By Thobile Mazibuko

Known as Pride Month, June is one of the most important months in the LGBQTIA+ calendar. It is the month when queer people celebrate their queerness and just being. 

It is no secret that queer people are some of the most fashionable. Many of them could not freely express themselves growing up, and so fashion became that one thing that allowed them all the freedom they longed for. 

As we commemorate Pride Month, we look at some Black LGBQTIA+ designers making waves in the fashion industry. 

Rich Mnisi 

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful men in South Africa, Rich Mnisi is a designer known for his fashion rebellion. He makes exciting non-binary clothes and has an impeccable fashion sense. The founder of the eponymous brand breaks stereotypes by showing skin in mesh tops and mini skirts, something we admire because what limits?

In commemoration of Pride Month, he partnered with Adidas to release a Pride collection titled Let Love Be Your Legacy. 

“In creating this collection, I had a strong impulse to speak to my inner child and express to the world how LGBTQIA+ allyship can create a legacy of love. Unifying these themes together through my own visual language and adidas’ iconic performance and lifestyle pieces is a powerful combination – making the collection a symbol for self-acceptance and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. My hope is this range inspires LGBTQIA+ allies to speak up more for the queer people they love and not let them fight for acceptance alone," says the Johannesburg-based designer.

Medgine for NICOLE ZÏZI STUDIO Capsule Collection. Picture courtesy of Kwami Lee

Emerie Udiahgebi

Coming from a country where LGBQTAI+ rights are non-existent, Udiahgebi is brave for protesting and raising awareness for queer rights not only in Nigeria but in West Africa through daring fashion.

“I built the brand to tackle the problems gender non-conforming people have in shopping for clothes. It was a huge issue for me for a very long time,” Udiahgbi told Theme magazine.

The non-binary designer focuses on creating high-end fashion for people like them to be seen and heard. Udiahgbi recently showcased at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, showing their unapologetic side of fashion. 

Faith Oluwajimi

Also representing Nigeria is Oluwajimi, the founder of Bloke. The LVMH Prize 2023 semi-finalist, who’s the only African to make it to this year’s list, believes that clothing shouldn’t box people. 

Oluwajimi creates clothes for everyone and puts no gender on them. “I believe garments should not be limited to gender as a scale for their purpose as an object. I enjoy dressing both genders and breaking down stereotypes surrounding gender and identity,” Oluwajimi told Vogue India. 

Stuzo Clothing

Owned by Stoney Michelli Love and her wife, Uzo Ejikeme, Stuzo Clothing is a gender-free brand based in Los Angeles. The couple's mission is to affirm and empower people to live their truth. 

“Our brand is for the non-conforming and bold at heart. Our pieces are gender-free as we prefer to call them because clothes don’t have any organs last time we checked. We are inspired by love, people, and life. Whatever shape or form you choose to exist in, we celebrate that,” reads the statement from the brand’s website. 

Some celebrities who have rocked Stuzo include Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ruby Rose, and Lena Waithe – to name but a few.

Nicole Zïzi Studio

The multi-dimensional artist whose passion is fashion is conscious about the planet. The gender-free streetwear brand is all about sustainability and innovation. Besides the stylish denim, Nicole Zïzi Studio is known for accessories and home essentials. 

“We focus on developing products with recycled, alternative, and natural materials. We aim to develop products that uplift our communities and minimize negative environmental impact,” reads a statement from the brand’s website.

We’re Gay 

The brand title speaks for itself. Owned by Maliyah, this brand focuses on making queer people visible in their everyday wear. Due to its inclusivity, even people who are not gay can still wear it. From cool T-shirts to crochet full-zip sweaters and varsity jackets with queer slogans, 'We’re Gay' is all about promoting self-love. The brand also has a woven tapestry range and offers personal customisation on some of its items.