Happy Spring! This time of year inspires new beginnings, reflection and the motivation to make positive changes. With this spirit in mind, we’re exploring five Black-owned fashion brands that can help you dress sustainable and stylish, from head to toe.

1. The OULA Company

OULA is a brand that combines unique colours and patterns with vintage inspired designs to create stunning womenswear pieces designed to be “trans-seasonal” so you can transition your favorite pieces from season to season, and wear them year round. Founder and CEO Erika Dalya Massaquo draws her inspiration from styles of the 60’s and 70’s combined with her expertise for modern fashion (she’s a former FIT dean and professor!). OULA dresses are designed for comfort and functionality, making them the perfect all-in-one outfit to throw on for Zoom meetings or running errands around town.

2. Hands Bags

We are absolutely obsessed with indie handbag brand Hands Bags. Hands Bags launched early last year and are sustainably handmade in Accra, Ghana. These funky beaded bags come in a variety of sizes and colors available at an accessible price point. Vibrant colors combined with practicality makes these bags the perfect Spring accessory to add to your collection.

3. NaClO Apparel

Let’s be real, most of us are still rocking sweatpants as WFH extends into Spring. NaClO Apparel offers some of the comfiest and cutest loungewear sets to keep you cozy as the weather warms up. Their latest collection contains some of the most unique tye dyes we’ve seen as well as classic neutral sets with shorts and long pant options. And to make things even sweeter, NaClO Apparel is made sustainably in Durham, North Carolina and Los Angeles, California. 

4. Brother Vellies

Founded in 2013 by Aurora James, Brother Vellies specializes in creating handcrafted shoes and handbags for women around the world. The items are handmade by artisans in South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, and Ethiopia with sustainability and supporting local artisans in mind. As the clog style sandal tops the 2021 trend lists, we’re loving Brother Vellies Aquarius Clog, a low heel sandal with a mid-century modern aesthetic. 

5. Eclecticist

Last, but certainly not least, Eclecticist is giving us the bright and shiny vibes we’ve all been craving as we transition into Spring. Their cutting-edge wrap style blouses paired with silky smooth trousers are perfect for when you want to get dressed up (even if it’s just to run to the mailbox!). All of Eclecticist’s pieces are made with high-quality, lightweight and breathable fabrics that will keep you comfortable as the weather starts to warm up.

Want more guides to sustainable brands? Stay tuned for more upcoming articles on The Spark, and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter @revpr.