Uplifting Black Culture Goes Beyond Shopping Black-Owned Brands, But Here’s a Place to Start

In the midst of the current Black Lives Matter and Justice for George Floyd movements, a handful of sub-topics linked to these imperative issues have surfaced, including what anti-racism truly means, and how to be a non-performative white ally. Now, artists, musicians, and fashion and beauty influencers are publicly acknowledging that their respective trades would not be as vibrant, inspired (or even exist, for that matter) without the influence of Black culture. In this spirit, W has compiled a list of Black-owned beauty and fashion brands at every price point, from local businesses to couture houses. Some, like Union Los Angeles and Fear of God, have been around for years, while others, like Christopher John Rogers, are relative industry newcomers. But all of them have impacted the greater industries with their innovation and singular style. This is by no means an exhaustive, comprehensive list, but it’s intended as a jumping-off point. Black-owned fashion and beauty brands should be on your radar at all times, but if, until this point, they weren’t, let today be the day you start keeping these companies top of mind.

Ethel’s Club, @ethelsclub

A social and wellness club for people of color.

Pattern Beauty, @patternbeauty

A curly, coily, and tight-textured hair care line from Tracee Ellis Ross (and a partner of the African American Policy Forum).

Marché Rue Dix, @marcheruedix

A concept store located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, for all of your vintage clothing, home goods, nail, hair, and skincare needs.

Sheryl Jones Jewelry, @sheryljonesjewelry

A fine jeweler located in New York City’s Diamond District (yes, the one featured in Uncut Gems).

Christopher John Rogers, @christopherjohnrogers

The winner of last year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, Christopher John Rogers‘s larger-than-life wares are available on Net-a-porter.com.

Black Girl Sunscreen, @blackgirlsunscreen

A sunscreen for women of color that doesn’t leave behind any white residue and is made with natural, vegan ingredients.

Taylor Jay, @shoptaylorjay

The Taylor Jay boutique in Oakland, California offers handmade clothing created in-state that offer a playful spin on wardrobe staples.

Sincerely, Tommy, @sincerelytommy_

This Brooklyn concept store owned by Kai Avent-deLeon has an in-house coffee bar and sells clothing, accessories, and wellness products from emerging brands like Gauntlett Cheng and Redoux.

Victor Glemaud, @glemaud

Haiti-born designer Victor Glemaud gained attention from the fashion media for his inclusive-sized knitwear following the brand’s fall 2020 runway show.

Fear of God, @fearofgod

The streetwear giant, helmed by Jerry Lorenzo, is 100 percent independently Black-owned.

Saul Nash, @saul.nash

The owner of this emerging menswear brand from England is both a dancer and a designer.

Kaya Dua, @kaya_dua

An accessories brand from Ghana, with woven, candy-colored bags and chunky leather sandals you can shop online.

Union Los Angeles, @unionlosangeles

The clothing store that originally opened in New York City before moving west was recently looted, but the shop shared a statement on Instagram urging supporters to “remember that the genesis of this whole thing is that police are killing Black people.”

Kai Collective, @kaicollective

An affordable luxury e-tailer by fashion and travel influencer Fisayo Longe.

Telfar, @telfarglobal

The unisex brand that brought you the so-called “Bushwick Birkin.”

Brother Vellies, @brothervellies

Brother Vellies founder Aurora James just launched the 15 Percent Pledge initiative, encouraging brands like Amazon, Shopbop, and Net-a-porter to dedicate 15 percent of their digital shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

Pyer Moss, @pyermoss

Pyer Moss designer Kerby Jean Raymond’s last fashion show for spring 2020 took place at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. It was an ode to Black history, excellence, music, and cutting-edge fashion. Since then, Raymond has been active in raising funds for COVID-19 relief, and a key voice in the fight for justice for George Floyd.

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