Pride Month 2020: Top 5 black and LGBTQ+ fashion designers you should support for their revolutionary work
The death of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests against systemic racism, which are still raging on. The Black Lives Matter movement drew focus on the centuries worth of oppression that the African-American community has been subjected to under white privilege and police brutality. The movement has resulted in a global revolution, with people from across the world extending their support by organizing protests, signing petitions, raising awareness, educating themselves, writing to their elected officials about the issue, making donations, and much more. Showing true solidarity and standing with the cause takes a lot of work and research. While everyone is doing their part to support the black community in myriad ways, various sectors have pledged to step up and contribute to the cause, including the fashion industry. Although the fashion industry has evidently become a lot more inclusive over the years, many black and LGBTQ+ names in the sector still remain underrepresented. Thus, we have curated a list of five black and LGBTQ+ designers that you should be supporting this Pride Month, as the BLM movement also continues to gain momentum.
1. Aurora James
Aurora James is the founder of the luxury accessories company Brother Vellies, which derives inspiration from traditional African design practices. The brand's most coveted accessories are handcrafted by artisans from across the world. James also instituted the grassroots movement called the '15 percent pledge', as a move forward in bringing about change for black entrepreneurs in the fashion and retail world. The aim of the movement is for retailers to commit to devote at least 15 percent of their shelf space at their local outlets to black-owned businesses, as the African-American demographic comprises 15 percent of the total US population, as per James. According to her estimation, this could inject at least $14.5 billion back in the black community. She believes that this pledge will be galvanizing not only for black communities but also for retailers who will be forced to rethink their inclusivity policies.
2. Kerby Jean-Raymond
Haitian-American designer Kerby Jean Raymond is the founder and creative director of Pyer Moss. The New York-based label's men's and womenswear collection and runway shows are exemplary in depicting thought-provoking storytelling and activism through design. The brand rose to prominence for highlighting police brutality in its collection in reverence to the Black Lives Matter movement during the Spring/Summer 2016 season. The brand used video, street art, and fashion to form a narrative founded on nostalgic themes and social commentary. Jean-Raymond intends to channel the past, present, and future of the African-American experiences through his fashion.
3. Christopher John Rogers
26-year-old Christopher John Rogers knew he wanted to venture into fashion, at a tender age. The Baton Rouge-born designer already has an impressive portfolio, while his designs have been worn by former first lady, Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Cardi B and many more. Rogers is also the recipient of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund award and has by far presented three collections during New York Fashion Week. His work is dramatic, flamboyant, yet refreshing and groundbreaking, making him the fashion industry's latest obsession. Christopher John Rogers' eponymous label creates emotional, sensitive, and timeless clothing that when worn, invokes a strong sense of the self.
4. LaQuan Smith
LaQuan Smith, a Queens native, kickstarted his eponymous label in 2008 and debuted at NYFW, only two years later. The 31-year-old's designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian West. Smith's modus operandi involves his tendency to design clothing that makes women feel good. He makes clothing with an added flair of empowerment and sexiness coupled with accented curves and leather pieces. His work has even grabbed the attention of Moët Chandon, the fine winery, which approached Smith for its annual Nectar of the Culture program.
5. Pierre Davis
LA-based fashion icon Pierre Davis is the first transgender designer to have presented her collection at the NYFW. She founded her brand No Sesso in 2015 and gained support from the likes of Kelela, Erykah Badu, Kelsey Lu, and many more. One o the reasons that Davis' label has garnered public attention, favoritism, and an impressive following is because of its genderless identity. The name of the brand directly translates to 'No Sex' or genderless and is centered entirely on community, representation, and inclusivity. During her first showcase at the NYFW, Davis said to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) that she wants No Sesso to "inspire people to be more community-minded and to realize not everything is just about aesthetics or commerce. It’s also about humanity.” As the first trans fashion icon to debut at fashion week, she said it is crucial “that people of all intersectional identities are given a fighting chance regardless of their identity. The playing field isn’t level in the world, and it is even more difficult in fashion."