Over 30 Black fashion influencers you should be following – if you aren’t already
The lack of racial and body diversity within the mainstream fashion influencer space is clear, and it’s been an issue for years. It’s also not a secret that the way we dress and the brands we love are influenced by the longevity of Black culture.
When you scroll through your feed and see FOMO-filled influencer press trips to dreamy spots like Brazil and Australia, have you ever stopped to think why Black fashion creatives are missing from those group beach photos? In 2019, D.C. based fashion blogger, Alicia Tenise, took to Twitter to shed light on the absence of diversity on press trips and explained she had only been invited on just two trips that year.
Black influencers are rarely ever invited on influencer trips.
I’ve started screenshotting every press trip I’ve seen over the last month and the lack of diversity is so upsetting (but not surprising). pic.twitter.com/Zftn8ZBIhD— Alicia (@AliciaTenise) June 20, 2019
Aside from spending your dollars on Black-owned fashion and beauty businesses, another way to show your support is to learn about the influencers that go beyond the conventional group you might already be following. Black fashion influencers are not only some of the most creative people on the internet, but are also making changes in the digital landscape.
Chrissy Rutherford, the former Special Projects Director of Talent and Social Media at Harpers Bazaar, is one of the first fashion tastemakers I followed on Instagram. Aside from her dreamy wardrobe filled with Khaite and Victor Glemaud, Rutherford is not afraid to use her platform to speak up. In less than a week, her video titled “It’s not enough to just say ‘I’m not racist”’ racked up over 5 million views.
If you’re looking to diversify your feed (which I highly suggest), I’ve compiled a list of inspiring Black fashion influencers that I’ve either been following for years or are new friends that I discovered over the past week. To get you started, check out these boss babes below.
Chrissy Rutherford
A post shared by Chrissy Rutherford (@chrissyford) on May 21, 2020 at 3:07pm PDT
Lydia Tsegay of Femmeblk
A post shared by Lydia (@femmeblk) on May 18, 2020 at 11:11am PDT
Nikki, Meghan, Shay and Brandy of Influencing In Color
A post shared by Nikki. Meghan. Shay. Brandy (@influencingincolor) on Mar 8, 2020 at 7:32am PDT
Kellie Brown
A post shared by Kellie Brown (@itsmekellieb) on May 28, 2020 at 10:12am PDT
Aïda of Basics Touch
Last one from this series self-portrait shots #basicstouchselfportrait
A post shared by Aïda | french Minimalist style (@basicstouch) on May 1, 2020 at 11:01am PDT
Amy Lefévre
A post shared by Amy Julliette Lefévre (@lefevrediary) on May 28, 2020 at 2:50pm PDT
Imani Randolph
A post shared by
(@champagnemani) on May 15, 2020 at 11:37am PDT
Danielle and Gabby Prescod
SIS (Sissys In Shearling). Look for it in the Met 2056.: @tylerjoe
A post shared by Danielle & Gabby Prescod (@theprescodsisters) on Feb 28, 2020 at 10:26am PST
Aysha Sow
Something orange linked the top in my stories
A post shared by AYSHA SOW (@aysha.sow) on May 1, 2020 at 10:14am PDT
Monroe Steele
A post shared by Monroe Steele (@monroesteele) on Apr 14, 2020 at 8:28am PDT
Nana Agyemang
Strong women intimidate boys and excite men.
A post shared by Wash your hands for 20 seconds (@itsreallynana) on May 8, 2020 at 4:16pm PDT
Dana Nozime
A post shared by
(@dananozime) on May 29, 2020 at 10:48am PDT
Mariama Diallo
A post shared by Mariama diallo (@mariamadiallo_) on Jan 29, 2020 at 12:56pm PST
Salem Mitchell
A post shared by SALEM (@salemmitchell) on Apr 8, 2020 at 5:19pm PDT
Onyi Moss
A post shared by
(@mossonyi) on May 31, 2020 at 10:03am PDT
Jamé Jackson of The Blonde Misfit
A post shared by Jamé J. — #BlackLivesMatter (@theblondemisfit) on Feb 3, 2020 at 5:48am PST
Ellie of Slip Into Style
Red and pink lover for life : @torgonskayaa
A post shared by Ellie (@slipintostyle) on May 19, 2020 at 3:31am PDT
Herieth Paul
A post shared by
(@heriethpaul) on May 4, 2020 at 8:38am PDT
Tamu McPherson
A post shared by All the Pretty Birds (@tamumcpherson) on May 15, 2020 at 12:05pm PDT
Mecca James-Williams
A post shared by Mecca James-Williams (@meccajw) on May 18, 2020 at 8:46am PDT
Candace Marie
A post shared by
(@marie_mag_) on May 6, 2020 at 10:30am PDT
Alicia Tenise
A post shared by alicia | lifestyle & travel (@aliciatenise) on Mar 11, 2020 at 6:12pm PDT
Temiloluwa Otedola
Never met a mirror I didn’t like
A post shared by Temiloluwa Otedola (@temiotedola) on Mar 7, 2020 at 10:31am PST
Jourdana Elizabeth
A post shared by Jourdana Phillips (@jourdanaelizabeth) on May 20, 2020 at 9:15am PDT
Kiitana
A post shared by Kiitan A. (@kiitana) on Apr 24, 2020 at 1:27pm PDT
Leomie Anderson
Don’t touch my hair or my ass without my consent yuh hurdddd? Tracksuit bottoms by @adnaapparel
A post shared by Leomie Anderson (@leomieanderson) on Apr 20, 2020 at 11:35am PDT
Micaéla Verrelien
A post shared by Micaéla Verrelien (@micaelaverrelien) on May 28, 2020 at 3:47pm PDT
Janelle Marie Lloyd of Wait You Need This
I love when my phone reminds me of cute outfits. A look from four years ago today. I’d still rock it
A post shared by Janelle Marie Lloyd (@waityouneedthis) on Apr 6, 2020 at 2:04pm PDT
Grace Mahary
Virtually heading back to Colombia this weekend. Where are you heading?
A post shared by Grace Mahary (@gracemahary) on Mar 27, 2020 at 5:24pm PDT
Torin Ashtun
Work in progress… Dress handmade by yours truly.
A post shared by Torin Ashtun (@torinashtun) on Oct 28, 2019 at 4:42pm PDT
Kia Danielle
A post shared by
(@kia_danielle) on May 11, 2020 at 2:07pm PDT
Shiona Turini
A post shared by Shiona Turini (@shionat) on May 20, 2020 at 1:27pm PDT
Gabrielle Richardson
thankful for all the people i love ~
A post shared by GABRIELLE (@fridacashflow) on May 24, 2020 at 8:46pm PDT
If you found this story helpful, check out 7 essential books to read that will educate you and your kids on anti-racism.
More from In The Know:
How to support the Black Lives Matter movement and protestors
Happy Pride! Celebrate all month long with picks from these 16 brands
Shop our favorite products from In The Know Beauty on Tik Tok
14 Black women share how they’re caring for their natural hair during quarantine
The post Over 30 Black fashion influencers you should be following – if you aren’t already appeared first on In The Know.
