Another busy week in NYC. If you’re like me, the real exciting stuff happens in the margins between work and sleep. This week included everything from authentic Brazilian cuisine for lunch to a Sunday Funday in Manhattan. In a place, where everything and anything can happen, I still find we all fall into a routine. Sometimes, its lame, like the same dive bar every week. Sometimes, it’s great, like a weekly workout with a large group of friends at a social club. I’ve been lucky enough to do the latter. A few friends are members are SAA in Bushwick which has become our local watering hole on Saturday mornings. Hit a quick HIIT workout with the squad and wrap it up with tuna tartar and burger for lunch. Ah, gotta love this place.
Okay, so why are we here today? Last week we took a look at some cost effective looks from brands that everyone knows. I got back and forth. I love brands, but maybe what I really love is “BRANDING”. So, here are a few brands that have really stuck out to me lately. And, they’re all under 50k followers.
Joshua Mohamed – Joshua Mohamed began in December of 2020. The brand is the distinction and overlap of Joshua Fawole and Mohamed Abdourahman. stemming from the integration of our backgrounds and religious beliefs with our perception of fashion creativity, together as Joshua Mohamed our brand was born. – From the About
The fit of this rugby t caught my eye. The slight drop shoulder and wide sleeves leads me to believe it would be a good fit across many body types.
Chez Rien – Established in 2021, Chez Rien is an apparel and lifestyle brand built around the belief that home means much more than simply a place where one lives. – From the About
I found these guys via instagram ads. Their branding and story telling is fantastic. I like every single piece they have.
Me Old China – Working for the last 10 years as a graphic designer in London, Nick Dynan has merged his love for branding, typography and the want to create physical things. So much of the world nowadays is digital and Nick wanted to move away from the fast paced nature of the marketing and branding world. Slowing down and creating items that will stand the test of time and live in physical spaces.
From this, Me Old China was born. – From the About
I’ve been following Me Old China for a while. Happy to see this guy get the recognition he deserves. Unfortunately, these babies are all sold out. I should have bought a vase last year, but lowkey I’m still in my “breaking and losing shit” era.
le PÈRE – le PÈRE was founded as a canvas for creatives to express their work through clothing. le PÈRE cultivates and promotes this community of creators (“the Quartier”) ranging from emerging to established artists, designers, photographers, illustrators, and musicians. Together they integrate the world of visual art through clothes. – From the About
This whole store is gas. The branding, website and user experience are exceptional. Bravo to this team. $400 is a bit pricey, but everyone needs a guilty pleasure.
Beautiful Struggles – BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLES was founded in 2019 by Danny Williams.
It’s a streetwear/premium label where european heritage meets american culture. Born in Germany, raised by an american father from New York and a german mother, Williams always had the love and passion to express himself through his style, in which you can see the DNA of both cultures.
BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLES is about overcoming adversity and changing the perspective of looking at entities while facing different obstacles in life. These obstacles vary individually, whether it is having setbacks, health issues, addicition or struggling with some other obstacles life throws at you. – From the About
Playing soccer, I’ve followed Danny for a while. He’s unapologetically authentic in his persona and design. He’s got more than a few great pieces. It seems like he moves around all right circles, so I hope he can successfully makes the transition from professional footy to fashion. Also, the fit pictured goes crazy. The black accents(glasses, gloves and shoes) make it for me.
Dope, finally, somewhere to put my instagram doom scroll. Hopefully, as we get into the swing of things, these posts will become open format. Vulnerability and growth is. the goal.
While I have this in my brain, here are a coupe of things that inspired me this week.
Lastly, a book recommended by a friend. Haven’t read it yet, but maybe I’ll give a review once I finish. https://www.amazon.com/Prisoners-Geography-Explain-Everything-Politics/dp/1501121472
Well, as always, thanks for joining. Looking forward to next time.
Esen
Brûlant Group 
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