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Welcome to another edition of Launch Digest, where we bring you the latest and greatest product launches to hit the market across the DTC universe. This week, we’re going to the U.S. Open – not actually, but aesthetically. While the cultural fixation on recreational sports and nostalgic, preppy activewear is nothing new, our inboxes were deluged with tennis-oriented launches this week. We’re talking beverages, accessories, and clothing. Don’t worry if your backhand’s a little rusty – we’ll have you playing (or at least shopping) like a pro in no time.
The Tennis Digest
Courtside, which debuted this summer, dares to enter the alternative beverage game with its tennis-oriented branding (and name, of course). “Made for movement,” these bright cans are packed with coconut water for immediate hydration, fruit juice, and a bit of fizz. While these ingredients don’t seem all too extraordinary or groundbreaking, Courtside is just one of many contemporary brands selling you more than just a beverage – it’s an accessory to your young, fun, recreational lifestyle. Try the Warmup Pack ($46.99), which will pair beautifully with your athletic aesthetic. Cheers!
Rothy’s is harvesting – literally – from past tennis games to make a collection of accessories you’ll wear on and off the courts. In 2021, the brand collected 72,000 Evian bottles from the U.S. Open. Now, those bottles have a new life in Rothy’s tennis capsule collection, made with the brand’s signature 3D knitting process. Whether you’re in the market for a slip-on sneaker ($125), a racket bag ($325), or sun-protective hats (from $75), Rothy’s and Evian have you covered with a collaboration that’s impressively imaginative, and refreshingly sustainable.
Arthur Ashe, a new tennis and lifestyle brand shared via Rowing Blazer’s Instagram and due for an official launch today, dedicates itself to the legacy of its namesake tennis icon and activist. The first Black man to win the U.S. Open, Arthur Ashe was also a champion for civil rights, AIDS awareness and research, and equal access to healthcare. A portion of all proceeds from this new brand will go to the Arthur Ashe Legacy Fund at UCLA and Social Change Fund United. Be an early adopter: shop the brand new brand today.
Stay Bronzed With Merit – Even If You’re Not Earning Your Glow On The Courts, $30
Last week, clean beauty brand Merit launched its Bronze Balm ($30), a sheer, buildable bronzer that creates natural warmth and soft definition. The last time I used bronzer, I was in high school, and the emotional scars from noticeable contour streaks were enough to keep me far away from any “sunkissed” beauty tool since. But this Balm – deemed the easiest bronzer, ever, by the brand – might have me crawling back. It’s already racking up hundreds of rave reviews on the Merit site; try it out, let us know what you think.
For Living Single: Our Place Launches Minis, from $86
Our Place just launched miniature versions of its best-selling Always Pan and Perfect Pot. Sure, they’re great for reheating leftovers, simmering sauces, and whipping up side dishes – but they’re really shining stars for home cooks who live alone, perhaps in small spaces. Yes, I’m talking about myself (and maybe you, too?). Grab both with the Mini Home Cook Duo ($179) for a set that packs a multifunctional punch.
A few more style launches to chew on (and window shop)…
Coach introduced its “Coachies Collection,” a Fall capsule collection of bags that have…personalities? Some pieces are neutral and chic, others are…concerningly cutesy cartoon characters. They remind me of Prada’s Tessuto Robot totes, but much more eerie and anthropomorphic. Perhaps best worn by pre-teens who can also afford Coach purses.
Uniqlo brings back its limited collection with Inès De La Fressange for FW22, one of my favorite recurring collaborations for high-quality basics I end up wearing (and loving) for years. The jackets and coats are angling for a spot in your Autumn wardrobe. Make your selects now, and prepare for a cutthroat quick sell-out when it officially launches on September 15.
If you’re getting married, Sandy Liang and Rosie Assoulin have launched bridal collections. I’m nowhere close to being a bride, but these pieces are enough to make me dream about dressing like one – and the Sandy Liang lookbook has me fiending for a perfect pair of ballet flats.
I’ll be back next week with a new set of launches in the DTC universe. Email me directly – zoe@thequalityedit.com – with any launches you’d like to see in the spotlight, or DM us over @thequalityedit.
