Why You Should Have Black British Brands On Your Radar
Via The Ugliest/Instagram
London has always been the epicentre of fashion. From its characteristic products and sense of style to sitting at the table with other global fashion capitals such as Paris, New York, Milan and Tokyo, it is evident that London has always been the hub for creativity. Finally, Black British brands are also getting a piece of that cake.
The amount of Black British brands and designers growing up was very scarce. It was almost impossible to wear anything Black owned from head to toe. Today, we are witnessing a renaissance of black creativity, from the likes of Benjart, Trapstar, Dirrty Store to Loudbrand Studios and Farai London - the options are endless.
Social media has been a huge contributing factor, as platforms such as Twitter and Instagram has enabled small businesses to reach a worldwide audience.
Via Teen Vogue/Farai London (website)
Farai London
Take Farai London for example, founded by MaryAnn Msengi, this London-based label which freshly launched this summer took over our feeds with Kylie Jenner wearing the signature Gaia Dress. Megan Thee Stallion, Noel Crawley and other popular influencers have also followed suit by supporting the black owed brand. Globalisation has allowed Farai London’s dresses to sell out and reach multiple platforms.
Via Loudbrand Studios
Loudbrand Studios
We are currently living in unprecedented times, although, this has not stopped the creatives from creating. After being made redundant in June, Jedidiah Duyile established Loudbrand Studios from her bedroom in Hackney. She previously worked as an events coordinator during the day and sewed pieces for clients in the evening. However, after months of furlough and eventually being made redundant a cosign from Kylie Jenner couldn’t come at a better time.
Jedidiah Duyile’s life changed in just 2 minutes. The worlds most famous celebrity with 195 million Instagram followers uploaded two posts to her Instagram wearing a Loundbrand Studio dress. Before this upload, the brand had 2,000 followers by the next couple days it went from 10,000 to 20,000 and now over 40,000 individuals support her brand. Jedidiah’s own sense of self-belief is what drove her to contact Kylie Jenner’s stylist as she quotes “I work really hard on my brand and really believe in it” (source: graziadaily). This story is truly remarkable as the young Black British designer did not let 2020 get the best of her. Her determination is also admirable as it is a testament to the idea that if one door closes another will open.
Minor setbacks for major comebacks
What a time to be alive! The range of Black British brands available today is amazing, as we get to see an array of talent. Ordinary people now have more access to the fashion world and won’t feel intimated by big well-known brands. Small businesses seem to also be getting the recognition they deserve.
Leomie Anderson, Nella Rose and J Hus prove that the sky is the limit. The fashion industry continues to grow daily as these multifaceted individuals have shown how there are numerous ways to express yourself. Need new gym clothes? LAPP The Brand founded by Leomie Anderson might be the one for you. The British model’s brand is all about empowering women and promoting confidence, positivity and unity through fashion and creating another platform to voice women’s issues (source:http://blog.lappthebrand.com/about-lapp/ ).
Are you a sucker for graphic tops? I know a guy who knows a guy. Youtuber and Content Creator Nella Rose recently launched her clothing line Faces which sold out in under 30 minutes. The Youtuber is known for her tomboy aesthetic and her new unisex brand mirrors her love for graphic tops.
Do you like splashing out and stunting on the gram? J Hus previously launched a clothing line and capsule collection ‘The Ugliest’ which will give Moncler a run for their money. The range consists of t-shirts, jackets, silk pyjamas and more. The rapper states that the clothing line is all about finding your identity and individuality (Source: Wonderlandmagazine).
Overall, Black British creativity in fashion is truly inspiring and something to shout about. I hope that all these brands mentioned continue to inspire those who wish to see their garments on billboards one day.