Protest, Prayer and Peace

By TINA WILSON

“Protest, Prayer and Peace” that was the theme for the songs being played on my favorite radio station WBGO,  in the midst of the nationwide protests against brutality. With each song they played I felt prouder, angrier, happier, and yes….sadder. You don’t have to be Black in America to be going through so many different emotions, we all are. But if you are Black, the stakes are different, period.

In the scheme of things, fashion and anything connected to consumption other than food seems a bit trivial, but what is not trivial is that we all need to make a living, we all need to support our families and our communities. If you have a business, especially a small business, you may be struggling or just breaking even. Black owned businesses in fashion are rare, and in lingerie, even rarer but they exist and they are powerful and necessary and must be supported.

I first met Amber Tolliver more than a few years ago when she was starting her business, and I was giving advice. I was struck by her determination and uncompromising vision. A few years after meeting her I ran into her on the outskirts of Paris where we both were attending Interfilière. On the final day of the show we departed together and hopped on the Metro. She led me to the best pharmacy in Paris for beauty products I have ever set foot in. It was a great day of window shopping, cocktails and dinner. I believe we will be hearing a lot more about her brand Liberté whose focus is beautiful modern bras for women of all sizes will that set you free, how timely.

The Underargument has to be one of the best brand names to come along in a while. And its message of individuality and embracing our differences is needed now more than ever. We can be different and still be together. Maina, the founder has a way with beautifully edgy garments that are sexy and rebellious. Her muses are real and imperfect, like all of us.

“Bridal with Passion and Purpose”, that is the mission of Loulette. They nailed it. Their online shopping experience is filled with gorgeously relevant bridal gowns and honeymoon goodies, and their lingerie assortment has some lovely prints, that are not too “sleepy”and colored in a very modern way.

Many of their lace T’s, camisoles and bodysuits can be layered with an evening skirt or pants. This collection is multifaceted and absolutely wearable.

Ade Hassan broke hallowed ground with Nubian Skin in 2014 by daring to give women of color a wide range of shades that paid homage to our skin tones.  I remember when I first saw the line at Curve NY and thinking to myself “I hope she makes it”. She “made it” and we are all the better for it.  A recipe for success is curated simplicity.Her classic styling in a myriad of season-less colors can run forever.

I know I just finished praising simplicity and Anya Lust is anything but, and that’s okay. The brand is all over the place in a very good way. We need fantasy, playfulness, sexiness, tulle, satin, lace, cut outs, straps, ties, bows, and “toys” in this time of seclusion. I have read that sexy lingerie is blowing out and is giving comfy cozy wear a run for it’s money. I hope that is true, it gives me hope.

Suzy Black is feminine and pretty…..pretty sexy. When you are this sexy, you don’t need a million colors, just black, white, red and lots of skin.

I can think of nothing to say about Rihanna and Savage X Fenty that has not already been said.  A brand with an accomplished mission to empower all women comes along once in a decade, if we’re lucky. She took the lingerie fashion show and turned it upside down, right along with the industry.

 D Bleu Dazzled plays with words and words are power. A powerful messages can make significant  change. We are witnessing it now like some witnessed it in the 60’s. I admire this brand and it’s messaging, sometimes you have to wear your heart on your “sleeve” and I have heart for BLACK LIVES MATTER.

This is the first in series of support for brands of color. Stay safe, protected and masked.

Peace, Resistance and Vote!