Portia Blunt’s “Bee Blunt” clothing line celebrates Black history and culture, with designs debuting at New York Fashion Week and a pop-up shop on Martha’s Vineyard.”I’ve always been a big fan of fashion,” Blunt said.The former senior vice president of Global Product for Reebok in Boston is now taking her passion for design in a new direction with “Bee Blunt” an all-American clothing line that celebrates Black history and culture.“Being a Black woman in this country, I want to be able to tell the story of my heritage, of my culture. And the beauty of what I do, I’m able to engage and tell these beautiful stories of triumph, of resilience, of beauty, of joy, through something that is common and an equalizer that people can all understand,” Blunt said.Each piece is named for historical figures and places, some well-known, and others a piece of hidden history.“First stories were around Black business leaders like Madam CJ Walker, one of our first sweaters, paid homage to her beautiful estate, Villa Lewaro,” Blunt said.Walker was the first American woman of any race to become a self-made millionaire by creating cosmetics and Black hair care products in the late 1800s.“And then we moved on to Ann Lowe. As a fashion designer, she is kind of like the icon in terms of American couture. So, telling these stories within, kind of, my journey and things that really, kind of, resonated with me,” Blunt said.Lowe once dressed the highest levels of society, and was the designer and maker of the dress Jacqueline Bouvier wore in her wedding to John F. Kennedy. “We told a story around the Wormley Hotel, which was the first Black-owned luxury hotel in the country in 1871. And who knew? I mean, that’s just amazing stories of perseverance and grit that I think everyone will be encouraged to celebrate,” Blunt said.Black excellence resonates through each piece in the Bee Blunt label.“Even before HBCUs, there was a legacy of Black boarding schools that no one really talks about. So, when we talk about Piney Woods, it’s the oldest operating boarding school for Black kids in this country, and that story should be told,” Blunt said.Blunt found her vision into closets and now runways debuting at New York Fashion Week last year.From city lights to island views, the support of the community has uplifted the brand. Blunt launched her first pop-up store on Martha’s Vineyard last summer.“The Vineyard is so special because it is an island chalked with stories, chalked with heritage and in particular, Black heritage. So, when you walk on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, and you see somebody wearing a Bee Blunt sweater, I’m floored. I can’t. I have to pinch myself!” Blunt said.Blunt will return with a pop-up shop on Martha’s Vineyard this summer.
Portia Blunt’s “Bee Blunt” clothing line celebrates Black history and culture, with designs debuting at New York Fashion Week and a pop-up shop on Martha’s Vineyard.
“I’ve always been a big fan of fashion,” Blunt said.
The former senior vice president of Global Product for Reebok in Boston is now taking her passion for design in a new direction with “Bee Blunt” an all-American clothing line that celebrates Black history and culture.
“Being a Black woman in this country, I want to be able to tell the story of my heritage, of my culture. And the beauty of what I do, I’m able to engage and tell these beautiful stories of triumph, of resilience, of beauty, of joy, through something that is common and an equalizer that people can all understand,” Blunt said.
Each piece is named for historical figures and places, some well-known, and others a piece of hidden history.
“First stories were around Black business leaders like Madam CJ Walker, one of our first sweaters, paid homage to her beautiful estate, Villa Lewaro,” Blunt said.
Walker was the first American woman of any race to become a self-made millionaire by creating cosmetics and Black hair care products in the late 1800s.
“And then we moved on to Ann Lowe. As a fashion designer, she is kind of like the icon in terms of American couture. So, telling these stories within, kind of, my journey and things that really, kind of, resonated with me,” Blunt said.
Lowe once dressed the highest levels of society, and was the designer and maker of the dress Jacqueline Bouvier wore in her wedding to John F. Kennedy.
“We told a story around the Wormley Hotel, which was the first Black-owned luxury hotel in the country in 1871. And who knew? I mean, that’s just amazing stories of perseverance and grit that I think everyone will be encouraged to celebrate,” Blunt said.
Black excellence resonates through each piece in the Bee Blunt label.
“Even before HBCUs, there was a legacy of Black boarding schools that no one really talks about. So, when we talk about Piney Woods, it’s the oldest operating boarding school for Black kids in this country, and that story should be told,” Blunt said.
Blunt found her vision into closets and now runways debuting at New York Fashion Week last year.
From city lights to island views, the support of the community has uplifted the brand. Blunt launched her first pop-up store on Martha’s Vineyard last summer.
“The Vineyard is so special because it is an island chalked with stories, chalked with heritage and in particular, Black heritage. So, when you walk on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, and you see somebody wearing a Bee Blunt sweater, I’m floored. I can’t. I have to pinch myself!” Blunt said.
Blunt will return with a pop-up shop on Martha’s Vineyard this summer.
