30+ Black owned brands to support now — and always

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Worldwide protests against police brutality and racism continue in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. There’s still so much work to be done when it comes to being an ally to the Black community and striving to be actively anti-racist — and it’s important to keep the momentum going and continue to fight against systemic racism.

Educating yourself, speaking out about the injustices, donating to anti-racists charities and protester relief funds are just a few of the ways you can impact change.

Another way to support the Black community right now is to buy black. Shopping from black owned businesses is a key way to show solidarity.

We’ve curated 30+ black owned brands, both local and international that you can shop — from luxury to affordable, ethically sourced and modest.

Love Vera

Started by Vera Moore in 2018, Love Vera is a lingerie brand that celebrates black women of all shapes and sizes. They have sizes that range up to 4x and have a huge community of support with over 100k followers on instagram.

Hanifa

Congolose-American designer Anifa Mvuemba is the founder of luxury label Hanifa. Besides previously being featured in large fashion publications like Vogue, the brand trended for putting on a 3D fashion show via Instagram in late May to present her latest collection, Pink Label Congo.

Pyer Moss

Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond in 2013, this mens and womenswear fashion label has always been rooted in speaking about heritage and activism.

Telfar

Based and founded in New York City by designer Telfar Clemens, Telfar is a global brand that represents diversity. The brand is commonly known for its infamous tote bags that range in sizes.

Martine Ali

New York based jewelry designer Martine Ali has worked with music’s big names like Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar. Her jewellery line can be found in most luxury fashion retailer sites like SSENSE and Matches Fashion.

Gaudi

Toronto-based pearl jewellery brand founded Leché Hope. They offer various styles from necklaces, to anklets and earrings for pierced and unpierced ears.

Wales Bonner

Designer Grace Wales Bonners founded the British fashion label in 2014. The menswear and womenswear label explores a blend of European and African heritage through its designs.

Bianca Saunders

The London-based designer Bianca launched her namesake label in 2017. The line capture new ideas for menswear while being rooted in Saunder’s Black-Carribean heritage.

Brother Vellies

Toronto born designer Aurora James founded the accessories line New York. The brand has a range of handcrafted shoes and handbags from African countries such South Africa, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Martine Rose

Since 2007 Martin Rose has been elevating her namesake menswear brand. Inspired by her Jamaican-British heritage the designer has pushed boundaries of masculinity and sexuality through her collections.

Christopher John Rogers

The latest winner of the CFDA/Vogue, designer Christopher John Rogers and his namesake brand is known for making bold statements. The womenswear line ranges in sensational silhouettes and bright colours.

O’Dolly Dearest

For the ‘90s and early 2000s nostalgia lovers O Dolly Dearest offers feminine pieces. Founder Zoe Martin infuses her loves for iconic women in music, film and television from the era into her designs.

The 19th DC

Based in Washington D.C., the lifestyle brand engages in conversations about progressive issues and welcoming women and people of colour to run for office. They specialize in modern and custom t-shirt designs.

The Gracemade

Founded by Jasmine Rennie in 2016, Gracemade offers clothing for women who want to express their personal style, while honouring their faith. They practice modest fashion and every clothing item is made ethically.

Tree Fairfax

Tree Fairfax offers handmade leather goods that are locally sourced and high quality. They pride themselves on not mass producing their products, in which they engage in slow fashion rather than fast fashion.

Zoux Shoes

Founded in New York City by Katherine Theobalds, Zoux Shoes carries sustainably-made womens shoes. They are handcrafted in Buenos Aires and produced in small quantities to reduce waste and energy.

Thebe Magugu

Thebe Magugu, a South-African based fashion brand offers women’s ready-to-wear clothing. The brand was recently featured in the latest episode of HBO’s critically acclaimed show Insecure.

Jade Swim

The Los Angeles-based swimwear line founded by Brittany Kozerski. The brand offers carefully crafted luxe swimwear that’s also eco-friendly.

Broke & Living

Broke & Living is Toronto-based unisex by designers Nicole Simmons, Charlene Akuamoah and Meg Prosper. They offer contemporary styles that are gender fluid.

Kaela Kay

From eye-catching African prints to various silhouettes and shapes, Toronto-based designer Catherine Addai offers locally made womenswear. They produce endless designs as well as a wide range of sizes, going up to a US size 22.

Nubian Skin

This global brand offers skin-tone lingerie, hosiery and swimwear for women of colour. London based designer Ade Hassan, founded the brand to offer nude undergarments options to women of colour because they weren’t seen in regular shops.

SCY by Julius

SCY by Julius is a Toronto based brand that offers contemporary menswear, womenswear and accessories. The staple reworked denim styles are what drives the brand to be one of a kind.

Torshie The Label

The Toronto-based label offers trendy African print styles from swimwear, to two-peice sets, dresses. They are also currently offering reusable face masks that range from 31 different styles.

Zola Blvd

Founded in 2018 the online store offers statement footwear for women. They’re based in Toronto and have a variety of styles, including their signature mules.

Tyrell

Sexy and feminine silhouettes offer bold day-to-night options for the womenswear label. The Toronto-based brand designs explore bold cut outs, printed mesh details and form fitting stretchy fabrics.

SP BADU

Toronto- based designer Spencer Badu produces genderless pieces that act as wardrobe staples. The contemporary label thrives from its uniform aesthetic and signature neutral colour palette.

O.gbeché

Founded in 2018, the African clothing brand offers modern and urban styles made from a variety of African prints. They also offer custom clothing to accommodate all sizes.

Shydiva Co.

Shydiva Co are an accessories line that specializes in handbags, earrings and sunglasses.

Jumz Accessories

The New York City based accessories line produces various unique handbags all made in Lagos, Nigeria.

Severe Nature

The Nigerian brand produces streetwear from an African lens. Founded in 2012, they strive to improve society with social events, community aid and their designs.

LAPP The Brand

Started by model Leomie Anderson, LAPP the brand is a womens sportswear line that strives through activism.

Kloset Envy

If you love Fashion Nova, this brand is your black owned equivalent. The online store is all about staying trendy and stylish without breaking the bank.

Serendipitous Project Jewellery

Founded by Sydney Ziems in 2019, the jewellery brand offers ethically sourced pieces at an affordable price.

Yam

Handmade jewellery brand based in Queens, New York. They offer various upcycled jewellery designs with a vintage appeal.

Oma the Label

Founded by Neumi Anekhe, Oma the Label is a womenswear line that offers quality and affordable pieces for women to wear day to day.

Arawela

This Canadian-based brand is a “global footwear paradise” for those seeking styles that are both affordable and fashionable.

Smash Shoes

Smash Shoes is catered to women who need extended sizing in the shoe department. They offer trendy and affordable shoes up to a US size 14.

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