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10 Eco-Friendly Brands By Women Of Color

These companies are doing the real work to change the narrative in fashion for the better in the name of sustainability.

Courtesy of Proclaim

By Nandi Howard · Updated March 31, 2021

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Sustainability has been a topic of interest among fashion brands as of late, and there are some great labels by women of color that are leading the charge.

From brands like Tree Fairfax, who are eliminating mass production and advocating for slow fashion, to Proclaim, whose offerings include lingerie from plastic water bottles, companies are finding unique ways to make their fashion mark while still being eco-friendly. Of course, we’re excited to take this moment to specifically recognize creatives of color who are leading the sustainable fashion market.

Scroll through below to check out a few brands owned by entrepreneurs of color that are making their mark in the industry by supporting equal pay for global artisans and/or producing their goods from recycled products.

Omi Woods

Omi Woods is a contemporary jewelry brand that celebrate their connections to African diaspora. Their pieces are individually and ethically handmade with precious metals, gemstones, conflict-free diamonds and gold.

Courtesy of Omni Woods

Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies creates boots, shoes and sandals in styles that maintain the spirituality of their ancestral counterparts.

Courtesy of Brother Vellies

Lem Lem

lemlem is an artisan-driven collection of women’s, men’s, children’s and home goods made entirely in Africa. The core collection is handwoven from natural cotton in Ethiopia and the brand is steadily expanding partnerships with additional artisan groups across Africa.

Courtesy of Lem Lem

Selva Negra

Selva Negra represents drive, holistic energy, united empowerment, careful craftsmanship, and engineered comfort.

Courtesy of Selva Negra/Kourtney Jackson

Tree Fairfax

Tree Fairfax is minimal leather goods that are long lasting. Each piece is hand cut and stitched using locally sourced, high quality leather.

Courtesy of Tree Fairfax

Cee Cee’s Closet

Cee Cee’s Closet celebrates the beauty of West African prints through unique accessories. Their accessories are designed handmade by artisans in Nigeria.

Courtesy of Cee Cee’s Closet

House of Aama

House of Aama explores the Black experience by designing garments with nostalgic references informed by historical research, archival analysis, and storytelling.