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Over the past decade, the issue of sustainability in fashion has made its way to the forefront. With environmental issues like climate change and animal endangerment continuously worsening, consumers have put pressure on the fashion industry to change its ways.
Although it is rarely recognized, sustainability’s roots are in Black and Brown indigenous practices. From fabric weaving to mending clothes, it is a tradition that holds true across the diaspora. Yet, the originators have become the hidden face of today's sustainability movement in fashion. We’re putting an end to that.
The following highlights Black brands that go above and beyond in their design practices to help protect the Earth. Keep scrolling to check them out.
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RCSLA by Moustapha Ndiaye is a luxury brand that tells the stories of various tribes through design. For example, their Baoleh jacket is made of fabric woven by the Baoleh tribe of the Ivory Coast. It consists of indigo with pops of color made from cotton fibers.
The brand has blended high end fashion with environmental awareness and believes that the most sustainable route is upcycling, or making use of what is already here. Their collections include a vast range of material—from organic cotton, to recycled leather scraps, to repurposed shoe bags. RCSLA has become an innovative creative hub and is exactly what the fashion industry needs when it comes to sustainable design. rcsla.com
ByMelianj is a fashion house known for repurposed denim work and streetwear designs. The company strives to be a source of inspiration and with their unique statement pieces of patch-worked chaps and exaggerated denim sleeves, it has become just that. More recently, they have dropped some hard-to-find accessories worth adding to your fashion wardrobe; including stylish patchwork scrunchies and threaded hoop earrings. They also go the slow fashion route; conserving energy and doing small, in-house production. melianj.com
Solace is a brand founded on the desire to be a part of a more sustainable lifestyle. At first glance it’s clear that this company believes in the need for high quality, yet affordable, clothing– as they use OEKO-Tex® certified fabrics in their designs.
The brand is also using its voice to shed light on voter suppression in America with “Freedom Now” tees.
Solace is a breath of fresh air in a very polluted world. thesolace.co
The Tiny Closet is a brand that is taking no chances with their eco-conscious check list enforcing these 3 strict rules.
Rule number one: no clothing inventory. Their clothing is made-to-order to reduce waste. Rule number two: only buy deadstock fabric. This takes the fabric that larger companies have left behind and turns the waste into wearable garments. Rule number three: everything has a purpose. Even the scrap fabric is used for either dye samples or new patterns. The dedication to sustainability that The Tiny Closet has is undeniable, which makes it a knockout when coupled with their eye for design. thetinyclosetshop.com
Jacara is contemporary wear that promotes diversity and clean design. We go the extra mile to assure we are using the most sustainable and highest quality option down to the buttons and thread. There is an emphasis on quality because the better it is made, the longer it can last.
The current collection consists of deadstock silk fabric, natural pearl buttons and hand woven cotton trim that is packaged with 100% recyclable material. Jacara is a purpose-driven brand that aspires to be a positive example for the future of fashion.
Aliya Wanek creates comfortable, modern clothing from natural, hand dyed fabrics. With Japanese-inspired cuts, these designs present a simple, stylish look for everyday wear.
Their designs are created to help inspire the wearer’s individuality and do so through various color ways.
This brand upholds their ethical and sustainable mission by using eco-friendly fabrics and producing garments in small batches at a time. aliyawanek.com
Hope for Flowers has an admirable philosophy that seeks to empower women and spotlights their passion for “doing good while looking good.” Using colorful prints on fabrics like NAIA™ acetate, tencel, organic linen and cotton, their classic silhouettes assure that these are pieces you’ll want to keep until it’s time to pass them down. hopeforflowers.com
