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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. As temperatures are dropping this week – yes, even in Los Angeles – DTC brands are opening the floodgates on winter launches. From ski collections to ultra-hydrating masks to home decor that’ll even keep your dining room table warm, it’s time to prepare for a season of all things merry and bright. But don’t worry – we’ve also got plenty of bizarre launches, like luxury drawstring sneakers and plant-food made by worms. Let’s get to it.
Cometeer Keeps You Caffeinated All Winter Long, $99
Earlier this week, Cometeer released its Holiday Collection ($99) – and it’s the perfect gift for the coffee and ceramics lover in your life (if you can snag it before it sells out). Made in collaboration with East Fork and Chef David Chang, the collection features East Fork’s Mug in a limited “Peachy Keen” colorway and Dave’s choice of Cometeer Coffees, including three unique 8-packs of Cometeer’s precision-brewed frozen coffee from George Howell, Go Get Em Tiger, and Counter Culture. Whether you prefer a warm latte or an affogato – or even an espresso martini – Cometeer’s Holiday Collection delivers your caffeine fix with all of the delicious flavor (and none of the brewing work).
You Might Need This Face Mask, Scientifically Speaking, $215
While it’s no secret that Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream is one of the hottest luxury skincare items on the market, I’ve only recently learned of the brand’s origin story. It checks out that the brand’s eponymous founder is a biomedical scientist and physician who specializes in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Bader invented a revolutionary Wound Gel in 2008 that heals severe skin traumas – and used that technique to inspire and develop all of AB’s skincare. While dry winter skin is not medically considered a severe skin trauma, it might still feel that way. Lucky for us all, the brand launched its new Face Cream Mask ($215) this week, formulated with its patented technology to provide an instant dose of hydration while working to lift and tighten skin over time. And yes, the brand did 12-week clinical trials to prove it. Treat yourself to a little add-to-cart TLC.
Gigi Hadid Styles Your Aprés Ski, price varies
We’ve covered Gigi Hadid’s cashmere brand, Guest In Residence, in a prior Launch Digest. TL;DR: while many celebrities have bad brands, this is not one of them. Hadid (or more likely, her managing business team) are turning out timeless, high-quality, and versatile cashmere pieces in vibrant pastels and neutrals. This week, the brand dropped a new Ski Lodge collection and yes, everything is great. From the Polo ($395) to the Vest ($265) to the Dickie ($95) and of course, the Balaclava ($145), suddenly I’m fantasizing about how great I’d look in the Swiss Alps.
The Very Warm Makes Puffers For – You Guessed It – Very Cold Winters, price varies
For winter wear that’s slightly more functional than a cashmere vest, I’m looking to The Very Warm, a new(ish) label based in NYC making beautiful, carbon-neutral outerwear from recycled materials. The brand recently launched on SSENSE, beginning with a few select puffer jackets, artist editions, and best-selling Realtree EDGE collaboration. Drop that Canada Goose, please. There’s a better way, and it’s The Very Warm.
Strange Shoe Collaborations That Are So Slightly Wrong…They Just Might Be Totally Right?
Intentionally “ugly” shoes are nothing new – chunky Filas and GORP-core performance-oriented sneakers have been en vogue for much of the last year or two. Still, I’m always stunned by absurd styles that seem to challenge the consumer: would you dare spend THIS much money on a shoe that looks THIS crazy?
Enter: Maison Margiela’s MM6 and Salomon. The two teamed up to launch a curious little sculptural piece for your feet that retails at $360, first seen in Margiela’s Fall/Winter 2022 show – and now available for your DTC purchase. The sneaker features a classic lug sole that reinterprets Salomon’s signature Speedcross pattern, and a polyester upper that bungee cinches around the ankle. While the shoe seems absurd at first glance, it belies a surprising functionality that is true to the Salomon performance-ready ethos. What better way to prepare for rainstorms, muddy hikes, and outdoor trekking adventures than a shoe that doubles as a couture trash bag?
In other interesting (and perhaps more approachable) news for your feet, New Balance partnered with Mowalola to design a Y2K take on NB’s classic 9060 ($149.99). A spacer mesh upper, leather overlay, and silicone pops of color make the shoes feel like they belong in a video game. Or maybe in your closet, if you’re a New Balance loyalist like me.
The Hottest Collab Of All Time: Mushrooms x Worms, $19.99
This week, Smallhold partnered with Brothers Worm Farm and Break It Down to produce its new Mushroom Vermicompost ($19.99), a nutrient-dense plant food made of compost and worm castings from Central Texas food waste to feed your houseplants and garden. The Compost, like many of Smallhold’s partnership efforts, is a strong reflection of the brand’s dedication to natural food systems and resilient ecosystems across the planet – and a testament to the beautiful and ongoing collaboration between mushrooms and worms since the beginning of time (perhaps the hottest collab to ever be featured in a Launch Digest). Add to cart, and then add to your potting soil.
Delights For Your Holiday Table (And, Dare I Say, Tree…)
We’ve arrived at our “it’s definitely the holidays” section of the Launch Digest – and I’m forecasting many more merry launches in the coming weeks. Today, I’ll just drop Shrimps’ new and adorable Christmas Capsule, which features all things knitted, from stockings ($99) to baby bonnets ($60) to placemats ($240).
Sophie Lou Jacobsen, maker of gorgeous glassware for your kitchen cabinet and Ghia-influenced bar cart, is angling for a spot on your ultra-chic Christmas tree. The designer launched the Dot Ornament ($40) this week, made of borosilicate glass and available in five equally charming dual colorways. I’ve never had a Christmas tree, but I may be acquiring one or three of these to hang in my window as a year-round sun-catcher. Stunning trinkets are non-denominational.
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.
