Iqbal is VP of Operations here at Social Studies and our resident fashion guru (making him not only business savvy, but sartorially smart, too). Iqbal's always dressed to the nines and has his finger on the ever-beating pulse of the fashion industry - an industry whose influence transcends clothes and seeps into every facet of our lives.
Fashion, in effect, impacts how we gather, entertain, work, relax, express ourselves - the list goes on. And with that, we welcome you to the first installment of Iqbal In Vogue - an exploration of color trends from the spring/summer 2021 couture collections. Read on for Iqbal's take on each trend and swipe to see how we bring the runway into our everyday and how you can, too.
1.
Don't be shy...leeean into green! Acid and fluorescent is the energy boost we need to shake off winter and get into spring/summer...but come fall, I'll probably be swapping those out for darker shades.
Dakota Johnson has single-handedly convinced us that we too need a green kitchen. And yes we tracked down the exact paint color for you: Benjamin Moore's Alligator Alley. 
Go green for your next gathering with Essentials Sage c/o yours truly. 
Kudos to you if you can get your hands on one. Telfar's cult classic 'Shopping Bag' is THE accessory of the season. Shown here in the Dark Olive colorway. *Black-owned business!* 
We love bringing life into our space with plants and Urbanstems makes it easy. The Love Fern with accompanying mister (pictured) offers greenery and nostalgia. This set is a collab with none other than Kate Hudson's King St. Vodka brand.
2.
Pastels...but make it FASHION. I'm weak for these unexpected pastels from Valentino Spring 2021 Couture. The limoncello and earth color combo undoubtedly got MY attention...proving that you don't have to be loud to make an impact!
We're twisting and shouting with joy at the sight of these must-have HAY candles. Shown here in the Caramel / Blush / Lavender colorway. 
Menu Design in America: 1850-1985 showcases an extraordinary collection of paper ephemera and also serves as a history of restaurants and dining out in America. Foodies, bookworms, art & design lovers rejoice! 
Social Studies' Broken Beauty - the stuff pastel dreams are made of. 
Brother Vellis has made the coziest cotton socks EVER - aptly called the Cloud Sock - and we pretty much live in them. The proceeds from the Lavender colorway (pictured) fund their mask making and food distribution initiative in Kenya. *Black-owned business!*
3.
On the other hand...sometimes loud is just what your mood calls for and fuchsia will always get noticed. Is a head-to-toe-hot-pink-extravaganza your vibe? Try mixing materials...a little metallic goes a long way!
Like fuchsia, our newest look, NSFW, is BOLD and let's just say...cheeky. We might not recommend her for that annual office holiday party, but do go crazy for your next girls night, bachelorette, or ya know...Sunday brunch. 
Fuchsia flowers add instant joy to your living space or any social gathering. This arrangement (aka masterpiece) is by LA-based @renkofloral 
These colorful wineglasses by Estelle make a perfect host gift or treat for yourself. The color? Fuchsia, of course. *Black-owned business!* 
The daily reminder we all need, and can now send to our ride-or-dies. Slay All Day boxed stationary set by Effie's Paper. *Black-owned business!*
4.
We see solid color blocking on runways a lot and it rarely disappoints. But this season's mix of colors and materials are a fresher take than I've seen in recent seasons. Tangerine and lavender for the win!
It's 5 o'clock now as far as we're concerned and this trio is calling our name. Gia 3 Pack from gia coppola wine. 
BAGGU's new Reusable Cloth Sets are multifunctional and come in a variety of playful prints (shown here in the Daisy colorway). Keep one in your bag or car should you need to mask up in a pinch! 
Sure we love drinking wine, but we also love learning about it. Especially when our teacher is world-class sommelier Aldo Sohm. Doesn't hurt that this book makes a stunning addition to our coffee table. 
Color Block: A Social Studies fan favorite among the young AND young at heart.
5.
You'll find something, in some shade of blue, on my person at all times. So much so that someone should make a drinking game out of it...(note to self: "make drinking game out of it"). Needless to say, I'm on board for all the cobalt this season has to offer! Take a shot if you dream in blue too!
Oracle Olive Oil is a premium Greek extra virgin olive oil made from 100% organic Koroneiki olives and is absolutely *chef's kiss* for cooking, dressing, dipping - you name it! 
La DoubleJ's entire Wildbird Blu collection is on our forever wish list, just sayin. 
Cobalt, royal, baby, cerulean - we love all shades of blue here at Social Studies if you couldn't tell. The pictured look is Blue Splatter if you like what you see. 
This D.S. & Durga x Johnnie Walker BLUE LABEL candle smells of the finest whisky, coastal highland air, rarest oak and reindeer moss. Truly hypnotic.
6.
The ultimate neutral, always chic, always fashionable black was all over the collections, as always. But Daniel Roseberry took it to the next level with his Schiaparelli Spring 2021 Couture collection. (Pro-tip: do yourself a favor and check out the whole collection...smelling salts not included). I'll be excitedly awaiting whatever is next from the geniuses at Schiaparelli. Bravo Mr. Roseberry!
Dalí, Les dîners de Gala reveals the exotic flavors and elaborate imaginings behind the legendary dinner parties of Salvador and Gala Dalí. A perfect marriage of fine art and dining. 
Possible that Daniel Roseberry found inspiration for his latest collection for Schiaparelli from our very own Blanc de Noir? 
This L'OBJET Bibliothèque Candle is l'object of our home fragrance dreams. 
Pro-tip: order your BLK&BOLD teas and coffees in bulk and save yourself the panic that comes with running low. *Black-owned business!*
