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On the agenda:
But first: Fashion’s biggest night is coming.
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This week’s dispatch
All eyes on the Met Gala stairs
The most important Monday in fashion is almost here as the Met Gala returns to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year, longtime editor in chief Anna Wintour isn’t just creating a night of fashion, she’s making a statement.
As attendees for the $75,000-ticket fundraiser carefully walk up the famed Met steps, they’ll embody this year’s theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which puts Black dandyism center stage.
So, what is Black dandyism? Vogue explains it as being “more than aesthetics. It has been about identity, power, and resistance. In a world where Black people have been marginalized, the dandy became a figure who defied the rigid categories of race and class that sought to confine them.”
BI’s lifestyle reporters Amanda Krause and Samantha Grindell Pettyjohn also noted that the theme will honor menswear, led by this year’s cochairs, which include Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, and ASAP Rocky, among others.
Centering Black fashion feels declarative after diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts have been rolled back at major companies and in the government due to recent political shifts in the US.
While many in the fashion community celebrate the move, others have criticized it, especially considering Vogue’s glacial-paced moves toward diversity on its covers and inside the magazine.
Despite what side of the fence any critic lands, what’s true, if they love fashion, is that they’ll still likely watch those steps on Monday.
Came through (NAD) dripping
Celebrities from Kevin Love to Kendall Jenner can’t get enough of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — or NAD — drips, which are said to bring benefits like increased energy, faster healing, and slowed aging.
BI health reporter Gabby Landsverk was skeptical of the trend at first. After testing it out, she said she sees the appeal. Fear not: There are some budget-friendly alternatives for those not willing to drop $1,000 a month.
What to know about NAD infusions.
Well-dressed for work
The times, they are a-changing — and so are the clothes men are wearing to work. Fashion designers and stylists told BI which workwear trends are in and out right now.
Quiet luxury continues to reign supreme. Experts emphasized minimalist details and sleek, structured styles. However, you might want to rethink those ultra-slim pants.
See their recommendations.
Building an Airbnb empire
Darrel and Patrice Maxam began renting out bedrooms in their Atlanta bungalow on Airbnb in 2015. Now, the Maxams rent out a cabin village in Sodus, New York.
The Maxams’ upstate New York property contains custom-built A-frame cabins, each with a kitchenette, bathroom, air conditioning, and a private wood-fired hot tub. Darrel said the business brings in around $30,000 to $60,000 a month.
They have plans to build more.
A Hydro Flask that fits in your pocket
Hydro Flask keeps selling out of a tiny, 6.7-ounce water bottle the size of … well, a flask. It holds just a few sips and costs $19.
Fans say the pocket-sized water bottle is perfect for carrying milk, matcha, or even alcohol. Many love the convenience; one person told BI it fits in virtually every purse she owns.
A big trend in a small package.
What we’re watching this weekend
- “Another Simple Favor”: Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return in the sequel to Paul Feig’s 2018 dark comedy, “A Simple Favor,” filled with even more twists and turns.
- “The Four Seasons”: Tina Fey’s new Netflix comedy series, based on the 1981 feature film of the same name, follows three couples embarking on a weekend getaway.
- “The Walking Dead:Dead City”: Jeffrey Dean Morgan reprises his role as Negan in season two of the postapocalyptic show.
See the full list
What to shop
- Renter-friendly wallpaper: Spoonflower’s removable wallpaper is easy to apply, peels off cleanly, and won’t damage your walls — perfect for renters. Learn more about its unique artist-designed prints and eco-friendly materials in our review.
- Sandals for the summer: We’ve rounded up the best walking sandals for women, emphasizing comfort, support, and style for summer adventures. These picks are perfect for travel, errands, or everyday wear.
- Summer sleepwear: Say goodbye to night sweats with our top cooling pajama picks, designed to keep you cool and dry all night. Hot sleepers can benefit from these upgrades, whether they prefer breathable bamboo sets or silky-soft nightgowns.
More of this week’s top reads:
The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City (on parental leave). Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.
Read the full article here
