It’s Black History Month this October, and to celebrate we’re sharing some of our favourite brands that bring together Black entrepreneurs, designers and creatives. As a society, we want to use our platform to support the Black community and promote diversity in the fashion industry.
For those within the Black community, Black Lives Matter has been a decades-long fight for justice and equality. For many non-Black people, however, the death of George Floyd in May 2020 marked the beginnings of their engagement with the movement. The movement has echoed around the world, with protests on every continent. The fashion industry, which has traditionally centred white people, has finally felt a seismic call to action.
In this blog, we hope to elevate some fantastic Black-owned brands; through supporting them tangible change can take place.
We vote with our wallets for the world we want to see, which is the concept behind Black Pound Day; a movement that promotes reallocating some of the money we spend to the Black economy. You can read more about it here.
The brands in this article work to promote diversity, while also fighting against unsustainable and unethical fashion practices. Fast fashion and the mass production of clothing is harming both the environment and people. Therefore, to make the world a better place, ethical and sustainable fashion is crucial.
Make sure to bookmark, follow and support these Black-owned brands!
Roop is the vision of Natasha “Roop” Fernades Anjo, who expresses her love for vintage and handmade pieces through her collection. Roop is a British boutique where handbags and other accessories, including face masks, scrunchies, and scarfs, are handmade by Natasha. Motivated by sustainability, Natasha uses vintage and remnant fabric to create meaningful collections which are forever changing and only available for a limited time.
These fresh, versatile and unique accessories are something you should definitely check out!
Instagram: @itsrooper
The Underargument https://theunderargument.com/
Lingerie brand The Underargument believes in diversity as far more than tokenist marketing. To them, the showcasing of diverse women is simply how it should be.
The company runs “anti-casting”, putting real customers at the forefront of their campaigns. Each collection is an argument against the norm, hence the play on words with undergarment and argument. Each lingerie piece is named and labelled after an empowering quote to remind you to embrace your individuality.
Founded by Maïna Cissé, The Underargument is focused on a 'slow fashion' mindset in production, while also conserving talented craftsmanship and protecting people and communities they work with. While admitting they are not perfect, they strive to be as sustainable as possible.
Instagram: @theunderargument
BMUSE was launched intentionally on Earth Day 2020, during Fashion Revolution Week and at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This one-woman run business is targeted towards the modern fashionista who values a more sustainable lifestyle. The owner, Brenda, consciously handpicks every one of a kind vintage and luxury piece. All BMUSE stock has been sourced within the UK, keeping carbon footprint to a minimum. Their focus is on showing how vintage, as preloved fashion, is a more sustainable way of expressing your own personal style.
Instagram: @shopbmuse
Flat Fifteen https://flatfifteen.co.uk
Flat Fifteen is the vision of South London girl Fran who has been 'born and bred' making tiny bags. These beautiful bags are handmade by Fran using only remnant and vintage fabrics.
Creatively, the stuffing for the inside of the handle is from unwanted toys and cushions, while the beads are from car boot sales and second-hand jewellery.
These unique 90s style bags are always limited edition, so make sure to check them out.
Instagram: @flat.fifteen
Sammi Maria https://www.sammimaria.com
Sammi Maria is a sustainable jewellery store, featuring modern yet timeless items. All jewellery is made-to-order; so, once an order is placed, the process of making a unique jewellery piece begins. Sammi Maria does not order big batches of materials, so no resources or materials are left to waste. This highlights their focus on being as sustainable as possible.
Make sure to check this family-owned business out.
Instagram: @sammimariajewellery
Fyre Vintage https://www.fyrevintage.com
Based in the United States, this brand is perfect for any American students who haven’t been able to return to Edinburgh because of Covid-19.
Fyre sells one of a kind vintage pieces, reflecting the founder Danya’s own personal style. Danya likes to combine contrasting pieces to create outfits that stand out. Many items are rare vintage items or re-worked pieces from different eras.
10% of profits are used to source sustainable clothing and essential care packages, which are donated to women in need in Detroit. Therefore, every purchase helps promote the love of our planet and its people.
Instagram: @fyrevintage
Yala Jewellery https://www.yalajewellery.com
Winner of “Jewellery Brand of the Year” in the 2019 Sustainable Lifestyle Awards, Yala is an African jewellery brand empowering women of the Maasai tribe and fellow Kenyan artisans.
Yala’s jewellery is inspired by modern Africa, empowering locals, while having a low impact on our environment.
Founder and CEO Audrey Migot-Adholla, works with local Kenyan craftsmen, showcasing their skills across the world. By working directly with Kenyan artisans, Audrey ensures fair wages and ethical work environments. The creativity of the brand reflects Kenya’s diversity and potential.
Instagram: @yalajewellery
Make sure to follow and support these Black-owned brands who are working to promote sustainable and ethical fashion.
Niamh Townsend
Edinburgh Fashion Society
[all pictures are taken from the websites listed above. For credit, please refer to the hyperlinks]
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