Move over, New York and Paris, Berlin Fashion Week is quickly becoming a place for young designers to see and be seen.
Berlin has been doing its thing since 2007. But this year, the German capital showed love to Black designers on July 2 and 3 with Black in Fashion, a pop-up event dedicated to providing a platform for designers of African descent.
The two-day event showcased seven Black German designers and included conversations about challenges they face in the industry while allowing visitors to meet the designers and shop their collections.
Check out some of the Black designers whose work was on display at the Black in Fashion pop-up.
Emeka Suits
Emeka Suits is the brainchild of Creative Director Sydney Nwakanma and his cousin, who were looking to provide employment opportunities for African people. Each creative piece is made by African tailors, who breathe new life into second-hand clothing rather than letting the fabric clog up waterways and landfills – ultimately wreaking havoc on the environment.
Emeka Suits
Emeka Suits’ commitment to sustainability comes through in every creative piece. The Business Unusual, a line of unique unisex suits handmade in Kenya from upcycled curtains, is one of our favorites.
Buki Akomolafe
German/Nigerian designer Buki Akomolate launched her high-end women’s clothing label in 2016. Her collection is filled with updated basics made in cool, creative shapes. Each handmade piece is built to last, made of high-quality materials like certified cotton, organic Hemp-Silk, and African wax prints.
Buki Akomolafe
We love the quilt jumper, a reversible cotton crop top with tons of creative options to wear. This is one piece that will work with plenty of options in their wardrobe.
Dennis Chuene
South African-born designer Dennis Chuene founded his Berlin-based fashion brand in 2008. Chuene describes his collection as “detailed tailored apparel with emphasis on individuality,” and we couldn’t agree more. All of the items are handmade by Chuene himself, so you can guarantee that every piece is unique and comes with the designer’s personal stamp of approval.
Dennis Chuene
We love the Kimono Cropped Puffer, an oversized cotton jacket with nylon lining and two amazing front pockets with zippers.
Amike Studio
Raised in a Rwandan orphanage, Aline Mukamusoni learned the art of handcrafting from the women in her village. Today, that beautiful art comes through in every beaded accessory from her Amike Studio line. Celebrity fans include actress Lupita Nyong’o, seen here carrying a tote bag from the line.
Amike Studio
From their handbags to their headdresses, each piece is painstakingly made and guaranteed to get lots of compliments.
GemZ
Gemz describes itself as “unique hair jewelry for the everyday life that will last a lifetime.”
Gemz
Whether you want to brighten up braids or add some creativity to your corn rows, you have lots of beautiful options with their unique line of handmade hair art made with high quality metals.
InJewels
InJewels founder Stella Owusu is all about offering high quality designer jewelry her customers love.
InJewels
Whether it’s a pair of earrings, a necklace or an engagement ring, each piece is beautiful crafted and inspired by elements in nature and Owusu’s Ghanaian roots.
Sokolata
Sokolata was launched by Sikoti Mbaitjongue, a self-taught French-Cameroonian stylist in 2022. The line includes beautiful basics for men and women in neutral colors that are anything but boring. Mbaitjongue says she got in the design game to bring a fresh perspective to African fashion. “This need to associate my vision with it was born in Senegal: Create a comfortable and minimalist style associated with noble and natural materials from the Continent,” she says on the brand’s website.
Sokolata
The cutout under the collar and the side pocket design make the Linguere Dress a creatively elevated basic piece that works for work or a night out. Handmade of 100 percent Senegalese cotton, this is one dress you can wear all day.
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