Fashion

Benny Andallo’s Wild and Whimsical Hats Aren’t for Wallflowers

“A hat is basically a toy.”…

Andallo started making his hats around a year-and-a-half ago, after studying menswear at Central Saint Martins. “I just wanted to spice my head up,” Andallo says. “I was making hats for myself out of different scraps of fabrics; I had loads of fabric from university and from [fabric] hunting.” To this day, he still rarely buys new fabrics, unless absolutely crucial. “I work best when I’m really limited,” he says. “Everything is spontaneous. I’ve accumulated so much fabric, so I work with whatever I have, unless someone orders custom.” His use of his signature faux furs, for instance, began randomly: “I started using that from a jacket that my cousin was throwing out,” he says.

A hat usually takes about a day to make, as Andallo hand-sews everything himself in a studio that he sometimes shares with his boyfriend, the artist Ed Curtis. They’ve even collaborated on hats for special projects, including shoots for Curtis’s fashion line. Curtis makes kaleidoscopic, trippy fashion as well, and the two often discuss color and texture when working together. “Color in general is a hard thing for people to put on their body,” Andallo says. But there’s clearly color-lovers out there: Andallo takes the majority of his orders through Instagram, which are constantly filled with inquiries. “A lot of people don’t really wear hats, so I always find it surprising when people buy hats off of me.”

Unsurprisingly, his clientele is mostly creative types—people who aren’t afraid to take a risk and wear a bold hat. “I get a lot of people who just have spicy energy,” he says. “Hats have always been more of a practical thing, they’ve never been seen as a statement piece, which is weird, because when you first look at someone, you look at their head.” Andallo says even when he wears his own creations, he turns heads. “London is gray, so I get a lot of reactions when I’m walking around in one of my hats,” he says. The best part about bringing his hats in the world, however? They bring a smile to people, and can even convert the most unassuming of people into fans. “I have a lot of straight men come up to me and give me a compliment!”

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Fashion

Raekwon Unveils “The Emperor’s New Clothes” With All-Star Lineup

Raekwon, a legendary rapper known for his role in the Wu-Tang Clan, has just announced his long-awaited eighth studio album, titled “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” set to be released through Mass Appeal. Although no singles have been shared yet, the album is already creating a buzz and is highly anticipated this summer. It’s been seven years since Raekwon last released a solo album, and this new project feels more like a grand return than just another release.

He’s teamed up with a mix of familiar faces from the Wu-Tang Clan and some fresh talent in hip-hop. Listeners can look forward to clever lyrics and captivating stories filled with raw emotion. Raekwon has invited his Wu-Tang brothers Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck to feature on the album, ensuring a classic blend that fans love. He’s also brought in well-respected artists outside of the Wu-Tang family, like Nas and members of the Griselda collective, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway The Machine, who are known for their gritty style.

Adding to the variety, singers Stacy Barthe and Marsha Ambrosius will provide soulful vocals to complement Raekwon’s hard-hitting verses. The album’s production features talented names like Swizz Beatz, Nottz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, Frank G, and Roadsart, promising a rich, cinematic sound that matches Raekwon’s lyrical skills. Even with such an impressive lineup, there’s still a sense of mystery around the album. There have been no early songs or previews released, just the announcement itself, which builds even more expectation.

But for Raekwon, this is part of his journey. He has always delivered powerful lyrics and relatable street stories without much introduction. The title, The Emperor’s New Clothes, suggests a fresh start and a daring vision that might challenge the current state of rap. With his experienced flow and storytelling still sharp, Raekwon seems prepared to reestablish his place among the top artists in hip-hop.

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Fashion

Wendy Williams Makes Stylish Splash At Columbia Supporting Her Designer

In a delightful surprise for fans and fashion enthusiasts, Wendy Williams made a rare appearance at Columbia University on Tuesday, and everyone couldn’t help but notice her. The former talk show host was in high spirits as she showed up to support her longtime friend and fashion designer, Mel Maxi. Wendy looked fantastic in a stylish black-and-white outfit that included a Yankee hat and her trademark flair.

Designed by Maxi himself, her outfit was not just chic but also had a personal touch that highlighted her vibrant personality. In a heartwarming moment recorded on video, Wendy told Maxi, “This is amazing! This was specifically designed for me… this is really hand done.” Wendy came to cheer on Maxi, who was set to give a lecture about fashion design at the prestigious university. Her appearance was a meaningful moment between two creative friends who have supported each other for years. Wendy’s presence emphasized the importance of friendship and collaboration in the creative world.

As she walked by, a nearby fan shouted their love for Wendy, and she instinctively responded with her signature warmth and enthusiasm: “Thank you!” she exclaimed with a big smile. After being away from the spotlight for months, Wendy’s visit was a refreshing change for fans who have missed her lively spirit. There were no fancy events or flashing cameras, just Wendy enjoying the moment, supporting a friend, and reminding us all of the significance of showing up for the people we care about.

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