Kicking off Black History Month with Black Designers you should have on your radar
Ceecee’s outfit: Andrea Iyamah, Tresolz, Monoxide
Supporting Black-owned businesses starts with identifying Black-owned businesses. So we took to CTV Your Morning to share some Canadian Black Designers to watch and support beyond Black History Month. Get to know these amazing brands.
Andrea Iyamah
Andrea Iyama is a Toronto women’s fashion brand by Nigerian - Canadian Designer Dumebi Iyamah. Andrea Iyama was born out of Dumebi’s love for arts and fashion when she was only 17. Best known for swimwear, Andrea Iyamah pieces tell a story inspired by color and culture with a modern take on ethnicity while maintaining an attention to detail and cut. Andrea Iyamah can be found in multiple retailers all across the globe from the United Arab Emirates, Arica, North America, and the Caribbean.
Tresolz
Tresolz is brand new to the fashion scene, founded in 2021 with an online store that is only a few weeks old. The brainchild of Judy Stewart, whose frustrations with the lack of stylish footwear options for women needing extended sizes, Tresolz offers sizes 9 to 15. Judy believes all women deserve choice and style without compromise. Tresolz offers just that complete with comfort, wide calf boots, and a choose your heel program. Tresolz is everything to love about footwear for the modern gal.
Monoxide
Monoxide is a jewelry brand by Canadian Jamaica Bahamian Tyler Ferguson. The pieces are bold yet modern, sophisticated, and well made. Each collection is inspired and tells a story. The thoughtfulness behind each creation makes you fall in love with MONOXIDE, a word literally meaning one breath.
St Lyon
Founded by Abby, Elom, and Elim, Saint Lyon, is more than just an athleisure brand, they inspire a spirit of community. With every purchase, customers can select a charity of their choice to receive a donation. Saint Lyon has supported multiple causes including BLM, food banks, and health organizations. The product itself is the perfect balance of quality and price while offering an extensive size range for all bodies and builds. Mostly made in Canada, the fabrics feature a 4-way stretch, ultra compression, and are breathable with moisture wicking. Saint Lyon is one to love to not only break a sweat in but comfortable relax in. Bonus - their packaging is biodegradable!
Art Pays Me
Art Pays Me is changing the narrative for artists and how people view artists. Founder Duane Jones, an artist himself was frustrated over the way creatives are viewed and that motivated the beginnings of Art Pays Me. His mission is to motivate people to embrace their creative strength to achieve creative and financial independence. Art Pays Me is inspiring artists to pursue their art with a business mindset by also hosting a podcast where conversations with successful artists is a learning resource to their pursuits.
Pretty Denim
Pretty Denim founder Tahnee Lloyd-Smith is a former stylist who is set out to create pieces with great quality and craftsmanship. In PD’s DNA is slow and ethical fashion, with each piece being made-to-order. At the end of February 2021, they will be launching PD Basics, a collection of everyday wardrobe staples made entirely out of sustainable fashion. From t-shirts, casual dresses, and looser silhouette jeans, every piece will be perfect for your work from home to office essentials.
Petits Genoux
We love everything about Petits Genoux, a Toronto brand for kids 0-24 months. Founded in 2014 by Kendra Francis a Ryerson graduate and designer for over 20 years, Petits Genoux is handmade, gender neutral and minimalist. They are making heirloom pieces that can be handed down with love.