Five Things (6.19.26)

1. I’m not sure if it’s just me (someone who’s hypersensitive to shifts in the social paradigm), but any perceived potential for progress—however performative—seems to have scuttled a few inches backward. One too many companies have replaced their Juneteenth acknowledgements with some version of “in observance of the holiday, we’ll be closed on June 19th.” It’s deliberate erasure used to assuage opposing parties—or worse, a pretense for upholding progressive, moral values.

Convincing me otherwise will fall on deaf ears. I do this for a living: The verbiage is calculated, and it is, in fact, that deep.

2. With that off my chest: Happy Juneteenth! If you haven’t already, add Reparations Club to your to-shop list. I first discovered them when Rep Club curated books for this tiny alcove at the Melody Ehsani store (once on Fairfax, but now permanently closed). There’s such breadth and care shown to the authors—which is a rarity, especially when it comes to uplifting up-and-coming writers and highlighting the stories of joy, creativity, and innovation that are oft buried.

3. Wore Byredo Sister Dreamer in celebration today—because I do believe in supporting women and Black or BIPOC figures when they’ve worked hard to make these mainstream moments of recognition happen. This is a limited-edition fragrance created in collaboration with artist Lauren Halsey, and it does, in fact, smell like radical joy. It’s a parhelion in scent form—a perfume that smells like limitless days with blue skies, freshly cut grass, and jacarandas as confetti on hot concrete.

4. If you aren’t familiar with Kwame Adusei yet, please, please acquaint yourself. Adusei is one of my favorite independent designers; I’ve waxed poetic about his eye and appreciation for the female form before, and will continue to do so until the end of time.

5. I only just discovered Lee Estelle’s work this year, and am enamored by the vignettes she paints of women, liberated. The prints would be exquisite framed in a tortoise-shell or high-gloss red; just imagine a series hanging in a powder or dressing room! Originals are available too, but my favorite sold—lucky for the collector, but rather unfortunate for me. And if you prefer to wear your art, consider a one-of-one. This striped bag is simple, but my personal favorite.

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xx