*cues Brooklyn’s Finest by Jay Z* Okay! I’m reloaded! Buying Black: A Holiday Guide is backkkkkkkk
Aight aight aiiiiiight, after a super long-hiatus (explained here), the guide has finally made its return. It’s exciting to bring this particular annual series back after popular demand! This year’s is a mixed bag, featuring some faves and some that *I* personally believe deserve their flowers.
So without any further ado, let’s get into this guide!
Anima Iris
Images: Anima Iris
Anima Iris is, “a modern brand pulling inspo from the women who came before her. Taking its name from her mother and friend, two women very close to Founder Wilglory Tanjong’s life. Boldly incorporating Africa’s beautifully rich history, each piece is carefully handmade since its 2020 founding.
With craftsmanship by seasoned professionals from Dakar, Senegal; the company teams up with local businesses to acquire leather and materials. Including a recently dropped tennis line, and earning a spot on Forbes’ 2025 30 under 30 list. Aligning with their promise of sustainability and zero waste.
Black Fashion Legends
Images: Haute History Publishing
After growing weary of calling out missing links in fashion storytelling, fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie took matters into her own hands.
Publishing her first book, “Black Fashion Legends Alphabet,” Christie seeks to educate the masses. Specifically? The cultural importance of Black influence in fashion through her brainchild, Haute History Publishing.
Featuring household names such as Harlem icon Dapper Dan and legendary stylist and creative director June Ambrose (who also wrote the book’s foreward). In addition to lesser known names like Anne Lowe and Zelda Wynn Valdés, the latter is credited with creating the iconic Playboy bunny costume.
Overall, she (Christie) hopes that through her company she’ll inspire fashion’s future innovators. Encouraging them to reach for the stars, leaning on the lessons of those who paved the way.
Black Star Vinyl
Images: Black Star Vinyl / Instagram
Following in the steps of its predecessors Tangerine and Halsey & Lewis, Black Star Vinyl remains a staple in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Founded and co-owned by Martin Brewer and Sonia Farrell, their former store location closed in 2021.
A few months and fundraising of $35,000 spearheaded by local congressman Chi Ossé, Black Star Vinyl found a home on the corner of Madison Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard. Black Star Vinyl’s record collection spans several decades, finding gems from the likes of Nina Simone and Miles Davis, vintage tees, home decor, and one-of-a-kind clothing finds.
Moodeaux
Images: Moodeaux
“This Black-owned fragrance brand is here to disrupt the industry.”
The brainchild of journalist-turned-entrepreneur Brianna Arps, Moodeaux is an eight-time winning indie fragrance label designed in mind for the everyday “beauty rebel”
Launched in 2021, Moodeaux is the first and sole Black-owned perfume business to hit the shelves of retail-giant Urban Outfitters. Their proudest achievement though? Backing underrepresented entrepreneurs of color with the philanthropic effort that is Black In Fragrance.
Null NYC
Images: Null NYC
In computer science, when things get created, they’re assigned no value, or “null”. They have no value at first, representing a state of emptiness that manually changes.
Enter Null NYC, founded and creative directed by Kristian Mentor, NULL serves as the bridge between his passion for STEM and streetwear.
Starting off as a college project, NULL soon evolved into a way of interacting with like-minded creatives in different settings.
“How can I build a system for interacting with people while creating intentional clothing that speaks to other [creatives]?” Mentor asks of himself. The answer? Creating clothing but similar to how an engineer would create an open source system. In other words, connecting others in the name of shared interests and stylish, affordable streetwear.
The Editorial Nail
Images: Gracie J / The Editorial Nail
Kicking down doors since 2014 is none other than The Editorial Nail, founded by Gracie J. Dedicated to creating conversation-worthy nail art for all walks of life. Intersecting the nail industry with innovating artistry, partnering with the likes of Fenty Skin and OPI just to name a few.
Grounded in beliefs that nail art is about celebrating personal style (agreed!) Though unconventional, The Editorial Nail seeks to redefine the relationship with one’s nails. Using artistry as the ultimate accessory, and bringing individualism front and center.
The Spice Theory
Images: The Spice Theory
Blending the hot and spicy essence of Jamaican culture and science is The Spice Theory. Founded by Dr. Corrie Amos, board-certified anesthesiologist and health and wellness advocate. In short, The Spice Theory is a love letter to her inquisitive, childlike curiosity.
The child of Jamaican immigrants, Dr. Amos grew up spending her time between Jamaica, and her native home of New York City. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother’s traditions where her love for both food and science began. Blossoming into a passion for healthy cooking free of unhealthy, over-processed additives.
Dr. Amos’ research leading her to a trip to Nairobi, Kenya to study medicinal herbs and plants, opened her eyes to herbal medicines. Soon after, she began to experiment with spice mixes, honing in on their medicinal value.
Which, in essence, is what The Spice Theory is all about—with the fitting slogan, “let great food be your medicine!”
Tier
Images: TIER
Self-described as, “a distinctive essence brought to life through seasonal projects” is TIER. Founded by three friends in 2014, Nigeria Ealey, Victor James, and Esaïe Jean-Simon, the New York City-based label has come a long way. From humble beginnings designing tees in student-housing to a fixture in publications like Essence and Hypebeast.
The trio began speaking things into existence, including pop-up show-rooms on both the east and west coasts, respectively. But the real full-circle moment came in 2022 debuting a NYFW runway show where it all began: Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus. Though it’s a decade in the making, it’s evident that TIER is only cranking up the heat, applying intense pressure everywhere they go.