13 Sustainable Black Owned Fashion Businesses to Support Now
With the world watching the recent protests, it is clear that as a nation, we have reached a breaking point. Mourning the tragic death of George Floyd, a name added to a long list of victims before him, outrage is running high both in America and worldwide.
There are lots of ways to support the black community and the movement for racial equality. Whether it’s by donating to nonprofits, signing petitions, joining protests, educating yourself, or starting conversations with others, everyone is capable of making an effort beyond sharing Instagram posts. Support and investment in independent black-owned businesses gets paid forward in bringing more economic strength to black communities, creating a sustainable cycle that helps to level the playing field.
Here are 13 online black-owned fashion businesses focused on sustainability that we love to support, and we hope you do too.
Brownie Brown is someone who is passionate about the environment. When she witnessed the rapid growth of the fast-fashion industry and saw the worldwide environmental concerns it caused, she decided to take matters into her own hands and launched High Fashion Thrift. Their main mission is to educate consumers and encourage them to shop second hand and sustainably. On their website, they curate gorgeous, one of a kind, second hand fashion pieces for customers to shop. From vintage leather jackets to unique beaded silk blouses, this website is a fashion lovers’ dream.
For those a little more streetwear inclined, Common Ground is a Philadelphia based consignment store selling rare pre-owned sneakers and vintage tees. On their website, you’ll find the cornerstones of streetwear, including, but not limited to, rare Nikes, Jordans, and Supreme. They also have a great selection of unique vintage t-shirts.
Curated by Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart, BLK MKT Vintage is a collection of black cultural artifacts. Through thoughtful curation of clothing, literature, records, art, and other goods, the collection represents the richness of black history. Shop BLK MKT Vintage both online and at their Brooklyn location.
Handmade by Reuben Reul in Brooklyn, DEMESTIK boasts vivid patterns and highly intentional tailoring. Each collection he releases is small and unique, and the pieces are expertly hand crafted and made-to-order. Be sure to act fast, because his collections are small and very limited.
Founded with the mission to keep African design practices and techniques alive, Brother Vellies creates artisanal, handmade luxury accessories. The unique, high quality pieces strike the balance between traditional and trendy, and are guaranteed to last you a lifetime.
Meeting a group of traditional weavers in Ethiopia who could no longer practice their traditional craft, Liya Kebede was inspired to launch lemlem. The brand is committed to expanding craftsmanship and creating employment opportunities across Africa. The pieces are all handmade by local artisans and extend the traditional practices to create modern pieces.
Shop the look here
Asata Maise is a small independent clothing brand where one-of-a-kind garments are handmade from secondhand clothing. Because each piece is made from sustainably reclaimed materials,they are all one-offs and sell quickly on her website or Depop.
Shop the look here
Made with 100% recycled cotton, each piece of the Come Back As a Flower collections are hand dyed and ethically made in Los Angeles.
Adele Dejack stocks eco-friendly jewelry and accessories, all handmade in Kenya by local artisans. Taking inspiration from African designs, their creations are equally bold and minimal.
Edas creates feminine staples, each accessory handmade by artisans. Eclectic but classic, Edas has something for any modern woman.
Shop the look here
Believing in sustaining both the Earth and local communities, Earth Toned Collective manufactures their clothing with the idea of fair treatment of people over profit. Their pieces are made with either raw organic materials or recycled deadstock materials, but all pieces are made by local female artisans, ensuring high quality pieces with a low environmental impact.
Aliya Wanek focuses on ethical and sustainable womenswear that is both stylish and expressive. Her pieces are versatile and minimalistic, but with great, high quality hand dyed colours. If the garments aren’t hand sewn and dyed by Wanek herself, they are made locally by contractors in the Bay Area.
Studio One Eighty Nine is a fashion brand and social enterprise that works with artisanal communities that specialize in craftsmanship. Their dyes are grown locally from West African plants and herbs, and their materials are sourced sustainably. Aside from designing modern pieces inspired by traditional African techniques, Studio 189 partners with multiple brands and organizations to empower communities, create jobs, and support education.
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