On June 28, 1970, the first official Pride celebration took place in NYC to commemorate the anniversary of the infamous Stonewall riots that occurred exactly a year prior. Now 50 years later, Pride continues to be a celebration of life and love for the LGBTQ+ community and has become a major event in cities across not only the US but the world. While Pride celebrations can begin as early as Memorial Day and continue into late August, June is recognized officially as Pride Month around the world.
If you’ve ever been to a Pride festival it is truly a place where one feels free to express themselves through truly unique fashions. For the 2019 Pride season, your favorite fashion brands have taken style cues from the eclectic fashions of Pride patrons and dropped some really cool collections to celebrate. Millennial faves Boohoo and H&M feature electric neon hues, fringe detailing, cropped tops, and lots of shimmering metallics, while powerhouses Target and Gap are all about celebrating family and inclusivity through their gender-neutral collections. Even OG department store Bloomingdale’s is supporting the initiatives of queer men of color through their collaboration with Native Son.
All of the brands featured in this article have also partnered with LGBTQ+ organizations to donate part of their proceeds to help fund various initiatives, so no need to feel bad about dropping a few dollars on some great clothes! Here’s a breakdown of the collections whose signature pieces are sure to help you celebrate Pride in style!
Happy Pride Month!
Sincerely, D.A.K.A
Bloomingdale's x Native Son
For the second year in a row, Bloomingdale's has partnered with trailblazing media collective Native Son for a five-piece collection of Pride t-shirts. As part of the retail powerhouse's larger Pride collection, the Native Son collaboration is featured alongside other partner brands Opening Ceremony, Marc Jacobs, Original Penguin, M.A.C and many more. The collection was designed by t-shirt company Kid Dangerous, and a portion of the sales support Native Son's mission to create content that inspires, empowers and celebrates black gay men.
Boohoo
Boohoo's "#LoveWithoutLimits" collection is my favorite of all the featured collections because of the variety of merchandise. It’s definitely the brightest as well featuring neon pink, yellow, rainbow, and tie-dye colorways paired with airy fabrics. My personal favorites are the matching short sets, cropped hoodies, and hats. The collection is gender inclusive and Boohoo has partnered with both OutRight Action International and the LGBT Foundation pledging 10% sale proceeds to be split between the two advocacy organizations.
Gap
Created in 1969, Gap celebrates 50 years in fashion this year, and its 2019 Pride collection centers around the theme of “Chosen Family”, celebrating family and gender expression in all its many forms. I love that they’ve brought back the original 1969 logo, and I highly recommend the crewneck sweatshirt and t-shirts available in gender inclusive adult, children and infant styles. 15% of the proceeds from this collection go to the UN Free and Equal Campaign which champions for worldwide LGBTQI rights and equality.
H&M
H&M’s “Stay True, Stay You" collection features adult styles ranging from rainbow caped bodysuits to hooded crop tops and sequin tees that speak to my innermost rainbow soul! The corresponding ad campaign features LGBTQ activists and influencers including actress Laverne Cox and YouTube star Rickey Thompson sharing inspirational messages about self-love and acceptance. Just like Gap, H&M will donate 10% of the proceeds from the collection to the UN Free and Equal Campaign. Shop the Collection.
Target
The 2019 "#takepride" collection features tees, hats, and rompers as well as cool accessories like fanny packs, pin sets, bandanas, and ponchos. Like most of the collections featured, gender inclusive adult and children’s styles are offered at a great price point (capping at about $30). The standout item for me is the metallic rainbow jumpsuit (I want two...maybe three). Target has partnered with anti-bullying organization GLSEN to pledge a $100,000 contribution and released a limited edition Harry’s shave set to benefit the Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ youth crisis prevention organization.
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