Fashion is one of the most diverse and inclusive industries in the world, and it’s always evolving. However, despite its progress, there is still a lack of representation of people of color in the industry, particularly in leadership positions. Fortunately, there are many fashion brands founded by people of color that are taking the industry by storm. Supporting these brands is not only important for their success, but it also promotes diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry.
Here are some reasons why it’s important to support fashion brands founded by people of color:
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
The fashion industry has been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. Supporting brands founded by people of color sends a message to the industry that diversity is important and that consumers want to see more representation. By promoting diverse brands, we can help to break down the barriers that have been preventing people of color from entering the industry and creating their own brands.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
Starting a fashion brand is not easy, and it can be even more challenging for people of color due to systemic barriers. By supporting brands founded by people of color, we can encourage entrepreneurship in underrepresented communities. This can lead to more diverse representation in the industry and help to create a more inclusive economy.
Empowering Communities
When we support brands founded by people of color, we’re also supporting the communities that these brands come from. Many of these brands are not only creating job opportunities but also investing in their local communities through partnerships and collaborations. By supporting these brands, we’re also supporting the communities they’re a part of and empowering them to create change.
Promoting Unique and Authentic Styles
Many of these brands founded by people of color offer unique and authentic styles that are not found in mainstream fashion. These brands often draw inspiration from their cultural backgrounds and traditions, which is reflected in their designs. By supporting these brands, we’re promoting diversity in fashion and showcasing the beauty of different cultures.
Holding the Fashion Industry Accountable
Supporting brands founded by people of color is a way to hold the fashion industry accountable for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. By supporting diverse brands, we’re showing the industry that we demand more representation and inclusivity. This can lead to change within the industry and create a more equitable future for all.
If you want to support BIPOC founded brands, we've gathered some of our favourites for you here:
Proclaim
Founded by Shobha Philips that creates inclusive and eco-friendly undergarments in nude shades for all skin tones. The brand uses sustainable and ethical production practices to create their garments, which are made from recycled plastic water bottles and other eco-friendly materials. Proclaim's mission is to challenge the notion of "nude" as a singular color and promote inclusivity and sustainability within the fashion industry.
The Tiny Closet
Founded by Natalie Harris, The Tiny Closet is a sustainable fashion brand that specializes in handmade, vintage-inspired clothing. The brand uses eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and linen, as well as deadstock fabrics that are leftover from other fashion brands, to create their garments. The Tiny Closet also prioritizes ethical production practices, such as fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees.
Most Prominent Co.
Founded by Avery Antonio and Mayra Moran is a sustainable fashion brand that produces high-quality, eco-friendly clothing using organic and recycled materials. The brand also focuses on promoting social responsibility and supporting marginalized communities, and has collaborated with non-profit organizations to create limited edition collections that raise awareness for important causes.
Chelsea Bravo
Founded by Chelsea Bravo, this sustainable fashion brand produces stylish and eco-friendly clothing using recycled materials such as plastic bottles and deadstock fabrics. The brand also focuses on empowering women and promoting sustainability through their designs, which are inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature.
4kinship
Founded by Amy Denet Deal, 4kinship is a sustainable fashion brand that produces high-quality, eco-friendly clothing using organic and recycled materials. The brand also focuses on supporting local communities and promoting transparency and ethical production practices, and has partnered with artisans in Ecuador and Peru to create unique and handmade pieces.
Girlfriend Collective
Founded by Ellie and Quang Dinh, Girlfriend Collective is a sustainable activewear brand that uses recycled materials and eco-friendly practices to create comfortable and stylish workout clothes. The brand also focuses on promoting body positivity and inclusivity, and offers a range of sizes and styles to suit different body types.
Adele Dejak
Founded by Adele Dejak, this sustainable fashion brand produces unique and stylish jewelry and accessories using recycled and eco-friendly materials such as brass and reclaimed cow bone. The brand also focuses on empowering women and promoting social responsibility, and has partnered with non-profit organizations to create collections that support women's empowerment and education.
Sami Miro Vintage
Founded by Sami Miro, this sustainable fashion brand produces unique and stylish clothing using recycled and vintage materials. The brand also focuses on promoting sustainable fashion and supporting ethical production practices, and has collaborated with other sustainable fashion brands to create limited edition collections. Sami Miro Vintage is known for its eclectic and vintage-inspired designs that are both sustainable and stylish.
Luna and Sun
Founded by Teshani McManus, Luna and Sun is a sustainable fashion brand that produces luxury clothing and accessories using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and alpaca wool. The brand also focuses on promoting ethical production practices and supporting local communities, and has partnered with artisans in Argentina to create handmade and ethical pieces.
LOCAL EUROPEAN
Founded by Sara Radin, LOCAL EUROPEAN is a sustainable fashion brand that produces timeless and comfortable clothing using eco-friendly materials such as linen and recycled cotton. The brand also focuses on supporting local communities and promoting transparency and ethical production practices, and has partnered with artisans in Portugal to create handmade and ethical pieces.
unoa
Founded by Caroline Priebe, unoa is a sustainable fashion brand that produces comfortable and stylish clothing using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and linen. The brand also focuses on promoting sustainable fashion and supporting ethical production practices, and has collaborated with other sustainable fashion brands to create limited edition collections. unoa is known for its minimalist and modern designs that prioritize sustainability and comfort.
Two Days Off
Founded by Gina Stovall that produces eco-friendly and minimalist clothing using natural and organic materials. The brand also focuses on ethical production practices, transparency, and promoting slow fashion. Two Days Off offers versatile and timeless designs that are made to last, with a commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices throughout the production process.
Supporting fashion brands founded by people of color is not only important for the success of these brands but also for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the fashion industry. By promoting diverse brands, we can empower communities, encourage entrepreneurship, promote unique and authentic styles, and hold the fashion industry accountable. Let’s continue to support diverse brands and create a more inclusive and equitable future for the fashion industry.
Commentaires