Black-Owned Fashion Businesses You Can Support Right Now

Help uplift the Black fashion community by buying from these e-retailers and local businesses.

  • Author: Michaela Zee
  • Photo: Christopher Sherman / Brother Vellies

As protests continue worldwide in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade, supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement are also searching for other efficient ways to support the Black community at this time, including signing petitions and sending donations to related organizations. 

Although it is important that well-renowned fashion designers and brands are standing in solidarity with protestors, including Marc Jacobs and Nordstrom, another crucial act in supporting the movement is by buying from Black-owned businesses. As Aurora James of Brother Vellies recently stated in an Instagram post about the #15PercentPledge: “So many of your businesses are built on Black spending power. So many of your stores are set up in Black communities. So many of your sponsored posts are seen on Black feeds. This is the least you can do for us.”

As a consumer, you can also share your support by shopping for your next ensemble from any of the following retailers. From online brands to vintage storefronts, V has complied a list of Black-owned fashion businesses you can purchase from below: 

The Folklore 

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Fashion aficionado, social media influencer, wellness advocate, and Harper's Bazaar alumn Chrissy Rutherford (@ChrissyFord) joined us for this week's episode of the 'Our Folklore' podcast. Chrissy is a New York native of Jamaican heritage who, for over 10 years, has been a front row fixture at fashion shows in New York, Paris, Milan, and London. She first got her start in fashion as an intern at #HarpersBazaar before moving her way up the ladder. While heading Harper's Instagram, Chrissy helped the brand reach over 4 million followers. Our Founder @AmiraRasool spoke with Chrissy about fashion’s relationship with mental health, life after Harper's, and how her own #mentalhealth journey inspired her to become an outspoken #mentalheathawareness and #wellness advocate. Listen to the latest episode of #OurFolklore now available on #ApplePodcast, #Spotify, #GooglePlay, and #Stitcher. Read more about #ChrissyRutherford in our website's editorial section.

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The Folklore is a multi-brand online retailer and wholesale showroom that sells handmade items from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, and Cote D’Ivoire. From emerging fashion brands to carefully selected luxury items, this New York City-based concept shop is designed to reflect the “diversity of Africa’s contemporary urban landscapes, minimalist design aesthetic, and artistic vibrancy.” 

Sami Miro Vintage

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WUZG00D in her 1/1 SMV green mod dress ??‍♀️

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Sami Miro Vintage offers up eco-conscious designs by reconstructing denim and other sourced materials into one-of-a-kind garments. Their recent collection, ECOTERROR, is Sami Miro Vintage’s first cut and sew collection that will “take its green initiative to new heights.” 

Christopher John Rogers

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? Founder, designer, and creative director of @brothervellies, @aurorajames, in our oversized silk charmeuse shirt dress and pleated skirt in sulphur for #CJRatHome! ? “There will never be another day exactly like today – for better or for worse. Some days you’ll want to put on rose colored glasses, other days might be better suited for a microscope. The World is shapeshifting and being malleable as creatives will probably be our saving grace. I want to blow with the wind and rise with the Sun. There are a lot of things to fight right now, but nature isn’t one of them. I want to listen more and talk less. I want to see the World for the kaleidoscope of beauty that it truly is and embrace that. I don’t want to be part of a life that spends too much time trying to change people, places, plants and animals. You can’t change people, but you can love people – and love changes people.” Aurora is supporting @girlsclubny, a nonprofit focused on connecting girls and young women in NYC to healthy and successful futures. Head to our stories to support! ?

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The 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner has already presented critically acclaimed collections at New York Fashion Week, as well as received admiration from Rihanna, Michelle Obama, and Ashley Graham. His designs feature saturated hues and dramatically-tiered, billowed silhouettes that elevate his looks.

Subrina Heyink Vintage

Shop owner and stylist Subrina Heyink opened her vintage store in 2017, and is currently hosting Instagram sales through her Stories and Highlights. Along with selling an array of vintage designer pieces, Heyink also sells vintage bridal. 

Sincerely, Tommy

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A customer appreciation post because face to face interaction is missed. This time has allowed us to reflect on the incredible community we have built over the last 6 years. It’s been such an honor. We will resume business sooner than later, but differently. The outlook will be different, the approach will be different. We truly appreciate all of your orders and continued support during this time. Shout out to @kaiaventdeleon and @ciarachaii who have been holding the website down and shipping out orders. We encourage you to use Carter’s Grocery on Tompkins and Madison Ave for UPS drops off and We Ship on Tompkins and Putnam. Our neighbor businesses such as @lifewellnessbk, @peaceandriot , @thenarativ, @chickysgeneral, @bedvynebrew, @radicalwomenbk, and @loversrocknyc are all accepting online orders. Please support where you can to keep the businesses on Tompkins open!

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The Brooklyn-based concept store is centralized around community, as well as contemporary womenswear and lifestyle products. Owned by Kai Avent-deLeon, Sincerely, Tommy, features a collection of outerwear, accessories, jewelry, and wellness products. 

Kloset Envy

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This bikini is ??? Get yours now at KlosetEnvy.com

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Kloset Envy carries affordable pieces that will make anyone “[look] good and stylish without breaking the bank.” Launched in 2012, this online retailer sells an array of trendy womenswear, swimwear, accessories, and more. 

Retro Rhapsody

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incredible 90s paneled mesh blouse ?

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Retro Rhapsody showcases a curated collection of vintage pieces and jewelry, including notable designs from Christian Dior, Mary McFadden, and Givenchy. The Miami-based vintage shop currently sells these chic garments and accessories on Etsy. 

Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies is known for its sustainable shoes and handbags that were handcrafted through traditional African design techniques. In response to the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter Movement, Creative Director and Founder Aurora James called on major brands like Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora to offer 15% of their shelf space to black-owned businesses.

Hanifa

The contemporary womenswear line features a collection of bold colors and textiles that range from sizes 0-20. Founded by Congolese designer Anifa Mvuemba, Hanifa aims toward catering to Women Without Limits. 

Golden Bird Boutique

Golden Bird Boutique carries a selection of affordable vintage, modern, and custom clothing and accessories. Along with their curation of bold fabrics and eclectic patterns, this online vintage store also promotes the representation of women of color by mainly photographing Black models. 

Glazed NYC

Glazed NYC is a lifestyle brand founded by Shelby Macklin and Banna Nega. Along with selling berets and other ultramodern accessories, the community-based retailer is all about creating a space where art, music, film, and other platforms can be shared.

Check out and support more Black-owned fashion businesses, below: 

Fashion Brands & Designers

Vintage

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