Although we need no excuse to take an opportunity to amplify the stories of Black-owned fashion brands, Black History Month – which is taking place in the UK this October – feels like a good one.
If you’re serious about leading an anti-racist life, you’ll know that actions speak louder than words, and nothing speaks louder than putting your money where your mouth is. Precisely why we put together a guide to some – just some, mind – of the Black-owned and Black founded fashion brands that need to be on your radar.
At the top of the industry, fashion has always been disproportionately run by (old) white men – we’re talking from the high street up to designer. The diversity and inclusivity that many brands say is important must be magnified. Diversity needs to change at every level across the industry, starting with brands paying their garment workers (mainly women of colour) fair, living wages – and not just by getting Black models to wear their clothes. The amount of Black designers, especially in the luxury market, is still minimal.
When Virgil Abloh passed away, his loss was doubly painful because he had fought so hard and opened so many doors for himself and others – yet through his role at Louis Vuitton, he remained the only Black creative director of a major fashion house.
While brands must try harder, allies (read: you) hold the ultimate power to raise up a label (or shut one down) when you’re shopping. The below list, by no means definitive, includes plenty of smaller businesses that often face higher hurdles to overcome in setting up their brands (especially since COVID-19.) Before you add to basket, train your mind to think about who you are supporting with your hard-earned cash.
And remember: all of these labels are to be supported for more than just this month. Think next season, next year, next decade – and be committed to raising Black fashion brands to become household names that will resonate into the next century and beyond.
Ahead, the most beautiful black-owned fashion brands to support now & forever.
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