Swimsuits for Summer Solstice and a Socially Distant Summer
Hit up your friends with big backyards and pools.

June 21st marks the Summer Solstice, and while traditionally the unofficial start of Summer across America is Memorial Day weekend, COVID-19 has derailed many Summer plans, but that doesn't mean Summer is completely ruined.
Enjoying time outdoors while following CDC guidelines on preventing the spread of the coronavirus is a reality many are still adjusting to. Even as cities are opening up again, you might not want to grab a flight to a far-flung locale just yet—my family's native Jamaica just reported 5 new coronavirus cases (which were imported from the United States & Canada)—in what seemed like just moments after reporting 14 new cases on the island, also brought in from the United States.
So, shopping for chic swimwear to sit poolside in your friend's backyard is a welcome bit sunshine. Below I've highlighted a few of the swimwear and accessories that have made it to my wishlist—featuring all Black designers to honor the significant progress the Black Lives Matter movement has achieved. And also because search has spiked on Black-owned businesses.
BRANDS I'VE INCLUDED:
I was first introduced to the Heron Preston brand when I was working on the social media team at Barneys New York (R.I.P Barneys).
LemLem is a sustainable fashion brand by supermodel Liya Kebede—I was introduced to this brand in 2018 while I was working on the 'sustainability issue' for the April 2019 O, The Oprah Magazine issue.
Brother Vellies was also apart of that 'sustainability issue' of Oprah Magazine and even before then I admired the brand—recently, the founder, Aurora James, rallied brands to take part in a new industry initiative, #15PercentPledge in support of Black-owned businesses.
All your favorites loves Cushnie—hello, Michelle Obama and Rihanna. If you're in the mood for more shopping, you should also check out the bright new size-inclusive Cushnie for Target collection.
Jade Swim is another brand I was introduced to while working at Oprah Magazine during our massive swimsuit issue—I absolutely love this brand's fit and minimalism.
Grammy award-winning artist Lizzo has a new collaboration with Australian sunglasses company Quay. Quay has committed to donating $150,000 amongst the Equal Justice Initiative, The Loveland Foundation, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Change the Record. Last Summer I visited the Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama which examines the history of racial inequality and economic injustice in America.
Lastly, the Telfar tote is the 'It Bag' of the moment and Beyoncé just included the brand in her curated list of Black-owned brands, after most color-ways and sizes were already sold out!
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