Black Activism in the Fashion World
Pop culture icon and Savage X Fenty founder Rihanna wrote a heartfelt Instagram post voicing her profound sorrow at the murder of George Floyd. Rihanna also made sure to remind her audience of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, two other recent victims of racist police brutality. Being a black woman herself, Rihanna is all too aware of the systemic injustices that surround and impact her. Thus, using her power and influence, she has taken the initiative to aid those fighting for racial justice.
Soon after Rihanna poured her heart out to the public, Savage X Fenty’s Instagram announced the donation of the company's profits to Black Lives Matter Greater New York and Bail Project, the latter of which is currently focused on releasing imprisoned BLM protestors. Savage X Fenty concluded the Instagram post with the hashtag #PullUp, imploring customers to contribute and commit to the noble cause.
Savage X Fenty is the most prominent example of major fashion brands supporting the black community in such turbulent times. While skepticism of giant corporations’ commitment to combating oppression is understandable, mass awareness of racial injustice and financial backing from these companies are nonetheless imperative when black people’s lives and civil rights are in jeopardy. Kering, Banana Republic, and Gucci are donating to the NAACP and Campaign Zero, and ASAI has recreated Rihanna’s tie-dye dress, the price of which will be allocated towards Black Lives Matter, Solace Women Said, and The Voice of Domestic Workers.
Smaller fashion labels meaningfully contributed to black activism as well, with Susan Alexandra donating to black LGBTQ mental health services and ModCloth donating to Black Lives Matter while encouraging customers to do the same. Fashion businesses of all sizes are doing their part to enact social change, and it is truly inspiring to witness fellow human beings make efforts to protect one another.
Photo credit:
https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/fashion-brands-donating-black-lives-matter-47524266
Report: Nia Hunt
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.