Empowering the next generation of Black-owned fashion brands
Over the past six months, the ADAN for Zalando Black-Owned Brands Accelerator has provided seven exceptional Black-owned fashion brands with valuable industry knowledge, mentorship, and practical skills to navigate the competitive fashion landscape.
As the pilot programme concluded with a celebratory Pitch Day event at Zalando HQ, designers, industry leaders, and advocates came together for a unique opportunity of inspiration, critical reflection, and community—celebrating the Black-owned brands and reflecting on their journeys. From navigating product safety challenges to strengthening their brand strategies, the designers walked away not only with valuable insights but also with a stronger network and a sense of shared purpose.
Paving the way: The seven brands’ journeys
Each of the seven brands brought something distinct to the table, demonstrating how diversity ignites creativity and innovation. BAPTISTE showcased meticulous hand-drawn craftswomanship, while EMEKA pioneered circular fashion. IMI&KIMI seamlessly fused African heritage with Parisian street-luxe fashion, and GRAVALOT redefined contemporary menswear with Afro-futurist influences. LARALLAN elevated slow luxury with handcrafted accessories, while OMÔL celebrated artisanal heritage through bold prints and textures. Finally, EMILE VIDAL CARR pushed the boundaries of modern tailoring with architectural precision. Each of these labels presented a bold and unique perspective, reinforcing the necessity of diverse voices in fashion.
“I've gained insights and knowledge I wouldn't have found elsewhere. I am certain this programme will be highly influential for my future business ventures, since it has helped me understand the retail landscape in depth,” said EMEKA.
The upskilling modules covered vital areas such as logistics, finance, branding, and marketing. These skills are not just theoretical; they are the building blocks that allow brands to sustain and scale their businesses. But it wasn’t just the structured learning that left an impact—it was the sense of solidarity and shared experience.
“All seven brands entered the Accelerator with incredible talent and vision,” said Alhaji Allie Bangura, co-founder and CEO of ADAN. “What this programme did was help them translate that vision into viable, scalable businesses.”
Tackling industry barriers head-on
Fashion Minority Alliance co-CEO Barbara Kennedy Brown didn’t mince words about the industry's long-standing inequities: “The fashion system isn’t broken—it was just never built for Black-owned or underrepresented brands.”
One of the recurring themes throughout the programme was financial literacy. “It’s always going to boil down to money,” Kennedy Brown explained. “You need access to investors, and you need to understand financial frameworks to make it in this industry.” The accelerator aimed to bridge that gap by connecting designers with experts who could guide them through distribution channels, budgeting, and long-term sustainability strategies.
Beyond finances, the designers tackled questions of visibility and ownership. “We see Black representation in modeling and creative direction, but ownership? That’s still missing,” said Bangura. “If the wealth sits within one community only, and we don’t redistribute it, we won’t get anywhere.”
Zalando: Driving fashion forward with inclusivity
At a time when many companies are scaling back their DEI initiatives, Zalando has reinforced its commitment to championing diversity, equipping underrepresented brands with hands-on mentorship and direct access to industry networks. “We should all have the same opportunities, regardless of skin color,” said Lena-Sophie Roeper, Zalando’s Vice President of Designer & Luxury. “There’s a need for newness in fashion—craftsmanship, innovation, fresh perspectives—and that comes through diversity.”
The initiative is not just about visibility; it is about creating lasting impact and positioning these brands for sustainable, long-term success on a global stage.“We don’t want this to be a one-time moment,” Roeper emphasized. “We want systemic change, where inclusion isn’t just a trend—it’s the norm.”
A lasting impact
The programme has provided the designers a clearer perspective on the retail landscape, offering practical tools to refine operations and drive long-term success.
Their journey doesn’t end here. With strengthened foundations and a renewed sense of purpose, these seven brands are poised to reshape the industry, challenging long-standing norms and championing a more inclusive fashion landscape.
“Scaling has been our biggest challenge. The Accelerator has provided crucial insights into sustainable growth and operational efficiency, helping us reshape our production strategy and distribution model,” said OMÔL.
“Stay loyal to your creativity because it’s a gift,” Kennedy Brown advised the designers. “And remember, you are your ancestors’ dream, and you’re not giving up.”
The impact of the Accelerator extends beyond these brands—it represents a shift toward a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry. Zalando’s commitment to driving systemic change through this initiative serves as a call to action for the wider industry—proving that meaningful support, investment, and mentorship can create lasting impact. As these brands continue to grow, the fashion world must collectively ensure that inclusion is not just a moment but a movement.