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A-Cold-Wall Fall 2021 Menswear

The radical evolution, then, comes in the form of the business decisions which Ross has been working to implement over the past year, like the formal division of his brand into A-C-W and A-Cold-Wall. The former reflects “British youth culture: the kids in Manchester who are wearing Nike jersey tracksuits, made at a price point that reflects that.” The latter? A more mature customer, seeking a high-spec yet understated runway offering: “Take our bucket hat: its point of asymmetry is so subtle that it allows someone to wear something slightly abstract in their day-to-day,” Ross explains. Basically it’s the distillation of the designer’s personal dress codes—those which defined his Northampton upbringing, spent fixated on poly-nylon sportswear (ACW), and the Issey Miyake-heavy wardrobe he wears to work now (A-Cold-Wall). It’s a savvy move for a business that continues to expand at a remarkable rate: the designer proudly notes that his debut pre-fall collection surpassed sales expectations, even in the midst of a pandemic, by 180%.

Elsewhere, the grants which, last summer, Ross personally distributed to struggling Black-owned British businesses, or collaborated with Daniel Arsham to allocate to Black artists, designers, and architects, are now being brought under the umbrella of his business. “I’ve taken a slight pause because I want to make sure that what started off as a direct response can evolve into a system and a structure,” says Ross, who plans to orient the initiatives towards “any areas who need support: whether it’s POC, the working class, or trans people.” After all, he says, “My identity is part of the heartbeat of the brand and our following, but it’s not all of it. My identity politics and the company’s identity politics will always be interlinked, but they’re not one and the same. It’s more about a generational value system than one which is determined by race.”

If last year forced fashion’s hand in any direction besides loungewear, it was towards brands making their societal standpoints clear,  a sentiment that Ross is embracing enthusiastically. “In this day and age, it’s impossible for a modern business not to consider sharing and support the values of its consumer demographic,” reflects the designer. “It should just be a default to signal where you sit.” In terms of aesthetics and philosophies alike, and despite the newly-defined borders disrupting distribution, this season firmly positions Ross’s placement on the global stage.

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Fashion

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

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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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Wendy Williams Makes Stylish Splash At Columbia Supporting Her Designer

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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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