10 Black Changemakers in Sustainable Fashion
By Christian Hopley
This Black History Month we want to focus on uplifting a variety of Black fashion changemakers that are currently championing the mission of sustainability. Products ranging from dresses to handbags, even jewelry and swimwear, there are truly no limits to black creativity. Through their sustainability efforts, these Black women have fostered a culture within the fashion industry that makes shopping more intentional and meaningful by not contributing to fast fashion pollution and supporting human rights initiatives globally. It is important that we actively support and uplift these brands not only during Black History Month, but that we continue to shop with them year round.
Anima Iris -
The Senegalese-based brand produces their bags in low quantities, using a no-waste production model. They upcycle all leftover materials into keychains, cardholders, and other small leather goods and all of their creations are made by local small business artisans in Dakar, Senegal. Their statement bags have recently landed in Bloomingdales and celebrities like Beyonce have been seen sporting their designs.
https://animairis.com
Proclaim -
The Los Angeles-based brand specializes in sleek and supportive undergarments that are available in a range of skin tone shades and a variety of products including different underwear styles, bras, tanks, slip dresses, even swimwear that are made in a small production family owned factory. They manufacture garments with a mixture of different sustainable fabrics, such as TENCEL™, Cupro, Organic hemp and most notably, REPREVE® which is made from recycled plastic water bottles.
https://www.wearproclaim.com/pages/about
Brother Vellies -
At the crux of this brand is its vow to sustainability. The luxury brand exclusively uses sustainably sourced materials such as vegetable-tanned leather, floral dyed feathers and purchasing materials directly from farmers across the globe. Their elevated and innovative footwear and handbag designs are crafted by small artisans shops from countries across the world such as Haiti, Italy, Morocco, Burkina Faso, and New York City.
https://brothervellies.com/pages/sustainability
Lisou -
The UK based company specializes in silks and powersuits made in bold patterns. The founder Rene MacDonald draws inspiration from her vibrant upbringing in Tanzania and creates garments perfectly tailored to the feminine figure. The brand is known for their work with raw silk and even repurposes silk fabric scraps to make accessories such as face masks and scrunchies. Moreover, Lisaou has teamed up with One Tree Planted to help restore biodiversity in Africa, Asia, Australia, North and Latin America. For every full priced item purchased, One Tree Planted plants four trees.
https://lisou.co.uk/pages/sustainability
Tongoro -
Known for their striking silhouettes and west african patterns, Tongoro has been seen on celebrities such as Burna Boy, Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Naomi Campbell. A major part of their canon is their abstract black and white fabrics along with their large regal gold jewelry. The Senegalese brand commits to sustainability and decreasing their carbon footprint by sourcing all materials on the African continent and manufacturing their garments by local artisans.
https://www.tongoro.com/about-tongoro
Oak and Acorn -
Started in 2019 by Miko Underwood, the brand is based in Harlem and explicitly references Indigenous and African Americans' impact on American culture. They produce pieces composed of Hemp, Refibra, and TENCEL™along with using deadstock/ upcycled materials and natural indigo textiles. Miko, who was affected by parental incarceration, donates 20% of the profit from Oak and Acorn to We Got Us Now Inc. which supports children who were affected by parental incarceration. The mission of We Got Us Now Inc. ties directly into the designs of Oak and Acorn with their famous unisex denim jumpsuits. Oak and Acorn has a multitude of designs from innovative denim to outerwear and now retails in Nordstrom.
https://oakandacornbrand.com/our-story
Omi Woods -
Omi Wood offers quality fine jewelry and gold vermeil pieces ranging from classic everyday pieces to wedding rings. All of their jewelry are individually and ethically handmade using fair trade African gold and globally sourced recycled and conflict-free fine metals. Omi Woods makes an annual donation to different local and global non-profits and charities such as AllOneBlood, * Billion Trees, Doctors Without Borders, and The Ocean Cleanup.
https://omiwoods.com/pages/giving-back
Adele Dejak -
More IS definitely more with this eye-catching brand, known especially for their striking gold pieces.With a range of statement earrings, rings, and necklaces, Adele Dejak draws inspiration from traditional African jewelry designs. They recycle and upcycle jewelry along with making sure all of their raw materials are traceable to ensure ethical sourcing.
https://www.adeledejak.com/sustainability/
Studio 189 -
The luxury brand is currently operating in Accra, Ghana producing garments ranging from simplistic styles to expressive West African motifs and designs. Studio189 works with artisanal communities that specialize in various traditional craftsmanship techniques including natural plant based dye indigo, hand-batik, kente weaving and more. They have successfully cemented their place in luxury fashion while maintaining their West African identity. Studio189 was most recently awarded the CFDA Lexus Fashion Initiative for Sustainability, and they are now sold in retailers like Net-A-Porter, Yoox, Opening Ceremony, and Bergdorf Goodman.
https://studiooneeightynine.com/pages/about-us
Jade Swim -
Jade Swim is a Black owned swimwear brand. The designs are both minimalist and innovative with a variety of swimwear styles to fit every body type.Their swimwear collection uses ECONYL which is 100% recycled nylon and all of their fabrics are Oeko -Tex certified ensuring their fabric dyes are non hazardous.