To kick off dapperQ’s 100 days of #blaQueer style, our team is showcasing 10 Black queer style companies you should know about and support. Know of any other Black owned queer style companies that are not featured on the list? Please list them in the comments.
1. Stuzo Clothing
Owned and operated by QPOC couple Stoney Michelli and Uzo Ejikeme, Stuzo Clothing is a line of androgynous, athleisure, and Cali-casual-cool style. Stuzo only produces a few pieces per design in order to provide quality, limited edition products.
Photo by Molly Adams
2. Style Is Freedom
Entrepreneur and designer Toni Branson is the creative mastermind behind the gender-less fashion line Style Is Freedom. Their accessories and footwear are definitely Hypebeast-level dope.
Photo via Style Is Freedom
3. Jag & Co.
Boardroom meets vintage chic at Jag & Co., a clothier that creates custom and ready-to-wear formal and business attire for all genders. CEO and designer Jaguar Beckford curates shopping experiences – from pop-ups to one-on-one consultations – without the traditional “men’s” and “women’s” categories. It’s just all about the clothes here.
Model Millz in Jag & Co. Photo by Oscar Diaz.
4. Ambience Couture
Silki Harris, owner of Ambiance Couture, designs bow-ties made from the finest textiles, prints, and accents. Standout products: Ambiance’s chain and jeweled adorned bow-ties.
Ryley Rubin Pogensky (right) in Ambiance Couture bow-tie. Photo by Grace Chu.
5. Haute Butch
Owned by Karen Roberts, Haute Butch fashion collection is a vibrant outward expression of dressing that represents the core of a butch woman’s gender presentation. From unique blazers, color contrasting dress shirts, sleek and highly tailored vests, preppy pastel polos – butch style seekers can consider this label a “go to destination for all things butch.”
Model at dapperQ’s CalAcademy show in Haute Butch. Photo by Miki Vargas.
6. Burkinabae
Sick accessories, period! Why dish out your cash on boring shades with some industry designer’s name on them (probably made in a factory), when you can adorn your face (and serve) with these Burkinabae sunglasses made by Karen Chatelain? Burkinabae also offers necklaces, rings, and other goodies that are just as beautiful and intricate as their shades.
Photos via Burkinabae.
7. Show & Tell Concept Shop
Owned by Alyah Baker, Show & Tell is an Oakland-based boutique that serves as a retail store, gallery, and small events space. Show & Tell offers sustainable and socially responsible apparel, accessories, and gift items, both in-store and online.
Photo via On the Grid.
8. Coco & Breezy
Stylish twin designers Coco & Breezy create “you can’t sit with us” cool eyewear that has received praise in Essence, Vibe, Glamor, InStyle, and other high-profile mainstream publications. It doesn’t get any more swag…
Photo by Sidney G.
9. Apule Town
Apule Town is a luxury street wear brand that brings it with sexy hard femme steez. Though Apule Town owner LaRayia Gaston is originally from NYC, her line is undoubtedly inspired by LA’s vibe.
Photo via ARSENIC.
10. Trans Is Beautiful Apparel
Transgender advocate and blogger QuingNorelle recently launched the Trans* Is Beautiful t-shirt collection, a fashion-forward and philanthropic endeavor that leverags sartorial smarts to create positive change in the lives of trans individuals. A portion of each sale will go towards the Werk Those Pecs Fundraiser, which helps fund surgeries for trans people in need of financial assistance.
Photo courtesy Trans Is Beautiful Apparel.
