Beta Teen: The New Fashion Collective Created by Model and Artist, Danielle Mareka

By Brina Jeffries

June 25, 2020

In a time of a global pandemic and both racial oppression and activism, black creatives are at the forefront of cultural creations. Artists and brands are collaborating in efforts to raise awareness surrounding the injustices around the world as well as providing visibility to those voices who have been silenced.

Black-owned brand and collective, Beta Teen is at the forefront of this mission. Beta Teen is a brand “re-imaging classic cartoons” that have previously been white-washed and transforming them into an all-inclusive black and brown embracing fashion brand.

Beta Teen is created by Danielle Mareka, a Guyanese model, artist, activist and creator born in New York. Mareka has been seen in campaigns on Refinery29, Macys, Christopher John Rogers runway, French Fries Magazine,Vogue Runway, Pyer Moss Collection 2 as well as producing her own shoots.

When asked what Beta Teen means to her, Mareka stated,

“Beta Teen is the acceptance of self. We are all a work in progress (hence ‘beta’), but we can all strive to be the best versions of ourselves. With Beta Teen, I hope people challenge and better their perception of Black people; having a normalized respect that Black people can be whatever and whoever. Defying and unlearning the single, degrading picture we are often painted as. I want Beta Teen to be embraced by all peoples, but not to be confused as a brand solely worn by Black people. I want Blackness to be uplifted, cherished and celebrated.”

Follow Beta Teen creator, Danielle Mareka on her instagram @daniellemareka

Follow Beta Teen @beta.teen

Shop: Beta Teen