The Black Designers Who Shaped Fashion History

These creatives paved the way.

The Black Designers Who Shaped Fashion History
(Image credit: Getty Images)

These creatives have changed fashion history, both with their innovative designs and their paving of the way for Black designers and artists. Many of these icons, like Patrick Kelly and Stephen Burrows, used their talent to carve out a position for themselves in the industry that simply didn't exist before. In order to understand the fashion industry as we know it today, we need to look back at the pioneers who led the way.

Shelby Comroe

Shelby Comroe is the Credits Editor and Fashion Assistant at Marie Claire covering all things fashion and giving credit where credit is due. Check her out @shelbycomroe on Instagram if buying designer handbags is your idea of a retirement plan!