16 Latinx Brands to Support on Small Business Saturday
LatinX culture has inspired the fashion world for decades. Aztec-inspired prints made their way onto several pieces from Ralph Lauren’s fall 2018 collection, while serape-inspired clothing and patterns never seen to go out of style.
But, as evidenced by the numerous white-led fashion shows and non-Latinx owned fashion companies that push trends onto the masses each year, these designs and inspirations are co-opted from the Latinx community. Rather than purchase an appropriated design by a non-Latinx designer, shop these Latinx-owned fashion brands this year instead. Small Business Saturday is the perfect occasion to show your support.
Courtesy of Instagram/@joineby1/17Eby
Renata Black and Modern Family's Sofia Vergara is the duo behind the highly-inclusive seamless underwear brand Eby. From XS to 4X, the quality undies cater to all sizes — and that's not even the best part. For only a $16 monthly fee, customers get a fresh pair shipped to their door every month. The perfect holiday gift right? Sign up here.
Courtesy of Selva Negra2/17Selva Negra
The perfect blend of femininity and minimalism, Selva Negra collections are inspired by founders Kristen Gonzalez and Sam Romero’s Latinx heritage. “When we started Selva Negra, we wanted our core message to represent our heritage and the hard work our families went through to give us a better life,” Gonzalez told Teen Vogue. “Historically, Latinx have been marginalized and under-represented in America especially in creative fields. We want Selva Negra to bring Latinx vibrance to the independent fashion design industry while bringing awareness to young Latinx creatives how owning a fashion brand is attainable.”
The ethically-focused clothing brand creates designs like bold colored pant suits and delicate patterned dresses that aim to inspire women to achieve their dreams.
Courtesy of Greenbox Shop3/17Greenbox Shop
Founded by Afro-Dominicana Kayla Robinson, Greenbox Shop is known for their expansive range of social justice-inspired collections. "When I found my voice through activism that feeling was so empowering that it inspired me to create Green Box Shop in order to help people find their own voices as well, which ultimately leads to action and tangible change for the better," Robinson told Teen Vogue. "Nowadays everything is fueled by money. The things you invest in will grow, and the things you divest in will crumble. Supporting Latinx-owned brands is very important because it creates more room for our community to flourish socially, economically, etc. and those seeds spread."
You might have spotted one of Robinson’s most popular designs being worn by Frank Ocean in 2017. Even queen Lauren Jauregui has been spotted in the same tee. A shop dedicated to intersectional feminism and the celebration of women of color, Greenbox Shop is not afraid to represent underserved communities from all walks of life.
Courtesy of Instagram/@peraltaprjct4/17Peralta Project
Original artwork meets street-chic fashion wear at Peralta Project. Founder M. Tony Peralta uses his original artwork to create designs that mix New York City Latino grit with hip-hop culture” — and we’re here for it. “I switched the content and focus of the Peralta Project to a more hyper local and Latino centric brand,” Peralta tells Teen Vogue. “I [noticed] there was a huge void when it came to Latino centric clothing, especially since we make up a huge demographic for so many brands, so I started to apply the streetwear aesthetic I was familiar with to the Peralta Project.”
Although Peralta Project has a number of different collections available, one of our favorites is the Rolos & Icons series that depicts Latinx icons with colorful rolos in their hair.
Courtesy of Instagram/@ellaloca5/17Ella Loca
Chicanx culture meshes beautifully with the world of fashion in Ella Loca’s online collection. With bold designs made to stand out in any situation, Ella Loca’s mission is dedicated to giving women power and confidence in a male-dominated culture. Each Ella Loca piece offers customers daring designs and are all handmade to order.
Courtesy of Instagram/@spanglishthreadz6/17Spanglish Threadz
Spanglish Threadz is a family-run business committed to crafting unique designs that are reflective of the Latinx community (elote, anyone!?). Inspired by their children, founders Ana and Mario launched their petite business two years ago and haven’t slowed down since. With clothes for both children and adults, everyone can celebrate the beauty of Latinx heritage for under $30.
Courtesy of Hija de tu Madre7/17Hija de tu Madre
Perfectly blending American aspects of fashion with Latinx representations of identity, Hija de tu Madre founder Patty Delgado has created a fashion brand that celebrates duel-identities. “Visibility in fashion matters. I wanted to create a fashion brand that celebrated my Latina identity, and design pieces that felt empowering and badass,” Delgado tells Teen Vogue. “I aimed to build the brand that I would have loved seeing when I was growing up. In this political climate, it's our job to take up more space than ever, and support POC businesses who are paving a way for themselves in a predominately white business world.”
From a sequined depiction of the Virgin of Guadalupe delicately sewn onto a denim jacket to golden “Fuck Trump” hoop earrings, Hija de tu Madre clothing is make a powerful statement on the celebration of American-Latinx identity, with both cultures being equally represented.
Courtesy of Hola Dear Deer8/17Hola Dear Deer
Inspired by their Guatemalan family roots, Hola Dear Deer was founded by sisters Jessica and Erika with a desire to bring a little bit of Latinx culture to the fashion world. "We feel it’s important to share our culture with others who can relate but that was not being represented in other companies," the sisters told Teen Vogue. "Our shirts are inspired by our Latino upbringing and sayings we heard from our parents and tias." With a variety of adorable shirts available, include “Nena” and “Chicas Malcriadas”, products from Hola Dear Deer are handmade and upcycled to create new, wearable works of art.
Courtesy of Su_ella9/17Su_ella
Friends turned business partners, Jisely Jimenez and Lian Amado founded Su_ella as a brand devoted to empowering the Latinx community, one shirt at a time. The duo draws their inspiration from famous Latinx idols who inspire them to be bold and creative, transferring these emotions with each shirt design.
"Our dream is to keep adding to our list of Latin Legends and to eventually be on it too. We just want to see more of us when we're talking about history," the founders tell Teen Vogue. “Our first piece, Feelin’ like Frida, was made for fun and out of love. Until we met Jesus Trivino Alarcon, currently Director of Latin Culture/Content at Tidal, who let us know that what we were doing was needed, that we were filling in the gap, in fashion, that exemplified our culture.”
Courtesy of Viva La Bonita10/17Viva La Bonita
“Beautiful Shade of Brown” and “Dream Big Mija” are just two of the dozen or so graphic shirts created by Latinx brand Viva La Bonita. From bright, bold graphic tees to statement phone cases and must-have hats, Viva La Bonita celebrates the Latinx community with feisty slogans and designs that look good on the street, in the office, and on Instagram.
Courtesy of Instagram/@valfre11/17Valfré
Valfré is the self-named fashion brainchild of Mexican-born artist Ilse Valfré, each product in the line of clothing and fashion-forward accessories brings Valfré’s artwork to life. From a collection of loteria prints, pins, totes, and shirts to a line of clothes dedicated to all things fruit-related, there’s something for everyone at Valfré.
Courtesy of Instagram/@raggedytiff12/17Raggedy Tiff
Raggedy Tiff is an L.A.-cultura Mexicana inspired brand that brings it every. single. time. With collections dedicated to feminism, Frida Kahlo, and the Virgin of Guadalupe, Latinx founder Jessica Resendiz designs and handmakes every product — and they often sell out before you have the chance to add one to the cart for yourself.
“It was very important for me to start my brand and represent my beautiful, rich culture to the world,” Resendiz tells Teen Vogue. “Growing up, it was ‘too Mexican’ and people were ashamed of [my culture]. I knew then I needed to continue [designing] and make it visible to my community and show them that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. That we can wear vibrant colors and statement pieces screaming culture or wear our flag loud and proud.”
Courtesy of Beautyblender/@beautyblender13/17Beautyblender
Here's a stat that will blow your mind: 17 Beautyblender sponges are reportedly sold every minute. With over 20 years of experience, Latina makeup artist Rea Ann Silva set out to create a worthwhile product and she delivered, and then some. Invest in a few for yourself and for your beauty-obsessed family and friends. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
Courtesy of Cuyana14/17Cuyana
In Quechua, Cuyana means "to love" — and there's no doubt you'll do just that once you lay eyes on the brand's luxury pieces. Co-founders Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah put great effort into each piece from design to aesthetic to construction, and it shows. From leather accessories to alpaca sweaters, every item is definitely worth the investment.
Courtesy of Instagram/@thaliasodicollection15/17Thalia Sodi Collection
This wildly popular clothing line — the brainchild of a Mexican artist — is currently sold at Macy's, so you know you'll get a solid deal. Check out some of the brand's lust-worthy pieces from embellished party dresses to sleek skirts you can wear for your internship. We guarantee the brand will make it to the top of your holiday wish list.
Courtesy of Latina Made Not Maid16/17Latina Made Not Maid
After searching the word "Latina" online, and only coming up with stereotypes, the creators of this brand set out to make a difference. While there's nothing wrong with being a maid, Latinas have careers that run the gamut, from lawyers to doctors, politicians to authors. And that's the powerful message behind the Latina Made Not Maid clothing line. What's more? A portion of proceeds go toward the Latina Made Not Maid Scholarship Fund.
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