Here are the black-owned fashion businesses you can support now

A start to putting your money where your mouth is

By Valerie Wong - 4 Jun 2020

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On June 2, Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang started something powerful. In a bid to pause business as usual in response to the wave of George Floyd protests, the two black women, who work in music marketing, spearheaded #TheShowMustBePaused, a call for the music industry to cease operations and the spread of all content unrelated to the ongoing issues. But in an unprecedented act of solidarity, celebrities, businesses, and individuals worldwide joined in the movement, flooding Instagram with images of black squares on Tuesday.

If there’s anything we’ve learnt from the rippling effects of issues, it is that change can begin in the smallest ways. Rethinking the way we live, think, and act is how we can keep the momentum of the battle against racism and violence.

For those wondering “Where do I begin?”, here’s a list of black-owned fashion labels you can support, either through a purchase or by spreading the word. Aurora James, founder of American label Brother Vellies, said in an Instagram post on June 3: “Black-owned businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, and they are closing right before our eyes at a rapid pace. They are the most vulnerable and have received the least amount of economic support.”

Bookmark this list and check back for updates.

Brother Vellies

1/11

Founded in 2013 by Aurora James in hopes of keeping traditional African design alive and sustaining artisanal jobs, all of its luxury pieces are handmade across the world.

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Pyer Moss

2/11

The menswear and womenswear label was founded by American-Haitian fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond. The label is also stocked at multi-label fashion retailers like Ssense and Net-a-Porter.

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Wales Bonner

3/11

If Grace Wales Bonner's designs look familiar, it might be because you caught a glimpse at Dior's Resort '20 show. In the French luxury house's Moroccan-themed collection, she presented her reinterpretation of the house's classic bar jacket, among other designs.

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OliveAnkara

4/11

OliveAnkara is the brainchild of Ifeoma Ubby, an Italian-Nigerian who wanted to bring her love for African fabrics to the Singapore market. All garments and accessories are handmade in Singapore in limited quantities.

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Mateo New York

5/11

Matthew Harris was born and raised in Jamaica, but found his love for jewellery-making when pursuing his hospitality management degree at the Southern New Hampshire University. His minimal and modern pieces are perfect for mixing and matching.

Also available on Net-a-Porter, Browns, Matches Fashion, Moda Operandi and Farfetch.

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Auvere

6/11

Auvere describes its jewellery as "wearable art", and it's not hard to see why. The New-York based label founded by husband and wife team Gina Love and Steven Feldman handcrafts all its pieces from 22k and 24k gold using ancient craftsmanship techniques, resulting in thoughtful, high quality pieces.

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Christopher John Rogers

7/11

Before Christopher John Rogers's eponymous label was available online for the first time on Net-a-Porter earlier this year, the 26-year-old had already dressed the likes of Rihanna, Cardi B and Michelle Obama, and clinched the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in November 2019. Enough said.

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Petit Kouraj

8/11

Fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste was born in London to Haitian immigrant parents and now bases her business, Petit Kouraj (Haitian Creole for "little courage"), in Brooklyn, New York. Her unique 100% cotton net bags are handmade in partnership with D.O.T Haiti, a women-led organisation which provides opportunities to artisans.

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Vavvoune

9/11

Self-taught designer Valerie Blaise founded leather accessories label Vavvoune in Brooklyn New York in 2015. Her functional pieces come in a multitude of colours so there's definitely something for everyone.

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Andrea Iyamah

10/11

Although known for its vibrant African-inspired swimwear pieces, Andrea Iyamah also offers ready-to-wear and custom-made pieces. The brand was founded by Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah with the aim of helping women embrace culture through style.

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Ashya

11/11

Co-founders Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece began Ashya in 2017 as an "ode to exploration", combining luxury workmanship and utilitarian design principles to create unisex travel accessories.

The New York-based label does not ship internationally, but one may consider a forwarding service.

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