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020: Shopping Differently & Inspired Cocktails

The best in fashion and culture from the diaspora and beyond

WELCOME BACK FRIENDS 🍂 

With everything going on, we’re checking in with a short and sweet edition this week. We hope you enjoy!

As always, send us a note at info@protochic.com with your thoughts.

Only Made / @onlymade.co

DISPATCH 020 —

This week, we’re toasting over inspired cocktails, pre-ordering Lagos Fashion Week, and celebrating creative talent around the world. But first, a smattering of thoughts on the annual holiday shopping frenzy…

B. FRIDAY / C. MONDAY MUSINGS

More and more, it seems, a moral imperative has been raised around conscious consumerism and massive discounting that is largely unsustainable for small brands. While before the perspective was of “we can’t compete with the likes of Amazon and Target and SSENSE,” now the outlook has become “we don’t want to compete with Amazon and Target and SSENSE.”

The appreciation for the niche has its battalion ranks in order. Much of the promotion I observed in the lead-up to Black Friday / Cyber Monday focused on exclusive and time-bound product offerings — Only Made launched a new jewelry capsule based on sourced vintage Murano glass beads. Redoux NY developed a candle based on its “Bathhouse” soap and offered a chic porcelain vessel. Nia Thomas opted for a sample sale, giving their clients an opportunity to buy one-off pieces at lower prices. Even Telfar (covered a few weeks ago) eschewed discounting for a Buy One, Gift One approach that aligned with their brand ethos.

Now of course, this is not to say that discounts did not abound — Thirteen Lune (20% off), KHIRY (30% off), and Ahluwalia (50% off) to name a few — but in most cases, driving a big rush of sales then shapes a dependence on holiday shopping, which some can sustain while others choose to abstain.

In these big shopping moments, it does lend a unique opportunity amidst all of the noise to say what you really stand for and be bold. Sometimes the sticky wheel causes us all to pay attention. For example, meet Klur, a botanical skincare brand actively communicating a different approach.

Klur / @klur.co

Since establishing the brand in 2019, founder Lesley Thornton has self-funded her skincare business and “consciously chosen to step away from the Black Friday frenzy” — Klur’s annual gift-with-purchase program (in lieu of discounting) serves to deepen relationships with new and existing clients. In something as personal as beauty, a positive word of mouth (for both brand values and product efficacy) is a strong stamp of approval.

ON OUR RADAR

Congrats to the ten recipients to the 2023 Black British Artist Grant Residency, led by Dr. Samuel Ross. (Link)

Well known for their trunk shows, Moda Operandi is offering a “Best of Lagos Fashion Week” featuring a slate of brands, including Kilentar, Orange Culture, Lila Bare, and Orire. For the next 20 days, access the full collections exclusively available via pre-order. (Link)

Artist Derek Fordjour unveiled SCORE earlier this month with Petzel, his second solo exhibition with the gallery in Chelsea. Featuring interdisciplinary works as well as a 30-minute ensemble piece performed twice-daily, his work focuses on seminal moments in his personal memory, making for his most intimate body of work yet. Open through December 22. (Link)

A trio of fashion inspired cocktails courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman is now available at their eponymous restaurant through year-end. You can indulge in Christopher John Rogers’ Cranberry Skirt, Sorrel Royale by Diotima, and Escalade Margarita from Sergio Hudson (or make it yourself at home!) (Link)

Inspired Cocktails by Christopher John Rogers, Diotima, and Sergio Hudson / @parklanenewyork

STAY IN TOUCH

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Until next time — may this week be restful and restorative.