The ethical fashion space, like much of the fashion industry, is predominately white. So, I wanted to shout out some Black-owned ethical, sustainable, and slow fashion brands. I’ll update this list as I learn about more brands. I was curious about the stories behind the brands, so I also linked to interviews with the founders. As we know, where we spend our dollars matters. Let’s show them some love!
** this post contains a few affiliate links **
Apparel
Aliya Wanek – By day she works as a speech therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area. By night, Aliya Wanek makes comfy womenswear out of natural fibers.
Dynasty George – This zero waste clothing brand serves romantic looks. Designed by Dynasty Casanova, the clothes are handmade in Brooklyn from vintage and recycled textiles.
Earth Toned Collective – Clothes to be noticed in! The last collection (nearly sold out) is full of tops with dramatic sleeves. All garments are made from deadstock materials or organic cotton in Brooklyn. Founded by Shalisia Hyman-Earth.
Gracemade – Founder Jasmine Rennie describes her brand as faith-driven and a “fashion-forward interpretation of modest apparel.” Think cocoon dresses and jumpsuits. Made in downtown Los Angeles out of locally sourced and deadstock fabrics. Use my coupon code WELCOMEOBJ to get 15% off.
Local European – Their Instagram bio says, “For the elegant street girl.” Cargo pants, but make it fashion! Made in Los Angeles out of deadstock fabric in small batches. Founded by Alexandra Bunch.
Pure Hope Clothing – Based in London, Pure Hope works with Ashanari, a social project in India that provides free education for women and children. Women in the project are paid fair wages to make the clothes from up-cycled fabrics. Founded by Rebekah Lazarus.
Tabii Just – Zero waste women’s clothing crafted in Brooklyn and Massachusetts under fair and ethical working conditions. Founded by activist Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs, who is also the director of community engagement at Women’s March. She also co-founded a second zero waste fashion label, Livari.
Taylor Jay – An eponymous brand of elevated basics and inclusive sizing. Made in Oakland. “I began designing because my body had gone from a size 2 to a size 12 within 6 months, so I needed garments that could be stylish and also serve as function,” says Jay in this interview.
Tiny Closet Shop – Made-to-order capsule clothing crafted out of deadstock fabric in Los Angeles. The clothes are minimalist, drapey, and arty — what I imagine an art gallery owner would wear. Founded by Natalie Harris, who makes all the garments herself. She’s currently hit capacity, but check back in July.
Two Days Off – This minimalist slow fashion brand founded by climate scientist Gina Stovall uses natural fibers like linen and cotton. Made to order or in limited edition batches in Los Angeles. (I’ve been eyeing the Haruko Dress, shown above, for some time.)
Shoes & Accessories
AAKS Pelka Bag
AAKS – Based in the UK and founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, AAKS’ colorful handbags are handcrafted by women weavers in Ghana. The bags are made from ecologically harvested raffia from family farmers in Ghana.
Brother Vellies – Luxury shoes and bags created from traditional African design practices. Based in Brooklyn, but made by artisans across the globe. Glamorous, luxe, and $$$. Founded by Aurora James.
dr. Liza – Liza Egbogah is a Canadian chiropractor and osteopath of Nigerian heritage who created her own line of footwear after not being able to find stylish comfy shoes for her clients. The shoes have orthotic insoles and are ethically made in Brazil. Read my review of her flats.
Kintu New York – Launched in 2015, Kintu works with artisans in Italy, Kenya, and India to create 100% vegetable-tanned leather bags. The bags have a boxy, structured look and are made to order. Founded by Sarah Nakintu.
Tree Fairfax – Minimalist leather goods made by Tricia Hash in Roanoke, Virginia. Known for her half moon-shaped waist bags. She also has an Etsy shop.
Zou Xuo – Small-batch shoes handcrafted by Argentinian shoemakers. Founded by Katherine Theobalds. I love these black snake print flats.
Swim Wear
lemlem – Founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, lemlem offers swimwear and other apparel for women, men, and children made entirely in Africa. A portion of sales go to the lemlem foundation, a nonprofit that connects women artisans in Africa to healthcare, education, and jobs.
Natural Swim – Luxe swimwear with “coverage options for all” made from recycled fishing nets. Designed in the USA and ethically manufactured in Indonesia. Founded by Fatimah Hunter and Summiyah Siddeeq.
Vintage
Bum-Cake Vintage – Vintage lingerie. Founded by Christiana Greene.
Keepers Vintage – Brick & mortar vintage shop in Baltimore. They also have an Etsy shop. Co-owned by Erica Bentley.
Neutral Ground – Vintage clothing in a neutral palette. Founded by Alysha Cassis-Shaw and Bay Area-based.
Retro Rhapsody/smallneeds – Sumptuous vintage finds. Based in Miami.
Subrina Heyink Vintage – Designer vintage curated by stylist Subrina Heyink. Based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Washington Ave – Based in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where founder Lakeitha Washington has been upcycling and reworking vintage pieces since 2010.
More Resources
15% Pledge – Aurora James, the founder of Brother Vellies, organized a pledge to call on major retailers to devote 15% of their shelf space to products from Black-owned businesses since Black Americans make up 15% of the U.S. population. Sephora was the first to sign on.
Black-owned Etsy Shops – Curated by Etsy.
Black Owned Everything – An Instagram account “for when the trend is over.”
Blk + Grn – An all natural marketplace for beauty products made by Black artisans.
Buy From a Black Woman Directory – A directory of businesses owned by Black women, from home decor and furniture to food.
Buy From BIPOC – A directory of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color makers and creatives with a focus on slow, ethical, and sustainable fashion.
Melanin & Sustainable Style – A website (and Instagram) for communities of color in sustainable fashion and beauty spaces. Founded by Dominique Drakeford.
