Always Scrolling is PAPER's spotlight on our favorite TikTokers in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more. Keep reading to discover this week's viral sensation: Benjamin de Almeida (AKA BENOFTHEWEEK).
Benjamin de Almeida, AKA BENOFTHEWEEK, is an Emmy-nominated content creator with a massive following of over 22 million fans across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. While he regularly collaborates with brands like Dior and Prada, he also uses his platform to highlight charitable causes and fundraisers in his videos like hosting an event raising money for the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project.
"On TikTok and YouTube, I am MrBeast if he had a couple disorders from the DSM-5," de Almeida tells PAPER. "On Instagram, I put on fun little outfits and pretend that I am not bonkers in my videos. And, outside of all of that, I am writing a couple of scripts for movies because I want to create something that people will remember for longer than it takes them to eat their lunch to."
Below, he chatted with PAPER about intrusive thoughts, bringing the 2010s back and his opinion on wired earphones.
What do you love about what you do?
I love having the internet to let my intrusive thoughts manifest in the form of videos. I love my life IRL because of the awesome people I have the blessing of knowing, and the walkable city I live in.
Who is another TikToker that you love right now?
Slushy Noobz are so cool. They are like Nikocado Avacado the way they are ten steps ahead.
Craziest comment you’ve received on a post?
My home address and phone number.
@benoftheweek today was a timothee chalamet movie. thank you @Anthony Po for letting me judge the timothee chalamet competition your mind scares me
What’s one of your favorite looks you’ve posted?
I wore this gorgeous, vintage 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier suit that was so big it was hanging off of me to an awards show a couple years back. Sometimes I put it on to wear around the house when I feel like I’ve been slacking and want to mean business.
What’s a trend that you love right now?
It’s been enough time that we can have the 2010s back as nostalgia fuel, and I think it is incredible. Justin Bieber snapback swag. Using the Rio de Janeiro Instagram filter unironically. Using Tumblr again!
One that you hate?
Take those damn wired earphones out. I know you have an AirPod or two lying around, or at least an off-brand thing that will say “the Bluetooth device is ready to pair” when you turn it on. You are going to get caught in a door and strangled for the aesthetic. We can all have a little Bluetooth radiation; there are bigger things to worry about.
@cryingben Did you know that theres an island in Dubai called ohio
What would you never wear?
Anything off of TikTok Shop and anything that has “viral” in the title. You should have to use your brain for more than five seconds when buying something. Especially clothes.
Favorite fashion brand right now?
Big Prada fan over here. They are so fun in every way, and I’ve been very lucky to work with them.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Lola from Shark Tale.
What’s a good book you’ve read recently?
My friends and I do a sporadic mini book club, and we just finished Braiding Sweetgrass. It felt like Robin Wall Kimmerer washed my soul in soapy water and gently placed it back in my body. It should be required reading.
@benoftheweek bring back booing with tomatoes #lifehack
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Spicy Moon makes a vegan broccoli beef that I would walk barefoot through hot coals to have a bite of.
Favorite club in NYC?
Elsewhere, but only when they have all the floors open. I need to be able to roam around. What do you mean I can’t go to the roof? I don’t care if no one is playing up there; I just want to see!
What are five songs you have on repeat right now?
I have been bumping "Obvious" by Oklou, "Beauty and a Beat" by Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj, "Steppin Out" by Kaskade, "afraid" by 2hollis and nate sib, and "Viking" by SahBabii.
Photography: Petros Koy
