By Seli Perry
Women’s History Month, observed annually in March, is a time to honour women’s
accomplishments, and what better way to do so than by showcasing the fashion brands that
are owned and directed by strong influential women.
Women’s streetwear is no longer embraced by a niche audience; it is now a style that
influences the entire industry, serving as a measure for what’s emerging and currently
trending in fashion. The style, which embodies laid-back, comfortable silhouettes with
elements of hip-hop, athletic and grunge influences, has witnessed enormous commercial
success and demand in recent years.
While the streetwear scene has to a large extent been dominated by men, over the course of
the last few years, a growing number of women have ventured into the industry. To honour
these remarkable women blazing through the fashion industry, we have rounded up some of
our favourite female designers that you can count on to take your style to the next level.
LAPP THE BRAND
Established in 2016 by supermodel and fashion designer,
Leomie Anderson, LAPP was conceived as a result of
Leomie’s outspoken standpoint on the difficulties and
pressures experienced by women in today’s society. Her
brand aims to empower women to feel confident and
represented through fashion.
The brand incorporates streetwear with activewear, offering a
range of vibrant matching sets, tracksuits and much more.
LAPP has had huge growth since its inception with the likes
of Rihanna, Jorja Smith and Saweetie all sporting the brand’s
clothing.
SEVENTH STORES
Bukki Ojo’s brand, Seventh, has already made waves
within the industry since its launch in 2019 with her
contemporary clothing brand that caters to both men and
women and challenges the conventions of today’s
streetwear.
Along with the brand’s creative director, Emmanuel Duru,
Seventh showcases a blend of minimalism and old-school
streetwear with their unique silhouettes and heavy
materials most notably, their iconic Space Coat and heavy
weighted tracksuits.
When it comes to fashion, Seventh has demonstrated that
less is more. If you’re looking for some of the best shapes,
silhouettes and quality in the game, Seventh is a
must-have label for streetwear enthusiasts.
BROKEN PLANET MARKET
Only 2 years old, sustainable streetwear brand Broken
Planet Market has blown up on social media amassing
over 10k followers in a week before their launch and
selling out their first drop in minutes.
Founded by Indre Narbutate, The unique graphics and
slogans displayed on their clothing showcase Broken
Planet Market’s commitment to respecting the planet
and its inhabitants. All their clothes are manufactured
ethically using organic and recycled materials which is
why Broken Planet Market is a brand here for the long
run.
MOWALOLA
Mowalola was established in 2017 by Mowalola Ogunlesi, a
Nigerian-British Fashion Designer who has challenged and
redefined societal norms in the fashion industry with her
brand. Mowalola is renowned for its unconventional, eccentric
designs combined with streetwear, which have been picked
up by celebrities such as Skepta, Solange and Drake, just to
name a few. While their pieces are more high-end, this is a brand to check
out if you are seeking neck-breaking pieces that embody
liberation and a love of colour.
Nii HAi
Founded in 2019, Nii HAi is a brand committed to
empowering women and encouraging confidence
through its range of atypical and futuristic designs.
With their collection of bold cutout tops, baggy jeans
and daring co-ords, designer Rosie Williams has taken
an innovative approach to streetwear; with pieces
ranging from proudly masculine to incredibly sexy, it’s
no surprise people are leaping at her designs.
The brand has elevated feminine streetwear by infusing
it with a sense of originality and sensuality. Nii HAi is
intended for women of the future and is certainly a
brand to look out for.
Final Note:
Ultimately, as women’s influence on streetwear continues to grow, it is igniting discussion
about inclusivity and politics through designs that prioritise women and redefine femininity as
we once knew it to fit the modern, empowered woman.
Thanks to women such as these, their achievements continue to open doors for other
women to thrive and positively shape the fashion industry going forward. With fabulous
fusions of athletic styles and high-end labels, women’s streetwear is in full bloom, so go
ahead, experiment and have fun with the style because it is certainly here to stay.