BLM Series: SHOP Black-Owned Biz
Did you know that 1% of designers sold in major department stores are Black-owned?
We sure as hell didn’t.
Thankfully we follow Brother Vellies, and have since learned about the 15% Pledge, through their founder Aurora James. Their mission is two-fold: asking Fortune-500 companies to pledge 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses; while on the individual level, encouraging us to spend 15% of our purchasing power toward Black-owned brands. If you ask us, it seems like a pretty good way to represent the 15% Black population in the USA.
Our feeds were flooded all of June and July with incredible aggregated lists of Black-owned “fill in the blank”. Obviously, we were immediately drawn to the designers and fashion brands. Some we knew; a lot we did not. We are grateful for everyone who shared their favorites, because we were able to discover and now share ours. The talent in this post really speaks to StyleBFFs’ love for bright colors, interesting textures, and ultimately a refreshing and elevated sense of styling. Yes, your wallets should be nervous!
As people who work in the industry of making clothes, we always value the individuals, their stories and experiences behind the scenes that bring their brand to life. After researching about these amazing designers and clothing brands, we recognized a common thread of friendship and authenticity. Two things we obvi stan at StyleBFFs.
Brother Vellies was started on $3500 and a stand at a local flea market. Now it’s at the forefront of showcasing sustainability and artisanship. Aurora James is a powerhouse and the ultimate hustler - just check out her Vogue cover.
Kenneth Ize The 2019 LVMH Prize finalist is doing all things right by his Nigerian heritage, and McMullen (one of our fave local Black-owned boutiques) is slated to carry his line!
roop This is another play on sustainability and trend, which we love. Side note: have you been checking out @intersectionalenvironmentalist? Because we’re seeing a correlation here. The founder Natasha aka Roop brings fun and lightheartedness to the eco-fashion space, and we’re here for it.
Mateo We rarely can resist a fine jewelry moment, and it seems the celebs are already on this one too. Mateo is not an impulse-buy, but definitely worth the splurge.
Daily Paper started as a blog in 2008, so you know they have our hearts. The Amsterdam-based best friend trio represents DIY culture, with an on-trend and affordable approach.
edas Gives that mix and match aesthetic makes it fun to accessorize. There’s a sense of craftsmanship, with all pieces being able to stand alone or together. It’s eclectic and beautifully designed.
Cold Laundry was founded by a husband and wife duo with the intention to “escape the noise”. The vibe is straightforward and the clothes are ethical. It is such a perfect expression of style in 2020.
Tove Another best friend duo, who were working together at Topshop before venturing out on their own. Their clothes have a confident and soft aesthetic that embodies femininity in an effortless way.