Brands like Baby Phat and Sean John have become as mainstream as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. From Harlem boutiques to fine department stores like Bloomingdale’s, the success of these clothing lines are a true sign that the fashion industry has become more diverse than it was twenty or even fifteen years ago. I think it’s fair to say that Hip Hop can take the credit for opening doors but before Diddy and Russell Simmons, Black and Hispanic designers have been working their way onto the scene with everything from couture to ready to wear apparel.

Oscar de la Renta, born to a Dominican mother and a Puerto Rican father, left the Dominican Republic at eighteen to study painting in Spain and quickly changed his focus to fashion. He’s been recognized, with numerous awards, as one of the best womenswear designers and has dressed everyone from Beyonce to Hilary Clinton. Tracy Reese, one of my favorite dress designers, launched her ultra feminine and charming yet modern line in 1998. This uber talented Black woman left her hometown in Detroit to study at Parsons School of Design in New York. She later moved to Paris where she apprenticed under designer Martine Sitbon.

We wear it because it compliments our figure, makes us feel beautiful or just turn heads, but fashion is a cultural and artistic expression that historians will use to tell our story long after we’re gone. During my search for emerging Black and Hispanic designers, I found two hidden gems that exhibit trend, culture and art through eye catching pieces. Chez La Cherie, by Angel Johnson, and Candy Purse, by Candace Marquette, are two labels by African American women that you will definitely want add to your wardrobe collection.

Angel Johnson, founder of Chez La Cherie, began her career in the fashion industry as an assistant wardrobe stylist to some of the hottest celebrities. She started designing by making specialty pieces for her clients and soon realized that this was her true calling. Angel describes Chez La Cherie as a “direct reflection of her love for luxury and comfortability”. I like to call it street wear meets high fashion.

 

Candace Marquette, creator of Candy Purse, studied drawing, painting, and graphic design at the University of North Texas. She started her own design business making handmade accessories which she sold to people at her church and charity events before approaching various boutiques. Her purses are made from the finest leather and adorned with beautiful hand painted illustrations and jewelry.

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