Gromit's frantic railway construction looked tough ๐, but it's nothing compared to Vogue's desperate scramble for Gen Z approval ๐ .
VOGUE'S NEW VIBE ๐๐
๐โจ Chioma Nnadi, the new 44-year-old head of editorial content at Vogue ๐ฐ, brings a fresh perspective to the magazine after working at ES magazine and American Vogue's website ๐ป. In her inaugural editor's letter ๐, she shared her passion for eclectic fashion ๐จ and people-watching ๐, reminiscing about admiring Central Saint Martins students' unique styles in London during her youth ๐ฌ๐ง๐๏ธ. Nnadi's approach to fashion, which involves mixing vintage and modern pieces ๐ฐ๏ธโ๐ฎ, is reflected in her own style and layering techniques ๐๐๐.
As Vogue turns a new page ๐, Nnadi's vision promises to blend tradition with innovation ๐, making fashion more inclusive and exciting for all. Stay tuned for a style revolution! ๐๐ #VogueNewEra
BIG IMPORTANT STORY ๐ข
What Black Consumers Can Learn From The Federal Reserve ๐๐ฐ๐
The Federal Reserve's recent pause in interest rate hikes ๐ฆ๐ offers valuable insights for Black consumers supporting Black fashion designers ๐๐. After raising rates over five hundred basis points over 16 months ๐, the Fed is now in a period of careful observation ๐, similar to its approach in 2006.
Just as the Fed takes a strategic pause to assess economic conditions ๐ผ, Black consumers can take deliberate steps to support Black designers ๐จ๐ฅ. By being mindful of their purchasing power ๐ช๐ณ, consumers can help foster a thriving community of Black creatives. This means prioritising spending on Black-owned fashion brands ๐๏ธ, promoting their work ๐ฃ, and staying informed about industry trends ๐ฑ.
The Fed's high threshold for further action highlights the importance of strategic decision-making ๐ง . Black consumers can apply this principle by thoughtfully investing in quality pieces from Black designers ๐๐ข, ensuring their support is both impactful and sustainable โป๏ธ. This approach not only strengthens the economic resilience of Black designers ๐ช๐ต but also contributes to a more inclusive fashion industry ๐.
In essence, the Federal Reserve's actions teach us the value of strategic pauses and informed decision-making ๐ค. Black consumers can use these lessons to effectively support Black fashion designers ๐จ๐พโ๐จ๐ฉ๐พโ๐จ, fostering growth and innovation within the community ๐ฑ๐.
๐ LVMH's LUXURY SLOWDOWNย ๐ผ๐
LVMH's second consecutive quarter of revenue decline ๐ mirrors economic caution seen in sectors like banking. This luxury market cooldown ๐ข offers insights for savvy consumers and emerging brands.
With a 1% revenue dip and 14% sales drop in Asia ๐, LVMH's struggle highlights shifting global consumer priorities. This echoes the Fed's strategic pauses, emphasising adaptability in changing markets ๐ฆ.
For Black luxury shoppers, it's time to reassess spending ๐๏ธ, prioritising purposeful purchases ๐ฑ. This market shift presents a golden opportunity for independent Black luxury brands ๐๐. Their agility and fresh perspectives could fill gaps left by larger conglomerates, potentially reshaping the luxury landscape ๐จโจ.
โณ WAITINGโฆ
We all know the drill. We wait for the latest Netflix drop ๐บ, for our Uber Eats to show up ๐, and for our loved ones to get home ๐ก. Itโs part of daily life, sometimes making us anxious, other times bringing comfort. For fashion designer Connor McKnight, this universal experience inspired his latest collection.
McKnight loves diving into everyday themes in his work. This season, he gotย emotional, recalling his grandfatherโs wisdom about finding fulfilment later in life, resonating with his own feelings of waiting for change โณ.
To nail this vibe, McKnight focused on informal wear โ the kind of clothes you slip into when you finally arrive. Think finely tailored suits with a modern twist and breezy summer separates in hammered silk ๐๐. His signature details, like gusseted pockets and pleated vents, add depth to wardrobe staples, showcasing his flair for practical yet stylish design ๐จ.
The grand opening of McKnightโs new showroom in downtown NYC ๐ฝ was a game-changer. While he's been rocking Brooklyn for a while, this event marked his formal debut in the city. McKnight admits it took him time to figure things out, but this seasonโs collection feels like a turning point. He calls it his strongest yet, a testament to his growth and maturity as a designer ๐. Though heโs hesitant to say heโs "arrived," McKnight feels things are finally falling into place. ๐๐
The Untold Chapter: Nearest Green's Whiskey Legacy ๐ฅ ๐ฐ๏ธ
In the carefully curated story of American whiskey ๐บ๐ธ, one name has been conspicuously absent from the spotlight: Nathan "Nearest" Green ๐จ๐พโ๐ฆฑ. This isn't just another feel-good diversity tale; it's about acknowledging a master craftsman whose expertise shaped an entire industry ๐ญ.
Born into slavery around 1820 โ๏ธ, Green didn't just participate in whiskey-making - he revolutionized it ๐ก. His mastery of the Lincoln County Process wasn't a footnote; it was the cornerstone of what we now call Tennessee whiskey ๐ฅ. Yet for over a century, his contributions remained an open secret, known locally but conveniently overlooked in the broader narrative ๐คซ.
The twist? Young Jasper "Jack" Daniel ๐ฆ๐ป, the face of one of the world's most recognized whiskey brands, learned his craft from Green. This wasn't just mentorship; it was the transfer of generational knowledge that would define an industry ๐ง โก๏ธ๐ง .
It took until 2016 for Jack Daniel's to officially recognize Green's role ๐ . This wasn't a simple oversight - it was a century-long omission that speaks volumes about how history is written, and by whom ๐โ๏ธ.
Today, we're seeing attempts to honor Green's legacy, from the Nearest Green Distillery to scholarships for his descendants ๐. But let's be clear: this isn't about feel-good diversity initiatives. It's about rectifying a historical injustice and acknowledging excellence, regardless of its source ๐.
Fawn Weaver, CEO and Founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
The story of Nearest Green isn't just about whiskey. It's a sobering reminder of how African-American contributions to American culture and industry have been systematically erased or minimized โ๐งน. It challenges us to question not just what we know about history, but how we've come to know it ๐ค.
As the whiskey industry grapples with its past ๐, we're left with a burning question: How many other Nearest Greens are out there, their stories still untold, their contributions still unacknowledged? And more importantly, are we ready to listen when those stories finally come to light? ๐๐ฃ๏ธ