Why can’t Black Women Experience Luxury Without Criticism?
- Kamille Coppin
- Aug 10, 2024
- 5 min read
Of the many movements working to reclaim what defines Blackness and Black culture, the #BlackGirlLuxury movement stands as a bold celebration of Black identity and wealth.
by Kamille Coppin
Spearheaded by influencer Anita Aloys, this movement aimed to redefine luxury on Black terms, breaking away from traditional Eurocentric standards. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour, a deeper conversation about the tangled web of misogynoir and elitism began.
Analysis of the movement has been nothing short of intense. Regardless of which side of the argument you stand, it seems that Black bodies cannot experience luxury without criticism.
So what’s the problem?
Imagine scrolling through TikTok and stumbling upon Anita Aloys, a beacon of Black beauty and confidence. Her videos showcased Black women living their best lives, draped in designer outfits and indulging in luxury experiences.
It is a refreshing sight, challenging the mainstream narratives that often overlook Black excellence. But as you explore the movement through TikTok videos, Pinterest boards and Instagram posts, you notice that a few things are missing.
While the social trend celebrated Black beauty, luxury and financially free lifestyles, it was often told from the lens of an isolating lens and fell short of representing the full and diverse spectrum of Black womanhood.
Misogynoir, a term defined by queer Black feminist Moya Bailey as the unique intersection of racism and sexism experienced by Black women, reared its ugly head.
Despite the movement’s positive intention, implicit biases and curated images featuring lighter-skinned, conventionally attractive women began to paint a picture of Black luxury that isolated darker-skinned and non-heteronormative voices.
So where does that leave #BlackGirlLuxury? Is it possible to normalize a high-end lifestyle while dismantling the harmful connotations of capitalist culture?
Let's talk about the elephant in the room
Elitism. It is defined as the belief or notion that individuals who form an “elite” — a select group of people with intrinsic and desirable qualities such as high intellect, wealth, power, physical attractiveness, notability, special skills, experience, lineage, or other desirable traits — are more likely to be constructive to society. While the movement is intended to empower Black women, it inadvertently reinforced contradictory ideals because elitism by definition is anti-Black.
Stay with me because it gets even more complicated.
The Black community is not void of elitism. Not only has it been embedded into society through capitalism, but we would be remiss to forget that Black people have known wealth for centuries and are not void of upholding their own standards that can be rooted in shadeism, sexism and homophobia.
You might be thinking, hold on - if Black people are celebrating their position in elite society, does that not challenge the meaning of elitism and who deserves a seat at the table in entirety?
Well yes, it does - but at what cost? If upholding elitism alienates, then shouldn’t there be more of a focus on promoting the validity and deservedness of ALL Black people to experience financial ease and generational wealth?
Of course.
Defining Black Luxury for All
Black women can’t experience luxury without criticism because the pillars of luxury are rooted in discrimination and supported by elitism. To truly uplift Black women, we need to dismantle these harmful narratives and make room for black wealth to be experienced in all forms.
Video credit: Erica Jordan-Thomas
Black luxury has to celebrate all shades and shapes by challenging beauty standards that exclude some while uplifting others. It's about creating a space where every Black person, feels seen, valued, celebrated and RICH - as they are.
Moreover, we need to reckon with our relationship to capitalism, consumerism and elitism. True liberation isn't found in material wealth alone. It's about reshaping beliefs about wealth in Black society to prioritize collective well-being, dismantling systems of oppression, and making financial literacy a birthright.
A great place to start is amplifying the voices of marginalized Black women, ensuring that they're at the forefront of the conversation and redefining the meaning and appearance of wealth. While the #BlackGirlLuxury movement has made strides in doing this, a more informed approach to creating and sharing the movement will go a long way.
The Black Girl Luxury movement is more than just a trend; it's a call to action. It's a reminder that material possessions or societal standards don’t define our worth. It's about reclaiming our power, celebrating our beauty, and uplifting each other while encouraging our community to reach for more, aspire to be more and provide more to future generations.
If you’re ready to indulge in some luxury, here are 5 black-owned Canadian luxury brands:
“Omi Woods jewelery are contemporary heirlooms that celebrate all of our connections to Africa and her diaspora. Our jewelery is ethically handmade with fully traceable African gold, recycled and responsibly sourced fine metals and gemstones. Omi Woods jewelery is intended to be collected, worn everyday, gifted for special occasions and passed down to future generations so its meaning can live on for generations to come.”
“The Mike-Paul Atelier brand launched in 2019.
Spanning bespoke, made-to-measure, and ready-to-wear collections, our brand is broad in its scope but focused in its attention to detail. Our relaxed, modern aesthetic take classic silhouettes and adapts them for contemporary tastes.
The result is a versatile wardrobe of stylish basics and polished showpieces that pretty much anyone could feel good about wearing.”
“Launched by British born Ghanaian designer Emefa Kuadey, the contemporary clothing and accessories brand redefines minimalism through structure and bold femininity. Inspiration for the Toronto based brand comes from a juxtaposition of the designer’s interests; fashion and a past life as a civil engineer.
ISRAELLA KOBLA pieces highlight an appreciation for architecture and timeless design. Ultimately, the goal is to redefine the way we look at minimalism and modern fashion.”
“Founded in 2015 in the eponymous designer’s native Toronto. [Spencer] Badu fuses meticulous craftsmanship with layered storytelling. His designs exude experimental vigor and detailed craftsmanship, all while alluding to tales of migration while transforming rich cultural subtext into each piece. Badu calls us to embrace our stories, journeys, and identities—one garment at a time.”
“Téjahn Burnett is a contemporary footwear label designed for the modern woman paving a path to confidence with their wardrobe.
The brand’s iconic styles showcase sultry and sensual glamour in an impressive range of high heels, boots and hand-crafted sandals—inspiring women to put their next foot forward.
Designed in Toronto, Canada, the eponymous brand’s creative director continues to push forward its growing legacy by utilizing eminently practical materials to foster size-inclusivity, functionality, and craftsmanship. A favourite among celebrities and models alike, Tejahn Burnett delivers a bold and encompassing vision of inclusive femme luxury.”
Comments