Rediscovering Heritage and Community Through Scent, Books, and Craftsmanship
A new fragrance collection by a visionary stylist brings personal history to life through evocative scents. Beverly Nguyen, the owner of a Manhattan home and gift store named Beverly’s, has launched a trio of multi-purpose sprays that reflect her family's legacy and her own experiences. Each scent in the Memory Book line tells a unique story: Dawn, with its citrus and musk notes, evokes early morning beach trips; Joy Ride, infused with sandalwood and leather, recalls childhood car journeys; and Wedding, featuring frankincense and cedar, captures the solemnity of religious ceremonies. For Nguyen, these fragrances are more than just products—they're a way to share her world and connect with others.
Across the country, a resurgence of LGBTQ+ bookstores is fostering vibrant communities and providing safe spaces for expression. These independent shops, from Hive Mind Books in Brooklyn to Charlie’s Queer Books in Seattle, offer a curated selection of literature by and about LGBTQ+ authors. They also serve as hubs for social gatherings, workshops, and grassroots organizing. In regions like Florida, where book bans have become prevalent, stores like Common Ground Books in Tallahassee stand as beacons of inclusivity and resistance. This revival of physical bookstores highlights the enduring importance of community and shared spaces in an increasingly digital world.
In a celebration of craftsmanship, jewelry designer Kim Dunham has collaborated with Japanese artisans to create a luxurious stationery box. Known for her gold signet rings inspired by ancient traditions, Dunham now presents the Ritual of Writing—a hand-carved urushi box adorned with multiple layers of lacquer. The set includes wax sealing sticks, custom notecards, and an elegant matchbox case. Each piece is meticulously crafted over four months, embodying the value of patience and attention to detail. This exquisite creation invites users to pause and appreciate the art of writing, bridging the past with the present in a meaningful and tactile way.
The stories behind these products remind us of the power of heritage, community, and craftsmanship. Whether through the olfactory memories encapsulated in fragrances, the safe spaces provided by LGBTQ+ bookstores, or the meticulous artistry of handmade stationery, each item reflects a deeper connection to our roots and to one another. In a fast-paced world, these creations encourage us to slow down, reflect, and cherish the moments that shape who we are.