I’ve been wanting to do a roundup of BIPOC ethical and sustainable fashion brands for a while, so I was really excited when MATTER Prints reached out to me to work together on this!
I truly believe that ethical and sustainable fashion needs to be led by BIPOC creators because labor and environmental issues affect BIPOC and low-income communities the most. Supporting BIPOC-owned brands is one way to help the space become more inclusive.
Note: MATTER and I decided on this collab before the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope you’ll still find this post useful even if you’re practicing social distancing or self-quarantine. Many of these brands will need our support to stay afloat in the coming months.
Disclosure: This post was generously sponsored by MATTER. I received a fee and was gifted product in exchange for my creative work (styling, photography and writing). No amount of money or product is worth more than my relationship with you, and I strive to provide transparent and honest content.
1. MATTER Prints
What I love most about MATTER Prints is that the brand celebrates the heritage and craft that goes into clothing by employing artisans and using traditional textile art techniques. In our modern world, clothing has become a commodity – but MATTER asks us to slow down and appreciate the story behind the cloth.
Their collection of easy-flowing separates, dresses, and jumpsuits strike that rare balance between eye-catching and super comfortable. I never fail to get a compliment in my MATTER pieces, but my secret is that I wear them on lazy days when I want to be as comfy as possible!
The brand is based in Singapore and co-founded by an Asian woman!
I’m wearing their new Resort Jumpsuit in Zalya Jam in size P. I love the relaxed silhouette and it’s probably the most comfortable thing I own! Before I began working remotely to practice social distancing, I loved layering it over another top and wearing it to the office; now, it still makes a great relaxed WFH outfit.
2. Sotela
This Latinx-owned brand is all about radical inclusivity, with pieces made to fit sizes 0-30. Founded by Hanna Baror-Padilla and based in Los Angeles, Sotela aims to make clothing that fits and makes the wearer feel confident, even as bodies change. The brand uses eco-friendly fabrics such as linen, Tencel, and Modal.
3. Two Days Off
Two Days Off is a slow fashion brand that exudes simplicity and effortlessness. Designer Gina Stovall creates timeless pieces from deadstock fabrics in Los Angeles. Pieces are made-to-order or in small batches.
4. B. Yellowtail
Bethany Yellowtail is a fashion designer from the Crow (Apsaalooke) & Northern Cheyenne (Tsetsehestahese & So’taeo’o) Nations in southeastern Montana. Her designs are incredibly beautiful and she uses her platform to uplift indigenous people by employing artists and participating and raising funds for social justice movements such as No-DAPL.
In a society where indigenous culture is relentlessly appropriated, it’s important to support indigenous designers and artists.
5. ALIYA WANEK
This Black-woman-owned womenswear label based in the Bay Area elevates everyday styles with fashion forward details and thoughtful craftsmanship. The effortless yet structured garments are sewn by Aliya herself or local contractors with the environment in mind. This brand exemplifies slow fashion to me!
6. MAIDA
Based in New Mexico, MAIDA showcases hand-crafted collaborations with Indigenous and Mestizx artists. The store practices a profit-sharing business model which gives artists 50% of the final price. Items range from handmade ceramics to apparel to jewelry.
7. Proclaim
This WOC-owned sustainable intimates brand is redefining nude with their bralettes and bodysuits made from Tencel and recycled polyester. The pieces are ethically made in Los Angeles.
8. Cambio & Co
This Filipina-owned store works with artisans in the Philippines to help them access a global market and become self-sufficient. Shopping their collection of jewelry and bags is a great way to support artisans and help preserve traditional craft and Filipino culture.
9. Tree Fairfax
This Black-owned leather goods store encourages us to move about the world with thoughtfulness and minimalism. The leather is locally sourced and each piece is made by hand. Tree Fairfax is perhaps most well-known for their half moon belt bags (pictured).
10. Zou Xou
Founded by designer Katherine Theobalds, Zou Xou’s shoes are handcrafted by Argentinian shoemakers in small quantities. I have a couple pairs and love the minimal design and soft, wearable leather!
I hope this helped you find BIPOC-owned brands to love and support! Want to discover more BIPOC-owned brands? Check out the awesome Instagram account @buyfrombipoc.
And thank you so much again to MATTER Prints for sponsoring this post and enabling me to uplift other BIPOC-owned brands. You can check out MATTER Prints here.
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2 Comments
Thanks for this roundup! It can be hard to find BIPOC-owned businesses without explicitly asking, so this takes the guesswork out of it. I also love the jumpsuit.
It does take a little bit of digging sometimes so I’m glad this helps!