Image above: Cold Laundry, Photographer: Oghalé Alex
Black Pound Day:
9 UK Black-Owned
Fashion & Lifestyle Brands To Shop
By Emma Golley
What is Black Pound day? To those that aren’t familiar with this movement, Black Pound day began as the brainchild of Swiss - a member of British music group So Solid Crew. This monthly event encourages supporters to use services and purchase products from Black-owned businesses both locally and online in the UK. The next one is coming up on August 1st.
For those outside of the UK, don’t despair! Some of these brands ship internationally.
In no particular order, here’s our round up of 9 UK Black-owned fashion and lifestyle brands you can support now and forever.
1. Cold Laundry
Where: London
Upon visiting the Cold Laundry website you are immediately transported into their dreamlike, peaceful world.
Founded in 2019 by Ola and Cerise Alabi, they created their clothing brand with a vision of “escaping the noise”.
“Our clothes are meant to inspire, calm, and bring about happiness and pleasant thoughts. This philosophy is reflected through the tones, designs, and the locations we capture our imagery.”
(Shop for Menswear and Womenswear)
International shipping available
Photographer: Oghalé Alex
2. Nubian Skin
Where: London
Nubian Skin, launched by Ade Hassan, is a lingerie and hosiery brand for women of colour.
Frustrated by the lack of skin-tone choices to go with her ever-expanding wardrobe, Nubian Skin founder, Ade Hassan, decided it was time for ‘a different kind of nude’.
Her customer base includes Beyonce and her dancers from the 2016-2017 Formation World Tour.
International shipping available
3. Sancho’s
Where: Exeter, Devon
Looking for sustainable and ethically made products? Sancho’s stocks a carefully curated range of clothing, accessories and gifts from organic and fair-trade producers.
Not only is its founder Kalkidan Legesse a truly inspirational force to be reckoned with, she’s also an avid campaigner for non-profit global organization - Fashion Revolution.
International shipping available
Where: Aberdeen, Scotland
Working with talented artisans in Nigeria, ‘Our Lovely Goods’ is a family run homeware, skincare and natural candles business - based in Aberdeen.
Their skincare products are suitable for vegans and people with sensitive skin.
But that’s not all, they also promote wellbeing and creativity through workshops and events!
International shipping available
6. DAMIHOW
Where: London
Feel confident in fitness with Damihow’s affordable and fashionable activewear range!
Founder Dami Howells honed in on the need for women to feel empowered and comfortable working out without compromising on style.
Some items are already sold out so head to their site quick!
International shipping available
7. Tihara Smith
Where: London
Fashion, accessories and lifestyle brand Tihara Smith is the perfect coming together of Caribbean influences with a London twist.
Tihara graduated in 2018 from UCA Epsom and has since created many unique, hand crafted products with a story for her brand.
From bags to greetings cards to stationary, there’s something for everyone on Tihara’s website.
International shipping available
8. Nova Vintage
Where: UK
Looking for your next vintage fix? Sister duo Nic and Liv, founders of Nova Vintage offer curated collections of colourful vintage pieces on depop!
Not only is vintage a great way to shop sustainably, Nova Vintage have also made sure they provide eco-friendly packaging for your purchase.
Where: London
Looking for stylish prints and textile goods for your home? Look no further.
Line and Honey is the brainchild of Amberlee, a self taught illustrator who found a creative outlet outside of her career, enabling her to relax and unwind through her brand.
Amberlee strives to create mindful and minimalist product focussing on the visibility and unapologetic attitude of women of colour.