Fashion

The Designer Crafting ’40s-Inspired Clothes From High-End Castoffs

Patricia Voto’s newly launched One/Of blends sustainability and limited-edition luxury to dazzling effect….

While conceptualizing One/Of, Voto looked to her own treasure trove of a wardrobe. “[I have] a lot of old Dior, pieces I’ve bought from the ’40s,” she says. “Beautiful, classic shapes that are still so relevant now; timeless, really.” When thinking about how to bring these inspirations into the 21st century, she took special care to ensure that each silhouette would flatter a variety of bodies. “I’m trying to be mindful of making really easy, comfortable pieces for any size,” she says. In the end, though, the final result is pure Patricia. “It’s funny—when people look at the collection, they say, ‘Oh, this is very you,’” she says with a chuckle.

The launch of One/Of is a full-circle moment for Voto, who enrolled in the Parsons product design program while interning at showrooms and design firms around the city. “You’d get these orders for 20,000 or 30,000 units of something, and I’d be asking questions to my boss: ‘Who’s making these clothes? How come they’re so inexpensive? How can you get fabric that costs this much?’ And working backwards from that, I’d say, ‘Well, wait a minute. Something here doesn’t add up,’” Voto recalls. She went on to complete a thesis on sustainable fashion, creating a luxury ready-to-wear collection that highlighted artisan craftsmanship around the world.

After graduation, a friend of a friend asked Voto if she’d be interested in interning for Joseph Altuzarra, whose eponymous brand was just getting started at the time. “He took me under his wing, and honestly, it was such an incredible experience. I am forever grateful for and indebted to him for saying, ‘Yes, you, I’ll work with you,’” she says. In the years since, she’s logged stints with Brock Collection, Lisa Marie Fernandez, and more, but all throughout, Voto continued to dream of one day striking out on her own. “I wanted to take the time to really immerse myself in learning every aspect of what it takes to run a business,” she says. “It took me 10 years, and now I’m here.” Though she’d always dreamed of creating a clothing line centering sustainability, Voto cites her time working with Gabriela Hearst—whose eponymous label is known for its planet-first policy and impeccably crafted designs—as what encouraged her to make the leap.

The Designer Crafting 40sInspired Clothes From HighEnd Castoffs

For months before the launch, Voto flew back and forth to Europe to see Loro Piana yarns and textiles by the storied Maison Bucol in person, shipping her picks home from the hotel since she wasn’t able to board a plane with bulky bolts of fabric in tow. Once she’d traveled the world to find all the high-end fabric castoffs she needed, or as she puts it, done “lots of schlepping,” she decided to produce the line locally. “As a product developer, you really spend a lot of time with factory owners and workers and pattern makers,” Voto explains. “And you fall in love with everybody—or at least I do.” Seeing as how this past year has been a particularly difficult one for New York’s garment district, Voto—who’s self-funding her business—is as proud as she is grateful for the chance to have worked with local firms. “It goes both ways. I need them as much as they need me, and that’s why it’s such a strong partnership.”

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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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