Over the past few weeks, I have been working to educate myself on racism and how I can become anti-racist. For a long time, I viewed myself as being “not racist” but I have realized that it is not enough to be not racist…I need to be anti-racist. White people need to take actions to give the black community a seat at all of the tables. Their voices need to be amplified and it’s up to us, who have been sitting at these tables alone for so long, to make a place for them. As this is a sustainable fashion blog that features mostly secondhand fashion and decor, I have decided that one of the main ways that I can make a difference is to promote black owned vintage brands. I can do the research to find them, I can share them, and I can purchase from them.
Our Purchases Make a Difference
It’s important to remember that every time we make a purchase, we are buying into the type of world that we want to live in. And a lot of the time, what goes on behind the scenes at a company isn’t really apparent. Take Reformation, for example. They have often been touted as being one of the top sustainable fashion brands, but recently it was brought to light how they have treated their black employees. This post by former employee, Elle Santiago, highlights the issues that she witnessed as an employee for the brand. It definitely illustrates the fact that we need to do a little more research to make sure that where we are spending our money aligns with the values that we hold.
I haven’t always been diligent about this. Although I’ve made changes over the past few years to purchase mostly secondhand or from ethical makers who treat their employees fairly and make efforts to protect the environment, how they show up for the black community hasn’t been at the top of my priority list, or even on the list at all. This past week of learning has made me realize this and I’m disappointed in myself. I have had chances to correct this but I have not. This time will be different. But don’t take my word for it. I will use my actions going forward to prove it. Actions will always speak louder than words.
So with all of that being said, I want to share with you 13 black owned vintage brands. Some of these were easy to find and some I had to hunt for. Most of them are fashion but a few are decor. I hope to update this list periodically with new discoveries. I also plan to order from these brands at some point.
To put my money where my mouth is, literally, I have made my first purchase from one of these black owned vintage brands, which I am excited to share in the near future.
In no particular order…
1. Page of Air
2. Retro Rhapsody
3. NXC Vintage Shop
4. The Collective at Indigo Style
5. Cool and Casual Studio
6. Madame Matovu Vintage
Madame Matovu Vintage does not have an online shop. If you live in or near New York City, you can visit the shop at 240 W 10th Street. Or if you plan on visiting, add a visit to you itinerary…I know I will!
7. Roam Vintage
8. BLK MKT Vintage
9. Dressing Rooms Interior Studio
10. Maw Supply
11. Hot cocoa vintage
12. Elia Vintage
13. Neutral Ground
WE have the power to make a change
Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that a single person cant’t make a difference. To paraphrase a quote that I’ve heard a lot in relation to the environment, “we don’t need one person to do it perfectly, we need a lot of people doing it imperfectly”, or something along those lines. You don’t have to be doing everything, you just need to do something.
If you love to shop for vintage clothing, I hope that some of these brands appealed to you and that you put them at the top of your list the next time you shop online for vintage clothing. One of the easiest changes that we can make is to change the places that we shop at.
Never forget…
In the end, all it takes is one small action, by one person. One at a time.
Susan Cooper
Imagine what we can collectively do!
