There’s a lot of work to be done in the fight against systemic racism and police brutality against Black Americans. As protests continue across the United States, calling for an end to police brutality and justice for the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, and countless others, there are many ways you can take action in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the Black community.

The Black Lives Matter Movement calls on people from all over the world to unite, partake in protests and rallies, donate to relevant causes and educate on racial inequalities. One of the most direct and sustainable ways to support the black community is to shop at black-owned businesses. Many of which have also been disproportionally affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Whether you’re looking for Beyonce-worthy jewelry or a fashion-forward gentlemen’s fedora, check out these black-owned fashion labels to shop right now.

By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY

5 Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Support

ASHYA

Established in 2017 by co-founders Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, ASHYA is a New York–based design label featuring unisex travel accessories. ASHYA is dedicated to creating well-crafted purposeful designs that unify luxury and utilitarian principles and exists as a vehicle to diversify cultural perspectives through broadly researched narratives and design. By documenting and sharing cultural stories, and designing multifunctional accessories, they hope to help the modern day explorer move more thoughtfully and fluidly throughout the world.

KEITH AND JAMES

James Keith set out to create his own line of quality hats that would serve as a modern symbol of the cornerstones of his heritage: strength, unity, and love. The result was a stylish and chic fedora, mixing classic lines and silhouettes with modern materials and colors. James first collection was an instant success with major retailers, such as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman and featured three fedora styles for both men and women in a variety of bold colors and boasting the Keith and James signature “Circle of Love” red logo in the form of a brilliant red button meant to symbolize unity and love.  James’ statement-making brand has quickly and organically become a favorite of many celebrities and public figures. And is fast becoming one of the most recognizable brands in the luxury accessories industry.

MCKENZIE LIAUTAUD

In 2010, McKenzie Liautaud launched a capsule collection of men’s accessories including bespoke bow ties and hand finished pocket squares using recycled fabrics embellished with hardware, crystals and metal findings, then introduced women’s jewelry. His first collection ‘Tribal Disruption’ examined the relationship between tribal style & western design.

Mckenzie’s goal of is to bring balance and harmony to the world as he builds a conscious brand. Each Mckenzie Liautaud piece is beautifully handcrafted using ethically sourced precious and semi-precious materials. The Haitian American designer draws inspiration from his travels around the globe finding the heartbeat of each collection thru inspiration he discovers along the way infusing each season with international style.

His multicultural style has caught the attention of stylish celebrities including Rosario Dawson, Shakira, Eva Longoria , Billy Porter, and Will I A, all of who have worn his precious pieces on the red carpet.

THIRD CROWN

For Third Crown, New York based co-designers Kristin and Kofi Essel fuse their love of geometric shapes with the details found in their architectural surroundings to create their collection of men’s and women’s jewelry. Applying their collective experience and passion, the husband-and-wife team launched the brand and named it Third Crown to celebrate the merging of two forces coming together to form something new – a powerful pair.

The brand creates gender-neutral everyday statement pieces. With their collection, the designers celebrate their mutual fascination with structure, architectural lines, and bold accents. Gold and silver plated brass are used to create a mood that’s at once restrained but full of attitude. Each piece is defined by clean lines and an understated chic, turning them in to wardrobe essentials. Since its debut, Third Crown has caught the attention of style setters including Beyonce and Solange Knowles.

VICTOIRE FOCX

Constance Victory Small is an accessory designer and model with ten years of experience in the fashion industry— both behind and in front of the camera-–under her belt.  In 2018, she launched the diffusion line, VF x VICTOIRE FOCX, an elegant and affordable selection of classic bag silhouettes with a contemporary edge. Each bag is named after someone who inspired her in her personal and professional trajectory.