A boutique selling luxury black-owned brands has opened in Bristol shopping quarter. Afro Street, which also trades as an ecommerce platform, is based at the Arcade in Broadmead, in the city centre.
The shop sells a collection of independent fashion and lifestyle brands - from clothing to makeup to candles - with each designer handpicked for their “style and quality”, according to founder Danny Duod.
Mr Duod, who owns African-inspired streetwear brand Duodu London, will be selling his own products in the store alongside emerging designers on a short and long-term basis.
He said the boutique would offer an “alternative” to a temporary pop-up and would be a space for creative entrepreneurs to “collaborate and share ideas and knowledge”.
“Afro Street will utilise the collective resources of all brands to facilitate growth for all,” he said. “Afro Street aims to offer the growing number of consumers inspired to buy locally a selection of luxury unique products as well as providing a luxury experience from the modern architectural space to the customer service.”
Mr Duod said although it was “a dream” to have his own retail space, the reality of the overheads and risk was “too much to shoulder alone”. He added: “By creating a collaborative with other like-minded brands, it will allow us to all grow together. Its tough out there, so I feel now more than ever independent brands need to stick together.”
The store is celebrating its launch with a party on Saturday, January 14. The event, taking place from 5pm to 9pm, is a chance for shoppers to pursue Afro Street while enjoying cocktails and music from its resident DJ. Tickets are free but need to be booked via Eventbrite.
Afro Street is based at 23-25 the Arcade and is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
