It’s Laundry Day and let’s talk, we need to be more inclusive.
We may not agree on everything, fine. You may like Crocs without socks and I may strongly argue that Crocs should always be worn with socks. Regardless, let’s agree that hate and being hateful towards others is just not cool, ever. BYE!
With that in mind I want to also call out that my chosen industry, Faaashioooon, isn’t always that accepting of everyone, I know shocking. But the truth is not everyone gets a fair shake in this industry for a host of different reasons. I may not have made the rules but I can decide which ones I follow and which ones I reject. I believe everyone should be able to be creative, feel creative and profit from their creativity. I believe your creative voice should be heard even when we don’t look the same or speak the same language. I believe creativity comes in many shapes, colors and sizes and there should be no admission to appreciate and celebrate. I often take stock on if I personally am doing enough. Am I supporting brands that support my ideals? Am I comfortable with all the messages brands are putting out? Do they in any way marginalize my friends that look different than me? Am I supporting brands that sign up for diversity for the look but don’t embrace their culture?
I am very grateful for the World Wide Web, you know why? Because I can discover, learn, obsess over and support creative people from all walks of life through this little device that you’re on right now. Some amazing designer or creator who maybe hasn’t been anointed by the magazines or the influencer can still feel my love and support with my dollar—maybe that will help them keep on creating. I fucking love that.
Here are some creative humans I found on both foot and the interweb that I think you should know about. My personal goal here at Laundry Day is to show all brands, big, small, diverse, from NYC to Wagga Wagga, Australia. I recognize that this industry isn’t always fair so I am challenging myself to listen, learn and be better. I truly believe everyone should have a seat at the table, I know it isn’t always that simple but I want to do my part, even if that means finding a bigger table for those who can’t find room to sit.
I think we all look pretty great together…
I have long been a fan of the women behind this brand. They are 100% Made-In-NYC yet inspired by the prints, stories and culture of West and South Africa. They offer fun and vibrant pieces for women and men.
A beautifully curated online boutique that is creating a platform for emerging African designers to sell their goods and tell their stories. Amira also provides thoughtful content in her editorial section about music, podcasts and artists to follow and support.
A soulful woman originally from Vietnam with effortlessly chic designs. Her belief, like mine, is that clothing can be a tool, transformative for the woman who wears it.
You know those brands you see and your heart stops a little. How you eat up everything they serve? From the look-book to how the image is cropped to even the pacing of how they sell their items? Well, Tove is one of the many brands that does that for me…I eat them up.
Hanako Maeda is originally from Japan but spent her college years in NYC. Her blend of the two cultures is beautifully woven into her designs. She recently did a collaboration with Tennis star Naomi Osaka.
A fashion force from my favorite place, Northern California. Sherri’s concept store features emerging designers that she has thoughtfully found and curated. She has a strong commitment to embracing African American voices in fashion and home decor and I think she has a beautiful eye that has also translated into a stunning store.
Kayu is an handbag brand that specializes in straw, bamboo and wood. The woman behind these classic clutches is Jamie Lim who strongly believes in not only helping the planet but her ethical duty to honor the artisans who help create the bags she sells. She highlights the makers in the various countries on her website and donates a portion of her sales to help their communities.
Jasmine Etoile Aarons, founder of Voz, which means Voice in Spanish, created this luxury brand as a way to support and protect the livelihood of Chilean artisans, often women, as co-creators. Her take is elegant and timeless.
Escvdo’s Chiara Macchiavello created a brand that feels current and romantic while supporting and encouraging traditional techniques from her Peruvian background. I am so drawn to her pieces and her approach to her garments.
What a talent. Lisa’s mixing of traditional African fabrics with conceptual design makes this brand both impressive and inspiring. I love her voice and I am excited to see where her career takes her.
MI Leggett is a non-binary designer who takes vintage stock and creatively changes their original intention. I think Leggett does an amazing job at subtlety yet with purpose helping us rebrand our own thinking and norms.
Designers Kristen Gonzalez and Sam Romero are two friends based in Brooklyn who started this line as a way to express their Latina heritage. Easy and wearable are core to the brand beliefs along with their commitment to reducing their own carbon footprint.
Cafune in Portuguese means the act of playing with a lover’s hair, which I love. The lifelong friendship between Queenie and Day resulted in a brand that is minimal and gentle in approach, just like hair play.
Aurora James is no stranger to success. She is a beautiful force and her talent runs deep. She took shoes with simple silhouettes and familiar styles and turned them on their head while celebrating her cultural history and design. Her efforts also extend to the advocacy group 15 Percent Pledge, which helps companies commit to 15% of their shelf space to black owned businesses.
Aisling has beautiful hands. A native of Trinidad, she studied at Columbia and FIT. Drawn to sustainability and knitwear, she lovingly hand makes all her pieces in Brooklyn and they are simply stunning.
Sandra, originally from Columbia, started her own business just a few years ago. I was personally introduced to her line by the lovely Justin Thompson, who was on Stylish with Jenna Lyons. Justin gave Jenna, Kyle and myself initial bracelets that I adore, so much that I have purchased them for some of my friends. I think she has a great story and a great everyday jewelry line.
The woman behind Jade is simple in design but not in thinking. Sustainability is not only important to Brittany but she offers a whole section on her website dedicated to Jade’s commitment. Her swimsuits are elegant and minimal and I would wear any of these at the beach or under a blazer.
If you have brands or small companies you love, please share. I love learning about other talented humans I may not know about. Send all your Dirty Laundry to sarahsdirtylaundry@gmail.com
xSarah
Right on!!! Thank you for highlighting this and walking the talk. xo