Dressed in the most enormous church hat you’ve ever seen, matched with the perfect shoes complimenting every aspect of the outfit, the church is known to be Black culture’s first known fashion show. First ladies dawning their perfect whites for First Sunday to kids having to put on the peach suit you saved them for Easter; fashion and style are almost as important as the sermon presented in church. From traditions rooted within wearing our Sunday’s Best, dressing up and showing up in your best to only give your best to who you worship, to even just the adornment of crosses and religious imagery, it has always been a mainstay within our culture.
In her Essence Op-Ed on Easter Sunday fashion being a part of black culture, writer Taylor Crumpton how the black church experience impacts the black experience and the high fashion world. From the fabrics, clothing choices, and more, the key elements that make up church fashion take on a more significant role in the fashion world.
In all branches and forms, Christianity has significantly impacted the fashion industry. From having a significant impression in the collections of designers like Richard Quinn in 2020 or Dolce & Gabbana in 2014. To even being a central theme for the Met Gala in 2018 (the Heavenly Bodies theme spawned iconic looks like Chadwick Boseman’s preacher look and Rihanna’s Pope look).
Within the high fashion world, through the white Catholic and Christian culture, religious imagery has been a mainstay in designs for years. However, when it comes to the Black roots of church and attire, namely the Sunday’s Best phenomenon, what Black brands showcase these ideals?
Crimson Road Flows
Crimson Flow Studios, a modern-day punk alternative clothing company, has amassed a growing social presence while always keeping faith at the heart of its messaging. The brand’s owner, Zion Wilson, divulges how his clothes center on Christianity and the art of design: “We are a Christian brand as much as a brand focused on design,” he shares. We desire to share the love of God, but also love creating wearable and intriguing garments that people can enjoy wearing and sharing.” This love for both can be shown by their unique use of fur, denim, and other fabrics. It’s also present through their social media page which they fill up with product postings and scriptures.
Guyow Clothing
Guyow Clothing, a clothing brand started by Florida A&M University student Larry LaFrance, tells me how his brand is influenced even by the church world he is a part of. “Much of the inspiration for my brand comes from the modern day and past of the church, whether through specific imagery, verses, or sayings.” Larry cites his Fall 2022 “Jesus Cares” collection as an example, as it was a saying he heard in the church that Jesus cared for everyone and their problems. He incorporated this unique saying within his brand, showcasing the church’s ongoing connection to its fashionable roots, especially the black church.
Peerless Prime
Peerless Prime is one brand I found while diving deep into that helps add to the rich history of black fashion and the black church. Peerless Prime (@peerless.prime on Instagram) is a brand that prides itself on “bringing the community together through faith and fashion.” A specific piece that connects the history of the black church to modern-day fashion would be their “First Sunday” shirt. This shirt showcases little girls and boys at a Sunday service dressed up in their best clothes for their church. This shirt harkens back to the various figureheads of the black church experience, from the community through communion on First Sunday to the Sunday’s best that was expected of church members attending the service.
Other brands that continue to keep the tapestry of this connection going, like Selah Clothing (@selahclthing.co on Instagram), showcase the conjunction of modern-day fashion with Christian motifs throughout their products. More and more black-owned brands continue to pop up, further propelling the intersection of Christianity and fashion. A connection that harkens back further into the connection of Black people and the Church. Showcasing our individuality by faith, coming in the best of the best. Our Sunday’s best can be the best in modern streetwear or the suit you have tucked in your closet.
