051: Olympic Proportions & Teasing NYFW

WELCOME BACK FRIENDS 🏅

We’re a little later than usual this week — chalk it up to an anthropological exercise trying to understand the Paris 2024 Olympics’ Opening Ceremony, including a cameo appearance by Beyoncé for Team USA.

In any case, we’re tracking key uniform collaborations and taking a deeper look at the newly-released New York Fashion Week schedule. As always, any tips or questions, reach out at [email protected].

DISPATCH 051 —

This week, we’re craving Michelin-starred West African fare, scouring archival finds at Rich Mnisi, and introducing an oldie, but goodie. But first, taking in the Summer Games…

OLYMPIAN FASHION SHOW

There was plenty to remark on regarding the Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. While we thought we were well aware of most of what was to come, there were indeed a few treats on the fashion front that made for a pleasant surprise.

First up, Team Liberia arrived fully decked out in Telfar, the second foray for the Liberian-American designer dressing his fellow countrymen for the Olympic Games. This year, the black tunic uniforms stood out not only for their eye-catching sporty white stripes and irregular collars, but also for their prominent logos on display. All in, they represented a powerful command of commercial and national ambition.

London-based Labrum, in addition to their Arsenal tie-up we shared last week, was also behind the kits for Team Sierra Leone. In their words, “the vibrant blue and white kit, featuring a reimagined cowrie shell, symbolizes strength, resilience, and Sierra Leonean heritage.” Keeping up with the abstract interpretations, Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean collaborated with painter Philippe Dodard for Team Haiti uniforms that reflected his conceptual prints on tailored trousers and skirts.

In some ways, the prestigious four-hour occasion also prompted inquiry around designer collabs we wished we had seen on the Seine, including lamentations for not realized Team Togo x Agbobly amongst others. For smaller nations that barely see global awareness, leveraging a buzzy brand can be a powerful way to amplify visibility for all parties involved. Certainly gives one lots more to contemplate.

TEASING NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

The schedule has arrived for the upcoming Spring / Summer 2025 season at New York Fashion Week. Below is a selection of designers to keep in mind. We’ll be back closer to for those brands not showing in a traditional runway format, but with previews and presentations. Stay tuned.

SEPTEMBER 7: SERGIO HUDSON

SEPTEMBER 8: OFF-WHITE

SEPTEMBER 9: DIOTIMA

SEPTEMBER 9: THEOPHILIO

SEPTEMBER 9: LAQUAN SMITH

SEPTEMBER 11: SEBASTIEN AMI

ON OUR RADAR

On a recent trip to London, one of our Founding Supporters shared details of a visit to Michelin-starred West African restaurant Chishuru led by chef Adejoké Bakare as well as a reminder to try another Michelin-starred West African restaurant Akoko led by chef Ayo Adeyemi. (Link)

Magugu House is making waves as one of Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places. Established by Thebe Magugu earlier this year, the Johannesburg flagship has plans to expand beyond retail and develop cultural programming. More to come! (Link)

South African label Rich Mnisi is live with its first-ever archival sale since its founding in 2015. Kind of iconic if you ask us! Enjoy a generous discount on prior seasonal collections, now until stock runs out. (Link)

Ghanaian creative Campbell Addy has returned after a five-year hiatus with NiiJournal Issue IV entitled Pride? The issue is in keeping with the overall magazine’s mission, which is to educate and not irritate. Addy will bring the pages to life with a series of workshops in partnership with Dazed in London. (Link)