The fabric of the Gospel

Dressed in an oversized church hat, perfectly paired with shoes that reflect the nuances of the ensemble, the church has long been hailed as the premiere catwalk of black culture. From the first ladies who wore their perfect white outfits for First Sunday, to the children who needed to wear the peach suit you saved for them for Easter; fashion and elegance occupy an especially vital place next to sermons preached inside the partitions of churches. Rooted in the tradition of wearing Sunday best, dressing to honor the divine and giving your best, and even adorning crosses and spiritual symbols, fashion stays a permanent pillar of our cultural expression.

In her Essence article on fashion as part of black culture on Easter Sunday, author Taylor Crumpton explores the profound impact of the Black Church experience on each black culture and the world of high fashion. From fabrics, clothing decisions and more, the key elements that make up church fashion play a more distinguished role in the fashion world.

In all its branches and forms, Christianity has had a big impact on the fashion industry. Designers like Richard Quinn and Dolce & Gabbana draw inspiration from motifs, and the 2018 Met Gala theme, Heavenly Bodies, immortalizes iconic looks like Chadwick Boseman’s preacher ensemble and Rihanna’s pope-inspired look.

Yet amid the dominance of white Catholic and Christian culture in fashion, black church wear, and particularly the Sunday’s Best phenomenon, begs the query: which Black-owned brands embody these ideals?

Crimson road flows

Crimson Flow Studios, a up to date alternative punk clothing company, has gained a growing presence on social media, but has all the time kept faith at the heart of its message. The owner of the brand, Zion Wilson, reveals how his clothes deal with Christianity and the art of design: “We are a Christian brand as much as a brand focused on design,” he says. We wish to share God’s love, but we also love creating intriguing clothes that individuals can wear and share. This love for each may be expressed through the unique use of fur, denim and other fabrics. This can also be present on their social media page, which they fill with product posts and scripture verses.

Guy’s Clothing

Guyow Clothing, the clothing brand founded by Florida A&M University student Larry LaFrance, tells me how its brand is influenced even by the church world it is a component of. “Most of the inspiration for my brand comes from the present and past of the Church, whether through specific images, verses or sayings.” Larry cites his Fall 2022 “Jesus Cares” collection for instance since it was a saying he heard in church that Jesus cares about everyone and their problems. He incorporated this unique saying into his brand, showing the church’s continued connection to its fashionable roots, especially the black church.

The incomparable Prime Minister

Peerless Prime is a brand that I discovered by digging deeper into it and helping to counterpoint the wealthy history of black fashion and the black church. Peerless Prime (@peerless.prime on Instagram) is a brand that prides itself on “uniting the community through faith and fashion.” A particular element that connects the history of the black church with contemporary fashion is the “First Sunday” shirt. This t-shirt shows little girls and boys at Sunday worship wearing their church best. This shirt honors various figureheads of the black church experience, from fellowship to first Sunday communion to the finest Sunday attire expected of church members attending worship.

Other brands that also maintain this bond, resembling Selah Clothing, present a mixture of contemporary fashion with Christian motifs of their products. More and more Black-owned brands are emerging, further fueling the intersection of Christianity and fashion. A connection that taps deeper into the connection between Black people and the church. Showing our individuality through faith, bringing the best of the best. Our Sunday best could be your best in modern street style or in a suit you have been hiding in your closet.