Fashion Access by NKC Fashion Access by NKC

Hidden Gems

One niche commodity of an already overlooked population of merchants is fashion jewelry, an encompassment of literal hidden gems.

SYMPE0138_1080x - otakudoll@aol.com.jpg

The escalating tumult of a country rife with racial injustices further stresses the importance of patronizing black businesses. Supporting the community most vulnerable to these societal ills is imperative, and there is an endless well of black talent and innovation. One niche commodity of an already overlooked population of merchants is fashion jewelry, an encompassment of literal hidden gems.

IMG_8548_1080x - otakudoll@aol.com.jpg

Black jewelers are abound with creative, wondrous designs that are often inspired by the richness of black culture. Jam + Rico embodies founder Lisette Ffolkes’s celebration of her Jamaican and Puerto Rican heritage through a brilliant assortment of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Jameel Mohammed strives to defy Eurocentric luxury fashion norms by imbuing his Khiry products with his reverence for the African diaspora. Hleziphansi Zita’s South African heritage is intrinsic to her brand Nandi Naya, and Cocoacentric was named in part after owner LaToya McInnis’s black and indigenous roots.

73DE691E-A101-45E6-9E49-7ED0213F5115_1728x - otakudoll@aol.com.jpg

Black jewelers are not required to overtly represent ethnic backgrounds in order to honor the black community. While Lelia+Mae’s all-gold jewelry appears bereft of any consistent cultural signifiers, the brand’s founder sources the inspiration for her creations from her profound love for her fellow black women. Statement by Nadia’s signature product is lettered earrings, with the most recent addition being those aptly labeled BLM, the profits of which will be donated to Black Lives Matter. Even the very practice of black celebrities adorning black-owned jewelry is an inherent show of unity. Lizzo modeled Yam earrings in her “Good as Hell” music video, and Jlani jewels have ornamented such entertainers as Beyoncé, Issa Rae, and Taraji P. Henson.

image_636ca6f1-ea0f-4e6a-9ff1-c4e36809d087_110x110@2x - otakudoll@aol.com.jpg

Black fashion businesses are deserving of financial success and acclaim regardless of America’s racial politics, and the general public would be amazed by the treasures that await them if they expand their horizons.

Photo credits:

https://www.jlanijewels.com/collections/personalized-collection/products/14k-nameplate-necklace

https://www.jamandrico.com

https://leliamae.com/products/belle-hoops

Report: Nia Hunt







Read More
Brand, Fashion Access by NKC Brand, Fashion Access by NKC

Flower Anarchy

Salute, a Hong-Kong based brand, just recently dropped their spring/summer collection on April 18th.

SALUTE #1 - Emily Andrews.png

Now that summer is just around the corner, Salute, a Hong-Kong based brand, just recently dropped their spring/summer collection on April 18th. A$AP Rocky and many other fashion lovers are seen showing Salute’s unique jewelry off. Salute’s sense of individuality is high and they know how to create a line that's different from others, this is what draws my eyes in.

SALUTE #2 - Emily Andrews.jpeg

This jewelry collection is also pretty budget-friendly, coming in at about $50 for the bracelet and $70 for the necklace. Building on its traditional theme, the bracelet and necklace are primarily based on the expression “Flower Anarchy”. The name resonates with the design of the jewelry perfectly, while creating a name to draw customers like me in.

https___hypebeast.com_image_2020_04_salute-ss20-flower-anarchy-necklace-bracelet-release-001 - Emily Andrews.jpg

The accessories include eye-catching charms and pearls accompanied by silver accents. The charms are the best part, they include daisies, rainbow flowers with peace signs, smiley face daisies, and pearls. The necklace is split up by small beads and long silver rods. Each charm is uniquely arranged and appealing to the eye, the different sizes of the pearls give the necklace and bracelet a more detailed and complex look. I love a brand that creates a style of their own, one that doesn’t copy trends, but one that makes trends. That’s why Salute is a good place to spend your money whether it be on clothing or jewelry. Either way, you're paying a good price for what your'e receiving!

Report: Emily Andrews


Read More