The virtual 10×10 challenge: Featuring BIPOC makers & brands
You might be thinking – what on earth is the 10×10 challenge? Well, if that’s you: it was a challenge started on instagram to help people love what they have in their wardrobes, instead of going out and buying something new every season. It involves wearing the same 10 pieces of clothing in 10 different combinations, for 10 days.
Note: all photos in this post are courtesy of the brands mentioned & linked.
#10x10representationmatters
Let’s be frank: clothes aren’t really just clothes. During the last 10×10, the hashtag #10x10representationmatters was started by @little_kotos_closet and @linednotes. I encourage you to visit the hashtag and read their original posts. It was a space to celebrate and give space to the BIPOC community. So many people began to take part in the 10×10 through this hashtag, sharing their voices. This prompted conversations around the perma-whiteness in the ethical fashion space, and how it needs to be dismantled. And that dialogue was SO needed. Frankly, it still is.
New hosts this season
The original hosts have moved to other pursuits, but thankfully this season is being co-hosted by @selltradeslowfashion and @buyfrombipoc! Buy from BIPOC is an account that curates and celebrates conscious BIPOC-owned brands through meaningful Q&As and stunning art. If you don’t follow, go on over there!
Follow the hashtag #stsfxbfbipoc10x10 to keep up with the challenge!
My highlight brands
Aliya Wanek
Handmade in Oakland, California, Aliya Wanek focuses on relaxed designs that “explore identity and style through a female lens.” Skirts, jumpers, button-ups and the comfiest sweatshirts make up a dreamy, sun-faded collection with fabrics like organic hemp and cotton. My favourite thing about her Ami sweatshirt is that it’s just cropped enough to work with a simple front tuck and can be dressed down for the weekend, or dressed up for the office.
Aliya Wanek is part of The Garment’s Spring Virtual Pop-Up that runs until March 22nd. The Virtual Pop-Up is a curated selection of conscious brands who offer special discount codes for one week – and guess what? I’ve got one for ya 😉
Until March 22nd, you can use my special code PETRA10 for 10% off Aliya Wanek and all other brands that are part of The Garment’s virtual pop-up! Check out the other brands here, and don’t forget to use PETRA10! You have until this Friday!
My pick:
– Ami Sweatshirt in Sage // $90
Selva Negra
Started by Kristen Gonzalez and Sam Romero, Selva Negra combines tomboy & feminine aesthetics to form comfortable styles with beautiful details, made in Los Angeles.
My picks:
– Theo Top in Rust // $109
– Foly Top in Sage Linen // $115
Two Days Off Clothing
Another made in LA brand, Two Days Off makes each piece to-order so as to not waste fabric in production. They’re passionate about function, form, quality, and even binding the interior of their clothing beautifully. Their clothes have a peaceful nature in the simplicity of their designs, and are easily a new favourite for me.
Gina has generously offered 15% off your purchase with code PETRA15!
My picks:
– Sejima Sweater // $160
– Suki Crop Top // $120
Subrina Heyink Vintage
Curated vintage. Subrina’s picks are gorgeous! She has 1980s statement pieces, leather trousers, blazers and more.
My pick:
– Ralph Lauren Vintage Wool Pant Suit // $280
Wasi Clothing
LA has it all. Wasi Clothing is founded and run by Vanessa Acosta, a Bolivian-American designer. All fabrics are sourced from South America and sewn within LA (by Vanessa, did I mention?). Limited quantities, carefully made, and designed for all bodies, Vanessa’s pieces incorporate bold and subtle patterning.
My pick:
– Grey Snake Plant Linen Top // $60
Backbeat Rags
Born in California, Backbeat Rags was created by Isadora Alvarez and embodies surf & skate culture married with vintage classics. Isadora is committed to environmental sustainability, using materials like GOTS certified organic cotton and tencel, and manufactures with family-owned businesses local to her home. I was instantly drawn to the vintage-classic silhouettes and simple designs.
Isadora has been kind enough to offer 15% off for any items on her site through this link! The discount automatically applies at checkout 🙂
My picks (click this link for 15% off!):
– Natural Hemp Utility Pants // $165
– Ochre Tencel Easy Robe // $157
Brother Vellies
Aurora James is Canadian-born, Brooklyn-based, and gained a passion for travel while growing up. She started Brother Vellies while taking a hiatus from her job at the time. The collection places importance on preserving artisanal craft, and the spirit of ancestral designs. Made in South Africa, Morocco, Kenya and Ethiopia, Aurora travels every 2-3 months to work with teams there.
My picks:
– Whiskey Huaraches // $195
– Moonrise Sneaker in Whiskey // $295
The Tiny Closet
Started by Nat, The Tiny Closet is more than your regular minimalist brand. After losing her job and realizing she had shopped, but didn’t own a single clothing item she loved – Nat began exploring her personal style and ended in the development of her own clothing line. What I love about The Tiny Closet? Nat has a knack for bold, commanding statement pieces with fascinating silhouettes, in the simplest form.
My pick:
– The Architect // available soon (shop temporarily over capacity!)
Ready? Here are my 10 looks from ethical BIPOC-owned clothing brands.
As spring’s approaching, the warmth and softness of rust, sage and ochre are growing along with the anticipation of the earth coming back to life. The pieces I chose are minimalist in nature, with beautiful detailing in the sleeves, collars, or patterns. As always, I don’t count shoes in my 10×10 🙂
Click on the product names in the caption to shop each item!
Day 1: easy & beachy
Theo Top // Natural Hemp Pants // Whiskey Huaraches
Day 2: warm & minimalist
Wool Pantsuit (bottoms) // Suki Crop Top // Easy Robe // Moonrise Sneakers
Day 3: grey & misty
Sejima Sweater // Foly Top // Natural Hemp Pants // Whiskey Huaraches
Day 4: snake plant
Snake Plant Top // Theo Top // Natural Hemp Pants // Moonrise Sneakers
Day 5: business casual
Wool Pantsuit (bottoms) // Sage Sweatshirt // Whiskey Huaraches
Day 6: simple, structured
Suki Crop Top // Sejima Sweater // Moonrise Sneakers
Day 7: monochromatic
Architect tunic // Wool Pantsuit (bottoms) // Whiskey Huaraches
Day 8: sage & rust
Sage Sweatshirt // Easy Robe // Natural Hemp Pants // Moonrise Sneakers
Day 9: plant business
Snake Plant Top // Wool Pantsuit (bottoms) // Whiskey Huaraches
Day 10: ruffles & peplum
Foly Top // Theo Top // Wool Pantsuit (bottoms) // Whiskey Huaraches
Want to keep discovering amazing ethical BIPOC makers? Follow @buyfrombipoc on Instagram for more.
Want to get to know some badass BIPOC creators & influencers? Dominique Drakeford released an article celebrating 47 bloggers and creators in the ethical fashion space, and it is so worth a read. Check it out here.
Did you participate in this Spring’s 10×10 challenge? Chat about your experiences in the comments section below!
xo
PetraAlexandra
Promo codes in this post are affiliate partnerships, however all opinions are my own! 🙂