WANT! All Black Everything Summer
A call to action has been made and as we see a shift in the fashion industry, known to protest a wide range of social issues, now is the first time we have seen such a heightened focus centered around black fashion and beauty brands. Choosing where you spend your money is a powerful act of resistance as it is an economical protest. By now, all of your favorite fashion publications have included stories about Black-owned businesses to support. The coverage reflects the options are endless and include luxury, beauty, essentials, books, and all the accouterment that makes life feel full.
In recent days we have witnesed the emergence of Black In Fashion Council founded by some of the top Black leaders in fashion to represent and secure the advancement of black individuals in this industry. More solution-based thinking on behalf of Brother Vellies—with Aurora James as founder and creative director—has resulted in a rise in companies taking the 15% pledge, (created to ask retailers to commit to dedicating 15% of their inventory to Black-owned businesses). Sephora was the first retailer to put the pledge into practice launching this great effort in response to long-time negligence by the fashion world. To keep the momentum going I have dedicated this month’s WANT! Editor’s Picks for summer style to Black brands. Get inspired and together let’s support Black-owned everything as a part of the new norm.
STREET CULTURE BOOK BY SELEEN SALEH ($24.95)
Possessing her own incredible sense of style, Seleen Saleh is undeniably worthy of being in front of the camera; however, her talents radiate behind the lens capturing captivating style moments of women and men of color. Her editorial work has appeared in British Vogue, People, Fault, Gilt, and Footwear News, and she has been covering Street Style for Essence Magazine since 2009. Street Culture is a collection of extraordinary photographs that capture the soul of the street style genre where many people of color are under-represented. Her offerings to the culture have been filling this void for more than a decade and come together in this beautiful photographic diary of individual style. The cover features long-time style icon Ladene Clark and the forward is written by mega style muse Cipriana Quann.
PERA NOVA MICHELLE OUR MAMA ($11.50)
In an effort to ensure she would develop the best luxury beauty products, Rachel James took her dreams to France and attended Cosmetagora, where the leading cosmetic chemistry companies from around the world are represented. James launched Pera Nova, a Chicago based company, in 2012, and continues to deliver the most delicious colors in vegan five free (No toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor or DBP) runway-inspired nail lacquer collections. Assuming this creamy rich earthy tone is an ode to Michelle Obama is enough for me to WANT all of this.
BROTHER VELLIES MARABOU LAMU SANDALS ($285)
Founded in 2013 by Toronto-native and New York City-transplant Aurora James, Brother Vellies holds true to the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive, while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. The company offers high-end luxury that elevates classic timeless design, not to mention the brand’s stunning campaigns are a dream. Brother Vellies signature Marabou Lamu Sandals are created with vegetable-tanned leather sole detailed with luxe floating feathers and, as with all of their shoes, they are handmade from bi-product or environmentally conscious materials. As a result, no two pairs of shoes are identical and, therefore, exclusively yours. True style aficionados value more than anything a great one-of-a-kind find.
FRANCES GREY HANOVER STRAW HAT ($320)
This is not your basic summer straw hat! This chapeau is constructed of hand-blocked Ecuadorian Panama straw made with an intricate checkered swirl design braided in and trimmed with a braided multi-color, hand-dyed silk tie. Yes, please! Queens native, Debbie Lorenzo is the founder of Frances Grey Hats and is a world traveler who honed her craft after attending New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology’s millinery program. She named her company Frances Grey after her Great Grandmother, a seamstress from the beautiful island of Jamaica, and the inspiration behind these collections of hats. My summer looks can now be complete.
ANDREA IYAMAH KHIRA HIGH WAIST BIKINI ($148)
Andrea Iyamah is owned by Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah with brand locations in Ontario Canada and Lagos Nigeria. Iyamah’s passion for tailoring and design inspired her to create this brand at the age of 17. Most swimsuits featured in this collection come in vibrant colors and cuts are inspired by an array of African cultures. This Khira High Waist Bikini features wide adjustable straps, bra padding, retro high-cut bottom, and digital print design. The only thing it’s missing is ME (and you, of course)!
Story by Ayoka Lucas, Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine.
Instagram: @ayokalu
