We are here to provide you with a list of Black-owned fashion brands to shop, some of which may already be on your radar, but all of which deserve the fashion world's utmost support and attention. During this time of unrest, as the nation protests in response to the death of George Floyd, Brother Vellies's Aurora James was one of the first to step up, publicly demanding a pledge from large companies to buy 15 percent of products from Black designers. Her call to action reminded us that we have a responsibility to provide you with what you need to know in order to stand behind the Black community — not just during this time, but every day.
If you've been thinking about what it means to be an ally, shopping these brands is just a start.
The fashion industry as a whole must hold itself accountable for a lack of diversity through the years and acknowledge countless accusations of cultural appropriation and racism in order to hold a conversation about how we can better ensure equality. There is no other option. When we say that these are the fashion designers you should know about, that doesn't just mean you should remember their names. Follow them and their career paths — most of the clothes, accessories, and jewellery they design are incredibly unique, and so many of them are also made ethically — spread their names the way the CFDA has for many of them, rallying behind their talent, and remember that this is just a small ask. "You want to be an ally? This is what I'm asking for," James wrote in her Instagram post. If you've been thinking about what it means to be an ally, shopping these brands is just a start.