Favorite Brand Identities
Contemporary brands and businesses that I love—not just for their product, but for the feel and experience they create for consumers through their holistic approach to defining who they are as a brand
These are…
Vacation® Inc.
Vacation describes themselves as “Sunscreen that takes leisure as seriously as it takes protection.” Beyond just their offerings of sun protection and nostalgic leisure gear, I’m a serious fan of their dedication to their brand’s feel―including the lore they publish on their “Instagram site.”
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Poolsuite FM (formerly Poolside FM) and
The same makers of the aforementioned Vacation sunscreen brand offer an internet radio platform of endless groovy vibes. They even have their own Substack newsletter.
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Ghia
My favorite non-alcoholic aperitif line. I love everything they produce, including their line of chocolate hazelnut Ghianduja spread, and the sweet collateral and merch they dream up with every release and special occasion. Every time I indulge in one of their offerings I feel like I get to enjoy a taste of luxury mediterranean coast. *cin cin*
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Okay to Rest
Okay to Rest by Claire Hacker is my favorite leisure brand, reminding us to slow down and take care. The brand’s message is genuine, authentic, and so human. Claire has always put so much thought and care into every design, concept, and release, reminding us all of the core ethics and mission behind the label. It’s hard not to fall in love with OTR.
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Lark
Lark is a distributor of still, sparkling, and naturally infused spring waters served through a closed loop glass bottle and can service, based in Ontario, Canada. I wish I was local so that I could be on their delivery route. I’ve been a fan of their brand ethos for a minute, and continue to admire them from afar. I hear they are working on delivery services to NY and LA…
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Cliik
These modular, multi-use storage containers are adorable. Their colors and branding are super nostalgic.
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Not Beer
Another sparkling water company. It’s pretty self-explanatory how fun their brand is. As someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, I appreciate the playful packaging designed to mimic classic Budweiser packaging.
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Gil Rodriguez
One of my favorite made-in-USA slow fashion lines. Designer Eliana Gil Rodriguez's designs and her eye for the look and feel of the pieces she creates are timeless.
I love visiting her boutique in Los Feliz, which matches the brand’s vibe perfectly by offering a mix of vintage fashion and home goods for sale in addition to the house line, with my favorite funk and disco jams as the soundtrack.
She even hosts a seasonal vintage market, called El Ojo, that I am hoping to have align with one of my visits to LA just once!
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Laurel Bath House
This new body wash brand aims to provide “the world’s best smelling body wash” that’s non-toxic and sustainable, too. I love the thoughtful incorporation of ingredients that support and nourish the skin’s barrier, like facial grade vitamins and active niacinamide. Founders and husband and wife duo, David Teitelbaum and Laura Pandolfo bring the fun with their educational + cheeky copy.
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American Water
Lots of water companies in this list. I love how each creatively finds ways to set themselves apart from the others, while making hydration fun.
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Dos
Dos is an emerging chip brand offering seed oil-free potato chips fried in beef tallow. I love founder Mills McQueen’s storytelling in this short film about the conception and production of Dos.