SOHO MINI's Black-Owned Fashion and Beauty Brand Round-Up
To my mini yet mighty SOHO MINI community, I am making a promise to you now and moving forward. My promise is that I will be an ally to the black community and will continue to diversify my recommendations on my platform(s). This week, I took part in the Amplify Melanated Voices challenge to show my support for my fellow black creators, brands, and voices of marginalized people. While I was muted I also signed petitions, donated to charities that help the BIPOC community, learned about how I can be a true ally and took action at my job by finding black creators for brands to work with and for my blog, I found fashion and beauty brands I can buy from and promote.
I want to make it clear, none of this will stop even if the challenge is over, because the truth is that this should have been happening the entire time. I will continue these efforts into my life and in turn, my work on SOHOMINI because I and this page will always be done with love for all. I hope this inspires you to take action and lift up the BIPOC community in your own way.
I found so many brands to share with you in fashion and beauty space, it was hard to narrow down to a top ten.
Here are my top picks (basically an outline of my future purchases):
Designed by Carly Cushnie
CUSHNIE is a ready-to-wear and bridal brand that started in 2008.
2. Selva Negra - An ethical and sustainable brand, I love the transparency about their team along with what the brand values, you can see a full break down here. They have a wide range of pieces from trendy biker shorts, to beautiful linens like this blazer jacket I’m in LOVE with, and even home pieces, which I hope they expand…I’m a sucker for decorative pillows.
Designed by Kristen Gonzalez + Sam Romero
Started in a tiny Crown Heights apartment in Brooklyn.
3. Briogeo - Briogeo is a natural haircare brand that is also cruelty-free and ethically sourced. I’ve always wanted to try some of their products so this summer I will definitely be investing in their Scalp Revival line. I haven’t found a hair brand that has addressed my dry scalp issues so I’m hoping this is the one!
Founded by Nancy Twine
Briogeo is a cruelty free haircare brand.
4. CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS - What he has accomplished through his designs and at such a young age is incredible. You can tell his vision is bold, with his bright colored dresses and fun and exotic blouses. His designs, particularly ones like this famous Wiggle dress, bring the kind of brightness and light that I think we all could use. Though the price point for these types of designs is high, he does have this Vogue graphic t-shirt that is so cute and a little more digestible.
Sold exclusively on Net-a-porter
25 Year Old Fashion Designer who has already dressed names like Michelle Obama + Rihanna.
5. Golde - We love a good face mask. Another Brooklyn born brand, they specialize in wellness and beauty that makes you feel GOOD. Things that are in my cart: this brightening mask, a Matcha Turmeric blend, and this pure Matcha because your girl loves everything green.
Founded by
Trinity Mouzon
Wofford
Beauty and Wellness brand.
6. Monrowe NYC - a unisex line of ready-to-wear hats that are made in the USA. The way they describe their brand “more timeless than trendy, the brims blend nuances from ‘40s and ‘50s Jazz Era styles with classic Western shapes and contemporary elements.” Yes to all of this. I can’t recommend TIMELESS pieces enough to add to your closet. I have to recommend this beautiful hat that was commissioned by THE Oprah. It’s on my wish list!
Created by Dani Evans
Inspired by her grandfather, a Jazz Musician in the American South.
7. Jade Swim - I have been a fan of Jade Swim for a long time. I usually make one or two swimwear purchases a year because I like to invest in quality, especially when there’s less material covering your parts but I digress. This year I’m doing it with Jade Swim and finally pulling the trigger on this bad boy.
By Fashion Editor
Brittany Kozerski
Minimalist swimwear.
8. Subrina Heyink Vintage - This is an Instagram run vintage shop I just learned about. Want to know the best way to find sustainable clothing? Finding gems like Subrina. She curates awesome vintage designer pieces at a realistic price, like this vintage Valentino and yes it’s sold :( I will be on the lookout for when her next round-up is for sale, they happen on her Instagram Stories so stay alert.
Affordable Vintage Items
Curated by Subrina Heyink
9. Tree Fairfax - Something that I’ve learned about sustainability is that just because some brands are “vegan” doesn’t make it sustainable. A lot of the time, it can be less sustainable to make that synthetic leather and it’s worse for the environment. This is a slow-fashion, not a mass-produced leather brand that makes belts and handbags. Loving this tote, and you can buy gift cards now!
Handmade Leather Goods
Established by Tricia Hash from Roanoke, Virginia.
10. The Sable Collective - They have a little bit of everything. Fashion, wellness, beauty, home, and more available on their online store. I love the mission behind this brand in that they source all of these goods from Black Women and POC only. This reusable tote and Florida Water are two future purchases I’ll be making.
Curated for Black women + WOC
Intentionally sourced from POC and women artisans + entrepreneurs
I’m excited to continue sourcing more diverse brands to showcase to my SOHOMINI readers. Let me know of any brands you’ve found that aren’t listed here. I will definitely need to check them out (bonus points if they’re sustainable).
SO MUCH LOVE.
xox SOHOMINI