African-American Fashion Designers You May Not Know

By: Songine’ Clarke

In the fashion industry it might seem like there’s a lack of fashion designers that are African American. Well, there are a few designers who are on the fast track to fame or may already be there.

Laquan Smith

Laquan Smith, 23, started his self-titled designer brand in 2008. He started off designing custom pieces for celebrities such as: Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Cassie, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and the infamous top model Tyra Banks. He made his New York Fashion Week debut on February 15, 2010, having fashion greats in the audience including Vogue’s ex Editor-at-Large Andre Leon Talley. Laquan is definitely on the fast track to fame and will definitely be the designer everybody is talking about. You can check out his stuff at: http://laquansmith.com/

Patrick Robinson

Patrick Robinson was most known for being the executive vice president of Gap Global Design for Adult and Body. He has also worked for Giorgio Armani, Anne Klein, Perry Ellis, and Paco Rabanne. Patrick is a designer that is known for being behind the scenes, but he definitely has a lot of respect in the industry.

Maya Amina Lake

Maya Amina Lake is the designer of the clothing line Boxing Kitten. This small, but well known clothing line is known for its African print clothing and bright colored dresses. Maya already has a big celebrity following, having Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Solange Knowles, Fergie, and Erykah Badu wearing her clothing. Her clothing has also been seen in publications such as The New York Times, Teen Vogue, and Arise. She is a designer that is definitely on the fast track to fame. You can check out the Maya’s line Boxing Kitten at http://boxingkitten.com/.