Fashion

Open Source Fashion Cookbook Is Sharing “Recipes” for Upcycling at Home, With Patterns by Raeburn, Chromat, and More

Created by New York label ADIFF, the sustainability-focused upcycling projects range from functional pocket systems to 53-step blanket coats….

You can spend almost a decade writing about fashion, and your laptop will still autocorrect lookbook to cookbook. It’s such a persistent, minor frustration that at first glance, ADIFF’s new book, Open Source Fashion Cookbook, looks like a typo. In fact, the cheeky name comes down to what’s inside: not runway photos or the behind-the-scenes images you might find in other designer tomes, but “recipes” for making your own clothes and accessories. The catch is that you can only use existing garments or materials as your ingredients.

The DIY projects range from simple additions, like a Perspex pocket you can tack onto a jacket, to more complicated, complete garments, like a shirtdress made from two button-downs; a bucket hat that repurposes a broken umbrella; or a 53-step blanket coat. Several designers contributed patterns from their archives, including Christopher Raeburn, Assembly’s Greg Armas, and Chromat’s Becca McCharen-Tran.

Those familiar with ADIFF, the three-year-old New York label by Angela Luna and Loulwa Al Saad, already know it’s a brand dedicated to sustainability and social justice. Many of their clothes are made with upcycled fabric, and their hero piece is a slick parka that transforms into a tent with the addition of a few poles. Launched in 2017, it’s sold on a buy-one-give-one model, with every jacket purchased providing another to a displaced or homeless person. It’s come to represent all of ADIFF’s tenets: that garments can be multi-functional, beyond simply clothing our bodies; that fashion should be both useful and inventive; and that what we wear should relate to the world around us.

In 2020, ADIFF planned to roll out a few designer collaborations, but they were put on hold during the pandemic. Luna and Al Saad spent the extra time sewing thousands of face masks for New York hospitals (they’re now available on their site, also on a buy-one-give-one model) and taking part in the Black Lives Matter protests. That’s where Luna found her inspiration for the cookbook: “It was the end of June, and I’d spent all this time at the protests and was feeling really frustrated by the industry,” she says. “All of these things were happening in the world, but I didn’t see them [reflected by] fashion at all. And that’s the reason I started ADIFF in the first place—to draw connections between global issues and fashion.” She felt particularly turned-off by the fact that even well-intentioned brands still ultimately ask us to buy something from them. How could ADIFF help people engage in fashion and sustainability outside of the traditional system?

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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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