News: Daily Skimm Weekend: You should be your light

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Daily Skimm Weekend: You should be your light

New-ish year, new-ish us. ICYMI, our Saturday send has gotten a makeover. So kick off your weekend with some lighter news, book recs, and R&R inspo. Then, check back in with us on Sundays for all the news you need to start the week.

"I've never played a cookie before"

— Lizzo, after playing a cookie flute on "Sesame Street." Sounds sweet.

theSkimm With

Kimberly Jenkins

Fashion month is almost over. One of the biggest talkers? Pharrell Williams taking the helm of menswear at Louis Vuitton. While Black creatives have shaped fashion for decades — from designers like Tracy Reese and the late Virgil Abloh, to editors like Edward Enninful and the late André Leon Talley — many believe the industry has a long way to go toward true representation.

For a deeper dive, we spoke to Kimberly Jenkins, founder of The Fashion and Race Database and the consultancy Artis Solomon…

Q: What influence have Black culture and creators had on global fashion over time?

Throughout times of enslavement — this dark history — we still manage to innovate with our style and use what we had. Throughout history we've been able to make things stylish like zoot suits and any type of hairstyle from braids, to afros, to wigs, to straightened hair. Over time we bought a new flavor to runway fashion, designers took note, and Black models started showing what they can do for you in luxury fashion from shows like the Ebony Fashion Fair.

Q: How has representation within the industry changed?

It's been at a glacial pace, unfortunately. Over the decades, we've just had to see ourselves building our own thing. In the '60s, Kwame Brathwaite started the Black is Beautiful movement with Grandassa Models in response to white beauty ideals. We're gonna build our own runway, we're gonna build our own campaign of looks, our own movement, so over the decades you see more and more of that. And then finally on the covers of magazines. [But] there's this wave movement and by the '90s controversial heroin chic was in and we started getting excited about thin models, which meant a lot of Black bodies were out. So we can't really rely on fashion, at least fashion with a capital F, to guide us towards that because it ebbs and flows.

Q: And now?

I'm seeing a rise now of more exciting Black emerging designers coming in. And when you have these Black designers coming in, they're bringing in their friends who are stylists, they're bringing in their friends who are photographers. [But] you still see fashion — major labels and luxury labels — focusing on the next thing...and so many of them just don't really have time to care about Black representation. So, it's just yet another reason why we can't really rely on these brands to be dedicated to this because when you look inside their companies and their shareholders, they're not Black.

Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What's Happening

📺 In entertainment...

Queen Latifah is preparing to set it off at tonight's 54th annual NAACP Image Awards, while Michelle Yeoh and Aubrey Plaza are among those practicing their lines before tomorrow night's SAG Awards. Fingers crossed they are a bit less meme-able than Ariana DeBose's opening rap number at the BAFTAs. Speaking of music, as Karol G fans have "Mañana Será Bonito" on repeat, the BTS ARMY is counting down to the release of Jimin's debut solo album. Oh and if you can't stop thinking about the strange but true story behind "Cocaine Bear," there's plenty more where that came from.

👶 In parenting...

Things at Happiest Baby — the company behind the cult-favorite Snoo — may not be so dreamy. Meanwhile, Reckitt announced its recalling some of its Enfamil products, adding to ongoing concerns around baby formula supply. On the bright side, United has big plans to make flying easier for families. And Americans are shifting toward more multigenerational households — which may mean setting some new boundaries with grandparents. Plus, one less thing for parents to worry about: driving lessons.

🧘 In wellness...

Turns out, mixing exercise and therapy may be one way of stepping up your mental health. But mixing work and workouts? Not so much. That's OK, because there are plenty of other ways to boost you mood. See: More coffee and more daydreaming.

Skimm Reads

"I Have Some Questions for You" by Rebecca Makkai...In this delicious novel, from the author of "The Great Believers" — one of our absolute favorite books from the past five years — a podcast host returns to her New Hampshire boarding school alma mater to guest-teach a class. While there, she ends up reexamining a murder that happened on campus grounds back in the '90s while she was a student. Anyone who loved Donna Tartt's "The Secret History," this has your name all over it.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Comfy bras that'll stand the breast — err, test — of time. Say 'bye' to your old, tattered bras and 'hello there' to Victoria's Secret's most-loved collections. The fit and support of their styles make it seem like they were made juuust for you. Bra-wesome.*

2. 20% off at Kitsch with code 20OFF. Browse bestsellers like a satin pillowcase (it'll help reduce frizz) and a scalp exfoliator. Go go go.

3. A travel-friendly water bottle from Corkcicle. Psst...it's on sale. Grab a stemless wine glass and a tumbler while you're at it.

Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.

Weekend Escape

*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we've got some tips for escape.

Black History Month is coming to an end, but the legacy, culture, and contributions of Black Americans should be celebrated all year long. So whether you're hitting the road or staying put, here are some ways to continue celebrating, this month and every month.

Support Black entrepreneurs. While the number of Black-owned businesses has jumped in recent years, systemic racism is still an obstacle for many Black entrepreneurs. So the next time you're getting takeout or shopping for a new pair of jeans, start with a Black-owned local business. For food, download the Eat Okra app or search EatBlackOwned.com. For shopping, check out Black-owned Etsy shops, We Buy Black, even Instagram. Plus, this list of women-owned brands. For just about anything else, look at a directory like Official Black Wall Street and Support Black Owned.
Visit landmarks. For a change of scenery (and perspective), consider visiting a place that's significant to Black history. If you're not sure where to start, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has plenty of options. Since 2017, its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has supported more than 200 preservation projects across the country. Also, if you can't visit one of these sites in person, there are lots of others to see virtually.
Follow Black creators. Many social platforms have recently launched programs to promote Black creators. At the end of the day, though, online fame often comes down to organic engagement — as in, likes, follows, and comments. So whether you're partial to Instagram or TikTok, search #Blackcreators or #Blackinfluencers and show your support for a few new faves.
Donate to Black organizations. If you're able, consider giving to orgs working for racial equity. Nonprofits like NAACP, Color of Change, and the American Civil Liberties Union are a good starting place. (Or, for something more local, Google "support Black organizations near me.") To support Black education initiatives, check out the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Black Girls CODE, and 100 Black Men of America.

Ask Skimm HQ'rs

In honor of the last full weekend of Black History Month 2023, we asked Skimm HQ'rs to share their recs…

Q: What are your go-to restaurants?

Jana, Senior Manager, Creative Strategy: Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester, MA. "I just went last weekend, it's incredible," she said. It's a "cafe by day and a restaurant by night" that's also immigrant-owned and women-owned.

Medha, Video Producer: Jenny's Roti Shop in the Bronx, NY. This restaurant focuses on Trinidadian cuisine.

Q: What about your favorite brands?

Caroline, Marketing Copywriter Associate: TIÉR. "For the coolest streetwear, check out TIÉR. The founders have art backgrounds — instead of fashion — and their creativity is woven through every garment."

Sophie, Editorial Operations Manager: Golde. "It's mostly a beauty brand, but I love their latte blends." This female-founded brand is sold in stores nationwide and has all the superfood essentials you need.

Q: What's a small business you want to shout out?

Sophie, Senior Manager, Consumer Insights in Data & Analytics: Lukafit. "My friend started this awesome fitness apparel company." The company's name is an ode to the founder's South African heritage.

Alyssa Mathews, Brand and Marketing Partnerships Manager: Kindred Stories in Houston, TX. The bookstore's mission is to create a space that's "committed to celebrating the works of Black authors and artisans."

Psst, these answers have been edited for length and clarity.