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Cannabis Couture
Cannabis June 16, 2022
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High Fashion smoke wear that is inspired by cannabis couture

Fashion and weed cross-breed are unlikely, yet eyecatching for the smokewear hybrid cannabis couture. 

Designers turn the runway into an L walk with unique aesthetics inspired by cannabis. Fashionistas whom the plant boosts are proactively destigmatizing and are now reinventing how stoners dress.

Smokewear inspired by cannabis
Photo Courtesy of Pavel Danilyuk

Throughout the year, cannabis has influenced culture in every way possible, including fashion. From the 60s/70s, Hippies to modern-day streetwear, from which stoners took their cannabis couture seriously. 

But have you ever wondered what your next outfit should be on your next joint sesh? Or are you the type of stoner who uses their blunts as an accessory? Elevate your wardrobe and travel through time with these fashion brands inspired by cannabis influence.

Sundae School: modern-day streetwear turned smokewear

Sundae School smokewear
Photo courtesy of @sundae.school

A minimum GPA is 4.20 is required at Sundae school. The Korean-born fashion brand was started by two siblings named, Dae and Cindy Lim. Sundae School is a brand that tells the Asian American experience with Marijuana.

For many Asian Americans, their parent’s made it a strict rule to never go near cannabis (while talking about other natural remedies).

There’s an inherent sense of shame for Asian Americans when we spark. However, Sundae School is actively destigmatizing the plant and making us feel welcomed with their brand of “smokewear.”

Lettershoppe: 2000’s /2010s edgy smokewear

Lettershoppe high fashion smokewear
Photo courtesy of @lettershoppenation

This brand is for the edgy stoner. Dina Rodriguez founded Lettershoppe which promotes a positive message of wellness. 

Lettershoppe designs are reminiscent of those band tees you wore to warp tour, back when that was a thing. The hand-drawn art and bold lettering take us back to an alternative Hot Topic and listen to some A Day to Remember the type of smokewear. 

Bored Teenager: Nostalgic 90s cannabis couture

Blake Anderson Bored Teenager high fashion clothing
Photo courtesy of @teenage

Not much can be said about Bored Teenager, but as they say, that picture is worth a thousand words. Stay fresh with a workaholic star like Blake Anderson, whose clothing line Bored Teenagers.

It’s full of vibrant colors and trippy cartoon designs perfect for that skater vibe who hits their dab pen between their kickflip.

Sugarhigh Lovestoned: 70s high fashion vibes

Photo courtesy of Sugarhigh Lovestoned

Sugarhigh Lovestoned is for the artistic stoner. Their vintage 70’s vibes and nostalgic color scheme are the perfect smoke wear for your next join sesh. Halsey and Vanessa Hudgens are one of the few celebrities wearing these labels, with designs such as bold jumpsuits. 

On a deeper level, Sugarhigh Lovestoned is all about empowerment. They contributed to. Still, We Rise, ACL, and the Southern Poverty Law Center keeping their team small. 

Miracle Eye: Groovy 60s smokewear

Miracle Eye high fashion cannabis couture
Photo courtesy of @miracleeye

Have you ever met a free-spirited stoner girl who is just a contagious ray of sunshine? Then the Miracle Eye is just for her. Miracle Eye’s fashion is inspired by the hippie days of the 60s.

Flower patterns, vibrant colors, and nostalgic styles will make you feel as good as your weed does. Miracle Eye is run by women and operated as a family business.

abortion May 16, 2022
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Who needs abortion rights in the U.S? Men control everything

Abortion rights have been under extreme pressure ever since President Donald Trump’s judicial appointments and red states passing trigger laws against the pro-choice movement. Today, The conservative majority Supreme Court has ultimately struck down the landmark case Roe v Wade.

Abortion Rights Rally
Photo Courtesy of Aiden Frazier

The leaked draft overturning Roe v. Wade by Justice Samuel Alito in Politico caused a significant outcry. In an instant, the nation dropped what they were doing to take in what happened. What many women and anyone within the pro-choice movement feared back in 2016 became a reality as federal protection of abortion rights was stripped.

The decision is not finalized just yet. The people are organizing. Rallies, emails, and Tweets are just a few ways people are urging lawmakers to codify abortion rights by nixing the filibuster. It feels like now or never to save abortion rights.

On the opposite side of pro-choice, however, lawmakers who can’t give birth in conservative states are swiftly passing “Trigger laws” to oppress those who can. Trigger laws are in place for when Roe V. Wade does get overturned, finalizing their state ban on abortion. Many red states have passed trigger laws so far, making the fight for federally protected abortion a dire one.

If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns or guts Roe v. Wade, 26 states are certain or likely to ban abortion

The fight for abortion rights is pressing after the Roe v Wade leak. However, many living in the U.S still seem apathetic toward the issue. In the case of privilege, many of those, especially men, don’t care about the social issues until it immediately affects them.

The end of safe and protected abortion impacts almost everything in the U.S. Beyond the apparent consideration for fundamental human rights; everyone should care about abortion rights one way or the other.

How do abortion rights impact the economy?

Rally reacts to Roe v Wade leak
Photo Courtesy of Gayatri Malhotra

Historically anti-abortion laws have been used against low-income women. When you break down the cost of childbirth, it becomes more apparent that anti-abortion laws are a form of class warfare.

Women make up more than half of the U.S workforce, and many have credited access to abortion. Access to safe abortion keeps many women from falling into poverty. The cost of birth starts not too long before birth.

Abortion rates by income

The U.S does not require paid maternity leave, meaning there are still those who leave the workforce for maternal responsibility without financial income throughout the time the expecting parent is responsible for paying for prenatal care. Then comes the cost of delivery and raising the child.

Let’s put it into numbers.

Rally against trigger laws
Photo Courtesy of Aiden Frazier

The average cost of prenatal care is about $2,000 without insurance.

The average cost of vaginal delivery is between $5,000 and $11,000. That number increases for C-sections to about $7,500 to $14,500. Those are the cost of smooth childbirth, but not everyone who gives birth has a smooth beginning. Complications can double the cost of delivery.

Now the average cost of raising a child is $233,620.

Prenatal Care$2,000
Vaginal Delivery$5,000 – $11,000
C-Section$7,500 – $14,500
Cost of a child$233,620

The U.S is a country without universal healthcare, maternity care, financial assistance, and an already recession crisis. Abortion rights are also a business problem preventing many who can give birth away from the labor force.

Who needs abortion rights?

Photos Courtesy of Gayatri Malhotra

Abortion restriction is a form of white supremacy that directly impact people of color. According to Laurie Bertram Roberts, the executive director of the Yellowhammer fund in Alabama said, “women of color in states with restrictive abortion laws have limited access to health care.”

Given how the cost of a child is high, this becomes another method to oppress black families financially.

White supremacy thrives off the concept that the south is solely uneducated white people. The reality is conservative states where the trigger laws are written also hold a high population of people of color. Communities of color suffer greater from income inequality without abortion rights.

Abortion rates by race and ethnicity

Mississippi, one of the trigger law states, is also one of the poorest states due to income and educational inequality. Those who are not impacted by racial or maternal issues are still the ones writing laws to control them affecting those who are pro-choice.

Sexual Education in trigger law states

Abortion rights sign rally

Conservative states already setting themselves up to ban abortion rights have no sex ed requirement. Those states also have the highest rate of unwanted pregnancies.

Many of the trigger laws drafted that restrict abortions are written by men in power who have absolutely no knowledge of sexual reproduction. Many of these laws are written without considering the person who is giving birth.

Sex education graph by statista
Graphic Courtesy of Statista

Sex ed is a significant part of keeping STD rates low and teaching consent. Many STDs can transfer to children during pregnancy and birth. By restricting access to abortion, the U.S is in danger of another epidemic.

Fighting for abortion rights together

pro-choice abortion rights protection sign
Photo Courtesy of Aiden Frazier

Regardless of whether you can give birth or not, the issue of abortion rights is something you should back. For decades white men in power have used their ability to control other bodies. Fighting for abortion rights goes hand in hand with fighting against white supremacy and class inequality. Pro-choice and fighting for everyone’s rights is the most American thing to do after Roe v Wade gets overturned.

10K80 May 13, 2022
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Find Italian comfort food at Settepani and share a love for moms

Settepani brings home-cooked family values to NYC with traditional Italian comfort food and Panettone. This family restaurant and bakery in Harlem serves delicious quality meals inspired by how their mothers and grandma made them.

Since their founding, the Settepani family kept close family ties enduring everything together.

Settepani in Harlem
Settepani storefront in Harlem Photo courtesy @img.mos

Throughout the pandemic, the Settepani family grew closer with one another and their community through food. This Mother’s day, they have a set menu that celebrates mothers everywhere with dishes inspired by motherly love.

We spoke to Bilena Settepani, the enthusiastic young woman who helps run the show and the daughter of the Settepani family.

Family Values inside Italian comfort food

The pandemic was a hard time for many businesses, including restaurants. Despite the fears of uncertainty, Bilena and the Settefpani family came together to fight those tough times. The family ties can be tasted on their regular menu, including Italian comfort food.

“The beauty of working with your family that is older, is that I learn so much from my dad, and mom and we just all learn from each other”

Bilena Settepani

Their regular menu is a casual and inviting dining experience that makes everyone feel like family. Modern spins on traditional Italian dishes don’t take away from comfort. Each dish is served with simple, fresh ingredients and cooked in traditional ways.

Food is not the only thing that’s comforting. The Settepani atmosphere feels like home. The staffs smiling and friendly manners make customer interactions gentle yet inviting. The overall decors are beautifully casual with a modern finish, making it the perfect in-between for business meetings and casual dining.

“A lot of people are coming into Harlem who had never been to Harlem before, we’re giving an impression let’s make it a good one”

Bilena Settepani

Settepanis Bread and butter is Panettone.

French toast panettone served at Settepani
French Toast Pannetone Photo Courtesy @settepaninyc

While the Italian comfort food is splendid, Settepani is a bakery first and foremost. Mouthwatering baked goods are Settepani’s bread and butter. No pun intended. Settepani is famous for its year-round homemade Pannatone, a sweet Italian bread typically baked with dried fruit.

Making Pannetone from scratch is a four-day process. A Traditional Pannetone is typically served at family gatherings and holidays. Settepni puts a modern twist to the traditional Italian desserts by adding lots of different creative ingredients every month.

“What made us stick out is that we make panettone all year-round, and my mom is the biggest panettone fanatic”

Bilena Settepani

Ingredients like M&Ms, Nutella, peaches, and anything else Bilena could think of making Settepani’s Pannetone fun and exciting. Each Pannetone flavor of the month excites customers.

You can also find french toast panettone on their brunch menu.

Italian comfort food cooked with motherly love

“For me feel good food is something when I’m eating it makes me happy, so these dishes represents motherly love”

Bilena Settepani

As mothers day approaches, Settepni is cooking up something special to celebrate mothers day. You can find traditional home-cooked Italian comfort foods, such as passatelli in Brodo or Baccala Alla Messinese, and so much more.

The set menu dishes are casual and straightforward that remind you of home. The dishes

Traditional Italian Comfort food cotoletta di vitello alla palermitana
cotoletta di vitello alla palermitana Photo Courtesy of @img.mos

I tried the cotoletta di vitello alla palermitana, but with chicken instead of veal. A traditional panfried chicken cutlet seasoned with parsley and parmesan. The essence of Italian comfort. The flavor was transcending beyond comfort. The aroma of the parsley cooked in butter hits your appetite before the flavor does.

The taste is not overwhelming, making it cozy and easy to eat and enjoy. The panfried chicken is not oily. However, it pairs well with the refreshing salad that includes some of the freshest tomatoes you’ll ever have.

“We should never take our moms for granted, they’re the first people to ever know you’re existing, they’re the first people to ever love you, and they’re the first people to give you unconditional love”

Bilena Settepani

The smooth richness of the fried butter doesn’t combat other the flavor of the ingredients. The traditional taste makes this dish a nostalgic experience that earns this the title of being Italian comfort food.

Love for Moms every day

Bilena and the Settepani family celebrate the love that brings their family together every day. Not just mothers day. Delicious home-cooked Italian comfort food and a staff that makes you feel right at home to make Settepani the place to eat in Harlem if you’re looking for something casual.

shmackwich team
10K80 April 27, 2022
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Meet the 3 guys serving up the best Gourmet chopped cheese in NYC

Shmackwich is taking a New York City food classic and elevating it to new heights by upgrading its ingredients with their signature gourmet wagyu beef chopped cheese.

On the surface, the gourmet wagyu chopped cheese represents New York Cities’ rags to riches story, but beyond that, Shmackwich is the best quality in New York.

Photo Courtesy: @shmackwich

The low cost, essential ingredients, and quick deliverability make this an absolute go-to at every bodega. However, Schamckwich is thinking beyond the corner store with wagyu beef.

Shmackwich operates during the day at Solaro on 13th Carmine street in the West Village. This New York City food pop-up creates sandwiches that you can find on the streets and at a penthouse party. The gourmet wagyu chopped cheese is a representation of rags to riches.

“We touching some more money now and we want to upgrade how we live. You can’t put the finest designer on you and not the finest food in your body”

– Jordan DiNoia co-founder of Shmackwich

Cooking from the studio to the kitchen

Like many food ventures, Shmackwich started selling gourmet wagyu chopped cheese on Instagram. Midi, Jordan, and Sib are the minds behind Shmackwich. The trio came from different backgrounds but ultimately found a similar passion for food and culture.

From left to right: Chef Sib, Midi, Jordan DiNoia Photo Courtesy @img.mos

The name Shmackwich came from Jordan’s idea for a cannabis-infused sandwich that would leave diners “Shmacked.” Taking a page from the Pizza Pusha, Stoned Pizza playbook, Jordan wanted to deliver a bougie experience to everyday people. Although their everyday menu doesn’t include a cannabis-infused sandwich, your taste buds will be shmacked

“Food is my church. Its the last real untainted place for human interaction in the world, people can sit at a table and only focus on breaking bread for that moment”

– Jordan DiNoia co-founder of Shmackwich

In his travels and experience cooking, chef Sib was fascinated with Wagyu beef. Sib treats the kitchen like a music studio by composing recipes. Each ingredient built into a gourmet wagyu chopped cheese works together instead of combating each other. Making great food and connecting with people on a higher level is what drives him.

“Food is more than something you need to survive. Its something that creates community and breaks barriers”

– Chef Sib Co-Founder of Shmackwich

New, New York City food

Midi bridged all of this together in his studio in downtown Brooklyn. Midi was more than an average foodie. His passion for exploring food and culture was borderline religious.

The way he spoke about food was philosophical and enlighting. He and the Shmackwich mission to push the chopped cheese sandwich as something that can bring eaters together is what makes them an NYC food success.

“The chopped cheese is bigger than a deli sandwich. Its culture, its hip-hop, its late nights in the studio”

-Midi Co-Founder of Shmackwich
Photo Courtesy: @mrsaks5th

What makes a gourmet chopped cheese better than a regular chopped cheese? 

The ingredients for a chopped cheese sandwich are simple. Chopped up wagyu beef, cheese, and bread make a New Yorks’s classic sandwich. The Schmackwich gourmet Wagyu Chopped Cheese takes this concept to a whole new level.

Grilled Heritage Wagyu beef is chopped and topped with artisanal cheese. Their home blended spice packet and the secret sauce give the wagyu a distinct personality without taking away from the natural flavor. This is complemented by fresh vegetables in between fresh-baked bread. 

The gourmet wagyu chopped cheese solves all the problems the regular chopped cheese has. The traditional bodega chopped cheese sandwich is messy. The meat spills and the cheese is suspiciously watery.

The binding reaction of fresh, thick artisanal cheese with high-quality meat makes eating less hassle with a Schmakwich. The fresh ingredients make the gourmet wagyu chopped cheese-less oily leaving you feeling satisfied.

You can taste how each ingredient works with the other like a beautifully choreographed dance. 

“The reason why so many companies are successful is that they focus on their product. The whole thing at Shmackwich is the product, and we never do a wack product”

-Midi Co-Founder of Shmackwich

Collaboration made gourmet Chopped Cheese 

Photo Courtesy: @shmackwich

The Shmackwich gourmet wagyu chopped cheese is a first-class sandwich for those with a refined palate. Behind the scenes, however, they’re, in every sense of the word inclusive. Collaboration is the ingredient to success.

Shmackwich emphasis on using fresh ingredients is more than just marketing. The gourmet wagyu chopped cheese is, by all definition, New York City food. By keeping their ingredients locally sources, they can keep their carbon footprint low and keep track of where everything is produced.

Shmackwich collaborates with local businesses to provide ingredients for their gourmet wagyu chopped cheese. In doing so they created a metaphorical dinner table where the best New York food establishments build relationships and converse on a common level.

“How we were born was collaboration, therefore how we will live will be through collaboration as well, and how we will die will be lack of it”

– Jordan DiNoia co-founder of Shmackwich

More than just a sandwich

Photo Courtesy: @Shmackwich and Ivan Uskokvic

Food brings everyone together. The Shmackwich trio understood that the dinner table was a common space and that dining was a language that all New Yorkers spoke. The iconic New York City food classic that represents struggle is now a symbol of prosperity.

“This is healing, this love food is everything for us. It’s freedom now for us. Before it was sustenance, now it’s allowing us to be who we want to be and be our own bosses.”

-Jordan DiNoia co-founder of Shmackwich
Doja Cat
10K80 April 18, 2022
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Doja Cat retiring? A look into the rap nursing home

Many are speculating whether or not Doja Cat is serious about retiring from the rap game.

Throughout the years Doja has been killing the game, writing songs true to herself and her audience, however, that soon may end. Doja Cat’s retirement announcement was made on March 25 following several heated back and forths between her fans.

Many of her followers demanded an apology.

Fans accused Doja of being rude, and aggressive in response to the replies on Twitter. Following her performance at the Asunciónico music festival being canceled due to a major storm, Doja took to Twitter heated.

A week after her announcement she received her Grammy for “Kiss Me More” with SZA. In an exclusive with Entertainment Tonight, Doja Cat briefly addressed retiring from music. Focusing solely on having a good night, she dodged the question as best she could.

Is Doja Cat Retiring? She dodged the question in the interview

Doja Cat’s retirement from music says a lot about the relationship between fans and celebrities. Is she done for good or does she need a break for her mental health?

Many rappers before her claimed to retire and even showed signs of how terrible their mental health has developed from the music industry. However, for many emcees, it’s hard to stay away from rap.

What could other rappers who said the same thing can tell us about Doja Cats’ retirement?

1. Lil Wayne: how music can defeat artists like Doja Cat

The exact date for Weezy’s retirement is up in the air. On multiple occasions, due to the controversy behind The Carter V, the rap superstar has announced his retirement.

Weezy’s first retirement announcement came in 2012 with MTV. His commitment to retiring became more serious as he was facing a legal battle with the label Cash Money in 2016.

In a tweet, Weezy has expressed the defeated mental health the music industry caused him.

The Carter V was finally released in 2018, however, this wasn’t the end of Weezy’s music career. He would soon be featured on artist tracks such as Kendrick Lamar and DJ Khaled.

Notably, you can keep track of Lil Wayne’s retirement on islilwayneretired.com

2. Jay Z: Came back more powerful than ever

Jay-Z’s retirement story is interesting but not much can be said about the Godfather of rap in this case. Jay-Z retired back in 2003, after releasing The Black Album. This however was a marketing tactic.

Three years later he would drop Kingdom Come and many more. He found “retiring” at the peak of his career would only make his next few albums more popular.

Jay-Z would end up dropping back-to-back hits, making that 3-year retirement worth it. His fame wasn’t just limited to rap after his return. The Carters would be a household name after marrying Beyonce.

3. Logic: Could Twitch be a new route for Doja Cat in retirement?

Logic is probably the most recent rapper to step out of retirement. His retirement story is also pretty strange. After the release of No Pressure, he left his rap career and became a pro streamer on Twitch.

His personality attracted a wide audience and was a refreshing change from music. With an ecstatic personality, herself could Twitch be a new route for Doja Cat in retirement?

In less than a year he came out of retirement. His announcement came as a nod to Micheal Jordan. Logic’s unretirement letter posted on Twitter is a duplicate of Jordans, modeling the same format and similarly released by their respective lawyers

4. 50 Cent: Found a place in TV

Via @50cent

50 Cent’s retirement came unexpectedly after a chart battle with Kanye West in 2007. Leading up to Kanye’s iconic album Graduation and 50’s Curtis, the duo would have heated exchanges where he said he would stop putting out solo albums if Graduation sold more records.

The feud between the two was great for marketing, and fans loved the beef, however, in the end, Kanye’s Graduation topped Curtis.

The rapper never really intended to retire. Losing the chart battle with Kanye didn’t exactly do him any favors in the music industry. In 2009 he came out of retirement and released Before I Self Destruct, which wasn’t exactly competing well with others.

Thankfully he found a place in entertainment as an executive producer for Power. Could TV be a lane for Doja Cat after retiring?

5. Nicki Minaj icon for women in rap

Via @nickiminaj

Nicki Minaj is one of the most controversial rappers who retired and unretired. In 2019, Nicki tweeted she was retiring from music, to focus on her family. She left her fanbase the “barbies” freaked out all over Twitter.

She would later clarify that tweet in an interview with The Shade Room. Nicki was only thinking about her future when she posted that tweet.

“So the retirement was kind of talking about my album, meaning like, ‘Do I want to go back and record my fifth album? Where do I stand with it now?’” she told the Shade Room.

10K80 April 18, 2022
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It’s NYC Cherry Blossom season: 5 vibrant hotspots for photographers

When do cherry blossoms bloom? Spring has arrived in New York City and one of the first signs is Cherry Blossom pictures. Also known as sakura trees, these eye-catching plants, sprout beautiful white and pink leaves every year for a short period of time.

The Cherry blossoms are a beautiful representation of New York City’s rich history of diversity. Much like many New Yorkers, the trees are not from the U.S.

cherry blossoms (Sakura) in bloom Photo by Jan Krnc
Photo creds @krncjan

The sakura tree finds its roots in Japan. You can find more than 20 different varieties of sakura trees growing for centuries there. In New York City, many cherry blossoms were gifts, planted by Japanese residents. In Japan, the Sakura is a symbol of love and good luck.

What a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms”

Kobayashi Issa

When do NYC cherry blossoms bloom?

It is difficult to predict when in spring the Cherry Blossoms will bloom. Climate and daylight contribute to when they’re ready to show off their foliage.

Aside from that, the appearance of the sakura differs with each stage of bloom. The best time for cherry blossom pictures is when they peak. Not only that but the trees don’t stay in bloom for long.

Are we outside, tho?

Cherry blossoms (Sakura) in pre bloom
Yoshino Cherry Blossoms Photo Creds @img.mos

Sakura trees only hold their blossom for 10 days or around 2 weeks. Our friends over at the Brooklyn botanical gardens are updating us with “Cherry Watch” so you know when the right time is.

As a result, you need to capture your aesthetic NYC cherry blossom pictures quickly for your Instagram followers.

1. Brooklyn Botanical gardens

Top of the list is The Brooklyn Botanical gardens. The Gardens pay homage to the trees of Japanese roots in their Hill-and-Pond Garden. Here you will find an authentic Japanese torii or the red arc gate shrine.

In Japan, they are used to identify sacred spots. These gates make a great addition to your cherry blossom pictures by showing respect to the Japanese culture they originated from.

2. Sakura Park in Riverside park

Sakura Park is named after the 2,000 sakura trees planted in New York. This park features the most common type of sakura tree in Japan, the Yoshino cherry tree. The Yoshino cherry trees were gifts planted in Riverside park from Japan.

3. Central Park Reservoir cherry blossoms

Central Park is home to more than 170 types of trees, ranging in all sizes and colors. 35 Yoshino sakura trees greet visitors by the reservoir.

This magnificent sight is perfect for amateur and professional photographers to capture the contrast between water and plant.

Here’s a map of where to find more cherry blossoms.

4. Roosevelt Island Sakura

Take a Tram to Roosevelt Island and capture some aerial Cherry Blossom pictures. These beautifully vibrant pink trees will stand out in every photograph.

You can find some vibrant Japanese Kwanzan sakura trees in the northern part of Roosevelt Island’s cherry tree walk.

5. Green-Wood Cemetery

A cemetery might be the last place you’d think to look to find life. However, the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is filled with plant life.

The grim tombstones and breathtakingly designed mausoleum are outshined by the vibrant leaves in spring.

Honorable mention: Branch Brook Park

Aerial shot of Branch Brook Parks, Newark, NJ Cherry Blossoms by @Jerseyphotographer
Photo credits: @ Jerseyphotographer

Not exactly New York, but just a PATH train away. Newark’s iconic Branch Brook Park has more than 5,200 Japanese cherry blossoms trees. That’s more than Washington, D.C.

The colorful pink hues are a rare sight outside spring so take advantage of the changing of the season and capture those cherry blossom pictures.

#takecareofharlem March 30, 2022
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Bespoke hip hop fashion: 5001 Flavor’s unique custom approach

At the heart of Harlem, inside Malcolm X’s old house, are the minds behind bespoke hip hop fashion. At Harlem Haberdashery, 5001 Flavor founder Guy and Sharene Wood creates customized clothes for A-list celebrities like the Notorious B.I.G.

Harlem Haberdashery family

5001 began as a better way for Guy to customize clothes to fit a larger frame. Eventually they would design clothes for names like P. Diddy and DJ Khaled. Today, they continue their legacy within the hip-hop entertainment industry by collaborating with contemporary artists.

As the 5001 Flavor grew, they made sure to grow in the right places. The label works with well-known names in hip-hop. This family-owned business stays right at home in Harlem.

Harlem Haberdashery is not just a retail space. 5001 Flavors turns it into a Bespoke lifestyle brand.

DJ Khaled Wearing 5001 Flavors
DJ Khaled Wearing 5001 Flavors Clothing Co. At The 2020 Grammy Awards.

Bespoke hip hop fashion evolving with the industry

Hip-hop is all about flavor.

These artists tell stories through lyrics, music videos, and album covers. Still, entertainers have a signature style that remains consistent with their personalities. For example, 5001 Flavor have to design clothes based on their client DJ Khaled’s elegant, yet loud personality.

Harlem Haberdashery’s in-house designers prioritize individualism over customization. They sets the tone for up-and-coming artists.

When you see unsigned hype rise to stardom and you know you helped create a persona, brand, and an image for a client that’s the cool part.

– Sharene Wood, Co-founder 5001 Flavor

One of 5001 Flavor’s first clients was Hip-Hop artist Heavy D and Uptown records. While on set, the Wood family became close with Sean Combs (P. Diddy).

After Combs established his label, he signed over Brooklyn’s finest, Notorious B.I.G. 5001 Flavor would create bespoke hip hop fashion for Biggie. 5001 Flavors dressed Biggie from his first music video to what he was buried in.

The Notorious B.I.G Wearing 5001 Flavors Clothing Co. in his first music video Hypnotize

A growing brand outside hip-hop fashion

It was really about merging our fashion and lifestyle

– Sharene Wood, Co-founder 5001 Flavor

Hip-hop fashion was only the beginning of Harlem Haberdashery. They began exploring different business ventures, and putting their style to them.

H.H Bespoke Spirits developed three distinctive liquor products with the same taste and style as the Harlem Renaissance. Their take on rum, vodka, and gin gives you a taste of extravagance.

H.H Bespoke Spirits Vodka, Gin, and Rum photographerd by @84harlem

If you look at our bottles, they’re almost fashionably dressed. Each of our bottles have a different personality. Have a different look. Have a different color. Have a different vibe.

– Sharene Wood, Co-founder 5001 Flavor

H.H Bespoke Spirits aren’t just for high-class events and cocktails. They collaborated with local Harlem food businesses to create flavorful products.

H.H Bespoke rum has been used in Sugarhill creamery desserts and chocolates from Harlem Chocolate Factory. H.H Bespoke Spirits’ collaboration with other friendly artists ensures that their products are unique as they are. 

What is Bespoke fashion?

To a lot of people, bespoke is tailored, but for me, it’s very customized, it’s individualized  

– Sharene Wood

What exactly is bespoke fashion? Harlem Haberdashery and 5001 Flavors, fashion is about making a statement hence their style. 5001 Flavors specializes in outfits that speak before they enter a room.

Customization and uniqueness are vital in creating their clothes. Each H.H and 5001’s clients are different individuals with very distinct vibes. Customization is about being respectful and creating something that stands out from the crowd. 

Nipsey Hussle Wearing 5001 Flavors Clothing Co. In The “Higher” Music Video.

What makes Harlem Haberdashery and 5001 Flavors unique are their approach to ensuring their clients are treated as individuals. Celebrity or not, the Harlem Haberdashery will have you on their A-list. They work with people who understand that the clothes speak to who they are. 

Any celebrity will tell you that they don’t want to stand on the stage and have two people in the audience have what they have on. The goal is to make a statement.

– Sharene Wood, Co-founder 5001 Flavor
Daddy Yankee Bespoke fashion
 Daddy Yankee wearing 5001 Flavors Clothing Co.

Styled By Rachel Johnson

#TakeCareOfHarlem

Harlem Haberdashery is family orientated. They bring it all back home by giving back to the community. The Harlem Haberdashery family puts their community first by centering their store around their philanthropic arms, The League and #TakeCareOfHarlem. 

Our goal really is to use Harlem Haberdashery as a community hub as well as a retail space

– Sharene Wood

The League, founded by Louis Johnson, Jr, beautifies Harlem with 5001 Flavors. Greener Lenox is their signature program working on sustainability and preservation. The League has adopted several trees on Lenox Avenue in Harlem as a beautification project. The goal is to help the community look good the same way they help people look good. 

#TakeCareOfHarlem is founded by Sharene’s brother Kells Barnette. The organization promotes youth preservation and community endeavors within Harlem. #TakeCareOfHarlem conducts several toy drives inside Harlem Haberdashery.

#TakeCareofHarlem
#TakeCareofHarlem’s 10th Annual HarlemRun Xmas Run & Toy Drive Mixer With Harlemrun At Harlem Habedasery

Unique and undefeated

5001 Flavors and Harlem Haberdashery expresses unique fashion curated for their Hip-Hop and red carpet clients like Daddy Yankee and Dj Khaled. They make sure to treat their community with respect as their clients. 5001 Flavors is all about growth.

Growth for their brand, clients, and community.

bipoc photographers March 23, 2022
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Fotografiska Empowers Black Photographers: 4 Keys For The New Gen

We partnered with Photodom to celebrate Black photographers at 281 Park Avenue, at Fotografiska. What is Fotografiska? It is a museum destination to discover world-class photography, eclectic programming, elevated dining, and surprising new perspectives.

where is fotografiska
Outside of Fotografiska Photography Museum | Photo Courtesy: @fotografiska.newyork

They Did It First paid homage to Black photographers who are pioneering the industry.

fotografiska event
From left to right: Polaroid PV, T. Eric Monroe, Kreshonna Keane, Wulf Bradley, Flo Ngala, Keith Major | Photo Courtesy: @img.mos
fotografiska panel crowd
Crowd at Fotografiska Panel They Did It First| Photo Courtesy: @img.mos
keith major black photographer
Keith Major at Fotografiska Event | Photo Courtesy: @claudejeasy

We brought out the best of the best. Old and new school Black photographers share their knowledge with other aspiring photographers. This panel was moderated by Polaroid PV from In The Neighborhood.

Old School Black photographers, T. Eric Monroe, and Keith Major pass on their wisdom and experiences in the industry. The pictures they showcased took you back in time not too long ago, using techniques still used today.

These great creatives made a name for themselves, pushing through obstacles and adapting to the changing environment. 

Our panel of Black photographers at Fotografiska inspired every photographers

New school Black photographers Kreshnonna Keane, Wulf Bradley, and Flo Ngala shared how photography hit the ground running. In an ever-growing environment, these creatives from the new school set themselves apart in their unique way.

Flo Ngala for Finally Focused

Here are four essential lessons we can take away from our panel of photographers.

1. Getting to Fotografiska and finding your style… 

Black Photographers, or just about anyone who creates visual art, walks a fine line between reality and imagination.

Our new school Black photographers added a few personalities to their shots, creating a customized style. Creative photographers add their twist to let the world know that the image they take is there. The panel discussion at Fotografiska showed that anyone can take a picture, but to create art is different. 

kreshonna keane black photographer
Photo Courtesy: @visualsbyk
“Project Princess”

In the panel, new school Black photographer Kreshonna Keane introduces her photo series Project Princess, setting the tone for all her works ahead. For this photo series, she created a juxtaposition between her subjects and environment.

Her subject, a breathtaking princess, interacts in a basketball court environment. This simple and yet compelling contrast is precisely what makes Keane’s art unique. 

2. Value your art as a Black photographer

Many photographers, especially Black photographers, struggle with putting value in their work. It’s crucial to establish and understand your importance as a creative early as possible. This was a topic of discussion during the Fotografiska panel.

Old school Black photographer T. Eric Monroe mentions his value growth. As he started out shooting skateboarders, he received more requests. He taught us how your value as a creative will grow with each shoot you do. 

To fully value your work, Keane said it takes confidence. This is important with many Black photographers who experience a sense of doubt in their work. Imposter syndrome plagues many creatives to make them think they’re not good enough. However, in this case, the takeaway is the first step in valuing your art is to stand behind it. 

As an artist, you have to know your value, and you have to stand on it, say it with your chest. If you don’t believe it, no one else will 

– Kreshonna Keane, They Did It First at Fotografiska

3. Black photographers keep it genuine 

I saw something in her that was a reflection of me, and I took the shot

– Wulf Bradley, They Did It First at Fotografiska

Our panel of great Black Photographers is to keep their work genuine. What makes a genuine photograph is when the photographer puts a bit of themselves into the picture. Photographers tell stories without words. Similar to Keane’s, Project Princess. Bradley Wulf shares a bit of his perspective with his model. 

There’s a story to tell behind every image.

Before photography, Wulf Bradley worked an office job that he felt was not serving him. Last year Bradley photographed Zazie Olivia Beetz for SoHo House.

In this shoot, Zazie is shown walking across a conference table against Bradley’s former corporate job. 

“This photo was probably after I said something really stupid, and she smiled, and as the smile was going away, I took the shot,” said Bradley.

“It seemed natural; it didn’t seem like a forced thing.”

– Wulf Bradley, They Did It First at Fotografiska

4. The real world impacts Black photographers

Our Fotografiska panelist’s heaviest lesson was that Black photographers document Black history every day.

Every photo taken by a Black photographer is documentation of Black History. The murder of George Floyd impacted Black photographers. As protests and rallies were being held all over the U.S, many Black photographers felt a call to document what was going on. 

This allowed many to navigate their emotions to what was going on. 

As a creative of color, as a woman, it was really important to speak to how I felt in these moments

– Flo Ngala, They Did It First Panel at Fotografiska

To be a photographer is to be in the moment. However, photography can be used to escape a moment. For many, a traumatic incident such as George Floyd’s murder can push you forward or back.

A month after September 11, pioneer photographer Keith Major photographed Lauryn Hill. Many new photographers, were not around or couldn’t fully grasp the impact of 9/11. 

Every loud noise that we used to ignore became important right after 9/11

– Keith Major, They Did It First Panel at Fotografiska

Major boarded a plane to Miami despite the trauma and photographed Lauryn Hill. Keith displayed the ability to surpass the trauma that many felt to document Black history.

History is being made every day.

Thank you to all the photographers that came through Flo Ngala, Keith Major, Wulf Bradley, Polaroid PV, Kreshonna Keane, and T. Dot Eric.

There are more events coming at Fotografiska museum. Stay tuned!

metaverse, woman
Bruh February 22, 2022
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Is the metaverse dangerous? A deeper look into virtual groping

The network of virtual reality space, also known as “The Metaverse,” is experiencing some serious pushback as dangerous abuse against women has surfaced as a problem.

The metaverse is where people can feel invincible. However, it left some women vulnerable.

Sexual harassment in the metaverse

Many women speak about being sexually harassed in the Metaverse. A beta user was verbally and sexually harassed on Facebook/Meta’s VR platform, Horizon World.

Nina Jane Patel, 43, shares her unfortunate experience. Patel was confronted by 3-4 male avatars in seconds of logging in. They assaulted her avatar, took pictures, and yelled -“don’t pretend you didn’t love it,” and “go rub yourself off to the photo.”

This dangerous experience in the metaverse traumatized Patel.

“It was surreal. It was a nightmare.”

Nina Jane Patel

It’s not real-life. Why is the metaverse dangerous? 

Harassment should be taken seriously no matter what. The reality is virtual, but the humans behind the avatars are real.

As virtual reality becomes more immersive, users’ experience becomes more real. This experience isn’t a new phenomenon. In 2016 Jordan Belami wrote about her experience being groped in virtual reality. 

Belami fell in with virtual reality. She was immersed in a world where nothing could touch her.

She could walk off ledges, fight zombies, and take in-game damage, but nothing would happen to her physical body. What started out as a pleasant rush of excitement, conquering her fear of heights, soon turned grim. 

Another player in the game recognized her feminine voice and began to inappropriately touch Belami’s avatar. She kept trying to escape the player’s harassment. However, they wouldn’t stop. Belami became frustrated and scared. 

“Remember that little digression I told you about how the hundred-foot drop looked so convincing? Yeah. Guess what. The virtual groping feels just as real. Of course, you’re not physically being touched, just like you’re not actually one hundred feet off the ground, but it’s still scary as hell.” 

Jordan Belami

The metaverse is a second life for users. It is becoming more immersive and real each year. The lack of consequences within VR has inspired some users to be abusive and dangerous in the metaverse. 

What is AI abuse? 

Men are not only abusing real-life wife women in the Metaverse. Male users are projecting their sexism onto female coded AI. Most AI is female voiced and designed. Alexa, Siri, and Cortana are prime examples. This isn’t a coincidence. Studies show that Female voices sound more pleasant. 

AI’s were designed to be pleasant and soothing. However, the comments towards them are the opposite. Dr. Sheryl Brahnam found that 10 to 50 percent of AI interactions are abusive. Men abusing female coded AI in the Metaverse has been such a phenomenon.

Before, Siri would respond passively towards verbal abuse enabling male users to act upon these toxic traits. Now she doesn’t respond.

Replika, an AI app designed to replicate human interaction, is making a transition into the Metaverse. Replikas AI is designed to be friendly to its users.

However, they have openly bragged about verbally abusing their virtual girlfriend. In a thread posted in the Replika subreddit, users shared transcripts of them verbally abusing their AI.

The male users would threaten to uninstall them, call them slurs, and have unsettling roleplay scenarios. 

Why does it matter? The Proteus Effect

In the Metaverse, users create their own avatar. Avatars aren’t just limited to a body. They can just be a character user-written. The Proteus Effect is a theory that came to light in the late 2000s by researchers at Stanford University.

Researchers found that users would mimic their virtual avatars in real-life— fashion, demeanor, and, yes, behavior. If a user were to consistently make their avatar act bad, these behaviors could possibly translate to real life. Dangerous in the metaverse could mean dangerous in the real world.

The Future of the Metaverse: Is it dangerous or not?

The Metaverse has been around for a long time but is now only coming into the mainstream. It’s easy to dismiss abuse in the Metaverse because “it’s not real.”

However, we forget how it can potentially impact the real world. While the Metaverse is not a physically real place, the humans shaping it are. 

10K80 February 14, 2022
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Black Women photographers make a break for it and this one grant is responsible

Polly Irungu founded Black Women Photographers (BWP) to empower, and inspire Black women and non-binary photographers to create. 

Launched in 2020, Black Women Photographers (BWP) was founded as a global community with over a thousand active members, dedicated to providing resources to Black women and non-binary photographers, who are typically gatekept out of the industry.

This year BWP worked with Nikon to grant $10,000 worth of gear and $40,000 cash to recipients from all across the world. 

This year’s grant was judged by incredibly extinguished and experienced photographers in the community, including celebrity photographer Jessy J, Director of Photography and videography at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Danese Kenon, and Nikon Ambassador Audrey Woulard. 

Many of these creative recipients will use their cash-based grants, to fund projects to elevate communities and uplift those who need it. Others will use their grants towards their photo-related business cost.

Nikon has also rewarded four mirrorless cameras to other entries. 

$10,000 BWP Grant Recipient – Project Based 

Tiffany Sutton, St. Louis, (@tiffanyjoy1955) – Missouri

Coming out at the number one spot, Tiffany Suton is a digital and film photographer based in St. Louis. As the art director of Washington University’s, The Spectacle, she is elevating BIPOC in the art world.

Sutton works with Black women exclusively, as a way to reconnect with herself and discuss social movements. Sutton will be using the grant to fund a month-long project in June.

This project is a film and portrait series capturing Black women and their everyday life there. 

$5,000 BWP Grant Recipients – Project Based 

Toni Shaw, Greensboro, (@theshawphotographygroup) – North Carolina

Shaw is the principal photographer and owner of Shaw Photography Group. Her specialty includes dance portraits and wedding photography. That doesn’t stop her from exploring other genres of photography.

With her experience and vision, she develops a signature style that sets her apart from others. Shaw will be using her grant to focus on empowering youth and autistic children with free project sessions.

Wanjiku Gitau, (@afrocanqueenphotography) – Nairobi, Kenya

Raised in Nairobi, Gitau is a self-taught photographer, who moved to London in 2017 where she began freelancing. According to her website, for Gitau, “photography is all about life; it is a mixture of colors and themes.”

Working to uplift those similar to her, Gitau will use her grant to help educate and mentor the next generation of women photographers in Nairobi, by teaching the youth basics and giving them the equipment to capture their stories. 

Zhané GayByrd, (@vibrance_bw) – Oakland, California

Zhané is a Photographer from the Bay Area, who focuses on capturing the essence of reliance, beauty, and versatility of Black women and nonbinary people.

Her works explore the many ways Black women choose to heal by capturing true, raw emotions. Zhané will be using her grant to focus on helping Black women in the Bay Area with their own mental health journey, by offering them a therapy. 

Clara Watt, Geneva, (@clarawatt) – Switzerland

Watt is a Canadian and Senegalese photographer based in London and Geneva. Featured in multiple outlets, Watt explores belonging through, social, cultural, and gender identity. 

Watt will help Black women who were sexually assaulted or harassed reclaim those spaces with portraits, film, and give them access to therapy. 

$3,000 BWP Grant Recipients – Non-Project based

Nicky Quamina-Woo (@nickywoophoto) – New York and Southeast Asia

Woo tells worldwide compelling stories with her photographs. Her work focuses on human unrest and social justice with projects that put the harsh realities of western colonization.

Woo examines the changes that come with the aftermath of trauma caused to her, adaptation is survival. 

DeLovie Kwagala (@deloviephotography) – Kampala, Uganda

Kwangala explores the narrative surrounding identity, belonging, social injustices, and Gender-Sexuality with the intent to not sexualize, fetish or stigmatize. With an endless list of achievements, Kwangala aspires to educate and narrate with their images. 

Ornelle Chimi (@ornelle.c) – Washington, DC

Chimi brings her own style to fashion photography. As a fashion and portrait photographer. She’s been working endlessly, learning everything she needs to stand out. Chimi has been featured in Vogue Italia, Nylon, and New York Magazine.

Melissa Bunni Ellen (@hellobunni)- New York, New York

Ellen is a storyteller and visionary making an impact. Ellens images capture humanity. Her portrait works are beautifully composed and reflect the genuine emotions of her subjects. She will be speaking with other storytellers this year at Storytelling for Change Summit hosted by Photographers Without Borders.  

Karene Jean-Baptiste (@kareneisabelle) – Montreal, Canada

Baptiste was an engineer, before becoming a photographer. Today she captures the world around her, looking for moments of magic which she says “can appear and disappear in an instant within a scene or a human face.”

Her pictures give viewers an immersive experience.  

Who’s about to level up with that Nikon gear hookup tho?

Rukie Jumah, (@rukiejumah) – Abuja Nigeria

Inari Briana, (@inaribriana) – Atlanta Georgia

Ramona Hernandez, (@radiantramona) – Atlanta, Georgia

Can’t forget to mention Jamie Walker from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Black Women Photographers and Nikon grant! We cant wait to see your progress and future works.