9 Bomb AF Black-Owned Swimwear Brands
Spring has sprung and we could not be more excited about the warmer temperatures. So much so that we are already envisioning our summer vacation days full of tropical drinks and perfect sunsets. During this time of year, you are sure to receive an influx of invites to pool parties, day parties and any occasion that calls for you sipping on a margarita.
While we are in the gym working hard to get our summer bodies ready, we wanted to provide some serious swimwear inspo. Of course, there's some added joy since all of these swimwear looks were created and owned by people of the melanated persuasion. Check out the brands made for us by us below!
1.RUE 107
This brand is all about women who dare to make a statement. The more amazing feature is the creative spirit behind the brand who happens to be a black girl with all the magic, Mary Jean-Baptiste. The goal is to provide looks that are jubilant and expressive.
2.Andrea Iyamah Swim
Inspired by color and ethnic cultures, each design is crafted in the hopes of telling a story. Andrea Iyamah Swim is not confined within borders as they strive to sell ethnicity with a twist.
3.Avid Swim
You definitely need Avid Swim in your life. Mostly because each piece can be worn separately. Since its inception, Avid Swim has been shown at New York Fashion Week and seen in major publications like Vogue, Allure and Marie Claire.
4.NAKIMULI
Designer and owner, Tennille McMillan, grew up as the "unique girl." She transformed her uniqueness into a brand that promotes becoming your own trendsetter.
5.BFyne Swimwear
After searching for a one of a kind swimsuit, Buki Ade wanted to create culturally inclusive clothing for unforgettable vacations.
6.GabiFresh x Swim For All
Swimsuits For All is dedicated to accessibility. Gabi Fresh has been the face of body positivity for years. Her collection is innovative and fearless. What more could you ask for!
7.Mint Swim
We know you have seen Draya Michele's Mint Swim collection all over your Instagram feed. It's time you stop scrolling and start shopping! The entrepreneur's goal was to ensure women feel sexy by accentuating all of her curves.
8.Ashanti Swimwear
This Ghanian family-owned business is everything and we love that they are dedicated to excellence.
9.Diarrablu Swim
Senegalese beauty, Diarra Bousso, left her job on Wall Street as a bond trader to pursue her love for art and design. As a strong activist for the global celebration of African art and craftsmanship, Bousso created Diarrablu Swim. This contemporary womenswear lifestyle label was made for women of color.
You have no excuse not to support these collections. Which one was your favorite?
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
