The last few weeks have borne witness to impassioned protests and a showcase of solidarity across industries to support Black and Brown lives. In the fashion world too, we have seen some designers and brands use their platform to not only harness support for the movement but to also raise and donate funds to organisations supporting matters from Black Lives Matter to working on prison reform, providing legal aid etc. Although there have been many performative PR stunts being pulled, not to mention silence from the large corporations with deep pockets, smaller labels and initiatives have shone through for paving the path towards meaningful action. Here’s an INDIE approved shopping-list of fashion platforms you can support—who will directly donate money raised to BLM charities.
Depop
Resale platform Depop has taken steps to support the Black Lives Matter movement, by pledging to donating 20,000 dollars in Depop fees to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, as well as working with sellers to direct an additional 10,000 to organisations ‘fighting for racial equality and justice’. In addition, it’s also spotlighting black sellers on its homepage, making it easier to support black-owned businesses.
Clothes for Progress
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This recent initiative is Netherlands-based but shipping pre-loved garments worldwide. From Balenciaga to GAP, the second-hand resale IG is accepting donations of wardrobe items no longer in rotation, and has already raised in excess of 7000 euros, and is splitting funds between @nederlandwordtbeter, @blmuk, @nationalbailout, @the_blackarchives and @blackqueertransresistance.
Peter Do
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INDIE-favourite designer (and one of our 20 ones-to-watch for 2020) Peter Do is donating 100% net profit in the month of June to charities fighting to end racial injustice—Color of Change, The Black Youth Project 100 and Black Visions Collective. A statement on the brand’s site reads, “[w]e at Peter Do demand accountability from our leaders, but also understand that we cannot rely on a system built on oppression and the systematic devaluing of black lives. We’ve chosen to aid these organizations and their mission to empower true leadership and lasting change.”
Asai
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Badgal RiRi wore it, the world wanted it, and now designer A Sai Ta (of Asai) is producing it for whoever slides into the DMs and pays 300 dollars, which will be split between Black Lives Matter, Solace Women’s Aid and The Voice of Domestic Workers. Sign us up!
Marta Jakubowski
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Another made-to-order offering comes from Polish-born, London-based designer Marta Jakubowski, who took to Instagram to announce the opportunity to order custom-made cut-out tops for £170 plus shipping. All profits from sales will be donated.
Louisa Ballou
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Louisa Ballou, the supermodel approved swimwear brand has come forward with a special edition dress design and full profits from sale will be donated to Black Lives Matter and Center for Antiracist Research. Priced at $500, including international shipping, all you have to do is email info@louisaballou!
50mLondon
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50mLondon, a concept store dedicated to emerging artists, has set up a ‘Lucky Dip’ raffle, selling tickets for only £2. The winner will receive a £250 voucher and a stash of jewelry and clothes from a variety of different designers. They’ve already raised close to £20k and funds will be donated to Reclaim the Block and Runnymede Trust. Tickets are available here https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/black-lives-matter-lucky-dip.
Miss Jason’s closet clean-out
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Miss Jason from Jason’s closet is hosting a flash closet sale and all proceeds raised will be donated to UK QTIBIPOC Hardship Fund. With clothing donations from friends including Lily Allen, FKA Twigs and Mabel to name but a few, you can expect a red leather Miu Miu coat, some exclusive Emma Brewin hats and even a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier little black dress. The sale is live here.
Nina Gabbana Vintage
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Nina Gabbana Vintage from Paris has organised an initiative, Vintage Fashion for Black Lives Matter, bringing together 20 vendors from all over the world offering pieces from their favourite designers. 100% of profits will be directly donated to various Black Lives Matter organisations—decided independently by the vendor. Follow #VTG4BLM on Instagram to pick your favourite items and see where your money will be going.
