Miko Underwood is on a mission to add a new perspective to denim – and she does it right out of Harlem. As part of a CFDA series highlighting emerging designers of color, we asked Underwood three questions.
What was your inspiration for starting a sustainable denim line in Harlem?
My inspiration for starting Oak and Acorn Only for the Rebelles, the first sustainable denim line in Harlem emanated from three things: my experience, my lifestyle, and my culture.
Working in the denim industry and seeing firsthand the impacts of denim at the factories, on the ground, as well as the chemicals being used and primarily how that affected the communities… and what we were bringing home and actually selling to consumers. This really jolted my view of how could we be better at making this product.
As I changed my relationship with myself, connected with spirit, integrated meditation, and became plant based, it made a huge significance in how I approached my work as an artist.
As a black, indigenous, woman of color, or a black, indigenous woman, afro Caribbean, native indigenous person, I felt it was my cultural responsibility to hold myself accountable in how I influence my community through messaging, product, and impact.
What were your challenges in the beginning?
Initially, my challenge was to make the brand an on-demand business through China. . The first two-and-a-half years of Oak and Acorn were not as a sustainable brand in Harlem. It was actually being shipped out of China. It was sold direct to consumer and very expensive. When I decided to really live authentically and do it here in New York and work with my community, I felt a shift, and it was really important for me to be able to bring it back home and have my hands on the garment versus it coming directly from a factory. This also enabled me to make the connection to the organization #WEGOTUSNOW, a national movement built and led by children of incarcerated parents, which was extremely important to me.
What advice quote would you give to emerging designers that want to be successful in the fashion business?
There’s definitely a moment where you have to step back and reassess, but never give up!
It took me a long time to get this point. I’ve tried many times and have had several businesses, but I will say keep going! There are always lessons to be learned and challenges that will shift you and grow you, but never give up on your dreams!
www.oakandacornbrand.com
@official_oakandacorn
