Wonderland.

BENNY HARLEM

Meet Instagram’s Father of the Year, LA’s wavy-maned model and musician, Benny Harlem.

Benny Harlem’s hair is as expansive as is fan base: at the time writing, he has amassed a hefty 235k followers on Instagram. What’s the LA-based model and musician’s social media secret? “Maintenance, patience and keeping a great positive mind,” he tells Wonderland. “There’s no way that you can grow anything if you’re constantly negative about it.” And with naturally voluminous locks like his — and with a high top that puts Johnny Bravo’s to shame — his is advice worth heeding. 

What started off as a way to capture and share his life’s moments quickly transformed into a social media phenomenon, that propelled both Harlem and his daughter Jaxyn into the spotlight. But it was not just the pair’s coveted locks that garnered the attention of thousands. Harlem has also been praised for his fathering skills and the inspiring relationship he shares with his six-year-old; she’s present in almost every photo Harlem shares. “She’s my biggest inspiration; I see life through her eyes. She inspires me in every way; to love more; to have more fun; to be more joyful; to let go.”

Currently putting the final touches on his soul-pop debut EP, Harlem has also been busy writing two books: the first is a ten-step guide to “finding the father in you,” and the second is a guide to growing healthy, beautiful, lengthy hair. What’s more, Harlem and Jaxyn will be the first father-daughter duo to take the runways of Milan Fashion Week in 2017 — walking for MALIBU1992, a new luxury menswear brand based in Milan. Che bello! 

Photography
Ash Kingston
Words
Sophia Ahmadi
Models
Benny and Jaxyn
Clothes
Model's own