HOT 5 - 7/16/23
Hot Friends,
Last week I visited the Brooklyn Museum to see an exhibit I've been waiting to see since I first read about it six months ago! Entitled African Fashion, it's a subject of intense personal interest and lived up to my outsized expectations. I attended with some excellent friends who share my enthusiasm for African design. We were blown away by the show and I'm thrilled to share my impressions and photos from that day. I'm sure it's no surprise that the brands I'm most thrilled to feature on House of Terrance are Made in Africa, from African Baroque Textile Jewels to the fabulous new items from The Lalela Scarf and Juditha Sakinofsky. These products express spectacular singular African style and are some of my favorites to own and to sell.
This week's Hot 5:
1. African Fashion at the Brooklyn Museum
2. Hot African Fashion!
3. Hot Shops Alara At The Brooklyn Museum
4. Hot Pick - Gifts For Summer Hosts
5. The Best Reading Is Summer Reading!
1. African Fashion at the Brooklyn Museum
The African Fashion exhibit, open through Oct. 22nd, examines the continent’s significant contributions to fashion and textiles from the mid-20th century to the present day, through the lenses of popular culture, art, and politics. Showing over 180 works, the exhibit includes immersive displays of haute couture and ready-to-wear apparel, photographs, literature, sketches, music, film and catwalk footage, textiles, and jewelry. More than forty designers and artists from twenty African countries are represented. We found the exhibit to be an absolute feast for the senses! The remarkable creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural richness of African fashion left us in awe. Our biggest takeaway? The African Fashion Exhibit stands as a shining example of how fashion can be a powerful tool for empowerment, education, and the celebration of diverse cultures.
2. Hot African Fashion!
Just what is it about African design that attracts me like no other? Of course, I'm drawn to the vibrant colors, bold designs, and the fact that many items that are hand-made in Africa feel special and unique. The designs have a story to tell, and their connection to a rich cultural history is embedded in every piece. One of the first brands featured on House of Terrance was African Baroque Textile Jewels by Colleen Brand, unique jewelry made with vintage African beads and fabrics like South African Shwe Shwe. I'm also proud to sell the Lalela Scarf brand that supports arts education for at-risk school children. Lalela’s amazing designs are actually created by these young artists, and every product sold gives back to the organization. Lastly, we have superb bags from Juditha Sakinofsky that are sustainably made in Cape Town and feature spectacular prints.
To celebrate African design, I’m giving 20% off these three brands through July 23rd.
This beautiful artwork was created by Faatimah, an infectiously optimistic young girl from the Lalela programs in Hout Bay. She was one of Lalela's first grade 1 learners and has continued to attend the program into high school. Faatimah finds comfort and joy in being creative and loves discovering new ways to express herself through art. Faatimah would like to pursue a career in design when she finishes school, we cannot wait to see what she will accomplish. 65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 x 78 in.
This artwork was created by Ryan, a 19 year old student from a small community called Mandela Park in Cape Town. His interests are music, art and photography. His dream is to complete high school and reach his goal of helping people in his community through his career as a social worker. By linking the arts to academics and life-skills, Lalela provides students with the tools necessary to re-imagine the future and achieve their dreams. With your purchase of this pocket square you help make these dreams come true. 100% silk. 13 1/2” x 13 1/2”.
So many uses for these gorgeous African print zippered pouches! Each handmade bag in 100% cotton has 2 compartments, is strong and sturdy, and is lined with waterproof camouflage material. Use them as makeup bags, evening clutches, or for a stylish packing assist, the sky’s the limit! 8” x 11” x 3”
Just in -- our new collection from African Baroque Textile Jewelry!
When I discovered founder Colleen Brand's stunning creations made with African textiles like shweshwe and wax print mixed with exquisite African beads on Instagram in 2018, I knew I had to offer them to my lovely customers. How lucky I was to actually meet Colleen while on a trip to South Africa soon after that discovery. We spent a wonderful afternoon together in her atelier and I learned all about her unique handmade wearable artwork and her commitment to employing local women enabling them to supplement their income while working from home. This is our 3rd collection and we're so excited to make it available to you!
This beautiful African Moon necklace fits like a choker and fastens with a pretty fabric clasp at the back of the neck. Handcrafted in Cape Town, inspired by Africa, and loved worldwide. Each piece is totally unique and made from African fabrics and beads.
SOLO bracelets can be worn solo or in multiples. Designed by Colleen Brand, each piece is totally unique and made from African fabrics and beads. Pull on and can fit most small to medium sized wrists. 3” in diameter. Handcrafted in Cape Town, inspired by Africa, loved worldwide.
3. Hot Shops Alara At The Brooklyn Museum
One of the highlights of the African Fashion exhibit was the amazing pop-up shop that was a collaboration with ALÁRA, a Lagos-based lifestyle-concept store. The shop sells souvenirs, clothes, books, and other unique takeaways to reflect the exhibition. It was one of the most exciting museum shopping experiences I can remember and worth a trip to the Brooklyn Museum just to shop the pop-up! If you can't get there check out the online store here although it seems that there are more products in the shop vs. online so just another reason to try and get there in person!
4. The Hot Pick - Gifts For Summer Hosts
It's the season of quick fun visits to the country or the beach if you're lucky enough to have lovely friends who invite you. And of course, you can't show up to said lovely friends empty-handed, you need a unique and thoughtful gift that won't break the bank. This week's Hot Picks below are all items that I think do just that.
5. The Best Reading Is Summer Reading!
I get excited about reading in the summer like no other season! There's something so wonderful about curling up with a good book on vacation or just on a bench anywhere outside. I'm currently reading All The Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby, a new author for me, and I'm really enjoying it! It's a crime thriller which is one of my favorite genres (no sweet rom-coms for me!:) But whatever your preferred genre, here are two lists with all the hot new books for this summer. This one is from the New York Times (there might be a firewall if you're not a subscriber) and this one is from The Skimm.
Hope you're having your best summer ever!
Terry xoxo