Today is Black Pound Day so it felt like the right time to start my series on black owned businesses I love and want to share with you. Some are old favourites I have followed for a while and some are some (amazing) new discoveries. First up is fashion but I also have kids and homewares coming soon. By spending money with these wonderful businesses you are helping to amplify their community. If you find a brand you love here please consider spending with them and sharing them and spreading the word. This is just a small way to help support the Black Lives Matter movement. Lets celebrate and uplift the talents of black creatives who have set up these independent businesses.
I hope you love these designs as much as me and if you have a black owned business you want to share that I haven’t mentioned please leave a comment below or email me.
Maison Archives London
I have known Judith for a few years now, she is one of the most stylish people I know (and her kids are too!). She runs Maison Archives London, a quirky and sustainable fashion accessories business sourcing from fair-trade co-ops. Her colourful hairbands, hair clips, basket bags and hats are so fun and the perfect way to update any outfit. You can’t not go on her site and want to buy everything!
Mangishi Doll
Mangishi Doll is a Zambian ‘Afro – Eclectic’ womenswear brand inspired by unique style and bold prints designed by African designer Kapasa Musonda. The bold patterns and strong colours mean you will definitely be turning heads in her pieces!
SIKA Design
SIKA was founded in 2005 by creative director Phyllis Taylor with the vision that fashion has the power and potential to make a positive contribution to society. The ethos behind SIKA is not only to produce quality 'made in Africa' garments but also to ultimately prove that garment production can successfully have social and environmental responsibilities at its core. For SIKA that means paying fair wages, creating employment and making a meaningful difference within the Ghanaian community. All SIKA garments are designed in London and handmade in Ghana by a skilled garment production team. How beautiful are these designs - you just know how feminine you will fell in them.
People
Allison and Christian Sadler run award winning lifestyle store People. They are passionate about people and community and have a family run shop in Birmingham and an online store. They make easy, comfy everyday styes that you will live in. Clothes are made to order and their curation of limited edition and handcrafted homewares and gifts make it a one stop shop for all your fashion needs.
Odilie Jacobs
Odile Jacobs eclectic designs are a fusion of African tradition and European Style. This ready-to-wear brand is based in Belgium. They use colourful and stylish, waxed fabrics sourced in Africa, with sculptural silhouettes to create a fresh look which prides itself on individuality. Odile’s mission is to give an international dimension to the African wax patterns and value the true traditional connection, while creating a sober yet dynamic cut to empower women to discover their own true essence. The billowing elegant designs are what attracts me to her styles and they can be worn from beach to special occasions.
Joanna Vanderpuije
Joanna Vanderpuije is a London based designer specialising in Screenprinted Textiles and Fashion. Her unique expressive prints are fun and uplifting and the accessories are all individually made and pieces to love forever. Love the metallic bags, the perfect lift to any outfit.
Fanm Mon
Fanm Mon make the most amazing made to order dresses!! These are statement special forever pieces and the bold colours and embroidery are totally uplifting. Run by husband and wife team Sophie and Kerem all styles are made at an atelier in the Ukraine with in house artisans and the latest collection is all soft organic linen. If you are after a feminine look then this is the brand to check out. The Machann Dress is top of my Wishlist!!
Inspired by her heritage, Tihara’s pieces take inspiration from the Caribbean with a London twist. Each piece is crafted by hand in London, using contemporary and traditional craft techniques. The bright colours, tropical flora and fauna make these the ultimate feel good pieces. She also has a fun range of prints and cards. Check her website out here.
Tove is a London based brand set up by duo Camille Perry and Holly Wright, creating stylishly wearable and feminine styles in luxury fabrics. I am completely in love with their simple dresses and tops aimed at ‘self assured and spirited’ women. They are being stocked at Net-a-Porter.
Sanchos
Sanchos is the indie to go for affordable ethical , organic and fair-trade fashion. The owners, Kalkidan and Vidmantas founded the store in 2014 and are ‘committed to bringing ethical and sustainable brands to customers looking to make a positive change and to provide more options for conscious individuals.’ They have a large seletion of activewear, jumpsuits, dungarees, mens and jewellery.
A brand I have shopped from and supported for quite a few years, Kemi Telford is the queen of the statement print skirt and dress! Her business has grown and grown and it is easy to see why. These are bold, comfy, relaxed tran-seasonal styles you will live in! They have a Nigerian influence, but with a western twist.
Sindiso Khumalo
Sindi is an ethical and sustainable fashion and textile designer living in Cape Town. Her brand Sindiso Khumalo and designs have a strong emphasis on African story telling. Her latest collection has plenty of prairie and smock dresses and I have completely fallen for it!! She is going to be selling via a UK retailer in the new year - watch this space!
