With the BLM movement growing this year, I thought it would be important to highlight the brands that are making an impact in society not only because they’re genius, but also because their voices have been stifled for too long. Being a black business owner is not only tough because of the times we are living in, it is twice as hard because of the oppression black people have been going through for many years. I hope to shine a light on these brands, and bring my support in whatever way I can.
Some fabulous designers will be mentioned in my “New designers you should know about” articles.

This article will only be available in English.

BLACK LIVES MATTER. END POLICE BRUTALITY.

Cushnie

Run by Carly Cushnie, the brand is known for its sculptural eveningwear. Michelle Obama and Ashley Graham have already worn the designs which instantly became red-carpet worthy, but there is way more to the Parsons’ Graduate designer’s work; day-to-day pieces, midi dresses and blazers as well as vibrant jumpsuits.

Harper’s Bazaar mentionned the brand is also known for its bridalwear and became the mind behind  Sophie Turner's pre-wedding night look “in those star-studded nuptials in the South of France last year”.

Her latest collection, designed after the ‘pietra serena’ guts of the Medici Chapel laced with immense marble sculptures, is a “study of contrast between graphic angular lines and delicate Grecian inspired draping”.

Here are some of my favourite looks from the collection:

Find out more at Cushnie.com

Christopher John Rodgers

After winning a CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund last years, Christopher John Rogers is one of the most vibrant up and coming designers the world of fashion has seen in a long time. His bright designs feature voluminous shapes and vivid colours, destined to never let him go unnoticed. Born in Louisiana, Christopher John Rodgers says he “encourages the customer to take up space”. In light of the current events, I believe the positioning of the brand is essential - and you know how much I love to mix my politics with my fashion.

Already fiercly displayed by the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross, Michelle Obama, Adwoa Aboah, Janet Mock, Zendaya, Tessa Thompson, Ashley Graham and even Lil’Nas X, the designer has made quite the entry in the US world of Couture - and is ready to take on the world.

Long before that however, the designer went through quite the classic childhood. Raised by a modest family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, nothing pointed towards him eventually making his mark as a designer. His love for superhoeroes, in elementary school, led him to a passion for clothing. With the help of a few friends, he started drawing comic strips.

"I began to study what clothes and costumes could mean to a character and his personality, and how it could give them new powers that they didn't have before," he told L'Officiel magazine last September.

Find out more here.

Laquan Smith

Imagining his world from New York City, Laquan Smith has already checked many “worn by” boxes, including Lizzo, Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian West and Jennifer Lopez. Launched in 2013, his collections aim to enhance the female form. On his website, Smith explains that he is simply “fascinated by women and well-tailored clothing”.

Unable to show his collection through street styles and editors this year because of the virus (you, again), Laquan decided to display his world on celebrities - apparently to the point where people wondered if they could wear his designs without any fame attached to their persona. That’s the point, according to him. You may feel like no one, but you are, and his clothes are here to say “lights, camera, action: now be yourself”. And shine.

MORE:

Vogue US has written an article about the many wonderful black owned brands you can support and admire here.

Cosmo says you absolutely need to know these 63 Black owned Brands.

ELLE has named 65 brands to support and know about, always, here.

The Ginger Wanderlust has made a list of Black Businesses you can support here.

This list is absolutely non-exhaustive - there’s only so many words I can put down in an article, but I know this isn’t enough. This isn’t over. I would love it if you could list some business you know need support after COVID in the comments section of this article.

Talk about this with your family, your friends, your loved ones. Talk about it at school, everywhere. Even if it doesn’t concern you. Black Lives Matter.

Si vous avez des recommandations pour soutenir les business tenus par des minorités, mettez-les dans les commentaires. On continue à se battre. On continue à en parler, partout, avec tout le monde. Même si ça nous met mal à l’aise d’être en désaccord avec ceux qui ne comprennent pas. Renseignons-nous, manifestons.