When’s the last time you purchased a dress by Tracy Reese? Or ordered an item from LaQuan Smith?
Do You Support Black Designers?
I only ask this question because yesterday, when I posted an article about June Ambrose’s 2nd sunglass collection with Selima Optique, quite a few comments were a bit disparaging. ANON00 wrote, “$250 to $350. They’re cute but her demographic does not fit what she’s trying to do. she’s more QVC, her shades should be $90 to $160 IMO. This reminds me of when she tried to sell those turbans for over $100.” Another Anonymous commenter added, “No thanks…the Versace shades I bought from Macy’s were only $190…”
Interesting that most of us wouldn’t hesitate to buy a pair of $200 Versace frames, but when the tag reads June Ambrose, we suddenly feel the goods need to be offered at a bargain price.
Of course we’re all adults: buy what you like! But if we wish to see a change in this industry from a diversity standpoint–with more models and people of color in general– shouldn’t we show support with our wallets?
What do you think?
And when’s the last time you purchased an item from a black designer?
*Not familiar with the names of top black designers? Check out our Black Designer Category here.
I think you have a valid point Claire… Definitely food for thought…
I agree with you Claire. There is always a question like, “Who does he/she think they are with prices like these?!” but no one ever asks that of other designers, whether they’re up-and-coming or not. Great post!
Man, this is def food for thought, again i love Tracy’s line too but admit I don’t own pieces due to price, however these things always go on sale, and instead of the BCBG dress, i need to get one of her’s for my bday. Also Racheal Roy def own a few pieces from her. (sale and Macy’s line) I love the style.
Hello FB-
Great topic! I personally buy from Rachel Roy because she fits my design aesthetic, Tracy Reese is a little too girly for me- but I always make a point to look through the assortment.
Let’s not forget that all design houses and brands are about the people that work behind the scenes- you need to look deeper. Who are the people that make up the teams behind the scenes? Where are the black executives- that is a segment that makes sense. This also applies to the stores we frequent.
I tell my students all the time that always talk about NIKE and adidas- look up who of color works there or are on the executive boards…most of them work on the basketball team- but they aren;t in charge.
My pocket doesn’t support any of these. The closest thing I have is a necklace from Rachel Roy. Until I see a h&m type store owned by a person of color. Versace, June, or Ms. Reese won’t receive any of my pennies.
I’d rather travel.
lol, yes i agree that people can spend their money how they feel. Right now, i will rather travel as well, (in much more designer clothes if i could through)
@Claire sweetie I love your blog !! I was just speaking on this in the June Ambrose post. The lack of support for our race goes beyond fashion. This can been seen within our own neighborhoods.There is a decline in black owned businesses, and I can only begin to wonder why. We can be so critical of one another. When you look at other races they support each other regardless. Not to be stereo typical, but think about a quickie Mart or beauty supply store who do you think brings them the most revenue ? We do ! I can do better about supporting my people but trust and believe I do.
Interesting and that may be a valid point. With June Ambrose though, She is an amazing stylist (as some may not know) but as a brand or a designer I don’t know if people would put her in the same category as Versace etc. I think If she was well knows as a designer the hesitance wouldn’t be as great.
Tracy Reese, Amsale etc would be a better comparison.
Note: Because June also started her line on QVC that could be the reason for the response as well. Most designers start with higher labels and re-brand to be more affordable not the other way around.
EXCELLENT TOPIC!! I had no idea people said things like that – that June or other black designers should make their items “more affordable”.
I personally don’t financially support high end designers since I ain’t got it like that, but if I did – I would. I was just as (if not more) excited for Duro Oluwu for JCPenney as I was for Prabal Gurung and Phillip Lim when they did their Target collabos.
I’ve personally always felt it was important to support black high end designers – not all black people are poor, so if you can afford high end clothing from Versace why can’t u get it from Tracy Reese?
No, we do not. If we did, they could afford to sell their products at lower prices. I’ve purchased clothing at boutique prices to support a black business as opposed to somewhere else, where I know I can get it for less. I love supporting my people when I can. If we don’t, who else will?
I support Tracy Reese and Rachel Roy whenever I can afford the pieces that I like from them. I will always support black designers if I can afford to buy what they are selling. For now I support black owned businesses in other areas of fashion because I understand the lack of support they often face in every industry.
No, I ain’t got no money! I’ll gladly support black businesses, but unless the designer is an around the way seamstress or selling interesting apparel at the flea market then I will continue to be a diva on a dime.
My money isn’t long like that so would never purc
My money isn’t long like that so I would never purchase simple items for those prices. If I was generating that kind of cash flow, YES I WOULD!!!
You make a great point Claire. For me personally, like some of the ladies above mentioned, I’m a broke student and can’t afford to buy any designer names at all. However, if there are black owned designers or businesses with price ranges like h&m and so on, please point them out to me, I would def. support. However, we can support each other in other ways ex. support blogs like this, other black bloggers, stylist, black celebrities, follow them on social media, comment, go to their events. All this helps get that person exposed and opens doors for them.
high end and luxury status is earned, not given.
Critical thinking…great piece Claire!
It’s hard to splurge on designer items anyway. I mean, it’s not like I’m just ballin’ out of control and buying chanel and mcqueen like a celebrity. Rachel Roy has a collaboration line with Macy’s and when I was transitioning from fat to fit, those were some of the only clothes that I found that I could wear. I still purchase that stuff. I bought some Tracy Reece items this summer, but for some odd reason she is not carried in my Saks, Nordstrom or Neimans anymore. I’m not paying more than 100 for shades regardless of the name brand. I have a wide range of prices I have paid for sunglasses including 5 dollars shades from Forever 21 and 100 dollar shades from Michael Kors. But if June Ambrose, Versace, Chanel, Tracy Reece, Kimora Lee, Oliver Peoples, or whoever want my money for some shades, they better drop that price down.
@Nicole, I do think it’s a little unpalatable for designers to start low and then increase their price points to re-brand. But, at the same time, I think if you gonna put June’s feet to the fire on that you gotta call out all the designers who have done it. Mary Kate and Ashley built their entire empire like this. They started off in Walmart and now selling 1000 dollar cotton T-shirts with “The Row”. June shouldn’t be prevented from expanding the same way white designers did.
When was Rachey Roy black? She just married a black guy. Sorry that doesn’t make me obligated to buy her stuff. She is not a black designer.
Christian Louboutin is black. I buy his shoes. and I like Tracee Reese.
/shrugs/
Fashion is personal and has nothing to do with race. If I like your stuff and it works for me I will buy it.
Rachel Roy isn’t black. She’s Asian, and Asian designers are prominent in the industry.
When was Rachel Roy black? She just married a black guy. Sorry not “obligated” to purchase her stuff.
Christian Louboutin is part black. I buy his stuff. Laquan Smith doesn’t make a damn thing that I could wear in the real world.
tbh I buy stuff I like. I don’t care about your race. And most of the readers of FBD are NOT buying 200 sunglasses. Karen Walker had an expensive sunglasses line as well. She wasn’t catering to black people if I recall.
June’s sunglasses are so OTT so no, I ain’t buying them.
If I had the coins I would, however I do support local designers in terms of purchasing and spreading the word about their business. I think the QVC comment was made about June Ambrose because she has released two shoe collections with them. But her sunglasses price points aren’t any different than what high end designers are asking so it’s not surprising or out of the ordinary that her shades would be that much.
hell, pp do it with makeup too, call fashion fair old fashioned and everything, but European people don’t say that about Estee Lauder. Just a double standard.
In this economy , I prefer to save my money and purchase clothing that I have been eye-ing if they go on sale. I prefer to save my money for an emergency fund, my future kid’s education or anything beneficial to my well being. So to answer your question , no I could care less either way .
Hmm I honestly cannot recall. Definitely food for thought.
BUT I did support June’s shoe collection last week! I think a lot of people supported her recent shoe collection. So much, that it sold out VERY quickly. Everything was to die for and reasonably priced. People need to take into consideration that not too many celebs are constantly rocking black designers. You have Solange that does it nonstop but how many ‘celebs’ are? They’d rather do stealth marketing for top shop than rachel roy.
This is an excellent post @Claire! I run a small photography business, and I generally have a harder time with my own people (when it comes to my rates). My rates aren’t even at industry standards (for the quality of work), but that is still too expensive for some of our own people. History shows that we often bartered to survive in the olden days. Perhaps that is where this “hook up” mentality originated from. We’ll pay top dollar to the white man, but side eye our own.
I do and always have. But I assumed one of the main vision/mission statements of the FBD blog was to support Black designers. Am I wrong? In any case, it’s that impression which keeps me reading daily.
rachel roy is actually of Indian and European descent…not quite melanated like the rest of us. anyway, yes, we need to support our own. seems like the only time we support each other is if it deals with hair/haircare products. and psychologically, labels like Versace and ’em are well known, so we’d pay $200+ for those names. Unknown designers, like our own, are just that, unknown. so folk don’t want to spend $200+ on someone noone knows. this post should really be geared toward the celebrities. the melanated celebrities are the ones who should be rockin’ our deigners so they could get their name out there. it’s a very shallow move, but you have to mind-f*** the consumers. These so-called white folk been doin’ it for years!!!!!!!!!
lookit.
i ‘still’ have my Tracy Reese faux-leather textured SAMPLE SALE skirt bought from Daffy’s some 16 years when no one knew who she was. i was always rooting for her b/c she was the ‘only’ black AND female designer out there in the early ’90s.
i love supporting black designers from WillieWear to Mooshod to Rachel Roy, etc.
even Byron Lars for Barbie can still get my coins! *teehee* ;-D
I honestly will not support any designer who’s wares I cannot afford. I’ve seen some wonderful TR pieces but unfortunately they would break the bank…..like pulverize it. I wear affordable pieces that look good on me, but if I ever get the urge to splurge I will consider what and who that designer has represented with advertising…that’s just me being ethical.
I support black SMALL business owners on a weekly basis. I prefer to support small quality businesses as I am one myself.I don’t purchase designer high end items so I couldnt tell you when the last time was I purchased from a Black or White high end designer. But I DID purchase a necklace from a minority owned small business (wristsoiree.com)last week, and earrings from rashidagurl.com, and other vintage resellers etc. I prefer to sow into my own demographic
I prefer to sow into my own demographic, so I support minority owned small businesses all the time. Like rashidagurl, wristsoiree, other vintage resellers. Being a small biz owner myself I don’t venture much into high end designer purchases be them owned by blacks or whites. I feel more connected supporting small businesses.
On another note…..I keep seeing this word “quality” used so heavily. I guess from a seamstress standpoint I look at quality as good fabric, well-constructed pieces and attention to the slightest detail (finishing, hem lines, darts, etc). You’re not going to sell me polyester and lycra for $1,000. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that there’s production that has to be paid for, bills, and all of the little in between stuff. But if I see a heafty price tag on the likes of nylon….I simply cannot justify that- I don’t care WHO made it.
Essay Alert (lol <3): Youre so right, I didnt even recognize that, it goes back to the "eyes up to the white man" mentality. No black person wants to put their eyes up to another black person. At work, if their supervisor is black, they'll envy and scheme, but if their supervisor is white…its ok, because thats just the way it is.
I had to check myself reading this because I understand why she priced her sunglasses the way she did… but to choose Versace over her at basically the same price (-if you can afford a $200 pair of shades, $350 isnt far gone), or suggest she lowers the price, we as African-Americans have to take responsibility for the standing of our own people. Its not completely a "white man put us here" thing. WE put ourselves here, in a place we dont want to be, a place where our own dont thrive. "Power in numbers, with backing we're stronger." June should be supported, and no offense meant to Versace, but Im sure these shades fill more of a desire than Versace does.
We should support one another and get to the root of our deep seated issues within ourselves and our community. Im glad you said something, because this made me aware, and awareness is the first step, striking up conversation is the second, and pursuing a change is the third. <3 <3 <3
And the thing is, some are saying shes not high end, compared to Versace, but Versace became who they were off years of support. Why cant we do that for June? Our constant support will bring here there one day. The money may not be there right now to do it, but if you have the chance please do.
If right this second I wanted to shop with $500 to spend, I’d rather see what a Tracy Reese, or Bebe Noir has to offer first before I go to Louis Vuitton so they can eat the whole of my $500 of one coin purse. Lol (which I would NOT let happen)
I think this is a great topic. I believe that the average woman is on some sort of budget and purchasing any high end “designer” item ( that term tends to irk me because every piece is designed by SOMEONE) is a bit of a splurge, not a necessity. In this particular instance, I think it comes down to the reputation of the brand. Since everyone doesn’t have unlimited funds for accessories, spending $200 on a pair of Versace (very prestigious and recognizable brand) seems more “special”. I think the comment was addressing the newness of June Ambrose AS A DESIGNER and how her prices should reflect that. Truthfully, I am not a fan of Rachel Zoe’s prices for the same reason. If an established brand is comparable in price to a newer designer, regardless of the designers race, I’m purchasing the brand I’m familiar with.
I do have a question about how it was determined that June Ambrose’s target market could not afford these sunglasses. When I think of her styling I think top of the line HAUTE couture. Therefore, I would assume her target market would reflect that. I would hate to think it was assumed her target market was poor or cheap simply because she’s black.
Personally I own about 4-5 Tracy Reese pieces. I just really like her clothes. I have a suede jacked from Iman’s HSN collection – which is odd for me becayse usually I find the quality of those collections lacking. Not really a sunglasses person so have not checked for Mary J Blige or June Ambroses’ collections. LaQuan Smith, honestly have not really been exposed. I work long hard hours so I don’t have the “leisure” at the moment to hunt down who the up and coming designers of color are. If they get featured on an outlet I frequent is probably the only way I find out and can make the effort to investigate further.
Wow, very interesting and something to think about. Another aspect of this post, at least in my view, is that you’d be hard pressed to even know who many top black designers are and where their wares are sold. If you live outside of certain cities (ex. NYC, LA, Miami) where you’d expect to find high end designer wares en masse, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Where are they?
I can’t purchase your merchandise if I don’t know where you are or where to look for your clothing. I would assume they have web sites, but that may not always be the case. You don’t exactly see advertisements (print or otherwise) teeming with items made by black designers either.
I also must agree that the main aspect of this argument is not really about designer’s price points. High dollar is high dollar whether you are black or white. It boils down to how we treat our own. We don’t always have the “welcome you with open arms” approach when it comes to our own. I agree. So I would say we should seek to be a little more diligent when it comes to supporting our own, just like we do with designers of other ethnicities.
@Carmdee AGREED! People always look at the front person, as in this case the designer, but rarely look at the whole team because when you look at the people behind the scenes they are rarely of color. So you may be supporting the designer but most of the time that is not where all your money goes. So Anonymous has a point with supporting small black businesses. But yeah, I like to support black designers I like (usually I buy within my city or designers on Etsy). But the thing is just because a person is black doesn’t mean I am obligated to support their product. I am all for keeping the dollar black but personally June’s glasses doesn’t do anything for me. I would pass over them regardless if they were Versace because it just not my taste. Furthermore, I would love to see more mainstream black designers in the mid-price range point I rarely splurge on expensive designer pieces regardless of the brand.
Why people keep mentioning Rachel Roy? She is not black nor even half black. She is half Indian (from India) half Dutch! She has black kids and a black ex husband but she is not black!
@Emma
Because earlier today, there was a big ass pic of Rachel Roy in Claire’s article about black designers. I suppose we should just be happy that it wasn’t Kim K or Amber Rose LOL. Sleeping with high profile, black men gets non-black women far on black blogs.
To save your coins and still look fabulous, go to Loehman’s They have all the designer sunnies for cheaper prices.
I am on the same page as Becca, my pockets can only support a H&M budget. There are some young designers here in the Bay Area that I support(t-shirts, etc), but I simply can’t afford $200 on sunglasses. If she designed prescription frames I could do that, my insurance company would help with the cost! lol
If you have $200 to spend on sunglasses and your choices are Versace and June Ambrose most will probably go with Versace because of the brand and longevity. June is just starting out with designing. I don’t purchase fashion because it’s a black designer I just buy what appeals to me.
Great thought provoking topic @Claire! As much as I love fashion, I just don’t shop right now. Other financial priorities. #studentLoans But I do make a point to support us. My doctor, lawyer, dentist, stylist and orthodontist are black. I always check out the beauty products that use black or ethnic spokeswomen first. Even with household items, groceries, etc. I’m interested in the companies who are catering to my demographic. When I regain my purchasing power I will def be on the lookout for our designers. Thanks @Claire!
Nice post. I splurge on high end designer shoes and bags but buy mid range clothes. I’m not aware of many black designers who are in either of these categories but I will try to educate myself on this. I dislikeTracy Reese’s style and I used to love June back in the day but I don’t spend much money things I tend to lose (glasses).
A similar question is how many of us support black beauty/make up/hair brands…. Why or why not?
I agree Claire. I am a victim of this myself. I am a dedicatedd fashionista and I never look to black designers. Honestly, I can never find them in stores or when I am looking for a good boutique. They’re just no advertised enough and I cannot stand this because in my huumb opinion, black women really know how to wear color and this should be displayed more often.
that’s how i feel about Tory Burch, Kate Spade and Michael Kors. Expensive ass okay-doke stuff, trying to be on par with Gucci and Louis Vuiton. they need to lower their high ass prices (i still wouldn’t buy it tho). Oh wait, we’re talking black designers!!…………my bad….
fnas’dn;sa
June Ambrose is a phenomenal stylist. Her eye for style and detail is mean. It wasn’t surprising that she would use these talents towards expanding her brand. Her offerings are amazing and honestly, if those same sunglasses she designed somehow had the Versace, Versace, Versace…Versace label or if Jay Z or King/Queen B rocked the same design with a Tom Ford logo on the side, what would the perception be? Maybe some folks would think it would be worth it. I supported June this go around with her shoe line via HSN and I’m happy with the 2 pairs I purchased. My money acts funny like the next person so I won’t be laced up in the luxury brands — mama can’t afford, but I can appreciate and support my fellow black designers whenever I can.
Also, on a professional comparison, what is the difference between June Ambrose and Rachel Zoe? Both have ventured into the world of design yet… (you know how it goes)
I will support black designers if hey don’t design ghetto fa ploys clothing. Like I don’t want to buy something that has “baby phat” “Sean John” ” Apple bottom” etc all over on the clothes. Or clothing that is a reflection of what they wear and what they wear isn’t all that great. Some people do know nothing about fashion but are quick designers because thy have money. Or just because hey have the number one album
Why doesn’t Fashion Bomb cover Project Runway? Just this week, the first black woman ever won–Dom Streater, a truly talented 23-year old. Whether you like the show or not, it has a very high profile, and in the past few seasons several black designers have made it far enought to show at fashion week, but I’ve never seen them covered here. This would be a perfect venue to profiles these up-and-coming designers. Please start with Dom!
Fashion Bomb Daily should cover the recent win of 24-year old black designer Dom Streater on Project Runway, the first black designer to win in its 12-season run! Maybe a profile on her? Even if you stopped watching the show years ago, it’s pretty high profile, but most of the talented designers on that show quickly disappear again, even though in recent years quite a few black designers have shown at Fashion Week as part of the show. We’re their potential audience here on your site!
For me, its about affordability. I dont care if the designer is black or white. If what I am being sold is excellent quality, deserving of the price and I can afford it, I will buy.
I am not also go to hail anything simply because its owned or done by a black person. I will because it’s excellent by all standards!
*going to