Directory listings

Directory listings

Casely-Hayford

Charlie Casely-Hayford founded his label at the age of 22 with his father, the acclaimed British fashion designer Joe Casely-Hayford OBE (who dressed everyone from Suede to Lou Reed). The aesthetic is a modern take on British sartorialism — think sharp tailoring suffused with a slouchier attitude — and their Marylebone flagship opened in 2018.

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Badgal Online

In 2016, founder Ashley Hibbert commissioned a family member to make a dress for her. The response from her friends was so overwhelming that one year later, she launched Badgal to meet demand. Badgal’s figure-hugging clothing is made from fabrics such as scuba and jersey fabric and features playsuits and two-piece sets. C.M.

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Ashanti Swimwear

Co-founded by Yasmeen Opare, who began by selling swimsuits on eBay, Ashanti Swimwear’s designs are inspired by Opare’s Ghanaian heritage. The company sells one-pieces, bikinis, head wraps, and more, using traditional African prints across a range of sizes. H.H.

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Yako Beauty

“Yako” is Swahili for “yours” or “belonging to you,” which founder Rahma Ally chose because she wanted people to feel ownership over their natural hair type. After suffering hair loss following childbirth, she wanted natural products with no nasty side effects, and ended up developing her own brand. Currently, she sells a curling cream made

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Pamoja

Inspired by the Swahili word meaning “together,” Sarah Taylor founded Pamoja, a skin-care brand that prides itself on sustainable vegan products specifically made for those with dry and/or sensitive skin. Sourcing natural, nourishing ingredients, Pamoja’s cruelty-free products include a face cream, a multipurpose beauty oil, a cleansing balm, and organic cotton face cloths. H.H

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Mr. Blackman’s

Based on the ethos of all-natural ingredients and inspired by island life in Barbados, Mr. Blackman’s offers “no-fuss grooming,” through beard oils, moustache waxes, and aftershave balms. The original range is still available through the site, alongside a collaborative range with Mount Gay rum, which includes lime- and mint-scented natural beard products. H.H.

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Luxemore

The Essex-based company makes hair and body oils, shampoos, and beard oils as well as a range of shaving bars made from products such as shea butter and kaolin clay. Luxemore is also partnered with the Distant Relatives Project, a nonprofit that supports communities in countries including Nigeria, Jamaica, and Ghana. C.M.

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Soapsmith

Founded by Samantha Jameson, Founded by Samantha Jameson, Soapsmith is an artisanal bath-and-body company based in London. Their ranges are named after London locations, such as Hackney, Camden, and Whitechapel, and feature products such as body lotions, bath soaks, handmade soaps and hand washes. To say thank you to NHS workers during the pandemic, Samantha

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Skimdo

“I have not had a bad-hair day since I created Skimdo,” says Kim Cowans. Her aim was to create a product that could keep the ringlet-y, voluminous complexity of her natural hair but also have the swish and shine she admired in straight hair. It’s gained in-the-know status after being used by FKA Twigs and

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