Gold Grillz & Cowboy Hats

As we all patiently await for Pharrell Williams’ fashion show of his forthcoming Louis Vuitton collection, renowned French documentary filmmaker and Fashion journalist Loic Prigent took it upon himself to release his exclusive backstage footage of Skateboard P’s LV Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 spectacle.

In it, Loic candidly chops it up with the Louis Vuitton team as they explain the collection’s cowboy aesthetic.  He even highlights the models who graced the blazing catwalk (shoutout to the boy, Cam Hicks).  Shiii, I was so inspired by the show I had my own Yeehaw! moment:

Check out Loic’s captivating BTS clip below (oh, and make sure you turn the captions on):

A Match Made In Heaven

It’s a Jacquemus summer at the Four Seasons! Simon Porte Jacquemus’ eponymous label has joined forces with the colossal resorts and hotels company to deliver its first store in North America.

Located at Oceans Club Bahamas resort, the Jacquemus boutique will open as a pop-up which will carry “Only At Four Seasons” towels to commemorate the momentous occasion. The Oceans Club’s “Carlo” shop even transformed its aesthetic to provide a one-of-a kind French Riviera shopping experience. 

Featuring collections from the luxurious fashion line’s Spring/Summer Ready-To-Wear collection for men and women, the partnership with Four Seasons sees the experience extend to The Ocean Club Resort’s iconic Versailles and Ocean Pools. Jacquemus has designed specific fabrics for the loungers, accent pillows, sunshades and pool toys, all of which are printed with a hand-painted stripe pattern that sees combinations of black/white, blue/white, yellow/white, and red/white.

Want to take part in the Four Seasons x Jacquemus extravaganza at the Four Seasons Bahamas resort? You can book online between June 7 and July 31 here.

Tyshawn Jones Is A Certified Stepper

Skateboarding sensation Tyshawn Jones is getting ready to release his second signature shoe with Adidas, aptly titled The Tyshawn II.

The two time Thrasher Skater of the Year winner released his first kicks with the global sportswear brand back in June 2019. And just two years later, a low-top iteration (Tyshawn Lows) came out. Now, Jones is taking his tre flips to new heights with the forthcoming collaboration.

Combining Ty’s unique style and Adidas iconic branding, the Tyshawn II features a low-cut leather upper, including dual-layered panels and perforations at the forefoot for durability and breathability. The campaign flicks of the shoe display a white-based colorway with black accents as well as an all-black version.

If you weren’t aware, Tyshawn is signed to Steven Victor’s sports management company. Victor’s (a fellow Haitian, I might add) other notable client is current WBA lightweight champion of the world, Gervonta “Tank” Davis.  Jones’ incredible skating prowess was on full display last year in a viral video which showcased him doing an ollie over Steven Victor’s $5 million Ferrari Monza SP2 supercar (talk about great marketing, right?).

The Adidas Tyshawn II ($100) will be released on June 1.

Twin, Where Have You Been?

Aimé Leon Dore has released the latest installment of its fashion film entitled “Doublemint.” Directed by Aristidis and Antonia Apostolopoulous, the three-part visual series features an array of ALD’s Spring/Summer 2024 threads and outstanding collaborative pieces.

The final cinematic adventure, starring the homies Khorey & Torey Mcdonald, highlights Aimé Leon Dore’s luxurious luggage line with none other than Rimowa. The LVMH-owned German baggage brand is known for its rich history of blockbuster partnerships and this one is no different!

Teddy Santis’ brainchild and Rimowa’s two-piece collection consists of the RIMOWA x AIMÉ LEON DORE Chest and the RIMOWA x AIMÉ LEON DORE Cabin. For those not in the know of airline lingo, Cabin bags are considered carry-ons and Chest bags are the bigger ones you check in with me at the counter of  *coughs* your favorite airline *coughs*. The handcrafted, Germany-made pieces take on Aimé Leon Dore’s signature green shade. Furthermore, other details include TSA-approved locks, flex dividers, brown leather-made handles, and gold-plated hardware. In the gut of the trunks you’ll find a print showcasing an assortment of ancient Greek stamps originated by ALD that is applied to a nylon-lined interior.

Landing on (saw what I did there?) on May 31st, the Rimowa x Aimé Leon Dore Cabin will retail for $2,670, and the Rimowa x Aimé Leon Dore Chest for $3,880. 

Bon voyage!

OMO III: Safe Haven

It is my absolute honor to present the third and final installment from my On My Own merch series. This exclusive piece takes shape in the form of an organic french terry pullover hoodie, which features my freshly dressed animated character and the infamous BAPE couch that was on my “second floor office” at Nigo’s former SoHo workshop. 

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, the hoodie’s artwork is self-explanatory to the thousands of patrons who have visited me during my time at the iconic BAPE store on Green Street. A ‘Safe Haven’ is defined as a place where someone goes to be safe from danger or attack.  It would be extreme of me to say the individuals that specifically came upstairs to see me were looking for refuge.  However, I must admit they always felt much more at ease after our intimate conversations. 

There’s truly nothing better in the world than inspiring someone to be their highest, happiest self. I feel blessed to have played a small role in the lives of individuals who have felt touched by my words or simple acts of kindness. I love y’all.

Shop HERE.

Air Biggie

“It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up! Magazine/ Now I’m dunking on n*ggaz in my Air Jordan Thirteens!”. Alright, alright those are not the actual lyrics from Biggie Smalls’ legendary single “Juicy,” but if the late rapper was alive today, he damn sure would have a remix with similar bars as a nod to Jordan Brand’s latest endeavor.

I ain’t stutter! The Beaverton, Oregon label has collaborated with Sotheby’s to curate a one-of-a-kind auction for 23 exclusive pairs (I see what they did there) of Christopher Wallace aka Notorious B.I.G x Air Jordan 13s. Originally conceptualized in 2017 as a tribute to Biggie’s 45th birthday, the kicks have returned to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary and the notion of Self-Belief.

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Notable designs of the kicks include both tongues that feature an outline of B.I.G’s iconic face, while the inside of them reads his infamous lines “It was all a dream” and “if you don’t know now you know” (I know what you said in your mind after that).  Furthermore, the insoles are embossed with black and red plaid patterns, and are branded with “Notorious B.” on the heels. Last but certainly not least, Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation hang tags are found, and the haglets are rightfully adorned with the words “dream” in red font.

Bidding for the 23 pairs of Notorious B.I.G x Air Jordan 13s begin at a whopping $1 USD at Sotheby’s website here through February 3rd. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation whose main course of action is empowering inner city-youth through mentorship programs, grants, scholarship and educational tools.

Golf Wang in NYC

Tyler, The Creator has officially announced that his precious brainchild of a clothing brand Golf Wang will be opening its second brick-and-mortar store in none other than the Big Apple.

Located at 35 Howard Street (damn, RIP to Opening Ceremony that was on the same strip), the new shop will contain the line’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection which includes the Golf Wang x Jeff Hamilton vegan leather jacket, honoring the NYC store’s November 12th grand opening. 

Golf Wang’s first storefront is located on Fairfax in Los Angeles, just a few steps away from the Supreme store. If you aren’t familiar, T’s brand focuses on tailored Americana staples, dope embroideries and eccentric prints. The most recent collection feature takes on wools, flannels, mohair and fur. 

It feels like yesterday when a bright-eyed Tyler walked into BAPE for the first time alongside Plain Pat and a few other music execs. The now Grammy winning multi-hyphenate was so astounded by a pair of Crapestas, he just started swearing profusely out of nowhere. I wonder what his younger self would think about him now having his very own store just a few blocks away. Minblowed, to say the least. 

Like most shops in the surrounding SoHo area, Golf Wang’s operating hours will be Monday - Saturday: 11am - 7pm and Sunday: 12pm - 6pm. I’ll definitely have to check it out—see you there!

Up Up and Away

“All good things must come to an end.” This old adage directly applies to Pharrell Williams and his whimsical jewelry. Yup, you heard me! The celebrated musician/philanthropist has decided to part ways with the OG trinkets that helped catapult his ascension into Style-God status by creating an intricate auction house coined, JOOPITER.

The selling platform’s moniker is inspired by the planet Jupiter, due to its astronomical connotation of luck, success and generosity.

“Spiritually it’s a very rich experience, an enlightening experience, to let… stories go,” says Pharrell when discussing the significance of detachment to FT.com.

JOOPITER’s first capsule—rightfully titled ‘Son of A Pharaoh’—includes 52 of Skateboard P’s outlandish pieces such as his 18k gold blackberry, legendary Jacob & Co N.E.R.D Brain pendant chain, Casio G-Shock x BAPE gold and diamond DW6900 watch, a Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in “Black/Multicolor” monogram, and many more.

Pharrell’s inaugural ‘Son of a Pharaoh’ auction closed on November 1st and it has reported a whopping total of $5.25 million USD in sales. The items sold from $2.184 million USD all the way down to $150,000 USD (I mean, that’s not low but you get what I’m saying). Talk about someone’s “trash” being another person’s treasure, right?

Proceeds from JOOPITER’s initial offering will go towards advancing Black Ambition’s work to benefit Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.

On God

On God I'm happier than a mothaf#!^% to be writing for y’all again. Yes, it’s been a few months since I’ve delivered an article, but your boy has been living—experiencing enlightening *clears throat * situations, which, quite honestly, made me appreciate life so much more. The recent conversations I’ve had with many industry legends (don’t ask me how) have inspired me to continue on my creative journey. With that said, allow me to present a new music video from a person who I’ve known since my BAPE days, Spence Lee.

Titled, “On God,” the introspective tune showcases Spence’s knack of captivating listeners with his potent lyrics and undeniable melodic flows. The single, produced by B-Rackz, is his initial release since partnering with artist collective 88Rising and Mike Will Made It/Ear Drummer Records. In a recent interview, Lee stated :

“the song is a motivational song written through positive affirmations, almost like a prayer. It reflects on my story, which gives me hope in the present and faith in my future. On God means I’m standing on God as my foundation. And every line is true, hence the term “On God”.

Check out the talented, New Jersey-bred spitter’s latest visual directed by Jason Ano below:

OMO II: The Hero's Journey

I am extremely happy to present the second installment of my #OMOFrendy T-shirt series titled, On My Own II: The Hero’s Journey.

The meaning behind the top’s name signifies the return to the source of all things: one’s self. It is said that the longest journey a person will ever take is the one 18 inches from their head to their heart.  The T-shirt serves as a reminder that nothing worthwhile can be achieved in life if we keep looking outside of ourselves for validation.

“If all is in my heart and mind, then I can do it on my own” - Frendy Lemorin

The T-shirt is scheduled to drop on Saturday June 4th, 2022. Click here to shop!

RIMOWA To The Rescue

Are you displeased with your current passport flick? Don’t fret, luxury luggage manufacturer RIMOWA has created a one stop shop where you can not only cop a high quality travel bag, but also take a swagged out passport pic.

Located on 99 Prince Street, RIMOWA’s NYC flagship store is capitalizing on the fact that global travel is steadily rising back to normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The German company’s SoHo location includes an in-house photo studio equipped with comfortable seating and godly lighting. Moreover, no appointment is needed to book a spot to take your shot (damn, I’m nice).  Did I forget to mention that the service is absolutely free to use?  Yup, you heard me. 

“The RIMOWA Passport Studio self-service photo booth affords visitors complete control over the process as they make selections for their travel-ready, 2x2” US passport portrait. Physical passport photos are printed on the spot and can be shared as digital versions for safe-keeping or reprinting,” says RIMOWA reps.

I’m expecting to see some beautiful ass passport photos If I ever have the pleasure of checking you in for your next *enter the airline I work for here* flight.

OMO Frendy

There’s really nothing to explain here. The FRNDY LMRN “OMO” T-shirt is for all of my supporters—especially those from my BAPE days.

Head over to the shop to own a piece of history!

The 'We Outside, Outside' Collection

If an adult Dora The Explorer and P Diddy had kids (just follow me on this), they would be the first ones on the block to effortlessly rock the extravagant pieces from Gucci’s collaboration with The North Face. 

Alessandro Michele, the luxurious Italian fashion house’s lauded Creative Director, truly believes that man is not separate from nature. During his tenure at Gucci, he has pushed the brand to become environmentally-friendly with moves such as its “off The Grid” sustainable collection, which utilizes recycled, organic and sustainably sourced materials. Gucci’s latest offering continues its earth-conscious trek with none other than TNF, who is also taking strides in making a positive impact on the environment.

Teased back in September via Instagram, Gucci’s joint venture with The North Face focuses on the great outdoors and channels the spirit of exploration. Don’t get it twisted—these pieces ain’t for your regular hypebeast camp-outs, you dig? The collection, inspired by The North Face designs from the 1970s, remains true to Gucci’s maximalist aesthetic and TNF’s functionable outerwear.  It includes retro climbing gear-inspired backpacks, belt bags, a tent, a sleeping bag, hiking boots, beanies, shirts, and coats. These offerings take coziness to Mount Everest Heights!

The North Face x Gucci collaboration is available in select boutiques worldwide.  And as of today, online at Gucci and The North Face.

Erick Hercules: No Photoshop

It is my pleasure to present an incredible interview conducted by the Art of Visuals podcast featuring my brother and photographer extraordinaire, Erick Hercules.

The insightful sit-down touches on Erick’s humble beginnings as an opera singer, his unworldly metamorphosis into an elite lensman and everything else in between. Grab a pen and notepad to jot down all of the gems that are bursting out of this conversation. 

Erick Hercules and Frendy doing what they do best

Enjoy below: (press play and wait a few seconds)

Dior x Rimowa

For those who aren’t aware, I am now an agent at *insert the #1 airline in the world here*. Thank you, thank you.  I truly appreciate your support (I will fund my dreams by any means). With that said, my fancy for an awesome traveling bag has never been stronger!  Luckily, Dior and Rimowa recently dropped their highly-anticipated luxurious luggage collection.

Initially revealed last year at the prestigious French fashion house’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection, the collaborative cabin cases are built to perfection and are offered in a plethora of sizes and colors.

The Dior x Rimowa products range from $2440 for the personal clutch to $4620 for the blue gradient Oblique-printed large suitcase. Quality is always worth it!

Kerwin & Rocky's Second Dance

SOHO scene kid turned thriving DJ and social media personality Kerwin Frost kicked off the new year with an extensive sit-down with Harlem’s very own ASAP Rocky.

Some of you may not be aware, but this is actually the second time these blossoming buds have chopped it up. Six months ago, Ian Connor and his ASAP affiliate joined Frost to discuss Downtown NYC’s golden era. On this occasion, Rocky gets a bit more personal as he touches on his humble beginnings Uptown (as a matter of fact, he gave off major Goldie vibes in the interview), untimely arrest in Sweden, issues with SpaceGhostPurrp, ASAP Yams’ “magical” powers and many more. 

Check out the chat in its entirety below:

P.S I still have a few sizes left in my SOHO,NYC hoodie—don’t miss out on it. Click here to cop. New items are dropping shortly!

New Oreo Alert

“Sippin’ on some siz-erp, sip, sippin’ on some,sip!” Some of you reading this article might be a little too young to remember Three 6 Mafia and UGK’s 1999-recorded classic, “Sippin On Some Syrup,” but that’ll be the jam I’ll be rapping to myself as I gobble up Oreo’s latest limited-edition fall flavor: Maple Creme. 

Alright, you don’t have to state the obvious—I won’t be able to literally sip the sweet syrup flavored filling off the cookie, nor is it the actual euphoria-inducing substance the song talks about.  I will be in a little trance off its creamy goodness though. 

Maple cookies aren’t really a thing here in the states, but they surely are raved about in good ol’ Canada. I trust my friendly Canadians so if they’re telling me that it’s fire, then the famed cookie brand has hit the jackpot with its forthcoming flavor. I mean, we already know how it enhances our enjoyment of pancakes, waffles, and (clears throat) I’ll just keep it PG here. 

According to Hypebeast, Nabisco is planning to release Oreo’s Maple Creme cookie on my birthday month: September (Virgos stand up!). How do you think it’ll taste?

Travis & Reese’s Puffs

Travis Scott can now add ‘cereal box designer’ to his long list of skills. The Astroworld ring leader recently took to Instagram to prison pose in between two boxes of his very own Reese’s Puffs, which were protected in glass casings (too many cereal grabbers out here—one must remain cautious at all times, you know?).

La Flame and General Mills’ special-edition box features a cactus—signifying Travis’ Cactus Jack record label—behind a bowl of cereal. Furthermore, lightning can be seen in the background with hand-drawn stars and clouds. According to US Magazine, the delicious cereal itself will remain the same.

The wonderful hypebeasts of Paris will get first dibs on Scott’s collaborative sweet and crunchy cereal at a pop up during PFW (June 25). Not in Paris? No worries, you can still cop them this Friday (June 28) on Travis Scott’s website for $50.

To eat or not to eat? That is the question...

The Soho Connection

On the latest episode of his eponymous Youtube talk show, funnyman Kerwin Frost sat down with A$AP Rocky and Ian Connor.

Throughout the nearly 2-hour conversation, Frost and the forever $triving bros mostly spoke of Soho’s golden era, and reminisced about their time fashionably running amok in its cobblestone streets. “It was the best days,” says a twinkle-eyed Ian. Additionally, the trio touched on Harlem’s drastic change due to gentrification, Rocky’s connection with fashion designer Jeremy Scott, Connor’s “Lil Theophilus [London]” Tumblr days, fake influencers, and much more.

I was fortunate enough to be at the epicenter of all the culture shifting that took place at New York’s historical downtown area. As I stated before, almost all of the east coast-based millennials who are now thriving in the entertainment industry has had an insightful conversation (or 10) with me at some point during their Soho excursions.

I truly miss the area’s unequivocal artful essence, which is why it is my duty to restore the feeling through my content.

Check out the interview in its entirety below:

Playboi Carti x The Fader

“We ain’t got to ball, D. Rose/I don’t give a f*ck bout none,” mumbles Playboi Carti, as he starts skating on Tyler The Creator’s IGOR stellar cut, “Earfquake.” Though admitting his carefreeness, the 22-year-old Atlanta native is very scrupulous about his method of releasing music, and even uploads on social media. Fortunately, The Fader was able to track him down for their Summer 2019 cover story which provided us with just a peek into his reclusive rockstar life.

During the lengthy sit-down, my fellow Virgo—Carti was born one day after me, that explains our majestic swag. Feel me?—spoke of his hotly-anticipated second studio album Whole Lotta Red, forthcoming project with super-producer Metro Boomin, private relationship with Iggy Azalea, and more.

You can read the informative interview HERE. Speaking of insightful conversations, be on the lookout for my 30th Original Story!

Photographed by Micaiah Carter