Including up-and-coming talent.
By Ivy Tang
Date February 4, 2022
February is Black History Month. Although we at FASHION celebrate diversity all year round, we’d like to take this opportunity to specifically highlight the exceptional talent of Black designers, who still face barriers to entry, marginalization and a lack of representation in the world of fashion.
It’s been over a year since protests against policy brutality that escalated across the U.S. and around the world triggered major changes across many industries, including fashion. In May 2020, Aurora James founded the 15 Percent Pledge, calling on retailers to pledge 15% of shelf space to Black-owned businesses. A month later, notable shoe designer George Sully launched the platform Black Designers of Canada to feature and celebrate Black talent across the country.
And while we witnessed the overwhelming support of Black businesses at the height of the summer of 2020, our support must extend beyond a movement (or a month, for that matter). You’re probably familiar with a few of Canada’s renowned fashion figures, such as Kirk Pickersgill of Greta Constantine, Aurora James of Brother Vellies and Byron and Dexter Peart of Goddee (and formerly Want Les Essentiels), but there are myriad up-and-coming creatives that also deserve the spotlight. Here are some of our favourite Black Canadian designers to shop all year round.
1/31
Cherry Gardens
Almeda Top
($90, Cherry Gardens)
2/31
Mike Paul Atelier
Zero Weight Knit Jacket
($1,975, Mike Paul Atelier)
5/31
Selfish Swimwear
Kiana Bikini Top in Tropical Print
($190, Selfish Swimwear)
6/31
Bobbi Made This
Alanna Flower Power-Powder Blue:Olive Green
($35, Bobbi Made This)
7/31
Andrea Iyamah
Sombra Thong Leotard
($247, Andrea Iyamah)
8/31
Pretty Denim
Andy Dark
($259, Pretty Denim)
10/31
Atelier New Regime
Classic Logo Knit Vest
($170, Atelier New Regime)
13/31
Adidem Asterisk
Stack Logo Sweatpants
($150, Adidem Asterisk)
14/31
Wild Moon Jewelry
Afua Earrings
($50, Wild Moon Jewelry)
15/31
Love & Nudes
Amanda Ultimate Wire-Free Bra
($101, Love & Nudes)
18/31
Stacey Martin Lifestyle
Aura Dress
($195, Stacey Martin Lifestyle)
22/31
Life Liveth in Me
Life and Forms Silk Twill Scarf
($300, Life Liveth in Me)
23/31
House of Hayla
HOH Mono Heel
($140, House of Hayla)
27/31
Israella Kobla
Asha Off-Shoulder Mini Dress
($754, Israella Kobla)
28/31
Get Fresh Company
PP Ostrich Hoody
($158, Get Fresh Company)
29/31
Enarmoured
Flow Hoop Earring Brass
($150, Enarmoured)
31/31
Batik Boutik
Cape Coast Bowling Shirt
($80, Batik Boutik)