Luxury. The word often conjures images of white wealth and privilege. Historically, Black women have been excluded and overlooked in luxury spaces. But the tide is turning. A rightful place exists for Black women in luxury, and we are claiming it.
Black Women in Luxury Deserve a Seat at the Table
The fastest-growing group of luxury consumers are Black women. At the time a Nielsen report found that black women’s spending power would rise to $1.5 trillion by 2021.
We are educated, ambitious, and have hard-earned incomes to spend. You can probably feel the intensity of the vibe coming through that last sentence.
The luxury industry is finally taking notice.
But simply having wealth is not enough. We must feel accepted, respected, and seen.
Luxury retailers are learning that they ignore black women at their own peril. And black women are realizing our power to demand luxury experiences where we feel welcome and affirmed.
We’ve Earned the Right to Luxury
Black women are surging educationally and economically. We are earning advanced degrees, climbing corporate ladders, starting successful businesses, and building wealth. Black women-owned firms are the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurship in the U.S., growing at a rate 4.5 times higher than all women-owned firms.
We are buying homes, investing, and increasing our net worths. In short, black women have the income and wealth to afford luxury goods and experiences.
How to Find Inclusive Luxury Brands Welcoming to Black Women
Personally, I think it’s more to respect the dollars we produce in this world, and that make their ways to our bank accounts. Respect meaning, “where I spend my money, is there respect for who I am.” Some brands do this well. Others, like Gucci and Prada have found themselves in racial offense at one point or another, which is a signal to me, they may not be completely ready for my money and respect equation.
Seek Out Brands Made By Us and For Us
Many other luxury brands actively welcome Black women, like Furla, Pat McGrath Labs, and MCM. Seek out luxury brands that authentically include Black women in ways that resonate with you. Call out exclusionary behaviors and take your buying power elsewhere if needed.
Pat McGrath Labs was founded by the iconic Pat McGrath, a black woman nicknamed “Mother” in the industry for her legendary makeup artistry skills. She has led beauty innovation and diversity in fashion for decades.
Experience her luxury, high-pigment products designed to glamourize women of all skin tones. Her MatteTrance Lipstick goes on richly and lasts all day. Use my code for 15% off your first Pat McGrath Labs purchase to treat yourself to Mother’s touch.
Support Black-Owned Luxury Brands
Uplift Businesses Creating Opportunities for Black Women
There is a vibrant ecosystem of black-owned luxury brands to explore like Hanifa, Ashya, Brother Vellies, and The Wrap Life. Black designers are producing gorgeous, high-quality luxury goods. We have the power to uplift these businesses to success.
Luxury retailer The Wrap Life offers gorgeous head wraps and accessories made for black women. Their intricate designs and bold prints uplift natural hair. Even the ability to have hair accessories made of amazing, life giving materials is a luxury worth having. First time indulgences are provided at 15% off.
Claim Your Place Confidently in Luxury Spaces
You Belong Here
I recall walking through a mall and coming across a Louis Vuitton store. Now, while I’m not one for luxury handbags and accessories (I’m much more of a yacht girl), I can recall being intrigued by what was in the store, but not daring to walk in because I knew I wasn’t going to buy anything, and I’d just feel out of place. And worse, they’d think I was out of place.
What a horrendous mindset! Horrendous but it happened.
Walking into a luxury space can feel intimidating and unwelcoming for black women. Counter that by entering with your head held high, knowing you fully belong here. You worked hard to be in this space, so own it. Your power is sleeping giant – wake it up!
As more black women participate in luxury, we increase awareness. Share your experiences authentically on social media and in conversations with family and friends. Let the world know that black women have arrived in luxury. Our visibility will encourage more black women to confidently walk through luxury’s doors.
This is not a competition. There is room for all black women to bask in luxury together. When you see fellow sisters thriving in luxury spaces, hyping them up raises you higher too. A rising tide lifts all ships. Together, our visibility and power grows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Women in Luxury
For black women considering claiming their rightful place in luxury, here are some common questions and empowering answers:
Do I Really Belong Here?
Absolutely! If a luxury brand does not make you feel welcome, it is their loss. Keep seeking ones that validate you completely. Know you have the right to be in any space your income affords.
Isn’t Luxury Wasteful? Should I Save Instead?
You can do both! Budget to save and invest, while allocating funds for reasonable luxury indulgences that enrich your life. You worked hard – don’t neglect self-care. View spending wisely on luxuries that elevate your joy and confidence as an investment too.
But I Grew Up Poor – Will I Feel Like an Imposter?
Understandable feelings, but let them go. You earned your place through perseverance. Luxury retailers want your business and will happily assist you. Focus on feeling grateful for how far you’ve come. You overcame obstacles and achieved success. You belong.
Is Luxury Attainable for Me?
Yes! For example, McBride Sisters Wine Company offers affordable luxury wines made by black sisterpreneurs. Try their award-winning Black Girl Magic red blend – use my code to save 20%.
Shouldn’t I Give Back Instead?
You can do both! Plan philanthropy and giving into your budget too. Uplift your community as you climb. The more black women gain wealth and access, the more we can sponsor others behind us. Socioeconomic empowerment uplifts our communities.
The Bottom Line on Black Women in Luxury
Black women have arrived in our rightful place in luxury, and we are here to stay. Know you belong, seek out welcoming brands, and confidently claim your space. When black women thrive, we lift up our communities and the next generation. Our success creates more seats at the table. So shine brightly and live luxuriously – you earned this!
Now, a whole other piece to this luxury discussion we didn’t touch on is the intangible. Here we’ve talked about the luxury in the context of physical goods. But what about the intangibles?
It’s true luxury isn’t all about things sometimes it’s about the things you get to do, company you get to keep, freedom of choice in life. I love how the instagrammer @asiyami_gold captured exactly this in her post below.
She writes…
So let’s cheer, celebrate, and toast our way into our own luxury acceptance and indulgence…whether it’s material luxury, or that luxury that money can’t even begin to buy.
Treat yourself to luxury you deserve!
15% off head wraps and accessories from The Wrap Life
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