The inaugural Black Beauty and Fashion Awards (BBFA) happened on Friday 23rd February 2018 at the Porchester Hall in London.
BBFA are celebrating diversity within the beauty industry with their exclusive award ceremony. After the mega release of Black Panther, black excellence was in full force from the attendees on this inaugural night.
Why do we need a ‘black beauty and fashion awards’?
Some would argue that there would be a potential ‘uproar’ if there were to be a ‘white fashion awards’ or ‘music of white origin’.
However, black people have to create their own community to celebrate success. Constantly mainstream award ceremonies ignore our talents and abilities. The mainstream media does not treat all people equally, based on their talents. Black people are fed up with waiting for opportunities from the mainstream, so instead, we create our own.
Read: Afro Hair & Beauty Association Launch
The awards first launched in Parliament in 2017. This event was a night of celebrating black beauty and fashion, particularly black-owned brands.
All attendees were glamorously dressed at the black-tie event, bringing out the inner fashionista in all. There was certainly a sense of pride held by everyone present, the pride of being at such an event celebrating black hair and beauty influencers in the UK
Vendors
Vendors of mainly black owned businesses came along to the night. Some of them include Nylah, Be Bounce Essential Hair selling their beautiful ethnic dolls for children, and high-quality skincare, hair, body and make up brand Danai’s Beauty Box Company.
Misha B, the former X Factor contestant, showcased her dulcet tones performing her new single celebrating sisterhood. This went down a treat.
BBFA Fashion show
Showcasing the best in African inspired design, a number of modelesque individuals also walked the runway.
BBFA UK award winners
On the night, Afrocenchix won Best Natural Hair Brand award for the inaugural awards ceremony. At their latest event, a panel of woke black men discussed is natural hair attractive. Also, look out for the launch of their crowdfunding campaign later this month where they can be an even better natural hair care brand by expanding our range and increasing our production.
Vinna Best, Founder of CurlyTreats Fest won the ‘Influencer of the Year’ award. Other Black British businesses who won awards on the night include Shea Butter Cottage, SliderCuts and Treasure Tress 🙂
It was great to see UK black beauty products given the accolade they deserve.
More celebration of UK black businesses
It was apparent, however, that though UK black businesses were celebrated on the night, they were up against multinational companies in many of the categories. More appreciation needs to be given to the smaller, independent brands. Perhaps they need a category of their own.
This is by no means a criticism, but more of a critique, so that these awards can get bigger and better
Black Excellence
Black excellence was in full show. From the well-dressed glitterati to the swanky venue and amazing dinner menu, the awards night was a true celebration of afro and hair beauty. CEO of BBFA, Cheryl Jumbo, has certainly outdone herself, with many online quoting that the awards will become the ‘Oscars’ of black beauty and fashion.
I, like many, am looking forward to what next year will hold for the BBFA. Black girl magic is surely making its mark. The next awards are likely to show black excellence in even more of a positive light that mainstream media often neglect. Well done to the team for shining a light on talent in black beauty and fashion.
Do you think it is necessary for black people to have separate award ceremonies that celebrate black beauty and fashion? Comment below with your thoughts.
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