ArtistsUntold [1] is a Black-owned streetwear brand started in February by Jordan Abdur-Raoof, so if you haven't heard of it yet, you're right on time to start spreading the word. Jordan dreamed up the idea after his time in college working on a different project called IvyUntold, where he spotlighted minority stories. He combined that past experience with his love for art and fashion to create a platform to empower those without a voice through streetwear.
"[ArtistsUntold] champions diversity and powerful messages, and gives budding artists a platform to share their talent."
After getting friends Alexander Lee and Steven Cook on board, the trio began reaching out to inspiring up-and-coming artists via Instagram and email to see how they'd feel about translating their artwork to high-quality T-shirts and hoodies. The graphics on the site today range from Beyoncé and The Weeknd to cultural scenes that tell their own stories. If you're shopping for Pride Month [2] right now, Maine-based artist Sarah Pyne [3] explores her sexuality through LGBTQ+ imagery, and you'll love what she has to offer in her section of the shop [4].
You can read and learn about all the artists you're shopping from as you browse the site, and if you decide to make a purchase — which won't set you back more than $100 — you'll also be supporting the artists themselves, who receive a direct portion of the profit from the streetwear, all of which they get the chance to sign off on before it's made shoppable. I know, I know — it sounded like a great, no-brainer idea to me, too, which is why I'm introducing you to the site, which champions diversity and powerful messages and gives budding artists a platform to share their talent.
Scroll through to see some of my favourite pieces that I think you'll love, too, and keep following ArtistsUntold [5] to learn more.