22 Instagram influencers of colour to follow for street style inspiration

Diversity. This word means so much to so many different types of people and on the fashion landscape, it's been a hot topic of late with luxury brands facing major backlash (heavily on social media) for committing what many deem to be insensitive cultural actions immersed in racism, tokenism and insularity. From accusations of 'blackface' at Prada and Gucci, the former for a questionable looking keychain and the latter for a balaclava top, or tokenism accusations at Ferragamo, when one black influencer was cast in their recent global influencer 'Gancini' campaign – brands seem unaware in 2019 about the impacts of cultural insensitivity.

In the case of Ferragamo, the brand is yet to respond to a question posed by the Fashion for all Foundation on their Instagram asking if there were "no more Influencers of colour." Perhaps they just weren't aware how many incredible names there are to know about. As London Fashion Week gets going, I've pulled together a list of the most stylish and influential from the UK and beyond.

Aleali May

Her name is Aleali May and you need to know it. A stylist, model and influencer whose style is steezy and sneaker game puts sneakerheads to shame, May is a big name in the fashion influencer realm. Last year she became the first woman ever to design both men and women's Air Jordan sneakers for Nike. She's dope – go follow, thank me later.

Asiyami Gold

Next level and visually stunning, Asiyami Gold's Instagram account is the envy and mood board favourite of every major visual storyteller on the travel and fashion landscape. She is badass and worth the tap on that follow button.

Darion Famous

Los Angeles based stylist and fashion blogger Darion Famous deserves all the stripes he has amassed as a style influencer. Consistently serving up effortless cool in every well-lit image on his Instagram, Famous has become famous amongst the 'OOTDMens' denizens and men's streetwear throng – and rightly so.

Elaine Welteroth

She is every fly girl's spirit animal (and many boy's too). The former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, judge of Project Runway, diversity activist and author of the soon to be published motivational tome More Than Enough, Elaine Welteroth is stylish and woke. And if you're into white boots, you'll love her even more.

Eva Chen

You can't talk about fashion influencers of colour and not mention the head of fashion at Instagram, the effervescent Eva Chen. A major proponent of embracing your difference, the first-generation Chinese-American and mum has a stellar style and 'shoefie' game.

Frederique Harrel

Freddie Harrel is a big-haired bodacious beauty whose style and positivity is lit. The Paris-born, London-based fashion blogger, mum and founder of Big Hair No Care - a hit ethical afro hair brand - is a must-follow for anyone with an appreciation for visual goodness with a dash of realness. She is amazing!

Geoff K. Cooper

Moi! I wouldn't opine on my style more than to confidently (and with no hubris) state, I have it. The only reason I can write about all these incredible people credibly is that I stand with and amongst them. Go check me out and see for yourself. Oh... this list is in alphabetical order, else I would place myself last :)

Igee Okafor

Content creator and social media consultant Igee Okafor is the New York-based Nigerian creative behind the recently launched online destination Bond Official. A regular on the New York blogging and menswear scene, and a stickler for posting amazing imagery, Okafor is certainly worth the follow.

Jiawa Liu

Best known as Beige Renegade, Jiawa Liu is an Australian fashion influencer who has created a visual aesthetic admired by many. Intermixing soft tones with minimalist style cues, she inspires a certain effortless chic.

Jean-Claude Mpassy

Blogger, creative consultant, footballer and host hailing from Austria, Jean-Claude Mpassy is the men's style maven behind the blog New Kiss On The Blog and creative agency Constant Evolution. With deft mixes of street with high fashion pieces, he creates and exudes high amounts of cool.

Jerome LaMaar

If you don't know this bold boy from the Bronx you might have been living under a rock. Jerome LaMaar is hands down one of the most stylish men in New York. He calls himself a 'style monk' on his Instagram profile, which is a trove of style inspiration offering colour, texture, print and standout shoes.

Johnson Gold

Founder and Editor-In-Chief of PAUSE Magazine, Johnson Gold is a regular on the men's fashion scene. Known for bold style and always donning a baseball cap (and very regularly sunglasses and an oversized coat) Gold is one of London's leading men's editors of colour and a streetwear maven. And as for his shoe game - major!

Julia Lang

I bumped into this New York-based Tanzanian-German brand consultant at Balmain last summer, thanks to street style photographer Mode Hunter. Her chic-with-a-bit-of-street style game is strong on a whole different level – one glance and you'll agree.

Kurt Dacheng

Widely known as the Bloggers' Boyfriend, Kurt Dacheng has a cool sense of style and knows how to capture and edit an image. The Australian-based men's style influencer has created a visual extravaganza on his Instagram that inspires his peers - a must-follow for both men's fashion and lifestyle content.

Moti Ankari

Fashion Editor and Blogger, Moti Ankari, is the man behind The Metro Man and one side of the two-man team behind Ankari Floruss, a men's footwear brand from New York. A regular on the New York blogging scene, he is known for his take on everyday style and always manages to dish out eye-catching imagery on social media.

Masoom Minawala

The mastermind behind Miss Style Fiesta and now full-time fashion blogger Masoom Minawala is an Indian fashion influencer and entrepreneur who has manifested her dreams, and done so in a fabulous manner. One look at her IG and you will love the Bombay-born Belgium-based #GirlBoss who's wedding was covered by Vogue.

Matt Chu

One look at Matt Chu's Instagram and you will notice his panache for serving strikingly beautiful fashion images that exude genderless vibes. This is because – with intention – the Taiwanese blogger is building imagery that expands the way we see men, (in particular Asian men) and is doing so successfully. I support his intention and you can too.

Patrick Mason

Patrick Mason is a creative beast out of Germany with oggle-worthy style. Artistically inclined with tastes that traverse the wildest menswear pieces, his fashion aesthetic embraces shape, colour and texture. Most certainly, Mason is certainly one of Berlin's boldest and baddest boys.

Ramario Chevoy

Dancehall choreographer/dancer and model, Ramario Chevoy's style makes major moves, turns heads and inspires intrigue. Consistently posting OOTD's for the past 4 years, this regular on the London fashion scene is one of the most vocal voices for representation of Caribbean creatives in mainstream media in the UK.

Sangiev Sriskumar

London-based French-born Sri Lankan Youtuber and vlogger, Sangiev Sriskumar is a favourite in the men's streetwear arena and with good reason. He delivers great content and his signature style, all in a highly relatable and comedic manner.

Shiona Turini

Shinoa Turini's Instagram profile states that she is a stylist, costume designer and consultant. Quite honestly this Bermuda-born style slayer is a whole lot more and then some. Whether she's powering the style of Solange Knowles or curating looks in her most recent gig for HBO series Insecure, she is always serving looks. Take a look.

Tamu McPherson

A favourite amongst brands, media, street style photographers and the fashion set, Tamu McPherson is a longtime fashion blogger and the voice behind the online destination All The Pretty Birds. Known for her exuberant style and supercool looks, she is one of fashion's darlings and certainly worth a follow.