The past two weeks has been really heavy on the African American community. Yet, another young unarmed black man has been murdered by the police. It has started a worldwide protest for justice as well as police brutality to come to an end. We have a lot of work to do but willing to do whatever is necessary to allow not only our voices to be heard but actions to be taken. People are looking for answers from society to reduce racism's repercussions altogether.
The fashion industry has profited from the black culture for decades, from our street wear to our styling. The industry wants our culture but don't want to give us our well deserved credit which is why black people are always forced to create our own table oppose to being invited to the "table". Many of the worlds top leading Fashion Brands have been speaking out against racial injustice. Virgil Abloh the Creative Director behind Louis Vuitton and streetwear giant Off-White brand made a statement saying "Make a change. Freedom from racism towards peace together. #BlackLivesMatter." On his personal Instagram Stories, Abloh shared that he had made a $50 donation to Fempower, an organization helping arrested Black Lives Matter protesters with their legal power. His followers quickly called him out, even with the best intentions, the donation cost him less than any of his clothes cost consumers. Just a slap in the face to the Black community. Like you are a wealthy man at least make a decent donation if you are going to do so.
Being black in the fashion industry means knowing the make up artist in a room has no idea how to color match your foundation. Its seeing a white women wearing styles you and your peers have be consistently ridiculed for. Its having your ideas stolen from right up under you and not even being acknowledged for your work. We deserve a equal representation at board levels, across management levels and in the creative spaces. So many different issues when you're black in the fashion industry and its time for a change.
The fashion industry and its influencers have a moral obligation to do more. It starts with speaking up and end with action behind. For example Glossier, the direct-consumer beauty brand announce it would be offering $500,000 to organizations fighting racial injustice. Perfect example of how these issues need to be addressed not with lip service but with funding and creating in the same sense allowing us to use our creativity while receiving 100% credit from it.
Heres some local Hartford CT fashion Black Owned Business to shop with (Instagram)
@SadeNicoleBrand (Fashion Designer)
@thejawnedcollection (Boutique)
@prettyfabfits (Boutique)
@carelessambitionshop (Fashion Designer)
@elysianharcollection (Hair)
@cococouture (Handmade Jewelry)
@shadesbysmoove (Sunglasses)
@kissedandtoldcosmetics (Luxury cosmetics)
@_hopefitness (Personal Trainer)
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