With Christmas less than 2 weeks away, the pressure to get gifts for family and friends is on now more than ever. Since the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd in May, the call to those fighting for and with the black community has reached new heights. Apart from signing petitions, protests, and voting, one of the most meaningful ways to join this civil fight is to literally put your money where your mouth is. Notable black stars like Beyoncé have successfully educated not only non-blacks about black owned businesses through her black parade directory (curated by Zerina Akers), but even many of us who are black. Throughout this year, the movement has been treated like a casual media trend by many, but I certainly intend to keep supporting businesses that are created by us and for us, this season and beyond.
I’m sure many can agree that we’ve been sleeping on a lot of our brands. Since discovering them, I’m extremely proud to see the extraordinary levels of innovation and fresh creativity shown through black owned brands. It’s almost as if a lot of black owned fashion brands possess what the industry has been missing for some time. Our people are seriously talented and can no longer be denied exposure, especially when they deserve it. With the holiday season in full swing, it’s even more important to make an effort to do your Christmas shopping at black owned businesses. Many of them have closed down due to COVID, which makes it even more critical to show the businesses that are still standing, some extra love. In today’s post, I’ve decided to create a look that features ONLY black-owned brands.
As pictured, I’m wearing a patchwork denim kimono coat as a dress and denim bandana knee high boots. For a pop of color, I wore a NY state of mind pink handbag with gold details. You guys already know I LOVE rings so I added a face outline ring set. There are so many reasons why I love how the dynamic qualities of each piece came together, but I'll just let the look speak for itself.
Look Details:
Coat: Not Your Normal Denim (by: @afronani_ )
Boots: Nicolette Nichelle
Bag: Miy Lifestyle
Rings: NYZ Accessory Shop
Buying black can motivate a young person of color who has hopes of starting his/her own brand to pursue their dream because they see that our businesses are finally starting to matter. If you haven’t started as yet, I hope this post inspires you to buy black this holiday season. Your purchase could not only be saving a black owned business from closing down, but bring the holiday cheer someone has been waiting for all year long. Stay tuned for more!
All amazing photos by Mariama Hutson (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmariamaaa) Book her ya'll!!
Much peace and love,
-Nay
Comments