Today marks the beginning of Black History Month in the UK. Following the killing of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, it’s vital that we celebrate the Black community in the UK. While we’re not here to give you a history lesson (although you can go donate and support The Black Curriculum which addresses the lack of Black British history in the UK Curriculum), we can do what we know: support Black-owned British fashion and beauty brands. According to the Newstatesman, the financial impact of COVID-19 has generally hit Black-owned brands harder, in order to address this issue, we’ve listed some of our favourite fashion and beauty businesses that are Black-owned and British. Shop now or bookmark for later.
Grace Wales-Bonner key theme for her A/W 2020 collection is “second-generation Jamaicans living in London during the 1970s,” as seen with this super chic blouse. Go to the designer for super-cool tailoring.
Love bold-coloured prints? Lisou is the place to go. Find silk blouses and flowing dresses in bright hues and patterns.
More directional, new brand April & Alex is definitely one to bookmark for when you’re able to go out again.
We spotted Roop’s gorgeous bags a year ago and the brand has just gone from strength to strength. These make for perfect evening bags.
Invest in designer Mowalola’s pieces for a slice of fun with a slight rock ‘n’ roll edge.
This might be menswear, but we can totally see wearing this oversize.
Never did pastels look so enticing. Cold Laundry has been wooing us over Instagram with its pared-back aesthetics and simple shirting, tailoring and loungewear, all in pastel hues. Be quick, though, as nearly everything is sold out right now.
You’ll be lucky to get your hands on the Ace & Prince tote bags, as they sell out so quickly. The brand only launched a year ago but it’s steadily become a fashion insider’s secret.
Tailoring flair runs in families, as proven by Charlie Casely-Hayford, who set up the brand with his late father, Joe Casely-Hayford. Head here for the ultimate tuxedo jacket.
From bras to knickers as well as shapewear, Nubian Skin is the brand that creates skin-tone lingerie and hosiery for women of colour.
Created by Jedidiah Duyile, this label produces body-con dresses with slashed fronts and crop tops with matching trousers. Sassy and seriously cool.
If you don’t fall in love with every single one of this brand’s designs, then we’ll be surprised. Head to the site to find out where to get your hands on the pieces.
Kylie Jenner is a major fan of this brand. Shop the cutout dresses for your next holiday.
Fashion insider’s all love Tove (including Who What Wear columnist Monikh), and it’s clear to see why. The brand offers chic, elegant pieces in bold on-trend hues.
Yala Jewellery isn’t just sustainable—it’s also affordable. Find elegant earrings and necklaces that are suitable for everyday wear.
Gorgeous yet simple pieces, Roxanne has an innate understanding of what makes each piece of jewellery special. Shop for beautiful necklaces and rings.
The absolutely queen of beauty, Pat McGrath’s eponymous beauty collection is incredible. You need only try it out for yourself to see that.
Hairdresser Vernon François might be a hairdresser for numerous A-listers, but he’s also created a brilliant luxury hair brand for all hair types.
Award-winning stylist Charlotte Mensah put her decades of experience into her own brand, including this conditioner that tackles super-dry hair.
While candles aren’t the only products that Liha offers (see its skincare and soaps too), it’s this candle that smells of lavender and hibiscus, as well as geranium and frankincense, that’s caught our eye.
Dizziak only launched a couple of years ago but already boasts a cult following. While this does work on all hair types it’s particularly great for Afro hair, and it doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals. Worth trying its conditioner, which has rave reviews.
This brand works on all hair types, but is particularly good for Afro hair. Apply when hair is wet out of the shower for the best results.
While we might be avoiding bricks-and-mortar stores right now, Yard + Parish brings a real luxury feel to online retail. The boutqiue sources super chic and gorgeous brands that are Black-owned.
Award-winning, London-based Afrocenchix has a range of products—from hair oil to shampoo—that are ideal for Afro hair. All the products are also ethical and sustainable.
The Afro Hair & Skin Co. not only has some of the chicest packing we’ve seen in a while (always nice to see something pretty on our beauty shelves), it’s products are loved. From shampoo bars to face masks, we guarantee you’ll love it all.
