061: Sweater Weather & Wicked Musings

WELCOME BACK FRIENDS 💫

We’re back with our final newsletter of 2024. Thank you for your continued support, championing the best of diaspora creatives around the globe. Here’s to a new era and celebrating year 9 of PROTOChic.

As always, please reach us at [email protected] with any tips or questions.

DISPATCH 061 —

This week, we’re re-thinking community engagement with Feben, toasting to mid-century design and British menswear, and dreaming about one-of-a-kind jewels courtesy of Bernard James. Plus: AD 100 accolades and Kingston’s newest independent retailer. But first, saving our winter sweaters…

WINTER SWEATER SAVES

As we attempt to survive the cooling temperatures, we’re rounding up the best of the best sweaters this season. First up, Aisling Camps Whip Stitch Wool Sweater with a delightful boat neckline and contrasting stitch detail embodies the continuation of exceptional technical craftsmanship Camps is so well-known for. Martine Rose Floral Intarsia Brushed Jumper in this funky aquamarine shade is the most eclectic of the bunch. Need we say more?

Casely-Hayford Rory Klein Cashmere Crew Neck Knit in Klein Blue is entirely hand-made out of 100% cashmere in Scotland. If the shade is not the dominant selling point, consider the incredible softness and lightweight warmth that will keep you coming back to this piece in your wardrobe. Lastly, Thebe Magugu Unisex V-Neck Sisterhood Sweater signifies one of the most iconic pieces out of the brand’s young history. The sisterhood emblem can be found on a number of brand touch points, but on the Sisterhood Sweater, introduced in Moss Olive this season, the brand motif takes center stage.

ON OUR RADAR

Architectural Digest has announced its annual AD 100 2025 list of recipients, including Little Wing Lee behind Studio & Projects, Brigette Romanek, Office of BC, and Joy Moyler amongst others. (Link)

Fine jeweler Bernard James brings an exclusive assortment of its Frame Collection to Dover Street Market in New York for a limited time only. One truly exquisite design combines three collections in one — the Pave Frame Mirror Pear Drop Earrings, totaling 3.36ct. (Link)

In London, this intimate communal event captured by photographer Liz Johnson Artur caught our eye — a drawing class with the model dressed in Feben and Puma. What a lovely way to engage with others and take brand engagement to the next level. (Link)

Down the road, Bianca Saunders is taking her talents to conceptual retail with the launch of her collaborative pop-up shop with Time & Space. In her own words, “the inspiration comes from a desire to create a space that feels timeless yet modern, much like the ethos of my designs.” Hear Saunders and Time & Space founder Armand Da Silva for a talk on the intersections of creativity, art, and design on December 21. (Link)

Tony Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell behind the film adaptation of Wicked, which has since grossed over $450 million worldwide, decodes his sartorial approach to this season’s biggest sensation. (Link)

Just in time for the holidays, Ghanaian brand Christie Brown launches its first-ever line for children, perfectly attuned to its main ready-to-wear collection. Let the mini-me matching commence! (Link)

Stylist Mecca James-Williams opened her first outpost in Kingston, Jamaica — Sweet Like Jam — stocking brands like Nia Thomas and Francesca Lake. (Link)