After asking for a seat at the table and inclusion for so long, the world is finally taking a look at Black creatives and their work.
It is a shat it had to take a revolution and the death of several blacks before we got the recognition we have always deserved.
As a black-owned publication that is focused on telling the African and African-American story through our content, we are always ready to highlight and support our own.
READ MORE: 13 Ghanaian fashion designers that are pretty awesome
The days where brides had to shop abroad or in big name brands for their wedding gowns has long been over.
Each and every day, black fashion designers pop up who are as equally good as their European and Asian counterparts.
With knowledge in exquisite beading, oragami, draping and bridal techniques, these men and women are constantly changing the face of the industry with innovation and creativity.
In this list we’ve highlighted 32 bridal designers who should be styling you on your wedding day and they’re all Black and very proud.
Check them out.
Deola Sagoe
Amongst the many lines under Deola Sagoe, Bridal wear is one of the most popular. Generations unite when they come to DEOLA Sagoe for bridal wear consultations.
Brides, bridesmaids, mothers and in-laws are all catered for in this fully comprehensive, one of a kind service.
Deola’s bridal range is made up of carefully handcrafted garments that are essentially sculpted around the body of the wearer.
Atafo Bridal
Atafo Bridal is the bridal fashion line of Atafo formerly known as Mai Atafo. The brand has created timeless and priceless gowns for Nigerian and African brides for years.
Established in 2010, Atafo bridal has made gowns for top Nigerian celebrities including Lala Akindoju, Adesua Etomi and Linda Ejiofor on their big day.
They’ve been featured in Essence, Vanguard Allure, Glitz Africa, Bella Naija Weddings etc.
Brides by Nona
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Brides by NoNA is a back-owned luxury brand that makes bespoke bridal and formal wear for clients in the United States and across the world.
VOGUE, MunaLuchi Bride, Essence, Modern Luxury have all featured the brand on their platforms.
Ophelia Crossland
Since 2004, The Ophelia Crossland brand has been synonymous with elegance, sultry flair and extravagant drama.
This household name in the bridal fashion industry has made its mark as the go to brand for elaborate designs and styling for brides all over the world.
It was a step in the right direction when Ophelia Crossland, the creator of the brand was made the brand ambassador for Swarovski.
Orapeleng Modutle Style Avenue
As a young boy raised in Kimberley (Northern Cape), celebrated designer Orapeleng Modutle watched and learned as his mom and Grandmother hand-stitched and did needlework on the clothes they wore.
He drew inspiration from them and from life, and now fashions his own distinctive clothes under his OM Style Avenue brand, based in Pretoria
Pistis Ghana
Husband and wife creative duo, Kabutey and Sumaya Dzietror started Pitis in 2008 after graduating from Vogue Style School of School and Design in Accra, Ghana.
The Ghanaian based fashion house in Accra currently stands at the frontline of the fast growing African bridal fashion industry while making major strides on the international markets.
Pistis, at the core, prides itself on creating master pieces for every client and, as result, has garnered a name as the leader in special occasion clothes.
From their unique hand beaded bridal gowns to their creative use of African fabrics such as kente, the brand aims at making every woman standout as royalty in a Pistis gown.
David Tlale
MATOPEDA
Matopeda Salami Abiola King (also known as TopeFnR) is a bridal gown designer from Nigeria.
Opulence and glamour has become the trademark of the brand that has dressed celebrities including Beyoncé, Genevieve Nnaji, Porsha Williams, Adesua Etomi and many others.
April By Kunbi
Kunbi Oyelese is the famous designer behind the April By Kunbi brand. She has created breathtaking bridesmaid and wedding dresses for a myriade of wome with a flagship store in Lekki phase one,Lagos.
Saadia Sanusi
Being the fourth generation of fashion designers in her family, Sadia learnt the profession from her mother at a studio in the suburbs of Accra.
She started her own bespoken tailoring house in 2012, at the tender age of 19.
With a degree in Communication Design, she has managed to establish a solid base of Ghanaian brides, who are loyal to her signature blend of sensuality and tradition.
Yemi Kosibah
London/NYC-based, Kosibah specializes in contemporary and elegant couture bridal, evening and formal daywear using luxurious fabrics and sumptuous embellishments.
Louise Rose – leading actress of Universal film Life & Lyrics, Alesha Harvey, Sheila Ferguson formerly of the Three Degrees, Hollywood actress Indra Ové, Miss World Agbani Darego, and singer Stephanie Benson are in the list of celebrated clientele.
Andrea Iyamah
You’ll love Andrea Iyamah Bridal line if you start following this brand which was founded in 2012. They are adept in made-to-measure custom gowns with a minimalist and timeless aesthetic
Sima Brew
Ghanaian based bridal fashion design company, Sima Brew has become synonymous with femininity, romance and the essence of a classic soul with a modern twist.
Keeping her customers in mind, many of her gowns feature customizable beading, detachable necklines, and special corset technology for the perfect fit.
Lanre Da Silva Ajayi
Lanre Da Silva Ajayi of her very own eponymous label, LDA halted a career that was setting off in finance and business after studying in the UK to start Lanre Da Silva Ajayi.
Her journey to become a successful bridal fashion designer in Nigeria did not happen overnight.
Her passion for the industry is her major driving force to work hard all the time.
Lanre’s style is rich in femininity and uses a multitude of embellishments.
Tubo
Sandrah Tubobereni is the multiple award-winning creative Director of TUBO and an internationally recognized fashion designer and business mogul.
She is best known for her creativity in redesigning the traditional African bridal attires, distinctive silhouette and chic prêt-à-porter fashion clothing.
She launched the brand in late 2014 when she switched from her career in Business Development and Finance.
As a household name in Nigeria, her luxurious designs have been seen on A list artists and celebrities such as Tiwa Savage who appeared on MTN Nigeria’s Billboards in 2014 adorned in TUBO fabrics and designs, Rita Dominic to name a few.
Tubo’s bridal pieces are the choice for the avant-garde bride.
Alonuko
AloNuko is a bespoke British fashion brand founded by Gbemi Okunlola in 2015. Brides Magazine said of Gbemi work as “a creation of sophisticated wedding gowns designed to make her brides feel beautiful and confident.”
Taibobacar
It was first launched in 2008 in Maputo – Mozambique, and today Taibo Bacar is considered one of the leading brands in Africa.
They are described as a bridal brand that emphasizes the feminine body using only selected cutting techniques and the highest grade of materials.
A Taibo Bacar bride is unique, envied, respected and adored.
Style Temple
From a young age Og Okonkwo had an eye for design and elegance.
Her love for travel continuously inspires her designs which tell a story of the different cultures and people she comes in contact with.
Their bridal aesthetics is a combination of classic yet modern fashion and a play on balance between the feminine and edgy.
Moda Bertha
Moda Bertha, led by the brand’s creative director, Bertha Amissah Sarpong, burst unto the bridal fashion scene with a distinctive style in 2011.
Born in a small village,Azignano in Vicenza, Italy, Bertha draws most of her inspiration from nature and culture.
Moda is Italian for fashion hence the brand’s commitment to world-class standards.
Toju Foyeh
Toju Foyeh is an award-winning fashion designer based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Bibi Lawrence
Ajoa Akwaboah
Ajoa Akwaboah is a self taught fashion designer based in Ghana. The brand is the go to wedding designer for the African bride who cherishes her roots.
Reve Gh
Based in Ghana, Reve couture is changing the face of bridal fashion with its new couture and bespoke gowns.
Veronica Tabi Official
Former beauty queen, Veronica Tabi and her titular brand are on the lips of every bride these days. She’s based in the U.S.A and serves brides in different parts of the world.
Shebybena
SHEBYBENA is a Ghanaian based Luxury womenswear brand with the purpose of satisfying the stylish Woman.
Since its inception in 2012, the Creative Director and CEO Sheelah Ewurabena Garbrah continue to carve out a unique niche for African fashion around the globe.
Ese Azenabor
Dallas-based, Esé Azénabor has been making outstanding bridal and evening wear since 2012 and brides can’t have enough of these gorgeous gowns.
Afriken By Nana
Afriken is passionate about style, Africa and the beautiful brides that wear his alluring garments.
Scalo
SCALO is a South African fashion brand that represents quality and style.
Founded in Johannesburg in 2019 by Soweto born Sello Medupe, Scalo, the brand works on the basis of passion and creativity, fused with the dynamism of a Johannesburg attitude.
It is a modern, sophisticated and futuristic brand. The luxury bridal brand was the first African barbie doll garment designer.
Quiteria Atelier
Limpopo native, Quiteria Kekana is the founder of luxury fashion brand, Quiteria Atelier. Quiteria Atelier is one of the leading and most prominent fashion brands from South Africa making bold and eccentric bridal gowns.
Kenneth Tetteh
Kenneth Tetteh is the creative brain behind T.KEN Collections which has bridal line.
As a young black man, his passion for designing was undeniable, from dressing up his parents to critiquing his entire families outfit before they stepped out.
Kenneth started making clothes at the age of 25 and hasn’t stopped since. His gowns are a breath of fresh air.
Quophi Akotuah
Quophi Akotuah is in the business of making exotic and bespoke bridal gowns for the the bold woman of colour.
The designer who understudied several fashion designers prior to launching his clothing line in 2016 is also the reigning Glitz Africa Red Carpet Designer Of The Year.
Avonsige
Augustina Avonsige Ayineme is a graduate of Riohs Originate School Of Fashion Design and the creative brain behind Avonsige.
Mimmy Yeboah
New York City-based, Ghanian designer is pursuing her dreams as a fashion designer. Whether it’s for your wedding, prom, or birthday, Mimmy Yeboah has an effortless gown that is right for only you.
Fatuma Asha
Ugandan-based designer, Fatuma Asha has made a name in bridal fashion industry for her exquisite gowns.
