Five Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Support
Fast fashion companies have a long history of stealing from Black creators.
Just last year, NPR reported that Shein, currently one of the most known fast fashion companies, had profited off of selling a top that had stolen the design of the Amelia top by Elexiay, a Black-owned fashion company that makes its products in Nigeria. After receiving backlash, Shein eventually removed the top from their site.
Boohoo was also accused of stealing the designs of Fisayo Longe, a Black fashion designer and Kai Collective Limited. The company also removed all of the articles of clothing Longe accused them of copying in her cease-and-desist order, according to Buzzfeed. News.
While the affordability of fast fashion companies may be alluring, more consumers, specifically Gen Z consumers, are dedicated to helping support Black-owned clothing companies regardless of the cost.
To support originality and ethically made clothing and accessories, here are five Black-owned fashion companies to buy from.
- Chinero Nnamani: Named after owner and entrepreneur Chinero Nnamani, this clothing brand pays homage and honors African culture. Using art, math and technology, Nnamani creates clothing featuring vibrant African prints inspired by the colors of African culture such as Nigerian folk art as well as nature. Through her designs, Nnamani draws attention to the impact of African culture and fashion on other countries and attempts to continue spreading the country’s influence. The brand sells a variety of things, including reversible skirts, silk pillowcases and t-shirts.
- AAKS: Created by designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, this handbag brand focuses on making fashion right again. Relying largely on the weaving techniques practiced by most Ghanian women, AAKS looks to bring back ethical modes of production as well as sustainability. To ensure that every handbag is made in accordance with the company’s beliefs, Afriyie-Kumi herself is involved in every aspect of production. Over the course of 10 days, the handbags are woven, lined and covered in leather. To honor the person who made it, the company imprints the person’s fingerprints on the finished product. AAKS has now enjoyed success on its own and in retail stores such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Anthropologie.
- Cee Cee’s Closet: Created by entrepreneurs and sisters, Uchenna and Chioma Ngwudo, Cee Cee’s Closet pays tribute and takes inspiration from the bold colors of African culture and fashion. According to the sisters, the idea for the company came when Uchenna was unable to find headwear in New York City that she felt were fun and vibrant enough. Together, the sisters went to Nigeria where they worked with tailors to find all kinds of fabric to use. Inspired, they opened up Cee Cee’s closet to help women celebrate their African heritage through clothing. The company offers a variety of things, including skirts, blankets and jewelry.
- Zarnea: Founded by designer Cebrena Tucker in 2018, this company focuses specifically on beachwear and athletic clothing such as biker shorts and leggings. Through their clothing, Zarnea’s working on helping everyone feel comfortable in their skin and building confidence.
- 10.Deep: Created by Scott Sasso in 1995, this men’s brand focuses on bringing high-quality, affordable streetwear to the masses. Drawing inspiration from the people who made 90s streetwear a part of fashion history, 10. Deep works to motivate people to bring about change. The brand offers a variety of clothing options, including, tops, bottoms, accessories and hats.
