We are in an era where “buying black” is sort of like a movement, but where do you start? I’m here to introduce you to some brands that you may or may not know, but one thing is for sure, you need to keep your eye on them.
DAILY PAPER
Who knew you could turn a blog into a world wide brand? Daily Paper is now becoming a household name in Europe and quickly all over the world. Starting as a blog, the three founders, Hussein Suleiman, Jefferson Osei, and Abderrahmane Trabsini started the fashion portion of their brand in 2012 with just 5 shirt designs. The trio hails from Amsterdam, in which they sought to learn more about their African heritage. This is ultimately where we see Morocco, Ghana, and Somalia collide.
“We’re fusing traditional African references with contemporary designs,” Trabasini said in an interview with Notion. From the Filling Pieces collaboration representing dandyism in the DRC to Wekafore x Daily Paper paying homage to the late great, Fela Kuti, that quote is no lie.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the brand's distinct logo, the Kenyan Masaai shield, which represents victory, an honest tale of the brand’s journey. This unique design appears on many pieces especially in their newest line, SS23 resort. This collection includes monograms, hushed tones and a lot of co-ords. Daily paper continues to fuse various African cultures with its streetwear designs giving us a different world perspective.
Visit the brand site: www.dailypaper.com
KAI COLLECTIVE
Kai Collective is the definition of living in color. With its eccentric patterns and vibrant colors, founder, Fisayo Longe, doesn’t shy away from bold designs. Prior to Kai, Longe had a fashion blog so the passion has always been there. During her travels, she would return with different fabrics to make her own custom outfits. She soon realized the potential of her unique looks and thus the brand was born. Founded in 2016, Kai Collective had a slow start and it wasn’t until the Pandemic did the brand take off due to the iconic Gaia print.
I discovered Kai Collective during the pandemic and instantly fell in love. Fisayo’s collections are for the daring and confident girls. Each pattern is so different and something you won't ever find in stores. Throughout the years, every release has featured a new customized print, this is literally the brand’s identity. Fisayo and Kai are such an inspiration and reminder for me to always think BIGGER, because you can never do too much.
Her most recent collection, Manifesto, features 12 looks with lots of texture, ombre and of course color. But what stands out the most in this line is the Mei Exaggerated Ruffle Top, which has a large flower ruffle design as the main focus. (Picture below on the left) This is what you define as wearable art. I believe every woman should have at least one Kai piece in her closet because honestly why not?
Visit the brand site: www.kaicollective.com
YAITO
Inspiration is what leads us all, so what inspires you? For Carlton and Tulie Yaito, founders of Yaito, it’s culture. The two are the masterminds behind the highly raved knot bag. Both hailing from Queens, NY, the pair started the brand with custom 1 of 1 denim pieces in 2015.
After learning about the Japanese origins of his name, Yaito, Carlton began to do more research. This led to the creation and release of their highly successful Yaito Knot Bag in 2021.This bag features the classic Japanese knot design, but experiments with different fabrics and textures which took the internet by storm. I actually own the blue velvet paisley bag and let me say it lives up to the hype. Carlton stated in an interview with HighSnobiety that this bag was meant for the everyday person, so its not no high class sh*t, excuse my french.
Recently, we saw the Yaito bag reimagined as a cross body. Priced at $178, it gives a new utility that the original design doesn’t have. Their newest version of the original knot bag features a quilted design which goes back to the brand playing with texture.
Check out Tulie’s most recent collaboration with Adidas, it gives us just a taste of where the brand is headed.
Visit the brand site: www.carltonyaito.com
FREE THE YOUTH
Free The Youth is a Ghanaian brand founded in 2013 by Jonathan Coffee, Richard Ormano and Kelly Foli, with one other founder, Winfred Mensah, who passed away in 2021 (Rest in Peace). Originally from Tema, Ghana, the team has moved to Accra as their base whilst growing to a 10 person unit.
They introduced their first fashion designs in 2015 and haven’t looked back. The brand creates streetwear clothing for men and women. Their clothing has been seen on artists such as Amaarae, Kwesi Arthur, and even Davido. They’ve also collabed with the likes of Daily Paper (previously mentioned), Foot Locker and Off White.
In Feb 2023, they dropped “FTY Sports” featuring 4 variations of soccer and hockey jerseys. Personally, I liked the blue soccer jerseys the most but it’s sold out SMH. Soon after dropping this line, they embarked on an 8 city USA Tour. They visited places such as NYC, Los Angeles and Washington DC. Although this brought more exposure to the brand, it was a way to feed the diaspora and fashion lovers alike with a curated shopping experience.
As the brand continues to bud, I can only expect its presence to grow as one of the voices of African fashion, especially in the streetwear realm.
Visit the brand site: www.freetheyouth.com
MEJI MEJI
Meji Meji has quickly become one of my favorite brands in 2023, like I mean I already have 3 tees. Founder and owner, Tolu Oye, started her brand in 2020 during the height of the pandemic as a fashion student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York.
Drawing influence from her Nigerian culture and identity, Oye has been very intentional with her designs. She has had quite a few releases but the most popular are her unique fitted tees. This includes my favorite, the “Support Our Ministry” tee which draws its inspiration from the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s logo, a mega church founded in Nigeria.
Being newer to the fashion industry, I’m excited to see what Tolu has in store for us because her creativity does not lack. It's safe to say she’s making her mark and here to stay.
Visit the brand site: www.mejimeji.com
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