In honor of New York Fashion Week and Black History Month, we’ve been paying attention to the influencers, designers, and brands and that are setting the bar in the fashion world and we can’t help but notice. If you don’t know these names — you should. Check out what’s on our fashion radar in 2023.
Creators
Angie Martinez: Style Me Ang
Fashion stylist, writer and content creator Angie Martinez-Tejada is the editor of her blog Style Me Ang, a go-to hub for all of you styling needs along with an inside look into the mind of this creator and the inspiration behind her looks. An alumni of FIT, Angie created her website to “inspire all of you to show up as the highest version of yourselves.”
Jamila Stewart: Fashion Editor
Jamila Stewart is no stranger in the fashion world, but definitely needs her flowers! With a following of over 61.4k on TikTok and not to mention bylines in Essence, InStyle and the fashion Bible herself — Vogue, Jamila is the one-stop-shop for all things fashion trends, news and styling recommendations and more. If you don’t know her name by now, you should!
Wardrobe costumer and podcast manager Raquel Imani is becoming the go-to source for fashion news on TikTok. From runway show breakdowns, opinionated responses to trending news or our favorite series created by her, “Everything I would Buy If Joe Biden Forgave My Student Loans.” She is a must-watch this year. We won’t be surprised if Raquel is verified on TikTok by the end of the year with her consistent and quality content. If you’re looking for someone to talk fashion with, Raquel is your person.
Brands
If you’re thinking of upgrading your wardrobe, then you should definitely add Meow and Barks Boutique to your must-shop list. Created by Traci Evans, Meow and Barks Boutique has styles that are made for the queens that want the block to stop and stare. Fun, cute and flirty are the words to describe this brand. They take fashion to another level of excitement and we can’t help but stop and stare. Our personal favorite item in stock right now is their Red Shaggy Sweater.
This new streetwear line coming out of Atlanta is using their clothes to send a message of intentionality, positivity all while celebrating life’s wins. Created by Scion Narcisse, Bonus Points mission is not only to create quality clothing, but also to celebrate and honor the various obstacles we all take in life and the grit it takes to make it to the other side of the mountain. The brand has a following of 700 and counting and we have high hopes that they will a talked about name going into the new year.
If you’re looking for an edgy alternative to your everyday ensemble, then you’ve come to the right place. Fishing for Scale’s aesthetic is quite literally fishing meets combat. Check out their Sea Biscuit Boot for reference. Worn by celebrities like rapper Quavo, The exclusive brand is password protect so, in order to shop, we recommend signing up to be on their email list to get updates. Maybe a password is in your future.
This brand was designed with the women 5’5″ and below in mind. Created by Jessica White, East on Rodeo pieces are crafted to fit the petite frame regardless of your body’s silhouette with quality fabrics that are designed to last. The tagline, “more soul than height,” showcases the essence of the brand and that is to ultimately, celebrate the shorties in this world and adorning them with clothing that represents their beauty on the inside and out.
Birthed in Houston and now in the Big Apple, J. Alexandra Designs, ran by Jordan Lewis, is an up-and-coming designer that is a force to be reckoned. Every season a new collection of quality items come out — and sell out fast. If you’re a lover of quality and exclusivity then check out New York’s new best kept secret. Exclusive: Her I Heart New York collection launches today just in time for Valentine’s Day.
