Black-Owned Swimwear Brands to Support This Summer
Summer is here and it’s important for every woman to feel beautiful in their own skin. Support these amazing companies that offer some beautiful swimwear pieces that will leave you feeling confident and vibrant.
Want to look and feel your best this summer? Here are some great black-owned companies to make sure you are hot and ready for summer. All made by talented and gorgeous African American women.
Castamira Swim:
Founded by former model Chantel Davis, Castamira was made to magnify the beauty of your body. There are a large amount of one pieces, but there are plenty of two pieces as well. Made to fit your body like a glove and leave you looking fabulous.
Gia $198
Asherah Swimwear:
This collection is made to let your confidence radiate through you. Inspired by summer, designer Cheryl “Cejae” Jones creates a line that fits a woman's natural curve along with one-of-a-kind prints. Her collections set her apart from other collections and bring out a new idea of sexy to enjoy your summer the right way while looking good.
HENNA BIKINI COLORSCAPE FULL TOP: $105 BOTTOM $120
Xhaleswim:
Professional model, owner and designer Jessica Lee Wong is the founder of this handmade swimwear collection. This swimwear company is one of the best because of its variety of choices. They have pieces that are daring and sexy and some that are more modest yet still beautiful.
XhaleSugar Neon Yellow $95
MBM Swim:
Designer Marcia B. Maxwell’s pieces scream elegance. With her combination of clean cut lines and silhouettes, her suits are all about sophistication. Just like MBM Swim’s page says, “Swimwear for sophisticated women who never ask for attention, they command it.”
Discovery $140
Sixtwentyone Swim:
Afro-Caribbean swimwear made in Jamaica and inspired by its culture by founder Christie Harridon. Each and every swimsuit has beautiful intricate and unique designs, such as bright colors, animal print and more.
The Peak Monokini $68
Support these companies and look good while doing it. Happy summer!
Photo Credits: Pinterest
Report: Melissa Adragna
Shopping For New Swimsuits? These Black-Owned Brands Have You Covered
If you're on the hunt for a new swimsuit this summer, these Black-owned swimwear brands have you covered.
If you're on the hunt for a new swimsuit this summer, these Black-owned swimwear brands have you covered. Each one has its own unique aesthetic and a background story worth celebrating, all of which you'll learn about ahead. From Andrea Iyamah's artistic, statement-making bikinis to MissesBrie's curve-flattering one-pieces, there's something for everyone, no matter what your summer style may be.
EgoSwim was launched by a group of friends who share a mutual love of shopping for sexy yet comfortable swimwear. The brand's collection includes sleeved one-pieces, a bandeau-style bikini top, and a one-piece that ties up the sides. Inspired by African culture, BFyne's swimsuits are a print-lover's dream come true. Nigerian-American designer and founder Buki Ade has created bold pieces featured on the pages of Vogue, Glamour, and Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue. Jamaica-born model Chantel Davis founded Castamira with a desire to create one-pieces that fit like a glove and use eco-friendly, body-conscious fabrics.
Mint Swim has perfected the art of the classic string bikini. Founded by actress and entrepreneur Draya Michele in 2011, the brand also offers gorgeous one-pieces and scoop-neck bikini tops, in addition to beachy coverups. Melissa Simone Gardner's eponymous brand is like a one-stop shop for all your trendy swimwear needs. It's easy to see why celebs like Sofia Richie, Bella Hadid, Karrueche Tran, and Kylie Jenner regularly rep Melissa Simone.
Model, blogger, and designer Brielle Anyea created MissesBrie for "women that take risks and the ones that break rules made to silence them." No matter what your swimsuit style may be, you're sure to find a curve-flattering design that makes you feel confident AF on her site. All MissesBrie suits come in sizes XS-4X. Andrea Iyamah swimsuits are works of art. Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah founded the brand at age 17, and she uses colorful, innovative designs to create her one-of-a-kind, flawlessly tailored pieces. Many of the designs are available in sizes XS-XXXL.
All of Jade Swim's pieces are simple and minimalist without being basic. Founded by former fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski Freeney, the brand sells tons of flattering bikinis and one-pieces made with sustainable fabrics in a range of rich hues. All of Jade Swim's pieces are simple and minimalist without being basic. Founded by former fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski Freeney, the brand sells tons of flattering bikinis and one-pieces made with sustainable fabrics in a range of rich hues. Supermodel Liya Kebede was inspired to start Lemlem after a trip to her native Ethiopia, during which she met a group of talented weavers with a diminishing market for their handiwork. She now employs those weavers to create each piece by hand in Africa, using natural cotton to make beautiful patterned designs.
Keva Johnson's eponymous brand promises "unique styles with an impeccable fit," and she delivers on that promise. She offers an impressively wide range of swimwear, from high-waist bikinis and neon cutout monokinis to printed two-pieces with straps galore.
Report: Amanda T Lou
Aurora James Calls for Retailers to Support Black Owned Businesses Long Term
“You Want to Be an Ally? This Is What I’m Asking For.”
Global outrage in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black individuals has called attention to the need for reform not only within law enforcement but in retail and the fashion industry as well. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen fashion and beauty companies pledging their allegiance to the Black community through monetary donations to anti-racism organizations or by using their platforms to promote Black creators but is this sufficient? Aurora James, the founder of sustainable accessories brand Brother Vellies, has stepped forward and proposed a plan that would enable retailers to support Black businesses not just now but long-term. In an Instagram post on May 29th, she called on Whole Foods, Target, MedMen, Walmart, Saks, Sephora, Net-A-Porter, Barnes and Noble, and Home Depot and asked that they would commit to purchasing 15% of their products from Black-owned businesses. What is most admirable about this call to action is it’s blunt nature. James directly told these retailers “So many of your stores are set up in Black communities… We represent 15% of the population and we need to represent 15% of your shelf space.” She continued highlighting the substantial positive affects this pledge could have saying that “Investors for the very first time will start actively seeking [black businesses] out. Small businesses can turn into bigger ones. Real investment will start happening in Black businesses which will subsequently be paid forward into our black communities.” In addition to her Instagram post, Aurora launched a website https://www.15percentpledge.org and 501 (c)(3). Thus far, Sephora has been the only retailer of those tagged in the initial post to commit to the 15% pledge which has many wondering if the others will follow. Still, according to James “thousands of people” have signed the pledge since it began. Individuals who would like to sign the petition can do so online at https://www.15percentpledge.org or by texting “PLEDGE” to 917-540-8148. As Aurora said herself “You want to be an ally? This is what I’m asking for.”
Photo Credits: @aurorajames @15percentpledge
Report: Corine Gauthier
12 Luxury Black-Owned Fashion Businesses To Support
Now more than ever we need to protect and support our Black Owned Businesses.
For all you fashion lovers who would like to get involved with the Black Lives Movement, here is your chance. Now more than ever we need to protect and support our Black Owned Businesses. I have compiled a list of clothing brands that you should definitely take a look at. I have provided their Instagrams and websites for easy access:
Victor glemaud
Shop lovevera
Fenoel
DORSHELLE GUILLAUME LLC
Pyer Moss
Hanifa
Martine Rose
Kemi Telford
Chelsea Bravo
Mateo New York
There are countless amounts of Black-Owned Businesses; however, these are my favorite ones so far. They are a combination of colorful, fun and incredibly chic. I love everything about these brands and what they represent. I have a feeling you all will too.
*Photo credits to instagrams @Glemaud, @asata.maise, @kemitelford, @dorshelleguillaume,
Report: Anna Levitus
Five Black Owned Small Businesses You Need To Support Right Now
There are numerous ways to be involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. Including signing petitions and making donations. Another way to be involved is by supporting black owned businesses. Amyang Fashun, Stuzo Clothing, The Bohemian Hookup, Creatively Lilly, and Customs De Samendi are five of our favorites.
There are numerous ways to support the Black Lives Matter Movement. If you don’t have a lot of extra cash right now that is completely okay, you can still make a difference by signing petitions and by using social media to advocate. Donating to the cause is another great way to be involved and donating to (verified) GoFundMe campaigns can also be very impactful. For online shopping fans, like myself, there is another great way to make an impact and that is by buying from black run businesses. A simple google search showcases many businesses selling everything from skin care products, to art and everything in between. Today I want to share five of my favorite black run businesses.
Amyang Fashun is a clothing line run by the Kanu Sisters who have roots in Sierra Leone. They sell authentic West African fashion with textiles sourced directly from Africa. The brand operates between the United States and West Africa. Their catalog boasts bright colors and vibrant patterns. Every article of clothing is specially crafted using measurements sent in from the customer. Check them out at: https://www.amyang.com/
Stuzo Clothing is a women owned Los Angeles based clothing company founded by Stoney Michelli and Uzo Ejikeme. What sets Stuzo apart from other clothing companies is that all their pieces are all gender free. Their mission is to “create a space in the fashion world where all are welcome without judgment.” Stuzo is loved by many celebrities including: Spike Lee, Tiffany Haddish, and Gina Yashere. For the entire month of June enjoy 20% off of all their collection of queer items. Shop online now: https://www.stuzoclothing.com/
The Bohemian Hookup is a metaphysical apothecary and boutique based out of Big Spring, Texas. It has been owned and run by Meaghan Monroe since 2015. Their clothing line includes printed T-shirts with quote designs as well as crocheted hats, tops, and scrunchies. However, it isn’t limited to just clothing, they have a varied catalog with everything from accessories, to bath products. Some of my personal favorites are the wire wrapped pendants, blankets and floral decor. Treat yourself to a one of a kind handmade item or give someone you love a thoughtful gift. Check out their site here: https://thebohemianhookup.myshopify.com/
Creatively Lilly is run by Kendra Lilly in Lewisville, Texas. This shop boasts vibrantly colored paintings of outdoor scenes, including: palm trees, mountains, the ocean, clouds and other breathtaking views. There are numerous different shaped paintings, canvases and even boxes and plant pots with Kendra’s trademark flashy designs. Kendra explains, “The main goal with my business is to bring happiness to as many people as possible. I truly believe everyone on this planet deserves to be happy and to have their voices heard.” Shop now at: https://www.creativelylilly.com/
Customs De Samedi run by 21 year old Stacey Samedi specializes in custom painted shoes. She is also considering adding more variety of items to her custom shop including denim or wall art as time goes on. Right now, their most popular design is white Nike AF1s with blue painted butterflies. My personal favorite is the hummingbird AF1s. Since elementary school Stacey has been an artist, so as her skills continued to grow it seemed like a natural progression to start a business selling the art that she loves. Anyone would be lucky to wear a pair of these amazing kicks, shop here: https://www.customsdesamedi.com/
Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi
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.