10 Black AF Lingerie Brands To Buss It In This V-Day & Forevermore
February is such an extraordinary month full of extra love and extra blackness. We can't help but feel all the feels through and through. The day of love aka Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and after seeing thousands of Black women serve it up to Erica Banks' hit, "Buss It", we want to keep this feminine power going.
Valentine's Day isn't just about showing love to a partner, it's also about showing love to yourself. Whether you're single or married, we want to empower the xoTribe to elevate your sexy with confidence. Being in a panoramic/potpourri/pandemic means that we have to get innovative with our 2021 plans. We want to make sure that you take the uplifting energy of this month into V-Day with some Black AF lingerie brands. Ahead, find brands by us and for us!
1.A'zaira Intimates
A'zaira Intimates
Evangeline Poku does it for the full-busted woman. The mom of three created A'zaira Intimates in 2017 after seeing the lack of representation in the lingerie department. To mind the gap, she made sure her line represents that diverse community by offering sizes 28-36 DD-H. A'zaira Intimates' depiction of passion, strength, and femininity is unmatched.
2.Sablier
Sabiler
Sab-lee-ay, which means hourglass in French, wants to help you enhance your beauty. Sablier fashions sensual lingerie for the modern and discerning African woman who loves the best of both worlds. The collection's creator, Tolu Oniru-Demuren aka Toolz told Bella Naija:
"The journey to accepting my body hasn't really been a smooth one. Growing up, I wasn't particularly confident. As a plus-size and curvy girl, you tend to feel out of place – my body type wasn't the hot thing back then. I just didn't fit in. I became very self-conscious – I thought my hips were too wide…my bum was too big, and I was on the short side. My experience strengthened me and gave me a voice – one which I have decided to use in empowering and boosting the confidence of plus-size women like me – those who are currently in a physical and psychological battle to accept their own bodies."
3.Anya Lust
Anya Lust
Consider this boutique your lingerie wonderland. In 2015, Anya Lust created a portal to find the most luxurious treasures right at your fingertips. Made up of curated collections for every woman, it desires to lace your body with the best fabrics and textures. The brand also supports the empowerment of women around the globe with its collaboration with Free The Girls. "We chose to work with Free The Girls for their incredible dedication to empowering women and girls, as well as for their unique approach to a cause that is near and dear to our hearts."
4.D Bleu Dazzled
D Bleu Dazzled
You may have seen some of our favorite celebs dripping in D Bleu Dazzled. From Beyonce to Meg Thee Stallion to Lizzo, Destiney Bleu has created a brand that is trusted by the greats. This specific house specializes in custom crystallized hosiery, lingerie, swim, athleisure, and performance wear. D Bleu Dazzled is at the intersection of stage and street; a place where everyone dazzles.
5.Beautifully Undressed
Beautifully Undressed
Their motto is 'Love, Luxe, Lingerie' and Black women deserve all of those things and more. Lingerie addict turned Lingerie Boss, Annabelle Mu'azu, spent a chunk of her life curating African art. Then one day, she decided to pour into her other passion of wanting real women to feel comfortable in their skin. And not just comfortable but flirty and seductive too.
6.Tempting Curves
It's really the body positivity for us. This one-stop-shop was once just a place to get a fly waist trainer. Now, Tempting Curves is a six-figure boutique where you can get shapewear, swimwear, and lingerie. Founder, Javanna Palm, wants nothing more than to help women find their inner diva and give her unconditional love.
7.SADA by Sara Dawson
SADA by Sara Dawson
Brooklyn-bred Sara Dawson is the product of pure ingenuity because of the freedom she had as a young creative. She's been designing since the tender age of 13. For this FIT graduate, her goal is to disrupt the intimate apparel game by dismantling the taboo around it. "...it doesn't have to be about looking sexy for someone else, it's about expressing your own confidence and comfortability as a beautiful person. Confidence in yourself is beauty in itself." If you want custom lingerie, SADA is where it's at.
8.Savage x FENTY
Do I even need to say anything else? Savage x Fenty is a game-changer. Rihanna birthed Savage x Fenty to push the boundaries and have a sexy space where all women could see themselves. 2018 marked the beginning of the icon building the third column of her growing empire. Savage x Fenty offers an optional membership program where you can shop fearless pieces every month. It's affordable, fun and ultra-stylish.
9.Blue Reign
Blue Reign
Do you sometimes need a reminder that YOU ARE THE SHIT? This is it. Blue Reign is it. The moment you slip into these vegan and faux leather pieces, you'll have no choice but to own your body and gain real agency. "We design lingerie to elevate and adorn. Each piece has been hand created to not only sculpt and support the body, but to also be available to as many bodies as possible."
10. Love, Vera
Love, Vera
One thing about Love, Vera, they are going to show up and show out for Black women. And it shows by their loyal followers and customers because no one does it like Vera and Nate when it comes to removing limits and increasing invisibility of all Black women. More than anything, we stan this eCommerce business because they aim to illustrate us as the beautiful, multi-faceted beings we are. It doesn't hurt that the lingerie is straight fire too!
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Featured image by Shutterstock
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
The Mecca Of Fashion: The Top Street Style Moments At Howard Homecoming
Outfits were planned, bags were packed, and cameras were ready to capture Howard University's collegiate spirit during its centennial Homecoming celebration. Not only does it hold the number one ranking as the most elite Historically Black College and University or its top performing academics, diversity of students and alumni, but the HBCU also leaves a legacy of style and grace.
The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
Doechii Decoded: 10 Things You Should Know About The Hip-Hop Powerhouse
Doechii, born Jaylah Hickmon, is a rising star in the music world with a unique flair that sets her apart. Doechii's trajectory shows that she's not just another name in the industry; she's carving out her own space with her creativity, authenticity, and unapologetic style.
Raised in a household that loved music, she began exploring her creative side early on, dabbling in poetry, dance, and theater. By the time she was a teenager, she was already making her own music, writing lyrics, and experimenting with different sounds. Doechii initially shared her songs on YouTube and SoundCloud, steadily building a loyal fan base and refining her artistic identity.
This year the Florida native is leading the ladies in the rap pack with four Grammy nominations — Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and Best Remixed Recording.
In March, Doechii took the pop charts by storm with her track "Alter Ego" featuring JT and Kaytranada. Shortly after, she released one of the year's most refreshing rap projects, Alligator Bites Never Heal. The project stands out as a lyrical tour de force, effortlessly weaving wordplay with raw emotion and vulnerability in a way that few artists of her generation can match.
1.Doechii Has Genre-Bending Style
Doechii is known for blending genres like rap, R&B, and pop with influences from punk, hip-hop, and electronic music. Her sound is distinct and showcases her versatility.
2.Her Viral Beginnings with "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake"
She first gained significant attention in 2020 with the viral success of her song "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake." The track, which features a raw storytelling style, quickly became a hit on TikTok, introducing her to a wider audience.
In a blend of all the emotions—relief, pride, and irritation, Doechii raps "I am a Black girl who beat the statistics," in “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” While her vocal nuances and cadences on the song are reminiscent of Nicki Minaj, the unique origin story at its core is all Doechii.
3.Doechii Signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE)
In 2022, Doechii became the first female rapper to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), joining a roster that includes Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Isaiah Rashad. This marked a major milestone in her career.
On October 17, Mr. Morale himself expressed his admiration for Doechii by declaring her the "hardest out" in an Instagram Story post. This post highlighted the cover art of her acclaimed mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, which is a testament to the Florida native's talent. Doechii returned the favor by reposting the IG Story and expressing her gratitude to K. Dot for recognizing her. "Thank you, Dot, you're the greatest," wrote the 26-year-old rapper in response.
4.Performing on Major Platforms
Doechii has performed on major platforms like the BET Awards and MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Her high-energy performances have captivated audiences, showcasing her charisma and stage presence. Not to mention, she joined Isaiah Rashad at Coachella this year and gave it all the way up as the musical guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in May 2022.
5.Doechii's Hit Singles Like "Crazy" and "Persuasive"
She released the singles "Crazy" and "Persuasive," both of which received critical acclaim. "Persuasive" became a summer anthem, and a remix featuring SZA further elevated the track's popularity.
As of late, “Nissan Altima” and “What It Is” have the girlies in the chokehold.
6.Creative Visuals and Fashion Sense
Her music videos are known for their bold, artistic visuals. Doechii's fashion choices often feature eclectic, avant-garde styles, which add to her artistic identity and set her apart in the music industry. Whether it’s a killer suit, balloon skirt, or custom couture, she’s gonna eat the girls up every time.
7.Doechii Is an Openly Queer Artist
Doechii identifies as queer and often incorporates themes of gender fluidity and sexuality into her music. Her openness about her identity has made her an icon in the LGBTQ+ community.
To commemorate Pride Month this year, the Swamp Princess crafted a heartfelt letter addressing the LGBTQ community, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. This support empowered her to courageously challenge societal expectations and embrace her authentic self without reservation.
She wrote, “My creative work is heavily influenced by both my Florida roots and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Whether I’m working on choreography or undergoing a glamorous transformation, I draw inspiration from my memories of resilience and artistry of drag queens in Ybor City and the energy of ballroom culture in NYC.”
8.Doechii's Inspirations and Influences
Her influences range from Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaj to genre-defying artists like Tyler, The Creator to the greats like Kanye West, Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, and Outkast. Doechii cites their innovation and boldness as key inspirations in shaping her own artistic journey. In an interview with NME, Doechii shared, “These are artists who are the most honest, the most creative, and I’m really inspired by them. They gave me the courage to do what I’m doing right now.”
The rapper continued, “I wrote my first song when I was in the 6th grade. I knew this girl who was a huge Nicki Minaj fan. She put me onto Nicki Minaj and I was immediately hooked and wanted to start a group. I wanted to rap, so I wrote my first song and we did it at a talent show, and we won!”
9.Her Debut EP 'she / her / black bitch'
In 2022, she dropped her EP she / her / black bitch, a powerful project that explores themes of identity, race, and womanhood. The title and content reflect her experience as a Black woman in America, aiming to reclaim and empower.
10.Her Advocacy for Mental Health and Self-Love
Doechii is vocal about mental health, self-love, and the struggles of navigating the music industry as a young artist. She uses her platform to encourage fans to embrace their authentic selves and prioritize their mental well-being.
When sitting down with Netflix and Baby Tate for a roundtable discussion, Doechii shared, “Same as Tate, I recognize my shadow self and my demons as something that I work with. Now I kinda tell them what to do and we really cool now. If anything, I used to be really ashamed like, why do I even have a dark side? … Then I realized that my shadow side and my demons can actually help me see myself in a more human way. I kinda forgave myself, and them, and now we work together. We cool but not too much."
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Featured image via Giphy