June is Pride month: discover these leading, inclusive fashion designers

Want to discover (new) designers who create fashion with personality and their own story? In Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, you will find many LGBTQIA+ designers who are claiming their place in the fashion landscape, sometimes very visibly, sometimes a little more under the radar. In this article, we list a number of great names so that you can continue to find inspiration throughout the year and more easily find brands and creators that suit you.

Pride month: a brief history

The history of Pride Month goes back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969. In the early morning of Saturday, June 28, 1969, members of the New York City Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn, a well-known gay bar in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Manhattan. Unfortunately, at that time, these types of raids on gay bars were not uncommon, mainly due to homophobia, with the police finding every opportunity to commit a violent raid in even minor incidents. However, this unique evening went down in history because on June 28, 1969, the visitors of Stonewall Inn decided to fight back. The Stonewall Riots lasted several days and are credited with being the spark that ignited the modern LGBTQ rights movement.

On June 28, 1970, exactly one year later, hundreds of people marched down Christopher Street, past the Stonewall Inn, to commemorate the multi-day riots. This march is considered by many to be the first Gay Pride march ever. It was an important event because it gave queer people the opportunity to openly admit and be proud of their identity.

This one-day celebration eventually evolved into a full Pride month, filled with LGBTQ pride. A month in which we celebrate that everyone can be themselves and uniquely express themselves.

In June 2016, President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn and its surrounding area as a national monument, the first national monument honouring LGBTQ rights.
 

These designers are not to be missed

Pride remains an important moment of visibility and solidarity, but inclusion is also in the choices we make every day: in our language, images, events and collaborations. In this article, we make room for that broader perspective and show you some of the best designers and brands in the COSH! Community!

Statement Fashion by Bas Kosters

Bas Kosters’ designs are all about being proud of who you are. 
Do you want to make a statement during this Pride month? You will definitely be able to do this with a cool ​‘I’m Gay’ T‑shirt or hoodie from Dutch designer Bas Kosters. The T‑shirt at the colourful concept store Begane Grond in Arnhem. The nice thing here? No men’s or women’s section: just clothing. You can pick out whatever you like.

PITOD

Empowering genderless everyday wear

Looking for genderless fashion that feels good and does good? Pitod is your go-to for inclusive clothing with purpose. Founded by queer entrepreneur Pedro, this British brand offers comfy essentials like hoodies, tees and trousers made from 100% organic cotton. The message: Be yourself!

All items are made-to-order in the UK by ethically certified partners and packed in plastic-free or recyclable packaging. Another nice thing to know: with every purchase, PITOD donates 10% of the sales to The Rainforest Foundation UK.

Ann Bevers

Ann combines music, art and textile design into colorfull projects. Her designs center around creative freedom, creating a space where everyone is welcome. This shows in the inclusive, gender-neutral and unisex clothing, where colour and joy are the main act.

TransUndeez

Safe and comfortable transgender underwear

TransUndeez makes transgender underwear in which transgender boys/​men and girls/​women, non-binary people and anyone who feels addressed can feel safe and comfortable. Such as handmade binders, compression underwear/​bikinis, packer underwear and other accessories. During the design process, the body and the skin are taken into account, because, for example, binders can often be very tight and cause health problems, like difficulty in breathing, back pain, torn skin or even bruised ribs. Of course, this should never happen with (transgender) underwear! At TransUndeez, they use a slightly stretchy, natural and breathable fabric (80% viscose), and the patterns have also been tested on many transgender girls and boys, ensuring a good fit. But the brand itself says that it has never finished learning, so it will always continue to improve!

TransUndeez underwear is available at Begane Grond in Arnhem, where all products can be tried on safely in the fitting room.
 

Remesalt

Extravagant, genderless fashion in Berlin

Are you looking for genderless fashion with a queer aesthetic in which you can shine during Pride month (and all year round)? Discover the outspoken fashion collection of the Berlin brand Remesalt. Designer and founder Francisco creates unique, colourful and extravagant garments with a story in his atelier in Berlin. The brand doesn’t work with traditional gender norms and encourages people to cross boundaries in style, self-expression and creativity. Visit the Remesalt store in central Berlin or discover the collection online.

Logocomo

Gender fluid fashion in Amsterdam

Colourful, inclusive and outspoken fashion in which everyone can be themselves, that is what the Amsterdam brand Logocomo stands for. All styles in the collection are multisex, because designer Romy strongly believes that everyone can wear whatever the hell they want. No gender norms, just colourful clothes that make you instantly happy. With this gender fluid, Dopamine Dressing clothing you are sure to stand out during Pride month!

Logocomo also has a strong vision regarding sustainability: for the collections she mainly uses upcycled fabrics, such as leftover fabrics and vintage clothing. All clothing is made locally and by hand by Romy in her atelier in Amsterdam, which you can also visit by appointment. Or discover her collection online.
 

SYLD Store

Creative store with more sustainable and genderless fashion brands in Berlin

When you are in Berlin, a visit to the SYLD Store should definitely be on your list. This creative store is a vibrant hub where local craftsmanship, art, design and fashion come together. In the collection, you’ll find brands that work more sustainably, like using upcycled or vintage fabrics or producing in local and ethical ateliers. At SYLD Store, you’ll also find contemporary, genderless fashion brands in which everyone can be themselves, such as the Berlin brands IMPOPSIBLE and The Future Club.
 

Aarden

Wedding suits for gay couples

Are you getting married soon and would you rather get married in a beautiful wedding suit than in a wedding dress? At Aarden they make high-quality, sustainable wedding suits, suitable for every style, preference, body or gender. Visit the Aarden store in the Modekwartier in Arnhem and get advice about the best fit, fabrics and colours that suit your wishes. This way you create the wedding outfit of your dreams, regardless of traditional gender norms.
 

FUN Studio

Colourful and inclusive clothing for Funny Peeps

Inclusive underwear in which everyone can be themselves. The Arnhem brand FUN Studio makes underwear for the queer community that is inclusive, fun and sustainable. Designer Hans Hutting started making underwear for his circle of friends, but soon noticed that there was a need among a larger group of people. He now has a studio and shop in the Modekwartier in Arnhem where he makes underwear from upcycled fabrics with bows, prints, glitter, gemstones, etc., but also sweaters, tracksuits and trousers. His designs are mainly designed for the queer community, but everyone is welcome to shop here – queer, straight, non-labeled, it doesn’t matter! Because whether you go to the supermarket or a drag show, FUN Studio is suitable for every occasion.