Black Business Month Spotlight: The Most Notable Sustainable Black Owned Brands
In celebration of August as being Black Business Month, and with Black creatives everywhere carving a path for their creativity to be shared and celebrated, PhotoBook notes some of the most notable sustainable Black-owned brands in fashion. It is important to honor not only the advances these brands make to ethical fashion, but also the continued amplification of Black voices in creative industries.
Below is a compilation of some brands that caught our eyes; from handcrafted accessories to comfortable apparel, we’ve got you covered.
1. AAKS Online
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi founded AAKS with the intention of calling attention to the intricate and detailed weaving techniques practiced by the women of Ghana. Afriyie-Kumi also wanted to create more sustainable job opportunities for women in Africa. Each and every product that AAKS creates is hand made in Ghana and tells its own unique story, while also paying homage to the rich history of the country in which their products are produced. Each bag is woven using ecologically harvested raffia and bears the love of their creators.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/30Lb6lY
Founder: Akosua Afriyie-Kumi
AAKS Online
2. House of AAMA
Mother and daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka were fed up with the lack of representation of their cultural roots within mainstream Western fashion traditions. As a result, they created a brand deeply rooted in the African diaspora, a brand they could truly connect with. Henry and Shabaka want their garments to tell a story, to paint a vivid image of their ancestral backgrounds. Many of their collections are made to order and follow strict low waste production models, proving that their intentions are twofold: to cultivate a love and appreciation for African history and our planet. The House of AAMA’s colorful and playful pieces are the perfect complement to any outfit.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3DAhivg
Founders: Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka
House of AAMA
3. Sancho’s Shop
Sancho’s came into existence after Kalkidan Legesse and Vidmantas Markevicius opened their first pop-up shop in Exeter. Kalkidan has Ethiopian roots and “Sancho” was the nickname her parents gave her as a child. Many third world countries such as Ethiopia participate in fast-fashion practices, as their poverty rates are high and they have no options when it comes to affordable production. The pair witnessed the harmful effects of fast fashion directly, through many visits to Ethiopia, and decided to dedicate their own business to educating others about the dangers of fast fashion and how to create a more equitable and sustainable future through working with a range of suppliers, from large sustainable brands to small, independent designers. Sancho’s takes pride in their wide range of products and their commitment to changing the world.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3qUbvgE
Sancho’s Shop
4. Hamilton Perkins
Hamilton Perkins, a Black-owned independent brand, creates travel accessories and bags from recycled materials. Their innovative spirit makes them unique, as their products include recycled pineapple leaf fiber (an average of 10 leaves per bag), recycled water bottles (their Earth bags recycle about 17.5 bottles per bag), and repurposed billboard vinyl (each Earth bag repurposes 1 square yard of vinyl). Additionally, each bag is affordably priced and there are multiple colorways to match different personalities or styles.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3DAhU42
Hamilton Perkins Product
5. Salomé Swim
Salomé’s mission is to create eye-catching swimwear for women of all shapes and sizes. The swimwear is ethically and sustainably produced by women in the Dominican Republic. Limited quantities are produced to minimize waste, and each suit consists of ECONYL regenerated nylon fiber. Their designs and colors are just as vibrant and individualistic as the woman they so proudly represent.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3HCSKnN
Salomé Swim Product
Salomé Swim Product
6. Proclaim
Proclaim, a Black female-founded swim and lingerie company, powerfully promotes size inclusivity and eco-consciousness. They believe that all individuals should be represented in the world of fashion. Recycled materials form the basis of their garments, and they pay their laborers fair hourly wages. The company is transparent about everything that happens behind the scenes. As far as packaging, it is 100% recyclable.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3xcrcks
PROCLAIM Product Photos
Article by Kayla Curtis-Evans, Contributing Sustainable Editor PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Maelle Eugene, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
