Shopping can be extremely overwhelming at times. Although it’s fun, there’s a lot that we put ourselves through in order to achieve a bomb outfit. From a selection full of cheaply made overpriced fast fashion to the formidable selection of not finding what suits you, you start to lose hope. Let us shine some light and share with you some of our favorite fashion brands.
1. Brother Vellies
Looking for sustainable and carefully curated handbags, socks, and shoes? Check out Brother Vellies. Each piece is an original; whether you’re searching for something simple or quirky, the options are endless. In 2013 Aurora James created her brand in Brooklyn, NY “with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs”. Aurora’s love and strong passion for fashion and the arts translates well into her pieces.
If you feel like you’ve seen Aurora James before, you’re probably right. In 2015, she was the winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and part of the 2016-2018 CFDA {Fashion Incubator}. Besides her work in fashion, Aurora is an activist as well. She received the Council of Fashion Designers of America Founder’s Award for launching the nonprofit organization Fifteenth Percent Pledge. In the wake of George Floyd’s passing, Aurora created the Fifteenth Percent Pledge with the goal of asking brands to pledge 15% of their shelf space to black-owned businesses.
2.OMA The Label
When it comes to finding minimalist and tasteful pieces, the options can be limited. That’s why we’re here to introduce you to OMA The Label, created in 2018 by fashion stylist Neumi Anekhe. She sought to create a fashion brand where people of color of were properly represented in the fashion industry. OMA The Label consists of classy jewelry and bodysuits, that elevate any look you wear! A lot of Anekhe’s inspiration for her designs stems from her Scandinavian and African background. Neumi Anekhe was also selected as one of 13 designers to be part of the Black Fashion Council Showroom at Spring Studios last year during New York Fashion Week.
3.Reona
Staying in the trend of simple and elevated clothing, another brand to keep in mind is Reona. With having to go back into the office, it’s been sort of a nightmare when trying to figure out what to wear. However, Reona is a lifesaver. Created by sisters Yoruba, Christina, and Philiscia Abayomi, the goal was to create clothing for those who reached their own demographic: modern working women. The name itself literally means” her way”. The pieces are so simple, chic, and comfortable, that you can wear them anywhere. Ethically made, this black brand is definitely a go-to!
4.Tia Adeola
Fashion always plays a part in showing who we really are. For those who want to embrace their inner glamour and beauty, Tia Adeola was made for you. If you could envision old Hollywood mixed with sexy art, that’s the best way to describe this unique brand. Tia Adeola, born in Nigeria and a London Native, created her brand in the comfort of her New School dorm room back in 2017. The inspiration behind Tia’s fashion brand was her passion for history, especially the Renaissance Era. Her goal is “is to rewrite history through fashion, particularly for people of color.”
5.Apartment 202
We all have our days when we want to break out of our shells and switch up our style. Apartment 202, the made-to-order LA-based brand, is made for the girls who don’t have a set style. Just like us, the brand is always changing and trying new creative designs and ventures. As of right now, the brand is keeping it fresh with metallic and satin asymmetrical pieces. However, it is literally their thing to create original and cutting-edge designs.
What emerging fashion brands have you been into lately?
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