subject: Fashion: Contemporary African American Designers from San Francisco to New York [print this page] Fashion: Contemporary African American Designers from San Francisco to New York
CityFlight.Com - Fashion: Contemporary African American Designers from San Francisco to New York
By A. Finney
Crocheted Apparel by Erika and Monika Simmons
From San Francisco to New York City and ports in between, today's up and coming contemporary African American fashion designers are comprised of both men and women, and they are making a huge impact in the industry.
Talking to a variety of designers proves one thingdesigners are born, not made. Each designer says that art plays an essential part in their creations.
African Americans have a long history of being trendsetters, and these designers certainly prove that fact. They are creative, resourceful and very tech savvy entrepreneurs that market their designs using their own websites, blogs and social media. While most are e-tailers (online sales), some have had their products in brick and mortar stores. Most of their products are made in the USA.
Whether they are designing wall hangings, handbags or couture, African American fashion designers are making a statement. And, it seems the rest of us can't help but listen.
Jeanine Hays, San Francisco
Lifestyle Designer Decorative Pillows
Decorative Pillows - AphroChic
Jeanine Hays is the creative force behind lifestyle brand AphroChic, which features home decor and apparel. She says it was created as an embodiment of its mantra of modern soulful style. She designs big, beautiful pillows and Tees. Hays uses a website presence, social media and blogs as marketing tools.
Sylvia Holden, from San Francisco to New York
Handbag/Apparel Fashion Designer
Apparel by Sylvia Holden
Nine years ago while living in San Francisco and working at San Francisco's premiere auction house, Butterfield and Butterfield, Sylvia Holden launched a handbag collection using antique fabric remnants and old handbag handles. Her online boutique and blog display a collection including vintage styled handbags and clothing with an updated twist. She knew she wanted to make things "look pretty" when she was a very young girl. Holden has a background in fine art and draws a correlation between art and designing and states, "Designing is Art."
