Black Designers Who Made a Mark in February 2022

In the United States, February is National Black History Month. There is no shortage of contributions Black people have made to society and culture the world over. With February also being the month when fashion designers traditionally present their fall/winter collections, the flag of Black creativity flies at full mast, and their creations are highlighted in the month-long celebration.

In July 2021, Brooklyn-born Haitian descendant Kerby Jean-Raymond, founder and designer of the Pyer Moss brand, presented his couture collection as a guest of La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Rather than present in Paris, Jean-Raymond showed his collection to the world from the grounds of the New York estate of Madame CJ Walker. His designs featured artistic interpretations of inventions by African Americans, layered over couture creations. A half-year later, we observe other Black creatives making a name for themselves within their designs.

Dur Doux

Dur Doux is a luxury lifestyle brand launched in 2013 by mother-daughter duo Cynthia Burt and Najla Burt. Together they have created a brand that blends wearable pieces with edgier, more avant-garde elements. Their latest collection, entitled “La Nouvelle Mosaïque,” is a cornucopia of bright colors and bold patterns. Recently, Dur Doux launched a menswear capsule collection with fellow Washington, D.C. designer Andrew Nowell. Dur Doux Homme promises to add a menswear element as captivating as their womenswear.

Mateo New York

Mateo New York has recently been named one of the brands in the next iteration of Macy’s 2022 Icons of Style. Known for his women’s fine jewelry, Matthew Harris began his brand creating men’s pieces, and currently, he has expanded to handbags and home fragrances. Where Harris separates himself from his contemporaries is with his line of high jewelry. Utilizing solid 18kt gold and VS diamonds, Mateo New York’s high jewelry offerings are for the most fashion-forward yet discerning clients.

Cise

The word “cise” (pronounced like “ice” with an “s” at the front) is Washington D.C. slang meaning to hype up. Launched in 2020 by Howard University alum Black Van Putten, the brand came into prominence with their “Protect Black People” and “Protect Black Women” bags. Expanding from accessories to apparel, CISE now offers casual clothing and will continue to grow their wardrobe options with a concentrated effort in the fall of 2022.

Johnny Nelson

If “knuck if you buck” were a person, jewelry designer Johnny Nelson refuses to wallow in Black tragedy but rejoices in Black triumph. His highly sought-after rings, earrings, and necklaces unabashedly celebrate leaders from the African diaspora—figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Marcus Garvey, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells. He also makes cultural references using motifs of the Black Panther Party, the Three Wise Monkeys, and a Mount Rushmore style four-finger ring of deceased rappers. Inspired by Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Brooklyn neighborhood jewelers of the 1980s and ’90s, Nelson draws inspiration from his diverse artistic and cultural experiences that merge punk, hip-hop, and spirituality. The line places a heavy emphasis on statement pieces that spark conversation amongst consumers.

Lavie by CK

Grace. Opulence. Fash-ion!! Claude Kameni is a self-taught designer, and her Lavie by CK brand has taken the entertainment world by storm. Relocating from Cameroon as an adolescent, Kameni began sewing as a teenager and hasn’t looked back. Worn by Janet Jackson, Issa Rae, Iman, Beyonce, and Viola Davis, Kameni was recently chosen as WWD’s most influential Black designer to watch. Her creations bring forward traditional African textiles coupled with statuesque silhouettes and luxury fashion sensibilities. However, her masterful and vibrant creations aren’t just for women. Men cut an equally alluring figure in Kameni’s clothes. Be prepared, you will be stopped, and your photo will be taken while wearing Lavie by CK.

McKenzie Liautaud

May your chakras be aligned. Jewelry designer McKenzie Liautaud has spent over a decade joining the forces of metals and crystals and offering his creations to the world from which he finds inspiration. Led to create by his global travels, Liautaud ‘s jewelry collections are infused with international style yet, seem personally created just for you. His goal is to bring balance and harmony to the world to build a conscious brand. From earrings and necklaces to bracelets and rings, each Mckenzie Liautaud piece is beautifully handcrafted using ethically sourced precious and semi-precious materials. For spring 2022, Saks Fifth Avenue has introduced the Power Crystals collection on Saks Direct.

Tokyo James

If you don’t know the name Tokyo James, you had better get used to it. Nigerian-British designer Iniye Tokyo James has been on the radar of fashionistas for the past two years. James began by creating genderless clothing combining the suiting expertise of Savile Row and the traditional fabrics of Africa. He has since evolved to create more fashion-forward garments while incorporating contemporary style statements. James’ creations are reminiscent of some of the great designers of the last century, but the trajectory he is creating is all his own.

Salone Monet

Feel comfortable in the skin you’re in. On the home page of the brand’s website, designer Salone Monet boldly states that nude is not a color! Her eponymous footwear line is void of the one thing designers use to stand out—bold color! Salone Monet offers shoes in six shades of nude, ranging from a creamy Jasmine white to a rich chestnut brown.

So why nude? Monet explains that since a nude shoe will match you, it will match everything you wear. The nude shades don’t interrupt the leg, making your legs look longer. And because you’ll go to this nude shoe time and time again, it’s a great financial option as it has a low cost-per-wear ratio. Your best investment is always yourself, and if this shoe is an extension of you, there’s no better choice.

—Carl Ayers

Image credits

• dur-doux-01.jpg — Editorial image.
• mateo.jpg — Credit/source: Mateo New York.
• black-designers-who-made-a-mark-in.jpg — Editorial image.
• johnny-nelson.jpg — Editorial image.
• lavie.jpg — Editorial image.
• mckenzie-liautaud.jpg — Editorial image.
• tokyo-james.jpg — Editorial image.
• salone-monet.jpg — Editorial image.
• black-designers-fall-2022.jpg — Editorial image.