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  • ✇TechCabal
  • Why Africa’s most-funded EV startup is thinking beyond motorcycles
    On June 1, Spiro, the electric motorcycle startup, announced a $215 million funding round, one of the largest capital raises ever secured by an African mobility company. The figure grabbed headlines, but the company’s plans for the capital offer the clearest insight into how it sees its future.  Across Africa’s tech ecosystem, investors have become more demanding about business fundamentals. Growth remains important. However, investors now want
     

Why Africa’s most-funded EV startup is thinking beyond motorcycles

12 juin 2026 à 13:57

On June 1, Spiro, the electric motorcycle startup, announced a $215 million funding round, one of the largest capital raises ever secured by an African mobility company. The figure grabbed headlines, but the company’s plans for the capital offer the clearest insight into how it sees its future. 

Across Africa’s tech ecosystem, investors have become more demanding about business fundamentals. Growth remains important. However, investors now want clearer evidence that startups can generate sustainable revenue, move towards profitability and maintain sound economics as they scale. 

Spiro’s latest strategy speaks directly to that shift. The company still earns most of its revenue from selling electric motorcycles, yet it spends far more time talking about batteries, swap stations and energy infrastructure than motorcycles. 

Few mobility startups have consistently attracted capital. Spiro has now raised more than $500 million through a combination of debt and equity financing, including a $50 million facility from Afreximbank, a $100 million funding round announced in 2025, and the latest equity raise led by Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane. 

In a statement to TechCabal on Tuesday, Gagan Gupta, the company’s co-founder and chairman, described a business focused on expanding battery capacity, growing its swapping network and building energy services around it. Motorcycles remain the main source of revenue, but batteries and swap stations dominate the growth strategy. 

“Spiro’s revenue mix today is primarily driven by vehicle sales, with energy services, operations and maintenance contributing the remaining share,” Gupta said. 

Vehicle sales still drive the business

Spiro is clear about where its revenue comes from today. Vehicle sales generate the largest share of the company’s revenue—Spiro declined to disclose the figures—while energy services, operations and maintenance account for the remainder. The revenue mix reflects the company’s current stage of development, with motorcycle adoption still growing before battery-swapping services can generate meaningful demand. 

“Vehicle sales serve as the entry point for market adoption, but as fleet density increases, energy demand scales in a compounding manner and with it, the recurring, high-margin revenue profile that defines infrastructure businesses,” Gupta told TechCabal.

Gupta’s comments help explain how Spiro views the relationship between its vehicles and its infrastructure. The motorcycles bring riders onto the platform. The battery-swapping network is designed to generate ongoing activity after the initial sale.

That model differs from that of a traditional vehicle manufacturer, where revenue is largely tied to unit sales. Spiro’s approach depends on building a network that riders repeatedly return to. Every additional vehicle deployed creates another potential user of the company’s battery-swapping infrastructure.

The company expects the balance of revenue to evolve, declining to disclose its revenue from battery swaps or provide projections for when energy-related activities could rival vehicle sales. Revenue today remains tied primarily to getting more motorcycles on the road.

“While we do not disclose market-level payback data at this stage, we can confirm that our most mature markets are already demonstrating the utilisation trajectory consistent with the target unit economics,” Gupta said. 

Why Spiro needed another $215 million

The latest funding round will not be used to launch a new business or test a new market.

According to Gupta, previous funding rounds enabled the company to establish its platform, validate product-market fit and build operational capacity for growth. The latest raise is intended to accelerate the expansion of the infrastructure already in place.

The new capital will be used to expand battery capacity, roll out more swap stations, deepen the company’s presence in existing markets and support further localisation of manufacturing. The plan is notable for what it does not include. Gupta did not point to a new product category, a major technology shift or a new business model. The focus remains on expanding the existing network.

Spiro says it has deployed more than 2,500 battery-swapping stations across Africa. Gupta argues that scale matters because riders need confidence that energy will be available wherever they operate. The company refers to this as “rider anxiety”—the hesitation to switch to electric motorcycles when access to battery-swapping services remains uncertain.

Commercial motorcycle riders earn money only when they are moving. A battery that runs out far from a swap station can lead to lost trips and income. Spiro argues that a dense network reduces much of that uncertainty, making electric motorcycles a more practical option for riders who depend on them for daily earnings.

The latest funding round is built around that premise: rather than pursuing a new line of business, Spiro is directing fresh capital towards expanding battery capacity and extending the reach of its swapping network. 

The race to electrify Africa’s motorcycles

Africa’s electric motorcycle sector is attracting a growing number of startups, drawn by a simple calculation. Some estimates put Kenya’s boda boda operators at three million, who spend a large share of their daily earnings on fuel. That has created an opportunity for companies that can offer a cheaper alternative without sacrificing convenience. The result has been a wave of investment into electric motorcycles, battery-swapping networks and the infrastructure needed to keep them running.

Besides Spiro, startups such as Ampersand, Roam and ARC Ride are also building businesses around electric two-wheelers, with many relying on battery-swapping networks to address charging constraints and reduce operating costs for riders. 

Despite differences in approach, these companies are pursuing the same objective: lowering fuel costs, reducing downtime and making electric motorcycles practical for commercial transport. 

Where Spiro stands apart is the amount of capital it has raised. Ampersand, one of the region’s best-known electric motorcycle companies, has raised over $43 million to expand its fleet, battery-swapping network and charging infrastructure across East Africa. Roam has raised nearly $32 million to expand production of electric motorcycles and buses. 

Spiro, by contrast, has now secured more than $500 million in debt and equity financing, giving it significantly more firepower to build infrastructure across multiple markets at the same time.

The size of that opportunity helps explain the investor interest. Motorcycle taxis form the backbone of transport in many African cities, while rising fuel costs continue to squeeze rider incomes. Companies that can lower those costs and build reliable energy networks are competing for a market measured not just by vehicle sales but by the daily movement of millions of riders and passengers across the continent.

The economics investors want to see

The strongest argument for Spiro’s long-term business model rests on the economics of its battery-swapping network.

Gupta said the network is strongest in markets with high motorcycle volumes and frequent battery swapping. 

“Spiro’s battery-swapping network demonstrates strong underlying unit economics, with station-level profitability driven by two primary levers: vehicle deployment density in a given geography, and frequency of use per rider,” he said.

The logic here is that more vehicles create more demand for battery swaps. More swaps increase utilisation of existing infrastructure. Better utilisation can improve the economics of assets that have already been deployed.

The company did not disclose station payback periods, break-even utilisation rates or market-level profitability data. Those figures would provide a clearer picture of how the network performs financially and how quickly new stations begin generating returns.

“We are already cash positive in our two most mature markets,” Gupta said. 

Spiro did not identify those markets or disclose financial figures. Even so, the statement offers one of the few direct indicators of operating performance contained in the company’s responses.

Much of the public discussion around electric mobility has focused on funding announcements, expansion plans and deployment targets. Cash-positive operations point to a different measure of progress, suggesting that at least part of the business has moved beyond pure deployment and into a stage where operations are generating positive cash flow.

Spiro did not disclose enough details to assess the scale of that performance or how it compares across markets. Still, the disclosure is crucial because it shifts attention from fundraising and expansion to the company’s financial performance. 

Looking beyond transport

“Electric mobility and energy infrastructure are two sides of the same coin. To succeed in one, you must deliver the other,” Gupta said, pointing out that the company’s longer-term ambitions extend beyond motorcycles and battery swapping.

The network Spiro is building was designed to support electric motorcycles, but the company sees broader applications for the underlying infrastructure. Batteries need to be charged, monitored, stored, and moved across a network that keeps them available when riders need them. Once that system exists at scale, the company believes it can support more than transport alone.

Battery storage, distributed energy solutions and grid-related applications are among the areas being explored internally, according to Gupta. They are not major contributors to revenue today, but they offer a glimpse into how Spiro views the role of its infrastructure over the longer term.

One idea that appears further along is opening the network to outside partners. Gupta said the company is preparing to make parts of its energy infrastructure available to third parties, extending its use beyond Spiro’s own fleet.

“Looking ahead, we are also preparing to open Spiro’s energy infrastructure to third-party partners,” Gupta said.

The company sees a role for that infrastructure beyond its own fleet. Gupta pointed to Spiro’s acquisition of Coexlion, a UK engineering and design firm in May 2026, as part of a broader effort to strengthen its engineering, product development and energy infrastructure capabilities.

Gupta disclosed little about station economics, utilisation rates or profitability across individual markets. What he did disclose was that two of Spiro’s most mature markets are already cash-positive. For a startup that has spent years being defined by the number of motorcycles it deploys, that may be the most revealing figure of all.

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  • Noname Is Touring 'Telefone': Everything We Loved in Music This Week
    All of the biggest music headlines in one place and playlist. Updated live throughout the week.Noname Is Touring Telefone For Its Tenth Anniversary2016 is so back. If you would've told us that Noname would be touring Telefone in 2026, we surely would not have believed you. In commemoration of the iconic project's tenth anniversary, Noname is taking it on a headlining run of summer shows, kicking off on August 2 in Toronto, and closing out on September 10 in Chicago.Niontay Drops New Visual Sing
     

Noname Is Touring 'Telefone': Everything We Loved in Music This Week

All of the biggest music headlines in one place and playlist. Updated live throughout the week.

Noname Is Touring Telefone For Its Tenth Anniversary

2016 is so back. If you would've told us that Noname would be touring Telefone in 2026, we surely would not have believed you. In commemoration of the iconic project's tenth anniversary, Noname is taking it on a headlining run of summer shows, kicking off on August 2 in Toronto, and closing out on September 10 in Chicago.

Niontay Drops New Visual Single "Dreamin’ (of u ;)"

Our favorite 10K rockstar has been on a quiet run as of late. Niontay has dropped off another new visual for his recent Soulja Hate Repellant track, "Dreamin' (of u ;)." A fan-favorite from the album, the cut's visual embodies a lo-fi, Y2K nostalgia.

Jay-Z Pulls Up to Game 3 of the NBA Finals

HOV's latest stop on his summer outside: Madison Square Garden. Jay-Z​ sat courtside to cheer on the New York Knicks in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

Charli XCX Announces Music, Fashion, Film Tour, With Support From underscores

As Charli XCX's first post-brat record nears, the musician has already lifted the veil on an accompanying slate of tour dates for her imminent Music, Fashion, Film album. The tour is officially set to kick off on September 11, 2026, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, and run until October 23 in Las Vegas, bolstered by support from one of our current favorite rising artists, underscores.

Erick the Architect's "Appreciation" Apple Keynote Track References 100 Apps

At this year's annual Apple WWDC conference out in Cupertino, Erick the Architect was the musician behind the official Keynote track. The Flatbush Zombies rapper penned the original track "Appreciation," which calls out nearly 100 apps downloadable on the App Store.

Tierra Whack Drops WHACK'S MUSEUM Tracklist

Just a week out from WHACK'S MUSEUM project, Tierra Whack has dropped off the official tracklist – or shall we say, whacklist – for the imminent mixtape. Whether it's a fully solo endeavor or merely riddled with hidden features remains to be seen, but the twelve-track offering is just a week away, dropping on Juneteenth.

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Chrome Hearts v. Nordstrom Unfolds & Prada Debuts Lunar Mission Suit in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

  • The industry mourned menswear legend Nigel Cabourn’s passing

  •  Prada designed lunar spacesuits for NASA, Coach and Brain Dead debuted theme park-inspired gear, and ESSX opened a Hamptons pop-up.

  •  Chrome Hearts sued Nordstrom over trademarked cross motifs, while Tremaine Emory launched Denim Tears' first bag collection.

Chrome Hearts Sues Nordstrom Over Trademark Infringement of Iconic Cross Motifs

On June 4, Los Angeles-based luxury titan Chrome Hearts filed a lawsuit against retail giant Nordstrom in California, alleging trademark infringement and counterfeiting. The legal battle centered around Nordstrom’s sale of jewelry and belts that allegedly replicated Chrome Hearts' signature CH Cross and CH Plus design motifs. The luxury label asserted that decades of consistent branding, celebrity co-signs, and heavy advertising cemented these heavy-metal crosses as recognizable indicators of their brand. The lawsuit struck at the complex layers of IP involving pre-existing symbols like crosses, questioning where the legal line was drawn between generic ornamental decoration and a protectable trademark.

NASA's Artemis IV Astronauts Are Wearing Prada and Axiom Space to the Moon

Prada and Axiom Space officially debuted the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) for the upcoming NASA Artemis IV lunar mission. Acting as the inner layer of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuit, the innovative suit is able to withstand extreme metabolic heat during spacewalks for up to eight hours. Using engineered knitting techniques and resilient, specialized fibers, Prada’s material science expertise is designed for repeated wear in deep space. The core technology involves sophisticated cooling loops that continuously pump water across the core muscle groups and route fresh oxygen to the wearer. The unconventional cross-industry partnership demonstrated how luxury fashion's 3D modeling and high-performance textile innovations can also play an integral role in aerospace engineering.

Legendary Menswear Designer Nigel Cabourn Dies at 77

On June 11, the fashion world mourned the loss of esteemed British designer Nigel Cabourn, who passed away at the age of 77. Well known for his strong dedication to heritage craftsmanship, military garments, and functional workwear, Cabourn built a meaningful legacy of style, deeper than ephemeral trend cycles. His unparalleled personal archive of over 4,000 vintage pieces informed his celebrated Authentic line, Main Line, and Lybro collections. Instead of climbing the luxury rungs, the designer cultivated a passionate global cult following, collaborating with titans like Converse and Red Wing. With his signature dungarees and joyful energy, Cabourn fundamentally shaped the modern utility aesthetic.

Denim Tears' Handbags Were Always in Tremaine Emory's Blueprint

Tremaine Emory expanded the Denim Tears universe with the brand’s first-ever in-line bag collection for SS26. Translating the label's signature Cotton Wreath motif into the realm of luxury accessories, the launch dropped on June 12, offering a highly adaptable silhouette in both heavy-duty cotton canvas and soft grain leather. Priced between $390 and $590 USD, the leather variant of the bags features clever side buttons that allow them to transition seamlessly from a structured form into a spacious tote. Emory likened the collection to furnishing a house, noting that leather goods were always part of his long-term vision.

ESSX Brings Downtown NYC Energy to East Hampton for the Summer Months

Lower East Side concept store ESSX took its downtown sensibility to the beach, launching a massive seasonal pop-up at 53 The Circle in East Hampton. Running through October 2026, the temporary retail space successfully transported the community-driven energy of its Manhattan flagship straight to Long Island. Shoppers enjoyed a meticulously curated roster of brands, including heavy hitters like Maison Margiela, Acne Studios, Our Legacy, and Willy Chavarria. Beyond simply selling exclusive luxury apparel, ESSX maintained its cultural edge by hosting rotating activations and creative programming. By testing its avant-garde formula against the affluent, slower-paced Hamptons crowd, ESSX provided a cutting-edge alternative to traditional coastal retail.

Stuart Vevers on Crafting a World of Curiosity, Nostalgia and Play With Kyle Ng

The unlikely pairing Coach x Brain Dead released a collaborative collection, channeling the vibrant character of late-90s Harajuku street style. Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers partnered with Brain Dead’s Kyle Ng to create highly customizable bags covered in nostalgic charms, pins, and patches. Drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s legendary FRUiTS magazine, the duo designed merchandise for a completely fictional amusement park. They brought this dreamscape to life in New York with an immersive, carnival-like presentation that culminated in a sudden flashmob runway show. Vevers emphasized that the collection thrived on emotional connection and subcultural grit, encouraging wearers to add their own personal stories and visible scratches to the pieces.

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  • ✇Hypebeast (filtré Black/Afro)
  • 10 Anime Releases To Look Out for This Spring
    This spring, the world of anime welcomes a new round of highly anticipated premieres, long-awaited sequels and monumental franchise milestones. Following a stacked winter lineup, the upcoming slate proves that the year is only gaining momentum. From David Production's historic adaptation of STEEL BALL RUN to the gritty return of Dorohedoro after a six-year hiatus, fans have plenty to add to their watchlists. Viewers can also look forward to stunning new fantasy adaptations like Witch Hat Atelie
     

10 Anime Releases To Look Out for This Spring

This spring, the world of anime welcomes a new round of highly anticipated premieres, long-awaited sequels and monumental franchise milestones. Following a stacked winter lineup, the upcoming slate proves that the year is only gaining momentum. From David Production's historic adaptation of STEEL BALL RUN to the gritty return of Dorohedoro after a six-year hiatus, fans have plenty to add to their watchlists. Viewers can also look forward to stunning new fantasy adaptations like Witch Hat Atelier and mind-bending psychological thrillers such as Liar Game. To help you navigate the packed schedule, we've rounded up the top anime releases to look out for this spring, complete with release dates and exactly where you can stream them.

Beastars Season 3 Part 2

Release Date: March 7, 2026

Following the dramatic first half of its final season, Studio Orange returns to conclude Legoshi’s complex coming-of-age journey the final installment of Beastars. Fans have been eagerly waiting to see how the societal tension between herbivores and carnivores reaches its boiling point after the shocking revelations of the previous season. Studio Orange's masterful use of 3D CG animation has continuously pushed the boundaries of the medium and this concluding chapter promises to deliver an emotional and visually stunning finale to Paru Itagaki's critically acclaimed manga. The final episodes are expected to stream globally on Netflix.

STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Release Date: March 19, 2026

Arguably one of the most requested anime adaptations of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure world, STEEL BALL RUN is the first entry of the IP to transition into an alternate universe. The story centers on a high-stakes, cross-country horse race across late 19th-century America, with protagonist Johnny Joestar and disgraced executioner Gyro Zeppeli taking the reins. David Production, the studio that flawlessly adapted the first six parts of the franchise, is set to bring Hirohiko Araki’s signature flair to life once again. The production promises to be a massive undertaking, blending intense action with complex Stand battles that will undoubtedly keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The highly anticipated series will premiere with a special 47-minute opening episode exclusively worldwide on Netflix.

Dorohedoro Season 2


|◤          ◥||
キービジュアル第二弾公開
||◣          ◢||

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.𝟒.𝟏 𝟐𝟑:𝟎𝟎~
毎週水曜 各配信プラットフォームより
全世界ほぼ同時配信開始🦎#それがドロヘドロ pic.twitter.com/mcqeMiscoS

— アニメ『ドロヘドロ』公式 (@dorohedoro_PR) February 8, 2026

Release Date: April 1, 2026

After a grueling wait that spanned over half a decade, the chaotic and grimy world of Dorohedoro is finally returning to our screens. Slated for an April 1 release, the second season dives right back into the Hole, following Caiman and Nikaido as they continue their violent, darkly comedic search for the sorcerer who cursed Caiman with a lizard head. The series' unique blend of brutal action, cyberpunk aesthetics and surprising moments of slice-of-life charm made the first season a cult classic, making its long-awaited return a major highlight of the spring lineup. While the first season was a Netflix exclusive, Season 2 will expand its reach and stream worldwide across multiple platforms.

Dr. Stone  Season 4 Final Season Part 3

Release Date: April 2, 2026

The scientific revival of humanity continues as Dr. Stone Science Future approaches its highly anticipated final act. Following Senku and the Kingdom of Science, the narrative pushes further into uncharted territory as the crew inches closer to the moon and the ultimate mystery behind the petrification beam. The Science Future arc has consistently raised the stakes, blending educational mechanics with high-octane shonen storytelling. As the series hurtles toward its definitive endgame, audiences can expect plenty of ambitious inventions and emotional payoffs as the episodes stream weekly on Crunchyroll.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm

Release Date: April 4

From Hiromu Arakawa, the legendary creator behind Fullmetal Alchemist, comes the major anime adaptation of Daemons of the Shadow Realm. The dark fantasy series follows Yuru, a boy from a remote mountain village who discovers a terrifying truth about his world and his estranged twin sister, Asa. Bones, the legendary animation powerhouse that adapted Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the new series mark a highly anticipated reunion between Arakawa and the studio, whose previous collaboration is widely regarded as one of the most iconic anime series of all time. Given Arakawa's renowned pedigree for crafting intricate worlds, moral ambiguity and gripping action sequences, this series is poised to be one of the absolute standout premieres of the season.

ONE PIECE "Elbaph Arc”

Release Date: April 5, 2026

With the “Egghead Island” saga leaving fans reeling from its massive lore drops and intense confrontations, One Piece officially sets sail for the mythical land of giants in the highly anticipated "Elpaph Arc." The island of Elbaf (often stylized as Elpaph) has been teased for over two decades, dating all the way back to the “Little Garden arc.” Toei Animation has been continually elevating its production value over the last few years, treating recent arcs to feature-film-level cinematic direction, experimental storyboarding and dazzling aura-heavy action sequences. As the series moves closer to its final saga, Toei's evolving artistic ambition makes this monumental chapter essential viewing. Fans can catch the new arc streaming weekly on Crunchyroll.

Witch Hat Atelier

Release Date: April 6, 2026

Bringing Kamome Shirahama’s breathtaking, award-winning artwork to life, Witch Hat Atelier is set to enchant audiences this spring. The series follows Coco, a regular girl who accidentally discovers the secret of magic and is subsequently swept into the wondrous - and often dangerous - world of witches. The production has garnered significant buzz for its commitment to replicating Shirahama's incredibly detailed, storybook-like illustration style in motion, making it a must-watch for fans of high fantasy and stunning visual direction. The series will be streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll outside of Asia.

Liar Game

Release Date: April, 2026

Shinobu Kaitani’s brilliant psychological thriller Liar Game is finally getting the anime adaptation it has long deserved. First published in 2005, the original manga ran for 10 years on Weekly Young Jump where it gained critical reception for its complex, yet exceptionally clever and well-written games. The story centers on Nao Kanzaki, an impossibly honest girl who is forced into a high-stakes tournament of deception, partnering with the genius swindler Shinichi Akiyama to survive crippling debt. While the property has seen live-action adaptations in the past, an anime series offers the perfect medium to explore the intricate, mind-bending games that define the original manga. Global streaming details are expected to be announced closer to its broadcast date.

My Hero Academia: More


TVアニメ
『僕のヒーローアカデミア』
No.170+1 「More」。
放送まで、あと4ヶ月。

5月2日(土)夕方5:30
読売テレビ・日本テレビ系
全国29局ネットでON AIR!!

▶️ https://t.co/cbyvoTRpKA#ヒロアカ #heroaca_a pic.twitter.com/BT4rr81HQN

— 僕のヒーローアカデミア/ヒロアカ アニメ公式 (@heroaca_anime) January 2, 2026

Release Date: May 12, 2026

While the primary My Hero Academia television storyline recently delivered its climactic finale, the beloved superhero franchise proves it still has plenty of gas in the tank with the special epilogue episode, My Hero Academia: More. Adapting the manga's highly anticipated "eight years later" chapter, this film offers fans a look into the adult lives of Class 1-A as fully realized Pro Heroes. Bones continues to helm the project, guaranteeing the same top-tier, high-impact animation quality and emotional storyboarding that defined the entire decade-long run of the series. The special will be available to stream on Crunchyroll following its Japanese broadcast.

Mononoke: Chapter 3 - The Curse of the Serpent

Release Date: May 29, 2026

Capping off the stunning theatrical revival of the 2007 avant-garde classic, Mononoke: Chapter 3 - The Curse of the Serpent arrives to close out the ambitious cinematic trilogy. The film once again follows the enigmatic Medicine Seller as he confronts supernatural terrors within the Palace's inner chambers. The production boasts a mesmerizing, Ukiyo-e-inspired art style that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with striking psychedelic visuals. For fans of psychological horror and artistic storytelling, this movie is the perfect way to round out the spring season. Hitting Japanese theaters in late May, the film is expected to arrive on streaming platforms later in other regions, much like its previous installments.

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  • Everything We Loved in Music This Week: March 1 – March 7
    Live updates landing here throughout the week.Nettspend Dials In His Distortion on early life crisisNettspend’s BAD ASS F*CKING KID was rooted in a childlike chaos. Now, still just eighteen years old, the rapper has unveiled the follow-up, aptly entitled early life crisis. BAFK found Nett stuck to the “underground” label, pretty much confined to his internet-induced, IYKYK sound. But as of late, he has rapidly ascended into the ranks of the
     

Everything We Loved in Music This Week: March 1 – March 7

Live updates landing here throughout the week.


Nettspend Dials In His Distortion on early life crisis


Nettspend’s BAD ASS F*CKING KID was rooted in a childlike chaos. Now, still just eighteen years old, the rapper has unveiled the follow-up, aptly entitled early life crisis. BAFK found Nett stuck to the “underground” label, pretty much confined to his internet-induced, IYKYK sound. But as of late, he has rapidly ascended into the ranks of the mainstream music scene. A more dialed-in successor to his studio debut, the 21-track offering blurs the boundaries of the mainstream and the underground, and adolescence and adulthood.

Read the full story here.

Harry Styles Reminds Us: Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally


One of the most anticipated releases on today's first New Music Friday of March was Harry Styles' fourth studio album, also his first in four years. Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally.'s 12 songs showcase the musician's fine-tuned artistic range that only seems to continue to extendin reach. Dancefloor-ready existentialism meets electro-alt production in the expansive KATTDO universe, which feels fresh yet filled with intentional references. It also feels very The 1975-coded.

The Scythe Has Landed


Denzel Curry's souped-up supergroup has officially made their formal introduction. Spanning Ferg, TiaCorine, Bktherula and Key Nyata, three of the five members rep the South with pride; Curry, of course, calls South Florida home, with Bk settling in from Atlanta, and Tia coming in hot from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The culmination of cities showing up on Strictly 4 The Scythe envisions quite the electrifying listen from the jump. The full-throttle formal introduction to their group's dynamic range of motion spans an explosive eight tracks, all rooted in seasoned Southern tropes of the past, yet geared aptly for the future.

Read the full story here.

Ty Dolla $ign Couldn't Even Wait Until Midnight To Drop girl music vol. 1


With his new EP, Ty Dolla $ign took it back to his roots. And he did it for the girls. Dubbed girl music vol. 1 (he's already confirmed there's more installations to come), the six-track studio project hears the musician harken back to the old-school R&B roots of his early days. Features showcase the full spectrum of R&B greats from all eras, coming from Ronald Isley, Brandy, and Leon Thomas.

Read the full story here.

Baby Keem's "One Night Only" Concert in New York City

 

 

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For the first time in three years, Baby Keem took the stage in New York City. In fact, the rapper's second show ever was in NYC at Baby's All Right. Keem was slated to host a vinyl signing event for CA$INO last week that ended up getting cancelled due to weather, so he rescheduled and took it up a notch. After hinting at a potential performance on X, Keem officially announced the one-off performance on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:01 a.m. EST. Doors opened at Webster Hall (for those unfamiliar, a 1,500-person intimate concert hall in lower Manhattan) at 8:00 p.m. that same night. Tickets went for $31 USD and sold out in minutes. Needless to say, it was an early contender for show of the year.

Read the full recap of the show here.

The Features on the BTS Album

 

 

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For BTS’ first formal full-group endeavor in almost four years, the group is getting the whole gang together and then some. ARIRANG is due out everywhere on March 20, and it’s confirmed to come bolstered with contributions from a starry selection of supporting artists. The 14-track album features Teezo Touchdown, JPEGMAFIA, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Diplo, Flume, and Mike WiLL Made-It.

Nettspend's Lookbook for the Early Life Crisis Tracklist

 

 

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Leave it to Nettspend to delay the album – and then do the most when it's time for it to actually drop. Last week, Nett had all eyes on the expected release of his globally eyed Early Life Crisis album. In true Nett fashion, in the eleventh hour, plans changed; instead of dropping the album, he delayed it and walked in Demna's debut Gucci runway in Milan instead. A fair trade, to be quite honest. This week, the rapper returned to his ELC rollout with valor, promising a March 6 release date, preceded by quite the dynamic tracklist reveal. Instead of a typical announcement, he had a lineup of fans pose in the album's merch and state their favorite song from the album. The final product? A lookbook-style unveiling of the full slate of songs set to appear on the record.

Yeat Confirms A DANGEROUS LYFE / A DANGEROUS LOVE Release Date, Cover Art, And That It'll Be A Double Album

 

 

 

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It's been a big week for news on Yeat's A DANGEROUS LYFE, and the rapper has really doubled down – literally. After months of speculation (and nearly years of anticipation), Twizzy has finally formally lifted the veil on the A DANGEROUS LYFE announcement. At first, the rapper took to his Instagram to confirm the official release date for ADL – which has now been cemented has Friday, March 27, aka three New Music Fridays from now – via new billboard. The billboard also seemed to potentially hint at a double album format, a theory the rapper then confirmed on Instagram yesterday when he revealed the official cover art for the project, which will be billed as A DANGEROUS LYFE / A DANGEROUS LOVE.

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  • Meet mPharma’s new CEO, Kwesi Arhin 
    Kwesi Arhin has been appointed as mPharma's new CEO, following Gregory Rockson's 12-year tenure. Arhin has held several roles at the company over the past four years and was recently its Chief Operating Officer.
     
  • ✇Hypebeast (filtré Black/Afro)
  • 8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week
    With another week upon us, we have yet another installment of our product drops series.This week’s lineup of drops kicks off with Supreme and Dickies teaming up for a Fall 2025 capsule that reimagines utilitarian staples. Palace follows, closing out its Fall 2025 season with an expansive final lineup. Alpha Industries debuts its “Ultra Violet” collection, merging its military heritage with technical innovation, while UNIQLO U embraces a theme of “poetic utility” in its latest collection with Chr
     

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week

With another week upon us, we have yet another installment of our product drops series.

This week’s lineup of drops kicks off with Supreme and Dickies teaming up for a Fall 2025 capsule that reimagines utilitarian staples. Palace follows, closing out its Fall 2025 season with an expansive final lineup. Alpha Industries debuts its “Ultra Violet” collection, merging its military heritage with technical innovation, while UNIQLO U embraces a theme of “poetic utility” in its latest collection with Christopher Lemaire. Elsewhere, sacai releases a new wool knit collection, while Anti Social Social Club returns with a signature two-part FW25 release. BEAMS Plus and Studio Nicholson partnered for a "Made in Japan" capsule collection, while artist FAUST and cocktail bar Double Chicken Please team up on a month-long collaboration.

Check out this week's 8 drops you don’t want to miss below.

Supreme x Dickies Fall 2025 Collection

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

Supreme and American workwear stalwart Dickies have teamed up for a Fall 2025 capsule that reimagines utilitarian staples through a streetwear lens. The collection’s centerpiece is a reversible quilted faux-fur work jacket offered in brown and black, alongside a rugged Cordura® hooded work jacket rendered in denim and pixel camouflage. Also featured are neon yellow and classic red-and-black plaid flannel shirts, hoodies in red, black and camo, functional Cordura® cargo pants and co-branded six-panel trucker hats. The drop lands September 18 at Supreme’s global flagship stores and webstore, followed by an Asia launch on September 20.

Palace Fall 2025 Drop 7

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies
8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies
8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies
Palace Skateboards closes out its Fall 2025 season with Drop 7, an expansive final offering that spans core staples and bold new graphics — from black, green and navy button-up shirts to reversible fleeces, tech jerseys and beanies emblazoned with an all-over frog motif, plus tees featuring ghoulish and cannabis-inspired prints. The range also delivers triple-stitch hoodies with a wingspan outline paired with “evil” trucker hats and quarter-zip pullovers stamped with Palace’s triangular motif. Launching September 19 across Palace’s global network of online and offline stores.

Alpha Industries FW25 “Ultra Violet” Collection

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

Alpha Industries has launched its Fall/Winter ’25 “Ultra Violet” collection, merging its military heritage with technical innovation and street-ready design. Anchored by the MA-1 ULCANS Flight Jacket, which is now reengineered with the Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net System, laser-cut paneling, magnetic closures and a layered nylon shell. The range also includes the MA-1 Base Flight Jacket, matching vest and N-2B Base parka. A modular arsenal of Field Rucksack UV, Tote Bag UV, Weekend Bag UV and Travel Bag UV complements the apparel, all rendered in fresh colorways. The collection is available now online and in select stores.

UNIQLO U FW25 Collection

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

Christopher Lemaire’s UNIQLO U Fall/Winter 2025 collection embraces “poetic utility,” pairing minimalist, utilitarian details with a subdued, earthen palette across matte outerwear, soft knits and easy shirting. Key pieces feature large patch pockets, adjustable arm packs and clean-lined silhouettes, while washed workwear sets in light blue, taupe and black and pinstriped shirts add a lived-in sensibility. Accessories range from cross-body bags to bucket hats, eho the line’s functional ethos. The collection launches on September 25 via UNIQLO, with online pre-orders currently open.

sacai Wool Knit Collection

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

Chitose Abe’s sacai debuts a new wool knit collection distinguished by wide-rib knitting on collars, hems and sleeves, and available in an array of hues, including black, brown, blue, light blue, green and yellow. The women’s line features two cardigan and pullover styles with wing buttons and dual pockets, while the men’s range offers three pullover designs plus a double-zip blouson. Several pieces also sport a discreet sacai logo stitched on the back, underscoring the brand’s identity. All items are now available at sacai boutiques, select stockists and the label’s official webstore.

Anti Social Social Club FW25

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

Anti Social Social Club’s returns with a signature two-part release for FW25, reinventing its iconic logo across a suite of streetwear staples. The first drop layers custom pink-gradient airbrushing on black hoodies, sweats and caps, plus a white-to-pink fade hoodie, while matching black and gray sets feature high-contrast stitching and butterfly and flower motifs. Appliqué overlays and embroidered beanies, socks, caps and a quarter-zip add rich texture, as rocker-edge koi-fish studding on hoodies, sweats and a puffer jacket - and a red-rose - embroidered black leather varsity jacket—fuse motorsports cues with classic Americana. Available now on ASSC’s webstore in sizes S–2XL.

BEAMS PLUS x Studio Nicholson Capsule Collection

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

BEAMS Plus and Studio Nicholson have unveiled a 19-piece “Made in Japan” capsule collection, inspired by ’60s – ’70s cinema icons. Blending Studio Nicholson’s minimalist ethos with BEAMS Plus’s heritage craftsmanship, the lineup consists of reimagined trench coats, sports blazers, double-pleat trousers, relaxed shirts and loopback sweatshirts. The capsule releases September 18 via Studio Nicholson.

FAUST x Double Chicken Please Merch

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week Supreme Dickies

Lower Manhattan’s celebrated cocktail bar Double Chicken Please has teamed with acclaimed street artist FAUST for a month-long collaboration that fuses graffiti and mixology into a singular urban experience. Beginning September 19 at its Allen Street location, Faust’s signature calligraphic handstyle will transform the bar’s façade and interior into site-specific installations, embracing the neighborhood’s vibrant tagging heritage rather than erasing it. To complement the living canvas, the partnership rolls out limited-edition FAUST-designed glassware and T-shirts available both in-store and via HBX, inviting patrons to take home a piece of this creative crossover.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

  • ✇Hypebeast (filtré Black/Afro)
  • The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
    The design talent in Berlin is rich, and the crowd the German capital draws for its bi-annual fashion week is particularly impassioned. Each February and June, international editors, journalists, stylists, buyers, influencers, and celebrities flock to the city to witness the sprawling manifestos of Berlin's top designers — and the results continue to outdo their predecessors.Everyone from GmbH and David Koma to Ottolinger and HADERLUMP put their best needle forward at the latest iteration of Ber
     

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

The design talent in Berlin is rich, and the crowd the German capital draws for its bi-annual fashion week is particularly impassioned. Each February and June, international editors, journalists, stylists, buyers, influencers, and celebrities flock to the city to witness the sprawling manifestos of Berlin's top designers — and the results continue to outdo their predecessors.

Everyone from GmbH and David Koma to Ottolinger and HADERLUMP put their best needle forward at the latest iteration of Berlin Fashion Week, which wrapped up at the end of last week. Their ideas of style could not be more distinct from one another, but one thing they all share is a strong perspective.

Below, see the best shows from the affair.

David Koma

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

Sun’s out, toes out—or so that seems to be the new rule across the men’s Spring 2026 runways.

During Berlin Fashion Week, David Koma became the latest designer to free the toe on his first-ever menswear catwalk. Across all 33 looks, the dogs roamed free in thong sandals under contrastingly formal ensembles inspired by a triad of Davids: David Beckham, Michelangelo’s sculptural David, and Koma himself.

Titled “I LOVE DAVID,” the collection drew from Beckham’s turn-of-the-millennium style (with a specific nod to his famous “I KISS FOOTBALL” jersey) just as much as it did from Michelangelo’s masterful artistry (see the formalwear’s drapery) and Koma’s own signature (crystal garters, classic tailoring).

With cultural and historical icons saturating the mood board, the line still appeared very wearable, in part thanks to the flip-flop’s attainability. Perhaps that was because Koma saw himself as the person buying and wearing these clothes.

“It was my most personal collection to date, partly because I took on several roles: muse, designer, and customer,” Koma said backstage.

GmbH

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

On the third night of Berlin Fashion Week, GmbH’s Spring 2026 show was a poetic, emotional, and raw “Imitation of Life.”

Designers Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Işik’s latest manifesto was a commentary on the current state of the globe. “The cruelty of this world has severed our connection to it,” they wrote in their show notes. “We no longer know how to act or feel.”

This collection, however, was not inspired by said cruelty or destruction. This was a line that reflected the “process of working and living through a time defined by the most abject forms of horror and moral collapse, and trying to come out on the other side still human.”

In that attempt, the designers looked to their own childhoods, rewatched family tapes, and examined old rites of passage to dream up a line that felt hopeful for the future. Still, they toiled with a sobering question: “How can you revisit your childhood without feeling devastated?”

Richert Beil

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

Richert Beil’s Spring 2026 show marked a return to intention.

Titled “Milieuschutz,” the collection was built while founders Jale Richert and Michele Beil were leaving behind their old office and moving into a new studio, a 135-year-old pharmacy situated in the center of Kreuzberg, an area now known for its vibrant art scene.

This season, then, Richert Beil looked to reflect on “beginnings and endings, on transformation, and on the responsibility of creating something with meaning,” per the designers.

The results were both intimate and orderly, freaky and kinky. Floral motifs appeared across the range—like tapestry on oversized blazers and centerpieces on knit turtlenecks—as a metaphor for the cycle of growth and decay. Elsewhere, many traditional shapes received contemporary renovations, like lederhosen made with latex and suspenders knotted with cheeky bowties.

SF1OG

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

On an active construction site just outside Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm, SF1OG’s Spring 2026 show walked the dangerous tightrope between obsessive desire and emotional decay. Portraying two intensely opposing feelings, creative director Rosa Dahl effectively stylized the consequences of all-consuming love, but through the lens of a teenage dream.

The label’s muses crept through a suspended forest made from printed fabric pillars, which felt all the more claustrophobic against composer Gavriel August’s thrilling soundscape and the room’s in-progress sensibilities.

Their fashions longed for youthful freedom, awkwardness, and chaos: flared sequin capes paired with low-rise trousers, while sheer long-sleeve tops complemented baggy skirt pants and tights alike. Across the line, SF1OG’s affinity for old-time craftsmanship — lacework, corsetry, and distressing included — looked especially impressive on antique textiles, like vintage wools, leathers, and silks.

Here, Dahl’s goal was to show the audience a mirror to “our own volatile, uncertain eras” — all of the conflicting phases throughout adolescence and beyond that, together, make us who we are. And if the number of illusory arrows targeting models’ heads wasn’t proof enough, SF1OG hit the bullseye.

Ottolinger

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

Ottolinger designers Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient presented their first-ever show in their home city of Berlin this season to celebrate their label's 10th anniversary. At the Palais am Funktrum, the imprint's runway, titled "Heidi," was filled with powerful, feminine-powered 'fits — all part of a stylistic story about being an older sister.

"Being the cooler older sister isn't about being perfect," the brand wrote in its show notes. "It's about having lived-loved too hard, fallen harder, found her way back, and doing it all in a way that makes you believe you can too. She's the one who broke the rules first — so you wouldn't have to be afraid of breaking them."

As you can imagine, the result looked fearless.

HADERLUMP

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

Haderlump Atelier’s Spring 2026 collection was all about authorship and ownership—hence, the massive piles of printed and signed words that provided the set for Johann Ehrhardt‘s latest manifesto.

The line’s title, “Exlibro,” Latin for “from the books,” references the miniature nameplates that were once kept inside books as a means of identification. Those tiny artworks, per the label, were mottos, coats of arms, and mythological figures, “each one a quiet yet deliberate declaration: This is mine. This is who I am.”

HADERLUMP’s fashion line championed that concept, dressing its scholarly muses in sculptural and expressive silhouettes inspired by those historical bookplates. Thus, strong-shouldered coats and clean bombers asserted dominance, while layered skirts flowed from their wearers’ waists like pages from a book.

The intention was for each design to look like a personal artifact, and it’s safe to say we could see many of these pieces in a far-off retrospective.

PALMWINE IceCREAM

The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26
The Best Runways at Berlin Fashion Week SS26

PALMWINE IceCREAM’s Spring 2026 collection, “MUSE,” was a masterful presentation of bursting color.

Bridging his two hometowns of London and Accra, founder and designer Kusi Kubi was inspired by all of the empowered women in his life and their contributions to his creativity and community. In a kaleidoscopic celebration of femininity, the line’s naturally dyed leathers, organza, mesh, and deadstock textiles turned up the genderless line’s exposure to the max.

Northern Ghanaian leather, specifically, claimed the leading role with coloring done by generational tree bark and sun-dying methods. Elsewhere, giraffe-printed boots were hand-painted, and striking bags were constructed with embellished calabash shells.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

  • ✇TechCabal
  • In rural Kenya, donkeys are now microchipped, insured, and protected
    In May, World Donkey Day came and went quietly in much of Kenya.  But in a small corner of Kisumu County, western Kenya, 30 small-scale farmers in Agoro East chose to mark the day differently – by actually celebrating their donkeys. On top of resting all 86 animals they collectively had, members of the community, part of the Agoro East Tunza Punda Self Help Group, checked donkeys for signs of illness, refreshed their feed and water, and, in what one farmer called an “intentional gesture of gr
     

In rural Kenya, donkeys are now microchipped, insured, and protected

Par :Editor
13 juin 2025 à 11:07

In May, World Donkey Day came and went quietly in much of Kenya.  But in a small corner of Kisumu County, western Kenya, 30 small-scale farmers in Agoro East chose to mark the day differently – by actually celebrating their donkeys.

On top of resting all 86 animals they collectively had, members of the community, part of the Agoro East Tunza Punda Self Help Group, checked donkeys for signs of illness, refreshed their feed and water, and, in what one farmer called an “intentional gesture of gratitude and care,” gave them a day of rest. For many, it was a moment to reflect on the vital role donkeys play in sustaining the nation’s agricultural backbone.

Across Kenya, over 1.8 million donkeys transport goods, fetch water, and sustain entire households. But for decades, these animals have borne the brunt of neglect, suffering from malnutrition, lameness, and work-related injuries. In fact, recent statistics show that a third of Kenya’s working donkey population is in poor condition, largely due to a lack of veterinary care, harmful traditional practices, and widespread ignorance about animal welfare.

Now, a new model of care is taking root in western Kenya that is showing the very people who depend on donkeys the most a different way to handle these animals.

A new model of care

Tunza Punda, or “take care of the donkey,” in Swahili, is both a guiding ethos and the name of a group founded in 2018 to improve the welfare of donkeys and the lives of their owners. The group is one of many in rural Kenya supported by the Kisumu-based NGO, Support for Tropical Initiatives in Poverty Alleviation (STIPA) and the animal welfare organisation Brooke East Africa. Together, they founded the Community Donkey Insurance for Protection (CDIP) scheme, offering a novel safety net for donkey owners.

For an annual fee of just $5.40 (700 Kenyan shillings), farmers can enroll their first three donkeys into a health plan under CDIP that provides expert veterinary treatment and regular check-ups. Each additional donkey costs $1.55 (200 shillings) to insure per year. Additionally, all participating donkeys are microchipped for easy identification, especially useful when they stray during grazing.

In just five months, 312 rural farmers have joined, microchipping 517 donkeys. The program aims to include 5,000 donkeys in the next three years.

The microchips, just 14 millimeters in length, are inserted under the mane or neck of each donkey, at a location chosen by the farmers themselves.

“The chips carry vital data, such as the donkey’s medical history, the owner’s identity, and even the animal’s name,” said Kevin Wekesa, an IT officer with STIPA.

With each animal uniquely identified, veterinarians no longer rely on vague descriptions or paper logs.

“When a farmer calls about a sick donkey, a veterinary officer arrives, scans the chip, and instantly accesses a full profile,” Wekesa explained. “From diagnosis to dosage, everything is recorded in a regional database.”

In places like KAMARA Self Help Group in Rarieda sub-county, where the system has been fully implemented, the technology is already bearing fruit.

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Cases of donkey mix-ups, common in a community where animals often graze together and, as Wekesa noted, “donkeys look alike,” have dropped.

“We’ve even recovered stolen donkeys in markets as far away as Nyakach,” he added.

The system operates on a frequency of 134.2 kHz and is supported by handheld scanners provided to trained veterinary staff. In communities without electricity or reliable internet, the data collection is largely manual and mobile-driven.

“We use mobile phones, SMS, and M-Pesa for registration and payments,” said STIPA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Sarah Okwero, said. “Training is done in person. Many farmers don’t have access to technology, so physical outreach is key.”

Each farmer is registered using their phone number, national ID, and physical location before they are onboarded into the CDIP system. The program also designates group leaders within farming collectives, who serve as a link between veterinary officers and individual donkey owners.

“Once a donkey is treated, the condition, drugs administered, and diagnosis are all updated in the database,” Okwero said. “It allows continuity of care, even across visits by different officers.”

The initiative has also had unintended social benefits. Farmers, who once inadvertently took home others’ animals from communal spraying events, are now empowered by the chips to verify ownership instantly.

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Still, challenges persist. Donkey mistreatment remains a concern, and theft, though declining, has not been eradicated. While STIPA has considered GPS tracking as a next step, Okwero said, “the current priority is expanding enrollment.”

“We need more donkeys in the program before we can take on GPS tracking,” she said. “We’re working closely with the national anti-stock theft unit, but our focus now is better care and treatment for these animals.”

Okwero also added that the adoption of the insurance scheme is steadily rising. 

“We’re seeing more and more farmers joining,” she said. “You can see a huge difference between insured donkeys and those that are not.”

Before the CDIP program, donkeys were seen merely as “tools,” often overworked, underfed, and abandoned when they could no longer perform, explained Okwero. But that mindset is beginning to shift. 

“The message is spreading,” she said. “Tunza punda akutunze — take care of the donkey, and it will take care of you.”

Changing how donkeys are treated

This is true for Joram Otieno, 60, the local self-help group’s chairman, and himself an owner of three donkeys. The program has transformed the way his community treats its animals and prevented needless losses.

“Before this program, we lost many donkeys,” Otieno told TechCabal. “Some died from diseases that could easily have been treated if only we had information.”

Otieno  bought  his first female donkey in 2015 for 5,000 shillings (about $36.80). 

“In my community, donkeys were traditionally seen as low-class animals. People didn’t care for them,” he said. “I bought one just to help carry water and loads, but I thought I had wasted my money.”

Poor care soon led to heartbreak. His donkey’s first foal died days after birth. A second foal, born a year later, also perished within weeks. Neither had been immunized.

“I didn’t know how to care for a pregnant donkey or what to do after delivery,” he said. “We simply lacked the knowledge.”

Since the launch of Tunza Punda , Otieno said, “all newborn foals have survived,” and cases of donkey deaths among registered members have dropped to “nearly zero.”

“When donkeys fell ill before, nobody did anything,” he recalled. “And when they died, since we don’t eat donkey meat, we would bury them and forget. Now, we have a chance to act before it’s too late.”

For many farmers, including Hellen Omolo, 40, who bought her first donkey in 2013 to transport charcoal to Katito Market, 12 kilometers from her home, the change has been profound.

“I didn’t know that donkeys should be fed and given water,” she admitted. “I’d walk with the donkey to the market, tie it up while I sold charcoal, then walk back and tie it again at home without letting it graze.”

The donkey, she said, was often beaten when it slowed down or resisted, but after training with STIPA, she learned how to care for the donkey. Now her donkey is fed and well-rested, and in return, it helps her “more than ever before.”

“Today, my two donkeys have names,” she said with pride. “The female is Rose, named after a prominent female politician in Kisumu County, and the male is Ochola, after my great-grandfather. They serve me well because they are always healthy.”

One of the more important lessons she learned at the Agoro East Tunza Punda Self Help Group was the emotional and physical importance of allowing donkeys to live with companions.

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“I learned that keeping a female donkey without access to a male affects her well-being, and the same goes for males,” she explained. “Now I have both, and I’m happy to report that Rose is expecting a foal.”

A better future

Layton Omondi, a veterinary officer working with STIPA, told TechCabal that the CDIP program is one of “the most effective interventions for livestock management in rural Western Kenya.” This is because before the scheme, many farmers “avoided veterinary services” due to the high costs and some unscrupulous practitioners who took advantage of residents.

“Some vets charged exploitative fees, which discouraged people,” said Omondi. “CDIP shields farmers from these costs and from losing donkeys unnecessarily.”

The insurance covers common but often fatal conditions such as colic, tetanus, internal and external parasites, mange, and pneumonia, especially fatal in foals.

Pauline Onyango, 52, from Bondo, is a member of the Punde Nyalo Self-Help Group, meaning “donkeys are the solution” in Luo. Her two donkeys haul water from Lake Victoria, nearly 10 kilometers away, during the dry season and help transport crops at harvest time.

“STIPA’s training emphasized that with proper care, a donkey can work up to 30 years,” she told Tech Cabal. “Mine are performing well. I even rent out their services for 1,000 shillings ($7.70).”

Richard Olango, 62, a retired teacher and also a member of the Punde Nyalo group, shared a similar sentiment. Through the help of STIPA, his group now dedicates land specifically to grow fodder for their donkeys.

“We used to grow fodder only for cattle, goats, and sheep,” he recalled. “But we now understand the importance of donkeys, and so we harvest hay for them too. It keeps them strong, especially during drought.

According to Omondi, for dozens of Kisumu residents, the shift is clear. “What was once overlooked is now protected, valued, and even planned for.” Donkeys are no longer just beasts of burden, they are part of the future.

“This program doesn’t just protect the donkeys,” he said. “It helps farmers earn more from healthier, longer-living animals, which was something that was very much needed but not realized.”

This article is published in collaboration with Egab.

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Mark your calendars!  Moonshot by TechCabal is back in Lagos on October 15–16! Join Africa’s top founders, creatives & tech leaders for 2 days of keynotes, mixers & future-forward ideas. Early bird tickets now 20% off—don’t snooze! moonshot.techcabal.com

  • ✇Hypebeast (filtré Black/Afro)
  • Chanel Launches Recycling Business and France Targets Fast Fashion in This Week's Top Fashion News
    SummaryThe fashion industry continues to reckon with the environmental impacts of mass consumption as France passes new legislation targeting "ultra" fast fashion and luxury leaders like Chanel accelerate recycling programs.Athletic gear and performance wear continues to make its mark on today's fashion scene as Louis Vuitton unveils an official partnership with Spain's Real Madrid football club and American label Rowing Blazers teams up with Tracksmith for a sport-inspired collectionAs the hubs
     

Chanel Launches Recycling Business and France Targets Fast Fashion in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

  • The fashion industry continues to reckon with the environmental impacts of mass consumption as France passes new legislation targeting "ultra" fast fashion and luxury leaders like Chanel accelerate recycling programs.
  • Athletic gear and performance wear continues to make its mark on today's fashion scene as Louis Vuitton unveils an official partnership with Spain's Real Madrid football club and American label Rowing Blazers teams up with Tracksmith for a sport-inspired collection
  • As the hubs of luxury continue to evolve, Zegna took its show outside of Italy for the first time to present a laid-back SS26 collection in Dubai. In Paris, next-gen luxury label Casablanca expanded its footprint, opening its first-ever boutique in its home city.

Chanel Is Entering the Recycling Business

Top Fashion News: June 13

Chanel has launched a new business called Nevold, which focuses on creating recycled materials from textile waste like fabric scraps and unsold items. This initiative, led by Sophie Brocart, aims to address resource scarcity, as climate change impacts luxury textiles like cashmere and silk — and the fashion industry's broader waste problem, extending beyond fast fashion to luxury conglomerates holding billions in unsold inventory.

Nevold will operate as a business-to-business platform and encompasses three key entities: L’Atelier des Matières (Chanel's textile recycling company), Filatures du Parc (a wool spinning mill specializing in recycled yarns), and Authentic Material (a leather recycling firm). Chanel's goal is for Nevold to be a transformative force, fostering a more circular economy by developing new materials from waste, not just for Chanel's own use, but for other companies as well.

Can France’s Fast Fashion Law Cure Shein's Ills?

Top Fashion News: June 13

France's Senate recently approved a revised bill to regulate fast fashion, aiming to curb its environmental damage. This legislation could ban advertising for ultra-cheap online retailers like Shein and Temu, which are criticized for promoting excessive consumption of disposable clothing. The updated bill, passed almost unanimously, imposes stricter penalties on fast fashion companies that don't meet environmental standards, including potential fees per item.

While European brands like Zara face lighter restrictions, the move reflects a broader European push for waste management reform in the textile industry. However, the true test will be whether these measures can alter consumer behavior and demand for inexpensive, trendy attire

Real Madrid Celebrates Victory in Style With Louis Vuitton Partnership

Top Fashion News: June 13

Louis Vuitton has forged a multi-year partnership with Real Madrid, becoming the official formal and travel wear supplier for their football and basketball teams. This unprecedented collaboration unites two global powerhouses, emphasizing shared values of excellence, legacy, and innovation.

Designed by Pharrell, the exclusive wardrobe includes bespoke suits, ready-to-wear, and accessories for official appearances and travel. A custom travel line features iconic Louis Vuitton luggage adorned with Real Madrid's white-and-gold accents and "RM" initials, created exclusively for the teams. This alliance extends Louis Vuitton's growing influence in elite sports, aiming to inspire by dressing the world's most decorated club in unparalleled style.

Casablanca's First-Ever Store Is a Colorful Parisian Boutique

Top Fashion News: June 13

Luxury label Casablanca has launched its first physical store in Paris, located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The 5,000-square-foot boutique, spanning three levels, features a colorful design inspired by a deconstructed tennis court and draws on diverse influences from North African heritage to Japanese and Greek aesthetics.

The vibrant space includes Carrara marble mosaic floors, an illuminated ceiling, and velvet finishes. Its lower level boasts plush green carpeting and modern transparent product displays. This opening marks a significant step for the 2018-born brand, which plans to expand with a Beverly Hills store in August, followed by locations in New York, Miami, London, Milan, and Dubai.

Zegna SS26 Is Laid-Back Luxury At its Finest

Top Fashion News: June 13

For the first time, Zegna presented its SS26 collection outside Milan, choosing Dubai for a more relaxed and vibrant runway show. Accompanied by James Blake's performance, the collection opened with lightweight, pre-wrinkled fabrics in desert hues, styled for a vacation mood with popped collars and sandals.

The collection then transitioned to a "verdant oasis" of greens, featuring tailored pieces in linens, wools, and silks with utility pockets and unique collars. The show concluded with a "saturated sunset" palette of pinks, corals, and deep reds, showcasing Zegna's more expressive and youthful side, catering to Gen Z's preferences. Dubai was chosen as a key market, reflecting the region's growing luxury clientele and Zegna's significant sales in the EMEA region.

Rowing Blazers and Tracksmith Reunite for Preppy Athletic Capsule

Top Fashion News: June 13

Rowing Blazers and Tracksmith have re-teamed for a second limited-edition capsule collection inspired by running and rowing. The new line features tops, bottoms, and accessories that blend both brands' aesthetics.

Key items include color-blocked rugby shirts with Tracksmith's hare motif, and racing singlets featuring Rowing Blazers' croquet stripe. The collection also offers cotton crewneck sweaters, canvas duffel bags with dual branding, and a reimagined version of Tracksmith's Eliot Runner shoe, incorporating Rowing Blazers' signature stripe and materials inspired by New England landscapes.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

  • ✇Hypebeast (filtré Black/Afro)
  • Best New Tracks: Gunna, Lil Tecca, Kevin Abstract, and More
    As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the best projects for the latest installment of Best New Tracks.Albums land from Lil Tecca, KayCyy​, Feid, FearDorian, Slick Rick and skaiwater, with Kevin Abstract also dropping a project. Lil Wayne extended his Tha Carter VI with The Carter VI (Bonus) edition, with REASON similarly extending his I Love You Again album.Japanese Breakfast, Gunna, Larry June x Cardo Got Wings, Pi'erre Bourne and Bktherula all released singles.Lil Tec
     

Best New Tracks: Gunna, Lil Tecca, Kevin Abstract, and More

As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the best projects for the latest installment of Best New Tracks.

Albums land from Lil Tecca, KayCyy​, Feid, FearDorian, Slick Rick and skaiwater, with Kevin Abstract also dropping a project. Lil Wayne extended his Tha Carter VI with The Carter VI (Bonus) edition, with REASON similarly extending his I Love You Again album.

Japanese Breakfast, Gunna, Larry June x Cardo Got Wings, Pi'erre Bourne and Bktherula all released singles.

Lil Tecca – DOPAMINE

After unveiling standout singles "Dark Thoughts" and "OWA OWA," Lil Tecca has unveiled the follow-up project to PLAN A, his fifth studio album, DOPAMINE.  The sole feature on the album comes from none other than Ken Carson.

Spotify | Apple Music

KayCyy – Before I Was Born

KayCyy is back with his first project since 2023's TW2052 with GesaffelsteinBefore I Was Born features singles "ALL IN VEIN (DRUMS)," "Falling On Purpose" with Brinx Carter and "Wine & Dine," which land as the last three songs on the 13-track tracklist, respectively.

Spotify | Apple Music

Feid – FERXXO VOL 5: Sagrado

It's a good week when we get a surprise Ferxxo project. Feid surprised fans with FERXXO VOL 5: Sagrado on Monday, June 9, a 17-cut album that serves as a primarily solo offering, complete with fan-favorite single "DALLAX" featuring Ty Dolla $ign.

Spotify | Apple Music

Kevin Abstract – NOT ON BLUSH Demos

As Kevin Abstract continues to gear up for the release of BLUSH, the BROCKHAMPTON musician took to Discord to drop off a new EP of demo tapes that will not appear on the imminent project.

Discord

Lil Wayne – Tha Carter VI (Bonus)

With the aftermath of Tha Carter VI still setting in, Lil Wayne is continuing to expand the album's reach with its "Bonus" edition. The originally 19-track LP now includes two more tracks tacked onto the end of the lineup: "Banned From NO" with Nicki Minaj and "Momma Don't Worry" with Future and Lil Baby.

Spotify | Apple Music

Japanese Breakfast – "My Baby (Got Nothing At All)"

Lifted from A24's Materialists, Japanese Breakfast has revealed "My Baby (Got Nothing At All) via A24 Music.

Spotify | Apple Music

Pi'erre Bourne – "Pop"

Pi'erre Bourne has delivered on the second single from his album rollout run; following up "Blocs" is the long-awaited leak, "Pop."

Spotify | Apple Music

FearDorian – Out The Past With A Window

Filled with a fresh lineup of new music, FearDorian has served up the 12-track album Out The Past With A Window. 

Spotify | Apple Music

Don Toliver – "FWU (GEMINI SEASON)"

For Don Toliver's birthday, the rapper took to YouTube to share a minute-long snippet of new music dubbed "FWU (GEMINI SEASON)."

YouTube

Bktherula – "DUMB SHIT"

With LUCY just a week away, Bktherula has been on a consistent run with her single releases. The latest in the release schedule is dubbed "DUMB SHIT."

Spotify | Apple Music

Gunna – "Won't Stop"

After taking to Instagram to reveal the news of new music coming on Friday the 13th just yesterday, Gunna has dropped a new single, "Won't Stop."

Spotify | Apple Music

skaiwater – pinkPrint 3

Closing out skaiwater's mixtape trilogy comes pinkPrint 3. The six-song EP includes titles "skin," "i think we deep" and "the one."

Spotify | Apple Music

REASON – I Love You Again (Extended Deluxe)

I Love You Again first landed back in February, but REASON reminded us he wasn't done with the album's enthralling universe quite yet. The rapper expanded the album with what's billed as the I Love You Again (Extended Deluxe.)

Spotify | Apple Music

Slick Rick – Victory

Slick Rick has shared his first album in over 25 years. Victory is an audiovisual album (having recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival) and features executive production from Idris Elba and features from Nas, Giggs and Estelle.

Spotify | Apple Music

Larry June x Cardo Got Wings – "On The  Unda"

Larry June and Cardo Got Wings stay locked in, lifting the curtain on another new single. Arriving shortly after late May's "Black Man" comes "On The Unda."

Spotify | Apple Music

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