In The Land of Muses, Lennox & Harvey

One of the joys of the island of Martha’s Vineyard are the discoveries, whether it be beaches, restaurants, markets, or stores. It’s almost like a sport to find the best of this and the best of that. After all these summers in Martha’s Vineyard, I finally got to experience the shopping delight of Lennox & Harvey, a black-owned business run by two life partners. Mark Chung and Eric Coles, former New Yorkers who worked in the fashion industry for three decades, did us all a favor in 2017 when they set up shop in Vineyard Haven. Right on the main drag, one of the best curated general lifestyle stores awaits your every laid-back, sophisticated need.

The store ranging from housewares to beach gear to clothing and skin care, is elegant, yet accessible. Stylish and of clear quality, each brand is handpicked for their design, sustainability, craftsmanship, and support of family-owned, women-owned, and black-owned brands. But it’s the holistic thoughtfulness that draws you in… and makes you trust Mark and Eric’s edited lifestyle choices that could easily become lifelong treasures that satisfy your real needs while vacationing on the beloved island.

With their equally soulful playlist, the vibe inside also feels like a gathering place that attracts the island magic of running into a long-lost friend or the ease of making a new one. One who is willing to offer their favorite things to do on the island, thus expanding your experience and perhaps the real need for the beach mat made in New York from the 50- year-old family-owned business, Original Madras Trading Company. Or, for the rainy day in the forecast, a puzzle from Black female-owned Apostrophe Puzzles will pair nicely. Or the stylish relaxed clothing– a vintage fabric patchwork dress for me from a Black female designer friend of theirs from Brooklyn and the hand-dyed and crafted pants from Kardo, a slow fashion menswear line, for Salim.

It’s clear, given how patient each customer is to talk to Mark and Eric about their opinion or the origin story of the curated items from their global travels, that they are TRUSTED for their vision and selection of

Lennox & Harvey. They invite us to shop for the things we need but make it easy for us to fall in love with it for a lifetime in order to make a lifetime of stylish memories.

Next time you’re on the island… stop by and tell them Mara sent you. You’re welcome.