If you aren’t familiar with SSENSE, it’s the online epicenter for buying luxury brands and high-end streetwear. Founded by the three Atallah brothers, the goal was to take away the obstacles and headaches that could arise from purchasing high-end fashion and democratize the latest, coolest brands.
More than any other platform right now, SSENSE does curation right. They’re painfully aware of which pieces from new collections are a fit for their audience. They show you what’s relevant and hot right now — prioritizing pieces you’ll genuinely like rather than what’s just being pushed by the brand. Now, SSENSE carries brands of all price points from Adidas to Versace.
Another highlight: SSENSE is known for its brand diversity. They often highlight Black-owned brands and showcase collections from people of color and lesser-known designers. To close out Black History Month 2024, SSENSE is teaming up with none other than ESSENCE: a pairing that makes perfect sense.
ESSENCE, the lifestyle publication geared towards Black women, is helping feature three designers and artists: Bianca Saunders, Mowalola, and Stanley Raffington. The series will showcase their designs and tell their story.
According to SSENSE’s site,
“The two brands are turning ESSENCE’s “In The Studio” print franchise into a video series hosted by Lynette Nylander. The series will spotlight the achievements and creativity of Black designers who have significantly impacted the menswear realm. With three episodes, each featuring a distinguished designer, the series offers exclusive insights into their creative processes and journey,”
Meet The SSENSE X ESSENCE Feature Designers
Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders
British GQ
Bianca Saunders’ clothing embraces masculinity in womenswear. Her jackets will always be a bit oversized, or the style will mimic a classic streetwear bomber that could have been borrowed from boys like Jeremy Allen-White and Jacob Elordi — a girl can dream.
“The essence of Saunders' clothing lives in the details, which point to how she subverts ideals often associated with menswear.”
Finding the intersectionality between workwear and streetwear, Saunders clothing is genderless and trendy. Some of her signatures include layered shirts, tucked waists, and somewhat minimalist designs.
@babyboyflame Buying Black: @Bianca Saunders #streetwear #menswear #blackownedbusiness #fashion #fashiontok #fashiontiktok ♬ Oldschool - Cookin Soul
Mowalola
Mowalola
Joyce NG
Mowalola, a highly sought after designer whose pieces have been worn by the likes of Rihanna and Naomi Campbell, is a bit of an icon in the fashion world. Her mantra for fashion is “do what you want to do” and that’s exactly the kind of energy Mowalola’s clothes give off.
Much like Bianca Saunders, Mowalola is known for her gender bending designs. Inspired by cinema, many of her collections revolve around movies. And this is on full display at her cinematic runway shows.
She brings an edge to her designs through textures like leather and intentionally placed cutouts. She’s not afraid to make public commentary on race and gender, making her runway shows incredibly popular.
“The British designer has shifted the cultural zeitgeist with her boundary-pushing collections inspired by the world around her.”
@i_d Replying to @JAC So are we! #ferragamo #maximiliandavis #tiktokfashion #mfw #mowalola ♬ original sound - i-D
Stanley Raffington
Stanley Raffington
ESSENCE
In a world where the Chanel black-and-white aesthetic hails ever-popular, especially amongst those emulating Old Money Style and Sofia Richie’s closet, it’s hard to find designers who aren’t afraid of a bit of color…enter Stanley Raffington.
Often incorporating Rastafarian colors of red, yellow, and black as an ode to his Jamaican roots, Raffington isn’t going to shy away from any hue. He quickly rose into fashion prominency when Madonna and FKA Twigs attended his show, which included 3D printed accessories.
Constantly inspired by his Jamaican roots and the nostalgia of past trends, you will see lots of Y2K nods in Stanley Raffington’s clothing. He’s embraced tech in the fashion world by utilizing 3D printing in many of his designs and runway shows, and he’s not slowing down now.
@yungstanz Process behind my 3d printed curve bag. Taking inspiration from the architecture of Zaha Hadid, mixing new technology with natural materials and craft. Available now exclusively at @SSENSE ♬ Never Lose Me - Flo Milli
Do You Know What This Beauty Brand Is Doing On June 19th?
In the last year, we've fallen head over heels for Thrive Causemetics. This vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand has not only transformed our day-to-day looks but also where we decide to spend our money.
Thrive Causemetics stands out not just for its long-lasting, game-changing products but also for its Bigger Than Beauty™Giving mission. When you purchase from Thrive Causemetics, they donate products and cash to organizations that help women thrive. In the past, sizable donations have also been made to support those impacted by COVID-19 and the California Wildfires.
With June's arrival Thrive Causemetics is gearing up for another big donation on June 19th.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the news of emancipation and the end of the Civil War finally reached Texas, more than two years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Thrive Causemetics will be donating 100% of profits (up to $500,000) that day to nonprofit organizations across the US that are dedicated to racial and social justice and are advancing African-American and Black Communities.
Thrive Causemetics
Makeup & Skincare
100% Vegan + Cruelty-Free
Shop Now
While we love Thrive Causemetics for their makeup and skincare, we love their commitment to social justice even more. With that in mind if you're already a fan of this brand then June 19th is definitely the day to stock up and know that your money is going to an important cause.
New to Thrive Causemetics? Their products are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances while being packed with high-quality formulas and technology. Plus, they even have an amazing subscription option so you'll never run out of your essentials and you get free shipping.
This affordable, award-winning brand has so much to offer from cosmetics to skincare and all made with an inclusive range of shades that work for every skin tone and skin type. Start your journey with Thrive Causemetics on Juneteenth and help others thrive.
Here's what we recommend filling your Thrive Causemetics cart with on June 19th (their best sellers of course):
Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara™
The best-selling mascara that won't flake, smudge, or clump.
A cream-to-powder highlighter that you can use for an instant eye lift or smokey eye.
Buildable Blur CC Cream™ Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Foundation, sunscreen, and moisturizer in one - available in 18 shades.
Defying Gravity Eye Lifting Cream™
Instantly lift, tighten, and brighten the look of skin around your eyes (and hydrate!).
Buildable Blur™ HD Creaseless Concealer
Ultra-lightweight, buildable, waterproof + crease-proof formula - available in 24 shades.