Black History Month: Celebrating Black Culture Through Fashion and Beauty
By Marcelle Saulnier
This year’s Black history month comes in the wake of a tumultuous and isolating year. In the US and the world at large, incredible tragedy and violence have ensued in the midst of a global pandemic that has affected mental and physical health in countless ways, especially among Black Americans. This month is a reminder to garner appreciation for Black culture and lives now and always, with a special focus on the numerous Black communities facing hardships as a result of the pandemic. Looking to fashion is a solid start--countless trends overloading our feeds today are rooted in Black history.
One commonly overlooked era of influence is the 1920s Harlem Renaissance--a cultural explosion of Zoot suits and women’s flapper fashion, the trends that emerged there have made a lasting impact on current fads like the wide lapel and pinstripes. The Civil Rights Movement was also a time of huge change in attitudes towards Black culture and beauty--the Black Panther Party spread the message “Black is Beautiful” so powerfully that it has continued to inspire today’s celebratory trends in hair and makeup.
During this month, even the biggest companies have taken the opportunity to spotlight Black-owned brands and highlight Black culture. Amazon has a special page celebrating Black-owned businesses that features conversations with entrepreneurs led by Tia Mowry and Karamo Brown. If you’re looking to shop, this page is a great hub for products of all types, from clever home items to activewear and fashion.
For a fun but practical way to celebrate Black fashion, look no further than the sneaker industry. Big-name sneaker brands have recently been tapping into the influence of the Black community: Nike’s partnership with Michael Jordan aims to not only reflect basketball’s rich culture in their high-end sneaker line, but also to promote and support Black communities. By partnering with a slew of organizations, Nike aims to educate and empower youth and athletes of color. Jordan’s long-standing ties with Nike represent the brand’s commitment to representing diversity and making good use of its mainstream, industry-leading position.
Meanwhile, Reebok has recently released a new set of bright colors from their Club C “Cardi” line, a partnership with Cardi B that has enlivened their Instagram feed--and shoe stores--with mood-boosting neon sneakers. As the poster-child for unapologetic self-expression and confidence, Cardi B represents both Black culture and Black art through her bold work, which is nicely reflected through her Reebok collab. Check out the whole collection here and read about Cardi’s inspiration as well as the pervasive power of neon.
It is important to note that the companies mentioned above have not always been so graciously supportive of the Black community, in February or any month, as they are today. Though this new attention is a reflection of our gradual evolution into a more accepting society, it could also be because it is on-trend or relevant to do so. It is always important to question the motives of these vocal companies--if this media-driven celebration of Black culture were to fade out tomorrow, the Nike’s and Rebok’s of the industry should all be held accountable to continue their support. We must continue to question, appreciate and recognize the cultural origins of the trends that inspire us, and treat them as movements rather than moments.
For more sneaker ideas, another great way to celebrate Black history (during this month and always) is to shop Black-owned brands! This list is one that offers several sneaker companies to support, from the ethical brand SoleRebels to luxury shoes at Armando Cabral. There’s a little of everything in this list, for those seeking running shoes or just a stylish staple to amp up an outfit.
Another great pandemic-appropriate way to support the Black community this month is with self-care products. Here are a few Black-owned beauty and home brands that will bring some self-love to your routine and brightness to your bathroom shelves:
This small LA-based vegan brand boasts a beautiful line of skincare, bath, and body products meant to inspire mindful moments and confidence. Their founder A’rielle created the brand to celebrate the power of femininity and provide high-quality, handmade products to enhance customers’ self-care routines. KANARI emphasizes ingredient transparency, including information about the benefits of every formulation on their website. Take a look at their online shop to treat yourself or a loved one and support this local, black-owned business!
Rihanna’s extensive line of beauty and skincare products is a widely-loved collection that reflects the artist’s own philosophy of “Beauty For All.” The care put into developing truly inclusive shades and products demonstrates a genuine commitment to share the creativity and glamor of makeup with everyone. In all of her brand messaging, Rihanna encourages experimentation without limitation, offering tons of high-quality, beautiful options for makeup beginners and makeup junkies alike.
Read more: Michelle Obama Wears Fenty Beauty, Glossier, NARS at Joe Biden's Presidential Inauguration
Briogeo is a trendy and high-quality haircare brand with vegan, clean formulations of shampoo and conditioner as well as styling products and--perhaps their first claim to fame--a highly-acclaimed scalp brush. Founder Nancy Twine is redefining natural haircare, proving that clean ingredients can offer top results for all hair types. The brand provides a wide array of information and guidance for customers looking to find the perfect products for their hair routines. Briogeo’s selection is also available at Sephora, a company that has recently taken the growing 15% Pledge to feature and amplify Black brands.
Founded in 2003 by Olowo-n’djo Tchala, Alaffia is a fair-trade beauty company that uses shea butter from West Africa in its nourishing and natural products. Though Alaffia’s inventory is stocked widely across stores in the US, you can go straight to their website to see the full selection and to read more about the brand. For anyone interested in sustainability and quality, check out their formulas, the company is committed to supporting community empowerment and gender equality in West Africa!
Read more: How This Black-Owned, Fair Trade Beauty Brand Is Connecting The Diaspora • EBON
This playful, LA-based brand is run by husband-and-wife pair Nile and Julia Evans. Both are creative professionals seeking to spread their love of small-batch, “dope ass candles” that are also clean and eco-friendly. Follow their Instagram account (@candlekrack) to see their fresh designs and inclusive messaging.
Read more: ABUT+US
Again, this month should merely inspire how we treat Black and other cultures all year round. We encourage you to check out this link to explore some of the Black influences in fashion, as well as these extra articles: