Independent Brands Are Leading the Fashion Industry to Support Black Lives Matter
Peter Do, ASAI and more designers call for change and action.
It is convenient for any fashion brand to upload a black tile on Instagram proclaiming “equality for all” or “say no to racism,” but true allyship requires tangible action and commitment. While most luxury fashion houses have been criticized for remaining silent or being vague in their statements, in the days following George Floyd‘s death in Minneapolis police custody, independent designers in the United States and beyond have pledged their support to the Black Lives Matter movement — through making donations, sharing protest resources on social media, as well as launching charitable products.
To help fight against racism, Peter Do will be evenly donating 100 percent of net profits from the brand’s June e-commerce sales to Black-founded organizations. Sandy Liang, also a part of New York City‘s emerging cohort of young designers, is contributing 20 percent of her web store’s proceeds to nonprofits supporting Black Lives Matter.
London-bred ASAI has dedicated its Instagram feed to anti-racism advocacy, in addition to producing its Rihanna-approved Hot Wok Dress with all sales profits benefiting charities. Samuel Ross‘ A-COLD-WALL*, another brand based in the UK, has announced two initiatives to support the Black community, namely a BLM financial aid and grants for independent Black businesses.
Continue reading for a list of businesses that are leading the fashion industry to stand up for the Black community. To be a part of the change, consider making donations to these organizations and stay informed by following these Instagram accounts that offer continually updated resources on combatting racism.
A-COLD-WALL*
On June 2, A-COLD-WALL* announced it will be distributing a grant of £2,500 GBP each to 10 independent Black-owned businesses. Those who are interested in receiving the grant can apply via foundation@a-cold-wall.com. The brand has also donated £10,000 GBP as a financial aid to support the Black Lives Matter movement and those on the frontline.
ASAI
A Sai Ta, designer of London-based label ASAI, has announced that he will donate all profits from his tie-dye Hot Wok Dress (priced at £300 GBP) to Black Lives Matter, as well as two other charities, Solace Women’s Aid and The Voice of Domestic Workers.
In another Instagram post, the designer calls out the fashion industry for staying silent amid global protests demanding the end of racism. “Moving forward everything I create a percentage will be donated to Black Lives Matter,” he writes.
Azeeza
Chicago-based brand Azeeza, founded by Azeeza Khan, will donate 100 percent of proceeds of sales from June 1 to June 7 to the ACLU.
Chopova Lowena
Rising London label Chopova Lowena has taken to Instagram Stories to sell its Vintage Keyring Necklaces (priced at £150 GBP each), with 100 percent proceeds evenly donated to National Bail Out and Black Lives Matter.
Comme Si
Sock brand Comme Si, founded by Jenni Lee, will donate all of its proceeds from June 1 to June 7 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
DAISY
Australian brand DAISY is donating 100 percent of sales of its logo T-shirt to Black Lives Matter.
Eckhaus Latta
On June 1, Eckhaus Latta urged its Instagram followers to donate to The Bail Project and to DM the brand their donation receipts. “We will be matching your donations,” the NYC label pledged.
Louisa Ballou
Louisa Ballou is producing the dress pictured above for the first time (priced at $500 USD), with all profits donated to Black Lives Matter and Antiracism Center.
Medea
Giulia and Camilla Venturini’s handbag label Medea has announced it will donate 100 percent of its web store special sale from June 3 to June 7 to The Bail Project. The brand will be matching all donations made to the nonprofit organization.
Ottolinger
Berlin-based Ottolinger will donate 100 percent of its online store sales from June 1 to June 5 to Black Visions Collective.
Peter Do
Peter Do is committing 100 percent of net profits from its June e-commerce sales to be donated evenly to Black-founded organizations and frontline charities fighting for racial justice, including Color of Change, Black Youth Project 100 and Black Visions Collective.
Sandy Liang
Sandy Liang is donating 20 percent of her web store’s proceeds to nonprofits supporting the BLM movement, including Black Lives Matter and the Innocence Project.
STAUD
Los Angeles-based brand STAUD is donating $10,000 USD to Color of Change. Additionally, 10 percent of the brand’s sales in June will go toward the organization.
