Melody Ehsani has released “Black Women in Defiance,” a 10-piece collaborative range that celebrates activists and historical figures.
The charm bracelet collection was created in partnership with “I Support Black Women” campaign founder Trinice McNally, Black Women Radicals founder Jaimee Swift, and media organization Breakthrough. Ehsani unveiled the capsule over the weekend during an exclusive invitation-only launch event at her Los Angeles flagship store.
Every piece came with a postcard that outlines each of the figures’ history, such as their social justice causes, and respective birthplaces and heritages. The women featured in the collection are from the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and across the African Diaspora; they are Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Lélia Gonzalez, Billie Holiday, Audre Lorde, Josina Muthemba Machel, Lady Chablis, Ann Lowe, Wangari Maathai, Olive Morris, and Mary McLeod Bethune.
“As an artist and a designer, using the power of my voice and being able to amplify the voices of others through creating intentional products is a big part of why I love making things,” Ehsani said in a statement. “Virgil Abloh shared this sentiment, which is why I’m so grateful he introduced me to the work of Trinice and Jamie of Defend Black Women. I particularly resonate with the global scale of their work — understanding the connectivity and historical patterns of the systemic systems that have tried to marginalize and hold down Black women globally. I’m honored to shine light on some of the Black women who have trailblazed change over time.”
Presales for the “Black Women in Defiance” collection began earlier this week and has since closed. Each charm retailed for $75, with proceeds going toward the second annual Defend Black Women March, which will take place July 29-31 in Washington, D.C. The demonstration will celebrate the life and legacy of Marielle Franco, an Afro-Brazilian politician/activist who was assassinated in 2018.
“Fashion, arts, culture have historically mobilized and politicized the world,” said McNally, co-founder and chair of the march. “What you wear, listen to and enjoy everyday are political and are not coincidence. The goal of this collaboration is to honor Black radical women who have resisted, rebelled, and led with defiance throughout history in diverse sectors. Each of these diasporic women have transformed the world we live in and this beautiful piece is an intentional ode to that.”
Those who purchased the hand-made collection can expect to receive their pieces next month, as they’re scheduled to be shipped in mid-June. You can learn more about the Defend Black Women March at its official website.
