Hidden Gems
The escalating tumult of a country rife with racial injustices further stresses the importance of patronizing black businesses. Supporting the community most vulnerable to these societal ills is imperative, and there is an endless well of black talent and innovation. One niche commodity of an already overlooked population of merchants is fashion jewelry, an encompassment of literal hidden gems.
Black jewelers are abound with creative, wondrous designs that are often inspired by the richness of black culture. Jam + Rico embodies founder Lisette Ffolkes’s celebration of her Jamaican and Puerto Rican heritage through a brilliant assortment of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Jameel Mohammed strives to defy Eurocentric luxury fashion norms by imbuing his Khiry products with his reverence for the African diaspora. Hleziphansi Zita’s South African heritage is intrinsic to her brand Nandi Naya, and Cocoacentric was named in part after owner LaToya McInnis’s black and indigenous roots.
Black jewelers are not required to overtly represent ethnic backgrounds in order to honor the black community. While Lelia+Mae’s all-gold jewelry appears bereft of any consistent cultural signifiers, the brand’s founder sources the inspiration for her creations from her profound love for her fellow black women. Statement by Nadia’s signature product is lettered earrings, with the most recent addition being those aptly labeled BLM, the profits of which will be donated to Black Lives Matter. Even the very practice of black celebrities adorning black-owned jewelry is an inherent show of unity. Lizzo modeled Yam earrings in her “Good as Hell” music video, and Jlani jewels have ornamented such entertainers as Beyoncé, Issa Rae, and Taraji P. Henson.
Black fashion businesses are deserving of financial success and acclaim regardless of America’s racial politics, and the general public would be amazed by the treasures that await them if they expand their horizons.
Photo credits:
https://www.jlanijewels.com/collections/personalized-collection/products/14k-nameplate-necklace
https://www.jamandrico.com
https://leliamae.com/products/belle-hoops
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.