A few weeks ago, I asked ChatGPT how many Black-owned textile brands exist in the US — the answer was 20. That can’t be right, I thought.
So I compiled a list of designers I know of (ten), and after an online search, I only found two more. That’s twelve in total, not including us — two of which are based in the UK.
For this list, I focused on brands that offer home textiles on their website. Here is what I’ve gathered so far — I’d love to know what you think and if I’m missing anyone!
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Sheila Bridges is the GOAT. Her expansive career as an A-list interior designer spans decades. When I graduated college, she was one of the few Black interior designers I could look up to. Her iconic Harlem Toile pattern was most recently featured in a collaboration with Williams Sonoma.
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2. Johanna Howard Home - Johanna is one of six designers on this list — along with Rochelle Porter, Jen Hewett, Nzuri Textiles, Eva Sonaike and us (Bolé Road) — who focus primarily on textiles as their medium. Her work is inspired by her Scandinavian roots, and she offers a wide range of fabrics. I love catching up with her at shows and pop-ups.
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3. xNasozi - I met Nasozi at BKLN Designs, the show where I debuted Bolé Road ten years ago. For years we rooted for each other from afar. In 2024 she wrote an incredible book entitled The African Décor Edit — and was kind enough to include my London flat and the artisans I work with. She has a well-established African-sourced home décor brand worth exploring!
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4. AphroChic - I also met Jeanine and Bryan of AphroChic at BKLN Designs, and they have been friends and supporters ever since. AphroChic is a multidisciplinary design and media brand. Beyond celebrating Black creatives, they have a line of home goods that tells stories of African American history and culture.
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5. Yinka Ilori ( UK-based) - Yinka Ilori is a graphic and industrial designer with a wide array of products and collaborations. His work is out of this world — wild, playful, and bursting with color. Watching his meteoric rise over the past five years has been exciting and inspiring. I'm rooting for everyone Black - here and all over the world!
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Here are a few more brands offering home textiles:
I've followed most of these designers for years and love their work — and as you can see, I know most of them personally, lol.
I hope you find some inspiration or discover a new brand to follow. If you know of others, please share — I'll be posting this to my website and Instagram.
With gratitude,
Hana
