Close to 50 people convened at the Nordstrom flagship store just south of Central Park in Manhattan for The Bôhten Experience, a celebration of Bôhten's recent launch in Nordstrom stores across North America. The exclusive, one-time-only experience was the first of its kind for the company and the leading fashion retailer, and included a fireside chat centered around conversations tied to Black culture and identity.

Moderated by Who What Wear editor, Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, the event featured guests including fashion stylist Ashley Afriyie; Founder of Petite Ivy Press and Author of The Black Market and Charles Moore and Executive Director of The Dikan Center, Paul Ninson.

A large part of the conversation focused on how the Black experience has transformed how they work and live, providing advice to an audience who left the event inspired and informed. Panelists shared lessons on the trials and triumphs they have faced as they worked to build sustainable brands that have made a lasting impact for themselves and the world around them.

Bôhten’s founders, Nana Boateng Osei and Nana Kwadwo Osei conceived the idea to create a powerful eyewear company rooted in Black culture, identity and influence almost 10 years ago with just a simple vision: to transform how people saw the world. As Bohten heads into its 10-year anniversary next year, the brand has almost quadrupled in size – and the successful launch of this event is just the beginning for the brand.

“There’s been so many phases of the company. Every three years there’s been some form of an evolution within the brand, not just with products but how to communicate with our customers and building a better foundation,” said Bôhten’s co-founder and CEO, Nana Boateng Osei. “Speaking the language of our consumers and their communities is significant for us. We are trying to take things to the next level.”

Bôhten x Nordstrom: The Bôhten Experience