Nonnacore trend puts Italian grandma gear front and center with a boost from celebs like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner
Italian grandmas are at the epicenter of the hottest accessory craze as summer moves into fall — silk scarves that sizzle as the new/old headpiece-de-resistance.
'It' girls are eating up and scarving down the latest vintage, voguish vibe — a styling movement known as 'nonnacore,' made haute by tastemakers from Rihanna to the runway to sirens on the subway.
Advertisement
14 New Yorker Arianna Lombardo says her nonnacore style is inspired by A-listers such as Rihanna and Aaliyah, as well as her own Nonna.
LP Media
And any Gotham gal can acquire the look for themselves — by finishing an outfit with a colorful kerchief tied tautly atop one's tresses, à la sexy granny in her prime.
It's an effortlessly luxe look that first went viral among A-listers and influencers, such as Beyoncé and Hailey Bieber, who stunned in the headgear way back on their respective, splashy summer 2024 vacations.
Advertisement
Now, everyday divas are following suit.
'It's simple, chic and ties a look together,' Arianna Lombardo, 30, a hairstylist and self-crowned 'fashion maximalist,' from Long Island, told The Post.
The brunette recently dazzled over 82,000 social media fans with a detailed nonnacore headscarf how-to.
14 Cosmetologist Lombardo, known online as 'The Hair Ninja of New York,' racked up over 82,000 TikTok views with her headscarf tutorial.
LP Media
Advertisement
'Being Italian, I'm loving that the nonnas are getting this well-deserved fashion nod,' she said.
It's sampled swag, much like the 'Mob Wives' dressing frenzy, which inspired glamour gals to wow in gangster garb, or the 'Tomato Girl Summer' of 2023 — a moment dedicated to veggie-inspired duds.
But more than a bit of borrowed pizzazz, nonnacore offers budgeted fashionistas an effortless, affordable way to elevate any ensemble, according to NYC stylist Dawn Del Russo.
Advertisement
Owing to tariffs and inflation — economic bugaboos forcing clotheshorses to get creative when building their wardrobes — Del Russo said investing in a timeless piece — such as a scarf, be it designer label or a thrift-store find — is a haute hack for the pennywise.
'Bright, quality scarves are having a movement because they're versatile and recession-proof,' the en vogue expert explained to The Post while vacationing in Italy.
'Wearing one around your head is very popular right now, but you can also transform that same scarf into a cute necktie, crop top, belt or sarong,' she said.
Repurposing fab finery is how nonnas would traditionally keep it cute, Del Russo noted.
14 Italian grandmas are rising as the year's hottest fashion accessory icons thanks to the Nonnacore movement.
Veranika – stock.adobe.com
'Those old-world Italian grandmas didn't splurge,' she said. 'They probably took extra fabric from curtains or tablecloths, wore them on their heads and bodies, and made it fashion.'
It's make-do splendor that Emily Bargeron, 40, a vintage clothes curator from Savanah, Georgia, and her wallet really appreciate. In fact, the millennial tells The Post the nonnacore scarf is like a mini Mediterranean trip for your head.
Advertisement
'If you can afford to visit Europe this summer, you can bring Europe to you with this look,' said Bargeron, whose modish nod to Italian grannies has garnered over 1.4 million TikTok views.
'Almost everyone has a silk scarf in their closet — it's inexpensive, iconic and gets you tons of compliments,' she explained.
Hollywood's hottest, however, are more concerned about slaying than saving.
14 Always ahead of the curve, music's Queen Bey helped kick off the headscarf trend well before its summer 2025 fashion boom.
Beyonce/Instagram
Advertisement
14 Actress Elle Fanning served a casual-chic slay with a nonnacore-inspired scarf at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in May.
WireImage
14 Rihanna gave headscarves a good rep during a recent outing in Beverly Hills.
Blackbelts / BACKGRID
Rihanna recently turned heads with a $650 Valentino Garavani Toute La V Silk Scarf over her chocolatey locks in Beverly Hills.
The pregnant Grammy winner, 37, paired the popular add-on with a plain white button-down shirt, dark-wash cuffed jeans and croc-print heeled flip-flops from Amina Muaddi.
Advertisement
Anya Taylor-Joy, 26, rocked a show-stopper this month, too, wrapping a pleated green scarf around the full perimeter of her dome as did yesteryear bellas like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, as well as Italian starlets Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida.
14 Hepburn and her swanky peers were well known for adding a chic headscarf to their looks in the 1950s and '60s.
Corbis via Getty Images
14 'The Menu' actress Anya Taylor-Joy ate up the headscarf style — even with necessary ear protection — at a Formula 1 Grand Prix event earlier this month in Hungary.
ZUMAPRESS.com
14 Italian beauty Sophia Loren routinely wowed with her effortless look.
ullstein bild via Getty Images
Advertisement
Kim Kardashian snapped saucy selfies and posed in a headscarf while promoting her Skims collaboration with Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli, and little sister Kendall Jenner, 29, let a silk number shine as the mane attraction as a model for Gucci.
But Arianne Antonio, 31, a publicist from Bushwick, is grateful that the unfussy fashion trend isn't limited to the rich and famous.
The Brooklynite says a little nonnacore scarf can make a big difference to one's duds, as well as their mental health.
14 Sabrina Carpenter works an all-striped ensemble — including a matching scarf.
Getty Images for Vogue
14 Arianne Antonio told The Post that a nonnacore-inspired scarf can add a little light to one's day during these trying times.
EMMY PARK
14 Fashionista Antonio often wraps a silk scarf around her baseball cap for added flair.
EMMY PARK
'With everything going on in the world right now, people are stressed and exhausted,' she said, noting the sea of headscarves she saw at this year's Lollapalooza music festival — an annual celebration of music and fashion. 'People need a colorful dash of fun in their lives.'
'[Nonnacore scarves] are comfortable, cute and you can play around with them in so many different ways,' Antonio added.
'They're that little something that can completely transform an otherwise boring outfit,' she said.
14 Lombardo says the nonnacore headscarf movement is an easy fashion trend to follow.
LP Media
Lombardo agrees.
'They add a funky edge to everybody,' she said. 'If you're a wealthy celebrity or an everyday guy or girl in New York City, a headscarf can add to your aura.'
14 Antonio shows off a stylish, properly situated scarf.
EMMY PARK
Here is Lombardo's step-by-step how-to for achieving nonnacore:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
a few seconds ago
- Newsweek
Man Tries To Make Presentation, Cat Decides 'It's Her Time To Shine'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The moment a cat took over during her owner's practice presentation for school left viewers in stitches. An August 16 TikTok video posted by user @kayboltsmith showed a husband, Nathan Smith, standing in front of the camera with his wife, Kayla, sitting on a padded table. Nathan needed to film a presentation for his physical therapy program and used Kayla as his patient. But with a "needy kitten" in the house, those plans got interrupted. In the midst of recording his presentation, the couple's cat, Bee, began circling around the table. Their mouths dropped when she hopped up. Trying to keep the laughter in, Kayla used her hand to cover her mouth. Knowing there could be distractions as a physical therapist, the show went on and Nathan continued to present. Meanwhile, Bee climbed over Kayla and made herself comfortable. The text on the video read: "It's her time to shine." The couple lost it when the cat began cleaning herself, angling herself perfectly in the frame. Kayla told Newsweek via TikTok that the cat's interruption went on for about five minutes before her husband finally picked Bee up and shooed her off-screen. Screenshots from an August 16 TikTok video of a couple's cat interrupting the husband's recorded presentation for physical therapy school. Screenshots from an August 16 TikTok video of a couple's cat interrupting the husband's recorded presentation for physical therapy school. @kayboltsmith/TikTok "We were not surprised as Bee is a needy kitten who always likes to be with us when we are doing something," she said. "This was our first PT video we had to make since adopting her so I knew something was about to happen!" Luckily, Nathan was not presenting live. He had the option to rerecord, but decided this version would work. "He said his professor is chill and will likely find it funny," she said. Viewer Reactions People are obsessed with the cat's interest in the couple's activities, and as of Wednesday, the TikTok video reached over 27,800 views and 5,839 likes. "She just wanted to be involved," a viewer wrote, while a second person commented: "No, but I wish my PT's office had a cat." Another added: "I would be giving bonus points for the cat assisting." Many laughed at how Nathan "scooped her up" after she made herself comfortable on the table and others wondered what grade he received. Kayla responded: "I told him he's gonna get points off for twisting her spine. Bad PT." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Buzz Feed
30 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Chewy Items Pet Parents Will Want To Check Out
A Happy Hoodie calming cap to create a swaddling effect around your anxious baby's ears to reduce loud noises. Whether they hate fireworks, storms, or grooming sounds, this handy hat will help them feel a little more centered and a little less panicky: Every pet parent's dream. Promising review: "I use this for thunderstorms and other loud noises like fireworks. After slipping it on, I go under it and make sure each ear flap of my Italian greyhound/Jack Russell mix is flapping up and covering his ear canal. He may still hear loud noises, but it does not move him to shaking and panting as he always did in the past. He did move it off his ears when I was not looking, but that only happened once. Two storms have happened, and this Hoodie has stopped the panic he once had." —ElizabethPrice: $9.99+ (available in three sizes and four colors) A scratching post that will give your kitty an appropriate place to scratch, stretch, and keep their lil' cat claws in tip-top shape. (Your couches called: They said you could buy this one on them.) Promising review: "This is the third time I've ordered this exact same scratching post because my cat loves it so much! It's a great price, great quality, and I love that it breaks down into smaller pieces for when we travel. It's also extremely easy to put together. I will definitely be re-ordering it when this one needs to be replaced!" —MayaPrice: $13.99 (available in five styles) An easy-to-clean gravity feeding station, because less time cleaning out super-intricate grooves in a technological doodad means more time playing with your furry pals. Promising reviews: "I have dogs that love making a mess. This system keeps that from happening!" —Donna"This continuous, gravity-fed pet feeder is so simple and well-designed that it is beautiful. Removable stainless steel bowl to easily wash: wide-mouth opening for food to fall into the bowl, so the gravity feeder does not clog up. Non-BPA plastics in the container that holds 4lb of dry food. I love this, and my cat does too; he immediately began feeding in it without hesitation. Great purchase. If you want simple and clean, this is your feeder!" —LisaPrice: $19.95+ (available in two sizes) A good ol' classic Sasquatch crinkle squeaker to give them lots of fun noise and good mouth-feel enrichment while you finish up that Zoom call. (Bless the mute option.) Promising review: "My boy is a tough chewer, and the vet said soft toys are his friends to prevent tooth chipping. This toy is lasting and he carries it around like it's his baby." —MorganPrice: $13.99 A canine version of your fave Kanoodle Puzzle so you and your furry friend can both enjoy the magic and wonder that is making shapes fit so satisfyingly together. You can twist pieces to make treat-finding a ~little more challenging~ for your pooch to reach. Make it doubly stimulating by hiding the puzzle somewhere in the house for them to sniff out and discover on their own! Promising review: "I read many of the reviews on this product. I had never purchased a puzzle before and was not certain what to expect or how my dog would react to it. I had to figure out how the pieces moved in order to fill it. I used kibble and put some on top just so he would pay attention. (Very food motivated). He gets about halfway through it on his own, then I show him which piece to move to finish up. He has it figured out now. I put it out for him when I leave for work, and he plays with it to get food while I am gone. Very interesting toy." —Sheryl Price: $14.99+ (available in two sizes) A splurgy (and quiet!) Litter-Robot automatic self-cleaning litter box with a nifty app that monitors the waste and litter levels so you know when it's time to change the bag or fill up the litter tank. And it monitors your pet's weight and bathroom activities so you can know their comings and goings and make sure their little digestive systems are in excellent working order. And it keeps your cat coming to clean litter Every. Single. Time. Basically, if the Jetsons had a cat, they would have THIS. See it in action on TikTok here!Promising reviews: "I debated getting this for a while. Finally decided to purchase it. It's been fantastic. I was gone for several days and even though I had someone looking after my two cats, it was wonderful to see on the app when they used it. They had no trouble adjusting to the new litter. For the first week, they would constantly interrupt the cycle ( it stops when it senses a cat) to watch the process. It's expensive, but well worth it. No smell, and clean litter all the time!" —Sandra"I was always skeptical of litter robots, I just didn't see the value or didn't believe they would work well enough. I'm happy to have been wrong about that. Our cat used it the same night that we set it up and has seemed happier to me. I don't smell it, I can't hear it unless I'm in the same room, but even then, it's not annoying or loud. The app is pretty intuitive,e as is the setup process." —NicholasPrice: $699 (available in black and white) A heavy-duty Jolly Ball for all your tugging, throwing, and launching needs. Plus, the ball floats even when punctured, so whether you're heading to the lake or just don't want to sink your hand in the doggy water bowl when it inevitably gets flung in there, this ball is here for you and your pup. Promising reviews: "My 10-month-old Malinois loves carrying these types of toys around outside. They can be exhausting to throw, but it helps tire him out when I need to work during the day and only have a shorter amount of time to play." —Paige"My Australian Cattle Dog has destroyed every other toy, no matter how 'durable' they claim to has lasted so long and is her favorite to grab and have us throw for her. The handle is nice also to avoid contact w/as much slobber." —SaraPrice: $16.79+ (available in four colors and a larger size) Some foldable pet stairs elderly pets, young and spry but vertically challenged pets, and you will love as they're easy to use and store away when not in use. Promising reviews: "My elderly, arthritic cat lost the strength in her legs to jump even 15 inches a couple of months ago. Her world began to shrink, but the PetSafe stairs gave it back to her. She's never been interested in new things, but she took to the stairs right away. My little girl is back." —Eugenia"These stairs are well-made and easy to maneuver. My dog loves to get on our bed, but wasn't able to jump that high. She fell a couple of times, which frightened her. I purchased these stairs and it took one lesson to have her climb up! She LOVES them... and so do I!" —MarvelPrice: $42.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors) A self-grooming brush kitties (and their human reviewers) love for the self-scritches, with a bonus that it keeps their little whiskers in pristine, brushed condition. Promising reviews: "Our Hemingway usually hates to be brushed, but loves rubbing up against the corners of walls. We put six of these throughout the house, and I watch him every morning just sitting there going to town on it. It is amazing because it has helped with his coat and has actually allowedhim to be able to start brushing him a little bit." —Matthew"I (and my cat) love this thing!! I'm glad I got two of them. I may need more. My cat rubs her face on every corner we have, which leaves her 'mark' on everything. I put this up, and literally after 1 second, she's ALL about it." —KristinPrice: $7.05 (also available in a 2-pack) A bacon-flavored wishbone chew toy if you've got an aggressive chewer on your hands and *don't* want your table legs to suffer for it. This US-made toy helps clean your pup's teeth as they chomp. (And it's flavored with real bacon. Only the best for your bestie.) Promising review: "We have 2 Golden Retrievers that tear up stuffed and rope toys with their chewing. These Benebones are perfect for our boys. They love chewing them. We keep one in both kennels and one in the den. Keeps them occupied. I recommend them!" —LisaPrice: $10.84+ (available in four sizes) A bottle of Fresh 'n Clean oatmeal and baking soda dog shampoo, because if *you* use hair products with healthy ingredients, your dog definitely wants in on that action. Plant-based with soothing aloe vera, vitamin E, and natural colloidal oatmeal, your pups will smell *and* feel so great after their bath, you won't even mind when they shake all over you mid-bath. Promising reviews: "What a difference this has made for our little Yorkie who had been so itchy. We saw such a difference after the first bath, and the scent is amazing! She smells like clean laundry!" —Annette"Recommended by my veterinarian years ago and have been using it for my Rottweilers since then. It's not hard on their coats and leaves them soft and shiny." —ArlenePrice: $9.74+ (available in three sizes) A multi-talented natural grass chew mat your rabbit, guinea, pig, mice, or other small-pawed creatures will ADORE because not only can they ~eat it~, but it also helps cushion the floor to avoid sores, promotes digestive and oral health, and can be used for enrichment. Promising review: "Our boy loves these mats. He digs at them, chews them, throws them around. Totally recommend it if you're looking for enrichment. We put one in each room of the house, and it prevents him from chewing our carpets and baseboards." —LuisPrice: $4.91 (also available in a three-pack) A glow-in-the-dark ball to add some neon energy to your pet's toy basket and make it easier to find when it inevitably rolls under the couch. Again. Promising review: "I set this ball under a bright light to charge the glow and it's the brightest glowing thing I've ever seen! Also, the texture of the ball is squishy cuz it's hollow. My pitbull mix loves it! It's a good weight to be able to throw it really far without being like a hard, solid rubber." —HollyPrice: $5.99+ (available in four sizes and multipacks) A puzzle treat ball so they can have the best of both worlds: Treats and roly-poly fun. This little boredom buster can hold up to one cup of food, so you'll buy yourself a GOOD chunk of time if you can't take them out just yet. Promising review: "I cannot say enough good things about this. I have three big babies, 80 lbs+, that destroy every single toy I get them. Including the indestructible ones. But this thing is still going. Even with treats inside, which usually speeds up the destruction. I ended up buying two more, so each of them had their own. And for the price, you really can't go wrong." —DanaPrice: $7.99+ (available in two sizes) Or a small pet treat-dispensing ball all manner of pet parents say their fur children love for both training and playful snacking. Promising reviews: "Our rats LOVE this toy. Perfect to break up nuts and the adjustable size was nice for training." —Emily"I highly recommend these treat ball toys! They are my bunny's absolute favorite. Bunnies need to forage to stay healthy and happy, and these treat balls make it fun. I put his pellets inside, and he has to work to get them out. They dispense just the right amount of pellets. If you have a bored bunny and want to add some excitement to their life for their well-being, I'd say these are a great choice." —AmyPrice: $6.50 A giggle ball that will delight you both. It rolls around and has four grippers for easy carrying — and it laughs as it moves. Lots of reviewers say this will keep even their puppies entertained for a good long while, so what have you got to lose? Live, laugh, giggle ball. Promising reviews: "Our 2-year-old pup has NEVER loved anything this much in his life. He chased it and barked at it for hours last night. Finally exhausted himself and slept, and he's back at it this morning. It's a tidbit loud but highly recommend!" —Stacy"My Aussiedoodle typically destroys her toys in a matter of weeks. This toy has lasted for months. She loves it; the noises it makes fascinate her, and she plays with it constantly. Great toy for active breeds." —WilliamPrice: $14.99 An interactive UFO cat toy designed to kick your cat's boredom to the curb FOR GOOD. It has three different modes, automatic nighttime shutoff, and paw detection, so it is basically a kitty babysitter. (And the feather "arms" are replaceable, so no need to worry about them wearing out!) Promising review: "I wasn't sure if my cats would be into this toy, but they're totally obsessed! They usually get bored fast, but the feather popping in and out drives them wild! It keeps both of them moving and entertained way longer than most toys. I also love that it has different speed settings and turns off by itself. It makes life easier, especially when I'm at work and they're home alone. The felt ring on the bottom is awesome too! It picks up loose fur while they play, which is perfect for my long-haired girl who sheds like wild. It keeps the wheels from getting stuck with fur. Super happy with this!" —MeghanPrice: $29.99 A rip-and-reveal plushie with a hidden bonus toy on the inside once your dog rips through the first layer. (Spoiler alert: It's a sad cactus, which is hilarious since the outer layer is a happy cactus.) Promising review: "This little cactus packs a punch! It's not only super cute but super durable. My pup absolutely loves it! She carries it everywhere!" —JuliePrice: $12.99+ (available in two sizes) A pack of three tooth-cleaning bones because pet dental bills are EXPENSIVE, so if they can gnaw away some of their energy and their food buildup, that would be great, thanks. Promising review: "This is holding up very well to my two aggressive chewers. We have had it for two weeks and have not had any chunks come off, and it's one of the first things they go for when that chewing urge strikes them. Would recommend for anyone with heavy chewers." —RhondaPrice: $22.92 for a three-pack A flopping fish toy ~technically~ meant for cats, but reviewers (and pups!) agree that what's good for the goose is good for the gander— er, pupper? When your work call is running late. and they're starting to look at you meaningfully, it's time to break out the flopping fish. Promising reviews: "I was having trouble finding a toy to keep my Bengal cat entertained since he needs an interactive toy to satisfy his prey drive. He very quickly fell in love with it. It's very durable." —Beth"It's funny, I bought this for my cats, but the dog won't leave it alone! It's hilarious!" —Michelle MPrice: $12.99 A hanging pineapple hideaway because SpongeBob shouldn't be the only one who gets to hang out in a pineapple all day, and this will make your small friends happier than a sponge during a Krabby Patty rush. Promising review: "My rats absolutely love this soft and secure comfort space! I have five boys and there's always one or two of them inside it during sleep times. I had a group of girls prior, and they also adored this hidey, although they "customized" it by chewing a hole through the back, for easier access :)" —DorothyPrice: $16.64 A Bedsure orthopedic dog sofa bed to help your pup grab some excellent shuteye and wake up feeling their best. It's made with pet-safe egg crate foam to take pressure off aching joints, increase airflow (for cooler, more comfy snoozing!) and can be especially helpful for any doggos with arthritis or joint pain. The removable cover is *also* washable, which makes your life so much easier. (And less smelly, tbh.)Promising review: "Our Corgi Scout absolutely loves his bed. The side cushions he uses as a pillow, and he is sleeping longer each night after using the Orthopedic bed. He also wakes up without limping anymore, which has been a huge sigh of relief for us. Would definitely recommend this to other dog owners who are worried about joints!!" —JamiePrice: $39.09+ (available in five sizes and nine colors) And an orthopedic cat bed also made by the folks at Bedsure, who really *are* in the business of giving your pets the very best sleeps. Your cat will love the nonslip bottom (no slip-n-slide action if they prefer a good pounce into bed), and you're sure to hear a 99% increase in satisfied sleep purrs as they stalk off to dreamland on their fully washable pillow cushion. Promising review: "He loves his new bed. It was so hard to find a quality bed with a removable cushion. It's something that he likes to go under and make a little cave for himself, and it makes it easier to wash with the separate cushion. So glad I finally found one that's solid! It's so hard to get him out of it because he loves it so much." —BridgetPrice: $25.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors) Some ~berry~ cute straw catnip toys for the discerning kitty who wants their toys to be fun and textured specifically to help keep their pearly whites clean. (And also catnip. Duh.) Promising review: "My cat is absolutely obsessed with these little strawberries. This is truly her favorite toy. I have had to repurchase as she loses some throughout the house and will cry if one gets stuck underneath furniture. Definitely recommend!" —AriannaPrice: $4.70 for a 3-pack A freeze-pop training toy perfect for enriching your pet's crate time or just to give them a delicious licky-stick to keep them occupied until you can take them out for zoomies. Use just like you would a human freeze-pop maker (including throwing it in the dishwasher when it needs a clean!) and get ready for a treat delight your pup is surely going to beg for again and again. Promising reviews: "Kept our puppy occupied for a long time, which then tired him out enough to take a long nap in his crate afterwards. I was worried he would try to chew or eat it, but it is made up of some really durable rubber and he doesn't seem to mess with it after the treat is gone. Wish I would've had this for my other dog when we were crate training." —Kate"It has been quite difficult to get her to want to go in her crate. A little peanut butter on this product makes her run right into the crate. It's a little spendy, but totally worth it!" —AnniePrice: $39 (originally $45) A drug-free cat calming spray that might help settle your anxious kitty. It mimics a mother's pheromones, it can promote a natural sense of calmness and make you and your cat's lives easier during vet visits, travel, or other hard-to-explain-to-your-cat transitions. Promising review: "I've found Feliway Classic Spray to be a helpful tool during stressful situations for my cats, especially when it comes to travel or big changes. While it doesn't make them completely calm, I truly believe it takes the edge off. I use it when putting them in the carrier, and most recently during a move to help them adjust to our new home. It seemed to ease their anxiety and helped them settle in a bit faster. I'll definitely keep a bottle on hand for future transitions or vet visits!" —LauraPrice: $16.24 And finally, a platypus silent dog toy because squeakers are GREAT, but so is being able to unmute on your Zoom call without everyone on your team hearing Fido in the background going to town on the loudest toy ever. Your pup can hear this, but YOU can't. Everyone say thank you to science. Promising review: "This platty is on auto ship and we couldn't live without it. Now we collect the well-loved platties and surprise our puppy boy with raining platties!! 10/10 would do again." —DallasPrice: $11.32
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
From Dorm Room to Mass Retail: The Kangaroo Hanger Story
Most people never think twice about hangers. They're flimsy, they break, and they rarely do their job well. But for Angus Willows, that frustration sparked a bigger question: Why hasn't anyone tried to make them better? His answer was the Kangaroo Hanger, a patented hanger that is simple, durable, and made from 100 percent recycled materials in the United States. 'I didn't set out to start a hanger company,' Willows says. 'I set out to fix something simple that millions of people use every day.' A Dorm Room Beginning The idea started when Willows was a college sophomore. 'I found myself staring at my closet, frustrated by cheap hangers that bent, broke, and couldn't even hold a shirt properly,' he recalls. He began sketching designs, cutting prototypes out of cardboard in his dorm room, and testing ways to hold collared shirts without buttoning them. 'When cardboard wasn't enough, I used a small 3D printer I kept under my clothes rack,' Willows says. 'I printed each hanger in halves, glued them together, and refined the design hundreds of times.' Determined to protect his work, Willows bought a Patent It Yourself book and drafted his first provisional application by hand. 'I spent everything I had just to pay a lawyer to review it for a few hours,' he says. 'That's how the Kangaroo Hanger became a patented product.' Going Viral and Scaling Up Like many startups, funding was the hardest part. 'Injection molds are expensive, and I didn't want to bring in investors who might push for cheaper materials or lower quality,' Willows explains. With just three months to make it work, he turned to TikTok. 'I had never posted before, but I committed to posting every day,' he says. On day 40, one of his videos went viral, gaining more than 7 million views. The very next day, another video reached 17 million. 'That was enough to fund the first mold and start production,' Willows says. Today, the viral TikTok product has over 200 million organic views and 650,000 social followers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Sustainable by Design What sets Kangaroo apart isn't just clever marketing; it's a clear commitment to sustainability. 'We make our hangers in Wisconsin from 100 percent recycled materials,' Willows says. 'That keeps plastic out of landfills and cuts the carbon emissions that come from shipping overseas.' The fashion industry already produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Choosing recycled hangers and eco-friendly closet organization tools like Kangaroo helps reduce that footprint. 'People can feel good about using them because they're better for both their clothes and the planet,' Willows explains. From College Idea to National Retail Willows' hangers are now sold in thousands of Walmart and Target stores nationwide, with more retailers on the way. 'Seeing them on shelves feels surreal,' he says. 'But it proves that if you keep it simple, durable, and sustainable, people respond.' Looking ahead, Willows and his company, Zickers LLC, plan to expand into the wider home organization space. 'Kangaroo isn't just about a hanger,' he says. 'It's about showing that even the most ordinary object can be reinvented.'
