11 Dope Swimsuit Brands Designed by Black Women That Will Set Your Summer Right

Kamokini Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo, a Nigerian designer, founded Kamokini when she was looking for "stylish bikinis at high street prices." She created the line to take charge of what women expect to find in swimsuits – affordability, style and flattering looks. They are inspired by African culture and Western fashion trends. It can be found in stores across Nigeria and online. 8th & Ocean Swim 8th & Ocean Swim was launched by Shakedria Mathis for the "travel-kini" enthusiast known as the "pretty, young traveler." The PYT is a fearless, cultured individual who loves to travel. A limited-edition Brazilian hand-made bikini is currently available. The website also sells other branded items, including cropped tank tops and t-shirts in white, black and gray. Andrea Iyamah Named after its Nigerian owner Dumebi Iyamah, Andrea Iyamah swimwear began in 2013. Vibrant colors and unique cuts are staples of the brand inspired by a variety of African cultures. Swimsuits can be purchased on their website and Ghana's Luxoca online store. Apparel can also be found in person at Nigeria's Zazaii shop, The Store on Queen in Toronto or Aloha in Paris. Nakimuli Launched in 2009, Nakimuli touts itself as "America's funky sweetheart." The name is the Ugandan word for "flower." Owner and designer Tennille McMillan of Brooklyn, New York used her one-of-a-kind dress style to create her brand. African prints inspired her fashion-forward garments. Customers can shop the company website to purchase monokinis and two-pieces. Monif C A plus-size brand for the modern woman, Monif C's' bathing suit line is called Sea. CEO Monif Clarke founded the New York-based company featuring monokinis with bold patterns and cutouts. The beach clothing does not shy away from neon colors, either. Popular looks include high-waisted bikini bottoms and mesh sleeves. Swimsuits can be purchased online. Risque Dukes Risque Dukes officially launched her swim apparel company of the same name in 2014. Based in Miami, the collection features bikinis in multi-colored fashions and animal print designs; they also sell men's beachwear, all of which can be purchased on their website. According to the brand's founder, "Our mission is for our bikini to be your favorite bikini." Bantu An Ethiopian brand founded by Yodit Eklund, Bantu debuted in Los Angeles in 2008, becoming available in stores like J. Crew and Barney's. It helps Ethiopia's economy by using an all-African manufacturing process. The collection features swimwear for men and women in bright colors and bold patterns. It also sells beach accessories and surfboards. Rue 107 Haitian-born Marie-Jean Baptiste founded Rue 107 in 2011. Current options include lemon-covered bikini sets inspired by Beyoncé's "Lemonade," tribal patterned two pieces and textured monokinis. The company celebrates confidence and curves through sisterhood and individual expression. Apparel can be bought online or in their New York City showroom. Red Star Collection Red Star Collection is based in Los Angeles and offers intricately handmade swimwear. All bathing suits infuse African, Kente, Ankara and dashiki cloth in their designs. One of their most famous looks is the KenteKini. It went viral on Twitter after one of the models posted an image with two others on the beach. Buy the looks on their website or Etsy page. Winifred Taylor Uniquely displaying artist's work on women's swimwear, Winifred Taylor was started by designer Desiree D’Aguiar in 2014. Featured outfits include a sporty "speed racer" style, "on guard" cut-out look and "pusha triangle," bikini top. D'Aguiar fused her grandmothers' names to come up with the company title. The swimsuits can be purchased online. Ladaska Mechelle La’Daska Mechelle Powell founded luxury brand Ladaska Mechelle for women with varying body types who had issues finding fitting swimwear. The company was launched in 2009 with the goal to capture the "true essence of a woman" who wants to feel confident on the beach or by the pool. The brand features a collection of one- and two-pieces to show off a woman's unique figure.

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