033: Black Women in Hollywood & Winter Renewal

WELCOME BACK FRIENDS 🌤️

Happy International Women’s Day! This week’s dispatch will be short and sweet — with the finals days of Fashion Month and the epic red carpet onslaught guaranteed with the Oscars this Sunday, we hope you appreciate this soft landing as much as we do.

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DISPATCH 033 —

This week, we’re recommending a few cozy treats to toast the season, uncovering mysteries at Estelle Colored Glass, and digging into the numbers at boutique retail store McMullen. Plus: EADEM grows and a Richard Hunt retrospective in New York. But first, a mini detour in Hollywood…

BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD

We’re gearing up to the big mama of red carpets this Sunday, but yesterday, Essence Magazine brought a formidable group of heavyweights together for the 17th annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards honoring Danielle Brooks (Academy Award nominee for best supporting actor for The Color Purple) and Halle Bailey amongst others.

Standouts included Zendaya in archival Jean Paul Gaultier (courtesy of Law Roach), Danielle Brooks in Herve Leger, and Andra Day in 70s-inspired Georges Hobeika. A lot of double- and triple-hitters with Christopher John Rogers (on Aurora James and Chloe Bailey) and Harbison (on June Ambrose and Lex Scott Turner) plus a slew of monochromatic gowns that seemed to dominate the carpet.

If any indication of what we can expect on Sunday, we’ll be closely watching. You can watch the red carpet and awards ceremony on March 15 on OWN and streaming on Max.

COZY TREATS

Consider this a teaser to our Winter Renewal Gift Guide (sign up for Founding Supporter Membership to access) — everything has been thoughtfully selected to give you all the cozy feels through this season.

First up, this lovely set of four teacups from Moroccan-based textiles and ceramics label LRNCE, hand-painted using traditional techniques with terracotta clay. These Soleil cups have the right touch of joy for those particularly brisk days.

In a different arena, this fuzzy knit jacket from Martine Rose is aptly known as the Hairy Jacket. A shrunken zip up with oversized fold down collars and an elasticated waist, its comfy proportions, when styled properly, can be a chic addition to one’s winter sweater rotation.

Last, but not least, inspired by her Jamaican heritage, Ayesha Curry’s line Sweet July Skin Essentials Set offers full-size versions of its Pava Exfoliating Cleanser, Pava Toner, and Irie Powder Face Oil. What better way to try out a new line in a value bundle and nourish dry skin with hydrating ingredients.

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ON OUR RADAR

Estelle Colored Glass is hosting a first-ever Mystery Box Sample Sale. Pick up your own curated set of six glasses in a blend of pastel and jewel tones. The twist? The colors are a secret until they reach your doorstep. (Link)

Impressively, McMullen (founded by Sherri McMullen) counts 87% of its brands as female-led designers. It makes sense (considering small scale fashion brands tend to be founded by women), but also makes the dominance of male creative directors at many of the major luxury houses all the more curious. (Link)

52 Walker announced its eleventh exhibition featuring none other than multi-hyphenate artist Arthur Jafa opening April 5. A site-specific installation, including new paintings, sculptures, and a new film, is slated on the docket. (Link)

White Cube New York continues its streak, with a solo exhibition Early Masterworks of the late artist Richard Hunt opening March 13. A leading American sculptor of the 20th century, Hunt recently passed away at the end of 2023. A celebration of his life is in the works for later this year. (Link)

EADEM has added to its award-winning lineup with the Cashmere Peel Exfoliating AHA + PHA Toner. In the brand’s words, “a new generation of milky exfoliant that safely fades dark spots, unclogs pores, and refines skin texture in one sweep.” Strong start on ratings and yours for only $42. (Link)