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Blog / Season of Color: How Black Designers Are Using Texture, Heritage, and Bold Palettes to Challenge Minimalism

Season of Color: How Black Designers Are Using Texture, Heritage, and Bold Palettes to Challenge Minimalism

Featured Image: Hanifa

We currently live in a world where minimalism has become the rule. However, when we think of this season, what comes to mind is vibrancy, boldness, radiance—something eye-catching.

This time of year is about unapologetic self-expression, especially through color. And in 2025, that message has been carried forward by several designers who continue to challenge minimalism with their use of shape, texture, and hue.

Anifa Mvuemba

Photo Credit: Hanifa Official

Anifa Mvuemba, founder of HANIFA, has built her luxury brand with a foundation rooted in sustainability and empowerment. At its core, HANIFA believes in women taking charge and breaking rules to achieve excellence. With every purchase, a percentage is donated to one of nine nonprofit organizations—an initiative known as the Hanifa Dream.

The brand’s Resort ’25 collection features a capsule of standout seasonal pieces defined by bright shades, including warm tones like yellow and red, and cooler shades of blue. But it’s not just the color that makes the designs stand out—it’s the interplay between bold color and crochet that brings the collection to life.

Photo Credit: Hanifa Official

The styles shift between looks suited for the beach and more elevated options perfect for upscale events in warm weather. What’s especially interesting is the contrast between the colorful dresses meant for casual or vacation wear and the black-and-white outfits that feel more refined. Still, it’s the textures, contrast, and craftsmanship that make each design loud in the best way.

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Rebecca Henry & Akua Shabaka

Photo Credit: Brandon Stancell (House of AAMA)

House of Aama is an American fashion label created by a mother-daughter duo. Both designers draw heavily from their Black heritage and shared sense of cultural remembrance. They center their design process on research and storytelling to bring these influences to life through clothing.

Their seasonal collection, Summer Edit, includes resort-style pieces ranging from minimal swimwear and dresses to more structured maxi dresses and skirts. The color palette leans into intense shades of orange, pink, green, and blue—sometimes layered with sailor stripes and other bold patterns.

Photo Credit: House of AAMA Official

This line prioritizes comfort while standing out through thoughtful tailoring. It’s a great example of how bold color and simplicity can complement each other to create strong fashion statements.

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Rachel Scott

Photo Credit: Diotima

Diotima, designed by Rachel Scott, is a brand deeply rooted in Jamaican heritage. Scott uses her work to express the essence of Caribbean style and her own lived experience as a Jamaican designer. The brand also has a positive impact on Jamaica’s manufacturing market, as much of its production supports artisanal communities across the island.

Each piece evokes a vivid Caribbean dream, merging cultural memory with fashion. The color palette includes bright and tropical hues like yellow, red, and emerald green, paired with neutrals like black and white. Texture is a consistent element, often expressed through crochet and fringe.

Photo Credit: Diotima

Among the three brands mentioned, Diotima leans more into earthy tones. Rather than relying solely on bright color, the brand uses a combination of texture and balanced color choices to create visual interest.

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A post shared by Diotimaâ„¢ (@diotima.world)

These three brands demonstrate how the strategic use of color can take many forms. Some rely on vibrant, saturated shades, while others embrace more grounded tones—yet all still evoke the energy of the season.

What connects these designers is their shared desire to give visibility to Black heritage. Whether through Afro-Caribbean influences, African American memory, or explorations of Afrofuturism, their collections go beyond fashion. They represent identity, storytelling, and community.

Their designs may be innovative in silhouette and style, but the true power lies in their message. This isn’t just about selling beautiful clothing—it’s about creating space, honoring legacy, and showing the world what fashion looks like through a deeper cultural lens.

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