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
The Best Meal Deals For Veterans This Veterans Day
On November 11 every year, we take a moment to honor the service of our veterans around the world.
While there will never be enough ways to thank these veterans for fighting for our freedom, there remain a plethora of great discounts and freebies available throughout the month of November. For those who want to make a local vet's day to day existence a little bit easier, especially during COVID, chain restaurants especially offer great discounts around this time of year. All they need is a valid military ID to show proof of service, and vets can get entire meals for free. Here are the best meal deals being offered this Veterans Day.
Dunkin'
Vets everywhere are entitled to a free donut at any Dunkin' location. No purchase is necessary! If you have multiple Dunk's in your area, why not hit 'em all and stack up some donuts? Vets are only eligible for this offer on November 11, so get a move on and snag some well-deserved sugar!
Denny's
Denny's has always taken Veterans Day very seriously, and this year they're inviting all active, inactive and military personnel to gorge on the chain's signature grand slam breakfast for free. The Build Your Own Grand Slam program offers four delicious items, and over eleven choices. Do you want some of their amazing buttermilk pancakes? Or maybe some eggs and a side of bacon? Or would you rather just grab some buttermilk biscuits and hash browns to go? All of it is available at participating Denny's locations from 5am to noon every Veterans Day!
Buffalo Wild Wings
Is breakfast not really your thing? In that case, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering free orders of 10 boneless wings and fries for all present and past military personnel. This awesome deal is available for both dine-in and take-out, and all you need is a proof of service to nom on some wings of your choosing!
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is taking things one step farther. Throughout the entire month of November, the legendary chain is honoring military families by donating gift cards to Operation Homefront. The $10 gift card goes towards the chains Country Fried Turkey Family Meal Basket. Additionally, Cracker Barrel is offering all military veterans a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake at any location all day on Veterans Day.
Friendly's
Every year Friendly's honors veterans by offering a free meal. All former and active military personnel qualify, and can receive an All-American meal for lunch or dinner free of charge. The meal consists of an All-American burger or cheeseburger, with fries and a drink. For those really needing a good meal this Veterans Day, Friendly's is the place to be.
Little Caesers
The delicious pizza chain is offering military service members both past and present a free Hot-N-Ready Lunch combo. The combo comes with four slices of Detroit-style deep dish pizza, as well as a 20-ounce soda. Veterans are eligible for this free meal all day on Veterans Day.
Bob Evans
The American fast food chain is offering free meals to any military service personnel both past and present on Veterans Day. Since the founder himself is a veteran, the chain takes Veterans Day very seriously every year. Dine-In guests can choose any of the seven farm-fresh dishes on the menu, which includes the Country Biscuit Breakfast or even the new Hand-Breaded Fried Chicken Breast Dinner.