Favorite Finds

As T. D. NEXUS kicks off, I reflect on my favorite design finds— from clothing TO art, to all things in between!

Like so many others, one of my favorite pastimes is scrolling. . . I decided to be a little more productive with this pastime and am excited to share some of my favorite finds with you!

The things that catch my eye usually have a story to tell. Many are from small businesses and POCs. Some feature interesting shapes, colors, or materials. Others have a unique sense of humor or nostalgia. Each is unique and all are great conversation starters.

KNitwrth

Quality and individuality at an all-time high with these streetwear pieces. I can’t leave my apartment in my Jordan knitwrth sweater without constant compliments. Keep an eye out for new product drops. Iykyk and this brand moves QUICK!

Sue Tsai

Bold, edgy, and multifaceted, Sue Tsai is an Asian American artist from New York working on an impressive crossover of art, fashion, sports, and pop culture. I have four Sue Tsai pieces in my apartment alone, all adding bright colors, contrast, and coolness.

Derrick Adams

I discovered Derrick's art at Red Rooster in Harlem, sparking my quest for more information. Derrick, a Brooklyn-based artist, celebrates and broadens the discourse on contemporary Black life and culture. Through depictions of everyday scenes and resilience, he crafts an iconography centered on joy, leisure, and the pursuit of happiness, capturing the depth of the Black experience. The selected pieces are from his "Beauty World" series.

Nensi Dojka

Albania designer Nensi has a distinctive and easily recognizable aesthetic. She uses a detailed visual language with visible seams, sheer fabrics, and delicate straps to create a graphic effect on the body. Her collection includes bodywear like slim tulle, georgette tops, and form-fitting dresses, combined with more masculine tailoring. What makes her work special is its ability to highlight the softness of femininity, while still having a structured and geometric look.

Franca NYC

I've bought Franca vases for my home and given them as gifts to the important women in my life. Franca, located in Brooklyn, was founded on the concept that there are shared connections among us all. Regardless of your background or future path, there's something universal to be found. Franca aims to capture this common language, or "lingua franca," through its simple yet bold patterned ceramic masterpieces.

Rachel Ellenbogen

Talk about crazy attention to detail. Rachel Ellenbogen is a New York-based designer and embroiderer inspired by color, texture, and details. Her work focuses heavily on hand embroidery and applique. 

Kehinde Wiley

Wiley is a well-known artist in America, notably recognized for being the first African-American artist to paint an official U.S. Presidential portrait for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, featuring Barack and Michelle Obama. His art combines historical and contemporary elements, celebrating Black and brown people using visual themes of heroism and power. While owning an original Wiley may be a dream for some, he also offers a range of collectibles, making his art accessible to any home.

Katie Burdon

I came across Katie while searching for special artwork to enhance my friend's apartment and showcase her personality. Katie's breathtaking photos immediately captured my interest. Currently located in London, Katie is a director-photographer who centers her work around the female perspective, whether in photography or film. Her creations are marked by a profound sense of intimacy, celebrating the diverse aspects of the human experience. The chosen images above are from her collection titled, "Two Figures in a Room."

Raiffe

Brooklyn artist, Josh Raiffe gained recognition for his creations showcased in renowned galleries and publications. His prominence rose when he collaborated with Coperni to craft glass bags for Paris Fashion Week 2022. These bags are akin to modern glass slippers, but the best part is, there's no need for a Prince Charming –- we can secure these bags on our own.

Toiletpaper

Toiletpaper is a magazine and creative studio founded and run by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari. They have worked with many world-renowned brands on recognizable multimedia projects and also sell their own products through Seletti and Gufram. These humorous designs are sure to bring bright colors, fun patterns, and quirkiness into your home!

KidSuper

New York designer Colm Dillane had his recent mainstream big break when designing a collection for Louis Vuitton Winter Menswear 2023, but his KidSuper has been a cult favorite for years. The pieces echo his whimsical and extroverted personality, adorned with original painted graphics, fatuous scribbles, and clashing patterns.

Drake Cereal

The first piece of art my partner and I purchased together was by Drake Cereal. And the second. And the third. Drake Cereal is an independent art brand from Toronto, Canada, created by Sloan Brown. Sloan’s whimsical work is inspired by basketball, typography and sports subculture.