Fashion and Justice #BlackLivesMatter
- Audrey Clarissa
- Jun 9, 2020
- 3 min read
This blog is my act of protest against racism and supports social justice. I am not the best person in this world yet I believe that everyone needs to be treated with equality rights. This made me myself as a young aspiring generation the urge to make a big step and be a part of creating a better-harmonized world. We must stand together. Cause if we do not start, who will we expect to? In this blog, I will also be listing some brands that stepping up and announcing their initiatives to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
The case of injustice towards African Americans has been around for over 400 years in history. Recently there has been an uproaring protest across the world, especially America, in response to the brutal and senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery at the hands of the police. People around the world collectively come together to share their messages for solidarity and protesting with the hope of calling for an end to the police brutality and systemic racism the happens not only in the United States but all around the world. The social media, from Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and many more, is filled with an outpouring of support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
In my opinion, fashion is more than just a lifestyle. It is also a community. A community where we share what we love and interact with other fashion enthusiasts or can even be more than that. With this, I believe that fashion labels and companies should take significant action in showing their contribution towards change. What I am talking about was beyond casting black models for campaigns and runways, but to get further involved in the culture. Below is a list of brands that stand against injustice by supporting the movement and are donating to essential organizations.
H&M
The Swedish retail giant, H&M group pledged to donate USD $500,000 across the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Color of Chane and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They stated, “We support these organizations in their efforts for justice, economic rights, and democratic empowerment.”
Kering
A parent company to luxury fashion labels such as Gucci, YSL, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Alexander Mcqueen; Kering has announced on June 2 that it would be making an undisclosed amount of donation to the NAACP and Campaign Zero.
Asai
Asai, a rising designer, promised to keep moving forward in supporting the movement. The label will be producing and selling the iconic Rihanna dress exclusively and donates 100% of proceeds to Solace Women’s Aid, Black Lives Matter, and the Voices of Domestic Aid. He is also utilizing his platform to announce the industry’s silence, stating: ” The fashion industry has exploited black bodies under the term diversity but stay silent when the time is now to protect the bodies and the skin (your) runways, front covers, editorials love so much. I see you.”
Dior
Luxury label, Dior is also into the movement. The label will be matching all employee contributions to Black Lives Matter, NAACP, and Dream Defenders. This is done as a part of standing in solidarity with injustice in the Black community.
The above list is just a few of the numerous amount of fashion labels supporting the #BLM movement and committing in making changes in the industry and the world. While others have used their platforms to offer thoughtful and constructive content about it.
Although some of the brands might be supporting due to the consumer’s demand but keep in mind of what the future holds in the fashion industry through this movement. As a fashion student, I really hope for a positive permanent change. I also hope that this blog could be an eye-opener to other fashion students or anyone to be a part of ending racism in this world.
Reference:
Gaskins, T. (2020). Fashion and Beauty Brands Supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement. Retrieved 9 June 2020, from https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/black-lives-matter-fashion-beauty-brand-donations
Davidson, E. (2020). Here are the brands who have posted in support of Black Lives Matter. Retrieved 9 June 2020, from https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/49432/1/black-lives-matter-protests-support-fashion-marc-jacobs-versace-jacquemus
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