles, and has frequently designed red carpet dresses for vanessa williams, eva longoria parker, and brooke shields...

 

[Fashiongirl1]

Thanks everyone. I just could not think of any. Whats sad is when I was in college, during my business courses if the professor asked to name designers they would say Sean John, Baby Phat, Rocawear. I am like are these people kidding or are they that stupid?

I will definetly be writing these down and when I get home from work.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Fashiongirl1]

Finding out about Willi Smith is actually the reason for my asking the question to begin with.

Thanks soooo much.!!