The global luxury market is a $362 billion industry
And according to research by Bain & Co, it is projected to grow to between $540 Billion and $580 Billion by 2030.
However, Black designers represent much less than 1% of this space. It's time to change that.
For Black designers, entering the luxury goods market is not just an avenue for financial success but a pivotal opportunity to influence and diversify the industry. It ensures their voices, craftsmanship, and rich cultural narratives are woven into the fabric of this ever-expanding multi-billion-dollar market.
What constitutes Luxury?
A high price tag is not the only thing that signifies luxury, in fact, we lean in more on the quality, experience and artistry. True luxury reflects exceptional craftsmanship and design, elevating it beyond a product to an art form. At its essence, luxury in fashion embodies the following elements:
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Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship
Meticulous attention to detail and the use of premium materials. Each piece is a testament to superior craftsmanship, designed to stand the test of time and offer unparalleled beauty and functionality.
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Experiential Value
From the personalized service during purchase to the meticulous packaging and the story behind each piece, luxury items offer a journey that enriches daily life. This experiential value transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, making every interaction with a luxury item a cherished memory.
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Heritage and Storytelling
A rich history, steeped in tradition and narratives that add depth and authenticity. This storytelling connects consumers to the brand on an emotional level, making each piece more than just a product.
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Emotional Value and Status
Fulfillment of a deeper emotional desire, representing success, achievement, or a connection to something greater. They carry cultural and status significance that transcends their functional purpose.
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Timeless Appeal
While trends come and go, luxury is timeless. It defies fast fashion, offering pieces that remain relevant and cherished for decades.
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Innovation and Artistry
The pinnacle of creativity, where innovation meets artistic expression. From groundbreaking designs to limited-edition collections, luxury pushes boundaries, offering pieces that are both functional and artistic.
In 2019, non-white consumers made up around 20% of luxury spending in the U.S., a figure projected to grow to 30% by 2025.
Source: Business of Fashion.
Challenging Misconceptions About Black-Owned Luxury
Many misconceptions have historically excluded Black designers from the luxury space, and we are here to challenge and dismantle them.
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Myth 1: Black Consumers Only Shop Mass Market
A persistent and damaging myth is that Black consumers only shop for at budget/mass-market pricing, overlooking their purchasing power and influence across all market tiers.
This misconception discourages many designers from entering the luxury space. In reality, Black consumers shop across all price spectrums, and are significant contributors to the high-end market.
However, with limited representation of Black designers in the luxury market, a dominant majority portion of Black consumers' luxury spending is directed toward mainstream, non-Black-owned brands.
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Myth 2: Black Designers Don’t Create High-Quality Products
In reality, Black designers are equally committed to producing pieces that are aesthetically stunning and functionally superior. Their creations often rival, and in many cases surpass, the quality standards set by long-established luxury houses. From sourcing the finest materials to employing meticulous construction techniques, these designers are redefining excellence in their fields.
Furthermore, Black designers bring fresh perspectives to luxury, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative elements and cultural influences that make them stand out.
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Myth 3: Black-Owned Brands Are Only for Black Consumers
Black-owned brands have universal appeal and create products that resonate with a wide audience.
Black luxury designers craft items that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, appealing to diverse tastes and preferences. Their ability to blend tradition with modernity and heritage with innovation makes their creations meaningful to consumers of all backgrounds. These brands symbolize cultural pride, deliver exceptional quality, and stand out with unique products in the competitive luxury market.
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Myth 4: Black-Owned Brands Lack Heritage
While systemic oppression has historically limited opportunities for Black owned brands to thrive over decades, many Black luxury designers draw profoundly from their cultural roots. Their designs embody rich traditions, history, and lived experiences, infusing their work with unparalleled authenticity and depth.
By weaving personal and cultural stories into their creations, these designers offer a unique emotional connection that resonates powerfully with consumers. Their work enriches the luxury market and redefines heritage, showing that legacy is not solely measured by time, it’s also measured by impact, cultural richness, and the ability to inspire.
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Myth 5: Black-Owned Brands Can’t Compete Globally
Despite systemic barriers, Black luxury designers have consistently proven their ability to excel and thrive on the global stage.
Many have entered international markets, collaborated with renowned retailers, and been featured in prestigious publications. Their work reflects a unique blend of cultural depth, innovative design and craftsmanship, capturing the attention of a sophisticated global audience.
Far from merely participating, they are actively influencing trends and elevating the standards of what modern luxury represents.
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Myth 6: Black-Owned Brands Can’t Sustain Luxury
While access to capital remains a significant challenge, Black Luxury Designer are pushing through systemic barriers, building thriving businesses and redefining luxury on their own terms.
This is exactly why we created this platform: to highlight and drive spending dollars toward these brands, ensuring they have the financial resources to expand, innovate, and continue setting new standards in the luxury space.
By supporting these designers, we contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for the luxury industry.
Black consumers in the U.S. hold $1.6 trillion in spending power, spending $835 billion in 2019 alone, including a significant share on luxury goods. Less than 1% of the luxury spending goes to Black-owned luxury brands.
Source: McKinsey & Co research.
Why Some People Hesitate to Shop Black Luxury
We conducted a survey with 37 respondents to explore why they haven’t yet shopped with Black luxury designers. These are the six most common reasons identified.
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1) Lack of Awareness
" I didn't even know __ existed"
Most Black luxury brands operate with smaller budgets than heritage houses, limiting their ability to fund major campaigns or events. As a result, they often struggle for recognition, despite rivaling mainstream brands in craftsmanship and design.
This visibility gap stems from systemic inequities, not a lack of quality. We created this platform to help bridge that gap and change the narrative.
Our goal is to make it easier for consumers to discover, appreciate, and support Black luxury designer and to ensure these brands get the recognition they deserve, breaking down the barriers that have kept them hidden from the spotlight for far too long.
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2) Limited Retail Availability
"I can't find them where I shop"
Less than 1% of luxury brands in major retailers are by Black designers, severely limiting their visibility and accessibility to consumers. Without representation in these spaces, many consumers remain unaware of the incredible quality and craftsmanship Black luxury brands offer. Additionally, resource constraints often prevent these brands from establishing flagship stores, further narrowing their reach.
The solution lies in intentional action: consistent purchases that demonstrate consumer demand, increased exposure through partnerships and collaborations, and meaningful investments to provide Black designers the resources they need to scale and thrive.
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3) Preconceived Notions
"I fear it's not going to be good quality"
These stereotypes are rooted in systemic inequities and historical exclusion, which have shaped narratives that undermine the excellence of Black designers.
In reality, many Black luxury brands exceed traditional standards, driven by an acute awareness of the scrutiny they face and a commitment to excellence that goes above and beyond to challenge these stereotypes.
Despite often using the same high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship as legacy houses, Black luxury brands are still subjected to unfair biases and held to disproportionately higher standards.
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4) Price Misconceptions
"I just feel like they should be cheaper"
This is a common thing that Black luxury designers contend with and it undervalues the craftsmanship, premium materials, and meticulous production methods that they bring to the table. Many of these brands produce in the same markets and factories as heritage houses, where production costs are significant, meaning their prices could, and often should, be even higher.
Unfortunately, stereotypes and biases frequently pressure Black luxury brands to lower their prices to appear competitive, while heritage brands add significant markups to cover their overhead.
When you choose to invest in a Black luxury brand, you’re often receiving equal or superior quality.
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5) Limited Product Availability
"I like the brand, but their inventory is limited"
Limited availability often results from smaller production runs and resource constraints. Unlike mainstream brands or those backed by significant investment, most Black-owned brands don’t have the financial privilege to produce at scale. Truth is, creating inventory is expensive, and without consistent revenue, expanding offerings becomes difficult.
This is why consistent purchases are so vital. Purchases provide the financial support these designers need to scale, invest in larger production runs, and make their exceptional products more widely available.
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6) Loyalty to Heritage Brands
"I am already loyal to ___"
We understand and respect the loyalty many feel toward heritage brands and we want to emphasize that we are not suggesting you abandon purchasing from heritage brands. We simply encourage you to consider Black-owned luxury brands as well when making your luxury purchases. Diversifying your purchases is not a threat to heritage brands; rather, it enriches the industry as a whole.
By including Black designers in your wardrobe, you celebrate exceptional talent, foster inclusivity, and contribute to a more vibrant, diverse luxury space. It’s about complementing your cherished classics with fresh, inspiring creations that tell new stories and bring a richer dimension to the world of luxury.
the luxury world today
Three major conglomerates (LVMH, Kering, and Richemont) dominate the global luxury market, collectively owning many of the most recognized luxury brands. Their combined market capitalization exceeds $400 billion, underscoring their significant influence in the industry. Here's a closer look at each conglomerate's portfolio and market valuation:
LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) (Market Cap: $313 billion): Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Celine, Loewe, Marc Jacobs, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., TAG Heuer, Hublot, Zenith, Chaumet, Loro Piana, Emilio Pucci, Berluti, Kenzo, Patou, Moynat, Rimowa, Stella McCartney.
Kering (Market Cap: $28.66 billion): Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Qeelin, Ginori 1735.
Richemont (Market Cap: $90.2 billion): Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, Alaïa, AZ Factory, Chloé, Delvaux, Dunhill, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian, Watchfinder & Co., Yoox Net-a-Porter Group.
None of these conglomerates currently have any Black-founded or Black-led brands in their portfolios, underscoring a significant opportunity to foster greater representation and inclusivity within the luxury industry.
Every dollar spent on a Black-owned luxury brand is an investment in a richer, more inclusive industry where artistry, innovation, and cultural heritage thrive.
Additional Facts
- Only ~1% of all venture capital investments goes to Black founders.
- A study by the British Fashion Council revealed that only 1% of creative directors across luxury brands in Europe and North America come from minority backgrounds.
- Only around 20 of the 479 members of the CFDA are Black.
- While approximately 10% of fashion and accessory brands are Black-owned, fewer than 1% of brands sold at U.S. retailers are owned by diverse founders.
- Black-owned businesses face significantly higher closure rates within the first 18 months, with some reports indicating that 80% fail during this period, compared to around 20% for white-owned businesses.
why should you care?
This is why incorporating Black luxury into your choices should matter to you.
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You are the cultural backbone of the fashion industry, influencing trends globally, yet Black luxury designers remain underrepresented in the spaces where your dollars speak the loudest. Shopping with Black luxury brands means honoring your heritage, celebrating creativity born from shared experiences, and investing in a future where your voice is reflected in the luxury market.
By incorporating Black luxury into your life, you’re making a statement about the power of Black excellence.
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This site was created for everyone, and Black luxury brands warmly welcome you. Luxury knows no boundaries, and neither should your wardrobe.
By supporting Black luxury designers, you amplify underrepresented voices and infuse the industry with the diversity and innovation it often lacks. Every purchase is a step toward equity, giving these brands the opportunity to grow and thrive in a space that has historically excluded them.
It’s about making intentional choices, expanding your view of luxury, and championing talent that deserves its rightful place alongside legacy houses.
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Aligning with Black luxury brands demonstrates your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, resonating with socially conscious consumers who value companies with purpose.
Partnering with these designers allows you to tap into an underrepresented market segment, innovate your offerings, and showcase your role as a changemaker in the luxury space. Together, we can create a more inclusive industry while expanding opportunities for extraordinary talent.
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The luxury market is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and Black luxury designers are a growing force within it. However, they remain an underserved segment with massive growth potential.
Investing in these brands not only provides financial returns, it's also about being part of a movement to transform an industry, level the playing field, and elevate unique talent and creativity.
By supporting Black luxury, you’re unlocking untapped markets and contributing to long-term innovation and equity in the luxury space.
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As cultural icons, you hold the power to shape trends and influence purchasing decisions.
Often, heritage luxury brands benefit from your visibility and influence without reciprocating the support your community deserves. These brands neither need your constant shoutouts nor your dollars, but Black luxury brands do.
By amplifying Black designers, you help shine a spotlight on underrepresented talent, ensuring their growth and visibility in an industry that has historically overlooked them. Your backing sends a powerful message about celebrating and investing in Black excellence.
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As a public figure, your platform can drive meaningful change by spotlighting and supporting underrepresented voices in the luxury space. Incorporating Black luxury brands into your wardrobe not only enhances your style with innovative, high-quality designs but also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Your influence can help these designers gain the recognition they deserve, enriching the fashion industry while showing your audience that luxury is as diverse as the world we live in.
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Your influence shapes what celebrities, high-profile clients, and fashion enthusiasts wear. By incorporating Black luxury brands into your recommendations, you’re elevating their visibility and showcasing unique, high-quality designs that stand out.
Selecting these brands not only enriches your offerings but also positions you as a forward-thinking leader in an industry that values innovation.
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As a storyteller with the power to shape consumer perceptions, your platform can help amplify Black luxury designers and introduce them to broader audiences. By featuring these brands, you’re not only setting trends but also driving meaningful change in the industry.
Showcasing Black luxury designs enriches your content, resonates with your audience, and aligns you with a movement that values diversity, creativity, and authenticity.
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Stocking Black luxury brands isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business. It meets the growing demand for representation and innovation in the luxury market.
Today’s consumers expect retailers to align with their values, and featuring Black designers showcases your commitment to inclusivity. These partnerships also bring fresh, distinctive products to your shelves, setting your store apart and attracting a new wave of socially conscious shoppers.
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As gatekeepers of culture and fashion narratives, you have the ability to shine a light on the immense talent and creativity of Black luxury designers. Covering these brands adds depth to your stories, attracts readers seeking diverse perspectives, and aligns you with the growing demand for representation in luxury.
By amplifying their voices, you contribute to a more equitable and inclusive fashion landscape while offering your audience something fresh and inspiring.
take the challenge
Take our quick quiz to uncover your commitment to Black luxury and receive actionable steps to elevate your journey.