ADVERT Trapstar
TRAPSTARLONDON
TRAPSTAR.COM
FOUNDER Lily Mercer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR STYLE DIRECTOR HEAD OF VIDEO PRODUCTION CREATIVE ASSISTANT
Lily Mercer Scott Butler Lucy James Loach Eddie Cheaba Ola Busari
Editorial Office lucy@vipermag.com
ISSUE ONE
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CONTRIBUTORS
Faith Aylward Photographer My favourite accessory is probably a pair of shades. I feel like they always add an extra dimension to an outfit. Clear frame shades also look sick at night so they’re not strictly a daytime look for me. My style icon is probably Rihanna. Most girls my age would probably say the same. She’s been a constant source of inspiration and her versatility in regards to style is impressive - probably a huge reason why people love her so much; she can and has done it all. didudietho
Monique Munroe Make-up artist
Jaz Lanyero Hair Stylist Jewellery is my favourite accessory - I’ve got a few pieces that I don’t leave the house without. My style icon is Solange Knowles. I love that she doesn’t stick to the rules, she wears what she wants and she looks amazing. abitofjaz
I don’t feel that I have just one icon. I take inspiration from anything, everything and everyone. I dress how I feel so there’s a look for every mood! What accessory can’t you live without? Diamonds! Because they are a girl’s best friend. Jewellery has always been the final step to completing any look for me. I wear my favourite diamond pieces every day without fail. A Michael Kors watch, a Tiffany & Co bracelet and some diamond studs. moniquexmunroe
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ART 4 GOOD
4BYSIX.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Elliot Hensford Photographer Favourite accessory is 100% any shoulder bag that’s not a man bag and style icon is Rocky Ola Busari Photographer
elliothensford
I’d have to say my favorite item are shoes. I feel like you can tell so much about a person and their lifestyle based on what pair of shoes they’ve got on. I wouldn’t say I have a particular fashion icon, but I like certain looks from various people, celeb or not. saintblck_
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With a rep for some of the best rap T-shirts on the Internet, I Am Kai have established an ethical and unique line of T-shirts, paying homage to rap legends like A Tribe Called Quest Wu-Tang, Big Pun, NORE and more. Blending nineties graphics with delicate pencil work, I Am Kai designer, Kaimon, takes inspiration from her favourite musicians to create stand out clothing for rap lovers. Our favourite tee from the brand boasts surely one of the best memes in history - Snoop Dogg wearing a fish hat. Just when you thought the moment couldn’t get better, I Am Kai recreated it with a sketch.
IAMKAI THE GOODS
Brand IAMKAI iamkai.co.uk
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FILA make a statement with their latest campaign, captivating retro-futurism through the lens of conceptual graphic design sister duo Fa & Fon Watkins. FILA set the trend, offering deluxe items that make up the ultimate summer wardrobe for ladies. The sportswear giants provide a forward-thinking collection straddling across athleisure, denim and lightweight outerwear, perfect to for those summer days that you need a look to take you from morning to an eventful night. Available worldwide at www.fila.com and via selected stockists.
Photography Fa&Fon fafon.online Brand Fila fila.com
FILA
THE GOODS
LONDON
LIVE EVENTS SPRI N G/S UMMER
2020
ELLIOT HENSFORD
@ELLIOTHENSFORD
LANCEY FOUX / SAM WISE / A$AP ROCKY A $ A P FER G / K V D S G OLI AT H / LI L M O SE Y
LIL MOSEY WEARS BALENCIAGA A S A P F E R G WE A R S A- CO L D -WA L L S A M W I S E @ I S L I N G T O N A S S E M B LY H A L L
LES BAINS, PARIS
NAKED WOLFE 2020
@JEREMYJFWW
JEREMY WALDER WILLOWS
SPRI N G/S UMMER
YUNG FUME / MS BANKS MASTER PEACE / KODER SHAMELL KENDRICK PA R I S FA S H I O N WE E K G O E R S STO R M E D TO T H E D O O R S O F L E S B A I N S D U C H E S S FO R A N I G H T THAT SHOOK THE CITY WITH LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM LONDON’ S FINEST ACTS AND DJ’ S .
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TREND FORECASTS
PRINTED LEATHER / ˈlɛð ər / There’s striking a pose and then there’s the pose that lasts forever... Street-slick leather trends are moving down the runway like they were meant to hang from the shoulders of every fashionista. A slick, underground aesthetic is what takes the printed leather treatment beyond the street, onto the catwalk as demonstrated by the talents of Mowalola. The Nigerian-born designer illustrated her profound skill with leather in her SS20 collection, which featured leather jackets printed with abstract images. Mowalola’s masterful process has been embraced by fashion-forward A-listers like Drake and Skepta; both enthusiasts of the Central Saint Martins trained designer. Her ideas are now seen on the rails of the most adored high-end fashion retailers globally. Earlier this year, Mowalola was spotted sending models down the runway in an all white leather two-piece featuring a ‘Scarface’ style bullet-wound and blood splatter, which took the ideas on printed leather to a new caliber. Another of Viper Style’s favourite looks of 2020, is a head to toe, black leather outfit by Kenzo; incorporating a traditional style with armour-like tailoring, demonstrating the extreme functionality of leather.
MOWALOLA / TOP RIGHT; ADAMANEVEN. BOTTOM RIGHT: AGR KNIT
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DIY / RE-CONSTRUCTED FASHION / riːkənˈstrʌkt / A tsunami of creativity lays the foundations for young talents, responsible for setting the season’s D.I.Y. trends. Such fashions were later adopted and sent down the runway by the major fashion houses such as Off-White, 1017 Alyx 9SM and Comme des Garçons. The beauty of re-working fabrics and upholstering old designs to make creative new ones, a trend offering elements of sustainability combined with the development of design norms. The emerging pioneers of D.I.Y in the denim realm - talents like Adam Aneven - tackle the issue of broad product options. Jaffa Saba collaborates with denim royalty True Religion for an exclusive line of jean-mastery for the new age. IMAGES: TRUE RELIGION X JAFFA SABBA, ADAM ANEVEN, ARG KNIT
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CASABLANCA
OPEN BUTTON SHIRTS / ʃɜːt / DB Berdan, Martine Rose and Prada all have one thing in common when it comes to the shirt; comfortability. At the centre of the 2020 oversized shirt trend is sleek functionality, beautifully constructed outfits from elegant cuts and breathable silks. As we transcend into the Autumn months, we’ll continue wearing labels like Prada and Casablanca who unveiled a series of fine-cut and exquisite silk shirts for 2020.
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REESE COOPER
ARIES
ASHLEY WILLIAMS
AMIRI
GRAPHIC KNITWEAR / ˈnɪt.weər / For most of us, a finely constructed knitwear garment can more time be found weaving up and down the spectrum of fancy. Knits reminiscent of the little old lady down the lane are now forgotten, as our next-gen designers lead the way and this year wool begins to make a re-appearance in many people’s wardrobes. Spearheading contenders in the knitwear game consist of Alicia Robinson’s own label, AGR Knitwear. Not holding back on the bright coloured wool and innovative patterns, AGR Knit crafts unique statement knit pieces for the growing creative culture. Having collaborated with A-ColdWall*Nike, while designing custom pieces for South-East musician Greentea Peng, AGR knitwear is rapidly gaining attention from all once more. Labels such as Fendi, Max Mara and JW Anderson also made use of knitted fabrics this year, playing on tailoring and exaggeration in their looks. This season, underdog designer Reese Cooper also takes a podium on the knitwear stage, as he debuted a stunning standout piece from the How A Letter Travels collection. The iconic sweater is fully embroidered with an architectural drawing of the post office in the town where the collection was photographed. Last season provided a new outlook, with designers like Ashley Williams London, Amiri, Aries Arise and Reese Cooper showing off their knitting skills by delivering a serious showcase of eccentric patterns, neoteric colour schemes and never before championed shapes; Tie-Dye splashed, oversized and graphic-centric.
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ALIETTE C
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For years he made waves with his celebrity styling, I mean who can forget Zayn Malik’s robotic arm at the 2016 Met Gala?! Then in 2019 Jason Rembert embarked on a new wave of creativity, debuting his clothing line, Aliette. With splashes of citrus and jewel tones, Rembert takes inspiration from his mother’s heritage, in the Caribbean island, Martinique. Naming his collection Aliette, a name shared by his toddler daughter, as well as his mother, his designs are elegant and graceful, yet full of strength and power. Feminine and occasionally demure, while packed full of sex appeal. Following several years working with highly influential musicians and actors - Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj and Issa Rae to name a few - Rembert often felt limited by his choices when it came to red carpet wear. While his fits are always fire, it’s his creations that bring the most life to the wearer, and so he expanded into design. Initially unsure whether to design menswear or womenswear, his decision came from his admiration for strong women, having been raised by a single mother. The duality of strength and vulnerability run throughout his work, as he creates fine leather dresses that you can’t believe are made of animal hide.
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Filling collections with delicate hand-pleating and honeycomb lace, the pieces are precious but practical. Initially intended as an eveningwear brand, Aliette soon expanded to include outerwear and separates, catering to cosy queens that love to get glam. Highlights from his AW20 collection include Ruby silk pencil skirts, military-style shirts, turquoise asymmetric evening gowns and metallic gold trousers. Speaking to Vogue about the show, he said “With this collection, I wanted to make sure that all women were felt,” Rembert said, “including the woman who has more than one woman inside herself.” AMEN. alietteny alietteny.com
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MILK & HONEY D
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How did you get started in the industry as a British atelier? When did you step into making pieces? We started in the industry in 2013, trading in traditional Fine jewellery, making pieces that included Grillz, custom pendants, and one of a kind engagement rings. Our experience and curiosity in design and goldsmithing combined was the catalyst for what was to become Milk and Honey London 4 years later - in 2017 we officially launched. How many talents make up the Milk & Honey team? THREE make up the business, SIX make up the team. Our team is like our family. We often work closely with family and friends of the brand on various projects too. Once Milk And Honey London was established, what was the first piece you sold? One of our first custom jobs was for international DJ, ‘Deejay Puffy’ from Barbados. At the time, he had just won the 2016 Red Bull Music 3Style World DJ Championships. We used this opportunity to show our creative skills in storytelling and intricate craftsmanship, by paying homage to Puffy’s roots. The piece was a Yellow Gold Bottom 6 set with hand-sculpted gold Tridents - replicating what you see in the centre of the Bajan flag - sitting on the two canines.
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You’ve created a great selection of grills and mouth jewellery - what’s your personal favourite to have made? DJ Puffy’s piece is one of my favourite pieces because it represented history and culture in such a simple but impactful way. Number 2 on the list would have to be ‘the White Gold Tierra’ which was a 2D concept that we formed into a functioning 3D ergonomically designed piece that would sit over the clients front 4x top teeth, it was tricky but it truly does exhibit royalty every time I look at it. Jewellery making isn’t simple, was it easy for you to learn and enter the trade? Jewellery making isn’t easy for sure- people still underestimate the processes often associated with it. It is, however, a lot more accessible than it once was with initiatives like workshops, online tutorials, and home kits. The most difficult part of entering the trade has to be the competition, although it’s a big industry, the technical skills for making a well-fitting grill is very niche. Over the years it’s been a combination of taking formal jewellery making skills and working alongside dental technicians to get a personal formula for how we wanted our Grillz to fit our client. We can’t tell you the formula but let’s just say we can officially say we make some of the best fitting Grillz on the planet lol. For an aspiring jeweller just starting to create, what are the tools of the trade needed to make pieces? Tools for the trade for anyone starting out would be practicing patience along with determination. In terms of making I would say you have to perfect your craft before you think of making any money. Reputation is everything in this industry and mistakes are costly, essentials for making pieces are; plaster for your moulds, soldering iron, wax and wax carving tools. We know you’re based in London’s notorious diamond and jewellery Quarter Hatton Gardens, what does that mean for you and your trade?
It’s a blessing to be so central within the city and additionally so local to other trade smiths. It’s like a small community, built off extraordinary talents and decades of experiences. Hatton is known notoriously for firstly being London’s jewellery quarter and secondly for the £200million heist that took place in April 2015. Being based in Hatton means we are part of a community that has history and first-hand experience in the trade of jewellery making, in some sense, we finally get to represent jewellery our way. Milk and Honey is like our own language, we are redefining luxury and creating a space for it where there wasn’t one before, we represent the future of jewellery, inspired by traditional design and contemporary aesthetic- the new kids on the block in Hatton Gardens. Being located close to some of the wellestablished brands and businesses like, The Vault, A-Jewellers, 777, and even Seattle gold once upon a time, it gives us a sense of accomplishment and a higher drive and ambition, to reach the brands
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THE STYLE GODDESS HERSELF. Words by Rachel Abebrese Photographs by Kno One It feels strange to start an interview during COVID-19 without discussing the current situation. How are you finding things? I feel quite used to it now. I was definitely very restless for the last few weeks but now, it just seems like normal life. This week for me... I think it’s about week six. I definitely locked down in my house before there was an official lockdown just because I was a bit paranoid. This week has actually been one of my worst (laughs). I’ve fallen off with my workouts. I just haven’t been as productive as I felt I’ve been the other weeks. I guess I’m used to being at home and not itching so much to keep busy. I’m just feeling lazy and watching TV but I think that’s okay. I need to not be hard on myself on that for sure. I know that lots of people will be familiar with you with your work with Jorja Smith. If I caught you at a different time period on a regular day, would your schedule be really busy? Not really. I’ve had some calls with my agency just checking on me and I usually get that done in the morning or midday. I’d just be cooking lunches and making the hours go by.
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THE GHETTO LENNY. THE GUYANESE GENTLEMEN. Words by Lily Mercer Photographs by Kno One Styling by James Loach Hair by Jaz Lanyero Make-up by Grace Macartney There’s many terms you can use to describe the man they call SAINt JHN - but none quite capture his effervescence. Neither do they define his surety and self confidence in his identity and sound. Maybe it’s the New York in him, the city shaped him and distilled in him an ability to create magic. He speaks accolades into existence - as he demonstrates at the Viper shoot, claiming he’s not number two in the UK charts, but pre-number one. A week later, his song ‘Roses’ is sitting pretty at the top of the charts. No mean feat for a boy from Brooklyn. His journey in the music industry began with the release of his EP, ‘The St. John Portfolio’ in 2010, followed by a mixtape, both under his birth name. In addition to his own music, he’s collected song-writing credits on songs for artists including Usher, Jidenna and Gorgon City. His style is as unmatched as his musical talent, with an effortless ability to combine sounds and clothing that many others would be intimidated by. SAINt JHN is on the brink of something big, be a part of it...
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QUEEN OF THE MOTHER FUCKING SOUTH Words by Lily Mercer Creative Direction & Photos by Faith Aylward Styling by Kashmir Wickham Make up Monique Monroe If Shaybo ain’t 10 outta 10 then she’s a 9.9… she said it herself on ‘Ya Dun Know’. Despite her being at the youthful age of 23, the Lewisham-bred rapper has been stirring up the UK rap scene for a decade already. Her 2020 release ‘Anger’ made an impact, quickly informing the industry that Shaybo’s back like she never left - and this time round she’s here to dominate. With a face and body that could make a grown man cry, it’s easy to overlook her artistry, but with her ‘Queen of the South’ EP on the way, get ready to bow down to Naija royalty…
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TOP & SKIRT, OH POLLY SHOES, SIMMI SHOES NECKLACE, STYLIST OWN CROWN, STYLIST OWN
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FROM THE FRONTLINES OF COVENTRY TO THE HEART OF THE GAMBIA... Words by Lily Mercer Photographs by Isaac J Cambridge Styling by Ruby Diamond Bursting onto the scene with ‘Frontline’, Pa Salieu sent a siren call to the music industry to sound his arrival. Hailing from Gambia, via Coventry, the rapper has already made an impact that belies his 22 years on this planet. As demonstrated with his latest double-drop of two new singles, ‘Betty’ and ‘Bang Out’, Salieu has come to shake up the scene. Bringing energy and influence that no other artist can stake a claim on. Expect Pa to be a big problem…
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HAT, TRAPSTAR JUMPER, TRAPSTAR
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DONMONIQUE F
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Eyes that reach Eyes that fill Eyes that don’t conceal Moments of red Expression of blood
Photography Jordan Hall @jordanthomas Styling Justin Rose @justinrose__ Poetry Tawana Michael @awana.mikayel
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Model Ola Runt @1olarunt Photography Jiggy @coldgamejiggy
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DOWN BY THE BLUE LAGOON
Photography Netti Hurley nettihurley.com
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EASTWOOD DANSO F
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Cellophane skin Permeable to air I run through neither here nor there Look into me Are we not both like water
Photography Jamie A Waters jamie-waters.uk Poetry Tawana Michael instagram.com/tawana.mikayel All clothing and accessories from the AW20 Eastwood Danso collection
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EVAN OAK P
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Based in Minneapolis, photographer Evan Oak has made a name for himself capturing life in his hood, with gritty, monochrome stills. His analog images give the viewer a rare spotlight into a lifestyle bearing arms. Viper Style checks in with Evan to hear about his journey so far.
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When did you first pick up a camera? I first picked up a camera when I was 18. So about four years ago, but it took some time before I knew what I was doing with it. You’re based in Indianapolis, is that where you grew up?
What goals do you aim to complete in your career? In all honesty I don’t want a career as a photographer. I have gone down that route before and it almost ruined it for me. You have to shoot a lot of a bullshit. For me it’s all about shooting what I want and nothing else.
Yeah Indianapolis has always been home. I grew up and still live on the west side but you can find me all over the city taking pictures.
You shoot very raw and gritty scenes, are there any shots you almost didn’t take?
How did you establish your visual style?
No, not really. As far as posting it to instagram? Yeah there are a bunch.
Mainly through trial and error.
What’s the wildest photo you’ve ever taken?
Do you have a favourite photographer? Yea without a doubt it’s Estevan Oriol. Huge inspiration for me. You mainly shoot portraiture, what do you love photographing besides people? Believe it or not I love shooting nature. Also basketball; that was my first love. Your style is very documentary-like. Do you ever want to explain the backstory, or do you prefer the photos to speak for themselves? For me it’s all about the photo and however the viewer may interpret it. I feel the story is something personal to me and whoever is the subject of that photo.
My buddy was selling some Jordans and the dude that bought them had just gotten stabbed. The picture is of him holding the Jordan’s with this big ass blood stain on his shirt and a huge smile. How do you get such intimate access to your subjects? Mainly because I have known the people my whole life or because we have mutual connection. What advice would you give to someone wanting to shoot similar subject matter? Just keep shooting, and don’t be afraid to ask somebody to take their picture. Thats the most important thing. The best things in life are outside of our comfort zone.
Black and white is your trademark, do you ever shoot in colour? Not really unless I’m shooting stuff for my family. They can’t stand black and white.
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SUNITA RAI B
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Photos by Fa & Fon Styling by Sunita Rai
Fast-rising fashion stylist and content creator, Sunita appears in our beauty editorial. Celebrating her Nepalese culture, which inspires her expressive sense of style and creative artistry.
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TRÈS SHE F
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Words by Rachel Abebrese
With the UK on lockdown since March, the beauty industry went into a spiral with many women screaming that - amongst toilet roll and other essential food items - beauty treatments are most definitely essential! Fast forward to July and we’re seeing a lot of selfinflicted beauty regimes being employed by those wanting to maintain their appearance despite these strange and uncertain times. Enter Très She - the instant nail company, answering the prayers of acrylic lovers missing their regular trips to the salon. Beginning as a press-on nail business, today the company manufacture acrylic nails unlike any other, with a polished finish giving salons across the globe a run for their money! Created by nail artists, they’re the leaders when it comes to talons, delivering an array of trends and styles in a signature curved coffin shape. Personal Viper Gang favourites are “Hot Girl”, “Crystal” and “Pay Cheque”. Self-explanatory with its neon flame tips, “Hot Girl” is defined by a hot pick outline bringing the heat. On the contrary, “Crystal” appeals to any individual looking for a more natural style while still having the desire for length.
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CHAMPS BARBERS B
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London’s Soho, a thriving square mile of suave faces, connecting the elite of the capital’s music and fashion worlds. Crossing the busy streets - brushing past brick and mortar locals - you cross the fine line dividing tourist-packed Oxford Street from Fitzrovia. There sits the famous Red Chopper bike that crowns the porch of Champs, Soho’s ultimate Barbers. Housed in the heart of the city, the Champs Barbers legacy continues to grow since its beginnings in 2012. “It was all a dream” says Ian “Champs” Hoyes, owner and founder of Champs, adding “You know the haircuts are on point ‘cause even Spike Lee comes to my joint!” Who can forget the fond experiences shared in the barbers chair since childhood? Here the vibes are set and the banter never falls short, unlike the clippers catching your fade as you sip a cold beer to a ‘Liquid Swords’ soundtrack. Champs is far slicker than your average barber, don’t play yourself and think otherwise. If the welcoming laughs of Champs’ hefty team of 15 pro-barbers aren’t tempting enough, or their roster of star clientele, we suggest you take a trip down and experience it for yourself. We had the pleasure of catching up with Champs Barbers during the UK Lockdown, where head huncho Ian, gave us a run through of some of his favourite passerbys. In addition to previous Viper star and Wu Tang Clan legend, Raekwon the Chef, Champs has had the pleasure of shaping up the likes of Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, CeeLo Green and even Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5 has embraced the Champs experience! Hoyes notes, “We have friends all over from the states including Omar Benson Miller, Paulie Malignaggi, Spike [Lee] and a whole lot of others.” Well what are you waiting for? Make your way to Soho immediately... Champs Barbers, 17 Riding House Street, London W1W 7DY champsbarbers
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