The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2025 - Issue 38

biteglasses x Vintage Frames Company release. “The Diplomats were never just about music. They were about being authentically themselves first and asking for forgiveness later,” Shapiro said. “ESSX shares that ethos, spotlighting innovators before the world labels them as trendy. The collaboration belongs in a space that understands the power of cultural legacy,” he added. “From the beginning, we knew our style was bigger than Harlem. It was about putting our story on the global stage,” The Diplomats said. “Now that story lives in eyewear, a piece that represents everything we stand for, and ESSX is the perfect place to bring it to life.” At the launch, Jim Jones and Juelz Santana brought their signature charisma and Harlem pride to the event. “This collab is Harlem’s way of saying we’re still here, still fly, and still setting trends,” Jim Jones said. The event was attended by A$AP Ferg, Fabolous, Maino, FoodGod, Laura Stylez, Jonathan Mannion, Ty Hunter, Kid Super, and Vandythe- pink. DJ Statik Selektah curated the soundtrack, blending classic Dipset anthems with contemporary hits to maintain a high energy level. Vintage Frames Company has carved out a niche by reviving retro eyewear silhouettes and infusing them with modern opulence. With past collaborations featuring artists such as Rick Ross, Post Malone, and CeeLo Green, the brand has become a go-to for celebrities and fashion-forward consu- mers alike. Corey Shapiro’s vision is rooted in storytelling. Each frame is a narrative, a piece of cultural history. The Diplomats’ collaboration is significant because it bridges generation gaps and celebrates Harlem’s legacy. In hip-hop, eyewear has always been functional and sym- bolic. From Run-DM C’s Cazals to Kanye West’s shutter shades, sunglasses have represented status, swagger, and self-expression. The Diplomats x Vintage Frames release con- tinues that tradition, offering fans a chance to wear a piece of history. The 24-karat gold eagle is emblematic of Harlem’s resilience, pride, and ambition. The black-on-black design evokes a sense of mystery and power, while the craftsmanship ensures both durability and a luxurious feel. With only a limited number of units produced, the sunglasses are poised to become collector’s items. Fans of Dipset and fashion aficionados alike are scrambling to get their hands on a pair. Social media buzz has been electric, with influen- cers posting unboxing, styling tips, and tributes to Harlem’s fashion legacy. The collaboration also reflects the merging of streetwear and luxury. As fashion continues to embrace hip-hop aesthetics, likewise, partnerships highlight the genre’s influence and staying power. The limited-edition frames are available at ESSX retail stores and on the Vintage Frames Company online platform, follo- wed by select availability at Vintage Frames Company’s retail locations in Montreal and Miami. www.vintageframescompany.com Harlem