Fashion is one of the most powerful tools of self-expression. It tells the world who we are, celebrates culture, and reflects spirit. For Black women, it’s especially important to see ourselves represented in the designers shaping the industry—not as an afterthought, but at the center. That’s why the 2025 21Ninety Awards honor the trailblazers behind Black-owned fashion brands creating space, representation, and impact.
Under the Lifestyle category, three visionary women have been named winners of Best Black-Owned Fashion Brand. Each has fused creativity with activism, rewriting fashion history on their own terms. From Africa to the Caribbean, these are the game-changing brands redefining style for Black women everywhere.
First Place Winner: Hanifa
Hanifa has redefined high fashion by centering the silhouettes of Black women. The luxury brand is known for bold, vibrant, and culturally rooted designs that celebrate identity and style. Its influence has reached global stages, with stars like Beyoncé and Savannah James choosing to wear Hanifa and amplify a Black-owned brand that puts Black women at its core.
Founder Anifa Mvuemba was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and moved to the United States as a child. Inspired by her mother’s love of adornment, she developed a passion for fashion that grew into a groundbreaking line of gowns, evening wear, and bridal. From red carpets to runways, Hanifa continues to create space for Black women to see themselves reflected in luxury fashion.
Second Place Winner: Fe Noel
Felisha “Fe” Noel draws deeply from her Grenadian heritage to shape her womenswear brand, Fe Noel. Known for eye-catching patterns, bright colors, and flowing silhouettes, the line is both glamorous and unapologetically celebratory of Black culture.
Noel pairs her artistry with a commitment to mentorship through the Fe Noel Foundation. The organization supports young girls with entrepreneurial ambitions. Her brand not only offers fashion that centers Black women but also inspires the next generation of designers to step into the industry with confidence and creativity.
Third Place Winner: Diarrablu
Founded by Senegal-raised multidisciplinary artist Diarra Bousso, Diarrablu stands out for its sustainable and size-inclusive approach to fashion. The brand’s striking designs, from swimwear to matching sets, draw on themes of identity, heritage, and cultural storytelling. Sustainability is at the heart of Diarrablu, with a focus on reducing waste through algorithmic design and crowdsourcing. Many of its pieces are produced in Dakar, Senegal. That work is done in a family-run workshop. The line honors both the planet and the traditions of Black fashion.
About the Awards
Without compromising on the fashion itself, each of these 2025 21Ninety Award winners in the Best Black-Owned Fashion Brands category kept people and culture center stage.
This year’s 21Ninety Awards shifted from product-based categories to people-focused recognition. Instead of highlighting only what we use, the awards celebrate the women shaping beauty, wellness, and lifestyle culture from within.
Winners were selected for their impact on their audiences, their ability to create space and community, and their dedication to representation. We also looked at innovation, consistency, and cultural influence. Above all, nominees had to reflect 21Ninety’s mission of empowering Black women through beauty, wellness, and lifestyle.This approach ensures that changemakers, community builders, and unsung heroes get the spotlight for the impact they make every day.