Hope you’re all safe at this weird, weird time.
We’re midway through a pandemic and it seems that a historical revolution is currently happening at the same time. I’m having a hard time being eloquent with my heartbreak and anger over the climax of years of racial hate. For me – a white, cis, straight-passing white woman – it’s frankly impossible to say anything of real use. But also, planning regular blog posts feels almost insensitive. So I decided to do what I do best — using my platform and my Small Business Spotlight to share some Black-Owned Vintage Businesses that you can support at this time.
It’s a small thing, and I will not have an extensive list thanks to my own shortcomings. So please do let me know of any great black-owned businesses you know of that I can help feature!
Love Ur Look
The owner of Love Ur Look, Ronke is someone I always look up to. Her images always show diversity, and as a fat woman I appreciate it. I also appreciate seeing non-white faces in vintage-style clothing, too! I’ve mentioned them many times before, and their clothing is beautifully made with the greatest prints on the scene.
Bow and Crossbones
It’s never really a Melody List without Bow and Crossbones, is it? The owner of B&C, Cam, yesterday shared a post that was beautiful and horrifying at the same time. The slide that killed me was “We lose followers when I post my mixed face[sic]”, because I honestly didn’t think we still lived in a world like that. Also, Cam is gorgeous and absolutely hilarious, so fuck those people who unfollowed, frankly!
Revival Retro
I’ve mentioned Revival Retro many times on the blog. I’ve also mentioned every time how much I adore the owner, Rowena. I can’t get that across enough — shopping at Revival Retro is such a dream. And one that I’m glad will survive the difficult covid-times thanks to peoples generous donations. Do yourself a favour and come to this store and witness how amazing it is when you’re in London!
Ebone and Ivory
Admittedly, Ebone and Ivory is a new company to come into my life, but it’s so bloody adorable! Currently the owner, Ebone, is mostly selling facemarks on their Etsy as they prepare for a move, but honestly I cannot wait to see some more! The dresses on her Instagram are all just beautiful, and you can tell how well made they are from how gorgeous the stitching is!
The Urban Pinup Art
Elora, known as The Urban Pinup is a good friend of mine, my darling girl who I bloody adore. Her art is so wonderful, full of adorable whimsy and sweetness with a little anime feel. There’s so few black pinups being drawn, let alone black illustrators who are drawing them! So although it’s not technically a clothing business, it clearly still counts — so please do follow her art!
Dear Curves
Okay, this is a tiny bit of a curveball since Dear Curves isn’t exactly a pin-up company. However, I think they’ve got great items that work perfectly, as you can see from my post on their Mona Skirt. The owner, Ojoma, makes beautiful minimalist plus sized clothing with such an incredible way. I mean… that leopard kimono, right?
There are so many ways you can support the BLM movement, to educate yourself and to share melanated voices from today. You can do so through this BLM google doc with information on donations, petitions and educational material. There’s also this document, the #BlackLivesMatter tag on Instagram and Twitter, and also things being shared left right and centre on social media at this time. I will be sharing more on my Instagram stories under the #BLM tag, too.
We can all do better. Support Black-Owned Vintage Businesses and other POC businesses wherever you can. Make your money count if you are able to. Share them if you aren’t.
Stay safe, friends. And remember — All lives CANNOT matter until Black Lives Matter.
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