Fashion

A Conversation With Marcella Nunez-Smith, Co-Chair of Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Board

“We are in the darkest place now—period, full stop. Can we disrupt this? I think and hope so, if we can all get unified around the things we know work.”…

When we talk about preexisting conditions and the risks that are conveyed with those conditions, we don’t look backwards. It can be easy to say people have made bad choices and that’s why they are living with diabetes or hypertension. But prevention begins with access to high-quality health care. We don’t think about the environment: Is there access to healthy food, safe outdoor space for exercise? We don’t talk about the environmental toxins that contribute to asthma or other conditions. We don’t talk about the over-representation of Black and brown people in frontline jobs that we have deemed essential—or people who have to go out to sustain their livelihoods. It’s important to put those factors on the radar. Otherwise, it can seem like race is a biological phenomenon—which it is not—and it puts the onus on the individual to do better without understanding the broader picture.

We have surpassed a number of deaths that seemed inconceivable when the pandemic began, with more than 250,000 people dead from COVID-19. And yet, people continue to behave in ways that put themselves and others at risk. Do you think that this is persisting because of a degree of racism in the way that people are processing those deaths?

From my perspective, it is troubling how slowly the reality has been sinking in. This is all anecdotal, but I have heard that some people, in more affluent communities early on, said things like, “This is a disease that affects people of color.” It became this othering that allowed people to say, “I’m not part of that group, I don’t need to curtail my behavior or socially distance or use face coverings.”

But the sad reality is that it’s getting harder and harder to find a person of any background who doesn’t know someone who has been significantly affected by COVID. So much of how we experience information and how we experience truth is through our tight social networks. There might be, for many, an understanding now that they didn’t have in March.

According to a PEW Research Center survey from September, the number of people who say they would get a vaccine is fairly low and has been declining over the course of 2020. [This was before the Pfizer and Moderna announcements in recent days.] Reluctance is particularly high among Black Americans, who have cited racist medical interventions of the past in their reasoning. How do you counter this kind of thinking and help people become comfortable with the vaccine?

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Fashion

Cardi B’s $60K Birkin Bag Gets The ‘Mommy Treatment’ As Daughter Unleashes Her Creativity

In a moment of relatable frustration, Cardi B took to Instagram to share a funny yet surprising story about her expensive $60,000 Birkin bag, one of her favorite items from her luxury collection. Known for her bold personality and honest social media posts, Cardi revealed that one of her daughters had turned the fancy purse into a makeshift canvas, drawing a heart on it without permission. “Look what my daughter did to my purse,” Cardi said dramatically in her Instagram Story, showing off the iconic bag to her followers. “I literally spent $60,000 on this purse,” she exclaimed, still amazed by the unexpected ‘artwork’ from her little girl.

Although she was frustrated, the mom of three tried to take it all in stride, at least for the moment. Cardi values her hard-earned luxury items, especially her growing collection of high end bags. However, as any parent knows, kids have a skill for creating chaos even in the most cherished parts of life. For Cardi, that chaos includes her high-priced accessories. The post quickly gained attention online, with fans sympathizing with Cardi’s situation. Many found humor in the irony of the event, while others offered support, pointing out that such moments are just part of the unpredictable journey of parenthood. Cardi has previously emphasized that family is her top priority, even if it means dealing with some messiness.

Check out this article: Offset Calls For Peace As He Pursues Truce With Cardi B’s Fans After Drama

But Cardi’s frustration didn’t stop there. She later took to Twitter to respond to comments made by Kanye West regarding her staying power in the spotlight. While she didn’t mention him directly, her tweet, “7 years 1 album… STILL being a topic and STILL being asked about my music!!!” sent a clear message. She confidently asserted her spot in the entertainment world, clarifying that her fans, known as “The Brim,” are not going anywhere. In the end, whether it’s a damaged Birkin bag or dealing with critics, Cardi B repeatedly shows that she remains unfazed by the ups and downs of fame, always staying true to herself and her family.

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Fashion

Kai Cenat Powers Up The BAPE By KidSuper Collection, Bringing Bold Streetwear Vision to Life

The collaboration between BAPE by KidSuper and Kai Cenat has officially launched, and it’s making waves in the streetwear world. Released on April 12, the BAPE by KidSuper collection represents a blend of BAPE’s iconic style from Japan with the vibrant, energetic vibe of KidSuper, which has its roots in Brooklyn. This partnership is particularly significant for KidSuper’s founder, Colm Dillane, who started his journey selling handmade t-shirts outside BAPE stores. Now, he’s a key creative partner with the legendary brand. What sets this collection apart is its deep connection to culture.

Social media star Kai Cenat plays a major role in promoting the collection, bringing a youthful energy that perfectly matches the spirit of the collaboration. The release captures a mix of past influences and modern style, appealing directly to today’s trend-conscious audience. The first look at the collection was revealed during Paris Fashion Week at KidSuper’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, titled “From a Place I Have Never Been.” This wasn’t just a typical fashion show; it was an immersive experience featuring oversized clothing, bright colors, and a comic-inspired theme celebrating youth, memories, and imagination. These ideas are reflected in every piece of the collection, from graphic t-shirts to special sneakers, jackets, and clogs, making each item feel like a unique piece of art.

Also check this one out: Kai Cenat Offers Passionate Critique and Directorial Vision for Drake’s Latest Video

The design and packaging of the collection are also very creative, enhancing the overall experience. The packaging, inspired by comic books, ensures that this collection is a celebration of a special moment in streetwear history. Raystar, who also participated in the show, infused his own creative energy into the project, adding another level of excitement to this already iconic partnership. In a time when collaborations are common, the BAPE by KidSuper collection stands out by tapping into the core of street culture and creativity. It’s a collection that many collectors and trendsetters are going to want to have.

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