by Kimberly Coulton

Entrepreneur, CEO, author and activist Maggie Anderson tried an experiment, an Empowerment Experiment. For one year Anderson and her family attempted to purchase Black-made products from Black-owned businesses. Anderson discovered a startling, but very harsh reality. The economic gap was so wide it's not longer a gap but a centuries long chasm. Anderson realized L’Oreal owns one of the largest Black beauty brands in the world, SoftSheen-Carson; a white-owned business profits from a market of exclusively Black buyers. She estimated that up to 80% of revenue of European-owned Hennessy comes from a Black customer base but the company has no Black distributors or suppliers and does not advertise in Black-owned media.

According to the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth, the average lifespan of the dollar is approximately 30 days in Asian communities, 20 days in Jewish communities, 17 days in white communities — and just six hours in Black communities. Black people have an estimated $1.3 trillion gross national income but only two percent is recirculated in the Black community.

As a pro-coco platform Gallerie 88 features makers who are both producers of the highest quality and service to economically empower a robust customer base. We shop with our cards and consciousness. Take our buy-in list for a twirl.

KIMBERLY GOLDSON

If you’re looking to turn up the volume on your wardrobe, look no further than the Brooklyn-born, designer Kimberly Goldson.

You’ll find everything from chic holiday dresses and NYE-worthy metallics to tailored winter blazers and modern silhouettes—plus all of the trendy mix and match sets that Kimberly is known for gracing the isles of retail giants such as Nordstrom and Saks 5th Avenue.

The latest collection, Blissful Evolution, contains bold prints, rich textiles, and modern silhouettes, soft enough for a chill day at home or a fancy evening out - the perfect present for the vibrant and multi-faceted woman in your life. Rich Auntie Status, Achieved.

A.A.K.S. BAG ROUGH DRAFT

If you're into ethically sourced and eco-friendly accessories, you're going to love the A.A.K.S. Bag collection. Handcrafted by female Ghanaian artisans, the one-of-a-kind raffia bags are made using a tedious and sacred weaving technique unique to the designers, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi native country of Ghana.

Balancing critical attention to craftsmanship with the importance of ethical production values, each A.A.K.S. bag collection preserves the spirit of the country's ancestral craft one enviably fashionable bag at a time.

The subtle fringe detail, pop of color, and sturdy structure - make it the perfect lighthearted investment piece to tote around on your next summer vacay. The perfect gift for the summer lovers and the frequent flyers constantly dreaming of far-flung destinations.

HANAHANA BEAUTY

It doesn't get better for skincare enthusiasts than unwrapping a gift from Hanahana Beauty - the consciously clean skincare and wellness brand whose range of products will leave your skin (and soul) feeling renewed and nourished.

Their cult-favorite formula features a blend of ethically and sustainably sourced Shea Butter (harvested directly from the Katarina Women's Shea Cooperative in Ghana) and all-natural ingredients we know and love, such as brown sugar, cocoa, and mango butter.

If your skin needs a little TLC this winter, and you're not sure where to start, the Hanahana Beauty discovery set is one of our holy-grail finds that will quickly become one of your tried-and-true favorites. The formula's rich and creamy texture helps deeply nourish, exfoliate, and condition, resulting in plumper, smoother, and healthier skin. And while you're at it, add in the nourishing lip balm as a last-minute stocking stuffer because who wouldn't appreciate soft, supple lips for a mistletoe moment.

DIARRABLU

What happens when you merge Senegal's vibrant design aesthetic with innovative technology? You get an iconic statement piece from the sustainable, high contemporary lifestyle brand, Diarrablu.

The Wall Street analyst turned designer, Diarra Bousso, leverages her mathematical background to create swoon-worthy patterns that could rival art. Her garments, and fan-favorite kimonos, are marked by solid structural cuts, bold prints, and colorful accents that pay homage to her African culture.

Produced by local artisans at their atelier in Dakar, Senegal, Diarrablu's Kimonos are known for their versatility (can be worn as a duster or dress) and inclusivity (perfect for all body types)- making it an ideal gift for the wanderlust traveler. Like any Diarrablu garment, it goes with everything—and then some.

FLAMEKEEPERS HAT CLUB

If you're looking for an everyday, elevated staple to add to your wardrobe, look no further than the FlameKeepers Hat club. It isn't just any Hat Club; it's the highly-coveted, masterfully crafted, Harlem-based Hat Club, and I'm 99.9% positive the Dapper Dan of the fam will lose their cool if gifted this holiday season!

The FKHC Caps and Fedoras are perfect for men and women who love beautiful, lightweight, and versatile headpieces. The subdued color palettes and quality fabrication make it the ideal year-round accessory to compliment your outfit no matter the occasion. Their Cashmere caps are bold yet subtle, perfect for the fashionistas who prefer a soft and sophisticated look. And the Fedora, aka the showstopper, is perfect for those who love to stand out.

Pair the FlameKeepers Club Hat with one of their Silk English Pocket Squares, and you're bound to impress.

FRERE

Garnering the attention of a-listers across the globe, Frere Worldwide (the brand behind Jay-Z's favorite pastel suits) has amassed an impressive global audience for their exquisitely tailored, bespoke suiting. Founded by Davidson Petit-Frere using the finest artisans and most luxurious materials in Italy, the highly sought-after suits are praised for their classic silhouettes, perfectly tailored fit, and luxe fabrication.

The modern fashion label specializes in tailored ready-to-wear collections and, more recently, accessories that your most fashionable friend would be delighted to receive.

When everything else seems obvious, a gift from an emerging designer is an easy way to show off your fashion prowess. Having recently tried on pieces from the brand's women's collection, I can personally attest to its quality and prestige. Truly nothing tops the luxurious feel of a well-fitted FRERE suit. A splurge by far, but certainly worth it.

HARWELL GODFREY

If you're looking for a custom piece that's unexpected, California based, fine-jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey is one to watch.

With aesthetic roots in ancient textiles and ethnic patterns, the Harwell Godfrey Bespoke Collection is artfully crafted with hand-chosen stones (from precious metals to enchanting colored gemstones and to-die-for diamonds), personal engravings and designed with healing energy in mind (to enhance the wearer's experience and mood); perfectly marrying the beautifully-rendered motifs of HG with one's unique life story. This accessory will live thoughtfully on your body and take up permanent residence in your heart.

If this doesn't dazzle them, IDK what will. There's nothing quite as intimate and memorable as a soon-to-be custom heirloom. It's the gift that keeps on giving, as the recipient will wear it often, knowing that it's a unique piece made just for them (cue the tears).

MENTED COSMETICS

For future make-up gurus and minimal make-up lovers, we recommend gifting a set from the inclusive cosmetic brand, Mented. Created with every woman in mind, founders KJ Miller and Amanda Johnson envisioned a make-up line that everyone could see themselves in.

Not only is it black-owned and cruelty free, but their line of products (ranging from nude lipsticks to eyeshadow palettes and blushes) is perfectly pigmented (pun intended) to match any skin tone, light or dark.

It doesn’t get better for the make-up lover than receiving the perfect gift set and creating that effortless no make-up make-up look. I can vouch that unwrapping anything from Mented Cosmetics: is bound to land you on their nice list for life.

Start with the Mented shade finder to find your perfect match, and then begin building your collection today.