From mathematician turned fashion brand owners to women who had enough of the lack of clothing options in their sizes, these designers took matters into their own hands to create beautiful clothing with plus-size women in mind. They are transforming women’s access to masterfully crafted clothes and we are here for it. Here’s our 2022 round up of black-owned plus-size and inclusive sizing brands and designers you need to know.
1. Elann Zelie (Zelie for She)
Elann Zelie, Designer and Owner of plus-size brand “Zelie for She” is a major player in contemporary plus-size fashion. Her love of designing and desire to create opportunities for all women to express themselves through fashion inspired her ready-to-wear fashion line. “Zelie for She” is a fresh, unapologetic and authentic expression of one’s individuality.
@zelieforshe
2. Ashontay Hubbard (Christian Omeshun)
Owner and Head Designer of Christian Omeshun, Ashontay Hubbard is trailblazing the made-to-order space crafting one-of-a-kind designs for the most important moments in women’s lives from wedding gowns to prom dresses. Her gowns have graced award show stages on actresses like Raven Goodwin of Being Mary Jane and have been featured in Buzzfeed, Essence, New York Times, and Full Figure Fashion Week just to name a few.
@christian_omeshun
3. Diarra Buosso (Diarra Blu)
Originally from Senegal, Diarra Buosso began her career as a high school math teacher. She marries her love for fashion and math in her designs for Diarra Blu, her latest fashion line. Her intricate patterns are the result of shapes created by mathematical equations. Today Diarra’s line that serves women sizes 0-3x also custom-fits pieces to the customers’ height. The line has made a splash from Vogue Magazine to popular TV shows such as HBO’s Insecure on character Kelli.
@thediarrablu
4. Monif Clarke (Monif C.)
Monif C, is a veteran in the plus-size fashion industry. A Barbados native, the designer launched her brand over 15 years ago as a solution to sexy swimwear and gorgeous fashions for plus-size women at affordable prices. Although she had no design experience, Monif grew frustrated with the lack of clothing options for plus-size women. When she first brought her pieces to market in 2005 she was told that women who wear plus sizes were not interested in showing off their bodies. And she has proved all of the nay-sayers wrong. Today the brand has transitioned their focus to sexy lingerie for plus size women and we can’t get enough.
@monifcplussizes
5. Kim and Keyondra Lockett (Jolie Noire)
Kim and Keyondra Lockett are the multifaceted sister team behind the elevated leisure wear brand Jolie Noire. These singer/songwriters, stylists and lifestyle bloggers have created a brand where the name says it all, black is beautiful and their graphic tees and sweatshirts are nothing short of gorgeous. Ranging in sizes from small to 6xl, they are making chic accessible to everyone.
@joliexnoireapparel
