Reel Artsy Fashion Spotlight - D’IYANU

Looking for a new fit for a film festival premiere? Or a stunning bold print for a night out on the town? Check out this Black-owned African style brand D'IYANU. The story behind the clothes is inspiring, a perfect illustration of finding purpose through authentic living and meeting the needs of the community. Founder and CEO, Addie Ajayi, talks about the origin of D'IYANU on the website: 

I was six years old when my family moved from Nigeria to the US. The transition was challenging, and I struggled to fit in. I felt different from everyone else, and spent many years trying to blend in.

But as I grew older, I embraced my uniqueness. Fashion became my form of self-expression and empowerment, and I found my individuality through clothing that helped me stand out from the crowd.

At the time, there was little to no ready-to-wear modern African-inspired clothing available in the mass market. Wearing African-inspired clothing typically involved sourcing fabric yourself and finding a tailor to make the clothes for you — a common, efficient, and inexpensive practice in Africa, but the exact opposite in the US. That’s when the idea for D'IYANU emerged.

The D'IYANU collection includes men's and women's fashion along with items for kids, and a beautiful selection of accessories that can that can jazz up your work or evening attire. For more info on D'IYANU check out their website and Instagram. 

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The Young Wife

The Young Wife is the sophomore movie release by auteur writer / director Tayarisha Poe (Selah and the Spades). It premiered at the 2023 SXSW Festival this week to positive reviews. It's what I lovingly refer to as a "Subtle Core"  type film; that means it's the kind of Black cinema that offers a beautifully layered and lyrical approach to Black life and love. 

The film stars Kiersey Clemons (Dope) and Leon Bridges (Ocean's Eight) as the central couple; it also features the Emmy Award-winning Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) portraying Clemons' mother in the film. 

A young woman grapples with the meaning of love and commitment over the course of her “non-wedding” day. 

The film comes from the Higher Ground Productions collab with Netflix and the Obamas. More info on the trailer and release date is to come. Stay tuned!

Bottom line: Anything that Tayarisha Poe directs gets an automatic add to on our must-watch list.

 

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Frybread Face And Me

Catch this Indigenous coming-of-age story, Frybread Face and Me, at the SXSW Film Festival tonight. The film is helmed by writer / director Billy Luther, and executive producer Taika Waititi (Eagle vs. Shark). 

Two adolescent Navajo cousins from different worlds bond during a summer herding sheep on their grandmother's ranch in Arizona while learning more about their family's past and themselves.

The film stars Keir Tallman and Charley Hogan as the young cousins in this touching tale of belonging and becoming. It also features Martin Sensmeier (La Brea, Yellowstone).

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Poster - Drylongso

A fascinating piece of 90s Black Cinema history will get the big screen treatment at the Lincoln Center this March. Drylongso, directed by Cauleen Smith, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1999, won the Grand Jury Prize at Urban World Film Festival and garnered the Someone To Watch Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. 

Drylongso embeds an incisive look at racial injustice within a lovingly handmade buddy movie/murder mystery/ romance. Alarmed by the rate at which the young Black men around her are dying—indeed, “becoming extinct,” as she sees it—brash Oakland art student Pica (Toby Smith) attempts to preserve their existence in Polaroid snapshots, along the way forging a friendship with a woman in an abusive relationship (April Barnett), experiencing love and loss, and being drawn into the search for a serial killer who is terrorizing the city. Capturing the vibrant community spirit of Oakland in the nineties, Smith crafts both a rare cinematic celebration of Black female creativity and a moving elegy for a generation of lost African American men.

The film will play in 4K restoration on March 17th at 6:30pm at the Lincoln Center in NYC courtesy of Janus Films, The Criterion Collection and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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Reel Artsy Lansing - Socialight Society

Socialight Society is an oasis of Black thought, a real-life treasure trove where Black women and their writings are treated with the utmost reverence. As you step inside of Socialight you are greeted with the warm smile of its owner, Nyshell Lawrence, the stylist guide to this engaging vortex of exquisite, and carefully curated, collection of books-- (the shop buzzes with ancestral knowledge). Your senses will be awakened with fragrant candles crafted by Black artisans, and walls adorned with colorful posters and artwork highlighting the genius of Black women authors like Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, Octavia Butler, and local Michigan authors as well. It's a visual kaleidoscope of Black girl magic in the here and now. You need a few moments to drink it all in-- because it's aesthetics are worthy of awe. 

It's a book store and a gathering space for the community-- Socialight Society is on the road to becoming a destination spot and mecca for lovers of Black literature. The Pure Michigan campaign needs to hurry up and add this remarkable independent-owned book shop to its tourism website as soon as possible, because it's one of the Lansing area's unique attractions. 

Socialight Society also features a well-crafted event list including children's story time, a book club and poetry readings. 

"My life + work is a celebration of Black womanhood. I started Socialight Society as a creative safe space where Black women can feel seen and celebrated." - Nyshell Lawrence

It's not just a book store, it's a spiritual and intellectual experience. One that every Black woman deserves. If you're in the Midwest it should be on your must-see list. And honestly, if you're a lover of books, it's worth the travel even if you're far away. Next time you book a flight to Detroit, enjoy the big city and then head over to Lansing and check out Socialight Society firsthand for a memorable and nourishing experience. 

For more info visit their website and Instagram.

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Reel Artsy Lansing - Juice Nation

This Black-owned juicery located in the heart of Downtown Lansing is one of my favorite spots in the city (and the State). Juice Nation offers an amazing selection of organic raw juices, fresh smoothies, smoothie bowls, and curated detox juice bundles to help get your body and digestive system on track! The owners offer a wealth of health knowledge, the staff is super friendly, and you can confidently go about your day knowing that you are putting quality ingredients in your system. My favorite go-to Juice Nation snacks are the chocolate peanut butter smoothie, and the acai bowl. 

Juice Nation is a beacon of Black Wellness in the community. It's the perfect spot to grab a cold-pressed juice for a picnic at the park, or a smoothie after a kayak ride on the Grand River. Or you can cozy up with the Vanilla Bean Mocha for a movie night. Yum!

Juice Nation is has 3 locations in the Lansing, Michigan area. For more info visit their Facebook and Website. 

#ReelArtsyLansing #ReelArtsyWellness

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