The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
The last fortnight has been a momentous one for the Black Lives Matter movement.
While signing petitions and making charitable donations is of paramount importance, one of the best ways to support all the incredible black creatives and designers out there is to put your money where your mouth is.
There’s an amazing roster of black design talent out there creating incredible products. Here are the items I’m adding to my basket this week.
Oma the Label
Kate bodysuit, £62, OMA The Label. Buy now
OMA is a womenswear label founded by New Yorker Neumi Anekhe that focuses on high end tops and bodysuits in flattering shapes and interesting cuts.
I personally have fallen for the square neck high leg loveliness of the Kate style, which would look amazing tucked into boyish, high-waisted denim paired with strappy sandals and chunky gold bling.
Mateo NYC
14K Gold Diamond Frame Crystal Quartz Secret Diamond Initial ring, £1830, Mateo NYC. Buy now
Moving to New York aged 16 to study for a degree in hospitality, Jamaican-born Matthew Harris discovered a passion for jewellery-making. The self-taught designer and 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist launched his brand Mateo in 2009 with a focus on men’s jewellery, before repositioning the business to focus solely on women’s fine jewellery in 2014. Drawing inspiration from modern art, each piece is made from 14 carat gold with a consistent use of diamonds and precious gemstones.
I am totally obsessed with the unapologetic blinginess of this diamond encrusted alphabet ring, which comes with an array of letters. I’d wear it with jeans and a sharp tuxedo jacket on days when I need to feel powerful.
Brother Vellies
Woven Olivia pump, £627, Brother Vellies. Buy now
Toronto-native and New York City-transplant Aurora James worked in fashion for several years before starting Brother Vellies 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. Now sold in outlets all over the world, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate African cultural histories and timeless design. The brand uses some eco-friendly and upcycled materials, makes products by hand to reduce its climate impact and partners with independent artisans in Africa and ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain.
These chain-embellished woven pumps would look equally as good paired with boho floaty maxi dresses as they would with cropped suit trousers and short suits once we’re back in the office.
Tongoro Studio
Birima dress, £200, Tongoro Studio. Buy now
Founded in 2016 by Sarah Diouf, Tongoro is a 100 per cent made in Africa label that sources materials on the continent and works with Senegalese tailors to make beautiful womenswear promoting African craftsmanship on the world stage. Beyonce’s a big fan, and even chose to wear the brand in the video for her song ‘Spirit.’
Personally I’ve got my eye on their stunning cotton devoré gown, which comes with two groin-high thigh splits at the front to perfectly offset the otherwise beautifully pure and chaste vibe.
Jade Swim
Evolve one-shouldered swimsuit, £165, Jade Swim. Buy now
Designed in New York and made in LA, fashion editor Brittany Kozerski’s swimwear line was launched in 2016. The sleek silhouettes are crafted in Italian fabrics with shape retention technology to smooth and sculpt the body. The result is swimwear combining luxury finishes with technical performance.
Not only am I massively into this shade of pale acidic green, but one-shouldered swimsuits are one of the major swimwear trends for summer 2020. This one’s going straight in my basket.
Lisou
Lucille Metallic Mango Heart Jacquard Jacket, £415, Lisou. Buy now
Tanzanian-born, London-based designer Rene Macdonald moved to the UK at a young age and has travelled back and forth to Africa where her family were based, a place that continues to influence and inspire her. The Lisou collection is full of wearable, classic shapes with a modern twist made from the finest silks. All prints are designed in-house by Rene, which makes every Lisou print exclusive. The brand donates the proceeds from one piece per collection directly to helping young Africans with medical and educational needs.
This belted orange heart print jacquard jacket is pure joy. It would look great paired with creamy-coloured wide leg denim, or the matching heart-print jacquard trousers for days when I’m feeling particularly punchy.
Tove Studio
Remi trousers in ivory, £425, Tove studio. Buy now
Founded by friends and Topshop alum Camille Perry (Head of Buying) and Holly Wright (Head of Design) in 2019, Tove is a London-based label making timeless classics from quality fabrics and in a muted palette. Heavy on silks and organic cottons, theirs are hardworking modern classics.
Every summer wardrobe is in need of a great pair of white trousers, and these beautiful crinkle silk trousers come with a straight leg silhouette that pools beautifully at the ankle. Chic doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Xou Zou
Lagos sandal in platino, £117, Zou Xou. Buy now
New York designer Katherine Theobalds founded Zou Xou in 2015 after finding herself “disillusioned with the lack of originality, toxic culture, detachment from craft, and excess of waste” she saw at most of the fashion labels she worked for. All the shoes are hand made in very small batches in Buenos Aires by artisans who negotiate their own wages, set their own hours, and work in a safe and sanitary environment.
Many of her styles are made to order, but I’ve got my eye on this pair of super versatile and flattering gold flats, which will go with everything in my summer wardrobe, and ship instantly.
Victor Glemaud
Cropped Lettuce Edge Merino Wool Tank Top, £138, Victor Glemaud. Buy now
Haitian-born designer Victor Glemaud launched his eponymous leisurewear collection of statement knitwear, designed for all people, genders, races, sizes and personalities, in 2006. A finalist in the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Glemaud’s brand has been worn by everyone from Ashley Graham to Hailey Baldwin and Selena Gomez.
This cropped, square-neck woollen top is a seriously versatile summer staple with the power to elevate many a summery ensemble.
Its Rooper
Fuchsia furoshiki bag, Rooper. Buy now
Natasha Fernandes Anjo (Roop to her friends) uses vintage, leftover, damaged or deadstock fabrics sourced from fabric shops that sell offcuts and factory seconds, eBay and charity shops to make her dinky little jewel toned Furoshiki bags.
Furoshiki are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. The bags are inspired by this, made with four knots and a signature scrunchie strap that makes them bounce as you walk. Natasha makes all the bags from herself.
I just love the total originality of Anjo’s scrunchie-like designs and plan on investing in this gorgeous fuchsia number when her next sale of limited runs goes live on June 10.
Ashya
Passport book in silver and lime, £150, Ashya. Buy now
Established in 2017 by co-founders Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, ASHYA (pronounced “agh-shya”) is a New York–based label that makes unisex travel accessories. The brand, which recently won the 2018-2019 Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) and Accessories Council Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship, is focussed on diversifying cultural perspectives through broadly researched narratives and design.
As someone forever losing my belongings, a passport holder is a necessity. This gorgeous lime stitched silver leather number is handmade in New York and, once we are permitted to fly again, will make my trip all the more fabulous.
