MADE Magazine #MADEBlueprint | Page 24

MADE LIFE 2018 Empowerment Merch Guide MADE BY ASHLEI WILLIAMS From lifestyle mottos to celebrity capsule collections, merch has become a branding movement. It’s everything from corporate logos on coffee mugs to the ever-cool graphic tees. The trend is an interesting one in fashion. While luxury lines are still aspirational, merch is has become a form of self expression that transcends price or quality. And, anything that showcases values, identity, or creativity is right up millennials’ alley. That’s why MADE is bringing you this guide to merch must-haves that will uniquely speak to the 2018 version of yourself that you’re currently dreaming up. This company is rooted in making Afrocentric goods easily accessible at reasonable prices. You can find every- thing here, including canvas paintings, wall stickers, shower curtains, swimwear, jewelry, women and men’s apparel @melanininc_ and antiques. They are on a mission to consistently chose pride, enthusiasm and inclusion regard- less of the discrimination and hatred that the world may present. MELANIN INC. melanininc.com OMONDI rechoomondi.com Recho Omondi is a Kenyan Women’s Fashion and Accessories @omndi Designer. Her ready-to-wear, modern luxury line references both her African heritage and Western lifestyle. It does so while also making social and cultural statements, many regarding the fashion industry itself. From everything including not following the traditional fashion seasonal schedule to her “Niggas” sweatshirt that gained attention when worn by Issa Rae on her TV show “Insecure,” Omondi uses her fashion as reminders of problems that exist. PHOEBE ROBINSON AND ILANA GLAZER’S LIMITED-EDITION WILDFANG COLLECTION wildfang.com @WeAreWildfang Comediennes Phoebe Robinson and Ilana Glazer are #BFFgoals. Glazer is the co-creator and co- star of the TV comedy, “Broad City,” while Robin- son is host the “2 Dope Queens” and “Sooo Many White Guys” podcasts. In 2017, they teamed up for their YQY: Yaaas Queen Yaaas tour. For the tour, they released a limited-edition collection featuring apparel, accessories and stationary. made-magazine.com | 24