Discover the hidden gems that sparked our curiousity and expanded our thinking this month. Each selection has earned its place through the quiet power to shift perspective or introduce unexpected delight.
Thanks for reading Subject Matter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
As curator of the remarkable amid the ordinary and with a focus on the culture-tech in the Global South and sustainability, we share these profound and playful treasures with you.
All Eyes on Africa
African millionaire numbers are set to increase 65 percent by 2033, making frontier markets in the region increasingly attractive for brands looking to expand. Read more on BOF.
An ode to African designers on Earth Day. Guzangs celebrates seven trailblazers—Nike Davies-Okundaye, Studio 189, KikoRomeo, Chiip O Neal, Nkwo Onwuka, Sindiso Khumalo, and Lukhanyo Mdingi—whose eco-conscious designs preserve heritage, empower artisans, and protect the planet. An Adire dress steeped in Yoruba indigo, a Kente gown dyed with Ghanaian kola nut, or a recycled denim jacket reborn with plant-based hues. Read more on Guzangs.
Brand: Sindiso Khumalo/Photo by Xavier Vahed
Brand: Lukhanyo Mdingi/Photo by Luke Houba
The anthropology of Africa is a treasure chest of inspiration. Each region boasts unique weaving techniques, dyeing methods, and symbolic patterns that tell stories of centuries past. African fashion is more than just eye-catching prints and colors; it’s about identity, heritage, and craftsmanship that has been cherished through generations. Read more on LinkedIn.
Middleeast & North Africa
As the rest of the world catches up, Middle Eastern designers are reminding us that true style has always known its roots. Middle-eastern aesthetic is a mindset and a refusal to chase trends. Really enjoyed Vogue Arabia’s homage to designer across the middleast and how they are working towards preserving their heritage - a beautiful discovery read.
Photo: Nöl Collective
I loved this read- “Archival Revival: Why Vintage Fashion is the New Luxury Status Symbol in the Middle East".
It’s about celebrating the past and creating something valuable beyond trend. Vintage electrifies, subverts and whispers stories that fast fashion never will. Yet, in a label-obsessed world, is storytelling enough? “Luxury has changed,” Moussa sighs. “People just want to show off, without interpretation or understanding.” Read on Vogue Arabia
Frankie Shop Opens in Abu Dhabi. The store is truly a marvel, offering an immersive retail experience that blends the brand's minimalist aesthetic with the cultural richness of the region. Designed by LA-based studio Perron-Roettinger, the space unfolds through curated vignettes representing moments in a day—from home to city life—featuring neutral tones and elevated textures that mirror the collection's essence.
Beyond fashion, the pop-up showcases exclusive collaborations with regional artists and designers, including custom palm tree carpets by Cheb Moha and hand-drawn illustrations by Tulip Hazbar. The experience is further enhanced by the Frankie Coffee Shop, taken over by 48 Collagen Café, offering wellness-infused drinks and LED light therapy masks. Check out the whole store here.
Think someone else would love this? Subscribe yourself, then share with reckless abandon!
Thanks for reading Subject Matter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
