001: Welcome

WELCOME FRIENDS

It’s a new day and with that, immense gratitude as we kick off the launch of our weekly dispatch to curate the very best of fashion, beauty, and culture from the diaspora and beyond.

This is the debut of our dedicated newsletter direct to your inbox every week to bring the stories and storytellers shaping the soft power (ahem cultural production) that PROTOChic has championed since 2016.

As a reader-supported newsletter, the official paid subscriber tier will open on August 4 and we will share more details on what is included in the coming weeks. In the meantime, delight and savor this new space and please share far and wide.

As always, any tips or questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Thank you for your readership — it will be an incredible ride 🌱

DISPATCH 001 —

Without further ado, welcome to the inaugural dispatch of PROTOChic — this week, we celebrate enchanting jewels in iconic New York fashion and take in vacation sunshine in style. Plus: mint licorice tea, marathon runners, and Ikoyi treats. But first, And Just Like That…

ISSHī X AND JUST LIKE THAT

As far as artisanal jewelry brands go, we’ve had our eyes on Isshī and its extraordinary founder Rolly Robinson since launch in early 2020. Amidst pandemic woes, the eclectic colorful baubles served as an aesthetic reprieve and brought beauty to a devoted following of Robinson’s creations. It is with little surprise that Isshī takes center stage in a recent episode of And Just Like That, the much-discussed Sex and the City sequel series giving equal parts cringe and nostalgia.

The one-of-a-kind designs incorporate signature Isshī hand craftsmanship and ecological consciousness across an enchanting assortment of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets of freshwater pearls, paillettes, and blue agate. And now, they are a small screen darling to add to your collection. www.isshi.us

SUNNIES ON A SUMMER’S DAY

Fresh from a summer jaunt in the Virgin Islands and back in New York City, we can personally attest to the record high temperatures causing us to question a few things. One way to bring an ounce of cool to the equation is with a pair of sunnies from London-based unisex eyewear brand KIMEZE. Hand crafted by Italian artisans in small batches, the eye-catching shapes and bold hues are the perfect combination to combat summer rays. Just ask Lewis Hamilton, who sported this pair in England this week. www.kimeze.us

ON OUR RADAR

Wales Bonner unveiled its Spring Summer 2024 collection entitled MARATHON in homage to the mindset of long-distance runners who “never stray.” Besides familiar faces on the front row including Naomi Campbell and Tyler the Creator, the presentation included indelible words from a 1994 piece by David Hammons in its show notes. (Link)

ALÁRA x The Brooklyn Museum’s collaborative pop-up has at least three basket bags with our name on it. Open through October, the ephemeral space is a stunning showcase of 100 brands from over 15 countries. Other treasures include artist collaboration pieces from Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj (mint liquorice tea, anyone?) and special objets from Yinka Ilori. (Link)

The July drop from Sophie Sellu of Grain and Knot is the perfect gift to self. Carved by hand from storm fallen and reclaimed timber, each sculptural piece is available for a limited time only. (Link)

Lagosian brand Desiree Iyama is hosting its annual sample sale over two days in Ikoyi starting July 8. Run, don’t walk! (Link)