Fashion

In Need of Some Street Style? Rei Shito’s New Book is Just the Fix

Rei Shito starting shooting street style in 2004, at the behest of the legendary Shoichi Aoki of FRUiTS. Almost two decades later, she is releasing her global archives in a new book by Rizzoli that is just the fix for WFH…

Rei Shito photographed taking pictures—on her iPhone!—at Paris Fashion Week
Photographed by Phil Oh

Suffice it to say, 2020 street style isn’t what it used to be. With everyone living a WFH life, the idea of getting dressed up and hitting the town just doesn’t resonate for now. But Rei Shito’s new book, Style on the Street: From Tokyo and Beyond, lets us relive the best street style moments of the past decade. Published by Rizzoli, Style on the Street is a comprehensive look at Shito’s global archive.

Shito has chronicled New York, London, Milan, and Paris fashion weeks for 16 years and remains one of the best-dressed and most unmissable photographers outside the shows. “I started shooting in 2004 when Shoichi Aoki, the editor in chief of FRUiTS, asked me to be a street photographer,” Shito says, “suddenly, so it happened.” Since that serendipitous moment, Shito has traveled the world, helping shape the look of a contemporary street style photography.

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person Skirt Female Woman and Fei Fei Sun — The cover of *Style on the Street: From Tokyo and Beyond*
Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli

Though the book starts with a self-described “boast”—“I take photos around the globe, and I can’t help but feel that Tokyo is head and shoulders above other cities when it comes to street fashion,” Shito writes it is a comprehensive look at how the fashionable have dressed for the better part of a decade. “There were many changes over the years. There are times when men’s fashion is more energetic than women’s, and other times on the contrary. There was a movement called ‘Mori-girl’ in Japan, which was based on the concept of ‘a girl who looks like she is living in the forest,’ and there were times when Normcore was a trend on the other hand,” Shito says. “Sometimes the whole industry is very vigorous and there are times when it’s not. I think the young kids, especially men’s fashion in Tokyo nowadays, is so powerful and fun. They are so passionate about fashion!”

Sorted by trends, the tome cycles through styles from “Pattern on Pattern” to “Hazushi / Zurashi” (Undoing/Shifting) as a means to encourage readers to try the styles themselves. “Throughout street photography, I strongly felt that fashion provides an opportunity to live your ideal life, a life that affirms who you are, and a power to change your life positively,” she says. “I hope that this book will become a way for readers to enjoy fashion.”

As for where street style is headed next, Shito feels as unsure as the rest of us. “I don’t know to be honest, and I think that may be the reason why I do street photography,” she says. “I want to photograph people on the street for as long as I can, it is my lifelong mission.”

Here, she selects five favorite images from her new book.

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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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