In recent years, we’ve witnessed a global outcry over racial injustice. Stitched into the fabric of American history, racism has been prevalent for 400-plus years, and though it’s not new, it’s imperative that we do all we can to dismantle it. One way to help do that is to shop and support Black-owned businesses.
While this moment has shone a new light on these businesses, great Black-owned fashion brands are nothing new. Designers like Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes, noted for being the brainpower behind the original Playboy Bunny costume, and Stephen Burrows, who was the only Black American designer of the five chosen to represent the U.S. at the iconic Battle of Versailles fashion show, paved the way for those to succeed. As we enter a new era, the emergence of designers like Christopher John Rogers, Pyer Moss, and Victor Glemaud have continued to push the status quo through their designs while defeating the odds.
It’s our responsibility to continue highlighting their work in the weeks, months, and years to come. While there are a slew of Black-owned companies to explore (and you can do so here), we’re specifically highlighting the shoe brands worth investing in.
