Fashion

The Disco Daddy Is a Crystal-Obsessed Designer to the Stars

“Disco is the intersect of nightlife, queer culture, sexual liberation, and glamour—all things that were lacking this year.”…

As Braccia got older, he became even more fascinated with stage wear and in awe of the greats like Bob Mackie. Eventually he became inspired to create clothes, too. “In high school, I would rhinestone girls’s graduation caps for money, and I would do cheerleading uniforms,” he says. When he moved to L.A. to pursue dance, his crystal work picked up momentum—especially when he started working with drag queens. “The way the fashion world is now, it’s all about minimalism and who can wear the least amount of sparkle,” Braccia says. “But I’m really gunning for something completely different, and a lot of drag queens gravitate towards that style, too.”

One of the first drag superstars Braccia started working with is his friend, Violet Chachki, who he met on tour as a dancer. They now often collaborate on her vampy, Old Hollywood-style outfits. Another personal highlight of his was earlier this year, when The Disco Daddy made a custom Swarovski bodysuit for Lizzo’s Grammys performance. “I did her costume, her boots, and all the dancers’s [costumes],” Braccia says. “That was one of my biggest accomplishments.” He says his shimmering designs lend themselves to these types of big events. “It adds an element to a performance that is necessary,” he says. “I don’t know if I would call it performance wear, but it’s definitely for someone who’s not trying to be subtle.”

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Female Person Evening Dress Fashion Gown Robe Dress and Woman — Photo: Steven Simione

The Disco Daddy Is a CrystalObsessed Designer to the Stars — Photo: Steven Simione

This fall, however, Braccia also branched out from his VIP work to do something for himself. He released a new campaign that showcases seven original designs, enlisting friends like Chachki to model the custom, one-off pieces for him. “I wanted to show what I can do, instead of what people want me to do,” he says. The capsule takes cues from disco music, of course—his favorite genre (he even has Donna Summer tattooed on his ribcage. “I wanted to do a modern take on Studio 54,” he says. “Disco is the intersection of nightlife, queer culture, sexual liberation, and glamour—all things that were lacking this year.” Braccia himself even stars in the campaign as his Disco Daddy alter-ego, who comes out to play when he’s going out or shooting imagery for the brand. “There’s such a separation between Vince and the Disco Daddy,” he says. “Everyday me, going to Trader Joe’s, I’m wearing black—but if I’m going to the club, it has to be extravagant.”

The designer says he released the new collection—including dresses, bodysuits, and more—to show that working with crystals doesn’t have to mean bedazzling something. It can be its own standalone textile. “I don’t really like the aspect of rhinestones to embellish or make something better,” he says. “I like creating something with the intention of it being fully rhinestones, like a glass piece of art on your body.” He estimates that there’s over half a million rhinestones on the pieces collectively, and he glued down each crystal by hand—a painstaking method he always practices. “Most people will just put a whole bunch of glue and rhinestones down, but it makes the fabric stiff,” he says. “It looks better when it moves. I want people to dance in it, have fun, and not be restricted.” As for his crystal of choice? “I try my hardest to use only Swarovski,” he says. “My biggest complaint is how expensive it is—but that’s what I love about it.”

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Artist Spotlight

Rare Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample Hits the Market

Sneaker culture is all about exclusivity, and sometimes, a truly special pair comes along that gets everyone excited. One such sneaker is the Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample, a unique blend of basketball history and baseball style. With its striking look and connections to two famous sports worlds, this rare sneaker has just hit the resale market, and collectors are eager to get their hands on it. Originally created for basketball star Penny Hardaway, the Foamposite One became a staple of ’90s sneaker fashion. Its innovative design was groundbreaking at the time.

However, this special Yankees-themed version takes it a step further. It features a deep navy blue and bright white color scheme, resembling the classic pinstripes of the New York Yankees, one of the most celebrated teams in baseball. The unique wave design that runs across the upper part makes this sneaker stand out, giving it a dynamic look and feel. Unlike the regular versions sold in stores, this sample was never mass-produced, which adds to its appeal among collectors and passionate Yankees fans. Currently listed on Index PDX in size 9 for an impressive $3,500, the price reflects how rare it is.

However, what really matters is the story behind it. From basketball courts to everyday life, the Foamposite One has always been a symbol of performance and fashion. This Yankees edition connects two sports that have captured the hearts of fans for generations. For those lucky enough to own this sneaker, it’s a statement piece. It showcases Nike’s dedication to exploring and celebrating sports culture. Whether proudly displayed or worn to show off hometown pride, the Yankees Foamposite One serves as a reminder of the unforgettable moments shared between basketball and baseball.

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Artist Spotlight

Kim Kardashian’s Tesla Robot Photoshoot Sparks Social Media Firestorm

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to stirring up controversy, but her latest photoshoot has generated quite a surprising backlash. Recently, she shared a striking set of images for Perfect Magazine, where she posed alongside a humanoid robot from Tesla and sat on top of a shiny Cybertruck. The shoot was intended to playfully highlight her reputation as being “robotic,” something she feels has been used to describe her in the media. “I think the big joke about doing the shoot with the robot is that I feel like I’m so robotic,” she explained. However, not everyone found it amusing.

Many people online expressed their disapproval, and it wasn’t just about the futuristic look of the photos. Critics viewed the shoot as a nod of support for Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, who is currently a controversial figure facing boycotts. One commenter remarked, “She definitely picked a side,” while another harshly suggested that the Cybertruck could be iconic only if it were on fire! The discussion quickly expanded beyond fashion, with some linking the imagery to international conflicts. “Well, that’s a very clear side just picked, the same one that sides with Russia. Not great,” one user stated.

This incident highlights how public figures like Kardashian are closely watched for their choices and associations. Even what might seem like a fun photoshoot can carry significant meaning. While she intended the shoot to be lighthearted, the timing raised concerns for many fans, especially with Musk’s political connections currently under scrutiny and Tesla facing criticism. Despite the backlash, Kardashian has chosen to stay quiet and let the photos speak for themselves. As always, she is navigating between bold fashion choices and cultural debates, showing that whatever she does, people will have something to say about it. It remains to be seen if she will respond to the controversy or move on to her next big moment.

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