The world is in outrage as cases and protests continue to surface for the mistreatment and injustices to POC. The movement has reached the fashion industry which has shed some light on the unethical reality of some major corporations. There has been a flood of popular brands that have been called out for lacking diversity, cultural appropriation, and conducting racist practices.
The many brands that took part on Blackout Tuesday on June 2nd which became a big social media movement to show solidarity against racism and police brutality are now being called out for virtue signaling. Clothing brands such as Reformation, Brandy Melville, Anthropologie, and Aritzia are among the few who have been accused of racist behaviors from past employers and have addressed the allegations with public statements along with promises of change.
With that being said, black-owned clothing brands need love and support from us to change the fashion industry. Recognizing the inequality in the black community and researching brands' corporate social responsibility initiatives can be the first step to systemic change in fashion.
Looking for ways to support black-owned artists in the Fashion Industry? Here are a few chic clothing and accessory brands to check out!
Humans Before Handles
Founder of Humans Before Handles is Ash Simmons who is a New York native that resides now in Atlanta. She is a freelance fashion and beauty branding specialist with a jewelry brand that has gained momentum.
Humans Before Handles carries an array of statement pieces from gold dangling shell earrings to layered chain necklaces that's all under $50!
Check it out!
Website: Humans Before Handles
Brother Vellies
Founder of Brother Vellies is Aurora James who designs sustainably handcrafted one-of-a-kind shoes (feathers, woven leather, chains) for the cool girl. This luxury brand is dedicated to sustaining artisanal jobs and maintaining ethical practices as they produce products across the world.
Check it out!
Love Vera
Founders of online lingerie brand, Love, Vera are Vera Moore and her partner Nate Johnson Vera. Since 2018, they have delivered inclusivity and diversity in many different aspects from employing diverse backgrounds to delivering a range in sizes from xS to 4X.
Love, Vera is sexy, delicate, lace sets for all women.
Check it out!
Telfar
Fashion Designer, Telfar Clemens is a Liberian New York native who creates unisex sportswear fashion since 2005.
Known as the "Bushwick Birkin" Telfar's shopping bag has gained popularity in the fashion scene, becoming a symbol to the Black and Queer community. Celebrities like Solange, A$AP Ferg, and Dua Lipa have been spotted rocking the infamous Telfar shopping bag.
Check it out!
Rihanna's Savage x Fenty and Fenty Beauty
Musician, entrepreneur, and fashion designer, Rihanna has truly made a name for herself in the beauty and fashion industry with her commitment to inclusivity to all women. Her beauty line offers a range of shades and colors for every skin tone. Additionally, her luxury lingerie line Savage x Fenty is designed to represent all women who want to exude sexiness.
Check it out!
Website: Fenty Beauty
Website: SAVAGE X FENTY
LaQuan Smith
LaQuan Smith is a New York Fashion designer that creates glamorous luxurious womenswear. Celebrities like Cardi B, Kim Kardashian, and Beyonce have been spotted rocking his designs in recent years. As of recently, Revolve and the brand have launched a clothing collection that's now available on the revolve website.
Check it out!
Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese is an American Fashion designer known for her bold and feminine ready to wear collections. Since 1998, her designs have been carried in many retailers such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. For years, her work has been worn by celebrity clients from First Lady Michelle Obama to Taylor Swift and many more.
Check it out!
Maki Oh
Maki Oh is a womenswear clothing brand founded and created by Amaka Osakwe that incorporates traditional African patterns with modern western silhouettes. The entire line is cultivated and sustainably sourced from Nigeria.
Maki Oh has been spotted on First Lady Michelle Obama, Solange, and Beyonce.
Check it out!
Fe Noel
Fe Noel is a contemporary lifestyle brand by Brooklyn-based designer Felisha Noel. Her Caribbean roots are apparent in her design aesthetic. Always incorporating vibrant color hues, flowy, and bold silhouettes that embody feminity. Her designs have been seen on First Lady Michelle Obama, Justine Skye, and Beyonce.
Check it out!
Diarrablu
Founded by Diarra Bousso, this contemporary lifestyle brand focuses on sustainability and captures the colorful aspects of African culture.
As a former Math teacher, she uses algorithms and math concepts to create unique prints and structured silhouettes. This brand has been featured on Vogue, New York Times, and Glamour.
Check it out!
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