Fashion editor Alice Keegan shines a spotlight on some of the best Black Irish brands in the fashion scene today.
Ireland’s fashion scene is rapidly evolving, and this fashion month, there has been huge talk around contributions made by Irish designers. Black-owned Irish businesses, from established companies to up-and-coming fashion designers and retailers are infusing their unique perspectives into the Irish fashion industry, along with emphasising the importance of cultural heritage and innovation. Social media accounts such as Black and Irish and Irish Black Owned highlight some of the homegrown talent we have here in this country. As more and more entrepreneurs are producing pieces, this is an area that is constantly growing in Ireland.
One of the standout Black-owned brands in Ireland is Umoja Productions, a clothing and lifestyle brand that draws inspiration from African culture and heritage. The brand’s collections are characterised by bold prints, vibrant colours, and a deep connection to African aesthetics. Umoja Productions promotes sustainability, ethical production practices, and cultural pride. Their clothing lines include a range of products from casual wear to statement pieces.
Art Earth Blackrock, run from a Blackrock Market stall, is a bespoke small business which exclusively sells African jewellery, clothing and accessories. They are committed to cultivating a community of African artisans, and according to their website, source their products “directly from small cooperatives and businesses”. Authenticity is at the heart of this inspiring endeavour, along with fair trade and supporting local communities.
M.I.O. Prints is another Black-owned Irish brand that has gained attention for its innovative use of African-inspired prints. They use fashion as a medium to tell stories about African culture and heritage, incorporating traditional fabrics such as Ankara and Kente into contemporary designs. The materials used in manufacturing are sourced from Nigeria, and are typically employed in the production of pyjama sets, head wraps, hair bonnets, robes and aprons.
Turbante-se is another Irish brand which promotes products inspired by Afro-Atlantic culture, with designs woven into the headwear, turbans and scarves they offer. They describe themselves on Instagram as an “Afro-diasporic platform, connecting communities through identity, memory, and textiles.”
Some of these brands are sustainability-focused. Human Collective offers streetwear in the form of crew necks, hoodies and accessories, and all these products are designed with the environment in mind, using ethical materials including organic cotton and recycled polyester. Felaá Boutique also produces and sells handmade products, while Self-Made Clothing reworks vintage pieces.
One of the most exciting luxury fashion brands emerging from Ireland is The Royal Tobianco, founded by designer Tobias Mbanusi. The brand is known for its high-end, luxurious pieces that combine elegant tailoring with Afro-futuristic designs. The Royal Tobianco’s collections feature fabrics, such as silk and velvet, adorned with intricate embellishments and embroidery- high fashion that speaks to both heritage and modernity.
As conversations around diversity and representation in fashion continue to grow, supporting Black-owned businesses has never been more important. Ireland’s fashion industry is becoming more inclusive, and the contributions of Black designers are crucial in ensuring that it reflects the diversity of the nation, forging a sense of community. Whether you’re looking for bold prints, luxurious pieces, or culturally inspired designs, these Black-owned Irish brands provide afro-centric vibes in their streetwear collections, formal wear and occasion pieces, footwear, and more.