Since the glitter-filled parades of pride month were postponed this year, we recommend an alternative way to support LGBTQ+ folks. Shopping from queer-owned brands is a great way to show your solidarity with style and donate directly to the community. Even though pride month has passed, queer designers are still as important as ever. We’ve put together a list of our five favorites.
DB Berdan
This “matriarchal queer brand” describes their style by saying “DB Berdan is for any person who enjoys bold colors and bold statements with sarcastic humor.” One might describe their designs as early 2000s sportswear that references counterculture, with a hint of preppy. This London-based street wear brand is not short on originality.
Shop our faves: Tie dye denim midi dress ($150), Long live nothing zipped jeans ($100), and 80’s bat sleeved self love club shirt ($188).
SALT
SALT was founded by Auston George Bjorkman, the first trans man to show at NYFW, and co-founder Jessie Levandov. This gender and size inclusive brand crafts garments by hand. They make workwear super-wearable and ultra cozy, while featuring a muted color palette.
Shop our faves: Bomber jacket ($310), Tank Jumpsuit ($245), and this pair of overalls ($220).
Automic Gold
This queer and trans owned company produces handmade jewelry in New York. Their merchandise is as diverse as their clientele, uniquely offering customizable nameplates and birthstones. Automic Gold considers sustainability, accessibility, and diversity in their designs. The team has come out as a self-funded company, making a commitment to not accept investments that would force design or quality compromises for profit.
Shop our faves: THAT BITCH Charm ($185), Custom letter necklace ($195+), and this Moonstone ring ($195).
Matriarch
Matriarch is the future of footwear, being one of the only non-gendered shoe brands. The company focuses on creating versatile shoes using sustainable vegetable tanned leather.
Shop our faves: Marlen brogue ($349), Bitumen boot ($359), and the Rute boot ($359).
Nihl
Founded by designer Neil Grotzinger, Nihl is a brand that rejects gender stereotypes and celebrates artistry. Heartthrobs such as Hunter Schafer and Luka Sabbat have been dressed by Nihl.
Shop our faves: Black Bondage Trousers ($219), Cinched Collared Shirt Dress ($376), and these High Cut Silk Running Shorts ($75).
