Emerging Designers of Color: Meet ApparelMagic's Grant Winners

Last year, the world witnessed horrific acts of racism, hatred, and violence unlike ever before. But these acts aren't new — they're just more publicly broadcasted. Black people have been hurting from injustice for centuries. Brandon Ginsberg of ApparelMagic knew he had to do something to support his community in the fashion world.

The fashion industry has a rich history of creativity, diversity, and inclusion, but not all voices and visions are heard. At ApparelMagic, Brandon and his team are committed to promoting fairness and equality for all groups and ethnicities, so they created The ApparelMagic Grant for Emerging Designers of Color as a way to give back and create opportunities for designers and brand-builders of color to achieve their dreams.

Applicants had to be from independent brands in their first five years of business that were owned, led, and/or designed by people of color. Each recipient earned grants based on their needs and goals, as well as one year of complimentary service from ApparelMagic. Their 2020 grant winners represent the next generation of blue-chip brands, trend-setters, and change-makers. They are not only making waves in the fashion industry, but the world at large as they take on sustainability, ethical production, community involvement, and philanthropy.

Now, meet the grant winners.

Marissa Maximo, Anaak

Maximo is committed to creating a more equitable, ethical fashion system. She encourages consumers to take a really hard look at how they shop. Do they know how something was made? Shipped? How that brand employs/treats its workers? Her brand, Anaak, isn't only net positive, but when customers buy a garment, they are improving someone's life on the other side of the world.

Renee Hill, Harx4

Hill didn't become part of the fashion industry until her late forties, which isn't the typical career path for many designers. After many highs and lows with previous businesses, Hill created Harx4 to encourage consumers to embrace their power, fearlessness, and individuality. She believes that no one should be afraid to tell their story, and someone's style is a direct reflection of who they are.

Brittany Kozerski, Jade Swim

For Kozerski, swimwear shouldn't be a passing trend. So for every quick-to-be-updated swimwear design a competitor is selling, Kozerski has a chic, minimalist take that is built to last. In addition to making swimwear that lasts, Kozerski is also adamant about sustainability as well. All of her products are OEKO-TEX certified and some are made of 100 percent nylon.

Jamila Jones, Jamila Mariama

Jones is ready to realize the potential of better representation and inclusion in the fashion space. Jamila Mariama, her vintage-inspired and fashion-forward brand, not only helps to tell her own story, but she's using her brand to help empower women, promote sustainability, and support nonprofits.

Kate Pierre, Kate&Frances

With her brand Kate&Frances, Pierre bridges the gap between chic and sustainable. But another important part of her mission is inclusion. Pierre not only works with Black models as the face of her brand, but her lookbook also presents a gender-fluid approach to fashion as well. She believes everyone deserves to feel strong, beautiful, and comfortable in whatever clothing they wear.

Lendrell Martin, Lendrell Martin

The recent pandemic challenged the way Martin saw fashion. Instead of developing full collections ahead of time and selling them through a lookbook, Martin decided to drop new products that were made in limited quantities, which means they sold out much faster than usual. By developing things on an as-needed basis, he wasn't overspending.

Catherine Jean Bell: Properwear

Bell believes that the most sustainable pieces of clothing are the garments that are made just for you. Her brand, Properwear, creates clothing tailored to their customer's exact demands and body type. This has allowed her to achieve a perfect harmony of supply and demand.

Brandon Ginsberg believes that when we work together and support one another, we can all work to change the face of fashion for good.