Fashion
FENDI Holiday Season 2024: A Whimsical Peek at the Archive
FENDI has revealed its enchanting Holiday Season 2024 collection – a celebration rooted in the brand’s illustrious heritage. Drawing inspiration from a 1984 archive sketch by Karl Lagerfeld, the festive design reimagines Santa Claus as a vintage-inspired silhouette. This whimsical figure takes shape as a festive tree adorned with iconic elements like Peekaboo and Baguette bags, signature FENDI yellow packaging, and delicate glass baubles—balanced in a whimsical precariousness on a playful seesaw.
At the heart of the holiday setup is the FENDI logo, rendered in a striking bubbly glass design. Paying homage to Italian craftsmanship, the logo echoes the artistry of Murano glass and traditional decorations, the FENDI festive logo is colored in antiqued and metallic silver, azure, and dusty pink.
This festive showcase sets the stage for FENDI's upcoming centenary celebration in 2025. By transforming the Maison's codes into graphic and playful ornaments, the collection embodies a blend of elegance, creativity, and nostalgia, inviting fans to embrace the holiday spirit in quintessential FENDI style.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
CHANEL Cruise Collection 2024/25 – A Tale of Effervescence and Youthful Allure
For the CHANEL Cruise 2024/25 collection campaign, photographer Jamie Hawkesworth captured a series of portraits of model Loli-Bahia in and around Marseille, embodying the independence, ease, and modernity of the House and the collection. The codes of the House are reconfigured for the Mediterranean for a refreshed look that reads as casually chic. The collection feeds into our wish for escape from the cold of the season, to be free and full of energy somewhere by the sea.
The collection features a reinterpretation of the iconic CHANEL tweed jackets with a new sporty attitude. Hoods made in sweatshirt, press studs and shell embroideries, give a new feel to a classic. An active feel runs through the rest of the collection, as well. Ranging from cycling shorts rendered in fine leather to denim bermudas embellished with tracksuit-like braids. A cotton poplin and lace top and skirt, and straw boater hats speak to our escapist fantasies.
Loli-Bahia embodies the feeling of wind, sun, sea and sky as she surveys the coastline. She represents the modern CHANEL woman: active, energetic and free. Launching in stores and online on November 14th, an invitation to embrace a summer attitude and plan your next vacation.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
H&M& Berlin – the Pre-Loved-Archive Collection
H&M celebrated two decades full of their much cherished collaborations with iconic designers from all over the world with their Pre-Loved-Archive collection.
H&M aims to offer a new generation the chance to own and reinterpret fashion history – opening up the gates to their iconic fashion library and re-releasing iconic and pre-loved fashion pieces from the most sought-after collaborations with renowned designers of the last two decades. The Pre-Loved-Archive is an inspired fusion of nostalgia and sustainability – extending the life of these beloved designs through their ongoing and creative recombination in styling the aesthetic-minded self.
The grand occasion took place on October the 30th of October in Berlin’s legendary Kraftwerk – featuring live performances of Troye Sivan, Caroline Polachek, Arca and JADA. A revitalizing combination of music, fashion and style. Guests A multitude of guests attended in their favorite archive looks from the twenty year long history of guest designer collections. As part of a global series of events, the celebration showcased H&M's new energy, emphasizing a circular approach to fashion.
Several of the curated pieces from the Pre-Loved-Archive collection made their debut yesterday at the Berliner Mitte Garten Store. Additional pieces are now available on hm.com.
Fashion
Giorgio Armani Women’s Fashion Show for Spring/Summer 2025 - In Viaggio
Paying homage to the city of New York – Giorgio Armani’s Women’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. New York as the city embodying the collective dream. Scenery to a seemingly endless sea of creative narratives – cinematic stories, life-changing encounters. In Viaggio, On a Journey – a “profoundly Armani” collection.
A grand station, an elegant woman, a porter carrying her suitcase. This is the image opening up the journey through an era, full of visions and memories. Long, soft silhouettes reminiscent of the 1930s. A blend of influences from the East, with touches of desert winds and noir – coming together into an exciting vision of effortless, but truly pure elegance.
The collection, with colors transitioning from urban grays to cosmetic hues of beige, bronze, blush and powder blue. Silk pantsuits and leather trench coats with effortless elegance. For once the darkness has enveloped the evening – boudoir inspired suits and flowing, soft dresses in mesmerizing satin, complemented by mini boleros as the perfect finishing touch.
Ever present throughout is a profound sensitivity. An understanding of the artistry involved in narrating a new story with each look. A Masculine hat – oversized to veil the eyes – and sandals combined with billowing skirts. Together, beckoning us to come along, to embark on an enchanting journey through the realms of our imagination.
www.armani.com
Art
A Technicolor Daydream Between the Birth and Death of the Universe – Double Feature at Fotografiska
Fotografiska Berlin presents Marco Brambilla’s exhibition Double Feature, a dazzling spectacle of the cult of glamor in Hollywood limboing between satire and celebration.
Two maximalist video collages work to recontextualize popular images, considering our obsession with the promises they seem to hold. The title of the exhibition creates a nostalgia for the past of motion pictures: the double feature. Seeing how two works form a unique interplay instead of standing alone without a contrast and taking the time to go see them as a conscious choice instead of being bombarded with more than one could view in a lifetime.
The two works exhibited are part of Brambilla’s Megaplex series and present an especially intriguing interplay, as Heaven’s Gate is the latest of this series created in 2022, and Civilization stands at its beginning in 2008. Heaven’s Gate is a journey through the seven levels of purgatory – each a fantastical looping landscape from Golden Age movies. Civilization offers a psychedelic journey from hell to heaven formed by a collage of iconic moments of cinematic history. A hyper realistic realm that is both eden and a burning abyss as a backdrop for the frenzy of media production and consumption with no end in sight.
Both works craft a targeted visual overload, demonstrating the state of media today as a machine constantly regurgitating what it has been fed, turning art into mere mechanical reproduction. It questions the sheer essence of art today and the future it may or may not have. A specifically fascinating aspect is that both artworks are incredibly timely today and speak to the same fear, frustration and wish for escapism despite more than a decade standing between them. Now looking at Civilization can almost turn into a nostalgic experience, as what was overwhelming in 2008 seems almost quaint in comparison to modern struggles with AI and the seemingly unstoppable speed of information.
What is art in the age of Mechanical Reproduction? A question Walter Benjamin asked close to a century ago and one that we will continue to grapple with until the machine comes to a halt.
Marco Brambilla’s Double Feature, on view at Fotografiska Berlin October 11th, 2024 – March 2nd, 2025.
www.berlin.fotografiska.com
Fashion
Recent Novelty in Vienna with Giorgio Armani
On October 9th, the Armani Group proudly welcomed chosen guests and devoted admirers to the grand opening of its newest addition of boutiques, Giorgio Armani, in Vienna, with cocktails, followed by a night at the Sacher.
As one of the household names standing in for refined luxury and class in the fashion sector, the Armani Group managed to find a location living up to their reputation, within the heart of Vienna, painted through its vibrant cultural history.
The intricate architecture, designed by none other than Giorgio Armani himself with his team of capable architects. Together, with a sensitive hand, they achieved to carve out an intricate design, innovative, while still preserving the characteristic Armani aesthetic, much dear to the group’s devoted followers. The façade, with black frames wrapping around all three sides of the building and the store, stretching over three levels, compellingly connected through a green marble spiral staircase.
Entering the space one will be serenaded by marble floors, aligned with walls parading luminous fine-textured silk wallpaper from the Armani/Casa collection. Emblematic Giorgio Armani logos with platinum-finish frames set on glossy black band above the entrances. The ceiling, captivating with marmorino, in colors and veining which the attentive onlooker can rediscover around the boutique, and the furnishing, in platinum colors and metallic wood. The heart of the store, an ethereal chandelier crafted out of platinum- covered rods. Let us pay tribute.
To an everlasting history of devoted craftsmanship in fashion, a promise upheld through the ongoing effort of the Armani Group.
The boutique inhabiting a wide range of ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes and eyewear for men and women, high jewelry, evening dresses, Armani/Privé fragrances, luxury watches and men’s formal wear and made-to-measure can be visited at Tuchlauben 7A, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2024 Campaign
Over the past 9 years, actor Patrick Schwarzenegger and supermodel Abby Champion have shared a beautiful relationship, soon to become a marriage. To celebrate their love and this milestone, Tommy Hilfiger announces the newly engaged pair as the faces of the Fall 2024 campaign. In a series of portraits shot by Alasdair McLellan, the two prove that they fit the “one of Hollywood’s most fashionable young couples” label.
Set in New York City, the epitome of American fashion, the campaign puts forth two love stories: one between Abby and Patrick, and one between the couple and couture. With sophistication and charisma as key players of the scene, the Fall 2024 collection comes to life in the City That Never Sleeps: a modernized camel wool coat, an oversized puffer in plaids, polished pea coats, and bomber jackets give the collection a warm feel, perfect for protecting us from the cold breeze of fall mornings. Versatile and effortless, the line introduces some layering pieces – soft sweaters, Oxford shirts, and tailored blazers – accompanied by two pairs of shoes, known as fall essentials: Chelsea boots and loafers.
"This campaign felt like an intimate and genuine reflection of our relationship so far," said Patrick Schwarzenegger, the upcoming White Lotus star. Reflecting the timeless energy of Tommy Hilfiger, as well as American tradition and heritage, the couple becomes synonymous with the optimistic spirit of the city and of the brand. The Fall 2024 collection will be available throughout the season in Tommy Hilfiger stores and partner boutiques worldwide.
www.tommyhilfiger.com
Fashion
New Emporio Armani store in Düsseldorf
One of the key values of the Armani Group lies in the expression of style, in sharing a precise vision that becomes inspiring to the customers, guiding them through a journey of discovery that goes beyond the garments and the accessories.
These principles are also reflected in Armani's latest project - the opening of their Düsseldorf store. Located on Königsalle 11, the store is a beautiful encompassing of the tradition and modernity that are to be found at Emporio Armani. In a 450 square meters space, the new boutique features a new design concept that incorporates the brand's aesthetic and dynamic. Spread on 3 levels, customers can shop the men's and women's collections, as well as a selection of the EA eyewear, and beauty products. Beautifully constructed, the store's interior blends the ivory-toned walls with the brown wood, creating a fusion of shades touched by the natural light that strikes through the windows, which offers the space a polished finish. Apart from the brightness of the rooms, the architectural staircase leading up to the second floor adds to the modernity aspect of the boutique. A background for the fashion collections, the wooden walls and ivory wallpaper give guests a sense of Armani's metropolitan spirit.
From suits to dresses, and formal to casual, the newest Emporio Armani store in Düsseldorf embodies contemporary design and latest trends, in an eye-catching building that showcases a luminous brand logo.
www.emporioarmani.com
Fashion
The Gucci Blondie – Tantalizingly Timeless
The Gucci Blondie bag took center stage at the Gucci Cruise 2025 show in London. The perfect staple for the modern woman who values both elegance and practicality is rightfully so in everyone’s field of view. The origin of the name Gucci Blondie is not in the bag but in the logo. In the early 1970s Gucci introduced a new design with two interlocking Gs inverted and facing each other to form a circle. This tribute to the house's founder Guccio Gucci is the Gucci Blondie. It was a perfect representation of the liberated spirit of the 70s.
In 2023 during the contemporary rise of 70s fashion and ideals the Gucci Blondie had a return beyond the logo as it was used for a handbag collection that combines the retro with the modern like two Gs interlocking. In its new front and center position the Gucci Blondie bag is available in a multitude of refined materials, with the leather options spotlighting the artistry of Tuscan leather craftsmanship. In addition it is also available in canvas which gives the bag a very contemporary and légere feel, as well as the suede option paying homage to the first bag carrying the logo.
The Blondie is available in mini, small, medium and maxi sizes and comes in a variety of materials and colors, including the signature Gucci Rosso Ancora shade. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap for maximum styling options for any occasion.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
One Way or Another, London is Calling – Gucci 2025 Cruise Collection
Sabato de Sarno’s new Gucci 2025 Cruise Collection celebrates a captivating exploration of dualities. The House continues its ongoing dialogue between past and future and reimagines Gucci’s legacy for contemporary audiences. The heart-piece of the collection is the Blondie bag, a staple originally introduced in the 1970s, renowned for its round logo featuring the inverted two Gs to pay tribute to Guccio Gucci. The Blondie equally embodies elegance and practicality as the perfect staple for the modern woman. The 2025 Cruise collection is explored in "We Will Always Have London," a campaign shot by Nan Goldin and starring Debbie Harry – cultural icon and frontwoman of Blondie – alongside Kelsey Lu – one of today's most esteemed cellists and composers. The images perfectly encapsulate the elegance and spontaneity of the 2025 collection, due to their captivating sceneries at iconic London locations and Goldin’s documentary-style approach. The campaign tells a narrative that transcends the runway into a world of the free-spirited sophistication the subjects personify. The choice of London is a deliberate reference to Gucci’s origin, as Guccio Gucci’s time working as a bellboy at the Savoy Hotel in London sparked his love for luxury and inspired him in the foundation of his brand. Just like Gucci, London has undergone various transformations through the decades, but the spirit of creativity and a love for the finer things has remained prominent in both. The collection threads the dualities of modern life through an effortless juxtaposition of precision cut outerwear and delicate laces and embellishments.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Eton - The Phoenix Service
Probably the first and one of a kind, Eton comes out with a new initiative that supports its customers’ love for clothes and for traveling. Ever been in the situation of getting excited to go on holiday, only to find out your luggage was lost or never got to your destination? The Phoenix Service cures the anxiety of parting ways with our most valuable items – whether it’s the vacation outfits we planned in our head, business attire for a work trip, or cherished personal belongings that have sentimental value.
The Phoenix Service is a lifetime travel insurance that makes sure Eton never leaves travelers’ bags. Available exclusively for Eton’s White Signature Twill – a white, versatile shirt that is a staple in anyone’s baggage – the service is accessible to everyone who purchases the item, as the clients receive proof of insurance via email. As CEO David Thörewik would say, the only thing that can replace an Eton shirt is another Eton shirt, which is why, in case of a fashion disaster, all buyers have to do is send airline documentation confirming the loss of their luggage to Eton, and the team will send a new Signature Twill Shirt their way.
Encouraging traveling in style and emphasizing the importance of quality, the creative project is available on the brand’s website, as a limited edition service, from September 16th to November 11th. Just as a Phoenix bird, the iconic shirt can never be gone – it is a symbol of immortality, of endless resilience, always rising from the ashes to embody style and elegance.
www.etonshirts.com
Fashion
Versace MFW Spring Summer 2025 – An Ode to Joy
The Spring Summer 2025 Versace collection at Milan Fashion week is a celebration of pure exuberant joy. Joy as an expression of freedom and spontaneity, as well as an ode to individuality. The collection proposes an antithesis to current trends of minimalist fashion and the classic less-is-more approach. Instead, Versace offers looks that through their dopamine filled combination and construction resulting in a mismatched aesthetic, turn casual pieces of daywear into exuberant and whimsical looks. Rife with spark and joie de vivre Versace is making fashion fun and exciting.
The prints are loud and proud, as can be expected of Versace, and interact with each other in a daring clash of patterns and ideas. The sensory overload this can cause is very intentional and hopefully will invite viewers to feel free and experimental with their fashion choices yet again, and to reconnect with the intrinsic joy amongst the business side of fashion. Floral motifs are explored on exciting materials such as metal mesh and intricate beadings that create a dazzling visual effect while in movement and re-propose the classic florals for spring.
The accessories are another highlight as home objects are transformed into fashion. The stems of Versace wine glasses recreated in metal are now heels on a variety of new designs. Versace crystal perfume bottles as handbag locks and pendants.
The playful spirit is desperately needed right now and while people might scrutinize the over-the-top looks today, come spring this will be recreated and hopefully inspire people to truly embrace the joys fashion can bring as a visual manifestation of positivity and an expression of individuality.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2025 MFW - Ties to the Past and Future
The Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2025 Womenswear collection at Milan Fashion Week epitomizes the brand’s commitment to a clear style that is instantly recognizable, ever evolving but equally built on Armani’s heritage.
The collection is an invitation to dress with freedom and a bit of irony, as concepts such as the feminine model in a masculine suit and tie originated to provoke and now has a more playful energy that the collection is leaning into. Ties are featured prominently, paired with oversized muted suits, deconstructed underneath a vest and paired with dark mesh and florals, as well as atop a trench coat embroidered with rainbow florals. The tie is returning for the modern woman to reflect contemporary fluidity of gendered dressing. This is not a provocative rebellion but an individual choice to have fun with ties in creative ways. This sense of play exists throughout the collection, which is fueled by tried-and-true juxtapositions of masculine and feminine, light and dark – with sparks of colorful excitement, long and short, and past and future. A highlight is the use of accessories especially wide-brimmed hats that create a whimsical allure and excitement for springs to come.
The show is entitled “Future Perfect” and forward-looking continuity is embraced throughout in a quintessentially Armanian way.
www.armani.com
Cinema
BAFTA Elevate x dunhill
Marking the fifth edition of BAFTA Elevate, the art’s charity has partnered with British luxury menswear House dunhill to support up to 20 creative talents working in documentary and specialist factual media over the next two years.
This specifically aims to support mid-senior development producers, producers, directors and producer-directors from underrepresented groups. Especially people from minority ethnic, low socioeconomic and disabled groups are encouraged to apply. Additionally, they have pledged that at least 50 percent of the selected cohort will be women, truly highlighting the intersectional nature of underrepresentation in media.
This program is especially important in the documentary genre as the stories told are so heavily impacted by the creative lives and experiences and their resulting understanding of their environment. Documentaries can have tremendous social impact, but to achieve this they have to be made. Over the past 18 months BAFTA held over 40 consultations, roundtables and masterclasses to grasp where the genre is headed and what needs to be done to progress in an inclusive direction. This year’s BAFTA Elevate is the result of it, as it focuses on supporting selected talent over a two-year time frame including networking and career development guidance to give emerging talent a fair shot at a sustainable career in the industry.
Dunhill is a perfect partner for this endeavor as the brand has long been a fixture in the film industry, exuding the glamor of old movies and hosting the annual dunhill Pre-BAFTA dinner and party. Joining forces on Elevate demonstrates dunhill’s love and commitment not only to the film industry of the past and present but also of its future as a place for everyone to create wondrous works.
The program is championed by award-winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia, as well as presenter, actor and director Reggie Yates and the advocacy organization, We Are Doc Women. Applications are open now and run until Friday October 18th, 2024.
www.bafta.org
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Art Silk Squares
Continuing a tradition of almost 40 years, Louis Vuitton announces a new silk square collection that celebrates the work of five international contemporary artists. Adding to the heritage of the French luxury brand, the visionaries encapsulate their understanding of the Louis Vuitton essence by reinterpreting the four-petal flower that accompanies the LV Monogram.
Designed in Como, Italy, the silk carrés – French for ‘squares’ – capture the fine craftsmanship of Italian artisans. Following the transfer of the artists’ artwork on pieces of white silk, the square-shaped textiles are washed and dried, before the professionals add a finishing touch of roulottage: the classic practice of hand-sewing edges for a more refined look. Lastly, the craft masters add lively, bright colors to the soft pieces that pay tribute to Louis Vuitton’s everlasting vulnerability for exceptional savoir-faire.
Blending together different artistic styles, the collection uncovers five designs: Maze of Precious, Malles Monde, Iris Spring, Parfums de Méditerranée, and Urban Flowers. Where Italian illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti brings forward the iconic iris found at the Vuitton family home as the central motif of the carré, Nicolas de Crécy takes us to an olfactory paradise in Provence using the Monogram pattern as inspiration, reflecting the House’s birth place in Grasse. eBoy – German pixel-art collective, Icinori – the design duo that blends traditional with modern, and Swiss artist Thomas Ott also exhibit their unique perspectives on the initially blank canvases that celebrate Maison’s emblematic codes.
Making their debut in 1987, all the silk squares collections can be found in LV Dream, the exhibition at Maison’s headquarters in Paris.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
"Tales & Tellers" Art Basel Paris
Aiming to give its audience new understandings of the world, “Tales & Tellers” creates a universe in which storytelling takes center stage. The event – part of Art Basel Paris – represents Miuccia Prada’s fascination with the lives of women and their experiences and tales. Earlier this year with Miu Miu Women’s Tales, we explored themes of love and culture, honoring women in cinema. Now it’s time to understand their background, while giving the visitors an opportunity to engage with the directors and artists behind the two projects.
“Tales & Tellers” is dedicated to the expression of meaning, sharing both real and fantastical stories. Every short film from Women’s Tales, alongside some video pieces taken at Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2022 show, will be represented in the show as a character, reenacted by real-life actors. The venue, Palais d’Iéna in Paris, will become a canvas for discussions, a safe space for sharing intimate and personal experiences. Curated by Polish multidisciplinary artist Goshka Macuga and by the director of MACBA in Barcelona, Elvira Dyangani Ose, the event will also organize screenings of all commissioned short films, after which the audience will be able to interact with the visionaries behind them. As such, everyone has the chance of telling their own tale and become part of a broader narrative exploration.
The event promises to be both a celebration of creativity and a safe haven for open dialogue. “Tales & Tellers” will be staged at the Palais d’Iéna, Paris and is open to the public from 16th to 20th of October. Online registration is possible.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Stone Wash: Reinventing Denim with Air
First previewed at Pitti Immagine Uomo 105 in January 2024, GUESS Jeans has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in stone washing technology, created through a sustainable lens. Originally shown at Pitti, their exhibition The Next 40 Years of Denim has relocated to Amsterdam, where it is showcasing the revolutionary GUESS AIRWASH™ technology that largely replaces the water used in traditional stone washing with air and bubbles. This state-of-the-art sustainable alternative eliminates the use of pumice stones, leading to less consumption of both water and energy.
Above all, the hero behind the GUESS AIRWASH™ technology is creative director Nicolai Marciano, along with the brand’s long-time partner, Jeanologia. Their ambitious, daring, and uncompromising approach to sustainable denim production has led to the creation of a laser and nebulization process, resulting in an entirely digital method. The process achieves the same effect while saving 80% of water as well as a significant amount of time compared to previous techniques. Moreover, the AIRWASH™ technique preserves the fabric's resistance and protects it from possible damage.
The future of denim, as envisioned by GUESS, is not just about the look and feel of the fabric, but also about how it is produced with less resources, and waste, ensuring that fashion can be both fashionable and eco-friendly. The first GUESS AIRWASH™ collection debuted in the Pre-Fall 2024 lineup.
www.guess.com
Fashion
The First Chypre Hermes
Determined to create a feminine scent that would follow in the steps of Jean-Claude Ellena’s Terre d’Hermès – world famous masculine perfume that tells a story of a man’s relationship with the earth – Christine Nagel launches The First Chypre. What drove the Creative Director of Hermès Perfumes most were her neverending curiosity and personal desire of adding Chypre notes to the House’s fragrance collection.
Barénia, the newest creation, captures hours of continuous work and dedication. Its main notes combine butterfly lily with miracle berry, leaving the wearer with the intensity of patchouli and the warmth of oakwood. Nagel based her work on inspiring women that trust their instincts, defining them as “the Hermès woman”: "The Hermès woman is driven by curiosity. Guided by her instincts, her side steps are never missteps”. Tapping into feminine energy, the perfumer wishes for Barénia to become as timeless and representative for Hermès as other items like the Birkin or the Kelly bag.
A passion project of Christine Nagel, Barénia took 10 years to complete and is named after the same exceptional calf leather that Hermès uses to craft its leather goods with. The floral and woody fantasy of Barénia is encapsulated in a round transparent bottle with a silver cap that has Maison’s logo. The First Chypre will be available starting this September.
www.hermes.com
Travel
GRAU Salt Summer Edition
GRAU the German light company launches a new limited edition of their widely successful Salt Lamp: Meet the Salt Summer Edition.
Sporting a vibrant shade of light blue as well as its iconic design, the Salt Summer Edition is the perfect companion for any summer adventures in- or outdoors. The new limited-edition colorway of the most powerful mobile light on the market is directly inspired by the sky during blue hour and offers a wide spectrum of light modes, from clear light to a deep sunset orange to match any mood or occasion. Due to its splashproof design and over 100-hour battery life, Salt forms the perfect addition to a beach day, a leisurely time on the balcony or a picnic under the stars.
And more than just creating a beautiful light the Sunset Dimming technology as well as the Sunset Sleep Timer calm the body and support a healthy sleep cycle making the Salt Lamp great for nighttime use as well.
The Salt Summer Edition in Light Blue, made in Germany, the perfect summer lighting companion.
www.grau.art
Fashion
MAC VIVA Glam
Here is the story of MAC's VIVA Glam, spanning over 30 years. Back in 1994, the leading beauty brand MAC Cosmetics conceived a meaningful idea: to launch an annual lipstick collection to support HIV/AIDS charities. Named Viva Glam, this campaign aimed to both fund and raise awareness for HIV/AIDS programs.
Continuing its ongoing mission this year, MAC Cosmetics has introduced the M·A·Cximal Silky Matte VIVA GLAM Lipsticks, marking the 30th anniversary of this milestone. Expanding on the existing three shades in the VIVA GLAM series, these shades have been renamed and a new color has been added: VIVA Equality, to celebrate all kinds of beauty in the world.
Each color promotes equality for all – all genders, all races, and all ages. By remaining committed to supporting HIV/AIDS charities, MAC's inclusive ethos empowers LGBTQIA+ youth through the collection.
www.maccosmetics.com
Fashion
Diesel FW 2024 Campaign
Global denim brand Diesel has unveiled a new campaign for Fall Winter 2024, titled "Til D do us part." The creative narrative invites Diesel fans to Diesel's one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony, infusing an ironic twist on a traditional wedding. The bride appears expressive and sexy, wearing an entirely denim gown with a feminine silhouette, highlighting the cinched waist and deep neckline. The gown features stone-washed denim fabric with fabulous floral trims that add a touch of glamor to the wedding dress. The rose motif denim embellishment adorns the bride's dress from the shoulder to the chest and along the puff sleeves. The wedding photographer is Nick Waplington and he captured stunning and captivating visuals chronicling the special event with irony and ecstasy—the wedding prep, the ceremony, and the afterparty.
Diesel's bride is not blushing. She is portrayed by Christine Quinn, an author, model, actress, and former star of Netflix's global hit reality show "Selling Sunset." The dress code for the unique wedding ceremony is head-to-toe Diesel denim from Diesel’s Fall Winter 2024 collection. All guests celebrate the wedding with stylish denim ensembles in various denim hues and details. The attendees' looks feature Diesel Library denim and new Peel Off Denim, defined by minimalistic, utility-driven silhouettes. The denim pieces include bonded or laser panels, adding a modern twist to classic denim styles in jackets, skirts, jeans, and vests. In a nutshell, Diesel’s wedding is a denim feast.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
MANDARINA DUCK Gallery Project in Berlin
The Italian brand MANDARINA DUCK hosted MANDARINA DUCK Gallery Project in Berlin to celebrate its connection with the city. The event presented not only the new ECO COATED line but also the fascinating history of the brand at Club Prince Charles. This unique venue, a former employee swimming pool of the Bechstein piano factory, served as the perfect stage for a retrospective journey into the history and avant-garde designs of the brand.
Through an artistic installation in partnership with the Italian artist Cento Canesio, the brand envisions the future with positivity, concreteness, irony, intelligence, and enthusiasm. The brand identity remains true despite the individual transformations of each product and style, while continuing to combine dynamism and functionality endlessly.
The new ECO COATED line is part of Mandarina Duck's Sustainable Journey. It’s the brand's first 100% GREEN collection, made from recycled polyester obtained from plastic bottles (PET). The collection includes city backpacks, duffle bags, and small crossbody bags featuring multifunctional designs that highlight practical and stylish solutions for environmentally conscious consumers. The MD ECO COATED line is an innovative solution that fashion and sustainability can coexist.
www.mandarinaduck.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Escale Watch
The latest emblematic Louis Vuitton watch collection, Escale, unveils three watchpieces crafted with watchmaking expertise by La Fabrique du Temps. Continuing Maison’s quest for artisanal craftsmanship with iconic heritage, La Fabrique du Temps draws on creative audacity and an innovative approach to create the new Escale timepieces.
Above all, these three choices are the first new models in a decade for the Louis Vuitton Escale line. They offer an array of color and material variations infused with historic trunk-making design codes. Originally, the Escale line was known as “The Escale Cabinet of Wonders,” a trilogy of métiers d’art timepieces inspired by the iconic collections of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, third-generation patriarch of the Maison’s founding family. Now, for the 2024 collection, the Escale embarks on a new journey of savoir-faire, exploring the panorama of timekeeping while celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Escale at Louis Vuitton.
The latest Escale is characterized by distinctively textured and tactile surfaces, an elevated approach to case design, and sophisticated finishes. Its movement comes from the rich terrain of traditional Swiss horlogerie, La Fabrique du Temps.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
LONGCHAMP Commits to Longevity
The epitome of French elegance, LONGCHAMP’s take on longevity is uncompromising. Committing to responsible practices in all phases of production, the sustainable approach includes careful selection of raw materials and repairing service, reflecting the brand's desire to reduce environmental impact. Most of all, the exceptional quality of leather is the DNA of the brand, sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. In particular, in 2023, 79% of leather items in LONGCHAMP received the “Gold” award, the highest level of certification, guaranteeing environmental and social standards.
Moreover, the brand focuses on using recycled materials. Since 2019, the brand has introduced diverse product ranges made from recycled materials. The iconic Le Pliage bag was redesigned with a canvas woven from recycled fibers, reducing everyone’s CO2 footprint by almost 20%. Additionally, its environmentally conscious approach is evident in the latest FW24 collection, which features recycled Ready-to-wear items like a recycled polyester kimono jacket and a set of sneakers made entirely from recycled materials.
Beyond production, the brand continues its commitment to sustainability through its repair service, ensuring that every product can be repaired to extend its lifespan. This service includes almost 60,000 products annually and embodies LONGCHAMP's dedication to durability and responsible take on fashion.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
Hublot Opens in Hamburg
The iconic Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot welcomed guests in Hamburg with the grand opening of its new boutique on Neuer Wall, known as the most exclusive shopping street in Hamburg. The boutique, which opened on May 8th, celebrated its inauguration almost two months later, July 4th, just days before the UEFA EURO 2024 final. At this exclusive event, Hublot invited Sami Khedira, a German football legend, along with numerous other guests. The memorable occasion brought football fever to the boutique’s opening, celebrating the brand’s milestone.
This new location marks Hublot's fourth boutique in Germany, following Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. The choice of Hamburg for the new boutique pays homage to the city’s rich maritime history as a major port city, while resonating deeply with Hublot’s marine heritage. Back in 1980, the design of Hublot's first iconic watch was inspired by the look of a porthole, symbolizing the round window of ships. This iconic feature continues to influence Hublot's designs until today. Hublot's exceptional ability to blend tradition with innovation underscores its status as a high-end watchmaker, highlighting the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, elegance, and timeless design.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
LEVI’S X MCLAREN RACING
A classic American denim style has entered the thrilling world of motor racing. Levi’s latest collaboration partner is the McLaren Racing team, known for its Formula 1 world championships. Staying true to Levi’s denim heritage, the new Levi’s® x McLaren Racing Collection represents the best of heritage and innovation. Bringing together the two icons for the first time, this collection unveils iconic pieces inspired by a racing theme: a Racing Jacket, Racing Suit, Racing Gloves, Heritage Trucker, Heritage 501® Jeans, T-shirts, and a Racing Bandana.
Above all, the Racing Jacket is the standout piece that embraces the spirit of McLaren Racing’s vintage era, appearing in a light wash denim with cropped and boxy silhouettes, accentuated by a chain stitch embroidery logo on the back and taping details at both the cuffs and hem. Also, the meticulous details elevate the jacket into a one-of-a-kind piece, including an elegant satin liner and a co-branded leather patch. Elsewhere, the racing suit, made from the same denim, features eclectic patches on the top and a wide print down the right leg, reminiscent of a Formula 1 racer. In particular, the Racing Gloves feature the iconic color palette of McLaren and the McLaren logo in Italian leather. Meanwhile, Leiv’s signature items, the Heritage Trucker denim jacket and Heritage 501® Jeans feature vintage-inspired patches and a red co-branded back patch in classic medium wash blue. In this Levi’s® x McLaren Racing Collection, all garments and accessories honor the McLaren Racing heritage and the classic allure of Levi’s, drawing inspiration from an 80s-era McLaren race car.
www.levi.com
Fashion
Blauer USA SS 2025
American fashion brand Blauer USA unveiled its SS25 collection, embracing functional style and innovation. Catering to the sophisticated tastes of both men and women, the collection embodies Blauer's signature refinement in fashion, enhanced with functional features and contemporary aesthetics. Consisting of several lines to meet the diverse needs of fashion lovers, each line boasts distinct charm and style.
First, B.Essential is a captivating fusion of timeless style and technical innovation. The garments feature pure lines, refined design, and optimal performance and quality over time. On the other hand, the B.Urban Police line focuses on the US brand’s DNA, blending military elements with luxury streetwear, suggesting urban ready-to-wear typical of New York.
B.Department emphasizes an adventurous and practical essence merged with Blauer's distinctive style, adapting to both urban and outdoor settings. Men’s outdoor clothing adopts a neutral color palette, such as browns and army greens, while its cutting-edge materials are suitable for both outdoor performance and urban comfort. Womenswear presents functional pieces inspired by workwear yet stays true to the brand’s iconic style. With a careful choice of materials, the garments are made of lightweight, functional fabrics and cotton blended with nylon or linen, skillfully balancing performance and comfort.
Lastly, the B.Rider and B.Project lines present masculine menswear inspired by the racing world. The racing jackets exude a dynamic racing mood, enriched with bold color accents and monogram prints of the brand’s iconic logos. The B.Project line focuses on urban style, emphasizing practical details like LED flash pockets, showcasing the brand's technical quality and design.
www.blauerusa.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana’s recent Menswear Milan Spring Summer 2025 show was captivated by unique Italian beauty. Not to mention its exquisite craftsmanship and tailoring in fashion, Italian rich historical and cultural heritage were truly embodied in the brand’s Milan SS 25 collection. Each outfit encapsulated the pure aesthetic of Italian beauty, all enhanced by handcrafted skills.
The SS 25 Men’s collection was inspired by 1950’s pure Italian aesthetics in the golden period of Italy, which is referenced by the famous Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni in cinematography. Italian men’s classic sophisticated style was elevated with the “Handmade label” highlighting its high craftsmanship while paying homage to Mastroianni’s heritage and timeless elegance of iconic Italian men’s style, evoking the sophistication of a summer holiday.
Well-dressed models strutted down the catwalk showcasing refined Italian elegance perfect for a summer holiday. They appeared in tailored jackets, amphora trousers, linen shirts, stripes, polo shirts, sweaters, raffia, and leather woven pieces by the skillful hands of craftsmen for shoes, overcoats, and jackets, appealing to a pure Italian-ness.
Moreover, the choice of elegant hues enhanced the collection to stay true to the authentic aesthetics of the 1950s, featuring white, sand, brown, burgundy, green, and Sicily black. The collection was also jazzed up with unique details: classic stripe patterns and delicate bead embellishments, along with extraordinary weaving detail on knitwear, adding a modern twist to the classic Italian essence of Dolce & Gabbana.
www.dolcegabbana.com
Fashion
Paul & Shark Milan Fashion Week
Born in Varese, Italy in 1976, Paul & Shark is a life-style brand that encapsulates elegance and modernity. After being referred to as “the sailing man’s sailing gear” by GQ in 2017, the luxury brand secured a valuable position among other esteemed Italian houses.
On June 15th, Terazza Duomo – the emblematic terrace with the best view of Milan and the venue for Paul & Shark’s show – was designed with elegance specific to the brand and powerful colors, textures, and symbols specific to Capri.
The new collection, Riviera Hello Capri, is an ode to one of the most popular islands in the Mediterranean and its beloved landscapes. As such, Paul & Shark bring Capri to Milan, where the Fashion Week show takes the audience through a journey of sunny, golden beaches, bittersweet scented lemon trees, and shades of blue that almost echo the sound of crashing waves on the coast of the island. Built to embody the beautiful chaos of the Mediterranean shore, the campaign is a reflection of the Italian dolce vita, and exhibits the sweetness of summer through the combination of colors and materials. The new spring/summer line features chic pieces. Linen shirts and shorts that grant simplicity, silk polo-shirts, cashmere jumpers, and swim shorts with playful patterns add to the ideal attire for a day by the seaside.
The Riviera collection represents a tribute to Italy through its yearly shift of focus on different coastal locations of the Mediterranean that the team at Paul & Shark draw inspiration from.
www.paulandshark.com
Fashion
H&M Studio Mini Summer Capsule Collection
Relax, it’s summer! This is what we imagine the slogan of the new Mini Summer Capsule Collection is. Embodying laid-back beachwear, the craftsmanship behind the collection brings an idyllic feeling of delicateness to the looks.
Inspired by the nostalgic feeling of summertime, the launch of the Mini Summer Capsule collection focuses on combining fashion with responsibility. H&M unveils the absolute summer wardrobe, while meeting the standard for ecological responsibility. Driven by the desire to design a timeless set of pieces that clients could mix and match every year, the Studio team used Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton. To obtain this distinctive textile, a particular type of agriculture that ensures the welfare of animals, the restoration of soil, and the improvement of the quality of life of farmers is used.
The collection features dreamy kaftan dresses, a set with a matching top and skirt, and a bralette with a matching skirt, yet the spotlight is definitely on the two maxi dresses. The first maxi piece, enriched by its sunset colors, which blend perfectly with the floral applications, makes the ideal dress for a beach day, a night out at dinner, or drinks with friends. Through its dramatic effect, another piece that stands out in the collection is the maxi black dress. The open back, the halterneck, the spaghetti straps all add to the boldness of the silhouette. Together, the pieces make up a blissful, versatile wardrobe that takes customers on walks on a sunny beach, with sizzling hot sand, and radiant sunshine.
The H&M Studio Mini Summer Capsule collection will be available online and in selected local stores from the 4th of July.
www.hm.com
Fashion
Once Upon a Time...
In a faraway kingdom filled with forests, castles, and rivers, lived a Queen: Mary Stuart. This emblematic figure of Scottish heritage steps out from the pages of a tale and into the real world. The next chapter in Dior's never-ending tale, the cruise 2025 collection, features an imaginative journey through Scotland and its Highlands. Dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri, this story unfolds through the gardens of Drummond Castle, echoing the motifs of this land and paying homage to Mary Stuart — also known as Mary, Queen of Scots. "Divergent" is the word to characterize this show, which ranges from historic to punk vibes, embracing a multitude of styles.
The main character of the show is the emblematic tartan, which adorns kilts in numerous colors. This prominent motif embodies different personalities—from tradition to reinterpretation to transgression—the tartan is a single word with several meanings. Battles for power and contrasting textures stand their ground gloriously. For instance, velvet and lace engage in a sharp dialogue, reflecting the leitmotif of power dynamics that the show explores.
Different forms of needlework weave their swords, all the while maintaining a chic look, effortlessly on the mood. Wool dresses come in various lengths, side by side with jackets and coats in iconic fabrics and rigorous cuts, evoking the men's tailoring aesthetic.
A passionate tale of times long gone is brought to the present-day fields and gardens of Scotland. The Dior Cruise 2025 collection stands as a book of time, from a preface alluding to the past and an epilogue of the future, and the middle: a fascinating odyssey of present times and glories.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Aesop’s 20-Year Icon
Seamlessly blending nature’s properties with know-how, Aesop products offer a sensational skin care experience. The lines provide gentle and efficient solutions, ensuring a skin care experience free from redness or irritation. Synonymous with attention to detail, the formulas cater to various skin needs.
An essential part of many skincare routines for 20 years now, the B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel is a loyal companion. As the jubilee of this iconic product approaches, one can’t help but reaffirm its place as an icon.
With its honey-like texture, the B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel ensures a one-of-a-kind experience. Its nutritious formula, containing Vitamins B and C, lightly moisturizes and balances the skin.
Standing as a synthesis of ultimate benefits, consolidating a powerful skin treatment into a single product, the B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel softens and evens the skin’s appearance, as well as hydrates and balances it. The cherry on top: the skin embraces its matte finish.
Aesop continues to set the standard in skincare excellence, offering products that merge science and nature for truly remarkable results. As the B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Aesop remains dedicated to innovation and quality in skincare.
www.aesop.com
Art
Paris, Texas
Pursuing on its long-standing support for the arts, CHANEL is this time focusing on the 7th Art by supporting the restoration of "Paris, Texas."
Directed by Wim Wenders, this filmographic masterpiece won the Palme d'Or in 1984.
This initiative reflects the House’s commitment to supporting artists across all artistic disciplines. The restored version of "Paris, Texas" premiered in the Cannes Classics category at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Palme d'Or win.
“Paris, Texas” is a moving drama directed by Wim Wenders in 1984. The film tells the story of Travis Henderson, a taciturn man found wandering in the desert after four years missing. Reunited with his brother Walt, Travis tries to rebuild his life and reconnect with his young son Hunter. Together, they embark on a journey to find Jane, Hunter's mother and Travis's former wife.
The film explores themes of redemption, family and identity through striking American landscapes while capturing the essence of the American dream and fractured human relationships.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
C.P. Company x Junya Watanabe MAN
C.P. Company, a pioneering sportswear brand, has unveiled an innovative collaboration with the avant-garde Japanese label Junya Watanabe MAN. This groundbreaking collection consists of two fishtail parkas featuring reflective prints on the back and a loose fit.
The two jackets are made of highly functional fabric. They are made of 3-layer laminated cotton denim and 3-layer nylon canvas respectively, featuring Explorer hoods, which is one of the signature features of C.P. company. While retaining the classic design of fishtail parkas, these jackets incorporate several symbolic technical elements typical of functional garments such as concealed zippers and press studs, a drawstring waist, and adjustable cuffs with buttons. The result is a unique fusion that blends Junya Watanabe's unstructured modernism with C.P. Company's technical innovation.
Emphasizing durability and functionality, the jackets embody exceptional technical performance. Moreover, the modern touch of minimal graphics on the back enhances their visual appeal. Altogether, these jackets effortlessly merge durability with style as well as meticulous attention to detail.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Dressing Icons
Dior unveils the remarkable Icons Capsule, imagined by Kim Jones, and redefining a highly modern wardrobe for men. The collection blends excellence with timeless pieces such as wide-leg pants and structured coats, crafting sophisticated ensembles.
Each item, from knitwear to denim, showcases pure lines and subtle embellishments, in the emblematic Dior’s style.
Once again, the traditional craftsmanship is enhanced by innovative techniques and luxurious materials: cashmere elevates sumptuous sweaters, Sea Island cotton enriches desaturated T-shirts, and silk blends enhance Harrington jackets.
The allure is urban yet elegant, everyday wear, but with an inherent chic. The iconic backpacks and weekender bags feature the new Dior Gravity Leather in black, beige, or khaki, adorned with an oversized Dior Oblique motif.
The timeless Dior Icons Capsule Collection reflects a renewed simplicity and ultimate elegance, encapsulating the fusion of tradition and innovation.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Pushing the Limits
For Dior Fall Collection 2024, Kim Jones defies the laws of gravity, reinventing the iconic monogram in an exceptional material; innovative and elegant. Available in two versions: one for small leather goods and the other, in a maxi version, for bags, the codes of the oblique motif are redefined.
What makes this material so unique is the embossing technique used to inscribe the emblematic monogram on the leather. This technique delicately marks the leather to preserve it, thanks to the action of gravity. This line of extraordinary craftsmanship is presented under the name Dior Gravity, in honor of the technique that brought it to life.
The models come in beige, black, and khaki, with the same grained texture and supple leather effect.
The Messager bags and the Weekender model are likewise adorned with this new creation, featuring original graphics. The Petite Maroquinerie range is not to be outdone, as essential cardholders, belts, and even the B33 and B27 sneakers are clad in the revisited monogram.
Dior Gravity is an audacious and unique line, designed for all adventurers of the urban jungle.
www.dior.com
Art
Brionvega X Mario Bellini - Milan Design Week 2024
Brionvega X Mario Bellini - Milan Design Week 2024 On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2024, the new three shades were released for the limited edition of Totem by Mario Bellini; Ruby, cobalt, and silver. These selected shades for the iconic Totems envisioned natural elements with the symbolism of uniqueness and timelessness. The introduced shades, thus, are very unique, never used in its long history, but closely tied to attention to the product design, resulting in the form of a simple cube with a daring color accent, reminiscent of a perfect, sculptural monolith. As the two speakers fold like wings on the side, the shape of a cube transforms into a Totem, magically revealing a complete Hi-Fi system that brings to life unique emotions. The unique design features enhanced the iconicity of the object and it also aligned with Materia & Natura, the theme of the design week, Fuorisalone 2024. Central to Mario Bellini’s Totem is the concept of innovative, unique, and timeless design as all elements collectively contributed to the artwork. The ideal fusion between design and art is the core element that created these three editions with high craftsmanship artworks. Characterized by its key aspects, the limited edition of Totem embraced elegance, audacity, strength, and purity. Moreover, it’s intricately linked to three exemplary natural elements: water, fire, and air. These distinctive finishes not only hazard and dare but also convey the notion of a singular masterpiece, an authentic artwork.
www.brionvega.com
Fashion
TOD’S – VENICE LIMITED EDITION
Tod’s recently has launched a limited-edition collection dedicated to Venice, consisting of the iconic Gommino driving shoes and the T Timeless shopping bag, which was introduced during the pre-opening days of the Biennale Arte 2024. This exceptional collection is an example of handcrafted excellence, made from the finest calf leather as well as finished with a special treatment that preserves its natural appearance, enhancing its transparency. The limited edition includes hand-stitched Gommino in both Men's and Women's versions and the T Timeless shopping bag, constructed with overlapping panels of plush leather, lined in suede calf, and closed with double handles. These epitomized luxury handcrafted masterpieces, boasting a strong, refined, and modern style in aligned with the brand’s elegant and classic Italian style. As a tribute to the city of Venice, two new colors have been selected for both models: Tiziano red and deep blue which evoke the colors of the lagoon.
The limited collection will be available for sale from April 19, 2024, exclusively at the new Venice boutique on Calle XXII Marzo and online store.
www.tods.com
Fashion
Gucci Design Ancora
Gucci Design Ancora Gucci Design Ancora celebrates Italian design with a special edition of five icons tinted in the House’s signature Rosso Ancora hue and showcased in an immersive exhibition by architect Guillermo Santoma at Gucci’s Milan flagship store on via Monte Napoleone, 7. The project was in collaboration with Acerbis, cc-tapis, FontanaArte, Tacchini, Venini. Through Design Ancora, Gucci doesn’t simply celebrate old icons, it creates new ones,” explains Michela Pelizzari, founder of Milan-based creative agency P:S, which co-curated the project, “The aura emanating from the brand spotlights five pieces by Italian masters that are perfect from a design standpoint but less known to the general public.
The selected objects symbolize the golden age of Italian design. Also, the project emphasized the strong relationship between designers and brands, craftmanship as well as industrial production. All designed objects were re-edited in Rosso Ancora, while the seductive red hue chosen by De Sarno marked the beginning of Gucci’s new creative chapter. At the Gucci flagship store in Via Monte Napoleone, 7, the Gucci Design Ancora was displayed in the green room settings, of which color was chosen by Sabato De Sarno. The unique setting was designed to not only blur the boundaries but also create a metaphysical space. Each object exuded charming appeal on its own, displayed as an idea rather than as a mere product. The special edition of the object will be available online store of Gucci from April 21st, 2024.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
The Golden Ribbon Road
From the world to Palazzo Orsini, Armani unveils its latest Casa collection: Echoes from the World (Echi dal mondo). Inspired by cultures dear to Giorgio Armani, this collection seamlessly blends fashion with design. A captivating voyage across continents and cultures, this collection guides the spectatus through rooms adorned with motifs from Europe, Japan, China, Arabia, and Morocco.
The journey begins by tracing a golden ribbon on the floor, ascending the grand staircases to reach the first floor. Here, the fine decor and 18th-century frescoes of the Palazzo Orsini serve as a prelude, hinting at the impeccable taste and craftsmanship awaiting discovery.
The first stop is the Europe section, where the TROCADERO table and the SOFIA chairs, as well as the new edition of the RIESLING bar cabinet, stand as statements of elegance. Paying homage to Japan, the Samurai armor can be found in the Virtù cabinet, crafted with a katana-inspired handle and tatami-effect interiors. As one arrives in the hall of mirrors, delicate shades of gold and bamboo stalks predominate, reminiscent of China. The VIVACE table, the VENUS console, and the VIRGOLA bookcase are some of the masterpieces showcased in this section. An echo of "Arabian Nights", the CLUB bar cabinet and the VERVE decorative cushions transport us to a new land. Finally, influences from Berber culture inspire the MORFEO bed, the ESAGONO coffee tables and the MIRO multifunctional cabinet.
From the world to Palazzo Orsini, and also to the display windows of the Armani/Casa boutique in Corso Venezia 14, cultural echoes inspire this one-of-a-kind collection. A dialogue between fashion and design, Echoes from the World leaves an indelible mark on the world of luxury.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Paul & Shark X Bixio Braghier - SS24 Capsule Collection
A luxury outdoor clothing brand, Paul & Shark has launched a capsule collection of T-shirts designed by an Italian artist, Bixio Braghieri. The collaborative collection is a meaningful gesture conveying its support for the world of art and design while staying true to the brand’s DNA rooted in the sea. The limited-edition T-shirt Capsule Collection was inspired by various perspectives on the sea, delving into its scents, nuances, nuances, strength, and lightness. The sea has always inspired the brand’s philosophy and collections but also played key roles in Bixio’s life, living by the sea and his work featuring renewed nuances of sea views. This shared ancestral vision was captured through the collaborated collection, especially the artistic take on the shark and the iconic symbol of Paul & Shark.The iconic shark prints come in two models. With watercolor technique and pure blue tones, the prints appear in different graphic versions of the 100% cotton T-shirts: one with the shark print front, the other with a more evocative design. It features distinctive brushstrokes reminiscent of the sea sunset while the iconic shark features on the shoulders. Also, the fresh blue palette evokes the sea: nuances range from light blue to aqua green and sky blue. White is still a core color reminding waves crashing on the rocks, as well as iconic Paul & Shark blue. Paul & Shark X Bixio Capsule Collection fits seamlessly into the brand’s 2024 Spring/Summer Collection with a clear message of “evolving in continuity”, holding steadfast aspects such as respect for the planet, a love for water, and a passion for life outdoors.
This limited-edition T-shirt will be available in the brand’s stores from April 2024. www.paulandshark.com
Fashion
Prada Galleria 2024 Campaign
Scarlett Johansson is the face of the new campaign of Prada Galleria, introducing fresh interpretations of an icon. Just as actors reinvent themselves to embody new characters in films, fashion also undergoes constant transformation. Since they embody the myriad of characters they can become, their constantly evolving characteristics have connected the cinema to Prada.
In this campaign, Scarlett Johansson draws on her exceptional acting talent to establish connections with characters, personalities, and the dynamic shifts in identity that emblematize both film and fashion. To unveil the Prada Galleria handbag, Prada continues its partnership with world-renowned actor Scarlett Johansson, in an exploration of the depth of the craft and performance and celebrates the dynamic and emotional perspective of acting techniques, an ode to the mechanism of acting, as the true motor of both cinema and the talent of the actor. Shot in New York City by director Jonathan Glazer, the still and motion images of the campaign captured the diverse moments of acting of Johansson as an actor, honing her art. Johansson demonstrated the infinite self-transformation that defines an actor's skill, embodying various feelings and meanings through repeated phrases. Depicted as abstract and unreal in her acting scenes, on the other hand, in her reality, she becomes her true self, showing the scene where she leaps from the screen to the street in New York City. As a representation of cinema verité, her short film captured the boundary between the unreal and the real.
www.prada.com
Fashion
United We Stand
The renowned luxury outerwear label Ten c, recently paired with the fashion retailer Antonia. Together, they designed an exclusive collaboration featuring two of the brand's iconic pieces: the Anorak and the Tempest Anorak.
Under the creative direction of Ten c's designer, Alessandro Pungetti, the classic garments have been rethinked using the exquisite OJJ (Original Japanese Jersey) in a versatile monochromatic white. This distinctive fabric is complemented by subtle details such as tone-on-tone buttons, reflective hood strings, and special zippers, elevating the capsule collection to new heights of sophistication.
To add a personalized touch, the jackets feature a reflective print on the back, which includes the coordinates of Antonia's flagship stores in Milan, adding a creative wink to the line.
This partnership between two typically Italian companies has resulted in the creation of exclusive, high-end garments, designed for wearers looking for unique pieces synonymous with Antonia's ethos.
Seamlessly blending Ten c and Antonia’s DNAs, this “Made in Italy” collaboration combines tradition and innovation. Available exclusively at Antonia's Milan stores, and on Antonia and Ten c’s official websites, this limited-edition release promises an interesting fusion of craftsmanship and exclusivity.
www.tenc.com & www.antonia.it
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW – Ferragamo
MILAN 2024/FW – Ferragamo Since taking on the role of Creative Director at Ferragamo in early 2022, Maximilian Davis has been at the forefront of leading the brand, infusing each collection with anticipation and fresh energy, through his youthful vision that revitalizes the luxury house.
For the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Davis returned with a captivating show delving into the 1920s theme, emerging as a liberating era that symbolizes self-expression and freedom, bridging a century-old gap with modern flair. From his interpretation, the 1920s represent a celebration of freedom, and his focused exploration of this theme has led him to reimagine Ferragamo's heritage and icons. Revisiting the visual code of the era, he reworked raised hems, fluid fabrics, dropped waists, and relaxed cuts, and transformed the elements into the latest Ferragamo runway that reflects the self-expression of the twenties – on both sides of the century.
Embracing the spirit of androgyny, he has crafted a new wardrobe for women who boldly embrace masculine silhouettes. This reflection is seen in broad shoulders, heavy wool, and supple leathers that add depth to the collection. Sharp, sculptural lapels connote a surrealist spirit, while the distorted proportions further enhance the artistic narrative.
Drawing inspiration from the period of uniforms and utilitarian workwear, such as fishermen's gear like thigh-high waders and leather outerwear, he creates a counterpoint to fluid drapery, softening their forms through fabrications like wool mixed with cashmere for luxurious ease and unlined leathers for a relaxed finesse, ultimately imbuing the collection with fetishistic desirability.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
The first Loro Piana boutique in Berlin
Loro Piana unveiled its inaugural Berlin boutique on March 5th. Located in Kurfürstendamm Strasse 188-189, in the heart of the city's main luxury district. Embodying the essence of the Maison with a timeless and contemporary design, the store pays homage to Sergio Loro Piana's legacy.
Drawing inspiration from natural elements, the boutique exudes warmth with its signature oak wood and Carabottino details, fostering a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort reminiscent of a 'home away from home'. Textured finishes and sumptuous fabrics evoke the sensory allure of Loro Piana, while earthy tones and soft lighting enhance the inviting ambiance.
The boutique, spanning a single floor, showcases the latest Women’s and Men’s collections. An exclusive area offering personalized attention similar to a private wardrobe, with a display of exclusive products inspired by the Wunderkammer, has also been created to perfect the experience. Custom-designed displays showcase each product category, meticulously crafted from natural materials such as oak wood and adorned with Loro Piana Interiors fabrics, including cashmere, renowned for its luxurious texture and softness.
Beyond offering timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship, the Berlin boutique encapsulates the Maison's dedication to delivering an extraordinary shopping journey, narrating the story of Italian luxury par excellence.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – MIU MIU
For her Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection, Miuccia Prada aimed to make elements from childhood and adulthood coexist. Men and women, models from different ages walked the runway symbolizing the essence of her inspiration for this collection.
The shrunken proportions, pajamas, cropped sleeves, and puffed skirts referred to childhood. Exit transparent tights, Miu Miu calls for woolly and colorful legs to stay warm with style, in a playful nod to childhood strolls. While the gloves, brooches, little black dress, and tailoring marked a step into adulthood and responsibilities. Merging those two periods of life, Miuccia Prada unveiled a collection interesting by its colors and cuts, stamped with the brand’s codes but telling a new story about life, fashion, and how they interact. The collection combines elements from the designer's past collections - pearls, vintage-looking double-breasted coats - with the Italian fashion so dear to the designer and her brand, represented by vibrant colors and timelessly chic faux furs. With pearls, satin, furs, and under-the-knee dresses, the collection somehow also gave royal vibes. Some of the looks recalled for Princess Diana’s style, offering a chic and stylish off-duty royal aesthetic.
This collection is addressed to all ages and made to dress every step of life. A line that’s both wearable and fashionable, playful and elegant.
With her Fall-Winter 2024/25, Miuccia Prada aimed to create classics, a wardrobe addressed to all ages, allowing everyone to be whether playful or serious, “a child or a lady”, revealing a bright collection that everyone can identify with.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
Seàn McGirr has presented his first collection for Alexander McQueen in a cinematographic and gloomy décor, setting the tone of his influences.
The first silhouette, a woman camisoled under a shiny black jersey dress, was inspired by the Spring 1995 collection of Lee McQueen, named “The Birds”. McGirr decided that this constrained shape would be the anchor of the entire collection, exploring oppression with different fabrics and accessories, covering mouths and eyes in an atmosphere as cinematic as it is oppressive.
Newly arrived at Alexander McQueen, McGirr said that he did not have time to explore the archives of the brand, which might be the reason why the collection lacked some expected codes from McQueen.
The looks were less performative than what we're used to from McQueen, but at the same time, more street-wise, which is ultimately the essence of ready-to-wear and what could distinguish McGirr's work for the brand in the future.
However, the brand's dissonant, punk heritage was very much in evidence: models disappearing beneath huge knit or fur collars, oversized and plastic dresses, and the silhouettes were cleverly designed. Sean McGirr said that he is forever inspired by marginal individuals, those who don't fit into the mold and are labeled in an attempt to understand them. This is something that the designer has aimed to represent, also, he aimed to create a merely brutal collection, using the emblematic embroidery work of the House differently, notably by smashing crystals to give them a broken, wounded look, reinterpreting McQueen’s codes in a personal way.
The Alexander McQueen Fall-Winter collection speaks of our time, its flaws, and incoherence with the touch of extravagance -assagie but present- for which the brand is renowned.
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – SAINT LAURENT
Anthony Vaccarello presented an unexpected and stunning Fall-Winter 2024/25 Ready-to-Wear collection for Saint Laurent. The tones were warm and oriental, ranging from caramel and olive to brown, ochre, and black, like a reference to the House's heritage and the inspiration that Marrakech represented for Yves Saint Laurent.
Blouses with wise collars, pencil skirts, and fabrics that fall below the knees; it might have seemed like an ultra-classic collection if the outfits hadn't been almost all sheer and the model’s breast, exposed. The collection also featured several monochrome suit silhouettes with exaggerated shoulders and a sumptuous black leather coat.
Earrings and bracelets were oversized as if to compensate for the minimal amount of fabric in the silhouettes, and headbands made of the same transparent material covered the heads.
Furs completed some looks but were often neglectfully worn on the models' arms as an accessory. An amused wink at the thinness of the fabrics used in a collection supposedly designed for the cold season.
Almost entirely built on transparent silhouettes, made from pantyhose-like fabric, this collection is as technical as it is sublime, both in the way it looks and in the message it conveys.
An ephemeral collection, almost impossible to market due to the fragility of the material used. Nevertheless, it's worth noting the technical prowess achieved by Saint Laurent artisans to create this collection. According to the designer, his job “isn’t always to do something that’s real or realistic.”
Then ready-to-wear that’s not wearable? That's the whole point. It was a risky gamble, but in the end, a successful one.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW – VERSACE
Versace has presented its Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection, once again designed by Donatella Versace.
With spiked hair and heavy eyeliner, the makeover was calling for a punk collection but the looks were not thought of in this way, creating a really interesting contrast. The collection covered Womenswear and Menswear, harmoniously articulated around warm colors and black hues. Pairing dark, exaggerated make-up with wise tweed and drapery, the collection then evolves into darker-toned silhouettes, reaching a deep black.
White collars and tweeds - wise, almost classic - contrasted with fitted silhouettes and sheer fabrics. Mixed with more discreet elements, we noted the brand's emblematic codes: a dress with a slit reaching almost to the waist, bare shoulders, or a décolleté encrusted with crystals, the Versace silhouette is consistently sexy and highly polished. The men's looks feature long coats in brown tones, luxurious leather, and transparency. Silhouettes are fitted and accessorized with short gloves. The use of transparency and drapery is as technical as it is sexy, sublimating all genders in a way that only Versace knows how to do it.
Anne Hathaway, present in the audience, wore a magnificent red leather dress, corseted and sublimely tailored. This hourglass silhouette was one of the catwalk's stars, interpreted through dresses, skirts, and corsets: infinitely Versace.
www.versace.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW - FENDI
According to Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear: “FENDI is how a woman that has something substantial to do dresses. And she can have fun while doing it”.
This is the spirit that was found in the Fendi Womenswear Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection.
Fendi is the banner of an extravagant but utilitarian fashion, merging the Roman heritage with Kim Jones’s British spirit. The Fendi woman is dressed to impress with her clever combination of colors, textures, and fabrics. By using a bold color palette, fun polka-dots, or creating a little lollipop holder necklace, Kim Jones shows that he thinks of fashion as a luxurious playground.
Silhouettes are precisely cut but softened by rich fabrics and rounded lines, garments are adorned with tulle, organza, or wisely used British knits, becoming very contemporary. Fendi's heritage is reflected in emblematic motifs such as Selleria, interpreted in leather goods and accessories. On the hair, the side part seems to be back, while on the accessories, the designer Silvia Venturini Fendi presents bags featuring sumptuous leather, natural colors, and original details.
Luxury becomes a real credo, interpreted through comfortable fabrics and precise finishes. Luxury at Fendi means being able to be chic while almost giving the impression that it wasn't done on purpose; it is simply a lifestyle. With its Womenswear Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection, Fendi makes fashion a celebration.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW - DIESEL
Diesel has just revealed its Fall-Winter 2024 collection, showing both a splendid show and the backgrounds, a part of the story often hushed up by fashion brands. As Glenn Martens, creative director, said: “Diesel is a fashion democracy, it is natural for us to reveal what is usually hidden”.
An interesting idea that was a big hit, indeed by giving access to behind-the-scenes parts of the show 72 hours before it, Diesel gave the public a glimpse of the brand’s secrets.
But the idea reached new heights at the show, indeed the set was a live video call with a thousand people from around the world. A daring concept that shakes up fashion for the better by turning the people behind their screens from spectators into spectacle. But Glenn Martens pushes the vice even further, going as far as to show a model wearing a screen-dress with dozens of faces of strangers printed on it: a fashion statement that's both committed and wildly fashionable.
The Diesel Fall-Winter 2024 Collection features innovative garments and accessories, with burn effects, trompe-l'oeil prints, and overlays.
This collection was impregnated with Diesel heritage, from double-breasted coats and quilted faux-fur jackets to feline-patterned bags. Accessories such as vintage-inspired sunglasses, the new D-sruptor watch, and women's and men's shoes with metallic details completed the collection.
And because a Diesel show wouldn't have the same flavor without it, denim is everywhere, worn on black or leather-like coats and cracked pants.
With Diesel's Fall-Winter 2024 collection, Glenn Martens presented a runway show that was at once conceptual, original, and consistent with the brand's emblematic codes.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Jackie Notte: The go-to bag for Night Owls
Sabato De Sarno introduces the Jackie Notte, his very first bag creation for Gucci.
With a new silhouette and subtle details, this bag embodies the line’s identity while giving it a special twist, as a reflection of the designer’s style.
Sabato De Sarno reinvents here the vintage sophistication of the Jackie 1961 with a contemporary allure, elevating any look with a statement piece. To design this special bag, the designer found inspiration in Italy so dear to his heart, interpreting it through bold colors and a sophisticated allure.
This model reflects the codes of the iconic collection while giving it a new silhouette and joyful nuances. Made to bring joy and glamour into everyday life, the Jackie Notte elevates any look.
Timeless and glamorous, the Jackie Notte is the perfect addition to any night-out look from a slip-back dress to tailored pants.
Now available worldwide, in Gucci stores network.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
SECONDSKIN by ZEGNA: A unique shoe that fits like a glove
ZEGNA, the global luxury menswear brand is launching its new Triple Stitch SECONDSKIN shoe.
Once again a demonstration of ZEGNA's technique and contemporary style, this new model fits like a glove.
Centrepiece of ZEGNA’s modern and technical identity, the Triple Stitch technique combines softness and lightweight. Its outstandingly flexible sole combines comfort and technology.
As well as the other Triple Stitch pieces, this new SECONDSKIN shoe is a reflection of ZEGNA’s expertise. Initially intended for gloves, the use of the SECONDSKIN technique in footwear is imbued with the brand's unparalleled heritage of craftsmanship. Using the daring technique of working with glove leather to craft a shoe, the Triple Stitch SECONDSKIN indeed fits like a glove to offer a luxurious walking experience to the feet. Each pair of Triple Stitch SECONDSKIN is made in Parma, Italy by expert artisans using the finest New Zealand calf leather. Combined with a unique ovine tanning technique, the shape-retaining 'memory' in the sole of the shoe provides a resistant and incredibly comfortable shoe.
By presenting its new shoe ZEGNA remains true to its roots, bringing together innovation and tradition. The Triple Stitch SECONDSKIN results from a harmonious compromise between expertise and style. ZEGNA's expertise is at the heart of this new model, creating a real second skin sensation in a shoe that is both durable and delicate.
Exclusive to ZEGNA for the next three years, SECONDSKIN is a unique luxury footwear experience made to last.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Colmar Spring-Summer 2024 Collection
Where cutting-edge outerwear technology marries timeless style, that is where lies the world of Italian icon Colmar. Known ubiquitously for continuously setting the standard for high-performance outerwear, the brand proceeds to do so with its newest Spring-Summer 2024 Collection. Classic styles, as do fashion-forward allures, converge with functionality in bold golden prints on green checks, or in pink on beige checks. Similarly, an asymmetrically zipped jacket presents a stylish, yet weather-resistant companion for any occasion, from a day of shopping to a business lunch or a long walk, it all seems like the perfect fit - figuratively and literally. Naturally, we also recognize Colmar’s characteristic quilt, this time also added onto by elegant collars and lapels, which appear on non-quilted garments as well. Usual attention is paid to comfort and high quality, evident in every stitch. The collection also brings forward a brand-new selection of warming vests, hugging the body, they keep their wearer snug and stand the test of every temperature’s turmoil. Coming in a diverse color palette, Colmar offers an option fit for various styles and personalities. Last, but not least, the collection also brings forward a new selection of polo shirts for Men, sporty, yet classy. Naturally for Colmar, each piece tells a story of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and a passion for the great outdoors.
www.colmar.com
Fashion
Dior Men's Winter 2024 Collection
The House of Dior has unveiled a Men’s Winter 2024-2025 collection inspired by the beauty of ballet. Named after Nureyev, after one of the greatest male ballet dancers of all time, it is his persona who shall be the leitmotif. Highlighting the contrasts of his multifaceted self in public and private, ready-to-wear garments embody rigour, excellence and ease, while haute couture reflects the extravagance of his stage presence, flamboyance, insolence and elegance. Drawing on inspiration from the Dior archive, the house’s exquisite tailoring is translated onto menswear, birthing beautiful silhouettes with pleats, volume and characteristic necklines. Monsieur Dior’s bar finds a new masculine reiteration that merges with Kim Jones’ very own oblique. The straightforward attitude of Nureyev’s greatest years, the 60s and 70s is manifested in single-breasted simplicity with gently flared trousers in suiting realized in off-rich wool melange, as zipped wool jumpsuits and shorts, second-skin ribbed knits and duffle-inflected outerwear with sumptuous leathers mirror the style of a practicing dancer. The couture collection, as the first men’s couture collection this season, do not just echo stage extravagance, but also pay tribute to Nureyev’s passion for collecting antique textiles. Emblematic of this are kimonos that feature ancient weaving techniques realized by master craftsmen in Japan. Accessories merge the two, as seen in a dancing slipper made from rigorous San Crispino leather against the silk-polyester Mary-Jane sneaker. Amplifying house codes, oversized grained Macrocannage camera and bum bags and lavish velvet turban hats round the collection off perfectly. The two collections as poles of Nureyev’s life find unification practically and poetically in a show directed by Baillie Walsh with music by composer Max Richter.
www.dior.com
Fashion
ZEGNA Menswear FW24 Collection: Reshaping Matter, Remattering Shape
Transformation. It is the right word to describe the new Menswear FW24 Collection of Zegna. From matter to color, everything changes and evolves. Shapes unfold from existing ones, are superimposed, grow generous and practical pockets, loose sleeves or collars, gain tabs, closures, and drawstrings. The collection shows coats with enveloping volumes, sonic welded duvets, blousons, and vests. Double-collared blazers, collarless anoraks, the new “Il Conte” jacket, and generous trousers. All these elements can be layered and combined in many ways, allowing the individual attitude of the wearer to come through in the form of personal styling. In all of this, the cashmere remains the real star. It is a fiber that belongs to the winter season and that, thanks to its proclivity, can be turned into a wide array of textures and surfaces. An ever-changing material. With this collection, Zegna offers a reshaping of matter and a re-mattering of shapes, allowing for an organic evolution that grows and morphs season after season. www.zegna.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent's new boutique in Courchevel
Saint Laurent has opened the doors of a new boutique in Courchevel, France. Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the alps, this exclusive store adds a touch of glamour to the ski resort. The boutique’s design mirrors the sophistication and modernity synonymous with Saint Laurent as well as the alpine atmosphere of its environments with unique vintage furniture and mountain items such as snowboards and skis, creating a unique shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts visiting this glamorous mountain resort. Stone facades encounter chalet-styles constructions, emblematic of the codes of Saint Laurent’s new design concept. The vision was architected by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, resulting in a marriage of modern elegance and rustic charm. As a refuge from the cold weather of the Courchevel’s Winter Wonderland, the boutique is infused with comforting warmth through large curtains in the shades of beige and grey. From now the boutique invite’s alpine adventurers to immerse themselves in avant–garde women’s ready to wear and iconic accessory collection. The Saint Laurent boutique in Courchevel, envisioned by Anthony Vaccarello, emerges as a beacon of style in the heart of this exclusive winter haven, where fashion and alpine allure converge.
www.saintlaurent.com
Fashion
Dior x Otani Workshop Capsule
Dior reveals its latest exclusive capsule collection Dior & Otani Workshop. The house’s creative director Kim Jones and the Japanese sculptor Otani converged on their passion for creating unique art pieces, resulting in a truly avant-garde menswear collection. Onami, one of the leading figures in Japanese contemporary art, gave birth to a joyful green monster of the name Tanilla, who shall grace this collection's pieces with its cheeky grin. Tanilla finds a new home in the smart-casual allure of Dior’s refined pieces, whether in an oversized version on sweaters or by boldly peeking out of the breast pocket of short-sleeved t-shirts, the monster adds a young and playful spirit to Dior’s tasteful garments. The motif also appears on sporty bombers, as well as on bold denim overshirts. Emblematic of this fruitful collaboration, Tamilla is emblazoned on a stylized scribbled adaption of the “Dior” lettering, which adorns both hooded sweatshirts and pouches with functional shoulder straps. Otani’s Tanilla adds on to Dior’s characteristic signifiers, including the Dior Oblique Toile, which manifests in vibrant burgundy and pink shades. The garments feature a palette dominated by reds, a color close to couturier Dior’s heart, who coined it the “color of life” in his petit dictionnaire de la mode. Otani is widely praised for his off-kilter playful ceramic works and admirable mastery of traditional techniques, which he has fused into this one of a kind collaboration with Dior. The collection is on display in Dior boutiques since January 4th, 2024.
www.dior.com
Fashion
A Miu Miu Holiday
In a celebration of intimacy, elegance, and charm, Miu Miu unveils its Holiday Gifting Collection, a manifestation of beauty reconsidered for the multifaceted lives of today. The star-studded campaign featuring actor Emma Corrin invites us into a private space, the filmic environment, draped in soft carpet and adorned with precious antiques. It sets the stage for a wardrobe that is both layered and meaningful. Miu Miu's Holiday collection introduces fluid black cady, shearling, and tactile tweeds, evoking archetypically sophisticated dress codes with renewed significance. Glossed leathers, soft cashmere, and jersey fabrics offer freedom of movement and effortless allure. The collaboration with Marshall brings forth an iconic line of products, while the partnership with Polaroid introduces cameras complete with branded web camera straps. For the festive season, Miu Miu Holiday Gifting offers a range of ready-to-wear and accessories designed to cater to all occasions. Signature skirt suits, glossed leather pieces, and cashmere cardigans are adorned with instantly recognizable elasticated Miu Miu branding, creating a perfect blend of glamour and sportswear-inspired trims. This Holiday Collection not only celebrates the glamour and elegance of the past but also embraces a contemporary and highly individual spirit.
www.miumiu.com
Art
Aesop Sendlingerstrasse
Aesop's latest outpost, located on Sendlingerstrasse, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and functionality. Embracing the International style that emerged in the 1920s, the store boasts a streamlined design that is unencumbered by excess ornamentation. The largely open plan invites visitors to explore key elements that serve distinct purposes—communal sinks for product trials, freestanding shelving for leisurely browsing, and a point-of-sale counter at the far end. The material palette, featuring stone, wood, and fabric, along with reflective and patinated metals, creates a rich and textured atmosphere. Despite the seemingly still and calm ambience, there's an underlying dynamism and playfulness within the store's stripped-back composition. Aesop Sendlingerstrasse integrates reconditioned pieces, such as wall-mounted consoles from a former Aesop store in Hanover and freestanding shelves designed by BBPR for Olivetti, New York. These elements contribute to the liveliness of the space, showcasing a harmonious blend of the pre-loved with the new. Founded in Melbourne in 1987, Aesop has been dedicated to formulating effective products with a commitment to ethics. A visit to Aesop Sendlingerstrasse promises not just a shopping experience but an immersion into the artful intersection of stillness and animated design.
www.aesop.com
Fashion
Dior Cruise Pop-Up Kitzbühel
In a fusion of fashion and nature, Dior unveiled its Cruise 2024 collection in an enchanting pop-up store nestled in the heart of Kitzbühel, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Alps. The store, open until the end of February 2024, transports visitors into a realm of sophistication and charm. The design of the pop-up store mirrors the naturalness of wood and the purity of white, paying homage to the Alpine landscape. Golden butterflies, symbolizing the art of metamorphosis, dance gracefully across the walls and floor, creating a poetic atmosphere that perfectly complements the exquisite Dior Cruise 2024 collection. The collection itself is a celebration of dreams, featuring long skirts, refined knitwear, silk blouses, and elegant carrés. The unique Dior Book Tote and the new Miss Dior bags add an element of magic to the fashion experience, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in the allure of high-end design. Dior Pop-Up in Kitzbühel, located at Hinterstadt 15, welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. This limited-time experience signifies a significant focus for Dior, emphasizing the brand's commitment to creating memorable and immersive encounters with its iconic collections.
www.dior.com
Fashion
The DiorAlps Capsule
As winter approaches, Dior unveils a breathtaking capsule to the enchanting allure of the mountains with its latest DiorAlps line, curated by the visionary Maria Grazia Chiuri. This exceptional collection, inspired by the House's recent shows, seamlessly marries couture-style creations with high technicity, presenting a unique fusion of fashion and function for the snowy slopes. The DiorAlps line features an array of winter essentials, from puffers and jackets to après-ski boots and the iconic Dior Book Tote, all adorned with the mesmerizing Plan de Paris print. Crafted by the Creative Director herself, this print intricately maps the City of Light, creating a hypnotic interplay of shadows and perspectives. Ski goggles with a bold "Christian Dior" strap and the iconic Dior Oblique further elevate the collection's aesthetic appeal. The pants, available in creamy neutrals or classic black, include knee reinforcements for optimal comfort in all circumstances. The Diorunion capsule's signature coat of arms is embellished with the powerful motto "L’union fait la force." This capsule promises a winter wardrobe that transcends traditional boundaries, offering a daring yet refined look for those who seek style, excellence, and innovation in every winter adventure.
www.dior.com
Art
GRAU unveils Salt: A lamp designed for well-being
The light-design studio GRAU unveils its latest creation, Salt. The sculptural luminaire Salt captured the broad light spectrum of a sunset and is ready to bring its soothing rays into just about every home. Salt stands as the first mobile lamp that is exclusively designed for mental and physical well-being. As a reimagination of its predecessor Salt & Pepper, the luminaire features a novel holistic design and simulates the full spectrum of a romantic sunset from bright afternoon light (2700K) to the glowy atmosphere of a late summer evening (1300K), replicating a sunset’s warm and soothing embrace to naturally stimulate the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Apart from the options of choosing between hues from reaching from a warm sunset orange light, a golden light, to a versatile neutral light, the relaxing glow can be dimmed and brightened to the user’s liking through the magic button on Salt’s underside. To harness the whole magic of the lamp's ability to stimulate melatonin production, Salt also features the active sleep program Sunset Sleep. Simulating the serene experience of slowly wandering off to sleep under a fiery sunset sky, the luminous sculpture gradually dims its light in the span of 30 minutes - completely automatically. In a sleek yet holistic design, the smart mobile light features an aluminum body with an ultra-touch sensitive head and a lampshade in a matte finish, creating sun rays that reach even into the furthest corners of the ceiling. Finished off with a powder-skin surface, GRAU’s Salt is not just a mobile well-being lamp but also an alluring sculpture that can accompany you just about anywhere. www.grau.art
Fashion
Gucci & Billie Eilish Collaboration
In a groundbreaking collaboration between fashion powerhouse Gucci and iconic singer Billie Eilish, the luxury brand unveils a revolutionary iteration of its heritage Horsebit 1955 bag. The bag, known for its timeless design, takes on a futuristic and asymmetrical aesthetic, representing a bold step towards ethical and sustainable fashion. The key innovation lies in the material—Demetra—an animal-free alternative that seamlessly blends quality, softness, and durability. This marks a significant shift in Gucci's traditional craftsmanship, showcasing the brand's commitment to a more ethical fashion future. Notably, the Horsebit 1955 in Demetra is the first Gucci bag ever to be crafted in this innovative material. Demetra is a result of two years of meticulous research and development by Gucci's technicians and artisans. Comprising 75% plant-derived raw materials, the material is a testament to Gucci's dedication to reducing its environmental impact. Produced in Italy since 2021 at a Gucci factory, Demetra aligns with the brand's ongoing efforts to create a sustainable and responsible supply chain. Billie Eilish, renowned for her bold advocacy and authentic voice, becomes the face of this collaboration. Set to her song "What Was I Made For?" the videos showcase the bag in various cinematic scenes, celebrating the harmonious blend of music, fashion, and ethical innovation. The Horsebit 1955 in Demetra is not just a bag; it's a symbol of a forward-looking approach to fashion that values ethics, creativity, and the planet.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Montblanc StarWalker SpaceBlue Collection
Embark on a cosmic journey with Montblanc's latest masterpiece, the StarWalker SpaceBlue Collection, where the allure of the universe converges with the art of fine writing. This collection pays homage to the marvels of space, drawing inspiration from the mesmerizing beauty of galaxies and the enigmatic Widmanstätten structure found in iron meteorites. The central design element of the SpaceBlue Collection, the Widmanstätten structure, is a testament to Montblanc's commitment to innovation. Whether recreated through an injection moulding technique in precious resin or etched in metal, the structure's tactile feel and midnight blue hue echo the mysteries of the night sky. Comprising three distinct editions, including one in matte blue textured precious resin with dark ruthenium-coated fittings, a Doué edition blending textured resin with a metal cap, and a metal-only edition, each instrument in the collection promises a unique and immersive writing experience. To complement the writing instruments, Montblanc introduces a lined notebook in blue leather with the special Widmanstätten pattern, alongside matching dark blue ink. The collection is perfected with steel and lacquer cufflinks featuring the characteristic translucent StarWalker dome design. It is available at Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online, inviting enthusiasts to discover the celestial allure of fine writing. As galaxies remain uncharted territories, this collection invites you to explore the mysteries of the cosmos and pen captivating stories with its modern aesthetics and innovative technology.
www.montblanc.com
Art
Kaldewei X Bethan Laura Wood
Kaldewei unveils the captivating "Avocado Dreams" collection by renowned British designer Bethan Laura Wood, in a bold fusion of design and functionality. Transforming four iconic pieces from Kaldewei's repertoire, Wood infuses her distinctive style into the Meisterstück Oyo Duo bathtub, Meisterstück Centro Duo Oval freestanding bathtub, Superplan Zero floor-level shower surface, and Miena washbasin bowl. Wood draws inspiration from the organic contours of the Meisterstück Oyo Duo, creating three mesmerising patterns and colour variations: "Avocado Swirl" in green tones, "Avocado Sea" in blue/purple tones, and the expressive "Avocado Disco." Each piece retains the characteristic lines of Kaldewei's bathroom objects while taking on a psychedelic and dramatic metamorphosis. The Oyo Duo bathtub, with its double-walled construction inspired by Japanese porcelain, stands as a sustainable masterpiece in the collection. The Meisterstück Centro Duo Oval, born from Kaldewei's collaboration with Ettore Sottsass, receives a fresh burst of "Avocado Swirl," adding another layer of artistic depth. Wood's creative touch extends to the Miena washbasin bowls, where purist design meets a filigree touch, adorned with the extraordinary patterns of "Avocado Dreams." The Superplan Zero floor-level shower surface, characterised by elegant lines, takes on the lively "Avocado Sea" interpretation, promising an exhilarating shower experience. Beyond their artistic allure, these Kaldewei products share a commitment to sustainability—they are plastic-free and made of 100 percent recyclable steel enamel, fitting seamlessly into Kaldewei's Lustainability® world. The "Avocado Dreams" collection is a testament to the marriage of art, luxury, and environmental consciousness in the realm of bathroom design.
www.kaldewei.com
Fashion
Hublot’s New Classic Fusion High Jewellery
Hublot’s iconic design and highest-quality craftsmanship combine in the Classic Fusion High Jewellery, a unique stunning piece. The Swiss manufacturer is proud to launch its latest creation, embezzled with diamonds on its case, bezel, dial and clasp. The dazzling watch, made of 431 baguette-cut diamonds, is the latest attrition to Hublot’s High Jewellery collection of watches. The watch features a 42mm dial in white gold, and offers a power reserve of more than 50 hours. This new addition to the Hublot family, effortlessly joins all the other watches of the High Jewellery collection, and takes its own place alongside other precious models such as the Big Bang, the Spirit of Big Bang and the Square Bang Unico. What distinguishes and renders unique the Classic Fusion High Jewellery are its embellishments: sleek lines og white gold that make this new piece a true Hublot icon. The Classic Fusion High Jewellry stands as proof that sophistication lies in simplicity, in the high quality of the craftsmanship, and in the refined details that highlight the beauty of this watch, which is created taking as inspiration the original 1980s shape. The final result represents the highest expression of fine jewelry, and accentuates the elegant, timeless purity of the classic Hublot Fusion model.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
FENDI Presents its Golf Capsule Collection
FENDI presents its Golf Capsule 2023, strengthening the brand’s ties with the world of sports and golf. FENDI incorporates its unparalleled attention to functionality and high-quality materials and pairs them with its distinctive elegant style, resulting in a ready-to-wear capsule collection that highlights the comfort and sophistication of the pieces. The color palette is refined, pairing beige with navy blue in classic golf garments. The Maison's iconic FF logo is displayed on various elements, such as on the collar of a short-sleeved polo shirt and on the front of a knitted gilet, while the FENDI Roma logo is shown in different color variants such as yellow and white. This collection, specifically designed keeping the game of golf in mind, also features a golf bag in black Cuoio Roma leather or in classic tobacco-coloured FF logo fabric. To coronate this capsule collection, a set of FENDI-branded golf balls matches a set of golf club covers available in three different sizes to match the needs of each golfer. In classic FENDI style, some fun elements are added to the collection thanks to an FF cashmere golf club cover in the shape of a teddy bear. The capsule collection was pre-launched on September 28th, 2023 at the FENDI Roma Palazzo boutique, celebrating the Ryder Cup international competition which took place in Rome over the course of the days following the collection’s pre-launch.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week - Louis Vuitton
The Louis Vuitton Women’s SS24 show, which was being teased on Instagram through voice notes from house ambassadors like Sophie Turner and Jaden Smith, was finally unveiled on Monday, October 2nd. The show took place in the ethereal ambience of 103 Avenue Des Champs-Élysées, Paris, a setting that seamlessly blended nostalgia with contemporary daring. Nicolas Ghesquière, the creative force behind Louis Vuitton for over a decade, orchestrated a vibrant journey through time and style in the venue draped in vibrant orange plastic, which transported guests into a reimagined hot air balloon basking in the warm summer light. The Creative Director skillfully merged familiar silhouettes with modern details, evoking the Maison's spirit of voyage. Travel-ready bags with references to Rubik’s cubes and digital cameras paired effortlessly with versatile sunglasses embodying the collection’s thematic essence. The designer expressed his clean-cut visual language, playing with layered volumes, ethereal movements, and mismatched graphics, paying homage to French elegance by fusing classic Parisian fashion with vintage codes. Leather bomber jackets found unexpected companionship with ruffled skirts, Y2K-inspired chunky belts, and monogrammed leather. Linear patterns wove through the collection on layered bottoms and buttonless shirts while textured corsets and volumed tops found equilibrium with solid tones. The collection transitioned into double-breasted outerwear in diverse glossy textiles and ended in a reworked houndstooth with layered bedazzled necklaces. The pointy-toe shoe dominated, alongside a daring open-toe style, exposing only the thumb. This season was a fresh journey through retro flair, fluid silhouettes, and oversized proportions with structured accessories, adding a striking dimension and marking a significant chapter in the Maison’s legacy.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week - Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent presented its SS24 collection at Paris Fashion Week on September 26th, 2023. The collection, designed under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, was showcased in a gigantic architectural construct built for the occasion, with a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower. For this season, the unexpected move of Vaccarello was to strip everything back. He declared that his goal was to bring everything back to its simplistic form, without overcomplicated pieces or exaggerated silhouettes. Indeed, this clean canvas marks a new chapter in the history of Saint Laurent. Cotton as a material dominated the Maison’s runway in every way possible, from shirts to evening dresses. The main inspiration behind the collection is the “Saharien” jacket, a concept that Yves Saint Laurent brought back from his North African upbringing and with which he revolutionized Parisian fashion in 1967. Despite its simplicity, the collection is definitely not humble: every piece radiates the fierce, put-together Parisian glamour which in the years has come to represent the brand. Every outfit was completed by 80s-inspired maquillage, voluminous hair, and gold jewelry. The whole collection brings back the idea of a simple, stripped-back elegance that exalts the wearer and captivates.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Hermès Reopens its Vienna Store
On September 22nd, 2023, Hermès announced the reopening of its newly expanded Vienna store, where the House’s sixteen métiers are represented by historical elements of the city subtly blended with modernity. The store, located at 22 Graben, is the symbol of the brand’s commitment to the Austrian capital, contributing to the country’s dynamism. It has been renovated by Parisian architects RDAI, and it has been expanded in depth and with the inclusion of one additional floor, thus doubling its original surface. The Hermès experience now extends over three floors, dedicated to accessories, beauty, women and menswear, and jewelry. On the last floor, a VIP area has been built to offer an exclusive shopping experience. Each space affirms its own identity, all the while remaining faithful to the brand’s elegant aesthetics. The space features a sculptural staircase in natural oak which seamlessly unites the three floors. The architecture of the building is inspired by the Vienna Secession art movement, featuring a subtle combination of colors, materials, and patterns. The store’s lighting emphasizes the precious mosaic floor, which also displays the House’s ex-libris. This store marks the beginning of a new chapter for Hermès in Vienna. It perfectly showcases the brand’s history and commitment to innovation through a beautiful display of architectural and decorative elements.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Loro Piana
For its SS24 collection, Loro Piana celebrates its affinity with Japan with a clothing line that profoundly reflects the brand’s founding values. The affinity with Japanese culture is celebrated as a powerful force in its richness of high-quality craftsmanship and closeness to Loro Piana’s values. The collection reflects a balance with nature and an idea of harmony with the world we inhabit. The non-ostentatious and powerful humbleness that distinguish the brand become the main forces driving this season’s collection. The vibrant simplicity and flowing harmony of Japanese clothing pervade the collection, and it is evident in the cashmere or silk coats with petite stand-up collars, in the kimono-style jackets, and in the rounded pants. The tailoring is elongated, reflecting the slender lines and simple garments typical of Japanese traditional clothing. The knitwear defines the silhouette, while delicate shirts privilege the use of light and airy materials. The collection’s journey moves from the muted hues of bamboo to the beauty of handwork and the new texture of outerwear reinterpreted in shades of earthy tones. The colors move along with the textures, in this collection that is an ode to delicacy and elegance, and yet manages to be striking in its simplicity.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Diesel
The Diesel fashion show, held on September 20th at the Milan Fashion Week presenting the brand’s SS24 collection, was an ode to the brand’s creative spirit. The brand’s newest collection takes as its main inspiration partying and letting loose. One’s truly authentic self and the beauty of freedom are reflected in the garments of the collection and in the attention and care that went into the fashion show. The main pillars of the collection are impact, experimentation, play, and pleasure. Diesel hits the nail on all these characteristics, presenting a unique collection that showcases once again the creative spirit and ability of the brand’s creative director, Glenn Martens. The brand’s love for denim, pop, and artisanal craftsmanship is pushed to the limits with unique distressing effects on every garment, devoré denim, and floral prints. Utility pieces feature zip-up denim and cargo pockets held together by straps, adding an edgier side to the pieces. Through this collection, the House of Diesel once again confirms its ability to surprise, engage, and innovate. Every garment and outfit is a pop culture statement, staying true to the brand’s pillars and yet always innovative. The feel of the collection is that of a fading film poster, nostalgic yet always relevant and reflective of pop culture.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Valentino Black Tie Campaign
The Italian maison Valentino presents its new Black Tie advertising campaign. The brand’s concept is centered around the description and the codification of a style, not simply a dress code. The face of the campaign is American actress and top model Kaia Gerber, who with her effortless beauty and impeccable style perfectly embodies the character and personality of Valentino’s Black Tie campaign, which represents the universal language of fashion. The campaign was shot by Steven Meisel at Oheka Castle in New York, a place that symbolizes the Maison’s attention towards timeless fashion and style that is perennially elegant. Through Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, the black tie is reclaimed as a symbol of self-expression, which, from its traditional association with formal menswear, becomes a versatile and outspoken piece. In Valentino’s campaign, the black tie stands for individual representation and the breaking of solidified boundaries that are reclaimed, and thus hold a different, stronger power. The reinterpretation of the black tie as an element and as a symbol represents a shift towards inclusivity and diversity, imbuing this classic symbol with new meanings. The campaign perfectly represents the shift between past and future, maintaining elegance while at the same time gracefully embracing what is to come.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
C.P. Company’s FW23 Campaign
C.P. Company once again develops the project started for its 50th anniversary in 2021 featuring a history of Italian sportswear. For its FW23 campaign, the brand renowned for its outerwear features four people photographed by Neil Bedford. C.P. Company’s campaign features Hee Choi, vice president of GF Fashion in Seul, Milo Cuki, a London-based model, Cheb Moha, an artist from Dubai, and finally a special guest, Sergio Pizzorno, a London-based young musician and leader of the British band Kasabian who shot for the campaign alongside his father. The people featured in the campaign come from different cultural backgrounds and have had different experiences throughout their lives; they are from different ages, genders, and interests. At the same time, they are brought together by wearing, buying, and selling C.P. Company, and for having intersected it with experiences of cultural interest. The four talents interpret C.P. Company's seasonal looks through the lens of their style, representing the brand’s unique ability to use the materiality of clothing as a form of expression, intertwining their personal story with the company’s vision. With this campaign, C.P. Company unveils the versatility of its materials and the possibility of self-expression that it offers, perfectly representing the brand’s commitment to uniqueness and innovation.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Oris X Bracenet
Oris, the Swiss watchmaker, has revealed an exciting collaboration with Bracenet. It is a social enterprise through upcycled creation, transforming discarded ghost fishing nets into accessories. This innovative venture led to the creation of stunning watch dials, a special-edition version of the Aquis Date diver’s watch. Their revolutionary partnership commenced with a recognition of the ecological concerns stemming from abandoned ghost nets in the oceans. The outcome, according to ocean experts, unveiled an annual influx of approximately one million tons of fishing nets into the seas. Therefore, the ghost nets continue to trap and endanger marine life as they linger in the water. As a result, their ongoing efforts led to the stunning collaboration to create a new Oribis watch that features a spectacular dial made of recycled ghosts and end-of-life nets. Crafted in these vibrant kaleidoscopic dials, it has a remarkable color accent where the pure green gently blends with blue and white as they fuse into the raw material. Moreover, every dial has a unique look due to its unique production process. Alongside its sophisticated look, the material is entirely devoid of additives, fillers, or adhesives. All in all, every delicate detail collectively represents a cool, unique appearance, making a perfect statement. Available in two stainless steel versions, there is one with a 43.50 mm case and the other with a 36.50 mm case. Both models have automatic mechanical movements and uni-directional rotating bezels and are water-resistant to 30 bar (300 meters).www.oris.ch bracenet.net
Fashion
H&M Studio Collection AW23
Dark glamour and sculptural silhouettes are what characterize H&M’s AW23 Studio Collection. H&M Studio is the most progressive and trend-setting collection of the brand, designed to represent the fashion and the personality of our times. The theme of this year’s collection, “back to black”, conveys a simple, feminine, and elegant attitude. The collection is inspired by the somber elegance of the heroines of noir and horror films, featuring angular cuts, precisely formed silhouettes and linear accessories. The AW23 H&M Studio Collection pieces are both pragmatic and poetic, allowing the owner to wear them in the years to come because of their high-quality design and materials. Sleek tailoring on every item makes each garment extremely versatile and striking at the same time: each piece is a statement designed to be noticed thanks to its simple details and design. Some of the most iconic pieces in the collection are a floor-length black coat and a black A-line mini dress with a white collar. The accessories are also a vital part of the collection, thanks to the glamour feeling of pieces such as Nappa leather boots and eye-catching jewelry. The materials are sustainable, thanks to the high-quality fabrics employed in making the garments. The collection will be available starting from September 28th, 2023.
www.hm.com
Fashion
New PHANTOM Perfume by Rabanne
Following the creation in 2021 of PHANTOM Eau de Toilette, Rabanne now releases a more intense version: PHANTOM Eau de Perfume. The original PHANTOM represented a new era in the history of men’s luxury perfumes, characterized by its masculinity and encouraging men to be the boldest version of themselves. The PHANTOM perfume represents a new chapter in this narrative, aiming to inspire the new generation. It is a dark fragrance, meant to reveal all mysterious aspects of masculinity and exalt them, and this is exactly what makes it such a seductive scent. This fragrance is inspired by a night out in the captivating city of Paris, by its dark scenery and exhilarating scene. The PHANTOM man follows his instincts and lets himself be guided by his emotions, leading to a seductive mysteriousness. Actor and musician Charlie Heaton is the embodiment of PHANTOM’s spirit through his compelling personality and mysterious and attractive aura. Charlie Heaton has thus become Rabanne’s global ambassador for PHANTOM’s campaign, perfectly representing the essence of the perfume. The fragrance is crafted from prestigious and ethically sourced ingredients, created by the world-renowned perfumers Juliette Karagueuzoglou, Anne Flipo, and Dominique Ropion. To its core, Rabanne’s PHANTOM Eau de Perfume is an ode to modern masculinity and its mysteriousness, boosting an irresistible aura around whoever wears it.
www.rabanne.com
Fashion
FENDI’s 2023 Chinese Valentine’s Day Capsule Collection
FENDI celebrates love with a romantic color palette with pastel hues in its 2023 Chinese Valentine’s Day Capsule Collection. The limited edition collection comprises joyful, fun, and romantic attire with ready-to-wear pieces such as bags, shoes, and accessories. The women’s collection conveys a playful attitude through a reinterpretation of the multicolor iconic FF logo, which made its first appearance on a baguette bag in the SS09 collection. In this women’s collection, the logo appears in different formats on multiple items, such as a doodle version of the FENDI mirror logo printed on a cropped shirt and a matching asymmetrical skirt. The juxtaposition of different tones also contributes to the fun and playful feeling of the collection. Since the brand owes its iconicity to its bags, this collection features a multicolor pattern on a selection of bags in embroidered canvas or printed leather, as well as on matching accessories such as foulards and headbands. For menswear, the pattern is reinterpreted in tones such as lilac, pink, orange, yellow, and navy blue. Geometric patterns can be found on the iconic Astuccio bag and on T-shirts, which also feature graphic designs. Overall, both the men’s and the women’s collection has a playful yet sophisticated energy that perfectly captures FENDI’s elegant feeling through colorful tones.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Berlin Fashion Week - Sia Arnika
Sia Arnika employs traditional and modern textiles in her SS24 collection presented at Berlin Fashion Week 2023. The collection is conceptualized as a reflection on the designer’s Nordic roots and explores the meaning of memory and heritage. Time is at the heart of Sia Arnika’s collections. When asked about where she draws inspiration from, her answer is simple: “From the past, the present, and the future.” The artist works with the concept of nostalgia: the inspiration for her garments is a woman “who was born in the past but lives in the future.” Recalling her Nordic heritage, her clothing tells a saga, born in the Danish countryside and developed in the streets of Berlin. The designer views Berlin as the city that has shaped her style the most by observing its people and fantasizing about their lifestyle and stories. Indeed, some of these stories make it to the catwalk into her collections. Sia Arnika was drawn to Berlin because she longed for an escape, having grown up on a remote island in Denmark. Maybe, that is one of the reasons why she finds Berlin so attractive, with its buzzing atmosphere and air of freedom. In Berlin, she studied and worked and subsequently she founded her label. Creativity and a longing for connection are what inspire her the most.
www.siaarnika.com
Fashion
Berlin Fashion Week - Richert Beil
The concept of gender is challenged in Richert Beil’s new collection, presented at the Berlin Fashion Week 2023. The setting of the fashion show was an old supermarket, where designers were allowed to set up their scenery. Beil’s new collection, titled “Vater, Unser,” defies the traditional societal norm that sees men as the preferred gender. This collection indeed aims to deconstruct men’s wardrobes, thus challenging classical notions of beauty and elegance. Through their collections, the two designers and founders of the brand, Jale Richert and Michele Beil, aim to challenge gender stereotypes and aesthetics. Richert Beil draws inspiration from multiple sources, such as the craft itself or the materials used in their collection. Its primary source of inspiration, though, comes from traditional German textiles, sewings, and finishing techniques, thus paying homage to the heritage of the two designers. Another influence on the brand comes from the interviews that the designers regularly conduct with people from their diverse community to get a better grasp on what is generally expected from today’s fashion and to integrate different emotions and aspirations into their creations. Finally, with its diversity of backgrounds, the city of Berlin constitutes the perfect hub for Richert Beil’s brand to grow and develop. The designers are mainly interested in the city's history of activism, its thriving cultural and artistic scene, and the openness and acceptance that characterizes it.
www.richertbeil.com
Fashion
Table du Sud’s New Capsule Collection in Collaboration with Clairz Interior Design
Table du Sud’s new capsule collection, launched in collaboration with Clairz Interior Design, consists of six pieces of furniture featuring natural materials, clean lines, and round shapes. Table du Sud is a Dutch design company that handcrafts its products in Tweede, Netherlands. Started from scratch by two young brothers, the company has grown to be known for its custom tables while also offering an expanding range of home furniture. The pillars of the brand are user-friendliness and sustainability. Clairz’s trendy designs and Table du Sud’s quality are merged in this collection, which mixes the latest trends in terms of interior design with classical shapes and sustainable materials. The coffee and dining tables are all designed with a C-shape and are made of oak. The tables are customizable to fit anybody’s preferences and necessities: it is possible for the client to choose the type of oak, the color, and the edge finish. The tables come in three different sizes and twelve colors the customer can choose from. Dining tables are priced starting from €3,250, while the coffee tables start from €1,360. The collection is available online and in Table du Sud showrooms from June 29, 2023.
www.tabledusud.nl
Fashion
EBEL Launches the Sport Classic Luscious Red
The functional retro design of the Ebel Sport Classic is now made into two new editions in luscious red. The new models have launched in April 2023, of which one is a limited edition. The Ebel Sport Classic is a versatile model that can be worn both elegantly and sportily and perfectly embodies the brand’s passion for innovation and excellence in watch design. With these new models, the brand reiterates its connection with tennis, which first took place in the 1980s through a collaboration with great tennis players of the time. The new classic editions feature a luscious red dial in EBEL’s iconic hexagonal shape with rhodium-plated Roman numerals. Attention to detail is a defining feature of the brand, and it is noticeable in the Sport Classic model in the retro touches added to its design, such as the brushed and polished stainless steel detailing. The limited edition also displays a net motif on the dial and is only available in 50 pieces. The bracelet is comfortable, with the brand’s signature curved wave links and folding clasp. EBEL’s Sport Classic Lady Tennis models are the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, targeted toward women leading active lives. EBEL is also an official partner of the Ladies Open Lausanne, the Bad Homburg Open, the ELLE Spirit Open Montreux, and the Hamburg European Open 2023.
www.ebel.com
Fashion
“Get Ready for Cozy Season” with OCCHIO’s New Lighting
At the heart of OCCHIO’s brand is the “joy of use” of its innovative products and a desire to instill a new culture of light. The company, born in 1999 thanks to Axel Meise, aims to design living spaces through lighting, making it possible to adapt rooms to every situation. The German brand has been a leader in the luxury lifestyle sector for more than 20 years, and it has now come out with a collection of lighting products tailored for the colder season. With the weather getting colder, it is natural to want to feel more comfortable in one’s home. OCCHIO’s lighting aims to deliver that cozy feeling and feel-good atmosphere through lights that can be adjusted to different moods and situations. The collection creates cozy light zones for reading, eating, or relaxing during the colder months. The Gioia lighting series, which has received this year's IF Design Award, is versatile and adaptable to every situation. It can be combined with the Gioia Lettura for a comfortable and enhanced reading experience, with the possibility of adjusting the direction and light intensity. The unique flexibility of the Gioia allows it to turn 360°. OCCHIO’s classic reading lighting, the Sento Lettura, allows for coziness and concentration while reading through an adaptable arm available in two lengths.
www.occhio.com
Fashion
The Gentlemen’s Crystals are Blood Red
Fashion, at its core, is a waltz choreographed by the different essences established by Maison’s different aesthetic codes and principles. This waltz, with a diverse range of silhouettes, energies, and colors characterizes the DNA of the Haute Couture House Dior. The Creative Director of Dior Men’s, Kim Jones, draws inspiration and pays homage to beloved iconographic elements in the grand world of Haute Couture, from the silhouettes of Yves Saint Laurent to the embroideries of Gianfranco Ferré; the cabochons of Monsieur Dior to the textures of Marc Bohan.
Garments are imbued with playful femininity, slim-fitting suits adorned with ephemeral crystals resembling a transitory rainbow, patterns that accentuate the personality of the individual wearing the garments, and accessories that deconstructed preconceived notions of the divine masculine.
Kim Jones orchestrates a flirtatious pairing between the expected practicality of male tailoring and pop excess; producing an infusion of a sense of crisp, playful modernity, practicality, and ease. A key look that stands out includes a silhouette constructed by the combination of an embellished baby pink button-down and an egg-white jacket paired with dynamic Bermuda shorts that imbues the look with luxurious androgyny. The neon yellow handbag that accompanies the look contrasts the atmosphere curated– the artistic vision of Jones oozes from the holes of the garments, the pores of the models, and the fingers of the artists who have threaded the art on display into a whole.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Etro’s Allegories
While visiting his hometown in the city of Messina, Etro’s Creative Director Marco de Vincenzo wandered into an old bookstore and stumbled upon a copy of Cesare Ripa’s Iconology: a seventeenth-century repertoire filled with allegorical images depicting virtues, values, and vices. Upon a superficial glance, the allegories appear as relics of another time, yet deeper consideration reveals strong ties and communicative powers in relation to the present moment. Allegories use figuration to express concepts, messages, and stories without the bounds of one language. Aren’t our memes, GIFs, and TikTok simply a modern form of allowing images to say something else, and communicating in non-verbal ways?
The SS24 Etro collection was born from this intuitive, deliberately non-scientific idea: isn’t the act of putting together an outfit, also, an allegorical deed with the power to express and communicate through making an image? Allegoric images of Augurio Buono, Bellezza, Eternità, Lussuria, and Tenacità pop up in prints or jacquards along with playful glittery touches. Rhythmic patterns that can be mixed and matched move in a life of their own in flowing silhouettes that barely touch the body. Blazers, bermudas, jumpsuits, fuzzy jumpers, football tops, long cardigans, and thick blankets that turn into coats allow for ease of inspiration in telling a story through styling. The SS24 runway also featured the debut of Etro’s latest eyewear collection in partnership with Safilo, portraying the charm of the ancient Pegaso. Ultimately, fashion is symbolism, a metaphorical expression of our human experience through the guise of clothing, accessorizing, and styling. Fashion is ultimately, day by day, an allegory.
www.etro.com
Fashion
Santoni Souvenir
The earth has many shades, each landscape with its own deep essence and story to be discovered. Santoni hones in on the story of the Marche region, rich in the rural countryside and expanses of wheat fields lined with limestone cliffs and sandy coves. Their SS24 collection is a journey, a story that guides sophisticated, traditional craftsmanship into a contemporary perspective where materials, shapes, and colors exist in a perfect alchemy.
The collection begins with its workmanship, creatively rooted in ancient manual traditions that grant fluid forms and unexpected details. Santoni’s formal shoe lines are predominantly guided by original classicism and technical virtuosity, with iconic special lacing, perfectly pure lines, and poetic ton-sur-ton engravings. The new Figaro model, classic loafers, and the Andrea moccasin are proposed each in a selection of material and color treatments for every occasion. Clean shapes with unique details form the timeless casual and sneakers lines. The DBS Olympic takes a slightly retro shape and flavor with contrasting colors, the Sneak-Air variants are offered in new colors, while the Double Buckle Sneaker is dressed in classic calfskin.
Shoes throughout the collection, as well as the extensive collection of accessories and leather goods, are imprinted with a deep connection to the Marche region. Cantalupo, Vela, and Centofinestre are three sophisticated graphics that capture the memories of every step of the journey through the landscape. Nature-inspired hues tie into this fil rouge, rounding off a true homage to the Satoni Souvenir of the season.
www.santonishoes.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Ten c
The Italian brand Ten c focuses its attention on technical fabrics. Its unique and iconic fabric, the OJJ – Original Japanese Jersey is for the first time created in lighter tones such as light blue and pink in the Men’s SS24 collection.The inspiration for the shades of the year-round sweatshirts and jerseys is taken from the reflection of the light over the Berici Hills of Vicenza, where the photoshoot of the collection was filmed.
The Laminated RIP-Stop and the ultralight sanded nylon with a cotton hand are among SS24’s novelty in Ten c’s menswear collection. The pieces take inspiration from the British navy and army, and have been designed with the purpose of creating a total look. The OJJ is mixed in the clothing of the new collection with the new material, thus maintaining it as the iconic material of Ten c; at the same time, it becomes a visual symbol of the brand through external hot-stamping applications. The OJJ remains the focal point of the collection, with sweatshirts dyed in the light hues that characterize the collection and a new Japanese model reminiscent of American varsity sweatshirts. In the men’s SS24 collection, Ten c maintains its technical style proposing it in different, lighter tones.
www.tenc.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week– Prada
Prada’s SS24 menswear show during Milan Fashion Week unveiled Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’ new collection, Fluid Form. At the very core of the collection is an exploration of fluid architecture and the human body: a realization of bodily liberation and awareness through the silhouette and materiality of garments. Simplicity and fluidity permeate throughout. The structure and details of a shirt are borrowed to transform and reconstruct staple menswear pieces; leather bags take on a striking softness; headbands and eyewear are crafted to appear as if capturing fragments of motion. Purpose and function are reimagined as well, transitioning from expansion to elaboration. Utilitarian pockets leave behind their conventional use to become decorative devices, while the floral print is animated through applications of corsages and fringe. Silhouettes are intended to surprise us: while borrowing their lines from masculine suiting, their structure carries an intrinsic flexibility. The showspace, the Deposito of the Fondazione Prada, adds another layer to the concept of fluidity with abstract walls that form an ever-shifting enfilade. Prada’s SS24 menswear collection speaks to humanity’s underlying qualities of life, to its natural state. A state characterized by its inherent dynamic movement and constant transformation: fluidity.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Keepall and Keep Dancing
J-Hope is much more than a triple threat, he is the South Korean rapper-singer-songwriter and music producer as well as the lead dancer of the world-renowned K-Pop band BTS. In February of 2023, Louis Vuitton was pleased to announce this 21-st century icon as a House Ambassador.
J-Hope now becomes the face of the latest Louis Vuitton campaign, a series of stills featuring the iconic Louis Vuitton Keepall, an extremely coveted item from their leather goods range since the 1930s. J-Hopes charm and suaveness radiate in the images, where he is caught mid-action in dynamic, dance-like movements that reference his strengths in choreography that are adored worldwide. He is dressed in monochrome, tailored looks, with the Keepall in hand like an extension of his body.
The Keepall is a versatile, elegant travel bag; the perfect cabin-size companion for carrying all travel essentials for anywhere from romantic weekend getaways to far-flung adventures. Its hard, roomy, rounded shape is crafted with Louis Vuitton excellence and built to last. It has received a wide array of material and color treatments, including several exclusive artistic collaborations through the years from Yayoi Kusama, and Takashi Murakami to Supreme and Stephen Sprouse. The Keepall is woven into the Louis Vuitton DNA and delivers endless future possibilities of both style and adventure. The Keepall campaign featuring J-Hope will run on Louis Vuitton digital and social channels from the 14th of June.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Gateway from Paris to India
Dior’s Fall 2023 collection, dreamed up by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri, was a poetic marriage of Dior’s fundamentally Parisian elegance with the dazzling splendors and savior-faire of India. In an unprecedented new documentary, an exclusive take on the behind-the-scenes story of the collection reveals every stage of the collection’s genesis. Through the collection and the documentary, Chiuri wished to highlight her inspiring collaboration and relationship with experts and artisans from India, and in general, the integral role that India has in the system of fashion. Over many years she has forged an unwavering friendship with Karishma Swali, the head of the Chanakya Ateliers and the Chanakya School of Craft, which champions the inclusion of women into the competitive and traditionally male domain of fashion creation. The documentary reveals an intimate perspective from Dior’s cross-cultural inspirations and history to captivating dialogues with artisanal masters of silk and embroidery, right up to the debut of the collection last March on the runway in Mumbai. The resulting pieces, including shantung silk saris and tunics and the Christian Dior “bar” jacket reimagined with a Nehru collar, were elevated to a level that could only be achieved through the collaboration and deep respect between Indian artisans and the French house. From their practical wearability down to the most intricate details in the design, the collection reflects outstanding expertise and a fascinating imagination, which can now be discovered on YouTube.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Journey into the Unknown of LV
Louis Vuitton is embarking on a new voyage of creation with Web.3, where the physical and digital are seamlessly woven into one material for the Maison to create, dream and craft the exceptional. A material designed to unlock a new form of travel and a renewed sense of wonder for the brand and its clients.
The voyage will begin with a key, dropped several weeks after the Digital Trunk itself, unlocking digital collectibles. An ongoing series of digital keys available to owners of the trunk will follow, each with its own digital collectible that will pair with exclusive access to physical counterparts. The result is a never-before-seen shopping journey inviting the most loyal clients of the Maison to wonder and wander a step deeper into the universe of Louis Vuitton. From dissecting clues of what’s to come; to creating new connections with like-minded innovators, expanding their horizons, and sharing collectibles with their own communities, the world of VIA will renew the bounds of shopping as we know them. Louis Vuitton’s first digital trunk, the VIA Treasure Trunk, is available from the 8th of June in the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia on Maison’s website.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Your New Milano and Tokio
The latest venture of the high fashion brand Dior is a brand-new Beach Capsule made in collaboration with the legendary footwear pioneer Birkenstock. Kim Jones, Artist Director of Dior Men, and Birkenstock together are a force to be reckoned with, this second collaboration revolves around the reinvention of two iconic models from the famous footwear brand.
Embodying function and quality, the German brand creates unique shoes – both in form and practicality – to support walking as nature intended, drawing from a heritage that can be traced back to 1774. The journey of the brand, however, can be traced back to Konrad Birkenstock’s orthopedically designed footwear journey in 1897.
The Milano launched in 1965, was designed as an outdoor sandal for active people and nature lovers, whereas the Tokio appeared in 1987 as a protective accessory for walking and professions requiring a lot of standing. Both of the collaboration’s suede models are dressed in the season’s hues, namely pastel shades of yellow, khaki, and green. The models combine summery elegance and practicality with ease, providing irrefutable comfort and support embellished by rubber details and industrial buckles– meant to reflect the bright rays of the sweltering summer sun. The aesthetic product is a love child between the aesthetic codes of both brands: Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped orthopedic cork footbed is lined with smooth leather, while the outsole combines the Dior Oblique pattern with the German brand’s signature Bones graphic.
www.dior.com
www.birkenstock.com
Fashion
A Solid Footing
The leading brand in performance-supporting shoes, Adidas has come together with the luxury brand Prada to create their first-ever Joint Football Boot Collection. This iconic beginning of a new story recodes iconic Adidas silos through Prada’s Linea Rossa. The power of the Football for Prada collection rests on the individual mastery of both of the brands, the high-performance football technologies unique to Adidas, and the elegant aesthetic vision of Prada’s Linea Rossa.
The collection reimagines the three leading Adidas products - the Predator Accuracy, the Copa Pure, and the X Crazyfast. Creating design cohesion across the pack, all footwear has a lining and upper expertly crafted with the finest leather - using the material in fresh ways for Adidas in football - the bold red iconography of Linea Rossa, and a clean mono-color base of black, white and silver. The sleek silhouette of the boots extends the limbs of the athletes, providing immense support for maximizing performance whilst imbuing the athlete in the light of aesthetic mastery and understanding.
All of the reimagined boots share the triangle spikes that increase traction during a game and represent the Prada codes embedded into the brand’s DNA. Merging art and sport, high-performance with elegance and luxury, the Football for Prada collection will be available in limited numbers via the Adidas CONFIRMED App from the 22nd – 25th May 2023, as well as prada.com and selected Prada stores from the 25th of May, 2023.
www.adidas.com
www.prada.com
Fashion
A Higher Standard of Luxury for Golf
Loro Piana, the Maison known for its distinctive understated elegance and celebration of Italian excellence, has announced that they will once again collaborate with Team Europe for the Ryder Cup, Golf’s greatest team contest. The greatest team contest in Golf will be held at the “Marco Simone Golf & Country Club” in Rome from September 25th to October 1st.
Loro Piana will dress the athletes and their entourages for all the official events, inspiring players through the highest standard of clothing and the savoir-faire that has been the Maison’s hallmark for six generations. Through meticulous design and craftsmanship, the garments will be functional and comfortable, without cutting short on style and elegance. Loro Piana used 3D technology to stimulate the clothing’s reaction to the fine movements of golf, guaranteeing ease of movement for each and every swing.
Six looks especially designed by the Maison will include a short-sleeved polo, a high-neck shirt with a zipper, a waterproof vest, and classic tailored trousers. The technical materials of each have been chosen for maximum softness and stretch, as well as for special features that enhance ergonomic performance to guarantee unparalleled wearability. In addition, a selection of the Team Europe uniforms, collectors’ items, complete with the Team Europe and the players logos, will be available in the Maison’s boutique in Rome exclusively during the competition for golf lovers to experience the wardrobe for themselves.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Longchamp’s Fantastical Cultivation
The legendary French leather goods brand, Longchamp, has reopened the doors of its Cologne boutique, Domkloster 2. Joining the rest of the brand’s stores around Germany, the Cologne boutique highlights the genius of the RISE concept. The interior of the boutique is as meticulously thought out as everything else the brand creates. Every room spanning the two floors of the boutique is embellished uniquely to cultivate a special ambiance. As you step in, your eyes are immediately pulled toward the standing desk situated in the reception area – modeled after the authentic workshop table – and the most important pieces that are showcased on the bookshelf. The latest pieces are paired with their transcendent aesthetic companions such as books, pictures, and decorative items. Every detail is thought out and the entire layout is pulled smoothly by the aesthetic values of the house, present in every small corner of the boutique.
The reopening of this stylish and elegant boutique was celebrated on the 10th of May by customers and friends of the house. As the doors of the store opened to allow guests to experience the RISE concept in close proximity, the Parisian atmosphere transported the guests into the heart of Longchamp set in limbo between the present and the future. Good food and DJane were the puzzle pieces that perfected the night of celebration. The highlight of the evening was the raffle for a box-trot bag towards the end of the event.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Channels Squid-Games in South Korea
Submerged in the watery illusions of blue and orange light, Louis Vuitton took over the Jamsugyo Bridge in Maison’s first Prefall show in South Korea. The living monument atop the Hangang river is the perfect allegory for Louis Vuitton’s Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière’s vision of the Prefall 23 collection. The Director of “Squid Game” Hwang Dong-hyuk helped build the scenography for the show, based on the symbolism and cultural significance of the bridge.
The Prefall 23 collection is a tale of to and fro, communicating the never-ending evolution of Louis Vuitton: from Gangnam to Gangbuk, from the West to the East, from K Maison’s origins to its modern philosophies. Louis Vuitton essentials take on new features in a diplomatic journey as they are transformed from one shore of imagination to the other.
As the audience huddled together in the stormy weather, the models walked through the night's rain unbothered with windswept hair. HoYeon Jung, the “Squid Game” star and Louis Vuitton brand ambassador was first on the catwalk in a bright blue windbreaker and studded leather A-line skirt. The looks, highlighting the brand's most recognizable silhouettes and elements from recent collections, celebrated French style with a sci-fi twist. Windbreakers and halter neck jumpsuits in bright primary colors reminiscent of the K-thriller were paired with chunky boots, oversized outerwear and belts with supersized buckles. The final looks took a Bohemian turn with maxi skirts and floor length dresses featuring stripes and floral prints.
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
Ruinart & Eva Jospin’s Special Night
On April 26th, 2023, the Amtsalon in Berlin was the special setting for the opening of a spectacular pop-up. Every year Ruinart chooses an artist to collaborate with, and, this year, French artist Eva Jospin was given carte blanche. 150 guests celebrated the opening of the Ruinart Maison 1729 in Berlin-Charlottenburg, transporting Reims, the home of Ruinart, to Berlin. During the event, all eyes were on Eva Jospin. The sculptor created a unique installation for Ruinart, titled Promenade(s) en Champagne. Stimulated by the richness and history of the Maison and the Champagne terroir, the exhibition displayed Jospin’s intricate mineral and vegetal landscapes, including a collection of drawings, sculptures, and embroideries. In addition to the Art Gallery, a multi-sensory journey through the Maison 1729 amused the guests. Award-wining Chef of Cuisine Sophia Rudolph of the Lovis Restaurant in Berlin provided culinary highlights with her exquisite Food for Art delicacies, inspired by Jospin’s artwork for Ruinart. The Peruvian Berliner-by-choice DJane Alessandra Denegri provided musical entertainment. The guests of the opening night – including, among others, Christiane Paul, Caro Cult, Ruby O. Fee, Marie von den Benken, and Melissa Khalaj – were left in awe of Jospin’s remarkable creativity and skill. The event and collaboration are a testament to Ruinart’s ability to craft a refined and sophisticated ambiance.
From April 27th to May 2nd, 2023, visitors can immerse themselves in the magical world of the champagne house. Enjoyment of art, culinary delights, and champagne are guaranteed.
www.ruinart.com
Fashion
C.P. Company SEED
Intense fabric research and innovation are not new to C.P. Company, which has pioneered garment dyeing techniques and the hybridization of functionality with connoisseur textile production. In SS23, the Italian brand takes this one step further with SEED, an ongoing program with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of garment making. A laboratory of trials focuses on how new clothes can be produced and designed with the goal of shortening the production chain, eliminating waste and circular manufacturing. The project's goals are embodied in its crossed man symbol, a reminder that progress can only be achieved through trial and error.
C.P. Company is proud to introduce the two SEED capsule collections, offering a selection of iconic designs such as the Eco-Chrome Goggle Jacket and the Tela Ortica Overshirt reimagined and crafted out of their latest experimentations.
SEED 1 explores the use of local natural fibers coming from plants that grow almost uncontrollably, making them a renewable and reliable resource. Nettle, hemp, and other ancient natural fibers are spun into yarn and woven into a strong and stiff fabric reminiscent of linen. The yarns blend smoothly with other fibers such as premium cotton, softening and increasing longevity as desired.
SEED 2 gives a new life to wasteful and polluting materials. In experimentation with Eco-Chrome, an improved version of the fabric that uses Econyl regenerated nylon, C.P. Company offers a capsule created by upcycling fishing nets and mixing recycled fleece with organic cotton.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Valentino Vintage 2023: Archival Fashion as a Tool for Future Creativity
Valentino Vintage, the Maison’s unique second-hand initiative first launched in 2021, returns once again with its alternative shopping experience, placing value onto a more circular fashion model as it expands its universe through many historical layers of the past. The project indulges the global community to bring to selected vintage stores their preloved Valentino garments and exchange the items with the option to buy new Valentino designs.
Starting on April 18th, 2023, the seven vintage stores (Milan, Paris, London, Los Angeles, New York, Seoul, and Tokyo) will experience a shared temporality with a Valentino take over. Each boutique – carefully chosen for its distinctive identity and curated collection, representative of the respective city’s local culture – fully takes on the Maison’s DNA with a unique Valentino Vintage display. Madame Pauline in Milan evokes the feeling of sitting in a mid-20th C apartment, while the timeless and tasteful Janemarch Maison in Seoul is curated by Creative Director Jung Jae Ok as a French-style boutique. This year, Valentino also established an international creative partnership with 1 Granary, a London-based education and incubator platform that invited their student community and seven fashion, design and art schools to join the initiative in all selected cities. This one-of-a-kind project invites the next generation of creative talent into Valentino Vintage’s multidimensional world by fostering engagement initiatives and connections with professionals, and offering resources to empower their talent and creative vision. Marking a new direction, the initiative grants the preservation and transmission of Valentino heritage, know-how, extraordinary handmade workmanship and mastery.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Mullberry and Axel Arigato’s Capsule Collaboration
Axel Arigato and Mulberry have joined forces to create a limited-edition, wear-forever capsule collection. The unisex garments, bags, footwear, and accessories exemplify a harmony between the brands' respective values of Scandinavian minimalism and the timeless British aesthetic. The starting point of the collection was an exploration into the Mulberry archives, giving rise to 35 pieces that celebrate iconic moments in pop culture over the last 50 years, particularly in Britain.
Three archive Mulberry bag designs are reintroduced in a selection of colorways including Axel Arigato’s signature emerald green and azure blue, as well as a classic, elegant black. Axel Arigato’s Area Sneaker, inspired by vintage baseball references, are offered in the same green and blue colorways, adorned with Mulberry’s iconic Postman’s lock and a custom strap. In addition, a white and gum edition of the sneaker is decorated with Mulberry’s tree emblem.
A split-color spin using refined and sophisticated neutral tones is seen on trench coats, embroidered varsity jackets and baseball caps. On some items, the brands’ individual logos are seen beside each other while on others, Mulberry’s tree emblem and Axel Arigato’s insignia are married into a crest.
The collection reflects the collaborative and communal spirit between the brands, adhering to their environmentally conscious production values. All the bags are produced with environmentally accredited leather at Mulberry’s own carbon neutral factories in the UK, and the footwear is made in Portugal with polyester crafter from recycled PET bottles. Furthermore, all the cotton throughout the collection is Global Organic Textile certified.
www.mulberry.com
www.axelarigato.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton: A Journey Beyond Time
Described as a journey beyond time, the Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton is not simply a watch but a powerful storytelling tool. Encased in the watch is a tale about Louis Vuitton itself: a house with a profound commitment to craftsmanship, the finest quality, and a smooth mixture of style and innovation – all culminating in unique designs.
We begin by entering the miniature world of the mechanical watch movement. The self-winding mechanical skeleton manufacture movement is meant to showcase the watch’s design and mechanics. Louis Vuitton moves away from mere functional mechanics and, instead, moves towards structural components that embody the house’s essence by transforming stationary elements into engineered forms of dynamic beauty. The LV60 caliber, designed and developed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, is the horological equivalent of contemporary architecture. The caliber is equipped with a tungsten micro-rotor, positioned off-center to maximize visibility and decorated with a white gold rhodium plated plate. The barrel ratchet wheel has been open-worked to spell “Louis Vuitton”. The watch’s case, with satin-finished sides and a polished top, sapphire glass, is crafted from platinum, a rare, dense and valuable alloy. It is therefore most remarkable that the case’s front combines sweeping curves and contrasting surface finishes, a challenge for those working with platinum. The watch also comes with two strap options, a navy blue, alligator leather strap or a taurillon leather strap. The Voyager Skeleton is available in an exclusive edition, limited to 150 pieces that carry on Louis Vuitton’s technical expertise and attention to detail.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Loewe’s Reality Glitch
Your eyes are not playing tricks on you, this is Loewe’s SS23 pixelated capsule collection. Loewe reimagined casual staples in their women’s ready to wear and accessories, making them into a real-world glitch.
First debuting on the Paris SS23 runway, the capsule includes everything in pixel form, from a technical knit hoodie and T-shirt to Duchesse silk satin trousers and denim staples. The 2-D look of the technical hoodie and T-shirt is achieved with polypropylene, cut with a sharply jagged edge around a black outline. The hoodie has a functional kangaroo pocket on its front. The other garments feature a textured block print that complements the natural shadows of the human form. The denim pieces - jeans, a jacket, and a miniskirt - round off the collection.
The Puzzle Bag, which was the first bag designed for the brand by its creative director Jonathan Anderson, joins the collection with its own pixelated makeover. The bag is usually offered in a single shade, but now its supple calfskin leather is decorated with a black, grey, blue, and white pixel design that complements its geometric shape. All the pieces will be packaged in limited designed bags and boxes that fit the theme seamlessly.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
This is You in Tiffany
The essence of Tiffany jewelry is about the way one chooses to wear it. The “This is Tiffany” campaign is a celebration of this message, an homage to individual style and the power of expressing one’s true self. In their latest campaign, Tiffany & Co. elevates the Tiffany T and the Tiffany HardWear collections by allowing their ambassadors Zoë Kravitz, Jimin, and Gal Gadot to fit the pieces to their personal styles.
Both collections are defined by the fine craftsmanship of the luxury jeweler with hand-polished finishes, sleek silhouettes, and striking pave diamonds. The Tiffany T collection is a classic and simple tribute to the strength of the Tiffany name, instantly recognizable, just like the House’s logo. The Tiffany HardWear collection is inspired by the energy and architecture of the House’s birthplace, New York City, crafted with gauge links that have allowed the collection to triumph as one of Tiffany’s signature collections. This year, a new watch design joins the collection, with a cushion shaped case and Sapphire top glass resembling a full-cut diamond.
Both collections exemplify Tiffany’s commitment to superlative quality, elegance, and sophistication. The 2023 “This is Tiffany” campaign offers a full range from subtle to subversive jewelry that provides an option fit for anyone to express their unapologetic personal style.
www.tiffany.com
Fashion
W&W Rolex: Icons in the Making
A perfect combination of style and functionality, and a perpetual pursuit of excellence set apart Rolex’s new watches unveiled during this year’s Watches & Wonders. From questioning and perfecting every detail, method and component to its capacity to reinvent while preserving a sense of continuity and tradition, Rolex’s creative vision is one of meticulous attention to detail.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytone is an icon defying time. Rolex’s new adjustments, such as a new balance for the dial graphics and the renewed caliber 4131, ensure the continuation of this legendary watch. A true epitome of Rolex’s commitment to excellence, the Perpetual 1908 is elegant, classic and contemporary with a harmonious interplay between scintillation and reflection. Ideal for the sportsperson is the light and robust Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42, whose case and bracelet are crafted using RLX titanium. With its two time zones and its annual Saros calendar, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller is one for the travelers seeking comfort. The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is now available in two new versions and an entirely new color combination, while the Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40 is expanded on with the introduction of a new, 40 mm model. The Oyster Perpetual’s new lacquered dial in 31 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm is an explosion of color and liveliness. A variety of Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watches now come with dials decorated with stones in shimmering tones that evoke the atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast. Truly, Rolex’s novelties are bound to become icons.
www.rolex.com
Fashion
30 Years of the Royal Oak Offshore
The Royal Oak Offshore model was first launched in 1993, causing an even greater sensation than the launch of the original Royal Oak 20 years prior. The watch’s virile aesthetics, complete with oversized proportions and an enlarged rubber seal, earned it the nickname “The Beast”.
In a stand-alone collection, the Royal Oak Offshore represents the pioneering design and technical innovation of Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet. Inspired by offshore racing and the unapologetic creativity of the 1980’s, the Royal Oak Offshore was designed by Emmanuel Gueit. The model was quick to be embraced by the young and adventurous, as well as various communities of extreme sports. Exuding powerful and dominant energy, thanks to its 42mm diameter and sturdy design, the chronograph became an icon of the millennium.
Marking its 30th anniversary, the Royal Oak Offshore is relaunched, master-crafted from black ceramic and punctuated with yellow details with an ultra-contemporary design and innovations in ergonomics and materials. It pays tribute to the Royal Oak Offshore “End of Days” limited-edition collaboration with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1999, which ushered in a succession of limited-edition designs with numerous multidisciplinary celebrities. Only 500 pieces of the “End of Days” model were manufactured, and there will only be 500 pieces of the new Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph.
www.audemarspiguet.com
Art
The Revival of French Modernism
As a contribution to the PAD Paris 2023 design fair, Saint Laurent’s Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello partnered with several prestigious Parisian galleries to curate a tasteful selection of vintage furniture. The French Modernists Exhibition is dedicated to French Art Deco & Modernist design– centered around the work of Jean-Michel Frank, although designed almost a century ago the exhibition assuredly exhibits the modern and contemporary nature of Frank’s creations. Additionally, Vaccarello also included pieces by Jacques Adnet and Jean Després, expanding the realm of modernist artists appreciated.
The furniture expert Jean-Michel Frank basked in pre-war glory and spent his time decorating the homes of the intellectual and artistic elite. The minimalism highlighted by his designs gives them an edge- a transcendental quality concocted by the stripping of forms. His genius fell through the cracks of wartime, however, dealers, historians, and collectors from the ‘60s outlined his rediscovery as a masterful designer and artist. Yves Saint Laurent was a huge contributor to Frank’s rediscovery – the 2009 historical estate sale of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé transparently exhibits the passion for the works of Jean-Michel Frank, now one of the most expensive and sought-after artists.
The exhibition is riddled with the nuances of French modernism, tied together with the silk rope of minimalism. The materials used highlight the lines of the pieces- natural lines are highlighted with natural materials. Details resembling minuscule portions of our elusive world. This breathtaking exhibition will be on view from March 28th to April 24th at Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles.
www.saintlaurent.com
Fashion
W&W CHANEL: Into The Cosmos
For the 2023 edition of Watches & Wonders, CHANEL debuted its new timepieces created in its laboratory in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Inspired by science fiction, space and time travel, we accompany CHANEL on an intergalactic journey, traveling throughout the cosmos. Dreamed up by CHANEL’s Watch Creation Studio, the new Interstellar Capsule collection presents seven exclusive watches – including reinterpretations of some of the French Maison’s beloved designs.
The J12 watch is continuously reinvented without sacrificing its singularity. The new J12 Interstellar and J12 Cybernetic watch are no exception. The former carries an aventurine effect black glittery lacquered dial, while the latter is a graphic interpretation of the J12 watch that produces contrast, apparent in the black-lacquered dial with a matte white-varnished pixel motif. The designs align with the Maison’s stellar odyssey: the Première Lucy Star watch comes with a steel comet-shaped charm set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds, whereas the J12 Cosmic watch comes polished with rhodium-plated space-inspired stickers. Similarly, a black-lacquered dial with a rhodium-plated printed circuit motif set distinguishes the Boy·friend Cyberdata watch. In line with the collection’s theme, an 18K yellow gold, black ceramic and titanium robot-shaped case adorns the Première Robot watch. Lastly, the Code Coco Cybergold watch is fashioned with a golden quilted calfskin strap with black trim and black calfskin lining. As an ode to Gabrielle Chanel’s astrological sign, Leo, four new pieces, such as the Lion Astroclock and the lion-sculpted cuffs, launched alongside the new collection. The creations are now available in CHANEL boutiques around the globe.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Bulgari’s Latest Gem
Bulgari has announced the newest precious gem added to their family, Yifei Liu joins the Roman jewelry Maison as a Global Brand Ambassador.
Bulgari’s Chief Executive Officer Jean-Christophe Babin has put into words the excitement on the side of the Maison. They have found a talented and strong personality, who represents the values at Bulgari’s core. Yifei Liu’s extraordinary performances in film and TV drama have been well-acclaimed since the beginning of her career and have gained international recognition of the years. Notably, her numerous nominations for Best Actress in Disney's live-action film "Mulan” and for the Chinese TV series “Dream of Splendor” in recent years, the latter of which she won. She continuously exerts her talents in new domains and innovative professional challenges, refusing to stop at the astounding achievements she has made thus far.
Her glamorous style and strong, magnetic personality are perfectly in line with Bulgari’s audacious spirit, making this collaboration a brilliant fit. This was exemplified during the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Bulgari Serpenti, where she adorned jewelry from the Serpenti collection. In the campaign, she radiates with the same allure of the ancient sinuous serpent motif that wraps around her neck, and the power of the bright sapphire that centers her necklace, ring, and earrings. She has expressed her fondness of Bulgari’s design language, and its capability to express and empower the multi-faceted and audacious spirit of women. She looks forward to being a part of Bulgari’s future and their constant pursuit of excellence.
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Carlos Nazario to Carve A New Direction for Moose Knuckles
Effective immediately, Carlos Nazario has been announced as the new Global Artistic Director for Moose Knuckles, the Canadian sports- and outerwear brand. Moose Knuckles is devoted to creating luxurious clothing with ethically sourced materials and impeccable tailoring that can keep one warm from the city to the wildest voyages in the tundra.
A native to Queens, New York, Nazario is hailed as a key shaper of the modern fashion industry. He has left his mark, a provocative and creative force, on numerous magazine covers and luxury brands and has broken boundaries in his work with various world-famous talents. He is currently the Global Fashion Director at i-D.
From March 21st, 2023, Nazario joins the Moose Knuckles community, taking over the collection design, image content, brick and mortar presentation, and marketing/communication expressions across all channels. He has served as a stylist and guest creative consultant in their recent campaigns and is excited to reinvigorate the strong foundation of the brand. He has a clear vision, to introduce a new chapter that broadens and widens the scope of Moose Knuckles with innovations in product design and communication. Moose Knuckles and Nazario are ready to carve out new directions for the evolution of the brand, while staying true to its uncompromising craftsmanship, its highest quality creations, and its unequivocally irreverent nature.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
W&W Bulgari: A Night to Remember
On March 27th 2023, during the Watches & Wonders 2023 week, the shores of Lake Geneva set the scene for a thrilling celebration of Bulgari’s latest collection, Octo Roma. The event transported over 150 guests, friends, celebrities and journalists into a world of watchmaking excellence: an exciting peek into Bulgari’s aspirations to enrich this world. The Italian Maison’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, and the Managing Director, Antoine Pin, unveiled the new models at the heart of the location, altered to direct all focus to Bulgari’s iconic octagonal design. “First presented in 2012, the Octo symbolically opened a new decade last night, a new chapter in its history,” said the CEO. The collection’s celebration engendered a sense of marking time with style, partially on account of the presence of actors Alessandro Gassmann and Lucien Laviscount, “both proud to be among the first to wear the Octo Roma watch”. The event concluded with a performance – exclusively organized by Béjart Ballet Lausanne’s Artistic Director Gil Roman – to convey the versatility and status of the Octo Roma as a classic yet non-classic timepiece. Leaving the spectators in awe, three dancers moved with intensity during the eight-minute choreography, which included the watches themselves and showcased their eight-faceted case. Marking a radical breakthrough in the watch making community, the Octo has the ability to renew and strengthen its aesthetic signature, and includes a wide range of expressions. In a short period of time, this versatile and sophisticated status piece has become an epitome of a profoundly innovative and powerful Italian design.
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Woolrich Takes the Next Step for Environmentally Conscious Outwear with Brewed Protein™ Fiber
Woolrich is the oldest American outdoor clothing company, committed to creating products for any weather that last a lifetime, since its founding in 1830. In FW23, they take this oath to global environmental conservation to the next level with the latest innovations in material creation and technology. Woolrich has announced the new Woolrich Arctic Parka in collaboration with Japanese sport apparel manufacturer GOLDWIN will be made with Brewed Protein™ fibers.
Brewed Protein™ fiber is a structural protein material with an inspiring potential for alternative fabrics that are free from petroleum and animal products. The material gets its name from the way it is produced, a microbial fermentation that uses plant-derived sugars that is similar to the brewing of alcohol. Spiber Inc., the Japanese biotechnology venture company that jointly-developed Brewed Protein™ fibers with GOLDWIN thus provide a solution to reduce the microplastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the fashion industry.
In line with their shared goals of reducing the environmental burden of fashion and developing a more sustainable society, Woolrich and GOLDWIN offer the new Woolrich Arctic Parka. The garment has become an iconic staple winter jacket around the world since it was first created to serve the Alaskan Pipeline workers in 1972. In FW23, it will be available in physical and online stores in the US, EU, and Japan.
www.woolrich.com
Music
Depeche Mode and Hublot are back!
After five years, the legendary band return to the stage with The Memento Mori World Tour. Alongside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted band will be their official charity partner Hublot, supporting the sustainability of the tour and raising funds for The Conservation Collective, a global environmental charity.
Hublot and Depeche Mode first joined forces for the first time in 2010 based on their common philosophy: “be first, be different and be unique”. They find that their partnership has always felt natural, and they have collaborated numerous times for a range of different deeply important causes. Now, their shared goal focuses on sustainability, reducing waste and cleaning our environment. By supporting The Conservation Collective, they empower a network of local foundations and grass-roots initiatives who work tirelessly to protect and restore biodiversity and the environment.
Hublot’s CEO Ricardo Guadalupe describes how special the atmosphere is created by Depeche Mode in their live events, and how excited they are to transform their sound into a positive environmental change. Dave Gahan and Martine Gore of Depeche Mode devote a sincere thanks to Hublot for giving them the power to raise funds for The Conservation Collective and Live Nation’s Green Nation team who focus on sustainability-related initiatives on tour and at tour venues.
Depeche Mode released their 15th studio album, ‘Memento Mori’, on March 24th, 2023. Following, they began their tour in North America, and are set to continue to Europe in the summer, and back to North America in the Fall.
www.hublot.com
www.depechemode.com
Fashion
Bally SS23 Campaign: Villaseñor's Take on Modern Luxury
After welcoming Rhuigi Villaseñor as its new Creative Director in January 2022, Bally’s SS23 campaign is a tribute to his debut collection and future ambitions for the house. Villaseñor builds onto the Swiss brand’s 172-year rich heritage of craftsmanship and its longstanding relationship with art, architecture and the environment with his creative vision: an evocative and fresh play that conveys his interpretation of modern luxury. “I wanted to introduce a new visual language to Bally campaigns,” he explains, “a mix of bold sophistication and sensuality”.
Under Villaseñor’s direction, the SS23 campaign honors the power of nature that has always been at the heart of Bally. Photographed by Harley Weir and styled by Emmanuelle Alt, the models – including Vivienne Rohner, Kayako Higuchi, Nyakong Chan, Yeray Allgayer, Hong Seong Jun and Feranmi Ajetomobi – are captured in natural elements overlooking a windswept, rocky coastline. The ingenious use of the landscape produces a captivating outcome. An innate sense of confidence pervades, while a dichotomy arises. Sophisticated silhouettes with rich materials, such as velvet and snake-printed leather, lie in contrast with the rugged terrain. The vision is taken further as the light and shade of the water and saturated blue skies are used to amplify metallic leathers, golden-toned Bally emblem hardware, washed denim and cutaway forms. In continuation of Bally’s craftsmanship legacy, Villaseñor introduces a new category: jewelry geared to suit an energetic lifestyle.
The Creative Director elucidates his intentions to remodel Bally, and, under his direction, we impatiently wait to see what is next on his agenda.
www.bally.com
Fashion
Unboxing Valentino Around the World
Valentino’s SS23 collection, titled Unboxing, unfolds globally, celebrating the limitless diversity and complexity of fashion. Nine brilliant stylists with their own window displays infuse the collection with the stories of the city they create in. Supported by precision tailoring and fine differences in drapery and design, minimalistic and monochromatic clothes serve the true individuality of any wearer.
In New York, Law Roach connects to Valentino’s history with a deep totalizing red and the Valentino Toile Iconographe pattern. In London, Rebecca Corbin-Murray’s contrasts all-black with vibrant yellow blooming flowers to signify the unboxing of nature. Clement Lomellini takes Paris in a literal direction, creating a desire to tear off the wrapping paper behind which Valentino awaits. Lorenzo Posocco reflects the authentic fashion of the streets of Milan with a video installation. A paradox plays out in Dubai, where Anna Dello Russo color-blocks and accessories Mannequins in a profusion of Valentino Garavani feathers and fluff to create a fantasy world. Mix Wei in Shanghai infuses traditional Chinese culture into the collection’s quest for purity, honoring the essentials that make up the worlds of art. In Seoul, Geum Nam Hwang invites viewers into the puzzle of the Soma Cube, to search for and unbox their personal essence. In Tokyo, Masataka Hattori spreads the wings of earth-toned looks in an enclave that pays homage to the natural environment. The final window, styled by the duo Grandquist, transcends location with a digital display suspending mannequins in a world of intense red that epitomizes Valentino.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Prada’s Tenth Exclusive Timecapsule NFT Collection
On March 2nd 2023, Prada dropped its tenth limited-edition Timecapsule collection paired with a corresponding gifted NFT – titled INTERFERENZA OTTICA ART PRINT BY ENZO RAGAZZINI, 1969. Last year in June, the NFT initiative was put in place to expand on the Prada Timecapsule project, launched back in December 2019. Currently, Prada’s Timecapsule NFT is an online event that takes place on the first Thursday of every month. For 24 hours, a limited amount of 50 items are made available for purchase.
This month, the Timecapsule collection concludes Italian photographer Enzo Ragazzini’s print trilogy from his 1960s and 1970s archives. This edition’s shirt carries the final print of the three-part series – a print that was originally designed in 1969 for the Enzo Ragazzini exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London (ICA). The design was made with the optical interference technique, using mechanical devices of Enzo’s own invention. The “rotating plane” and the “rotating drum” – digitized in 2017 – are used for the shirt’s circular and horizontal patterns respectively. The shirt also features the Prada enameled triangle logo with “MARCH” transferred on the back of the item. Each shirt comes with its own gifted NFT – an invitation to join Prada’s exclusive Crypted NFT community. As each NFT series includes a serial number for the drop and another for the item, Timecapsule collection holders can match their physical product to the virtual one. As such, Prada continues to expand on its Web3 community with artistic ingenuity.
www.prada.com
Fashion
MFW - Bottega Veneta FW23 - Unfolding Endless Possibilities
Taking over as Creative Director, Matthieu Blazy has brought his ‘Italia’ trilogy of shows to an end with Bottega Veneta FW23. Showcasing his future ambitions for the house, Blazy continues to honor Italy’s history with craft in motion. An artistic vision expressed in the show’s theme: a parade. “The alchemy of the street is in the difference”, Blazy explains, “it is the surprise of the encounter that has importance”. Looking “at what makes people gather together in a place without hierarchy, where everyone is invited”, he debuts a versatile and relatable yet also elevated collection.
Past techniques, motifs, characters and creatures voyage through space and time to materialize in the present and future. Roman bronze runners and a Boccioni statue decorate the runway. The mythology of antiquity and Futuristic influences heavily inform the designs. Blazy’s parade is a place of joy, entertainment and endless possibilities – a place of priests and playboys, sleepwalkers and streetwalkers. Craft is reconfigured as innovation: cuts, fabrics and proportions take center stage. Shaved leather appears weightless, intricate silk hand embroideries are recreated and rearranged, cascading scales and ostrich-feathers decorate leather pieces and a fringed coat was woven in one piece rather than embroidered. Tailoring divides the figure: wide shoulders and pinched waists become a trend, while cuffs and collar create dimension. Transformed through cut, fantastic and chimerical creatures emerge as skirts allude to a mermaid’s fishtail. Representing a sheer variety of occasions across the 81 looks, Bottega Veneta’s all-inclusive collection has something for everyone.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
PFW - RICK OWNENS FW23 - Goth Goddesses
The Egyptian city of Luxor granted Rick Owens a creative stimulus for its FW23 women’s collection. This eye-catching and evocative ready-to-wear-line draws on the monumentalism, mystery and exoticism that permeates throughout the breathtaking ancient ruins, pyramids and deities of the city. Taking place at the Palais de Tokyo, the show encapsulates the spirit of goth goddesses and punk pharaohs as fog machines lead the way for models to start walking down the runway. Black stripes cover faces and black lenses cover eyes. Muted tones of lime green, art deco pink and bordeaux catch our attention in contrast to the predominant use of black. The human figure is almost unrecognizable: sleeves are prolonged down to the leg and voluminously inflated garments covered in matte black and pink sequins encircle the body. Ribbed knits made from GRS-certified recycled cashmere and indigo denim from Japan, which had been treated with mineral was and shredded by lasers produce amusing outcomes. Coats appear to be decomposing. Skirts, on one side, show the hip bone, while, on the other side, cloth trails behind them – conveying the impression of a mummy. Armor-like features are apparent in platform boots that rise over the knee and flowy capes. Sculpturesque jackets appear as if something was about to break free from their protruding shoulders. The designs sway from fantasy to reality, protection to vulnerability, to reveal an aesthetic yet realistic approach that recognizes both the beauty and harshness of the world. This is an all-around Rick Owens spectacle.
www.rickowens.com
Art
Traveling Affairs
This winter, NOMAD – a one-of-a-kind art and collectible design fair – begins an exhilarating journey with a multifaceted curatorial project, Artists in Flux, powered by Gucci. In accordance with NOMAD’s ambition to devise a unique platform where art, design and architecture can dialogue world-wide, this project explores travel culture through ideas of mobility and encounter.
Three internationally praised artists traveled with their Gucci luggage to hotel Grace la Margna in St. Moritz, where they presented their work from February 23rd - February 26th 2023 for the project’s first chapter. Concentrating on their artistic experiences and approaches, they also participated in a round table conversation organized by Monocle radio. The works of American artist Lola Montes Schnabel and Swiss artist Yves Scherer were displayed in parallel in the exhibitions organized by Nilafur and Golsa, while Nepalese artist Tsherin Sherpa collaborated with Mt. Refuge, a design studio at the front of Himalayan heritage. Schnabel’s recent work centers on tile paintings made from volcanic ash and clay from Mountain Etna in Sicily. Fluid lines and limpid forms allow her work to sway between figuration and abstraction. Scherer creates enveloping environments – narratives combined with fanfic and celebrity culture offer a romantic lens that transforms the viewer’s perception of the self, relationships and the everyday. Sherpa reconceives and reappropriates identities, symbols, colors and gestures in order to transcend their chronological and cultural limitations. His work is a scene of tension and continuous negotiation between tradition/modernity, sacred/secular and settlement/movement.
The collaboration’s resulting material will be available on NOMAD and Gucci networks.
www.nomad-circle.com
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani’s 10 Corso Como Collection
A deep exploration of one element synthesized by established details- Giorgio Armani’s 10 Corso Como Collection renovates the essence of the old west through slim and androgynous silhouettes. This second collaboration with 10 Corso Como showcases the “new Giorgio Armani” - pushing the limits of the possibility that coherence provides.
The entire collection is made of denim - the elusive intimacy that the intense blue of the unwashed denim tailored into thin, elongated forms and coupled with cognac-colored elements transforms the garments into an avante-garde expression of passion and persistence. The brand’s dedication to coherence is admirable - an established loyalty to the coarseness of denim opens the door for elegant details such as subtly formidable boots or belts to shine. A relationship between traditionally masculine and feminine tailoring allows the brand to play with harsh lines, denim ties, and structured garments to accentuate the feminine confidence and sexuality of the models.
The experience that Giorgio Armani curated includes Flavio Favelli’s Mobilia Essay- a 20-square-meter installation that entails luminous hangers and grand armchairs upholstered in rubber. Differing armchairs will be exhibited in Giorgio Armani’s boutique stores around the world. The 10 Corso Como Collection is an avante-garde praise of denim as a lucrative medium of creative expression.
www.armani.com
Fashion
MFW - Genetics: the legacy of house Gucci - FW23
Taking on the concept of genetics, Gucci highlights its intention to foreground the house’s legacy for its women’s FW23 collection. Describing itself as an “ecosystem of designers and artisans whose shared understanding of the house has passed down and evolved from creative to creative for over a century”, Gucci evokes a dialogue between past, present and future to honor the contribution of the visionaries that propelled the house and paved its future. In line with this vision, the house of Gucci is the focal point throughout the show: from cast and sound to scene and collection. In the Gucci Hub, elevators move the collection from building to runway – mirroring the creative process that traces its starting point, the archives, all the way to its final destination, the runway. A nostalgic attitude pervades the silhouettes, drawing on Gucci’s early 1990s and 2000s erotic form language and the 2010s energetic color palette. Voluminous shoulders and dropped necklines outline oversized wool or leather suits. Evening wear, such as the drop-waist skirt of a double-duchesse bustier dress, takes on the shape of a heart – a Gucci symbol. Colored visor sunglasses, which allude to a classic Gucci flacon, convert vision through Rush-tinted glasses. In honor of an iconic archival piece, the Jackie bag is softened in its composition and adapted in two-tone colors while keeping its original shape. The veneration of the old and a devotion to the new pays tribute to the creative culture and community found at the heart of Gucci’s legacy.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Fendi Women’s FW23
For Fendi’s womenswear FW23 collection, Kim Jones takes Delfina Delettrez Fendi as an inspirational starting point. Drawing on her instinctively chic and pervasive form of individual expression through her Fendi archive wardrobe, this Creative Director presents a collection marked by a nonchalance illusion and a lens of subtle subversion that explores classicism and elegance, and entertains with binary constructions. An admiration for DIY and a critical attention to deconstruction elevated the designs into luxurious pieces, capable of being worn in all manner of ways. Feminine sophistication is disrupted through the interpolation of gender stereotypes: masculine tailoring and fabrics are deviated from their traditional purpose to now compose feminine forms. A touch of sensual femininity is visible in intimate apparel occasionally peeking through, thigh-high lace-up boots and layered lace. A perfected and more chic punk style is apparent throughout the collection along with influences from Karl Lagerfeld’s 1981 sketches. Knitwear is cleanly slashed or carefully wrapped, ribbed knitted pieces are left unbuttoned or worn asymmetrically. Glances into the history and innate features of house Fendi are omnipresent. Jones draws on graphic motifs from the FW 1996 Fendi archives. The brand’s multipurpose sensibility is shown with Silvia Venturini Fendi’s introduction of the Fendi Origami. By design, this new handbag is two things in one – it transforms between two distinctive silhouettes. Silvia’s daughter, Delfina, shows off Fendi’s appreciation for duality with her jewelry designs – directly in line with the collection’s essence. Fendi’s ability to transform complexity into simplicity, purity and sophistication hints at the collection’s success.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
An Ode to Connectedness
On February 22nd of 2023, Tiffany & Co. hosted an exclusive dinner party in Berlin with the newly appointed ambassadors of the house, Ruby O. Fee and Matthias Schweighöfer, to celebrate the LOCK collection. Staying true to the brand’s desire to prioritize diversity and inclusion as well as positively impact the communities with which it works, this unisex collection follows the motto: “No rules. All are welcome.” The iconic jewelry pieces point to the power and importance of personal connections in our close environment, as they constitute who we are as individuals. LOCK resonates with Berlin, a diverse and busy city characterized by sharp contrasts, and a united metropolis where creativity and art flourish in ever new forms. Who better than one of Germany’s power couples to represent this collection? The event transpired during the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, where many friends of the house and beloved couple – including figures from the film, music and art industries – walked the carpet wearing Tiffany & Co.’s designs. Matthias combined a dark blue velvet suit with the Tiffany Lock Pendant in rose and white gold with diamonds and displayed various Tiffany Lock Bangle styles along with his girlfriend Ruby. The event commenced with an exclusive dinner at the iconic Schinkel Pavillon. Soon after, Anna Liset of Women of Style entertained the attendees – among which we find Yusra Mardini, Lea van Acken, Riccardo Simonetti and Jerry Hoffmann – with a DJ performance. Honoring the collection, the event embodied the celebration of friendship and of Tiffany’s innovative designs.
www.tiffany.com
Fashion
TUDOR becomes official Timekeeper of the Giro d'Italia
The world of competitive sports today has become more competitive than ever before. Through research, developments and optimization of training methods, the athletes’ performances are brought to a peak. Races are no longer decided by seconds, sometimes it’s merely fractions of a second which decide about winning or losing. The world of pro cycling is by no means an exception. One of the biggest happenings in the yearly cycling calendar is the Giro d’Italia which is considered to be one of the most prestigious and gruelling races in the world. In its 106th edition this year, riders from all across the world are once again chasing the maglia rosa, the Pink Jersey, handed to the overall winner of the tour. For the first time, TUDOR will now be the official timekeepers of the Giro d’Italia. But the Swiss watchmaker will not only be the timekeeper of the Giro d’Italia, but for all the RCS races which include classics such as Milan-San Remo or Il Lombardia. TUDOR and pro cycling have longstanding ties, as both are connected through the shared values of courage and team spirit as well as a constant striving for perfection. This is also embodied by the TUDOR Pro Cycling Team competing in races and tours all across the world. The Giro d’Italia will take place between May 6th, 2023 and May 28, 2023.
www.tudorwatch.com
Fashion
Rebirth of an Icon: The Lady 95.22
Building upon an immensely rich history, there is a special aura surrounding a Maison like Dior. Not only did the ateliers perfect their craft throughout the decades, but some of the leading creative minds of their respective eras were able to leave their imprint on the Maison, resulting in an archive which becomes a perpetual source of inspiration and an embodiment of the Maison’s DNA shaped over time. To honor this DNA, this unique heritage, Dior has now revisited one of its iconic bags, the Lady Dior, giving it a modern makeover and hence bridging the past and present. First introduced in 1995 and revived in 2022, both moments in time are reflected in the bag’s new name, The Lady 95.22. First introduced at the DIOR FW22/23 ready-to-wear show, the new icon is defined by its ultra-contemporary silhouette, with its architectural shape being enhanced by the emblematic macrocannage in combination with the new graphic maxicannage pattern. After this first unveiling on the runway, Chinese actress and Dior ambassador Dilraba Dilmurat is now shot with the iconic black leather bag. The resulting imagery isn't solely a prefect metamorphosis between the wearer and her bag, but an expression of the pure essence of Dior style, audacious yet elegant, an eternal source of inspiration and self-affirmation.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Instilling Womens' confidence
Since the beginning, women stood at the core of the Tory Burch empire, named after its founder. Tory Burch recognised a gap in the market, the overlooked, yet successful women seeking affordable quality with the timelessness of good taste. From the very beginning, her pieces resonated with these mid-career women who helped transform the brand into what it is today. The newest collection remains in line with the brand’s underlying philosophy and is a celebration of the strength of women, the power of femininity, motherhood and family. According to Tory herself the collection’s purpose is to empower women and to instil confidence. To put it in her own words, ‘Women don’t want to feel restricted, and they aren’t interested in rules. They want to dress for themselves and express their individuality.’ This is perfectly captured in the seasonal imagery starring Emily Ratajkowski and her son alongside Vittoria Ceretti and Ugbad Abdi set in the expansive, sun-drenched horizons of the Hollywood Hills. Styled by Brian Molloy and photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth. Throughout the captivating imagery, the three muses wear a selection of looks off the runway, showcasing the range and diversity within the collection. They also highlight the new standout accessories of the season, such as shoes, eyewear and watches, as well as the newest iterations of signature Tory Burch handbags.
The Spring 2023 collection is available in Tory Burch stores and selected retailers as well as online.
www.toryburch.com
Fashion
HUBLOT Ambassador Novak Djokovic wins Record-Breaking 10th Australian Open
What similarities do Swiss watchmaking company Hublot and living tennis legend Novak Djokovic share? Not only is the Serbian professional a Hublot brand ambassador, but both also share many values such as their relentless pursuit of excellence and performance. Whether it is on the tennis pitch or within Hublot’s fine watchmaking ateliers, each step needs to be perfect with each movement having been refined over and over again. During the past weekend, Djokovic confirmed his status as the most successful player in men’s tennis history with a record 10th Australian open and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam win. To congratulate its ambassador Novak Djokovic, also known as Nole, Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO, stated, “There’s no one like Nole! First, unique, different – and the most successful tennis player in men’s tennis history. What a player! On behalf of all your friends at Hublot, I want to congratulate Djokovic on an incredible tournament, on extending your record and on your 22nd Grand Slam. Wow! You are truly a unique athlete and we admire your dedication, generosity and will to win so much. You are an inspiration, and we are proud to call you not just a Hublot ambassador, but a friend. Good luck with the rest of the season!”
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Josephine Baker Lives On
Since her emergence on the stages of Paris in the early 1920s, Josephine Baker has been a cultural icon – a symbol concurrently of the glitz and glam, as well as the struggles that defined her time. Born in 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker eventually renounced her American citizenship after reaching instant success in a France that did not have the same degree of racial segregation as her home country at the time.
Baker was a showgirl, a siren; lauded for her sexuality, style and magnetism (one needs only see a photo of her in the iconic banana skirt to find this claim justified). At the same time and more importantly however, Baker was also an activist, a proud African-American woman and member of the NAACP, and even a part of the French Resistance during WWII, helping to smuggle information on the locations of Nazi soldiers via her music sheets.
For all her courage and style, and her fascinating story, it is no wonder that Maria Grazia Chiuri took Josephine Baker as the muse for her latest collection for the Dior Maison. Conflating fashion and politics is a feat the Creative Director has received much attention and praise for in her decade-long tenure at the Maison.
Paris is an apt location to premiere a collection devoted to the woman who lived and breathed Paris in the Jazz Age. The line designed by Chiuri is filled with references to the great Josephine Baker and the historic times in which she lived – Art Deco inspired headbands, flapper dresses, velvet dressing gown coats. The artwork featured prominently as the set of the show tells the story of other important African-American female figures of the 20th century, celebrating their accomplishments in their respective fields and their trailblazing contributions to society. HZ
www.dior.com
Fashion
The Passage of Time
The changing of the seasons, the passing of time. The cycle of life moves through the motions – like a river; always moving, never still. Stillness in movement, in change. The passage of time, of life and death, of renewal and mutability, have been themes that have absorbed artists and philosophers alike for centuries. Such was the inspiration behind Kim Jones’ latest collection for DIOR Men Winter 2023-2024.
In a release to the press, DIOR explains the river as a symbol of inspiration to the designer; ever-changing, a parallel to the constant flow of movement that is fashion. Jones has often been praised for his unique ability to pay tribute to the history of the iconic Maison whilst bringing in novel elements such as streetwear, striking a careful balance between the codes of the past and the ways of the present and future.
In this collection, Jones especially pays tribute to one of his predecessors, Yves Saint Laurent, who was the immediate and chosen successor to the father of the Maison, Christian Dior. The Spring/Summer Collection of 1958 is mainly drawn upon for inspiration, yet Jones brings in elements of himself and the time in which he lives to provide freshness and relevance. Mixing male and female elements, as well as a sense of modernity in the ease and practicality of the garments, Jones abides faithfully by the Maison’s mission to reinvent its codes in ways that fit to the lifestyle and agency of the modern wearer. HZ
www.dior.com
Fashion
Missonism
Missoni, the Italian family-owned fashion brand, boasts an over 60-year history of producing apparel that has become recognizable the world over. Known partly for its colorful zigzag patterns, partly for its cheeky sheer designs, and partly for a honed craftsmanship in high-quality knits, the brand grew from a small-town shop owned and run by the married couple, Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, to an international mega-brand.
Abiding by the qualities that propelled it to its world-famous status, the latest Missoni Men’s FW23 collection is a true exercise in ‘Missonism’ (as the brand calls it), intersecting shapes, patterns, colors, and ease of wear. Above all, the collection seeks to be transversal: to be worn in multiple different contexts. This is epitomized in the cardigan – a staple in the Missoni catalog – universally wearable, a quality that extends over the entire collection, in the form of windbreakers, coats and shirt-jackets. Loose silhouettes, designed to free the body and the wearer, are emboldened in the classic Missoni manner – through colorful patterning and creative textures. Effortless, cool, fun, comfortable: this is Missoni in its truest form.
www.missoni.com
Fashion
PRADA FW23 Menswear Collection
The Deposito of the Fondazione Prada is a sobering space, once the site of a gin distillery within a former industrial complex on the southern edge of Milan. Here, set against a cold stone scenery and towering columns, was where Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented their newest collection. The location is usually a site for art exhibitions, however doubled as a runway space in Prada’s most recent show for its Men’s FW23 collection. The barren background of the scene fit well to the concept of the new line: a crosscut between modernism – reductionist and sparing in its design – and comfort, bringing baggy and exaggerated silhouettes to an otherwise subtle and minimalist design style.
The “LET’S TALK ABOUT CLOTHES” collection is a testament to both designers’ personal tastes – Miuccia Prada’s penchant for subtle luxury meeting Raf Simons’ darker flair. Their past collaborations have similarly been marked by elements of futurism and modernism. The skeleton of this collection was a look to archetypal masculine silhouettes, rethought with notes of reductionism and comfort. Muted tones and colors added to this effect. The collection continuously reflected a sound awareness of contemporary styles and trends, with items such as the bomber jacket and the tote bag revisited and reformed in the codes of the Maison. HZ
www.prada.com
Fashion
Lady 95.22
The Dior Lady 95.22 is revisiting the iconic Lady bag, first released by the Maison of Dior in 1995; its name a reflection of its decade-long history. As the new replaces the old, the Lady 95.22 reinvents the original Lady with new lines and silhouettes. Its rounded silhouette and bold black design makes it a statement piece that nonetheless blends seamlessly into any outfit. Like its predecessor, the Lady 95.22 retains its signature pattern and textures in the form of the maxicannage pattern, an instant identifier. The two handles are dressed in leather and metal and embellished with Dior lucky charms. Leading the charge of the new Dior staple are three industry-leading women. World-renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is by now widely regarded as one of the most influential novelists and public speakers of this generation. For her work she has been distinguished with a MacArthur Fellowship, a National Book Critics Circle Award, and perhaps most importantly, the faithful following of a generation of young readers. Appearing next to Adichie in the current campaign are Anya-Taylor Joy, the award-winning young actress who found international recognition especially through her role as a chess grandmaster in the hit show ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, and Beatrice Borromeo, long-time Dior ambassador and political journalist. With such an impressive roster of representatives, the new Lady 95.22 embodies a pluralistic vision of femininity, painting a picture of grace, empowerment and style. HZ
www.dior.com
Fashion
Jackie, meet Dakota
A mainstay within Gucci, the Jackie handbag has been a popular favorite since its inception in 1961 among celebrities and civilians alike. Named after one of its biggest subscribers, Jackie Kennedy herself (archives within Gucci show the first lady clutching the bag on many, many occasions), the bag has since found its way onto the arms of many familiar faces over the years.
Most recently, actress Dakota Johnson has joined its ranks. The Jackie 1961 campaign is shot like a series of paparazzi portraits of the young actress moving through her daily life in L.A. This videographic style is not new to the Jackie bag’s legacy in the media. In fact, it is said that its renaming (priorly named the Fifties Constance) came about upon the Gucci family seeing a paparazzi shot of Jackie Kennedy with the bag.
Each outing in the campaign is paired with a different model of the inherently versatile Jackie bag, each version emblematic of a certain time and style. The bag maintains its characteristic silhouette in each iteration, with variations on everything from color to texture to patterning, lending the bag its adaptable personality. As far as designer ‘It’ bags go, the Gucci Jackie bag is unique in its long held position as a timeless favorite. HZ
www.gucci.com
Fashion
The Year of the Rabbit 2023
January 22nd, 2023 marks the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit in the lunar calendar. Traditionally, the sign of the Rabbit is associated with longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Starring Chinese actors such as Qi Xi and Shi Pengyuan, as well as athlete Zhao Lina, Burberry has unveiled a new campaign to celebrate the Year of the Water Rabbit 2023. The capsule collection features well-known, traditional Burberry motifs redesigned with playful elements to celebrate the Rabbit, such as the Thomas Burberry monogram with rabbit ears. These iterations abound throughout the collection on womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, leaping off the paper onto clothes, and from bags to silk scarves and other accessories. The campaign video (aptly named “Take A Leap”) is directed by Zika Liu and Sky, and shows each individual on a journey through open spaces, finding inspiration and energy from their surroundings. Burberry encourages the viewer to use the new year to a similar end, with the message “Dream Further. Take a Leap.” HZ
www.burberry.com
Fashion
radio.cubo 50°
Brionvega is a name that is synonymous with quality engineering and elegant design. Masters of such cult-design objects as the radiocubo or the radiofonografo, the Italian design house has recently shifted its focus toward revisiting and reinventing these timeless bestsellers. In time for Milan Design Week, the brand is unveiling the remake of the legendary radio.cubo TS502 designed by Richard Sapper and Marko Zanuso in the early 1960s.
The two designers, the German Sapper and the Italian Zanuso, were two true pioneers in the world of industrial and technological design. A masterpiece of the ‘Made in Italy’ label, the radio.cubo stands out as “the radio that changed the radio.” In its time, the radio.cubo was a fresh and fun take on a heretofore rather dull piece of technology. Since the 1960s it has become an icon of this design period, being exhibited in major museums such as various branches of the MoMa.
Like a cube sliced through the middle, the radio unfolds into two shells. Light, portable and playful, the radio.cubo was a rebel to the old-fashioned static radios that prioritized function over style. Now, Brionvega revisits the design icon of the 1960s with the radio.cubo 50°, with the latest generation Bluetooth technologies, in high definition, allowing you to stream your playlists directly. It is available in Orange and Yellow Sun, White Snow, Black Night and Red. As part of the rebirth of the radio.cubo, Brionvega also unveils a collaboration with Supreme, emblazoning the famous cube with Supreme’s iconic logo and red and white colors. HZ
www.brionvega.it
Fashion
Andiamo, Bottega Veneta!
"Andiamo!" The cry is familiar to anyone that has spent a bit of time in Bella Italia. "Let’s go!" "Come on!" An appeal, a cheer, a mobilization, the four-syllable word is wrought with energy; less spoken than it is sung, like all Italian.
Born in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy, to parents Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, the brand Bottega Veneta has since its inception retained a sharp focus on artisanal design and craftsmanship, focusing on the production of beautiful high-quality leather goods. 2001 marked a turn in the tide following a more unsuccessful chapter in the company’s history, with the acquisition by the Gucci Group and the crowning of new Creative Director Tomas Maier. Maier codified the essence of the brand as we know it today: refined and elegant, discreet yet recognizable. For Maier, a German Creative Director in a deeply Italian fashion house, sophisticated designs trumped the trends that were taking other major labels by storm in those days.
Since the beginning, Bottega Veneta has abided by a ‘non-branded philosophy’, refusing to take part in the logo craze that swept over the fashion industry in the 1990s and 2000s. Rather, the company focuses on artful design and leather craftsmanship, such as the brand’s famed “Intrecciato weave”. Today, Creative Director Matthieu Blazy has been commended for his ability to respect and evolve the codes of the house with a focus on strong tailoring and bold accessories.
The Andiamo Bag, designed by Matthieu Blazy for the Bottega Veneta Summer 23 Collection, is a strong example of the brand’s DNA. Wearable by all genders, the bag comes in three sizes and several colors and features the classic Intrecciato design, and an intricate golden knot detail on the woven straps. HZ
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Hublot's Carbon Rainbow
Aided by the newest innovations in digital and watch technology, Hublot is able to push to the borders of creativity and innovation. This is shown most recently in the newest and most colorful product on the market: the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5-Day Power Reserve in Rainbow 3D Carbon. It is the splashy sequel to the original MP-09 Model, released in 2017, but upgraded to be encased by a rainbow-themed 3D carbon case. The technology underlying the MP-09 is no less astonishing than its saturated exterior – the carbon case is assembled by threading countless thin bars of carbon into a woven pattern. It is milimeter work. What meets the eye as a seamless rainbow is more like an optical illusion, when one looks to the actual technology beneath. An impressive piece of craftsmanship, creativity and engineering.
It lies in the very DNA of the brand Hublot to explore uncharted territory in the art and craftsmanship of watchmaking. The “Art of Fusion” is how the brand itself conceptualizes it, a melding together of tradition, craftsmanship and innovation.
The Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5-Day Power Reserve in Rainbow 3D Carbon will be exhibited exclusively at the Hublot Loves Art event in Miami.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Canadian Winter Meets New York Street Style
“Not for you – for everyone” is a philosophy that lies at the heart of TELFAR, the New York based unisex fashion brand. Telfar Clements is the mastermind behind the brand, a queer Liberian-American designer, who became a success story during a pandemic that wreaked havoc on large swathes of the fashion industry. In the world of high fashion, Telfar has made a lasting impression with his emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. The relative accessibility of prices distinguishes the brand from large segments of the fashion industry, which explains in part its far-reaching popularity. Its cult-favorite, the TELFAR shopping bag, became somewhat of an “It bag”, coveted for its sleek design and rather egalitarian accessibility. Telfar applies himself to the subversion of traditional fashion expectations, from classism to gender binaries and beyond.
Moose Knuckles, Canadian luxury outerwear brand, has made a name for itself as an industry leader in producing high-quality, resilient garments. A 24-piece ready-to-wear collection marks the second collaboration between the two brands, “where Canadian technical innovation merges with unapologetic New York style designed for all.” The collection includes the classic weather-resistant Bomber jacket with a matching pair of pants, both trimmed in either fox fur or lamb shearling. Additional pieces all feature TELFAR quilted monogram and embroidery. Building upon the mania surrounding the TELFAR shopping bag, the collaboration also unveils a new shopping bag range. Moose Knuckles will also be engineering and manufacturing the debut TELFAR outerwear collection dropping this fall. HZ
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
LOEWE opens in Amsterdam
The brand LOEWE has found new ground in the Dutch capital. With a new location on the picturesque P.C. Hooftstraat, a shopping district that runs up to the city’s cultural center, Museumsplein (“Museum Square”) and is home to a vast number of high-end retailers. “Artisanal detailing with modern flourish” is the overarching concept of the new flagship’s interior design – featuring vibrant colors and patterns, maple wood shelves and glazed ceramics.
The new store’s modest and carefully selected art collection reveals the brand LOEWE’s commitment to art and craftsmanship. It features works such as American sculptor Ron Nagle’s unmistakeable ceramics and design classics like Jos Devriendt’s “Night & Day 383” lamp. The store also includes one unmissable piece: Tomonari Hashimoto’s “Untitled” (2021), a piece from a series of sculpted works of clay that are repeatedly fired and carbonized to bring out an incredible outer layer of metal oxides, that create the look of a unique rainbow of metal oxides. The piece’s display in the store also comes following Hashimoto being distinguished as a LOEWE Craft Prize finalist in 2019.
The store is an anthology of visual expression, featuring not only sculptures but painted works as well, both contemporary and earlier. The walls are adorned with Cian-Yu Bai’s “Spring with an Angel” (2022) painting, as well as a still life by 17th-century painter Jan van Kessel. Artisanal furniture pieces such as by Gerrit Rietveld and George Nakashima carry on this first-rate collection of pieces.
The Amsterdam store is open as of December, 2022, and is located at LOEWE P.C. Hooftstraat, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 97, 1071 BR Amsterdam. HZ
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Walking through a dream
Beginning December 12th, 2022, Louis Vuitton invites guests to LV DREAM, an expansive exhibition within the building of the former La Belle Jardinière department store. The exhibition is a look back at the Maison’s partnerships and creative exchanges throughout the years. Historic and contemporary pieces offer an immersive journey through the brand’s creative past, a temporal display of artistic undertakings. The exhibition is interactive as much as it is visual: a room dedicated to Rei Kawakubo, artistic director of Comme des Garçons, plays with scales and encourages visitors to step into the bag, like an Alice-in-Wonderland-type alternate reality.
Nine rooms make up the LV DREAM-scape. Diverse takes by various artists in the room Louis Vuitton: As Seen By offers multiple unique artistic perspectives on the brand. Chinese painter Yan Pei Ming, American tattoo artist Mister Cartoon, American artist Alex Katz and Turkish-American new media artist Refik Anadol, are just a few impressive names on LV DREAM’s roster of credits. The artistic collaboration continues in the Origins room, which features Kenta Cobayashi’s characteristically vivid photography as a backdrop to iconic Louis Vuitton designs. The Leather Goods in Fashion part of the installation dedicates itself to the work of two important artists in Louis Vuitton’s history – Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama – who were responsible for remixing the brand’s identity with youthful Pop Art playfulness. The room Art Meets Fashion throws the spotlight on collaborations throughout the years between artists and Artistic Directors at Louis Vuitton, such as Daniel Buren and Marc Jacobs, Christopher Nemeth and Kim Jones or Atelier Fornasetti and Nicholas Ghesquiere.
As the cherry on top, Louis Vuitton hosts Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric in its dedicated café and chocolate shop (la chocolaterie). A mutual love of craftsmanship and the finer things especially forms the heart of this partnership. HZ
The LV DREAM exhibition is open from December 12th, 2022 at 2 rue du Pont Neuf in Paris, Monday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
FENDI for the Home
Luxury houses like FENDI don’t solely make clothes for their customers, they provide them with a complete vision, a specific lifestyle that extends beyond the confines of their body into other facets of their lives. Especially FENDI has always shown great awareness for this, having been the first luxury house to launch a home collection. In this spirit, FENDI is delighted to announce that its FENDI casa world, through which the Roman house has been bringing the unique FENDI vision into our homes, is now expanded with the first Home Décor & Lifestyle Accessories Collection. Created under the creative direction of Silvia Venturini Fendi, this new collection picks up on the FENDI codes, mirroring the house’s aesthetics not only in terms of color, as for examples the iconic FENDI yellow, or in terms of logos such as the O’Lock, FENDI Roma and Pequin, but also in terms of the Maison’s known commitment to excellence and the highest craftsmanship. The O’Lock and the FENDI Roma act as fil rouge throughout the collection having been reshaped into decorative patterns that adorn porcelain sets, boxes, trays, candle holders in a graphic reinterpretation of the Maison’s DNA. As to be expected, each piece is crafted only from the finest materials and with an incredible attention to detail, with each piece honoring the Maison and its codes.
The FENDI Home Décor & Lifestyle Accessories Collection will be available in FENDI and in FENDI Casa Boutiques worldwide, as well as online, starting from December 2022.
www.fendi.com
Art
Come Stai?
Gaetano Pesce, an Italian architect, artist and designer, is regaled as one of the leading design minds of the 20th century. His designs have often been characterized by a witty modern style, bringing vibrant colors to everyday utilitarian objects. His style is fundamentally experimental; using unconventional modes of color, shape, and especially material in his designs. Today, his works are on permanent exhibition in some of the most important art and design museums in the world, such as the MoMa of New York and San Francisco, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Centre Pompidou, and the Musee des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
In September 2021, Bottega Veneta Creative Director Matthieu Blazy commissioned the design mastermind to create a temporary artwork to act as the show space for Bottega Veneta’s Summer 23 fashion show in Milan. Since the mid-1990s, Pesce has been pioneering the use of resin as a design material. Bringing this distinctive technique to the collaboration, Pesce created a saturated space of sprawling resin, including a sculptural resin floor that acted as the runway as well as 4000 resin chairs. Each chair was created to be “alike in material but unique in color and form” – a tribute, according to Pesce, to the uniqueness and originality of human beings.
A book by the name Come Stai? commissioned by Bottega Veneta with Pesce and Blazy explores the ideation, approach and process of the collaboration. A selection of the chairs from Pesce’s Come Stai? Series will be featured in the Bottega Veneta exhibition at Design Miami/ from 30 November – 4 December. A book signing with Gaetano Pesce will take place at the exhibition space on 30 November. HZ
www.miamidesigndistrict.net
Fashion
Goodbyes at Gucci
Alessandro Michele is bidding “Arrivederci” to the House of Gucci. In announcing Michele’s departure, François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, stated, “I am grateful to Alessandro for bringing so much of himself in this adventure. His passion, his imagination, his ingenuity and his culture put Gucci center stage, where its place is.” Alessandro Michele has certainly left his mark on the House during his tenure. Gucci’s vast successes in recent years have often been attributed to Michele’s visionary character, whose fresh and unorthodox ideas breathed new life into the company. His experimentation with such things as gender-fluid styles, digital exploration, and environmental conservation brought Gucci back into the focus of younger audiences. Creative collaborations with the likes of Harry Styles, Måneskin, and Jared Leto furthered this cause. His inauguration as Creative Director back in 2015 followed on from predecessor Frida Giannini’s reign, one which painted a rather rigid image of Gucci: exclusive, sophisticated, jet-setter lifestyle – a few words often used in association with Giannini’s Gucci. Michele’s Gucci, by contrast, favored a looser, romantic, more contemporary approach. His inventiveness spelled reinvention for the House. Gucci has yet to announce the new creative lead, as it bids goodbye to the era of Michele. HZ
www.kering.com
Fashion
Prada's Crypto Christmas
Prada’s newest announcement of its seventh Timecapsule Collection drop marks the latest development in the House’s digital saga. The Timecapsule collection is a futuristic take from an over 100-year-old business. The House of Prada, along with some of its other peers in the industry, has taken a bold step toward expanding its area of function and creative presence into Web3. The Timecampsule NFT collection embodies this progression into the digital realm, as each new monthly drop is linked to both a gender-neutral physical product as well as a gifted NFT. The drop takes place in the form of an online event: on the first Thursday of every month, a limited quantity of the Timecapsule Collection products are made available for 24 hours. Limited-edition Timecapsule items are linked to a unique serial number, and buyers are granted Prada NFTs in the second stage. NFT owners are also offered exclusive benefits and experiences, including invitations to Prada Extends or Prada Mode. The latest installment celebrates the festive season with the revisit to a familiar favorite – the holiday sweater. Made of Merino wool and using a special Norwegian jacquard knitting technique, the sweater forms one half of the Prada package, weaving in knitted traditional festive glory with Aura blockchain technology. HZ
www.prada.com
Fashion
The sun, the moon and the stars of Berlin
The Italian jewelry maker DoDo recently presented its new Moon & Sun Collection at its grand opening in Berlin. The new collection revolves especially around the use of semi-precious stones like smoky quartz and moonstone. Inspired in large part by the sun and the moon, the new collection weaves in these fundamental elements conceptually and physically throughout the collection. The sun, representing warmth, light, vitality, and passion, is symbolically packaged into jewelry pieces through the use of brown diamond pavé on burnished gold, creating a rose gold background. The moon, representing sensuality, mystery and cyclicality, also takes center stage in the jewelry line. The collection mimics the moon’s waning phase on the rose gold background, as a pavé of white diamonds on rhodium-plated gold. The sun and moon motifs are elegantly embodied in the rings of rose gold. The bracelets bring together moonstone or smoky quartz beads between small tubular sections of rose gold. Moon pendants of white diamond and sun pendants made up of brown diamonds bring the cosmic motif to the foreground again.
An impressive roster of guests filled the halls of the brand’s new boutique at 32 Rosenthaler Strasse at Hackescher Markt, the famous square in the middle of the illustrious Mitte district in Berlin, to celebrate the launching of the new collection. The festivities at the boutique were followed by an afterparty at the Weekend Club Berlin. “A sky over Berlin studded with gems and diamonds” served to complete the image, reflecting back the light from the beautiful jewelry on display below. HZ
www.dodo.it
Fashion
THE POWER A SMILE HOLDS
For over 50 years, the SmileyWorld brand has been gatekeeper to the iconic smiley – a simple yellow circle holding no more than two dots for the eyes and an arc for the mouth, which has nonetheless become a symbol of positivity and light to generations since. What began as a venture to bring light to daily news by highlighting positive news bits with a smiling face, has since become a thriving business model. Having the foresight to license the trademark, the father of the smiley, French journalist Franklin Loufrani, has created something of a smiley empire. As a symbol of the free love/counterculture movement in France in the early 70s, and later on a ubiquitous staple with the rise of the internet, the smiling yellow face has stood the test of time. In its FW22/23 collection, A|X Armani Exchange is now breathing fresh life into the long journey of the famous smile, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the SmileyWorld brand. Two new designs are at the forefront of the collection, giving a new face to the familiar logo – the first replacing SmileyWorld’s eyes with the A|X logo, the other paying homage to founder Giorgio Armani by distinguishing it with his recognizable glasses and smile. These are applied across the collection; on bombers, t-shirts, backpacks, and more. True to form, the famous smiley radiates positivity, and reflects its characteristic rebelliousness across the entire collection. HZ
www.armani.com
Travel
Abadia Retuerta Hotel: Experiences in a historic Setting
Excellent Wine, Spanish sun and Spa experiences in a historic setting Abadìa Retuerta welcomes its guest in a former monastery from the 12th century
In the heart of Spain, two hours north of Madrid, the lavender still smells in autumn, a hawk soars and the sun has enough warmth for you to enjoy the pool. Around Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine – a 5* hotel and winery – gentle hills rise with vines, olive trees and pines. The history of this special hotel is present everywhere, it makes you slow down, pause, relax: Located in a 12th century monastery the Santa María de Retuerta Abbey was founded by monks in 1146 and was later declared a Site of Cultural Interest by UNESCO in 1931. Much can be discovered in the old walls that protect you from the Spanish sun: an exclusive wine bar is hidden behind a door, and the oldest part of the property, the chapel, extends behind the cloister, where unique works of art find their ideal setting. Art – be it works from the Renaissance and Baroque – can be found throughout the luxury hotel, on the large historic walls of the corridors and restaurants as well as in the rooms and suites. And it is wondrous, the halls and gardens are so spacious that one feels like a single guest on the property, only at breakfast, dinner or at the fireplace in the evening other guests are suddenly around, enriching the pleasant atmosphere. Two Michelin stars have been awarded to the upscale gastronomy at the Refectorio restaurant under the direction of chef Marc Segarra, including a Green Star for the sustainable cuisine. In the impressive historic rooms, the former dining hall of the monks, local and seasonal products are served under the imposing vaulted ceiling alongside fresh vegetables from the restaurant's own organic garden. Visible from all windows in all directions is the essence that is the soul of Abadìa Retuerta: the more than 700 hectares of land where delicious grapes thrive and are treated by the Spanish sun. On the huge Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine vineyard, which extends in the valley of the Douro River, where the earth is particularly aromatic, various vines grow, awarded the "Winery for Climate Protection" seal. A guided tour of the wine cellar and the wine production facilities is recommended, and of course includes a tasting of the wonderful wines. Those who prefer spa and wellness will love the Abadìa Retuerta. Either enjoy the sun by the spacious outdoor pool or head to the underground spa, which is like an oasis of calm. A spa sommelier combines the healing properties of aromatherapy with wine and oils in the treatments. Whether in the spa, during dining, in the chapel or on a walk in the vineyards - the hotel is a place of deceleration, of retreat, of finding oneself. Just as the monks in the monastery celebrated already centuries ago. BK
www.abadia-retuerta.com
Art
TC Stool by Kokke House: Revamping a Classic
Ruud-Jan Kokke is a Dutch designer working in line with the tradition of Gerrit Rietveld, who rose to fame in the mid-80s due to his inventive objects and furniture pieces. He might be best known for his TC Stool, which was awarded several prizes and has also been included in the permanent collections of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, as well as the MoMa in New York. The story behind this iconic piece is simple. Gallery Owner and museum guide Trees Coenders approached Kokke in 1989 with a request to create a chair that was suitable for museum tours. Up until then, they had used folding chairs, which were not only relatively heavy but which also proved to be quite impractical due to their angular shape. The new chair needed to be light, practical and easily movable during the museum tours. Kokke immediately caught on to the question and began the work which led to one of his most famous creations the TC Stool. The design is simple and pure yet well-thought-out, a defining characteristic of Kokke’s work. He is not distracted by fuss but aims to create a balance of form and use, drawing upon his extensive knowledge of materials and techniques. The chosen material for the TC Stool was aircraft plywood which is very strong, yet flexible. Kokke, a pioneer working with this material, bent the material into a cone shape and milled a handle into the seat. But this first prototype was initially rejected, as according to the client it looked too massive. To give it a light appearance, he added horizontal slots in the hull, resulting in the playful and light-footed design we came to know today. The TC Stool became an immediate success. 32 years later, the TC Stool is now making its return onto the market. Kokke House, an initiative by Romy Kokke and her husband Daniel Beasley, is now bringing back the iconic design of Ruud-Jan Kokke. Starting with the TC Stool, they will also bring back other designs in limited editions collaborating with artists such as Klaas Gubbels and Petra Hartman. With Kokke House being a family business, it will now bring back the spotlight to this highly acclaimed piece of Dutch design history.
www.kokkehouse.com
Fashion
Rolex Boutique Berlin
Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm belongs to the country’s most famous streets, and has become the German capital’s premier address for luxury. After extensive renovations and remodeling, Swiss watch manufacturer Rolex and Wempe are re-opening their joint-boutique in the historic building situated at Kurfürstendamm 184. Having initially been opened as the first Rolex Boutique in Germany back in 2009, the boutique’s new interior is an embodiment of the famed Rolex aesthetic and all the values of excellence, precision and love for detail for which they have become known over the years. Carefully selected colors and patterns radiate an ambience of comfort whilst providing an insight into the world of Rolex. The focal point of the new store are the impressive oval sales tables crafted in walnutwood with golden paneling, exclusively designed to showcase the Rolex selection in the store as well as an intimate VIP area and lounge. The partnership between Rolex and Wempe dates back as early as the 1950s, when the first Rolex watches were sold by Wempe in Germany and has continued throughout the decades. As Rémi Corpataux, Managing Director of Rolex Germany puts it, “We are happy to, in collaboration with our longstanding partner Jeweler Wempe, reopen our Berlin Boutique after extensive renovation and remodeling.”
www.rolex.com
Fashion
Fendi releases Peekaboo Capsule Collection
Reimagining the legendary leather accessory, FENDI is releasing the new Autumn/Winter 2022 Peekaboo Capsule collection.
The Peekaboo is one of FENDI’s timeless icons which now comes out in a reinterpreted version underlining its innovative and sophisticated character. It first started as an essential bag for women but was soon able to convince men as well, thanks to practical macro sizes and briefcase-like shapes.
The capsule also points out FENDI’s excellent leather craftsmanship by incorporating the Selleria macro stitches, which create a contrasting effect on the black, white and mint green leather. Exotic and ornamental handles round off the design. Another version is fabricated in full suede and stands out due to its elegant camel color. A matching Micro Peekaboo as well as python small leather goods offer exciting touches.
The Men’s version come in asphalt and camel colored Cuoio Romano leather with adjustable shoulder straps. Honoring the model in various sizes, the capsule features FENDI Peekaboo ISeeU Medium, Small and Mini.
Additionally, FENDI also releases a selection of knitted cashmere accessories in pastel tones of gray, mint green and beige. Included are hats, scarves and earmuffs, defined by an all-over FF logo. Cashmere maxi shopper, pouches as well as plaids and pillows add the finishing touches. JW
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Dion Lee launches Dion Lee Code
Dion Lee introduces Dion Lee Code as it launches the Façade Digital NFT collection in collaboration with MA+CREATIVE. As the official launch into web 3, the collection is dropping today, including five digital garments and two full looks. The looks are distinguished by a semi-sheer lace as lace serves as a window into the character’s identities. Beyond that, the first look consists of a silicone wave lace frock coat, contour corset, and, contour lace trousers, while the second look features a visceral lace hooded tank and blueprint denim.
The designs stem from Dion himself while the universal format in 3D files was created by the NFT artist Sam Walker. Entitled Façade, the collection investigates, how far we use constructed identities to build up a facade. The designer thus enters another dimension, where we can choose our characteristics, no matter the societal circumstances and external controls. Sevdaliza’s track System was chosen to accompany the collection as it was inspired by Sevda’s experience as a woman in the music industry who does not identify in any way with industry standards.
Dion Lee has announced, to donate part of the proceeds to the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistant Project, which offers comprehensive support for women to have a safe, legal abortion or emergency contraceptives. JW
www.dionlee.com
Fashion
HUGO launches NFT collection
HUGO is taking a big step toward the future by launching its first-ever NFT collection in collaboration with the renowned Web 3.0 company, Imaginary Ones. The exclusive collection consists of 1001 3D animations, entitled Embrace Your Emotions (EYE). In this respect, the collection revolves around emotional freedom as it encourages everyone to stand by their feelings in order to take care of one’s mental health. Six characters of the 1001 NFTs will stand out by containing special attributes. Five of them represent one of our everyday emotions, including joy, sadness, fear, anger, and love, which are all brought together in the sixth character. This special character will be auctioned and the proceeds will be fully donated to the evidence-based mental health program Youth Aware of Mental Health. Thus, it continues to educate young people on mental health and invites them to explore this brought and complex topic. An allowlist of 1000 spots will provide access to the collection, and enable purchase to those who purchase the exclusive phygital T-shirt, who hold the Imaginary Ones’ genesis NFT collection, or who take part in its social media activities. The holders of the NFTs will then receive a 10% discount in the HUGO online store and access to Imaginary Ones’ staking ecosystem. The collection “(...) enables us not only to further explore this virtual world, but also to share a message of self-acceptance and being true to yourself (...)” affirms Miah Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Brand Communications at HUGO BOSS. JW
www.hugo.com
Fashion
My INNER HEALTH Club launches revolutionary streaming service
As humankind becomes more and more health aware while at the same time everyday life becomes more hectic and fast these days, engaging with comprehensive and profound information surrounding the broad topic of mental and physical well-being is more significant than ever. With the aim of reviving and introducing traditional knowledge into daily life, the Berlin-based startup My INNER HEALTH Club was founded.
The young company launched as Europe’s first streaming service in the health sector and offers new original content every week revolving around the diverse and broad aspects of health. The personalized information gathered from world-leading experts can be accessed based on monthly or yearly subscriptions, depicting a revolutionary step in shaping our relationship with health. On the platform, customers can visit multimedia online classes which provide holistic solutions to issues of our modern life, including among other things stress, digestive disorders, or low energy. Taking into consideration that information about health can be abstract and inaccessible, My INNER HEALTH Club unravels complex issues and presents simple and individual approaches to preserving health. Beyond that, the startup introduced the My INNER HEALTH Club Traditional Health Practice Report 2022 in Western Europe as part of the launch. JW
www.myinnerhealthclub.com
Fashion
Zegna officially partners up with Real Madrid
The Italian luxury brand Zegna and the famed football club Real Madrid have officially teamed up as Zegna becomes Real Madrid’s Official Luxury Travelwear Partner. Together, they form a partnership of superlatives, built on shared values and shaped by a relentless desire to make a positive difference on Earth. First seen during the inaugural Champions League game of the 2022/2023 season, the items of the exclusive collaboration will increase in variation over the upcoming seasons. Its core consists of the signature overshirt, the chore jacket, and matching jogger bottoms or narrow trousers as well as crewneck underpinnings and signature triple stitch shoes. The jackets carry Zegna’s new brand sign, amplified through Real Madrid around the world. Characterized by a double-stripe graphic, it honors the 232 Road that crosses through Oasi Zegna, which was created as a result of the founder’s early commitment to sustainability.
“I am outstandingly thrilled about our newly announced partnership with the Real Madrid, one of the most recognizable brands in the world with a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase. The importance of values is what attracted Zegna and Real Madrid. We are both convinced that what is visible, either an item of clothing or winning a football match, only matters if there is an ethical stance behind it”, affirms Gildo Zegna, Chairman and CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna Group. JW
www.zegna.com
www.realmadrid.com
Fashion
Dior launches J’adore Parfum d’eau at an exclusive event
Dior recently released J’adore Parfum d’eau as the latest variation of the Maison’s beloved J’adore fragrance. While the elegance and femininity remain, the new version only consists of highly concentrated perfume water, which is not based on alcohol, thus reinforcing the flowery aroma. To celebrate this new experience, Dior organized an exclusive launch party in Berlin. Extravagant as the French Maison itself, the dress code was “A Hint of White and Gold”, which even applied to the Gin drinks, which were topped off with golden flakes.
Among the guests were the offspring of German celebrities, all united by the enthusiasm for the J’adore Parfum d’eau. Leni Klum for instance always carries the exceptional fragrance with her in her purse. Alongside the upcoming model and daughter of Heidi Klum, Talia Graf also attended the event. Resuming her model career after the corona pandemic, the niece of tennis icon Steffi Graf just recently moved to Milan. Another lover of the new Dior perfume is Lilly Krug, the daughter of German actress Veronica Ferres. She is currently working on her acting career in the glamorous city of Los Angeles, determined to make it on her own. Thus, the event gathered a range of young, elegant, and up-and-coming talents, for whom J’adore Parfum d’eau stands. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
Seeing double at the Gucci SS23 fashion show
During Milan Fashion Week Gucci presented the new Spring/ Summer collection 2023, designed by the Maison’s creative director Alessandro Michele. Titled Twinsburg, this collection pays homage to two extraordinary women of the creative director’s life, his mother and her twin sister. Having experienced their deep connection, secret intimacy, and ancestral alliance while growing up, Michele developed a fascination for the double. He explains: “Every single time I catch an aura of beauty in such specular multiplication. It’s so familiar, so powerful.”
For this reason, 68 pairs of identical twins walked the Gucci runway to present the garments of the new Spring/ Summer collection, yet portraying the impossibility of the perfectly identical. From this, the designer derives the tension of the relationship between original and copy, which determines the collection. It shows how the same garments create different effects on seemingly identical bodies and how fashion after all reinforces the act of individualization. That is, the collection describes twinship as a relationship between identity and otherness. Though sharing a confusable appearance, twins are not limited in their being. Nevertheless, they portray the sense of co-belonging and sisterhood, which is an indispensable part of our every life. JW
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli SS 23 dresses the “female explorer”
With a special focus on high-quality and artisanal workmanship, Brunello Cucinelli created the new Spring Summer 2023 collection which revolves around the idea of a “female explorer”. The collection stands for an elegant, luxurious, and discreet style, reinforced through the beige colors, significant to the brand. Earth tones and delicate pastel tones round off the palette and, in the context of the “explorer”, portray impressions gathered on the journey. Centered on the idea of “fluid tailoring”, the garments were crafted in a versatile and easy-going manner, balancing out the orderly elegance and masculine tailoring. As the core of the brand, knitwear becomes a feminine and contemporary element within the new collection. Textured embroidery and crochet stitches show once again the brand’s high expertise in craftsmanship. A highlight of the collection is the new Twin Wear category which consists of matching sets as a feminine alternative to dresses, jumpsuits, and suits, allowing versatile combinations.
The accessories of the Spring Summer 2023 collection seem contemporary and timeless at the same time. Taking on the neutral colors of the garments, these accessories can be described as minimalistic and pure. Knitting techniques used for the clothes can also be seen on everyday accessories, whose material gets enhanced by special textures, such as nappa leathers with broderie anglaise-style embroidery. JW
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
Sportmax shows SS23 at Milan Fashion Week
Sportmax presented its new Spring/ Summer 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week. The collection is based on the relationship between speech sounds and visual shapes and objects. As the human brain attaches shapes to abstract meanings, such as “bouba” and “kiki”, the title of the collection, Sportmax addresses the duality of elements in its own experiment. That is, the brand created a collage of elements, which discover their own balance while removing themselves from any logic. Hence, the collection celebrates dualisms and brazen creativity, disrupting social norms.
With a playful approach, Sportmax constructed a collection around minimal but contrasting looks and hypnotic, luminescent patterns. Techno-couture skirts matched with ultra-cropped tops. Streetwear gets linked to evening wear in a vivid palette of acid tones, pastels, deep colors, and black and white. Not only combine the garments different aesthetics but also different time eras. For instance, A-lines and large flare silhouettes of the 1950s are seen next to futuristic space age styles of the 60s and counterculture looks of the 90s. Regarding the accessories, Sportmax designed pneumatic bags as well as exceptional footwear such as second-skin boots. JW
www.sportmax.com
Fashion
Diesel SS 23 showcases democratic fashion
For its fashion show during Milan Fashion Week Diesel broke a world record. In front of 5000 spectators, the Italian brand presented the world’s largest ever inflatable sculpture, creating a unique and energetic atmosphere for the runway. Glenn Martens, creative director of Diesel explains: “I wanted to open Diesel up to the public, for people who may never have been to a fashion show before. They deserve a spectacle so we’ve broken the record (...).” For this reason, the new collection revolves around democratic fashion as it is titled the Diesel Democracy, characterized by denim, utility, pop, and play.
In the spirit of the brand, Martens experimented a lot with denim. To create denim devoré he weaved denim onto a transparent base, which then was fabricated into the devoré corset. Some of the denim incorporated into the garments has been bonded with a layer of cotton and then acid washed, revealing the denim once more. The collection also includes bonded leather jackets that are cut with raw edges. Alongside many other designs, Diesel also presents a new Eyewear collection in collaboration with Essilor Luxottica. Defined by color edging and metallic temples finishing on a perfect D, the styles complete the collection with a special accent. JW
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Dior presents La D de Dior Black Ultramatte
According to Christian Dior’s Little Dictionary of Fashion, published in 1954, the color black can be worn at any time, at any age, and on any occasion. Correspondingly, Victoire de Castellane, the Artistic Director of Dior Joaillerie, now launches La D de Dior watch in an all-black ensemble. Referring to Christian Dior’s dedication to the color, which is deeply rooted in the French Maison’s history, the watch is mysterious and familiar at the same time. It is simple as well, as there are no numbers on the dial, only the Dior lettering and three small dark stones divide it into four sections. However, this does not detract from its luxurious and high-quality appearance but seems to rather emphasize it. As such La D de Dior Black Ultramatte offers the possibility to reflect one’s personality, adapting to its wearer. The stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet is characterized by a “Satine” pattern and rounds off the design as a whole.
The unique and chic watch model is also available with a black diamond-set bezel, which creates an astonishing light-dark radiance, thus evoking a sense of elegance and preciousness. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
MYKITA & Bernhard Willhelm
Since 2009, MYKITA and the Paris and LA-based fashion designer Bernhard Willhelm have collaborated, creating extraordinary shades in various colors and shapes. For his designs, Bernhard Willhelm draws massive inspiration from today’s Pop culture, in which he also incorporates elements of sports and streetwear. Hence, his garments radiate a sense of irony and absurdity. Together with MYKITA, he shares a deep interest in innovation. The modern manufactory is always striving for innovation and new technologies as it combines them with precise and high-quality craftsmanship.
A highlight of the collaboration is DAISUKE. The lenses form a shield over the eyes and nose, which is defined by a mirrored effect. Beyond the extraordinary design, the shades are characterized by their high quality. DAISUKE is made out of the material Mylon and crafted according to a patented screwless joint concept. Handcrafted in Berlin, DAISUKE joins further models of the collection in being extremely lightweight, providing a comfortable wearing sensation. The shield that protects half the face, is a tinted polyamide sunscreen shield with 100% UV protection and anti-reflection coating on the reverse side. By combining the craftsmanship of MYKITA with the creativity of Bernhard Willhelm, united in their innovative approach, true statement pieces, and stylish shades emerge. JW
www.mykita.com
www.bernhard-willhelm.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton opens Men’s pop-up in Amsterdam de Bijenkorf
For the first time, the French Maison Louis Vuitton welcomes customers to a unique pop-up in Amsterdam, dedicated to the new Fall in Love collection. Located in the center of de Bijenkorf’s ground floor, it can not be missed thanks to its impressive architectural structure in an eye-catching orange. The open space is decorated with modular furniture and has patterned walls in Damier, a signature motif of Louis Vuitton. In combination with the displayed musical instruments and the Louis Vuitton on Air neon lights, the pop-up resembles a recording studio. The construction follows the New York and ’70s vibe of the clothing of the Maison’s collection, which is distinguished by its special color palette and graphic designs. Since the garments are casual and sophisticated at the same time, they reflect the style of a modern man. Enhancing classic pieces by adding a modern twist is the basic concept of the clothing line. As the collection is composed of ready-to-wear and leather goods pieces, it combines Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire with exciting contrasts. Highlights are the Taurillon Denim and the Record Monogram leather goods line, as they reinforce the retro touch of Fall in Love. JW
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Billie Eilish stars in Gucci Eyewear imagery
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish makes her debut as the face of the new Gucci eyewear imagery, featuring designs of the second release of Gucci’s 2022 eyewear collection. Known and loved for embracing authenticity and self-expression, Billie Eilish reflects the core values of the iconic Italian brand. Inspired by the film noir genre, the series follows the talented musician on a dreamlike car ride, which takes her and the viewer on a journey through a range of striking portraits echoing Billie Eilish’s unique style. An intriguing plot attracts the viewer, who gets ready to unravel the mystery. The images are based on unbalanced compositions and use a rich color palette, as well as contrasted lighting effects, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Portraying the cars as a symbolic extension of their driver in the imagery, they reflect their intentions, motivations, and personalities. The imagery as a whole is composed of retro allure and modern sophistication which recurs in the eyewear designs. In one of the images, Billie Eilish wears caravan sunglasses distinguished by black acetate and gold-toned Gucci script logos. Another one shows the American singer with an 80’s-inspired cat eye design in pink, echoing the alluring and cinematic vibe of the images. JW
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Diesel releases Larger-Than-Life imagery
Diesel started the month of September by releasing the new imagery for the brand’s Fall Winter collection 2022, titled Larger-Than-Life. Set in a metropolitan area, the images reveal a world of giants fully dressed in Diesel’s latest collection. Depicted as billboard cutouts, the models and garments merge with the background of an urban skyline. Shot by Johnny Dufort and directed by Chris Simmonds and Glenn Martens, the image series puts the models in proportion to the jutting skyscrapers, exemplifying the international lifestyle company’s core attitude of optimism, rebellion, sexy, and playful irreverence with confidence.
Based on the principles of experimentation, rebellion, and play, Creative Director Glenn Martin created a collection of unique and modern garments, portraying his version of the Diesel World. Composed of responsibly sourced wool knits and reversible puffers adorned with Diesel’s signage as well as metallic dresses and cut-out tops, the collection has a modern and metropolitan feeling to it. Diesel’s huge passion for denim fabrics is translated into a fluid Trompe l’ oeil denim print in skirts, bags, trousers, and shirts. Some of the collection’s pieces combine denim with upcycled jersey, creating a “peel-off”-effect, representing the creative DNA of the iconic brand. JW
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak turns 50
To celebrate the 50th birthday of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, the Swiss Haute-Horlogerie manufacturer launches a special book in collaboration with the luxury publishing house Assouline. Written by award-winning cultural journalist Bill Prince, the book tells the story of the iconic watch model from a culturally relevant point of view. It includes exclusive information found in Audemars Piguet’s archives and frames the text with pictures and annotations of longstanding friends of the watchmaker.
When the Royal Oak was first released in 1972, it caused a great sensation due to its ultra-flat automatic movement, which has never been seen before. In the following years of cultural and industrial change, the watch not only kept up with time but was even ahead of it. Marking a new era of Haute Horlogerie distinguished by sportiness and finesse, it embodied an active yet serene lifestyle. Combining technological innovation and high-quality craftsmanship the Royal Oak is not just a watch but a cultural asset that goes beyond the momentariness of our being. The “Generation Royal Oak”, including celebrities such as Kevin Hart, Mark Ronson, and Serena Williams, are featured in the book as they talk about their inspirations rooted in the cultural movement since the Royal Oak was first released. JW
www.audemarspiguet.com
Fashion
LML Studio presents Sensible Ensemble
Known for his hand-painted and re-tailored garments, fashion designer and founder of LML Studio Lucas Meyer-Leclèrc showed his latest collection, titled Sensible Ensemble, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in the old Telegraphenamt. The new collection revolved around the theme “remake, reuse, reassemble”. Thus, Lucas Meyer-Leclèrc incorporated many reworked and repurposed vintage pieces into the collection, some of which derived from the 1930s. A significant part of Sensible Ensemble was composed of hand-knitted, crocheted, painted and embroidered pants and shorts as well as coats, tops and accessories. The designs and the fashion show, which was divided into three parts, were inspired by the beautiful feeling of togetherness as well as diversity and the freedom of love and life. A highlight of the runway show was the Berlin Ensemble, who performed an a cappella version of German icon Marlene Dietrich’s and Peter Seegers’ song “Tell me where the flowers are.” Musician PZUDEMO also performed during the show and sang his song GRIND. He was dressed in retailored cotton gabardine trousers, a leather vest and a jacket, which was composed of several evening suits from the 1930s, both hand-painted. A hand crocheted tie completed the look. JW
www.MBFW.berlin
Fashion
Kilian Kerner and LIEBESKIND BERLIN collaborate for Berlin Fashion Week
For the first time, German bag brand LIEBESKIND BERLIN joins forces with the Berlin fashion designer Kilian Kerner for his show at Berlin Fashion Week. In the course of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin, Kerner presented his new collection which carries the name IKONEN, German for icons. The title references the inspiration which defined the designs as Kilian Kerner was heavily influenced by his own personal icons of various fields. In the building of the old Berlin telegraph office, which spreads a unique atmosphere, the event welcomed high-profile guests, like actress Jella Haase, Model Franziska Knuppe and influencer Klaudia Giez.
Kilian Kerner’s garments were perfectly complemented by the clean yet idiosyncratic design of the high quality bags of LIEBESKIND BERLIN, such as the Paper Bag or the Chelsea. The collection of clothing is as well defined by clean cuts and striking designs. Furthermore the two labels are interconnected as they both are soaked with the extraordinary spirit of Berlin and draw huge inspiration from the German capital. Having similar perceptions of charm and creativity, both brands create timeless and remarkable pieces, which they combined at Berlin Fashion Week. JW
www.liebeskind-berlin.com
www.kilian-kerner.de
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Bernadette Chéné at Galerie La Forest Divonne
Starting on Brussels Gallery Weekend, the Galerie La Forest Divonne presents the exhibition L’Un et l’autre by French artist Bernadette Chéné.
The core of this exhibition are sculptures made out of raw and strong materials such as cut metal plates and erected trunks. The creations radiate a timeless beauty as they are displayed under the glass roof, significant to the architecture of the gallery. The sculptures reveal Bernadette Chéné’s abilities as a transmitter of emotion and as a visionary. For her artworks she takes familiar and simple materials, which at first glance do not seem special at all. However, she manages to detect what is extraordinary and beautiful about the material and makes it visible to the visitors. Hence, she evokes a surprising and unexpected effect. Nonetheless, the sculptures seem subtle and discreet. The exhibition L’un et l’autre by Bernadette Chéné will be open to the public from September 8th to October 29th, 2022 at Galerie La Forest Divonne in Brussels. JW
BERNADETTE CHÉNÉ
L’Un et l’autre, exhibition views in Galerie La Forest Divonne
©ECrooÿ
Courtesy of the artist and Galerie La Forest Divonne, Brussels
www.galerielaforestdivonne.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Fabrice Monteiro at Didier Claes
Didier Claes returns to Brussels Gallery Weekend this year with a solo exhibition, showing photographs of Belgian/Beninese artist Fabrice Monteiro. The 8 Mile Wall shows a series of portraits as the artist’s favorite form of expression. His works deal with the stereotypes of black people that date back to the time of slavery and colonialism.
When Monteiro was still a child, he had a conversation with his father, which made him realize the subconscious effect of aesthetic details, such as clothing, on how we perceive each other. Many years later this conversation led him to create this series, trying to deconstruct this way of thinking. The title of the series, The 8 Mile Wall, refers to a wall of the same name in Detroit, which runs from 8 Mile Road to Pembroke Avenue for 0.8 kilometers. Built in 1941, the wall was supposed to separate black and white homeowners as black people were not welcome on the other side of it, epitomizing racial discrimination. As his photographs portray his complex heritage, they also illustrate the difficult and ambivalent relationship between Europe and Africa, one of curiosity and rejection. His works aim to break down the hurtful and widely used stereotypes by countering the clichés and presenting black people with dignity as a symbol of mental oppression.
The exhibition The 8 Mile Wall will be open to the public from September 8th to November 11th, 2022 at Didier Claes in Brussels. JW
FABRICE MONTEIRO
Pitit Noir, 2017
Digital art print, 120 x 120 cm
Courtesy of the artists and Didier Claes, Brussels
www.didierclaes.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Seulgi Lee at Mendes Wood
In the event of the Brussels Gallery Weekend, Mendes Wood is presenting the first solo exhibition of Korean-born artist Seulgi Lee, called Slow Water. The works displayed by the gallery were made especially for this occasion.
The sculptures and installations of Seulgi Lee are characterized by bright and cheerful colors as well as simple but elegant forms. Exploring ordinary objects, everyday language, and natural forms, her works follow a formal aesthetic. The creation of her art is based on a utilitarian approach, linked to the nature of the body, presenting her work as usable and handy tools. Furthermore, Lee appreciates and draws her inspiration from folk crafts. For this reason, she has already collaborated with Korean quilters from Tongyeong and traditional basket makers from Mexico. In the creation process, the artist does not decide between a formal, polished sculptural practice and a more popular aesthetic but combines them both in her artworks. Thus, her art bears a unique signature, which is expressed in form, color, and gesture.
The exhibition Slow Water by Seulgi Lee will be open to the public from September 8th to October 8th, 2022 at the gallery Mendes Wood in Brussels. JW
SEULGI LEE
BAGATELLE, 2022
Wood, metal balls
Courtesy of the artist, Jousse Entreprise and MENDES WOOD DM, Sao Paulo, Brussels
New York
www.mendeswooddm.com
Music
CRO introduces his new Album “11:11”
For more than a decade, CRO has enthused and inspired his fans with his permanent energy and artistic attitude, which has not faded over the years but has grown even bigger. Permanently evolving himself and his music, CRO keeps creating songs that speak to a range of emotions, always uplifting and enthralling.
His latest album “11:11” is all about love. Not only does Cro rap about what love can do to one in his texts, but transports the feeling in the sound of each song: how it makes you forget everything, and how you stagger and dance because of it. One of the songs on the album is called “FACETIME LUV”, a smooth slow jam that talks about trying to create closeness through a phone screen despite being separated by thousands of kilometers. Nonetheless, social media and its possibilites to connect seem to be an illusion, resulting in doubting and questioning the feeling. Another one is “FREIHEIT” which asks about what it truly means to be free. "I've heard there's an infinite number of paths you can take, but I'm only taking mine," sings CRO, torn between big, wild dreams and the desire for love and closeness, the ultimate theme of “11:11”. JW
www.cromusik.de
Art
The 15th edition of Brussels Gallery Weekend
The annual Brussels Gallery Weekend is returning at the beginning of September, thus presenting the 15th edition of the festival. In the course of the event, 47 art galleries will open their doors to professionals and other art lovers from all around the world, presenting contemporary art in the heart of Europe’s capital. In no previous year have so many galleries participated, showing impressive exhibitions, performances, and installations around the city. For the 15th edition, Brussels Gallery Weekend has chosen to have a main venue as a focal point, which will be located in the former printing plant of the National Bank of Belgium. The unique building will host, amongst other events, the “Sculpture Factory” exhibition and the “Generation Brussels” exhibition, introducing emerging artists from Brussels. Alongside the festival, the traditional “off” programme will be held as well as different talks and other surprises.
“Thanks to its central location and the vitality of the local scene, Brussels plays a prominent role in the contemporary art world, and we seek to further the city’s influence with a spirit of sharing,” explains Sybille du Roy de Blicquy, director of the Brussels Gallery Weekend.
Brussels Gallery Weekend will take place on the weekend of September 8th to September 11th, 2022 in Brussels. JW
image credits: StockkStudio, David Baatzsch
www.brusselsgalleryweekend.com
Fashion
Loro Piana presents Denim Cashmere
In its Fall-Winter collection 2022/ 23, the Italian brand Loro Piana presents its new and innovative fabric Denim Cashmere. Distinguished by its unique feel, the fabric was created in collaboration between the crafts team of Loro Piana and Japanese denim experts of the Bingo region. The manufacturers from Bingo are outstanding in their experience and therefore enjoy great popularity around the world. United in their perfectionist approach to creating high-quality garments, the two crafted a mixed material of 60% denim and 40% cashmere, defined by its warm and comfortable wearing sensation. The production requires ancient and rare weaving looms, which can only be used by a few experienced professionals. During a slow process, the two yarns, the indigo denim, and the natural cashmere fiber are woven together. Thus, within one day 50 meters of the precious fabric are produced. In the end, the material was incorporated into one look of this season’s collection, including pants and a jacket. The simple yet elegant garments are the result of a unique collaboration, which combines the know-how of the Japanese denim experts with the Italian spirit of Loro Piana. They symbolize the merging of two cultures, topped off with a luxurious touch, significant to the Italian brand. JW
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
The Power For The People by Steve Davies
After spending his whole life in London, Steve Davies decided to found his own brand “The Power For The People” in 2020, which is heavily inspired by his journey, which led him through London’s neighborhoods Shoreditch, Soho, and Savile Row. For this reason, he also attaches great importance to closely working together with British fabric mills and manufacturers for the production of his collections, ensuring high quality for his clothing. Furthermore, the designs of the handmade garments refer to the British capital in their street energy, as the city surprises the founder and creative director of the brand again and again, despite having lived there for so long. For Autumn/ Winter 2022, only the second season for “The Power For The People”, the label of Steve Davies reflects his first season in tailored and military styles. The collection is crafted in traditional British manufacturing techniques and references the 80s and 90s London club scene with bondage pants, mixed with classic men’s tailoring fabrics.
Based on Davies’ passion and love for the city of London, an all-inclusive structured line of garments emerges, defined by its unconventional style and dedication to its fine production. JW
www.thepowerforthepeople.com
Fashion
Iris van Herpen and Aubade create a botanical seduction
“Sensory Illusion” is the title of the collaboration between Parisian lingerie manufacturer Aubade and Dutch couturier Iris van Herpen. Inspired by nature, its fragility, and vibrant vitality, Iris van Herpen created undergarments with leaf embroidery and mystic ornaments, diving into a magical and botanical world. For the creation process of the pieces, the talented designer explored the archives of the French lingerie pioneer during which she came across Aubade’s iconic and ethereal gradations. As a new interpretation, she constructed straight lines, contrasting with the organic, embroidered motives. A seductive see-through effect is created, which continues at the back of the bra in a refined embroidery. Available in the colors “Golden Leaves”, a mix of bronze and black, and “Silk Rose”, different shades of pink, the collection offers two different variants of sensuality.
The capsule includes ten pieces, three of which are different kinds of bras. Each of them has matching panties, which range from tanga to Italian slip to shorty made of Saint-Tropez-lace. A body, a nightgown, and a high-waist suspender belt complete “Sensory Illusion”. Reminiscent of nature’s diversity, a u-shaped, golden piece of jewelry distinguishes the triangle-bralette, the body, and the nightgown in between the cups. Bringing together two masters of their craft who value luxurious materials, the exclusive Capsule collection merges seduction and savoir-faire. The exceptional craftsmanship of Iris van Herpen and the decades of experience values of Aubade, result in an alluring and unique collection of high-quality lingerie. JW
www.aubade.com
www.irisvanherpen.com
Fashion
The Tommy Factory
For its Fall 2022 imagery, Tommy Hilfiger introduces the “Tommy Factory”, a creative space inspired by Andy Warhol’s celebrated New York Studio. Portraying an epicenter of self-expression and artistic freedom, it deeply fascinated fashion Designer Tommy Hilfiger. As did the Pop-Art artist himself, whose approach and nose for relevant topics led Hilfiger to the concept of his own creative playground, though it is not a physical place but a “state of mind”.
Linking the classic and the new, the experimental factory unites a diverse cast of cross-generational Future makers, including mother-daughter duo Kate and Lila Moss, drummer Travis Barker, actor Anthony Ramos, musician Jon Batiste, street pop artist Mr. Brainwash, drag queen Lady Bunny and last but not least tattoo artist Steve Wiebe. Shot by Craig McDean in the Bronx and styled by Katie Grand, the images convey the spirit of the city and its cutting-edge communities. At Hilfiger’s fashion show in September during New York Fashion Week, the “Tommy Factory” will continue to unfold in a unique experience. To highlight and reinforce the power of the individual, the show will be accompanied by installations, again inspired by Warhol and his “15 minutes of fame spirit”. Reimagining and evoking the famed Factory by Andy Warhol, Tommy Hilfiger presents its fashion, honoring the iconic artist. JW
www.tommy.com
Fashion
Jewelry by Louis Vuitton - Empreinte Collection
The 2004 Empreinte collection shines in new splendor as Francesca Amfitheatrof, Artistic Director of Jewelry and Watches for Louis Vuitton, presents its unmistakable designs in a refreshing and bold way.
The collection includes 18-karat yellow, white and pink gold pieces adorned by the distinctive LV initials and Monogram Flowers. The Monogram flower appears in particular on a medallion which resembles a modern talisman as well as on the cords of bracelets. While Empreinte portrays strength and adventure, the interlaced bracelets give a warm feeling by symbolizing loving relationships. They also refer to an iconic piece of the company’s history as they are inspired by the leather strap that fastens the Louis Vuitton luggage. A long necklace that can be worn stacked or as a bracelet gives the collection an individual touch. Hoop earrings and diamond-studded ear cuffs complete the clear and contemporary ensemble.
With Empreinte Louis Vuitton and Francesca Amfitheatrof represent the “Art of Travel” in the tradition of the company. While remaining true to Louis Vuitton’s values, history, and quality standards the designer did not miss to meet modern requirements concerning the design and also the production of the collection. The company attaches great value to producing its goods in an ethical way and is therefore certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council since 2012. JW
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Comme des Garçons x Air Max Sunder
Comme des Garçons has undoubtedly become a household name within the luxury fashion industry. The Japanese brand, under the creative lead of Rei Kawakubo, has continuously evolved, establishing a visual identity which is unrecognizably Comme des Garçons. Throughout the year, the Japanese brand has also worked together with Nike to create a series of collaborative sneakers. Now, they are pleased to announce the newest collaboration, the Comme des Garçons x Air Max Sunder, which first debuted in Tokyo during the Comme des Garçons Homme Plus SS22 show. The original model was first introduced in the late 90s and has remained unchanged ever since. Comme des Garçons is the first to update the design since its inception. The exterior shroud is customized by featuring premium neoprene and nubuck. Available in three colourways, the new and modern redesign is simplified, yet maintains the original fit of the sneaker with its unique combination of zipper and lace-up.
The Comme des Garçons x Air Max Sunder will be available at all the CDG and Dover Street Market stores globally, as well as the DSM E-Shops.
www.comme-des-garcons.com
www.nike.com
Fashion
DIESEL opens new Stores at two Prestigious Locations
When Glenn Martens was announced as the new Diesel Creative Director, it was clear that a lot of new and exciting things were to follow. With his first collections, the young Belgian designer has already started to leave his mark on the innovative Italian lifestyle brand and will continue to do so in the years to come. His influence is by no means just limited to the garments, but he has also designed the brand’s new retail concept. Now, Diesel opens new stores in Forte dei Marmi, Italy, and Puerto Baùs, Spain, two prime holiday destinations in Europe. They mark the start of a new chapter under the creative lead of Glenn Martens, whose new retail concepts are defined by both curated shopping elements and experiential immersions. Throughout the store, one can see functional and innovative design details which exhibit the concept's key characteristics of renewal, disruption and transformation. The interior of the store is additionally also reflecting the Diesel DNA, for example through the bone-white and signature red walls, recalling the iconic Diesel logo. Additionally, sculptural elements are interspersed throughout the space, providing a certain depth, textures and timeless appeal to the space. These two will not be the only new stores opening under this new retail concept. Other 2022 rollouts will include new flagship stores in Tokyo Ginza, Shanghai Grand Gateway and Paris Saint Honoré.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
CD Diamond Glasses
Sunglasses are not only for the sunny seasons. They have become an intricate part of most people’s wardrobes and an absolute essential that one should always have on hand. Like many other luxury houses, DIOR has long recognized the appeal and popularity of sunglasses, but now the French Maison takes this a step further by applying their exquisite savoir-faire. The CD DiamondGlasses are a combination of advanced technology and highly refined DIOR craftsmanship and ultimate expertise. Assembled by hand, these virtuoso creations exalt the house’s fundamentals. This special accessory is defined by the infinite precision and attention to detail throughout every stage of the production. This is instantly recognizable in the lenses which have the Christian Dior Signature laser engraved or the diamond motif and iconic CD Diamond Logo applied with the most meticulous care. This Diamond pattern was first unveiled in 1974 and this original emblem and hypnotic design are now celebrated by Kim Jones.
www.dior.com
Fashion
LOIS Jeans SS23: Porto di Como
In the context of its 60th Anniversary, Spanish jeans brand Lois Jeans unveiled its new SS23 collection ‘Porto di Como’ with its first-ever fashion show in Italy. Taking place at the historical location of Acqua di Bianchi in the picturesque village of Taceno, close to Lago di Como, the collection and show were a homage to Italy, its music and its heritage. The unexpected scenery is a direct reference to the inspiration behind the 16th collection, the enchanting ambience of the natural oasis captured through the striking designs and exceptional elegance of the collection. The natural surroundings of Lago di Como expressed through a harmonious color scheme of clean whites, deep blues, soft yellow tones adorned with orange details, floral artworks and elegant shapes is contrasted with Lois Jeans’ iconic characteristics which have catapulted the brand to global prominence. Iconic jeans sets, elevated 60s styles and low-waisted 90s fits are reinvented as visual highlights throughout the collection and bear witness to the essence of the brand’s heritage. Naturally, ABBA, who Lois is known for sponsoring shortly before their Eurovision Song Contest success in 1974, was present through their iconic song ‘Take A Chance on Me’, which was the musical backdrop of the show’s finale. Among the models of the shows were the Lois muses of the past years, such as Dutch icons Rianne ten Haken and Ton Heukels, as well as Lois campaign stars Nour Lwasi, Jena Goldsack and Robin Hölzken. The incredible evening was finished off by an authentic Italian dinner in the serene setting natural setting of Taceno, a perfect setting to celebrate the 60th Anniversary and the 16th Lois collection.
www.loisjeanstore.com
Art
Wir Überleben das Licht
Johan Tahon was captured by sculpture at the early age of 15 and this fascination has not stopped since. Since his beginnings and most importantly independently from all various trends and streams which at one point dominated the art world, Johan Tahon has continued to uphold craftsmanship, personal expression and spirituality as guiding principles in his works. In 1996, Jan Hoet discovered the Belgian artist and started to promote Tahon’s monumental sculptures. Under his sponsorship, Johan Tahon developed into an artist of international stature, heralded as a part of a group of artists who heralded the comeback of figuration and craft in the arts. Tahon’s deeply rooted topics of human psychology and spirituality also caught the attention of writers, most notably Till Lindemann, frontman of the German band Rammstein, who collaborated, under the initiative of ZOO Magazine, with the Belgian artist by writing a number of poems inspired by his sculptures. The resulting exhibition, Wir Überleben das Licht, conceived in collaboration with ZOO Magazine is now on display at the Cultuurcentrum de Steiger in Menen, Tahon’s hometown of which he is also an honorary citizen. The display encompasses the sculptures of Johan Tahon, the poetry of Till Lindemann and the photography of Sandor Lubbe. Aside from Wir Überleben das Licht, the Cultuurcentrum also opened up the DEPOT TAHON, a permanent display of countless sculptures by Johan Tahon, allowing visitors to dive deep into Tahon’s artistic world.
The exhibition Wir Überleben das Licht will be on display at the Cultuurcentrum de Steiger Menen until August 31st.
www.johantahon.com
www.ccdesteiger.be
Fashion
Christian Louboutin Men SS23 in collaboration with Highsnobiety
Within the Parisian cultural hub for contemporary art, the iconic Le Centre Georges Pompidou, Christian Louboutin, and Highsnobiety will host a presentation at Georges. At the top of the building, the two brands will celebrate the launch of the Men’s SS23 collection, previewing the newest line titled “Dune”. Highlighting the creative universes, the runway featured a futuristic outdoor corridor compromised of red plinths in different heights inspired by the graphic red and black notches soles of the Dune line. Here, a selection of dazzling evening shoes, new styles from the inclusive capsule Our Angels, and leather goods from Techno CL perforated leather pattern are displayed. Inside the space is a central scenography made of four aluminum panels arranged in a circular shape to form a futuristic cocoon that showcases the new hero shoe: the Dune lug sole. With inspiration taken from the Maison’s signature niche displays, the Christian Louboutin and Highsnobiety design panels serve to highlight eight variations of the newest addition to the collection. Once it becomes dark, that afterparty took place with an array of musical performances.
www.christianlouboutin.com
www.highsnobiety.com
Fashion
DIOR Men Summer 23
Kim Jones created a gardener’s dream in Dior men’s SS23 show. The pieces pay tribute to Christian Dior’s passion for nature by reimagining the designer’s childhood home in Granville, Normandy. Placed in front of a bright blue backdrop with grass-like features, the models wear pieces dominated by pastel colors that seamlessly blend into their natural surroundings. There is a clear nod towards practicality, with an array of outdoor clothing such as reflective gilets and practical backpacks. Also featured are gardener’s hats designed by Stephen Jones Millinery, some of which are made using a 3D printer. Some elements of Bloomsbury set painter, Duncan Grant’s work was placed on fleece sweaters and embroidered on sheer tops for playful effects. The post-impressionist vibrant colors stood out well against the vivid backdrop. In a practical yet rebellious tone, the pieces evoke an effortless contemporary existence. Reclaimed cashmere, double-breasted tailored coats were teamed with tailored shorts in thirties fabrications. Semi-transparent silk organza revealed the strict, traditional masculine construction of the garments underneath.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Gianni Versace at the Groninger Museum
Gianni Versace is one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, with his prominence very much being carried on through today. Versace brought together classical and pop art imagery and found inspiration in figures from ancient Greece as well as subjects like bondage and SM. The designer worked with artists like Andy Warhol, Jim Dine, and Julian Schnabel, raising the profile of the marriage between the old and new like never before. As a pioneer in the fashion world, Versace regularly challenged traditional images of masculinity and femininity, designing clothing for both sexes and referencing sexuality and power in his collections. The colorful, daring, and emotional Gianni Versace Retrospective exhibition will take visitors through the journey inside the eccentric fashion designer’s world of extravagant clothing and lavish catwalk shows in which clothing, pop music, and design come spectacularly together. The exhibition displays men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, fabrics, drawings, interior designs, and footage of legendary shows derived from the Italian designer’s glory days between 1989 and 1997. Gianni Versace brought the arts together like no one ever before, leading the way in the transformation of fashion shows and advertising campaigns into works of art. Each item presented is an original piece, all of which are sourced from international private collections. GH
The Gianni Versace Retrospective will take place at the Groninger Museum from December 2 2022 to May 7 2023
www.groningermuseum.nl
www.versace.com
Fashion
La Martina SS23 Collection
Held at Garden Senato, a classy, unconventional, and unique location, the La Martina SS23 show stands for creativity, multiculturalism, and integration. The brand has unveiled a new collection inspired by a journey that follows the polo players from Argentina to London to attend tournaments and social events. But like everyone, also La Martina’s polo players deserve a holiday. The SS23 Collection is structured around 4 four macro themes: Argentina, England, Holiday, and Essential. From sporty to casual, from streetwear to a more elegant cut, the new garments are made for any adventure, especially during summer vacations. Then, as a fil rouge to connect the many looks are, as always, colors and materials such as nylon, linen, and jersey. La Martina fashion show was presented during the Milan Fashion Week in the shape of a big live event followed by an exclusive party with a DJ set by Graziano della Nebbia, a well-known name on the Milanese music scene. To attend the event were prominent personalities such as Italian and international journalists, K.O.L., VIPs, ambassadors, and friends of the brand. VB
www.lamartina.com
Fashion
Born in Oasi Zegna
Innovation is paramount for Zegna and starts from the Oasi. Created by Ermenegildo Zegna, Oasi Zegna is an ecosystem born long before this word was even known. It is not only a unique model of societal and environmental consciousness but also a set of principles that foster consistency and promote harmony. From here starts the journey made by Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori while designing the SS23 Menswear Collection. Going back to the roots and keeping in mind two of Zegna’s hallmarks - craftsmanship and tailoring - the brand has presented a new series of garments that feature new shapes and textures, giving life to a new language. The idea was to keep the finesse, the attention to detail, and the respect for materials while experimenting with lighter silhouettes and fabrics, as well as finishes with different technicalities, to create a new style for men. The result is a collection that brings the lightness and the freedom of the Oasi Zegna as an environment into the city: kimono-cut jackets, impalpable coats, shirts, and tops, are characterized by loose and unstructured shapes, Bermuda shorts further free movement, while tailored blazers are freed from the necessity of having a collar. Also, materials and colors evoke this feeling of extreme lightness. Throughout the collection, engineered knitwear, technical silk, meshes, rubberized nylons, wools, terry, rubberized leather, and lacquered nappa were combined with a color palette that ranges from earthy tones, powder white, and dusty rose to charcoal, sulfur, and black. VB
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Prada Choices
Fashion can be defined as a manner, a way of dressing, or a method of presenting oneself. Based on this reflection, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have created a new collection titled “Prada Choices,” an invitation to rethink what style is. The Prada SS23 Menswear Collection plays on the juxtaposition of many elements. Garments are here combined in an unusual way generating a different impact and identity according to the dialogue of each piece with the others. The designers have combined the brand's sophisticated aesthetic with Raf Simons’ youthful aura. Suits, overcoats, sweaters, shirts, denim, and leather are among Prada classics. Despite their simplicity, the silhouettes of these pieces have been reinterpreted through context. Leather shorts are coupled with patterned cotton shirts, and knee-length four-button coats come in leather, gingham, and off-white. Simplicity is the reading key but what makes this collection iconic is the mix of rawness and sophistication, classicism and spontaneity. It is the choice of pairing colors, fabrics, patterns, and shapes to elevate the whole show. VB
www.prada.com
Fashion
Karl Lagerfeld x Alled-Martinez
“This collection is a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld himself, to fashion, and to iconic fashion moments from the early ‘00s that left a mark on me while growing up”, says Archie M. Alled-Martinez when discussing the Karl Lagerfeld x Alled-Martinez capsule collection. The genderless styles reinterpret Karl Lagerfeld’s vision through a queer lens, with details that celebrate fearlessness and self-expression. The capsule features ready-to-wear and accessories that embrace Karl Lagerfeld’s original vision of effortless sophistication combined with Alled-Martinez’s signature aesthetic of being playful, camp-chic, and unapologetic. The ready-to-wear essentials include tailored knitted suits, a lurex-jersey suit with a unique finish that resembles denim, and sparkling sequin pieces. Key accessories range from statement rings to bowling bags, tote bags, and driving gloves that evoke Karl Lagerfeld’s own iconic look. When describing the merging of the two brand’s identities, Archie M. Alled-Martinez said “I brought some daringness to Karl’s rigor and style. At its core is the belief that fashion needs to be real. There’s no right or wrong – it’s about knowing and celebrating who you are". The collection is available globally from June 16th 2022. GH
www.karl.com
Fashion
Herno Resort FW22/23 Collection
Precious details and soft, warm fabrics are the key features that give life to Herno Resort Collection. Thought for leisure time, the collection is designed for the wearer, who can enjoy the refinement of materials, the fluidity of the shapes, and relaxing colors in a perfect Herno style. Knitwear and outerwear are merged thanks to the recent creation of an in-house department in the headquarters on Lake Maggiore, offering a wide range of garments divided into two categories. Travel & Leisure features casual wear dedicated to all travelers who need clothes ready to go. Wool sweaters with zipping, hood, or round necks and sweatshirts are e embellished with sophisticated decorations and pastel colors. Jackets in unlined boiled wool, with knitted cuffs and adjustable drawstrings, give a romantic touch with their hues that range from lilac and teal to blue and butter. It is the perfect starter pack for every adventurer. Luxury Dream, instead, represents the destination of this journey. It is a mix of elegance and luxury. Herno women's collection includes a cape in pure soft wool, a sweatshirt made of 3 materials - cotton for the body, nylon for the hood, knit for the sleeves and edges - and an over sweater and cardigan that combine nylon and knit. For men, the great protagonist of the new collection is the iconic bomber jacket, translated into a college-style model. VB
www.herno.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton releases Pégase in collaboration with Marc Newson
Louis Vuitton the Rolling Series is a collection made up of elevated statements through designs that are built to last. Recently, Pégase has been introduced as an advancement to the series, newly reimagined by Marc Newson. This is Newson’s third collaboration with the brand, having previously released Horizon followed by the Horizon Soft duffle in 2016. The objective for all three of these collections was to “have a consistent vocabulary between them and to share the same innovations”, according to the designer. For Pégase, Newson applied his expertise in materials and engineering to produce an unparalleled slimness to the luggage. Topped with an ergonomic handle, this trolley system excels in strength and maneuverability. True to the visual language of the house, the Pégase is offered in timeless Monogram, Monogram Eclipse, Damier Graphite, and Taiga Leather. Underneath, the shell ensures that Pégase is lightweight and ultra-resistant. In this way, travelers will appreciate that Newson has given equal consideration to the exterior and interior of the piece. Pégase is truly the ideal addition to the Rolling Luggage series, combining emblematic Louis Vuitton features with super functionality. GH
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
LOEWE Celebrates The Paula’s Ibiza Collection
Last weekend, the Spanish brand LOEWE flew to Ibiza to host a special event to celebrate the launch of Paula’s Ibiza collection. Born from the hedonistic vision of Creative Director Jonathan Anderson, the SS22 Collection features sequins, bright colors, and creative cutouts perfect for the thrilling nightlife of the Spanish island. Ibiza is a world-class party destination whose energy and vibrancy reflect LOEWE’s ethos and spirit of freedom. There, the brand organized an exclusive weekend festival that started with a personalized Mercadillo and party at Las Dalias, followed by lunch at beachfront restaurant Cala Bonita the next day, and ended with an evening cocktail dinner at the newly opened Beach Caves at Six Senses. It was an ode to escapism. Among the guest who attended the event were: Stéphane Bak, Amina Muaddi, Jahleel Weaver, Jeanne Cadieu, Blanca Miró, and Ziwe. VB
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Dior presents the CD Diamond Accessories
The CD Diamond is the epitome of modernity and a classic symbol of Dior spirit. Originally designed by Marc Bohan, the iconic motif has been seen across Dior designs since the Miss Dior ready-to-wear collection of 1974. Today, Kim Jones has reinterpreted the design that was originally featured on blouses, scarves, and skirts, as a canvas for his Dior SS22 men’s collection. Revisited in the manner of a refined diamond, this new approach to the “CD”, with its unique relief, enlivens the season’s creations in Dior Gray, evoking the Granville sky as an ode to the founding couturier. The canvas is also featured in black, ono the B23 sneakers, for a casual and sportswear style. The design has also been extended to the Lingot line of bags, in a slim pouch, messenger, and briefcase version. These mesmerizing designs are the perfect continuation of the exemplary print that is maintaining its way of being an emblematic fundamental. GH
www.dior.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Unveils Colorful Lineup on Monogram Macassar and Taurillon Monogram
Louis Vuitton has introduced a fresh and cool lineup on Monogram Macassar and Taurillon Monogram for Summer 2022. To pay homage to Virgil Abloh, the French Maison designed a leather goods collection featuring a distinctive seasonal color palette of orange, purple, and mint green that evokes the late Creative Director's rainbow and energizing universe. The new accessories are practical and colorful, all crafted in LV Taurillon Monogram leather. The briefcase is a sophisticated yet spacious item able to contain tech and essential documents thanks to a padded laptop sleeve and pockets. Its closure features the iconic Virgil Abloh-designed S-Lock Signature, while a top handle and a wide woven shoulder strap make it functional and comfortable. The new wearable wallet is roomy, with a vertical silhouette, and characterized by a flap with a magnetic finishing inspired by Louis Vuitton's original, unbreakable lock from 1886. Then, two other unique Louis Vuitton cult favorites have been redesigned: the Keepall 25 in a city bag size and the Christopher backpack in a smaller version. To complete the collection are the Monogram Macassar canvas bags in the same seasonal colors embellished with signature matte black metallic finishes. VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
STONE ISLAND PROTOTYPE RESEARCH_SERIES 06
Since 2016, Stone Island has created limited editions of garments that, given their complexity of experimentation, are not yet industrializable. The project is called the “Prototype Series,” which focuses on the research of innovative technologies, new fabrics, and treatments. This year for the Milan Design Week, the brand presented the PROTOTYPE RESEARCH_SERIES 06 in collaboration with the Kevlar® consumer brand R&D team. Kevlar® is a synthetic fiber with exceptional strength, hardness, and thermal stability that, when combined with "stretch broken" technology, produces an incredibly fine yarn that can be covered with cotton. For this project, the cotton yarn has been disintegrated using the dévoré printing technique, obtaining an all-over pattern that reveals the characteristically yellow color of the original fiber. The unveiled yarns create a sort of light technical lace. The outcome is innovative, water-repellent items. The installation created by Stone Island features four concentric circles that originate a tunnel that leads the gaze from the macro to the micro, in a distorting lens that allows visitors to discover the hidden of the prototypes. The exhibition will be on view until June 12th, 2022, at Stone Island's showroom in Milan. VB
www.stoneisland.com
Art
Loro Piana Interiors Presents New Furniture by Raphael Navot
A new installation by Loro Piana Interiors can be discovered at Cortile della Seta, in Via della Moscova 33. During Milan Design Week, the Italian brand has unveiled exclusive furniture designed by Raphael Navot in the name of craftsmanship, softness, intimacy, and togetherness. The non-industrial designer, who had already worked in partnership with Loro Piana, has set up an exhibition where the objects are hidden and revealed simultaneously through a landscape of soft, undulating dunes. In 2021, Raphael Navot launched The Palm Duet Chaise Longue in Cashfur fabric by Loro Piana Interiors. It was an ode to intimacy and pleasure. Today, distinctive elements of The Palm Duet recur in the new objects characterized by the same soft lines and contemporary aesthetic. A sofa, méridienne, armchair, stools, a side, a coffee table, and an ottoman have been created with a futuristic approach, but without indulging in the cold hyper-technological vision of the future. The new furniture, made of the noblest fibers, can be either used alone, with their elegant personality or grouped in joyful interactions dedicated to conviviality; thus the name “Palm” as in the palm of a hand with fingers slightly closed to welcome, protect, repair. It is all a game of interactions. The Loro Piana Interiors installation will be open to visitors from June 9th, 2022. VB
www.loropiana.com
Art
The Miss Dior Chair by Philippe Starck
The Medaillon chair, an object so dear to Christian Dior and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the Maison, makes its comeback thanks to the French industrial architect Philippe Starck during the Salone del Mobile 2022. The one between the designer and Dior Maison is an unprecedented collaboration that reinterprets an iconic piece of furniture, a quintessential symbol of French Art de Vivre and Louis XVI style. Philippe Starck has created timelessly elegant pieces with clean lines and marked by modernity exalted by the lightness of aluminum. Named “Miss Dior,” the new chairs are true works of art that can be discovered at Palazzo Citterio, a sumptuous 18th-century building located in the heart of Milan. The installation is a one-of-a-kind experience. The design items are presented in a monochrome decor of a deep, matte black that gives the exhibit a theatrical allure and highlights the materials used to make the chairs. In addition, an interplay of light, punctuated by a musical composition created for Dior by Soundwalk Collective, originates a scenographic choreography. The Miss Dior Chair imagined by Philippe Starck will be on view from June 7 to 12, 2022. VB
www.dior.com
Fashion
LOEWE Presents WEAVE, RESTORE, RENEW At Salone del Mobile In Milan
LOEWE has finally announced a new unique project made for this year's edition of Salone del Mobile in Milan. After two years of full stop, the Spanish brand makes its comeback at the annual furniture fair, celebrating the regenerative power of handwork and collaborating with artisans of unique flair, inventiveness, and technical ability. Titled “WEAVE, RESTORE, RENEW,” the installation aims to give new life to things that could be forgotten or discarded and turn them into exclusive pieces by repairing and reviving them through artisanal interventions. The project shows LOEWE’s commitment to the environment and crafts. Turning ages-old techniques into something unexpected, LOEWE WEAVE, RESTORE, RENEW explores leather weaving, the Galician straw-weaving tradition known as Coroza, and the Korean paper weaving technique known as Jiseung. Different artisans such as Idoia Cuesta, Belén Martìnez, Santiago Basteiro, and Juan Manuel Marcilla worked on the restoration of 240 existing baskets using leather strings to create a new playful, and surprising version of those. Then, LOEWE designed sculptural bags and basket bags by using the ancient technique of the Coroza. In addition, together with Young Soon Lee, the brand created a series of jars made out of paper, as well as sturdy totes. VB
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet x Carolina Bucci: A Subtle And Unexpected Aesthetic
Audemars Piguet in collaboration with Carolina Bucci has presented a new limited edition 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding in black ceramic. To mark the Royal Oak’s fiftieth anniversary, the Italian jewelry designer decided to team up with the Swiss Haute Horlogerie Manufacturer to create a new timepiece that features a unique dial endowed with a multi-colored mirror effect, a tribute to the iconic Tapisserie design. Their partnership started in 2016 for the 40th anniversary of the women’s Royal Oak. In 2018, Carolina Bucci signed a limited edition of 300 pieces for Audemars Piguet, entirely crafted in frosted yellow gold with an exclusive dial. Then, two years later, she realized the iconic K.I.S.S. collection of gold bracelets linking the Haute Joaillerie with the Haute Horlogerie. Today, the designer worked on a limited edition of watches with singular characteristics. The new 34 mm Royal Oak in all-black ceramic, in fact, reveals a surprising dial whose color changes according to the light. To reach this result, Carolina Bucci used a sapphire plate adorned with little squares, subsequently placed on top of the brass dial plate to create a rich rainbow-colored effect. Each design is even more unique thanks to the variation of the iridescent color pattern. The limited-edition comes in a presentation box also designed by Carolina Bucci and is available exclusively in Audemars Piguet boutiques and AP Houses. VB
www.audemarspiguet.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger x NBA: The Essence of Basketball
Tommy Hilfiger, one of the world’s most recognized premium lifestyle brands, has unveiled a new project in collaboration with the NBA. Symbol of the American style, since the 1990s, Tommy Hilfiger has been associated with basketball and street culture, capturing the attention of A-list celebrities and influencers, many of whom had ties to the NBA and sports community. Since then, the sport has always remained a key component of Hilfiger’s brand vision. Today, to celebrate its roots and streetwear fashion, the American brand has launched the new TOMMY JEANS capsule collection by partnering with the National Basketball Association. Inspired by the energy at the heart of basketball, a sport that helped to shape local street culture and diverse communities, the new collection features hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, denim pants, and shorts combined with NBA team logos. These garments represent streetwear fashion at its finest. The TOMMY JEANS and NBA capsule collection is available on Tommy Hilfiger’s website and at TOMMY JEANS stores across Europe, North America, Latin America, and select stores in Asia. VB
www.tommyhilfiger.com
Fashion
"Victory travels in Louis Vuitton"
For the second time, the unprecedented Trophy Travel Case for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco is being presented by Louis Vuitton and the Automobile Club de Monaco. The bespoke case in the colors of the Principality is a celebration of both exceptional French savoir-faire and passion for a legendary sporting event. The Trophy Travel Case epitomizes the Maison’s and Automobile Club’s shared values of tradition, transmission, and excellence. Hand-crafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic Asnières workshop, the trunk showcases the brand’s savoir-faire with its one-of-a-kind red Monogram pattern on a tarmac-black background, drawing inspiration from the heritage of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco. The Monogram canvas is adorned with the red shade of the Monaco flag, while the red lines, tracing “V” for “Victory”, are rimmed with a white strip, reminiscent of the unique urban route of the track, and the colors of the Monaco flag. Inside its Louis Vuitton case, the trophy is the perfect replica of the 3,337 km circuit with its famous 19 bends, where overtaking is close to impossible. GH
www.louisvuitton.com
www.acm.mc
Christian Louboutin presents L’Exhibition Chapter II
Christian Louboutin, L’Exhibition[niste] is returning in a new form this summer and will be presented by the Grimaldi Forum Monaco from July 9th to August 28th 2022. Chapter II will be devoted to the work and imagination of Christian Louboutin, the shoe designer and key figure in the world of fashion who has drawn much inspiration from the Principality. Redesigned by Oliver Gabet, and showcased across a spectacular 2000 square meter set, the exhibition will unveil previously unsees pieces related to the designer’s Monegasque inspirations, as well as new collaborations. The “Musée Imaginaire” will be in a 300 square meter room, where objects from Christian Louboutin’s personal collection will be displayed in conjunction with heritage and artistic works from public and private collections of Monaco’s museums. It will explore themes in the designer’s work such as his love of dance and the legacy of the Ballets Russes, his passion for African art and Asia, the pop influence of Warhol, and his fascination with oceanography. Far from a traditional retrospective, the exhibition has been designed as a joyful odyssey across three decades of overflowing creativity. Indeed, it is imbued with a curiosity for all arts and cultures. GH
www.christianlouboutin.com
www.grimaldiforum.com
Fashion
Bolia: Neutra Modular Storage System
Neutra is a flexible, minimalist shelving solution named after Richard Neutra’s functional architecture. Designed in robust, modular combinations, Neutra allows the user to create a piece of furniture that precisely meets its wishes and needs while fitting perfectly into the interior. The storage system blends into a private or professional setting with elegance, letting the displayed items take center stage. The storage system does not take light away from beautiful vases, books, and works of art that can be displayed, and fades away thanks to its minimalist lines of great finesse. Neutra is available in a wide variety of modules, sizes, and materials to bring a personalized touch to any space. Its boards are made of white pigmented oak, or gray lacquered MDF. Its support is available in black or gray lacquered steel. The lightness and sensuality refer to Scandinavian nature and its spring season is synonymous with blossoming. Neutra creates a calm and optimistic atmosphere with its durable and environmentally friendly materials and soft colors that reflect the changing seasons. GH
www.bolia.com
Fashion
Gucci Blondie
First debuted within the Love Parade fashion show in Los Angeles, The Gucci Blondie is the new bag designed by Alessandro Michele and inspired by the brand’s archive. This accessory represents an ever-evolving narrative and the ability of the Creative Director to effortlessly bridge eras through his creations. It is a stylistic progression of the original model but with a contemporary twist and striking details. The Gucci Blondie is a versatile and timeless piece offering span sizes and silhouettes. The messenger model, thanks to the Web or leather straps, can be worn on the shoulder or across the body, the smaller day-to-night style with chain straps can be transformed into a clutch, while the miniature version with interchangeable and adjustable straps completes the selection. Each model is available in leather, suede, and GG canvas, with a varied color palette. The Gucci Blondie is presented through a new campaign, conceived as a love letter to New York. The images, shot in a reportage style, evoke a time gone, dynamically converging past, present, and future, just like the new line of handbags does. VB
www.gucci.com
Fashion
G-Star RAW Calls Out To Wear Denim Longer
G-Star has worked rigorously to improve this past year, from social and environmental points of view to transparency and circularity innovations. The Dutch brand has launched a new global campaign to encourage consumers to invest in quality, as well as eight new responsible initiatives as part of their RAW Responsibility strategy. The “Wear your denim till the End” Campaign shows the beauty of the aging process in both people and denim. For G-Star, raw denim is the beating core of the company; jeans are meant to last a lifetime, and they believe denim gets more distinctive and unique at each stage of life. The film's message is simple: take care of your clothes so you may wear them longer. Simultaneously with the campaign, the brand has also launched a raw denim capsule collection with a warranty. Then, in addition to these new initiatives, G-Star has revealed an eight-point sustainable program. To begin with, they provide free repairs to extend the life of jeans, as well as a program that converts worn jeans into brand-new pairs of shorts and a recycling project called "Return Your Denim." Furthermore, G-Star launched a new art platform where international design talents are challenged to work with denim waste and deadstock. VB
www.g-star.com
Art
Three Outstanding Artists at Art Rotterdam 2022
For the 23rd edition of Art Rotterdam, the iconic Van Nelle factory is hosting the booths of over a hundred leading galleries from the Netherlands and abroad. But among the artist presented, three of them stand out for their excellent works. The first one is Otobong Nkanga, with his art piece titled “Tied to the Other Side,” a gigantic tapestry realized in the innovative textile lab of the Textile Museum in Tilburg. In her practice, she uses raw materials such as mica, nickel, malachite, and copper, addressing one major issue: the exploitation of African countries to obtain these substances. Then another name to keep an eye on is that of South African artist Buhlebezwe Siwani. In her video “Eziko,” She speaks out against the legacy of centuries of colonization by the Dutch and the British. In the end, represented by EENWERK is American artist Sheila Hicks. Known for her innovative, woven sculptures, for which she has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible with fibers and yarns, she exhibits her latest masterpiece “Beacon". VB
www.artrotterdam.com
Fashion
New Hermès window display on PC Hooftstraat
The summer window display at the Hermès store on PC Hooftstraat in Amsterdam has been designed by Dutch studio WM. Unveiled on May 17th, the installation named “Vivid Shadows” by Wendy Legro and Maarten Collignon celebrates Hermès’ 2022 theme of “Lighthearted” and takes us deeper into the world of the brand, one in which shadows play with light. Their concept uses projection to showcase two different scarves through a beam in a deep indigo blue, like a blueprint. In Minuit au Faubourg by Dimitri Rybaltchenko, a masked horse wearing a cape flies out of the print alongside a man swinging on a Hermès Twilly from an apartment window as he tries to grab a pot of gold. On the floor above, a Hermès bracelet overlooks a sleeping city. Here, a horse leaps forward, radiating the spirit of the theme with bright and vivid colors. Whirling around this figure is a belt, a bag, and a pair of leather sandals. Created exclusively from layers of paper, the installation is hand-painted and carefully carved to build volume and perspective, showcasing the fragile yet enchanting nature of paper. This window display overall creates a strong connection between the urban landscape and interior space. GH
www.hermes.com
Art
Art Rotterdam 2022: Outdoor Artworks
From 19-22 May, Art Rotterdam comes back to Van Nelle Fabriek, the building icon of 20th-century industrial architecture and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This fair is the ultimate opportunity to discover new galleries as well as new artists. As the most renowned contemporary art fair in the Netherlands, Art Rotterdam offers a unique perspective and a platform for the latest developments in the visual arts. The 23rd edition will display, through the 10,000m2 space, the creations of emerging and established artists, alongside a record number of seventeen large-scale installations in the outdoor area. Since spring has finally come in the Dutch city, the art fair has set a series of socially engaged outdoor presentations that refers to the world around us, addressing important issues such as climate, pandemics, and populism. The first artist to welcome the public is Onno Poiesz with his work “De blauwen,” an allusion to the war and pandemic that dominated the beginning of 2022. Then, Tim Wes unveils his installation “Trauma Triggers Triumph” about the concept of the uomo universale. And in the end, among many other projects, stands that of Thierry Oussou. His “Equilibrium Wind” flag is a reference to the cotton plantations located in the district of Panouignan in Benin and the significant impact they have on the country's economic growth. Placed on top of Van Nelle Fabriek, this flag is a symbolic representation of all those people working in the shadows. The outdoor artworks at Art Rotterdam 2022 are ready to be discovered. VB
www.artrotterdam.com
Art
Art, inside and out, Rotterdam 2022
Rotterdam Art is the most renowned fair for contemporary art in the Netherlands. Each year, Art Rotterdam offers a stage for the latest developments in the visual arts. With a sharp focus on young talent, varying different topics, and the connection with the city of Rotterdam make Art Rotterdam a unique experience. This year, a special spring edition of Art Rotterdam will take place in Van Nelle Fabriek, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, there will be works and installations both outside and inside. Outside, there will be a record number of seventeen large-scale works and installations in the outdoor area, many of which are specifically designed for the occasion. Indoors, there is a floor area of 10,000 m2, where more than a hundred leading national and international galleries will show the work of upcoming and established talent. Two new valuable innovations will be introduced in this 23rd exhibition: firstly, the projections video section will be given a completely new format; also, a major expansion is being planned for Prospects, the Mondriaan Fund’s exhibition. Each year Art Rotterdam becomes more of an attractive alternative for art lovers within the international field of fairs. The special spring edition will take place from May 19th-22nd 2022. GH
www.artrotterdam.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton & Nike "Air Force 1" by Viril Abloh
Louis Vuitton is an iconic Maison, which looks back on immense heritage and history. Virgil Abloh was an iconic creative, who has shifted the fashion industry as a whole. The Nike “Air Force 1” is arguably one of the most iconic sneakers having been sold millions of times all across the world. This May, all three will come together, as Louis Vuitton is launching 9 editions of the iconic sneaker reimagined by Virgil Abloh. First presented to the world as part of the SS22 Men’s collection, the new creations are set to launch with various cultural happenings surrounding it, such as the exhibition Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh, which will take place at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in New York City. This special showing brings together all the 47 editions of the Air Force 1 which Virgil Abloh has created through his inimitable lens. Each is an embodiment of Abloh’s deeper design philosophy aiming to erase the borders between “high and low”, celebrating the historical influence of Black subcultures on mainstream fashion, a true expression of humanity and unity. The exhibition offers its guests the opportunity to immerse themselves into Abloh’s mindset, perfectly captured by the intricate setup, with each piece bearing witness to Abloh’s philosophy. Additionally, the exhibition will extend itself through the whole city of New York with five installations, graphic globe sculptures, being placed throughout the city. FM
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Cruise 2023 Women’s Fashion Show Collection
This season, Louis Vuitton is exploring the nomadic aesthetic in the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, by architect Louis Kahn in San Diego. This is a brutalist building from 1965 designed as a serene concrete monastery for enlightened souls. Here, during times when the sun is blazing, it is perfectly framed by the building within the precise axis of the central foundation. The combination of sun rays and shimmering water creates prisms across the silhouettes, while a myriad of natural materials gives the illusion of a metallic palette. This introduces the show’s perfect guest of honor for the Cruise 2023 collection, the sun. This plays an active part in the evolution of this wardrobe where temperature changes set a stylistic tempo. The collection consists of linen, jacquard, silk, leather, and tweed, with metallic embellishments that reflected the setting sun. Other pieces lifted design details from water sports; the airbrushed colors of half tops and boxy short skirts that came from jet skis. Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, the show encapsulated superheroine goddesses, with the opening dresses cut from robust jacquards, which were inspired by molten lava. A trio of jackets with enormous, sculpted collars as shiny as armor perched above tinsel sleeves finished off the show, the perfect ending to capture the otherworldly imagination of Ghesquière. GH
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Zoë Kravitz partners with OMEGA
Actress, director, and model Zoë Kravitz is the latest to have joined OMEGA’s impressive line-up of women proud to wear the Swiss brand. A standout performer in the world of entertainment, Zoë Kravitz captivates audiences in a diverse group of acclaimed major motion picture films and notable independent releases. Her individualistic youthful, confident style is the perfect fit for Omega’s willingness to take risks with its designs. Kravitz has consistently stood out in blockbuster big-screen franchises, with roles in The Batman, Mad Max, and Fantastic Beasts, and later this year will make her directorial debut in the original motion picture film, Pussy Island. Omega President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann has expressed the brand’s excitement about making Kravitz the latest member of the Omega family, describing her as “an extremely talented young woman with an admirable drive and determination to succeed on her own terms” and the new partnership as “the next exciting move in our commitment to reach an emerging generation who are reinventing the idea of luxury”. GH
www.omegawatches.com
Fashion
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou by Maison Sarah Lavoine
Interior Architecture Studio Maison Sarah Lavoine has unveiled a new project: the renovation of the prestigious Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, an estate located on the eponymous winery. A historic place that features tapestry and architectural details of the 18th century, with an area of 400m2 and 105 hectares of vineyards. Maison Sarah Lavoine, who since 2012 has offered an Art of Living, a lifestyle, which combines sophistication and a modern touch, has used its core values to face this challenge. The designer’s idea was to take into account the history of the site, magnify it, and respect the wishes of the owner Bruno-Eugène Borie, a great art collector. She wanted to sublimate the classic soul of an exceptional estate. Therefore, the Architecture Studio, working on reviving the private areas and reception rooms, has opted for a mixture of periods and styles, combining classical details with contemporary lines. In the entrance, Laurel walls and Charcoal colored woodwork echo a pre-existing graphic marble floor, in the living room, the walls and ceilings are painted in a warm Midnight blue, a signature color of the Maison, and in the dining room, an old tapestry has been discovered, redesigned, and highlighted with a deep China Tea color. This hue also takes up residence in the kitchen, with brass grill panels, Bordeaux stone, and walnut. This harmonious quartet creates a cozy atmosphere. Lastly, the bedroom, painted in Sarah Blue, follows the principle of Feng Shui. VB
www.maisonsarahlavoine.com
Fashion
Miu Wander: A New Perspective
The new Miu Wander handbag is a re-discovery and re-exploration of Miu Miu's identity from a fresh perspective. Designed by Miuccia Prada, this one-of-a-kind accessory is made of Matelassé leather, a playful yet sophisticated fabric that has become a Miu Miu signature. The bag is soft and feminine with its curved lines and pillowy surface, while the handle makes it a functional item, merging pragmatism with decoration. The Miu Wander appears, also in a campaign that reflects the same spirit and aesthetic of its design. Photographed by Tyrone Lebon, the images portray the actress Sydney Sweeney, the star of the acclaimed TV Series Euphoria, in a sublime atmosphere that recalls classic film stills, encouraging the viewer’s mind to wander. She perfectly embodies the Miu Miu ethos: a youthful energy and rebellious attitude. VB
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Suicoke Launches The MOK Injection Sandal
Suicoke has presented the new MOK injection sandal, the latest addition to its ever-growing injection sandal family. The MOK is a more versatile, lightweight, and eco-friendly model that pushes the brand's visual identity even further with its avant-garde design. Suicoke aims to craft a unique product that shows its attitude towards premium quality design. Light as air, comfortable like clouds, the sandal is produced using recycled waste materials. It is the result of a complex process of experimentation and trials with poor shape, inconsistency of colors, and even explosions. The MOK injection sandal, a new milestone in footwear production, is part of a long journey through creativity and innovative technology undertaken by the Japanese brand. Made in Italy and with a slip-on construction, as well as holes for breathability and a Suicoke-branded strap, the new item is available on the Suicoke website and in selected retailers worldwide. VB
www.suicoke.com
Fashion
Furla Futura: Love for Nature
With the intention of reinforcing its constant innovation, Furla has launched a new iconic bag shape that links the concepts of sustainability to art, launching with a creative yet experimental touch. The Furla Linea Futura features materials created through new eco-friendly processes, such as the upcycling of leftover leathers and the use of metal-free suede. The metal-free is a tanning process that does not resort to heavy metals, thus preventing the pollution of wastewaters. The Design of Furla Linea Futura is a futuristic interpretation of the shape of a bird’s nest. This style is bold and eye-catching and can be worn crossbody in a way that blends against the body in perfect harmony. Two sizes are offered which are available in 11 bright shades like a rainbow, staying true to the brand’s artistic DNA. What truly separates this bag from others is the focus on upcycling: precious recycled leathers are reworked with Global Recycled Standard certification and are reintroduced in this new, original form. GH
www.furla.com
Fashion
TAG Heuer F1 Edition
Tag Heuer has unleashed its newest timepiece inspired by the dominant style of race legend Ayrton Senna, an admired and adored legend for motor racing, as well as Formula 1 fans all over the world. The collaboration between TAG Heuer and Ayrton Senna has been ongoing since 1988, Senna was redefining the word “drive” by breaking many records. Continuing to pay tribute to the driver’s legacy, TAG Heuer continues its quest to create the perfect Formula 1 watch, the one the legendary driver would have loved to wear on his wrist. The bold design and original red color nod to Ayrton’s original watch. The TAG Heuer Senna Special Edition is a very elegant mix of red, anthracite, and black, in line with the design codes of the brand. SENNA’s iconic S. The timepiece also features an ultra-resistant black ceramic bezel, with the number 400 engraved as a reference to the symbolic 400km/h that has never been reached in Formula 1. The famous S/EL bracelet is inspired by the first TAG Heuer chronograph watch worn by Ayrton Senna. Highly shock-resistant, it has a folding clasp with a driver extension to fit over the sleeve of a racing suit. The timepiece is equipped with the automatic Calibre 16, protected by a stainless-steel screw-down case back engraved with the Brazilian driver’s iconic helmet on the back, alongside a special engraving of “SENNA SPECIAL EDITION”. GH
www.tagheuer.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet Celebrates the Royal Oak’s 50th Anniversary
To celebrate the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary, Audemars Piguet will host a series of events in key cities around the world. From Dubai to Shanghai, passing through Zurich and New York, the Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer will offer immersive sensory experiences with the setup of in-situ installations and edutainment platforms that will guide people into the Royal Oak’s multifaceted world. The Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta for Audemars Piguet, was officially launched on April 15, 1972, at the Basel Fair. This timepiece combines sportiness with ancestral craftsmanship and technological advances, setting new standards for watchmaking. Since then, over 500 Royal Oak models have been created, featuring different sizes, materials, styles, and movements. Today, the brand has decided to pay homage to this iconic watch and its 5-decade history, creating surprising and immersive edutainment content that will dive deep into the Royal Oak’s cultural universe. Starting in Dubai, from 15 – 24 April 2022, these installations will lead visitors on a journey to discover the multiple characteristics of this remarkable timepiece. In addition, visitors will be able to test their knowledge of the Royal Oak and the brand as a whole through a digital challenge. The public will be able to join in these immersive experiences in Zurich from May 6 to 12, New York City from May 19 to 25, and Shanghai in July. VB
www.audemarspiguet.com
Art
Louis Vuitton: “Coming of Age”
In loving memory and honor of Virgil Abloh, “Coming of Age” was unveiled at the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France, on April 8th. This is an extension of the group exhibition curated by Virgil Abloh in 2019 in Los Angeles, titled “Coming of Age”. Traveling to Paris, Beijing, Milan, New York, Munich, Tokyo, and Seoul, the exhibition centered around the concept, diversities, and complexities of male youth and boyhood. Central themes in this are traversing class, race, social economics, subcultures, isolation, and camaraderie. As a physical embodiment and homage to Virgil Abloh’s world, “Coming of Age” in Paris regroups, reimagines, and expands this original exhibition and its narrative story. It encourages activities and transforms visitors into participants, alongside artists, photographers, musicians, directors, and animators. This serves as an illustration of Virgil Abloh’s mission and achievement to democratize the dream, rendering it a domain open to the aspirations of all ages, genders, and races, from all walks of life. The extension of the global exhibition will play out over two weeks from April 13th, at the Frank Gehry-designed space. GH
www.foundationlouisvuitton.fr
Fashion
Bottega Veneta & NTS announce Bottega Radio
Global music platform and radio station NTS has joined forces with Bottega Veneta for a new cultural partnership and monthly radio series, celebrating the craft behind music by collaborating with emerging and established musicians. The radio will be ongoing throughout this year, opening new conversations between NTS residents and guest stars through a series of collaboratively produced musical soundscapes, airing under the new title of Bottega Radio. For an insight into what is to come, the first episode features autotune enthusiast Tim Zha, otherwise known as Organ Tapes, working together with L.A’s Jazmin, an expert in Latin music and resident host for NTS show Como La Flor. Launched on April 7th the series took off with a party at Stone Nest in London’s West End, featuring DJ sets and live performances from PLZ Make It Ruins boss and Frank Ocean collaborator Vegyn, experimental hip-hop auteur Slauson Malone, producer-rapper John Glacier, collaborative duo Sky and Mika Oki and the ever-elusive Dean Blunt. The first episode of Bottega Radio aired on NTS 2 at 09:00 am on April 8th and can be listened back via the Bottega Veneta App. GH
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
The Game of Opposites: Ferragamo Cage Bag SS22
Colorful and versatile is what characterizes the unique expression of Ferragamo savoir-faire, producing the newest icon set to steal the limelight for SS22, the Ferragamo Cage Bag. The house is no stranger to innovation, and this piece is no exception. By merging the forces of a sleek woven leather bucket bag structure with an interchangeable pouch, a special two bags in one is created. The inside drawstring bag can be taken right out and, interchangeable, it comes in leather, in the same or a contrasting variety of color choices, in natural fabric, or silk with a scarf print from the archives, reworked for the summer season. Crafted to be lightweight with a convenient crossbody style option, the bag emphasizes the brand’s exceptional leatherwork, while evolving for today’s less-is-more philosophy. A digital campaign for the bag has been created with the game of opposites in mind, determining the very essence of contemporary luxury. Mariacarla Boscono’s explosive personality is the muse that embodies the contemporary vision of the House through its Cage Bag. The film has a theatrical deal to it that keeps the focus firmly on the product and the double soul of the bag, becoming a physical extension of the woman carrying it. The Ferragamo Cage Bag campaign is an intimate portrait of the ability to embrace multiple souls in one. GH
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Calvin Klein x Palace: Anything But Ordinary
Calvin Klein teamed with Palace to celebrate individuality and inclusion from New York and London to the world. The new collection CK1 PALACE unites Calvin Klein's iconic minimalism with Palace’s irreverent and modern style, presenting signature garments of the American brand layered with a playful, graphic aesthetic by Palace. Underwear, shirts, and hoodies in classic colors like black, grey, white, and wheat feature custom logos that combine Palace's signature Tri-Ferg with Calvin Klein's regular trademark. Basketball jerseys and baggy shorts push the boundaries of conventional sportswear, and the denim collection presents loose-fitting shorts and full-length pants in a faded wash to give a modern twist to the looks. In addition, since the heritage of both Palace and Calvin has roots in skate culture, the brand addressed Vans to create a limited run of “Calvans.” Dropping via a star-studded campaign, directed by long-time Palace photographer Alasdair McLellan and styled by Max Pearmain, the two brands have gone all out, even remixing the classic CK One fragrance into a unisex, playful scent. CK1 PALACE will be available on April 8th at Palace stores in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, as well as on the website of both brands. VB
www.calvinklein.com
www.palaceskateboards.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet Unveils The New Royal OAK RD#3
To pay a fine tribute to the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary, Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet has unveiled the new Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin. This unique timepiece remains true to the aesthetic codes of the iconic “Jumbo” models but features the Manufacture’s new self-winding ultra-thin flying tourbillon movement, Calibre 296. It is a mechanism that was developed over five years by Audemars Piguet’s engineers and watchmakers to accommodate the extra-thin nature of the OAK RD#3. With a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 8.1 mm, the watch reveals a new movement architecture that, for the first time, combines the tourbillon cage in titanium with a peripheral drive, making the distribution of energy to the tourbillon more fluid while lightening the regulating organ. A huge accomplishment that needed to be recognized and, most all, displayed. Audemars Piguet, in fact, redesigned the model’s geometry by placing the flying tourbillon at the dial level for a greater visual experience, making the watch’s beating heart even more perceptible. In addition, the sapphire case-back reveals the hand decoration of the movement components that merge the dynamism and classicism of V-angles with the modernity of traits tirés. The new OAK RD#3, crafted in stainless steel and graced with a Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 Petite Tapisserie dial, which pays tribute to the original model, continues to evolve, showcasing Audemars Piguet’s expertise and techniques. VB
www.audemarspiguet.com
Fashion
Out of Time Watches & Wonders Cartier
Cartier reinvents Maison’s stylistic codes, launching new iconic watches during the Watches & Wonders tradeshow. Thanks to the extraordinary expertise of Cartier’s watchmakers, the Cartier watches are precious objects that constantly renew and explore our way of understanding time and how to make the most of it! Each singular creation establishes its own identity while maintaining its link with Cartier heritage. These horological creations are evolving and establish themselves across different periods, perpetually relevant due to is purity of design and outstanding craftsmanship. This year the brand has presented different models that combine extravagant style and illusory shapes with more classic designs. The famous Louis Cartier watch reveals a playful aesthetic combining monochrome colors such as red, the Maison’s signature shade, and anthracite gray. The Pasha de Cartier watch, overlaid with a geometric grille, displays a vibrant elegance, while the Crash Metiers d’Art revolutionizes the aesthetic codes of watchmaking with its asymmetrical dial. Following the same playful style, the Masse Mystérieuse turns out to be a spectacular watch, an innovative movement, created by the Fine Watchmaking Manufacture. Looking back on over a century of heritage, the Cartier pieces are made to delight through a freedom of possibility, of taste of identity. VB
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Armani Hotels and DGDA Announce Plans for New Armani Hotel in Diriyah
Armani Hotels & Resorts has announced the realization of a new signature hotel in the city of Diriyah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This plan is made in collaboration with Diriyah Gate Development Authority, a program that aims to preserve Diriyah’s history, celebrate its community, and develop the historic UNESCO site. This 300-year-old city, located just 15 minutes from Riyadh, and the capital of the First Saudi State, is part of a pedestrian-centric project designed to preserve the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah will soon become an extraordinary international cultural and lifestyle destination, and the Armani Hotel will be one of the new hotel units in the city. That is the third Armani property globally and represents a new interpretation of Armani hospitality and lifestyle. The hotel, realized by Mr. Giorgio Armani and his in-house interior design team and architects, embraces Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage. The structure, including 70 luxuriously designed rooms, two restaurants, and a high-end spa, is characterized by essential lines that enhance the precious materials utilized. Here, volumes, light, and shadow are blended with the unique architecture and landscape of the site, giving life to a building that fits organically into the rich urban and cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia. VB
www.armani.com
Fashion
Acqua di Parma Presents COLLAB - The Colonia Laboratory
In collaboration with IED - Instituto Europeo di Design, one of Italy's most significant fashion, design, and communication schools, Acqua di Parma has launched a new initiative. COLLAB is an open laboratory that connects customers and emerging artists through art and scent in an interactive co-creation process. The Italian brand collaborated with six emerging Italian talents that have translated their creative vision in a collection of 300 unique 180ml pieces from the Colonia Collection. Departing from their personal style, each artist developed a design inspired by the Italian culture, from the horoscope tradition and card games to the reinterpretation of the gladiator imagery from ancient Rome. Different techniques, visions, and colors blended in dynamic visual communication. In addition, since the COLLAB project is a co-creation laboratory, the clients can customize their very own personal fragrance bottle based on what the artists have previously crafted. A Roman number or a horoscope symbol, among other themes, can be added to the final product giving life to a true collector's item. To take part in this experience, people can book their one-on-one appointment on the Acqua di Parma website to meet the artists at the Maison's Boutique in Milan, starting their creative path together. Then, to offer the same service to those clients across Italy and Europe, the brand provides online appointments through a customized platform. COLLAB reflects Acqua di Parma values in preserving culture, art, and design while supporting future generations. VB
www.acquadiparma.com
Art
Tim Van Laere Gallery Presents Self Portraits and Nudes (Gesamtkunstwerk) by Jonathan Meese
Tim Van Laere Gallery presents SELF PORTRAITS AND NUDES (GESAMTKUNSTWERK), the fifth solo exhibition by Jonathan Meese at the gallery. Known for his multifaceted work, which includes paintings, installations, performances, and a body of sculpture in numerous mediums, Jonathan Meese is a German artist that plays with a sense of humor, a combination of both the grotesque and a powerful, original creative will. His paintings allow us to enter an alternative universe. Especially in this exhibition, Meese showcases a new series of works that captures the interplay of inner and outer worlds, merging imagination and reality. "SELF PORTRAITS AND NUDES," as the title predicts, deals with self-portraits and nudes. According to the artist, all self-portraits are nude, and all nudes are self-portraits. In addition, the art pieces want to celebrate the birth of the Gesamtkunstwerk, paying homage to evolution, nature, love, power, collage, abstraction, animalism, and art itself. SELF PORTRAITS AND NUDES (GESAMTKUNSTWERK) by Jonathan Meese will be on display at Tim Van Laere Gallery from April 7th to May 14th, 2022. VB
www.timvanlaeregallery.com
Fashion
Summer Feeling
Summer is around the corner, bringing with it the anticipation of sunbathing and lunching on the patio. To celebrate this season, Maison Sarah Lavoine has crafted a selection of outdoor and tableware pieces in cheerful colors. Since 2012, Maison Sarah Lavoine has always conveyed its values and bold design through its architectural projects and creations. Its furniture, decoration, and ready-to-wear collections are elegant and relaxed: timeless but original, simple but with constant attention to detail, always colorful, and with a resolutely ethical manufacturing process. This season the Maison has presented a collection with Saffron and Pistachio shades that perfectly match with the geometric design of the new Soleil plates. The linen and cotton napkins are embroidered with a shell motif for a summer twist, while the Slave, Diane, and Castiglione candleholders make the good times last longer. The Esquisse collection is an invitation to color and sunshine, enjoying a picnic at the beach or on the grass happily seated down on the bright loungers and stools. VB
www.maisonsarahlavoine.com
Fashion
BYBORRE explores the power of simplicity for the introduction of its 10th Edition
Edition10 by textile design company BYBORRE showcases its advanced knitted textiles and garments in collaboration with the illustrations of Dutch icon Dick Bruna, best known for creating Miffy. By taking Bruna’s simplistic yet iconic designs, the textiles play around with the scale of the artwork and apply a limited palette of colors, giving their spin on the illustrator’s classic line work. The range of textiles celebrates Bruna’s recognizable line work while highlighting how BYBORRE’s techniques enable the power of artwork to be transformed into a textile. Staying true to Bruna’s signature illustrations, there was a strong focus on precision and simplicity in the process of designing and developing the featured garments. Featured in the imagery are key pieces from previous Editions such as the Open Back Vest, Layer Shirt, and A-Type Jacket. There is a continuation to the evolution of staples such as the Suit Jacket, Pants, and Button Tee. These features are all executed in the latest iterations of BYBORRE Textiles. Additional focus has been put into the development of accessories, resulting in the introduction of a versatile everyday bag. The collection truly captivates the simplicity of Bruna’s while going perfectly in hand with BYBORRE’S signature knitted textiles. GH
www.byborre.com
Fashion
Emmanuel Gintzburger Is The New CEO of Versace
Capri Holdings Limited, the global fashion luxury group, has announced Emmanuel Gintzburger as the new Chief Executive Officer of Versace. Mr. Gintzburger joined Versace after six years spent as CEO of Alexander McQueen. Prior he was Worldwide Retail and Wholesale Director for Saint Laurent from 2011 to 2016, having joined the Parisian fashion house in 2009 as the Europe Retail Director. From 2007 to 2009, he served as International Retail Director at Lanvin, and before that, he held regional retail and marketing leadership roles at Sephora. Emmanuel Gintzburger also spent six years at Louis Vuitton in Hong Kong. Both John D. Idol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Capri Holdings, and Donatella Versace were enthusiasts to welcome Emmanuel as the new CEO of the Italian brand. They agreed that Mr. Gintzburger, thanks to his background in luxury, is the perfect partner to take Versace to even greater heights. Emmanuel’s leadership and vision will help the brand further accelerate its growth and strengthen its strategic initiatives. “I am thrilled to be joining Versace as Chief Executive Officer. I have long admired the unparalleled style and fearless narrative of the house. I look forward to having the opportunity to partner with Donatella and the talented Versace management team to accelerate growth and strengthen the position of Versace as a leading fashion luxury house.” - Emmanuel Gintzburger. VB
www.versace.com
Fashion
Icons Unite: Mercedes-Benz x AWGE
Mercedes-Benz has launched a collaboration with multi-hyphenated artist A$AP Rocky. The well-known luxury car company has presented an exclusive capsule collection including a range of fashion and lifestyle merchandise characterized by iconic trademarks of Mercedes-Benz AG. Mercedes-Benz x AWGE is not the first creative partnership made by the two, but it follows the 2017 “Glow-Up” campaign fronted by the American rapper highlighting the Mercedes-Benz compact-car family focussing on people caught between the coolness of adolescence and the squareness of adulthood. This year the brand and AWGE tight up to realize a line of clothes spanning from t-shirts, pullovers, hoodies, and jackets, to trousers, baseball caps, and bags. Inspired by the 90s pop culture, “Icons Unite” is the new co-operation that sits at the intersection of cars, music, and streetwear, bringing together A$AP Rocky’s distinctive aesthetic and Mercedes-Benz iconic design in a unique offering of merchandise. Mercedes-Benz x AWGE capsule collection is available for purchase via select third-party channels, including the online shop of A$AP Rocky’s agency AWGE and PacSun’s website. VB
www.mercedes-benz.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles SS22 Campaign: Summer Solstice
Spring is a time of transition when the sun seems to stand still in the sky, and in the natural and beautiful scenic state of this season, Moose Knuckles Canada revealed the SS22 Campaign. Moose Knuckles has always crafted resilient garments for the most unforgiving conditions, from the tundra to the city. The brand has become globally known for its relentless commitment to product design and technical expertise alongside its irreverent spirit and energy. This season the Canadian brand has transported the SS22 Collection to the beach. Shot by renowned risktaker Kenneth Cappello, the images portray Moneybagg Yo and Justine Mae Biticon in a picturesque Malibu shoreside sunset, capturing the feeling of mellow tones of a summer solstice through their warm and undeniable chemistry. These photos highlight Moose Knuckles’ SS22 Collection which, with a reinvention of classic styles, offers a range of premium sportswear and outerwear crafted with water and wind repellent nylon, and windproof tech fabrications, to be suitable to face the unpredictable transitional Spring season. The collection is available in Moose Knuckles stores, luxury outer and sportswear retailers worldwide, as well as on the brand’s website. VB
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
A Souvenir Snow Globe
In a not-so-distant future, what was once considered ubiquitous is now rarefied, often only experienceable via simulation. In line with this concept, Balenciaga presented its FW22 Collection on an infinite white field, encapsulated with a protective glass screen. The weather became digitally rendered and the term “winter” took on a new meaning. The show was a real-life 3-D live stream with a 360° view showing the idea of a season as we once knew it. Just as a souvenir snow globe. The collection, surrounded by this atmosphere, featured classic looks pared down and redrawn, letting bold silhouettes stand out. Hybrid stretch dresses and bodysuits fitted and fell in new ways by combining gloves, shoes, pants, trains, or leggings. Staples, such as turtlenecks, pants, and jersey hoodies, were partially destroyed or oversized. Then, through graphic prints, Balenciaga introduced XXXL fits or messages like “Be Different,” while logos were blocked out with black tape. The accessories were exaggerated, emphasizing reuse and alternative materials like the Trash Pouch, inspired by a garbage bag, and purses made from pairs of Cagole or Rodeo boots. For Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, research and innovation are key during the predictably unpredictable time ahead. In addition, following recent events in Ukraine, Demna Gvasalia decided to dedicate the Balenciaga fashion show to fearlessness, resistance, and the victory of love and peace. VB
www.balenciaga.com
Fashion
VEJA X MARNI
VEJA and MARNI have introduced a new collaboration that offers an original interpretation to contemporary footwear, revisiting a slightly nostalgic design with a colorful, DIY-inspired look. Marni, the luxury brand recognized for its unorthodox take on fashion, has joined VEJA to launch a new pair of shoes that combine its playful approach with VEJA’s environmental and social commitment. VEJA is a footwear brand that creates long-lasting sneakers focusing on design and social responsibility, for them, sneakers are, for them, a symbol of our generation and era, but also a product that crystallizes the issue of globalization. VEJA’s V-10 and the newly introduced high-top V-15 welcome MARNI’s free-spirited aesthetic expressed through a colorful scribbled motif covering the upper shoe. Each pair has been assembled by hand, with the right foot different from the left to underline the originality and creative vein of the Italian brand. While, in line with VEJA’s philosophy, all the materials involved in the production are sustainable. The shoes’ laces are made of 100% recycled polyester, the leather is sourced in Uruguayan farms and tanned in Brazil, at a Gold-certified tannery by the Leather Working Group, and the soles are composed of 31% Amazonian rubber, 22% rice waste, and 12% recycled rubber. Made in Brazil, the first release presents two colorways: the V-15 in Black and the V-10 in Marsala. VEJA X MARNI collaboration is already available in selected retailers worldwide, as well as in VEJA and Marni flagship stores. VB
www.marni.com
www.veja.com
Fashion
Bas Koster at De Grote Kunstshow
Artist and Fashion designer Bas Kosters’ work will be displayed in The Great Show from March 11th until May 1st, 2022. The show will be presented by Lucas De Man presents the special show with light, music, monologues, interviews, and lots of fashion. De Man will involve the audience in the show and stimulate them with his unexpected thoughts. Embedded in the show are Koster’s fascinations with gender identity, ideals of beauty, overconsumption, vulnerability, and eroticism will be ideal ingredients for an exciting Great Art Show next spring, in which his multidisciplinary work will come to life theatrically. After the presentation by Lucas De Man, the public will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the presented fashion and art objects on stage. Kosters considers fashion to be one of his ‘languages’, alongside illustrations, paintings, dolls, wall hangings, and other graphic work. De Grote Kunstshow has been displaying visual art and design in the spotlight in a theatrical way since 2013. Initially intended as a one-off event, it grew into a popular and successful format. Koster is The Netherland’s most outspoken fashion designer, therefore deserving of his own edition in the show. GH
www.kunstshow.nl
www.baskosters.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Women’s FW22
For FW22, Louis Vuitton wanted to recommence with the special moments in the formative years of one’s life cycle that forge a character. The garments are linked to the timeframe of young adulthood. Channeling the sense of youthful experimentation he remembers, Ghesquière topped evening dresses with sporty rugby shirts or chunky sweaters wrapped around waists. This grouping in the show is to evoke how a teenage girl may co-opt her boyfriend’s clothes. The imagery also plays with androgynous tailoring, often in oversized shapes. Pannier and bustle shapes were remixed in soft embroidered knit and tweed, making the looks more every day. The message behind the collection is around the freedom and romanticism around hope among youth. The collection displays the aura of having the world at your feet, embracing everything, and approaching taste as a personal construct. This is illustrated in the randomness of the mix and matching of garments, tailored to the individual who may wear them. GH
www.eu.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent Women’s Winter ‘22
Saint Laurent’s FW22 womenswear show paid tribute to the art deco style that was deeply appreciated by Yves Saint Laurent himself. Possibly the most memorable show of Anthony Vaccarello’s career, it was presented under the Eiffel Tower at Paris fashion week. Writer and political activist Nancy Cunard served as a template for the collection, with designs showcased across models from different age groups. Known for her wild elegance, Cunard dressed audaciously ahead of her time, wearing African bangles during a period that would deem it barbaric. Multiple looks such as minimalist gowns worn with heavy bangles, evoke her bold attitude. The looks take us back to the ‘90s, with long, narrow, and languid silhouettes with covered arms and subtle use of color, but the range does not stop there. Also featured are fake fur coats and bombers; overcoats with big shoulders; narrow leather coats; elegantly nonchalant cocoon-back profiles. The flute-like dresses brought the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energy. Looks throughout were embellished with chunky accessories, contributing to the essence of the brand. The show made the audience feel like times are truly changing within fashion, all in the right direction. GH
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Trussardi FW22: A New Narrative
Trussardi, one of the oldest fashion houses to show during Milan Fashion Week, presented its FW22 Collection designed by Creative Directors Benjamin A. Huseby and Serhat Isik. Held at the ground floor of Palazzo Trussardi, the setting reflected the idea of excavation of the house and a return to origins. Benjamin A. Huseby and Serhat Isik wanted to give life to a new Trussardi narrative using their methodology of uncovering the layers to get to the foundation. They looked at the past to reshape the present and think about the future. From a sleeping beauty, Trussardi is awakened, showing a collection that combined fantasy and reality, the historical and the present. It is a mixture of fantastical fairy tales and the genuine codes of how people dress on the streets of Milan. The two Creative Directors studied the Milanese and noticed how almost everyone was wearing 100-gram Piumino jackets, the typical and essential lightweight down jacket, and created a more beautiful and improved version of the item. Benjamin A. Huseby and Serhat Isik's idea of fashion lies in the magic of clothes that gives visibility to who is wearing them, like a magic cloak. For the FW22 show, they aimed to give this power to everyone, inviting people back into the building because the Trussardi spirit has always been to look at fashion democratically. In addition, they redesigned the house motif, an ouroboros depicting the iconic Italian greyhound eating its tail. For Benjamin A. Huseby and Serhat Isik, time is not linear but a loop, and there is no hierarchy in dressing for a world that exists as much in the past as it does in the present. VB
www.trussardi.com
Fashion
Modernist Magic
This season Max Mara paid homage to creative polymath Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Architect, dancer, textile designer, painter, and sculptor, she was a modernist who invested even the most everyday object with a sense of magic and mystery. Sophie Taeuber-Arp was the artist, with Wassily Kandinsky, Giorgio de Chirico, Max Ernst, and many others to give rise to the Dada aesthetic. But what inspired Max Mara FW22 Collection were Taeuber-Arp’s hastily improvised costumes and marionettes designed for her work “King Stag”. Full of joy, energy, and theatrical panache, they were formed fairytale characters that the Italian brand reinterpreted with strong and surprising silhouettes. The collection explored playful contrasts of mini and maxi, micro and macro, skinny and outsize, presenting a wide range of garments: from Max Mara’s crepe-soled knitted cuissardes, part boot, and part leggings to bell-shaped and full-length skirts and voluminous trousers. And a pale matte gold zipper was the new talisman of the season. As well as Sophie Taeuber-Arp used to elevate prosaic hardware to poetic heights, Max Mara clothes and accessories assumed a Dada dimension. To complete the collection, Teddy Bear coats and oversized puffas, layered one on top of the other, became dream items. Max Mara presented a sleek, modern dressing, with a dash of Cabaret Voltaire’s whirlwind creativity and a sprinkle of magic dust. VB
www.maxmara.com
Art
ZONA MACO 18th Edition
To celebrate its 18th edition, ZONA MACO featured, in a singular event, international exhibitors from more than 25 countries bringing together its four fairs simultaneously. Held at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City, ZONA MACO MÉXICO ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO, which combines leading and emerging national and international art galleries in four specialized sections, presented the most representative contemporary artists in the global scene. ZONA MACO DISEÑO, curated by Cecilia León de la Barra, promoted furniture, jewelry, textiles, and decorative objects, as well as limited editions and historical pieces. ZONA MACO SALÓN showcases exclusive antiques welcomed for this special occasion, the new curator Alfonso Miranda. As well as Sara Hermann, who curated ZONA MACO FOTO: a fair focused on galleries and artists working in the photographic and video fields. ZONA MACO, as every year, also announced its Conversations Program, which featured national and international guests to discuss current issues affecting the art world, and the extensive Parallel Activities Program. In addition, ZONA MACO Libros presented publishing projects specialized in art and photography. The 2022 edition has been a unique event that marks the return of the art fair platform to its traditional format, adding to an already tested formula something new and revolutionary. VB
www.zsonamaco.com
Fashion
Erdem FW22 Show
Erdem’s FW22 show in London Fashion Week showcased an exquisite assortment that captivates the feeling of entering a European club in the ‘30s. The collection imagined the nightlife of a group of iconic women who pioneered Berlin’s progressive cultural spirit in the ‘30s, a particular vein of avant-garde expression. These artists explored the notions of gender, sexuality, identity, and expression long before terms such as “fluid” and “non-binary” had been added to our vocabularies. The collection explores and juxtaposes the intertwining of daywear and eveningwear, womenswear and menswear, and formal and casual clothing. Each look is characterized by its distinctive sense of degenerated glamour; mixed and matched together are jacquard and ivory dresses, lavish black beading, and tailored grey-skirt suits. There are embellishments of lace, pearls, studs, and black sequins, perfectly encapsulating the heady spirit of freedom. There is a feeling of isolation from the outside world, a bittersweet edge as the club created is a place of safe space and expression, unlike the world beyond the club. The brand depicts the collection to have created electricity in the air, febrile energy of abandon that comes in the calm before the storm. GH
www.erdem.com
Fashion
Fratelli Rossetti in Fiumara d'Arte
Fratelli Rossetti has shot her SS22 campaign in Sicily, among the monumental works of Fiumara d’Arte, one of the largest open-air sculpture museums in Europe, designed by patron Antonio Presti. The colossal works create an evocative and poetic setting for a collection whose every detail evokes the art of craftsmanship. Presti describes the imagery as “a combination of art and fashion that reflects current environmental, social, and cultural concerns. It helps raise the profile of the extraordinary area of Sicily and its ancient villages”. The forms are captured by skilled fashion photographer Federico Sorrentino, who pays great attention to contours, geometry, and perspective. Human subjects merge with their environment and create a sense of harmony between the shapes and colors. The collection maintains Fratelli Rossetti's signature elegance while being extensively innovative and bright. The brand continues to bring about small and big revolutions in the fashion world as it has done over the past 70 years, remaining as an international ambassador for “Made in Italy” and Italian style. GH
www.fratellirossetti.com
Fashion
The Savoir-Faire of the Dior Tribales Earrings
The Dior Tribales are a timeless design that is modern yet iconic. The style is composed of two asymmetrical resin pearls that are emblematic of the line. The small resin pearl sits on the front while the larger resin pearl appears at the back of the lobe. This season, Dior has reinvented the pieces in see-through shades of blue, orange, yellow, or pink. These are the perfect additions to already available models in fun matte colors, set stones, and pearlized finishes. The fruit of unique craftsmanship, these creations are fashioned from a transparent resin made in Florence, Italy. The bold yet elegant accessories are punctuated with the initials “CD”, in the form of a delicate extruded signature, or as a precious pendant. The pieces can be mixed and matched, worn alone, or in pairs, adding the perfect elevation to any look while creating whole new customizable combinations. GH
www.dior.com
Fashion
LOEWE Valentine's Day: Love is in the Air
LOEWE truly embrace the over the top essence of Valentine’s Day with its new Valentine’s collection. Within the collection are the ultimate tokens of affection - a special edition collection of bags, accessories, and small leather goods featuring the brand’s signature Anagram jacquard canvas in bold, heart stopping red. The 22 piece collection inspired by love, pairs the vibrant red Anagram Jacquard print with classic calf leather trims. The bags come in nano and 28cm sizes, as well as the iconic Flamenco, Balloon, Cubi and Gate. For the first time, the timeless Goya is available in Anagram Jacquard, adding a warm tactility to its clean lines. Joining the bags in this love affair, is a selection of small leather goods, including wallets, cardholders, and pouches, all with the same print. A bucket hat, sunglasses, and a logo strop complete the line in co-ordinating Valentine’s hues. The campaign for the capsule collection is a declaration of excess where too much is never enough. Pairing pieces from the collection with a tongue-in-cheek flurry of hearts, bows, and teddy bears pay homage to the most romantic time of the year. GH
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Gentle Monster x Coperni "5G" Collection
Gentle Monster and Coperni are two modern brands with an innovative and digital DNA. They used these similarities to create a range of sunglasses named “5G”, with the promise of taking us on a futuristic voyage. Inspired by the connection and speed produced by 5G, the sunglasses display five pure and radical lines on the temple that reflect a similar movement. The collaboration consists of six different version of two models: the “5G BOLD” and the “5G”. Echoed by their names, the “5G BOLD” is inspired by the 90s aesthetics of “RoboCop” or “Back to the Future”, whereas the “5G” model displays a more minimal variation of this. The campaign for the collection is shot in an urban, avant-garde landscape by Parisian film director Alexandre Silberstein. The campaign is inspired by the infamous movie “The Matrix”. Transporting us into the two brands technological universes, the campaign features a newly inspired trinity composed of singer Le Diouck, and models Louise Roberts and Jeanne Zheng. The collaboration collection was launched on February 11th, but has already been seen during Paris Fashion Week last September, and worn by celebrities like Zendaya. GH
www.gentlemonster.com
www.coperniparis.com
Fashion
Loro Piana Baseball Cap: A Modern Icon
Loro Piana presented the baseball cap, an iconic item capable of connecting the most diverse people worldwide. The baseball cap is a sports accessory that was discovered by fashion in the 60s and has since become an essential piece that not only protects the head and eyes but also serves as a decorative eye-catcher. This item, which creates a sense of mystery by hiding and revealing the face at the same time, made its first appearance in Loro Piana collection in 2005, where it was worn, quite classically, in combination with the Horsey jacket. Today, instead, Loro Piana introduces a six-piece baseball cap with an innovative style able to transcend trends and generations. The new garment, made from Maison's fine and distinctive fabrics such as Microfiber Wind, Cashmere, Vicuña, and Velvet Cashmere, all treated with the Storm System® process, shows off the brand know-how without letting the item lose its aesthetic appeal. Refined then with a wool-cashmere flannel lining, and seamless front, the baseball cap is transformed into a sporty and contemporary accessory that should be part of any wardrobe.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Balenciaga SS22
The second installment of Balenciaga’s ongoing campaign was captured by photographer Stef Mitchell. Several phases of the campaign are being released throughout the season, capturing friends of the brand either in their homes or their place of work. These friends include the likes of Kim Kardashian, Isabelle Huppert, and Tommy Blue shot in their homes, as well as Justin Bieber and Marie-Agnès Diene in their respective studios. The models are all dressed in Balenciaga’s signature silhouettes and pieces, including the iconic Hourglass bag styles, sportswear-inflicted outerwear, and figure hugging bodysuits. As well as having a strong focus on products that continue from season to season, new classics are also introduced such as newer versions of the Tote bags; stretch knee pants; and sunglasses. The imagery of the campaign celebrates and perfectly captures the brand’s unique vision of futuristic streetwear that is becoming timeless. The collection is featured at large scale on famous façades worldwide, beginning at the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris.
www.balenciaga.com
Fashion
Giuseppe Zanotti's Sustainable Make-Over
For the SS22 season, Italian luxury footwear brand Giuseppe Zanotti launched a new eco-friendly version of its signature Blabber sneaker. Taking a step towards sustainability, the designer presented the Ecoblabber, which realized with eco-conscious materials, keeps the iconic design untouched and clearly alludes to its inspiration, the first original skater styles. This particular pair of sneakers are crafted with a polyurethane and polyester blend obtained from recycled plastic bottles, utilizing a production process that reduces CO2 emissions. Each of them is then assembled with water-based glues to avoid any component that might be dangerous to the environment, and refined with bio-based soles and organic cotton laces. The Ecolabber, realized in a restrained color palette of black and white, with gold and silver nuances, turns out to be a truly green product certified by leading company CIMAC, the Italian top partner of those footwear firms seeking to achieve the highest levels of sustainability.
www.giuseppezanotti.com
Fashion
Versace Men’s 2.0
On the second day of the second month in 2022, Versace presented the FW22 Collection, introducing Versace Men’s 2.0. The collection, which does not focus on the singular but on multiplicity, progression, and diversity looks at the Versace Man, showing garments designed to proudly reach out to a diverse range of men in celebration of who they are. Clean forms, fluid lines, and adaptable designs define a contemporary approach that shows a refreshed masculinity inspired by the new generation. In this collection, Versace synthetized its brand codes presenting unstructured finishes which allow freedom of movement and create a smooth silhouette. While, the brand's heritage ornate prints are polished, portrayed as stenciled bicolors like the new Barocco Silhouette, and bright, optimistic hues like cerise, pink, and orange are worn as solid blocks of color. La Greca motif remains as the brand monogram, interplayed through cable knit sweaters and vivid lurex cardigans. In addition, Versace crafted new accessories and shoe designs like wide totes and belt bags in soft-grained leather and the Odissea sneaker that acts as a confident exclamation point at the foot of an outfit.
www.versace.com
Fashion
The Eternity of Rome, the Spirituality of Rome, the Celestial Rome
The Fendi Haute Couture collection was an ode to the brand’s home, the city of Rome, its past, present, and imagined future. Conceived by Kim Jones, the collection is an embodiment of the eternal city, to put it in his own words, “When you walk down the street in Rome, you are constantly moving back and forth in time. Where we work feels very modern, but you pass monuments on the way there. There’s a total timelessness to the city: a historic vein which runs through it, but also a movement that is projecting forwards.” This harmony between past and present, the historic codes of the city explored through a celestial lens, set the tone for the whole collection. The pieces themselves draw upon time-honoured techniques alongside modern craftsmanship, which is also reflected in the interplay of materials. The lavish embroidery and craftsmanship are paired with sci-fi silhouettes, making the model appear like an army of empresses descending from the heavens. Fluid pieces are draped atop shimmering bodies, beading is illuminated and hand-embroidered tights act as a second skin. It’s a celebration of the celestial Rome, its past being referenced throughout, but more importantly, it’s the essence of Jones’ vision for the Roman House, celebrating the power of women.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Stray Rats & Carhartt WIP SS22
Carhartt WIP has partnered with Stray Rats for their SS22 collection. Stray Rats is a brand that spans from punk and hardcore nostalgia to strands of underground American counterculture, which paired with Carhartt’s authentic adaptations of American workwear has instigated a strong collaboration. The collaboration features nine products, including reworked iterations of the original Active Jacket, Western Jacket, and Smith Pant. The items are all in either canvas or denim, and have an “aged” effect while also bearing a hand-drawn allover print. Each of these garments is accented with classic brass detailing and trims and is in either duck blue or tobacco brown. As a staple to the Stray Rats collection, there are also some cotton jersey items, including a sweatshirt and sweatpants with graphic prints similar to the hand-drawn prints on the canvas and denim items.
www.carhartt-wip.com
www.strayrats.com
Fashion
Dunhill FW22
When discussing his FW22 collection, creative director of Dunhill, Mark Weston describes the exploration and focus on “tailoring, sophistication and rigour”. The roots of British tailoring traditions are reflected on the strict format paired with a gentle subversion of stereotypes that is displayed across 31 looks that convey the power of finely tailored menswear. Weston depicts the collection as an adaptation of the “conventional uniform that makes it so unconventional”. The collection aims to show how rebellious it can appear for younger men to embrace the power of the strict suit, shirt and tie. The meanings and silhouettes behind these signature styles transform stereotypes and specificities of masculine dressing through a new kind of conservatism. Amongst the styles are the classic wrapped jacket and split hem trousers that are pressed with military precision, embracing a more rigorous tone with high breaks and strong shoulders. A less conventional version of the traditional camel overcoat is shown in wool-cashmere that is bonded with neoprene. An oversized raincoat made with coated paper cotton is created to be layered over a leather suit jacket. The depicted undertones of the transformation “from city boy to soldier” is established through different codes intertwining the trends, such as lively buttons and regimental ties, and dark, neutral tones. Each garment expresses the tradition of draping and yet coddling the frame. The collection is an embodiment of Dunhill’s signature way that pulls us in two directions, of fixed tradition merged with superbly modern looks.
www.dunhill.com
Fashion
DIOR Haute Couture SS22
Ateliers are a space of experimentation, where magical creations come to life, constantly renewing the incredible and scientific language that is haute couture. The Dior SS22 Haute Couture Collection revolves around this concept: the atelier as a synonym of excellence, and embroidery as sophisticated and skillful procedure. Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Creative Director of the Maison, decided to honor and utilize the skill of craftsmen and artisans all throughout the collection, not just as a decorative detail but to give structure to the garments. The result is an elegant and refined collection with simple lines but adorned with jewels, stones, and embellishment. These embroidered patterns are applied all over a variety of garments, from ecru skirts to sheer silk organza shirts and thighs that become a signature piece of the collection. Presented surrounded by unique artworks made by Indian artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh in collaboration with the Chanakya Atelier and the Chanakya School of Craft, the decor exalts virtuoso skills and a stylistic exercise, showcasing the language of embroidery being expressed through the hands of skilled artisans. The Dior SS22 Haute Couture Collection is an inspiring creative dialogue between the French Atelier and different artists, with embroidery being transformed into a collaborative mode of expression, at the crossroads of art and craft.
www.dior.com
Fashion
AMI FW22: The Essence of Paris
AMI is back in the spotlight presenting the FW22 Collection at Palais Brongniart. It is a collection that embodies the quintessential essence of the Parisian style. Paris is, once again, a steady source of inspiration for Alexandre Mattiussi, founder and Creative Director of the Maison. For this collection, his focus shifted from the streets to metro stations, a public space where everyone comes together, mixes and blends, without any discrimination. Influenced by the people who inhabit those places, he decided to reflect this reality on the catwalk by recreating metro tunnels in a mythical monument. The FW22 has been a statement collection that celebrates AMI’s DNA, presenting a free-spirited color palette, prints and motifs next to rich textures and eccentric fabrics. In addition, the collection encompasses a variety of silhouettes, strong unisex pieces, alongside tailored masculine shapes and more delicate feminine forms. These garments are then combined with unique accessories created in collaboration with jeweler Alan Crocetti and with a new it-bag named “Le Voulez-Vous”. In terms of his casting for the show, Alexandre Mattiussi has gone beyond the common standards presenting one of the most inclusive casts ever. On the runway, iconic models such as Mariacarla Boscono, Kirsten Owen and Paloma Elsesser walked, side by side, with street-casted models and new faces. A true representation of the French capital, Ami’s collection embodies the city’s chic flair, fun and diversity.
www.amiparis.com
Fashion
LOEWE FW22: What Is Real Today?
For the FW22 Men's Collection, Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of LOEWE, defined an altered world, challenging the concept of reality and the current canons of perfection. Anderson decided not to employ a singular seasonal style anecdote but to incorporate a fusion of style notes. In this collection nothing is as it seems, it is a series of playful tricks, where archetypes of men’s dressing are presented in a new light with a twist. Coats, denim jackets, mohair pullovers: everything is elevated to another and seemingly illogical dimension where the body is the main subject. It is the point of arrival and departure, around which the entire collection is built. Faces and body features are presented printed on garments in trompe l'oeil style, while hoops and wires become artificial extensions of arms and bust. Combined then with flashes and LEDs, these clothes glow and the body that fills them seems projected outward. In addition, a highlight of the collection is the selection of outerwear pieces and accessories that include translucent overcoats in electric colors, styled with the famous Flamenco clutch embellished with shells and reimagined as a soft pair of boots.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Maluma is the New Face of Versace SS22 Men’s Campaign
Versace has announced the new face of the SS22 Men’s collection, the global superstar Maluma. Already part of the Versace Family, having previously created memorable moments such as Maluma wearing custom-made garments for his performances and red carpet looks, the Colombian singer has now been appointed by Donatella Versace herself as the new icon of the latest collection. The long-lasting relationship between the two has been love at first sight. Maluma has always been a fashion enthusiast and in the brand, he found the right features for an exceptional collaboration. Donatella Versace herself has always been intrigued by Maluma’s energy and engaging personality; to put it in her own words “He’s the kind of man that makes a difference and makes the world a better place”. The images, released globally on January 19th and shot by photographic duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, portray the singer wearing a varsity jacket finished with a range of brand motif patches and “Donatella” embroidered across the heart. In addition, for the first time, Maluma is not pictured alone but with his dog Buda. With these enticing images, the Italian fashion house and the Colombian megastar are creating new memories together as a fashion family.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Rick Owens FW22
Rick Owens presents a glamourous extravaganza for FW22. Drella coats can be belted around the hips or, with the unbuttoning of a back slit, overthrown as a poncho or cape. A versatility that continues with this season’s parkas featuring goat hair trim in various colors. Coats and jackets continue Rick Owens signature exaggerated shoulder, which he started incorporating as a parody of masculinity, but ended up becoming a design classic. With the environment, traceability and social responsibility in mind, the patchworked shearlings come from a family-owned, second-generation tannery in Tuscany. Inspired by Egyptian temples and tombs, artisanal craftsmanship and his own archives, Rick Owens joins the conversation the fashion world is having about responsibility. Believing in creative expression as the rawest and sincere state, Rick Owens cherished the power of fashion this season.
ww.rickowens.eu
Fashion
Miu Miu Tigers T-shirt Collection
In honor of the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac, Miu Miu launches an exclusive collection of t-shirts featuring the tiger motif from different animation productions. Ranging from playful to heroic and majestic, the spirit of the collection is ubiquitous and unexpected. Tiger Mask originally appeared in a manga comic book written by Ikki Kajiwara and illustrated by Naoki Tsuji, later adapted into an animation series by Toei Animatio. The character is a powerful wrestler and loyal companion to orphans, whose true identity always remains obscured. Created by Tiger Key, the Tiger Girl character featured in the t-shirt collection is a crime-fighting tiger battling evil. The last iconic animated tiger figures are Disney’s Tillie Tiger - dating back to 1936 when she first appeared on screen – and the anthropomorphic Tigger from the tales of Winnie the Pooh. The Miu Miu’s Tigers t-shirt collection evokes nostalgic images of iconic stories of animation history, in celebration of Chinese zodiac tradition. The Tigers collection of t-shirts is available starting from mid January 2022 at selected Miu Miu stores and online.
Fashion
New Bally Creative Director Rhuigi Villaseñor
Swiss luxury brand Bally, owned by JAB Holding Company, appoints Rhuigi Villaseñor as its new Creative Director. In this position, Villaseñor will be responsible for the artistic direction across the brand. His first collection debut for Bally will launch for SS23. The Manila-born allrounder is Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of the brand Rhude since 2015. As his mother was a tailor and his father an architect, Villaseñor grew up with a passion for design and an understanding of garment construction. As a Filipino and American national, raised in several continents before emigrating to the U.S., he started his career in Los Angeles. His work takes inspiration from American iconography with nostalgic reflections recalling his childhood observations of U.S. culture through a foreign lens. In his form language, the visionary designer combines luxury techniques with streetwear elements, offering a new narrative of the modern wardrobe. Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally, said: “Having acutely followed Rhuigi’s ascent I am excited by how his natural creativity and energetic spirit have made him one of the industry’s greatest idea generators and community builders. Rhuigi’s deep understanding of Bally’s history coupled with a distinct appreciation of the Swiss lifestyle will be instrumental in ushering the brand into the future.”
www.bally.eu
Fashion
Philipp Plein FW22: THE TURNAROUND YEAR - The Evolution of creativity
PHILIPP PLEIN shares its new vision with the fashion world at Milan Fashion Week. New horizons are opening up for the empire with an impressive line-up of new openings in exclusive shopping districts and upscale locations. In particular, Barcelona Mandarin Oriental, London Old Bond Street, Warsaw, Poznan, Kuala Lumpur, Las Vegas Forum, St. Petersburg, Dailan Olympia 66 Xigang. Launching a new store concept, PHILIPP PLEIN is bringing to life a contemporary and luxurious sphere, in which the customer is immersed upon entry. PHILIPP PLEIN also announces an expansion of its universe beyond fashion. In addition to his plans to delve into the hospitality and entertainment industry with the PHILIPP PLEIN Hotel and Club in Milan, Philipp Plein announces the launch of a range of art pieces (“Unique Pieces”) displayed in the new PHILIPP PLEIN showroom in Via Burlamacchi in Milan. The garments of the season are inspired by the creativity and stamina behind the brand’s growth: contemporary art and fashion meet in the capsule collection with playful sophistication where the “Lil Monsters” created by Plein appear printed or sewn by hand. A key feature of this season’s presentation is also the total black casting. Only black models have been selected for the catwalk, as a token of the longstanding commitment of Mr. Plein and of the PHILIPP PLEIN Group to inclusivity and to the celebration of black culture.
www.plein.com
Fashion
1017 ALYX 9SM FW22
Models walking fiercely to a slow, powerful rhythm by F1lthy, who created a sound based on images of a majestic church venue on the edge of Milan named Saint Victor and the Forty Martyrs – forces collided at the Alyx FW22 show at Milan Fashion Week. The decadently adorned building served as a vast, yet astonishingly intimate space for the first show by Matthew William’s brand 1017 Alyx 9SM in Italy. The appearance at Milan Fashion Week was like a homecoming for the label founded in 2015 by Williams in Ferrara with a design studio located in Milan. The collection intrigues by showcasing contrasts between masculine and feminine shapes. The menswear looks are characterized by heavy multi-layered and voluminous silhouettes, while the womenswear counterpart features hip-skimming, full-length and fitted looks. Expressing his passion and sense for garments Williams describes his approach to creation: “So maybe it sounds selfish or narcissistic, but I’m just making things that I like, and hopefully other people will like them too. That’s just how I move.”
www.alyxstudio.com
Fashion
Canali FW22
Looking back at the art déco style of the 1930’s – the precursor of a new era of growth and recovery - the Canali FW22 collection strives for a tasteful, elegant and refined look. The collection reimagines what it meant to be a gentlemen in pursuit of discovering the self and the world during the historic era. Style was an essential element to express attitudes and standing and became visible through the sober and exclusive lines of the period - adapting military-inspired silhouettes and colors to a new, elegant context, and celebrating it with its trademark sartorial expertise, care and focus on detail. The Canali FW22 collection both honors and reinvents this image by presenting a look to adorn the modern gentleman. A man prepared at any moment of the day with a versatile look with various shirts and tie options. Elegant pin-stripe, typical of the 1930s, is the signature pattern of the collection, embodying the timelessness of its inspiration. More contemporary styles blend in where sleeves are finished off with rubber press-stud buttons, and trousers are designed in a more athletic look. The Canali FW22 menswear collection is a perfect match of lines and impressively unifies old-era elegance with contemporary design, resulting in an expression of the dynamic of the life of a modern man.
www.canali.com
Fashion
C.P. Company CINQUANTA
C.P. Company CINQUANTA For Milan Fashion Week, C.P. Company presents a throwback on 50 years of sportswear design with "CINQUANTA: A retrospective on 50 years of sportswear innovation by C.P. Company”. At the end of their anniversary celebrations, which lasted all throughout the past year, an exhibition, freely accessible to the public, is open from January 15th to January 17th, 2022 in Milan. Created in collaboration with Random Studio, a creative agency from Amsterdam, “CINQUANTA” is a series dedicated to five decades of Italian sports and casual wear. It includes more than 70 pieces from the C.P. Company archives, alongside original sketches and special projects that have marked and shaped the brand legacy. The retrospective also includes a special area dedicated to the 50th anniversary presenting the collaborations next to various objects and memorabilia. As Lorenzo Osti, President of C.P. Company put it himself, "This exhibition is designed to facilitate the understanding of the essence of the brand through its most iconic items: the ability of C.P. Company to model and create objects that resonate with contemporary society. This way, through our garments, you will find the evocations of cities, landscapes and adventures that have most involved and fascinated us in the last 50 years."
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Fashion
Heart to Heart
Miu Miu reveals its latest campaign in honor of the Lunar New Year starring ambassadors Lexie Liu and Qiu Tian in an edit of contemporary classics. The campaign cinematically tells a story of two minds colliding. Two personalities with different life paths meet on the eve of a new year. Conveying a sense of déjà vu and familiarity. They stop to wonder, each delving into their memories before separating again. The two protagonists form a connection through sound and space by reciting their lines and humming tunes. Miu Miu colors illuminate the scene: the pastel pop of Miu Wander bag, the retro tone of a varsity cardigan, gold hair clips that oscillate with light. The short clip is a celebration of the joy of unplanned interpersonal connection. Miu Miu salutes the intangible nature of the order of things.
Art
The Genius Immersive Experience
The Genius Immersive Experience guides the visitor through a creative, multi-sensory journey. The show presents an interactive experience through the eyes of Leonardo Da Vinci and pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Its multi-media concept brings the exhibition and show to an astonishing new level. Just as the Italian painter, craftsman, sculptor, architect, and engineer was ahead of his time in creating works, which embody true Renaissance humanist ideals, the show innovatively merges past, present and future. What's it like inside one of the brightest minds that ever existed? How can you touch, play, hear and live iconic works of art? The Genius Immersive Experience provides a space to not only receive but experience the answers to these questions and more. Science, art and intuition were at the core of Da Vinci’s approach to creation and exploration of the world. The master himself famously said: "All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions". Perceptions that are brought to life by The Genius Immersive Experience creators through revisiting Leonardo’s inventions and ideas within a modern framework using cutting-edge audiovisual technology. Almost 80 million real pixels, 50km of cabling and more than 350,000 projected lumens come together to create a sensory explosion. In the revision of Leonardo’s work, the Genius Immersive Experience explores what his vision might have been making use of the resources that are available in the realm of art today. Providing a new lens on ecology, nature, science, space exploration and modern art the show investigates the present through the past, exemplifying methods and possibilities of the future.
Fashion
Radical Urbanism: "The Power For The People x"
“The Power For The People x” founded by Steve Davies of Steve Davies Studios London presents its new collection. Davies has been working closely for many years with acclaimed Fashion Photographer and ZOO contributor Roger Rich. The pair have collaborated together for the latest venture “The Power For The People x”: a collection based on love for concrete and fashion. Driven by the Davies’s strong connection to London with a passion for city living, modernism, brutalism, style in art and architecture, the coming SS22 season embodies the urban human experience. The line is created in London and inspired by its development throughout the decades featuring Savile Row mixed with a nod to early Punk from the late 80s early 90s London club scene at the WAG and the MUD club. Working very closely with friends and family Davies produced the finest quality of handmade garments using traditional skills and techniques in an unconventional manner. Tailored trousers meet military jackets and pants worn casually with brand logo shirts and sweats. The collection’s reference to Punk becomes visible through bondage pants combined with artist smocks paired with hats and reversible bags made from military ripstop fabrics in black, navy and olive. The garments are an expression of powerful idealisms to explore the emphasis on materials, textures and shapes in buildings and clothing fabrication creating a dialogue between infrastructure and the voice of society and culture.
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli Menswear SS23
For the men’s SS23 collection, Brunello Cucinelli finds the perfect refined yet relaxed balance between sophistication and verve. Feeding on the knowledge of tradition, this skillful nonchalance offers a new interpretation of style: fresh, innovative, and capable of conveying harmony and versatility for any occasion. The prestige behind the origins of the brand is transferred to a more relaxed, effortless style. The modern suit is a feature of the collection, which can be used for daily, leisure, and summer dressing alongside business elegance. A blazer and trousers can be worn separately to adapt to the evolving needs throughout the day. Also included are an array of knitwear, t-shirts, and shirts that boost the sense of ease and comfort of contemporary suits and casual styles alike. The colors highlight the essence of summer in a rich variety of tones. Patterns are captivated by the variety of textures, where structures and color-enriching effects confer three-dimensionally and unique characteristics to elements across the collection. A generous collection of accessories has been made as the perfect embellishments to the looks. A variety of footwear has also been designed to fit styles of any occasion, varying from formal to more lightweight designs. These are characterized by the utmost attention to lightness, comfort, and flexibility. GH
www.bruellocucinelli.com
Fashion
Versace Pre-Fall 22: Reimagining History
The Italian luxury house Versace unveils its Pre-Fall 2022 collection, which encapsulates the quintessence of creativity. Versace was established by Gianni Versace in 1978 in Milan, emerged into a leading international fashion house during the 80s, and is now creatively led by his sister Donatella Versace. One of the most distinctive recognition features of the luxury fashion brand is the Baroque print. Donatella Versace states the leading mantra of the Pre-Fall 22 collection as “[…] I see creativity as an opportunity and a way of looking at things you have known all of your life in a different way, from another perspective and transform them into something new that, like a scent reminds you of emotions past, but are now connected to something completely rooted in the present moment.” For the Pre-Fall 22 collection, the infamous Baroque print is reimagined in a black and white version on garments, ranging from fitted suits to loose silhouettes. The collection features dresses, sensually hugging the silhouette of the models and silk wide-leg pajama pants with matching shirts as well as bold colored and heavily printed garments, deeply anchored in the Versace vocabulary. The Pre-Fall 22 collection embraces the so-called Versace woman, a strong independent woman who is confident in continuously reinventing herself through clothes.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Dior Welcomes Kylian Mbappé
Dior has announced Kylian Mbappé as an official ambassador of the French Maison the soccer prodigy will prospectively lend his image to the design creations of Kim Jones, Artistic Director for Dior’s men’s collections, as well as the iconic Sauvage perfume. The globally recognized soccer player is part of the Parisian Saint-Germain club and further one of the major players of the French National Football team with whom he won the world championship in 2018. In the same year, Kylian Mbappé was awarded the title of the Best Young Player by FIFA in the same year as well as the Kopa trophy celebrating the best player aged under 21. Propelling his professional career with a steady advancement, he has also been the player to break the record of scoring a quartet of goals, which had last been achieved in 1958, during a match that qualified the French National Team for the 2022 Worldcup. Kylian Mbappé makes a point in supporting charities, in particular the Premiers de Cordée association, which organizes sports initiatives for hospitalized children. Through this collaboration, the young soccer star aims to be an active part in using athletic aspirations to create purpose and perspectives. Pushing his charitable endeavors further, Kylian Mbappé has launched his own association, named Inspired by KM. With the mutual values of generosity and breaking standards, Dior and Kylian Mbappé are a match that promises exciting collaborations.
www.dior.com
Art
Who the Bær’s Search For Identity
British artist Simon Fujiwara is announcing his second solo exhibition to be shown in Berlin at the beginning of 2022. The exhibition, titled Once Upon a Who? Revolves around the character of Who the Bær – a fictive figure Simon Fujiwara has brought to life with a series of cartoons. The bear appears as a quirky companion, wearing a pair of denim trousers with a heart made of gold – in a literal way, as it is visible on his upper body- as well as an uncontrollably long tongue that – as the observer suspects – leads him into trouble as it spills secrets and witty statements. Purposely, Who the Bær has no determined gender, race or sexuality and even his design is distinguished by a prototype-like understatement. Simon Fujiwara created a narrative for the bear that centers around a search for identity. In a seemingly endless manner, Who roams a fictional world, appropriating characters, identities and aesthetics during a selfish search of a “self”. Who's journey can be followed on a namesake Instagram account. On the occasion of the exhibition, Simon Fujiwara and Esther Schipper gallery have curated a little shop, named “Whotique”, devoted to the merchandise of Who the Bær, including apparel, homeware and posters, enabling the visitors to take home an anecdote of the “Whouniverse”. The boutique has been initiated by Highsnobiety, after collaborating for Art Basel Miami Beach. Once Upon a Who? By Simon Fujiwara is on show at Esther Schipper gallery, Berlin, from January 15th until February 26th.
www.estherschipper.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2022
To Virgil Abloh, pre-collections had a special element to them. As passionate as he was about the sensation of the regular runway shows, he found contentment in immersing himself into the as he defined “normalcy” of the pre-collections that celebrates the idea of commercialism behind fashion, rather than looking upon it. Catering to the terms “trendless” and “lifewear”, his pre-collection frequently delivered looks that stood for contemporality while remaining timeless. His first pre-collection introduced the now widely recognized idea of ‘boyhood ideology’, a perspective with which Virgil Abloh nodded to the influence of upbringing, education and evolvement in the early years of life. The pre-fall 2022 collection seized on this initiation, effortlessly fusing the ideas of formalwear, workwear and streetwear into one fluid wardrobe devoid of conventional dress codes. The collection touches upon the traditional idea of suiting yet adjusts the classical three-piece with a wrap skirt replacing the waistcoat. The seriousness of tapered trousers is replaced with flares and blazers traded for utility jackets. A small selection of looks focuses on elevating sportswear elements with tracksuits appearing in tailoring fabrics. Bringing graphics into formal dressing, the designer played with the Louis Vuitton Damier pattern, reintroducing grid patterns with embroidery work and incorporating landscape motifs into denim pieces. The show exemplified Virgil’s persuasion of questioning definitions and labels, taking visual elements out of context and reviving them by exploring opposites. The shows indicate, in an all-encompassing way, how Virgil Abloh’s designs have shaped the idea of modern menswear and how he continued to pursue the unusual and unexpected while keeping wearability and commerciality in mind.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Dior Men SS22: Paying Homage to Those Who Shaped Our World
For the SS22 Menswear collection, Dior pays homage to one of the most revolutionary writers of the last century—Jack Kerouac. Christian Dior reimagined the pre-war silhouettes with a refreshing approach, influenced by his journeys, where the couturier acquired knowledge and new sources of inspiration in numerous countries and cultures. The influence and importance of author and poet Jack Kerouac are synonymous with Dior. Kerouac shaped his generation with an avant-garde approach to literature art and gained worldwide recognition with his novel On the Road, published in 1957. Kerouac is considered to be part of the Beat generation, which was a rebellious literary movement, emerged out of the desire to break down the established structures and traditional writing conventions in the 60s. Also known as the Beat poets, they influenced culture and politics with their celebration of experimentation and spontaneous creativity. The SS22 collection celebrates the power of imagination and fuses Dior’s heritage, characterized by intricate embroideries or the soft pastel color palette with futuristic technological qualities in materials, such as technical silks and recycled nylon. Fair Isle knits embroidered with sequins are worn with bias-cut soft collegiate jackets and complemented with an original silk Foulard from the 60s. Dior perpetuated Kerouac's legacy by hand-painting and printing extracts of his novel onto leather and silk. “But you can go on thinking and imagining forever further and stop at no decisions to pick up a bag for the thinkings. Turn your thinking into your work, your thoughts into a book, in sieges,’’ as perfectly encapsulated by Jack Keruoac himself, Dior aims to encourage confidence in imagination with its SS22 Menswear collection.
www.dior.com
Fashion
New Chapters at Premiata
Originally known for their expertise in shoe-making, the Italian label Premiata is now introducing their first apparel line with a FW22 Menswear collection. Induced by the fifth generation of the family-led business, the siblings Vincenzo and Carlotta, the line presents itself with a genderless soul and the typical ‘made in Italy’ that is the essence of Premiata. Vincenzo summarizes the key points of the collection as follow: “I thought about the wardrobe of a person who I would call a metropolitan warrior, who needs multifunctional, structured and versatile garments, for an all-day-long use. All the outerwear, from the jacket to the parka, are garments conceived in a genderless key.” The FW22 collection persuades with a combination of technical approaches, such as water repellent materials and finishes, while considering the factor of comfort with soft-touch fabrics and the use of elastics. Timeless, athletic puffer jackets with an urban style, stonewashed parkas and lightweight rain overcoats deliver a selection of outerwear. In addition, the apparel is complemented by accessories such as bags and backpacks, which further reinforce the idea of metropolitan practicality paired with Italian design vocabulary. The entire collection is designed and produced in Italy, in partnership with the renowned manufacturer La Rocca, who is widely recognized in the premium and luxury textile segment. The collection is to be presented with a pop-up during the upcoming Pitti Filati in February.
www.premiata.it
Fashion
Versace Jeans Couture’s Journey Home
“Home is a state of mind. It’s liberation, it’s acceptance, it’s freedom.” With these words in mind, London-based director Sarah Jones has created the cinematic short film The Journey Home for Versace Jeans Couture. The film narrates the return of a young woman to her home after spending a night out. During her commute, she experiences a reflective conversation with a cab driver, which leads to an epiphany about her identity and her innermost feelings. Depicted in a dream-like, surreal sequence, the clip embodies Versace’s values of youthfulness, nostalgia and unleashed emotion. The raw, documentary-style artistic direction with the surreal touch reflects the vulnerability and search of the young woman as she attempts to let go of personal and societal expectations to fully embrace herself. Sarah Jones perfectly captures the emptiness mixed with a sense of falling out of place that is attached to the search for identity. The plot takes the viewer on a journey of overcoming this void through a nightlife experience in a true Versace Jeans Couture manner. In a pensive and intense way, the protagonist of the stories reminisces upon her experiences and thoughts, as she lives through a night full of possibilities before eventually returning home. The eclectic colors and effects of the short film exemplify Versace’s specialty of meeting an avant-gardist Zeitgeist while making use of rhetorical stylistic choices and hidden layers.
www.versace.com
Art
Marséll Exhibition: The Edge Effect
Marséll hosts a new exhibition named The Edge Effect, curated by Chiara Bardelli Nonino, visual editor at Vogue Italia, and Jordan Anderson, editor-at-large of NSS magazine. Marséll was founded in 2001 as a shoe manufacturer, distinguishing itself from other shoe brands by using innovative techniques as well as traditional methods in a nonindustrial manner, resulting in original handcrafted shoes. Later on, the brand developed a concept to support young artists, a multidisciplinary exhibition space called Marséllaria. The performances and exhibitions at Marséllaria serve as a platform for like-minded young visionaries to meet for cultural exchanges. The Edge Effect exhibition revolves around ecotone, which describes a transitional area where two different ecosystems meet, and through mutual influence, intensify and enlarge in density and uniqueness. This phenomenon is an ideal metaphor for our contemporary society, where our identity and the concept of belonging are constantly changing. Each participating artist prepared variations on contemporary Italian identity with a biographical approach through visual dialogues or experimentation in fashion or digital art. The Edge Effect aims to articulate the Italian identity of the future with different approaches, resulting in a personal exhibition that gives exclusive insights into the family history and everyday life of the artists.
www.marsell.com
Fashion
Made To Order, Created to Last
Carnations London – which recently celebrated its first birthday after being founded in 2021 – has made it its mission to produce beautiful and cheerful designs with high quality. Determined to disrupt the shortcomings of the fashion industry, Carnations London has committed to the made-to-order business model – one of the most promising solutions for grappling with wasteful overproduction and a powerful tool to counteract the mindless consumption propelled by fast fashion and throw-away cultures. Each item is made by hand in a small studio – a direct reflection of founder Sarah Bartlett’s vision, in which fashion revolves not only around aesthetics but more so about social responsibility. As such, Carnation London’s design exude the brand values with their visual language: tie-dye patterns in pastel colors and embroidered scribbles make for a charming character, that reminds the wearer to return to the simple and joy sparking items that are uncomplicated and comfortable to wear. Combining the creative forces of various artists is an endeavor the British label pursues with great integrity - after collaborating with artist Joy Yamusangie, who created a lively illustration for a bucket hat, Carnations has partnered up with Stockholm-based print designer KJP, resulting in multifunctional checker-board bandanna and shirt in a vibrant blue color – which has yet to be revealed to Carnation’s followers. Now, during the festive month of December, Carnations returns to the item that marked their debut over a year ago: the classic cotton T-Shirt. With its muted sunset colors, melting together in the iconic tie-dye design (needless to say, achieved with non-toxic dyestuff), the shirt ensures to lift the spirits – and evokes the satisfying conscience of a responsibly sourced product. Besides the B-Day t-shirt, Carnations has included a selection of their best-selling items into the temporary “Festive Shop” collection, offering gift ideas with reasonable origins that make valuable stocking fillers.
www.carnationslondon.com
Fashion
Gucci Aria Campaign KAI: A Fairytale Trip Down Memory Lane
Gucci unveils its special campaign, starring the global brand ambassador KAI and the exceptional looks of the Aria collection. The Aria collection presents the most spectacular highlight of the brand’s centennial anniversary. The collection featured the most recognizable and well-known looks of the luxury fashion brand since its founding in 1921. It includes the iconic red velvet suit, designed by former creative director Tom Ford and the red and green stripe logo design, which reflects Gucci’s equestrian heritage. The history of Gucci begins in 1921 with Guccio Gucci, who founded a leather goods shop, which eventually became one of the most recognized and sought-after luxury brands. The campaign is set in a surreal and frosted winter landscape, which transports the viewer in a fairytale-like environment. KAI the brand ambassador and protagonist of the campaign is a South Korean singer and dancer who became world-known as a part of the boy group EXO-K. The singer wears the signature looks of the Aria collection, including a velvet, tailored suit, cozy knitwear, and monogram-adorned trousers, worn with equestrian helmets and boots. Director Woogie Kim captures KAI, gracefully dancing and sensually moving, while music composed by Nicolas Fleury is playing in the background.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent Rive Droite: The Ride
Collaborations have proven to be a successful way to introduce a brand into a new, unfamiliar universe and Anthony Vaccarello pursues doing so with Saint Laurent, joining forces with numerous prominent companies for his latest project, named The Ride. Anthony Vaccarello took upon the task to continue Hedi Slimane’s success as creative director at Saint Laurent in 2016. Ever since Vacarello has successfully teased his artistic vision for the luxury Maison— in which his idea of an accessible and experimental space, where art, music, and fashion meet and mind-broadening conversations and discussions are opened unfolds. For the Ride, Vaccarello designed a motorcycle in collaboration with SUPER73-S2, resulting in a perfect fusion between impeccable design and innovative function. SUPER73-S2 was founded in 2016 in Southern California on the concept of continuous striving to inspire and create a community around adventures, which corresponds to Vaccarello‘s vision. The release of the motorcycle is accompanied by a unisex edition of the K-Way bomber jacket with a tiger print, designed with the help of K-Way, a French staple outerwear brand. In addition to that, Vaccarello joined forces with the luxury motorcycle helmet company Hedon to create an elegant and bold helmet in total black.
www.saintlaurent.com
Fashion
DIOR: Elegant & Icy
DIOR creates a unique interpretation of the Christmas holidays in its own words, defined by an enormous amount of style and elegance. The French luxury house is known for its elegant couture garments and, in particular, for its founder Christian Dior, who introduced new shapes and silhouettes into the fashion industry. In 2018, designer Kim Jones took over the creative direction of the men’s collections and refreshed the image of the house with a sportif, contemporary and youthful approach to the clothes and accessories. For the Christmas collection, Jones thoroughly selected a range of different leather goods, shoes, and jewelry to be parts of it, such as the iconic SADDLE bag alongside its backpack version and the Dior LINGOT line of bags. The B23 and B27 sneakers of the selection have become a signature feature of the men’s collections and reflect Kim Jones’ design vocabulary and influence on the house. Each item bears a sign of distinctive recognition value for Dior, either in form of the Dior oblique motif or the CD initials. The official launch of the pieces is staged by an equally compelling video as the items themselves are, and acknowledges the beautiful and magical aspect of the cold and festive season. The short video sequence showcases a playful transformation of the snow-covered, icy pieces, revealing the actual selection in full splendor as the video moves on.
www.dior.com
Fashion
MB&F x BVLGARI: Reading the Future
Initially showing mutual admiration and professional respect from afar, BVLGARI and MB&F decided to join forces to create FLYING T ALLEGRA, an exceptional timepiece that fuses both luxury brands’ signature skills. Maximilian Büsser founded MB&F in 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland on the concept of revolutionizing the conceptual norm within the world of luxury watches with an unconventional creative approach. For the special collaboration, BVLGARI combines its exquisite feminine graphic aesthetic with the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s complex mechanical know-how, resulting in a series of wearable pieces of art. The timepieces are characterized through their three-dimensional vertical architecture and luxurious case, ranging between white and rose gold and adorned with a high domed sapphire crystal on top. The heart of the watch is the diamond-set flying tourbillon— a technical organ that goes beyond the borders of a traditional dial-plate, anchored only at its base, and set in a 50-degree angle, precisely aligned towards the wearer of the timepiece. BVLGARI replenishes MB&F´s cold and massive construction by a softly sensory experience, with perfectly cut and colored gems. With the FLYING T ALLEGRA series, BVLGARI and MB&F have created historic timepieces with complex micromechanical construction and induced with a futuristic and feminine twist.
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
“The Art of Performance”—A Spectacular Additon to Swarovski‘s Kristallwelten
Swarovski proudly introduces a new chamber to its museum “Kristallwelten” under the leitmotif “The Art of Performance.” Kristallwelten was established to celebrate Swarovski‘s centennial anniversary in 1998. The exhibition takes the visitor on a visual journey through the history of Swarovski, the glamorous designs for red carpet events, and the most flamboyant film and stage outfits made out of the precious Swarovski crystals. The museum-like display embraces and emphasizes Swarovski‘s versatility, uniqueness, and elegance. The exhibition is curated by fashion designer Michael Schmidt and the setting is thoughtfully prepared by set designer Derek McLane. It includes Katy Perry‘s iconic chandelier dress, made by Moschino, and the seductive “Happy Birthday” dress seen on Marilyn Monroe as she enchants a whole nation, including the American president at Madison Square Garden in New York as well as outfits worn by Marlene Dietrich, Lady Gaga, Cher, or Beyonce. Swarovski is defined by its founder’s mastery in crystal cutting and a strong sense of innovative and contemporary designs. Daniel Swarovski pioneered the world of jewelry, creating what is now referred to as conscious luxury, affordable yet high-quality glass gemstones and crystals. “The Art of Performance” offers a unique insight into the brand‘s most valuable creations and helps to understand the important role of Swarovski crystals in a worldwide context.
www.kristallwelten.swarovski.com
Fashion
Diesel: Reshaping the Fashion World
The Italian clothing brand Diesel launches its new PROTOTYPE sneaker through a digital campaign. Renzo Rosso chose the name “Diesel” for the brand in 1978, which is meant to be an expression for “alternative energy,” a node to Rosso’s enduring passion for an original and innovative approach to fashion. The release of the sneaker is accompanied by an original NFT created by the digital fashion house The Fabricant, a company that strives and prospers in developing 3D narratives and digital couture. By doing so, The Fabricant creates an intersection of fashion and technology. By collaborating with this progressive fashion brand, Diesel is significantly involved in paving the way towards a new, digitalized, and in particular less harmful fashion world. Creative Director Glenn Martens designed the new PROTOTYPE sneaker with an innovative approach in terms of aesthetic footwear design. The unisex sneaker is available in a bold and distinctive blue, red, and white colorway. It is adorned with recurring rubber straps and asymmetric lacing and features an industrial outsole tread pattern. With the PROTOTYPE sneaker, Diesel creates a visual reflection of a new digitalized era and introduces a new form of sneaker releases, resulting in digital pieces of art.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Sabotaging Conventions of Jewelry Design
Free from confines; tethered to self. Unbound. Unchained. This is how the newly launched jewelry label Saboteur defines the essence of its brand identity. Founded by Thomas Sabo, Saboteur relies on the 35 years of design experience of the jewelry titan, while catering for a new generation of customers who seek unconventionality and individuality. Santiago Sabo, son of Thomas Sabo, herein represents the young generations to whom cultural inclusion, open-mindedness and unapologetic expression of the self are values reflected in their consumption choices. Saboteur is designed to break through the sophisticated worlds of jewelry by making use of mystical and metaphorical elements – portraying a spiritual cosmos while being balanced through geometry. The first two collections, called Elemental and Sacral, exhibited under the mantra “Unchain My World”, show elements of industrial engineering that create charms representing solar systems and mysterious relics of extraterrestrial realms. Skulls and hieroglyphic symbols recur on the rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches of the Elemental collection, while the Sacral pieces present visual anecdotes to the North Star, compass silhouettes and studded spikes. Many of the pieces feature an interplay of axles, turning the charms into tiny wondrous objects that can be turned and tilted to the liking of its wearer. Combing the signature 925 Sterling silver of Sabo’s design vocabulary with 18k golden elements, the jewelry line exhausts the possibilities of mixed metals, creating an allegory to their conventionality-defying vision.
www.saboteurworld.com
Fashion
Missoni x Supreme: A Gathering of Innovators
For the Fall21 collection, Missoni, a house rich in tradition, united its strengths with streetwear company Supreme. The history of Missoni begins as the founders, Ottavio Missoni and Rosita Jelmini meet. Ottavio Missoni gained his first experience in design by creating athletes’ tracksuits for the 1948 Olympics in London, and Jelmini specialized in shawls and embroidery. Combining their prior garment experience and knowledge with the proficiency of knitwear construction and machinery of Rosita Jelmini’s family, the couple founded a small knitwear studio in the north of Milan and started producing innovative lightweight knits that would become an unmistakable recognition value for Missoni. The jackets and sweaters of the collaboration are imprinted with an undoubtedly Missoni-esque-inspired pattern. Ottavio Missoni drew inspiration mainly from Guatemalan, Aztec and Incan textiles and was especially known and admired for his bold approach to color, creating a chromatic harmony by adding a third color to two clashing ones. The Missoni patterns are elevated in this collection, developed by implementing them on a new range of clothes. Supreme supplements the strong Missoni identity with its signature casual and sporty streetwear shapes and designs for the garments, such as hooded sweatshirts, crusher, and polo shirts, perfectly in tune with our zeitgeist.
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Cartier: Love is All: About Compassion and Love
To celebrate and honor the feeling that unites humanity the most, the haute jewelry Maison Cartier decided to capture the spirit of love in a two-minute-long campaign video. The luxury conglomerate is known and admired for its highly crafted and thoughtfully designed jewelry pieces that are meant to elevate the individuality of the wearer rather than forcing an identity on them. The campaign is directed by British photographer Charlotte Wales, known for her light-hearted and thorough approach to filmmaking and therefore is the perfect choice to translate Cartier’s core values into a film. The extraordinary campaign film puts unique and world-renowned personalities, such as Monica Belluci, Lilly Collins, Willow Smith, or Troye Sivan into the limelight. The artists, each masters of their own creative profession are visual carriers of the message that cultural and artistic diversity is essential for personal development. The storyline is accompanied by the particular pop song “Love is All”, composed in the 70s by Roger Glover and Ronnie James Dio, which emphasizes the film as an ode to love. Cartier’s Love is All is a perfectly and sensually composed love letter to compassion, coming together with family, friends, and loved ones which is the most important message behind the upcoming joyful holiday season.
www.cartier.com
Art
Cartier Fondation pour l’art contemporain
The Fondation Cartier unveils a particular film by Artavazd Pelechian at the 34th international documentary festival in Amsterdam. The foundation was established in 1984 by the luxury jewelry conglomerate on the concept of supporting artists and artistic creation through temporary exhibitions, live performances, and lectures. For the festival, Cartier decided to showcase the film Nature by Armenian film director Artavazd Pelechian. Nature marks a milestone for the director—it is Pelechian´s first published film after 30 years. The 64-minute film offers an exceptional cinematic experience, displaying found footage of natural disasters and Pelechian´s signature theme— humanity’s relationship with nature. The director also created a new and sensual visual language through slowing, reframing, and inverting the archive footage used in the film. “I am convinced that cinema can convey certain things that no language in the world can translate. For me, it goes back to the Tower of Babel, to before the division into different languages,” The exceptional film is the result of 15 years of hard work, thorough editing and relentless pursuit for perfection. The French luxury Maison proves once again its unparalleled intuition for unique potential, not only in jewelry designs but just as well in artistic productions.
www.fondationcartier.com
Fashion
Furla Cruise collection SS22: Sharing Joy in Italian
For the cruise collection SS22, the Italian leather goods company Furla celebrates its roots and embraces the cheerful spirit associated with Italy. Aldo Furlanetto founded the unique brand in 1927 while traveling across Europe as a trader in accessories and spreading the spirit. Henceforth, Furla reinterprets the Italian spirit with its leather goods, shoes, and accessories in a contemporary context of fashion. The use of high-quality materials and eclectic elegance are deeply-anchored in the success vocabulary of Furla. The cruise collection SS22 has a distinctive theme: “Joy is a group effort, Fun is for everyone, Sharing is everything” and a clear intention of sharing the uplifting atmosphere with the public. Furla presents the iconic Hobo bag, rounded with its gold monogram, padded handbags in silver, shiny nuances, made out of Nappa leather, and bright, neon-colored crossbody bags that guarantee to turn heads. The selection also showcases a range of small accessories, such as keyrings and card cases which upon closer inspection reveal themselves as depictions of bears and hedgehogs. The cruise collection SS22 is accompanied by the release of a campaign video that captures and diffuses the cheerful and careless spirit of the clothes. The recordings showcase a group of cheerful women dancing in broad daylight, surrounded by beautiful Italian scenery, which perfectly displays the core values Furla has been founded on.
www.furla.com
Fashion
MCM Cubic: Reinterpreting History
Monogram— the artistically interwoven initials have been adorning garments for decades now and have become a distinctive and firmly established part of pop culture. Many high-end brands, among them MCM understand the crucial role eye-catching logos play in times where consumers are continuously confronted with pictures and impressions, not least due to the void of accessible information online. MCM— which stands for Modern Creation Munich is best known and admired for its luxury luggage and finding enthusiasts in world stars like Diana Ross or underground artists such as Peggy Gou, ever since being founded in 1976. The 45th anniversary of the iconic brand prompted MCM to revive and reimagine its most prominent recognition value— the monogram. For the first time in the history of MCM, the brand presents three exclusive interpretations of the unique Visetos monogram. Previously this year, the Vintage Jacquard monogram was released. Through a highly-specialized weaving technique inspired by methods used in the world-renowned textile school of Bauhaus, the original logo receives a refreshing new design. The second interpretation is called CUBRIC monogram and stands apart from previous logos with a clean, straight-line pattern. The minimalistic approach resonates with the Bauhaus spirit, which is an integral part of German modernism. The compelling reinterpretations are incorporated in a range of signature styles, such as a casual tracksuit and complemented with a bucket hat.
www.mcmworldwide.com
Fashion
Saucony Highlights Fall/Winter 2021: Reimagines the Shadow 6000
This year marks a milestone for Saucony- the 30th anniversary of the iconic Shadow 6000. To celebrate the duration of the sneaker, Saucony decided to reimagine the shoe with five different themes- Destination, Food Fight, Pearl, Shadow 6000 OG, Sweet Street. Saucony was founded near a river in Pennsylvania in 1898. The brand name refers back to the city name “Saucon”, which is the native inhabitant’s meaning for fast-flowing river. The name of Saucony immediately resonates with a commitment to design and innovation. The Shadow 6000 was developed in 1991 with a new innovative sole, which achieves the perfect balance between heel steadiness, flexibility, and forefoot cushioning and results in the perfect essential for every professional runner. On the occasion of the anniversary re-interpretations, each limited edition of the Saucony classic takes the wearer on a different journey, through a land of sweets with delicious colorways or inspired by the act of marriage implemented in an elegant white design. The Shadow 6000 OG is a historic and significant version since it equals the original design from 1991 with blue, grey, and navy blue accents. Saucony’s anniversary collection perfectly highlights the timelessness of the company’s designs and passion for creative innovation.
www.saucony.com
Fashion
Bulgari Celebrated B.Zero1 Rock Chain in Berlin
On the occasion of the new B.Zero1 Rock Chain collection, Bulgari celebrated its iconic jewelry line with an extraordinary cocktail party in Berlin. In addition to the two brand ambassadors Princess Lilly zu Sayn Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Stephan Luca, VIP guests such as Palina Rojinski, Viktoria von Faber-Castell, Veronika Heilbrunner, Gizem Emre, Sonja Gerhardt, Stephanie Giesinger and Langston Uibel celebrated the launch of the fierce collection. Inspired by the rigorous architecture of Rome’s iconic Colosseum, the collection presents itself with an unconventional approach to jewelry design that celebrated the inspiring power of Bulgari’s bold visions. B.zero1 Rock Chain stands for the uncompromising breaking of rules, a liberating expression of independence and strength, and a pioneering spirit - all of which are closely linked to the DNA of the Roman jewelry house. Thus, the new collection makes all lovers of exceptional jewelry pieces that underline their personality shine. In the spirit of the new collection, the Alhambra location on Kurfürstendamm was bathed in a sea of lights of white, yellow and rose gold, perfectly reflecting the Bulgari brand through a combination of precious materials and timeless design elements. The rapper UFO361 performed an extravagant live show under an oversized Bulgari B.Zero1 ring. The exuberant mood was reinforced by DJ Alexander “Ali” Schwarzer from Tiefschwarz, whose music set the tone for the unforgettable evening that celebrated the sparkling confidence of the B.Zero1 Rock Chain collection.
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Valentino: A Tribute to Creativity
The Maison Valentino releases a sequel of the extraordinary first art book VLogo, curated by Pierpaolo Piccioli. For the second edition of the artbook, the creative director draws inspiration from 1968’s spirit, a time defined by the desire for radical individualism and liberation from traditional values. Piccioli picks up the theme by visualizing the bold statement of this generation-“Power to the imagination.” Paying tribute to unlimited creativity, Piccioli called upon the industry’s most important players, such as 032c, AnOther Magazine, or Nylon China, just as well as the Valentino style offices to contribute to the project. The edition is filled with unique and different interpretations of the renowned Valentino Logo, created by various independent international publications. Furthermore, the book includes extraordinary images, texts as well as photographs, and drawings of specific moments in the recent past. The contributors reimagined the aesthetic core identity of the Maison, resulting in a broad, interesting spectrum of VLogo interpretations. The intention was to create this book as a canvas of possibilities rather than just a precious coffee table book. Piccioli’s work perfectly visualizes and embraces the idea of creative freedom and contributes to a more diverse world.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Dries Van Noten SS22: A Firework For The Senses
For the SS22 collection, the design team around Dries Van Noten draws inspiration from the Holi festival in India, renowned for its visible celebration of love and colors through colored powder clouds. The clothes embody the explosion of bold colors and euphoric emotions. Dries Van Noten is one of the most successful members of the Antwerp Six and is best known and admired for his creative integrity for his design process as well as the extraordinary aesthetic of his clothes. The collection showcases sculptural silhouettes, that perfectly mimic the festival explosions with heavily draped amounts of fabric on blouses as well as dresses. The garments also include shapes, that emphasize the body, such as caftans, matching suits, and jackets, cinched in the waist and finished with a flounce. Van Noten is picking up the theme of the Holi festival with the print and embellishments on his clothes. Replicate stains on garments give the impression of being doused with pigment and blurred photo prints of flowers and explosive fireworks on silk resemble a festival experiment. The color palette ranges from strongly saturated shades, such as orange, green, and pink as well as soft blues, purple, and mint to stripes in black. The special collection has been launched with a campaign video, directed by Albert Moya. The director perfectly captures the quintessence of Dries Van Noten´s latest collection- a celebration of love and joy, communicated through beautifully constructed clothes.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo: Joyous Anticipation of the Holiday Season
Salvatore Ferragamo´s festive holiday 2021 collection shows exquisite clothes that create a feeling of anticipation giving the viewer a glimpse of the upcoming days full of joy, nostalgia, and generosity. The collection consists of classical garments, effectuated with Ferragamo´s high aspirations of bespoke tailoring. A shiny black tux version, wool sweaters, and neatly cut skirts are accompanied and enriched by beautifully extravagant accessories. As such the collection include mules and boots, adorned with the letter F for Ferragamo and covered in glitter, a revived and extended version of the Viva Bow bag through new shapes as well as a soft penny loafer with a new Gancini detail. The special collections been launched with a campaign video, coming along as a short-film like story, putting the new house ambassadors Jelly Lin and SEULGI into the limelight as protagonists of a real-life Christmas carol. The storyline shows the two actors embracing the Christmas spirit, letting the festive ambiance into their hearts and leaving the daily life behind in a very literal way. The scenes accompany their shift from work attire into their festive outfits. The holiday 2021 campaign perfectly captures the brand´s deepest values and translates them into a joyous and cozy portrayal of Christmas, a holiday that celebrates friendship, family, and kindness- values that coincide with Salvatore Ferragamo´s vision.
www.salvatoreferragamo.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Ski Mask: Innovation Meets Style
Right on time for the ski season-opening, Louis Vuitton launches a new Ski mask, that fusions fashion and function once again. Ever since its founding, the brand which has been initially known for its high quality and exquisite luggage pieces, expanded their assortment steadily, incorporating ready-to-wear, fragrances and an elaborate range of accessories- among others face and ski masks. This year, the winter vacation essential comes along with additional functions and aesthetic details, ensuring a golden mean between performance and style. The mask has a UV coating to protect the eye from harmful ultraviolet radiation and had to undergo a special post-production treatment, which results in an anti-fog effect as well as scratch resistance. The lenses are adorned with the famous LV monogram and available in exquisite colors such as black, blue, and orange. Louis Vuitton´s products are innovative and perfectly tailored to the needs of a customer, who plans on traveling into the mountains to ski. To ensure maximum visibility, the ski mask with darker lenses included a lighter version as well, meant to be worn on days when visibility is poor. The orange, pink and blue tinted lenses enable to notices and condition changes on the slopes in time.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Dior Men B30 Sneaker: The Athletic Versatility of Dior´s Men B30 Sneaker
In an interview, Kim Jones once revealed that he owns more than 500 sneakers. His experience and passion for athletic footwear made him an expert in creating the new Dior B30. The Paris-based designer was appointed as the creative director of the traditional Maison Dior two years ago. Ever since he has combined elegant elements, typical for Dior with his modern streetwear affinity, resulting in refreshingly casual and perfectly balanced collections. The B30 Sneaker was shown in the SS22 collection to complementing each presented look with a tribute to the world of running and the streetwear credibility. What strikes most about the sneaker are the extraordinary materials used, such as mesh and microfiber, which enhance the flexibility and lightness of the shoe. The sneaker is adorned with the renowned CD logo on each side of the shoe in a reflective graphic element. Available in five colors, from classic black and white to a refreshing lime, the color palette delivers options for the Dior customer. The versatility of the sneaker perfectly adapts to the complex needs of a customer in today’s fast-moving world and therefore is a striking example for Kim Jones´ understanding of our zeitgeist.
www.dior.com
Fashion
PB 0110: Versatile Favorites
PB 0110’s signature styles are the protagonists of the FW21 collection this year. The brand revived and reinterpreted their exceptional range of unique and elegant signature bags for this season. PB 0110 was founded by Philipp Bree with an emphasis on high craftsmanship, devoting enough time for the production of unique bags and accessories in a few selected reputable European manufacturers. He is an advocate of cherishing the longevity of an accessory. With his designs, he aims to nurture the idea of an essential accessory becoming a crucial companion, instead of a replaceable item. The designer initiated a collaboration with the designer and artist Ayzit Bostan, to pursue the idea of a revived version of the traditional Japanese “Sacoche’' bag. The so called AB112 is only 145 gr light, made out of a vegetable-tanned leather and accentuated with a silver zipper. In addition the shoulder strap can be adjusted individually by a knot on each side of the bag. The production factory is a Belgian tannery that first opened its doors 170 years ago and has been awarded with the Bronze Standard Certification - a factory that coincides with PB0110's high quality standards. The revived Sacoche bag is an elegant solution to the complexity of daily life - subtle enough to remain discrete, yet sturdy and sizable enough to fit the essentials.
www.pb0110.com
Fashion
Kaldewei’s “Superplan Zero’’ Shot by Bryan Adams
Kaldewei and Bryan Adams have collaborated to create a series of images for the brand´s latest product, fusing their values of aesthetic originality and detail-oriented perfection. Consciousness and high quality products are the core identity of the German-based company Kaldewei. The brand’s “Superplan Zero’’ is a shower surface, which resonates this. To pursue the idea of luxurious sustainability, Kaldewei’s “Superplan Zero’’ combines an impressive glass design developed by outstanding Berlin-based product designer Werner Aisslinger and 100% circularity achieved by using eco-friendly enamel steel. The versatile shower surface is available in a range of different colors and dimensions. The product campaign features six images of the famous choreographer Eric Gauthier as well as dancers Arielle Martin, Tatiana Martinez and Federico Spallitta and is photographed by Bryan Adams. The Canadian rock musician has long established himself as a brilliant photographer and has previously collaborated with Kaldewei for the Ming and Miena washbasin bowls. He perfectly captures the quintessence of “Superplan Zero’’ by staging ballet dancers, who are renowned and admired for their effortless perfection. The dancer’s defined legs are displayed in a highly aesthetic way in front of a devouring deep black background, while droplets of water create depth and dimension. Each picture alludes to the sensual side of a shower moment. Bryan Adams combines his creative and unique ideas with Kaldewei’s design expertise, turning the exquisite shower surface into an even greater object of desire.
www.kaldewei.com
Fashion
Marcell von Berlin FW21: Fashion Remains
No matter where in time we find ourselves, the past, the present or the future: fashion is always a representation of the Zeitgeist that collectively expresses the ideas and thoughts of indivduals. The Berlin and Los Angeles-based brand Marcell von Berlin creates charming clothes, worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez, aiming to encourage this individual self-expression that eventually turns into a sign of the times. The FW21 women’s collection features rock n´ roll inspired clothing, reinvented in a modern version and bold colors that give every wearer the necessary optimism for the future. Eye-catching neon pink, flared trousers with matching blazers, red sequin dresses and gigantic hats represent a spirit that is never out of style, no matter the decade's fashions : joy. In the FW21 collection, particular attention is given to Marcell von Berlin's siganture handbag; the MM. In order to pursue the idea of timeless, adaptable fashion, a bag needs to function as an allrounder, suitable for every occasion whether day or night. The new MM Bags are unique handbags, available in captivating colors such as neon-pink, yellow or green and in a range of different sizes. The theme of joy was also picked up for the men’s collection with shark motifs on shorts and shirts as well as bright colored suits. Marcell von Berlin and their brilliant designs as well as exceptional craftsmanship are perfectly in tune with the current times, in which authenticity is the most desirable thing to wear for men just as well as for women.
www.marcellvonberlin.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent SS22
Here we are, ascending the white stairs at Place Varsovie, surrounded by the atmosphere of the French capital striving for normality. Here, at this specific place, stands tall one of its iconic symbols, the Tour Eiffel, shining enchantingly with its usual timed light show. As we arrive at the designated seating we see what at first glance looked like a mirrored floor only later to be discovered as the effect of water on the pavement. Little we knew what was going to unfold before us minutes later. As the sun starts to go slowly down the first look make its appearance. It’s a long, sharp yet fluid dress with oversized shoulders, and bold jewels. Austere, yet revealing. Suits transform in overalls, and accessories transform into statement elements. It’s the statement of a woman beyond genres and norms. The woman Yves Saint Laurent found as one of his dearest muses, the charismatic Paloma Picasso, whom the couturier met in the 60s and became a great inspiration for the so-called “collection scandale” presented in January 1971 “For a long time, I wanted to transpose this meeting between Paloma Picasso and Yves Saint Laurent, whose importance few realize in the designer’s creative journey. It is a moment to which I am sensitive as a designer because for me it is the defining moment when Saint Laurent’s fashion creativity became a style.” Anthony Vaccarello speaks about the crucial moment when the couturier Yves met the socialite Paloma. Not many have been aware of its intrinsic importance. A moment that opened up free new artistic paths for Yves Saint Laurent, abolishing the solemn borders of haute couture and preconceived codes. Anthony Vaccarello likes to call it the “couture jacket”. The superbly constructed tailored jacket, declined through radical cuts, dissolving genres and the definition itself of sensuality. As the last looks walk, a cascade of water starts to pour down the catwalk, the models, we the guests. We feel like baptized. Reborn, after these tragic times that took away many who will be always remembered. As will this fantastic show.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Prada SS22: Seduction Explained
The duality of the Prada SS22 show, staged simultaneously in Milan and Shanghai-connected via live stream, is a perfect portrayal of the two featured influences, the unconventional beauty chic founder Miuccia Prada and elegant streetwear representative Raf Simons working together. Creating the clothes for the SS22 collection, Prada and Simons have reached the bare structural essentials of the clothing, the ultimate climax of a path of seduction, like the curves of a brassiere, framework of a corset or opened buttons at the back of an elegant silk dress. It featured also draped nude dresses, resembling a bone like structure and silk mini skirts in combination with slightly used-looking leather jackets in different silhouettes, a formal and casual blend, a sophisticated contrast which also mimics Prada and Simons´ partnership. The process of stripping down aims for much more than showing of skin- instead the clothes emphasize the sensual game between bare skin and the soft layers of fabric. Prada and Simons created a new form of sensual sexuality, a more hidden one, giving our mind enough space to create own fantasies.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Sportmax SS22 Shows How Harmonic Contrasts Can Be
“Every something is an echo of nothing.”
For this season’s show the artist John Cage serves as main source of inspiration for the brand. The avant-garde composer is known best for his unorthodox ideas and especially the song 4’33’’, presented in a complete absence of any sound and which profoundly changed the perception of music.The contrast between noise and silence, John Cage became famous for, is being transformed by the brand in a fashion context. Light backgrounds stand in contrast to dark as well as vibrant colors used in Sportmax’ creations. The models wearing intricately, heavily draped amounts of fabric appear out of nowhere between clean walls that can not be distinguished from the white floor on the runway, like an echo caused by the reflection of a sound coming out of nothing. Sportmax’ SS22 looks include jumpsuits with big, puff details on the sleeves as well as boxy cut blazers and second skin bodysuits, in a color palette covering natural shades in contrast with bold colors like lilac and fuchsia. The brand also presented charming contrasts between corsetry details and long flowing dresses in soft earthy tones. The journey through the different kind of contrasts inside and outside of the clothing, Sportmax invites us to this season is a perfect addition to Cages silent music studies.
www.sportmax.com
Fashion
Marsèll x RRose 2021: Last Comes First
Marsèll x RRose 2021: Last Comes First In 2016, the Italian brand Marsèll has established Marsèll Paradise, a platform for generating a dialogue between the brand's creations and other art forms. This autumn, Marsèll Paradise initiated a collaboration with RRose, the alter ego of musician Seth Horvitz. The California-based musician, who is celebrated for his sensual techno DJ sets, repeatedly collaborates with fashion houses. Under the wings of Marsèll Paradise, RRose has created the media installation “Last Comes First” which thematizes the limits of perception: “I am fascinated with the fuzzy boundaries between things – the moments that rupture the mind’s ability to distinguish between independent entities. Illusions reveal the limits of a fixed reality.“ RRose embodies Marsèll Paradise’ vision of cherishing personalities on the pulse of time, who aren’t afraid to look beneath the surface of what is commonly accepted and perceived as the norm. By choosing RRose as a featured artist, the platform draws attention to gender perception in particular. The exhibition includes six images, which are transformed into a series of endless video loops, pursuing the idea of an intimate visual investigation. In addition to the exhibited images and videos, RRose has given Marsèll exclusive access to “Sporophyte”, one of the songs on her upcoming album.
Last Comes First is exhibited at Marsèll Paradise, Milan, from September 24th - October 3rd 2021.
www.marsell.it
Fashion
Giorgio Armani SS22: Back to the Roots
The Armani SS22 collection is a trip down memory lane to the beginnings of one of the most iconic global fashion brands. For this season’s women’s collection, the designer chose a special venue-the birth house of the brand, a place where some of the most memorable shows were staged: the Via Borgonuovo 21. The SS22 collection is an invitation for all of those, who were old enough to catch the beginnings of Armani to relive it as well as for younger generations, to get a glimpse of the brands roots. The designer makes playful yet unmistakable use of the deeply anchored Armani vocabulary, with classical light summer suits and elegant, cinched waist dresses that serve as perfect attire for a weekend in the Hamptons. The collection also includes a range of pastel colored, flowing blouses, trousers, widely cut and resembling the shape of skirts as well as prominent, colourful jewelry. The collection gives us also a deeper into Giorgio Armani’s heritage, which isn’t Italian, as widely believed. His parents originally came from Armenia and fled to Italy during the genocide in 1915. Pieces like wooden bead tops and caps as well as crocheted shoulder bags leave us deeply wanting to join Giorgio Armani as he explores his roots. The sensual, soft materials and colors in combination with the azzurro blue background give the viewer a glimpse of the luxurious present world of Giorgio Armani.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Tod’s SS22: Freedom of Craftsmanship
Tod’s SS22 collection revolves around the notion of freedom. Paying tribute to the brand’s closeness to crafts and material quality, Tod’s has worked with and sponsored artists who make use of the same medium in the past. For the SS22 collection, Tod’s collaborated with Spanish artist Carlota Guerrero, who combines photography, film-making and art directions in her work. Guerrero produced a campaign shoot and video, in which seven women come together in an atelier-like setting where they encounter material sculptures. Through this work, Guerrero tells her own journey with craftsmanship and nods to Tod’s expertise in this field. The looks of SS22 refer to urban use, encapsulating relaxation and good taste simultaneously. Short trench coats, windbreakers and parkas refer to the experience of open-air events, while knit items and tailored elements evoke the sophisticated touch of Tod’s. The collection achieves an equilibrated balance between utilitarian, masculine looks with lavish, dedicated detailing and high-quality materials. Herein, the collection takes up the iconic indispensable color palette of Tod’s of muted tones such as ecru, beige, brown and black – making the craftsmanship of the items stand out from their neutral canvas. Tod’s “T Timeless” project, an undertaking that pursues the recognition of the brand even in future years, shows in the accessories of the collection; showcasing prominent memorability through classical footwear and handbags.
www.tods.com
Fashion
Armani SS22, the Soft Spot in Fashion
Emporio Armani celebrates 40 years in business with an extensive collection for men and women, that fills your warderobe for every imaginable occasion for SS22 from holiday sightseeing, going to work to elegant night outs in the city. It is an hommage to Armani’s deep rooted essence in enjoying fashion without any strict, imposed rules. The show takes us into different worlds, from an imaginary desert to a dreamy heaven of pastel colors. The runway is filled with Armani’s signature lightness and fluidity of the cuts, some genderless pieces and a softness of colors. Pastell pink, green, blue and dusky lilac mac blend together in fluid trousers, blouses and blazers, easily confused with something light as a summer shirt but also holiday ready-to-wear pieces like semi transparent jumpsuits, shorts in an emerald green and turquoise as well as flowing dresses with layers of see-through fabrics and cinched waists, to empathize a little bit of feminity. The men’s clothes are ranging between loose-fitted jackets and trousers crafted from linen, jersey, silk and wool as well as more experimental pieces like a light mullet shaped vest with a hood. The accessoires ranging from scarves to cord belts also empathize the lightness, that stands for the brand. Armani is all about showing a strong confidence without losing any harmony or softness in garments.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle: Synthetic Jungle
Anne Flipo, who has been appointed as “Master of Parfum” by the IFF New York in 2019, has created an opulent and unique fragrance for Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. Her olfactory style is defined as modern, precise and powerful and is perfectly represented in her recent creation Synthetic Jungle for Frédéric Malle. The resulting fragrance is a tribute to its very own name – richly evocative, green, vegetal and flowery. The perfume is an olfactory embodiment of a jungle, relocating the wearer into the setting of abundant greenery, exotic plants and floral freshness. Since the millennial turn, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle has given master perfumers from all over the world complete freedom, guiding them to the pinnacle of theirs art and providing them with exceptional material. Without time, budget or marketing constraints, Frédéric Malle champions the artistry behind the world of perfumes. Anne Flipo herself describes the development of Synthetic Jungle as “the joy of composing with no time constraints” and as a creative outlet “where everything is possible.” The approach cultivates an eclectic range of perfumes representing the unique diverse personalities and art of their creators. As such, synthetic jungle is an ode to Anne Flipo’s preference for floral and green palettes.
www.fredericmalle.com
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: Offset
Coinciding with the Gallery Weekend *Discoveries, LA-based artist Kate Mosher Hall is showcasing her first solo exhibition at Tanya Leighton. Kate Mosher’s artworks are individuated by her unique style. The painting displayed in Offset revolve around a play of black, white and grey-scale; capturing walls, facades, windows and doors hid beneath shadows, partially illuminated by faint light beams. By depicting close up details of larger imaginary architecture and blurring the surroundings into silhouettes and hushed projections, Kate Mosher Hall draws in the attention towards a specific segment. The paintings exude simmering darkness, letting the mind of the observer pause with an uncertain premonition, following the pathway of the light beams. The imagery carries a melancholic heaviness, enforced by the low-resolution style of painting. The grainy overlay amplifies a feeling of secrecy and indeterminacy. While looking at the surfaces the pictures seem to question realities, portraying an intimate yet secluded emotion that trailblazes a feeling of foreshadowings. The mind begins to wander, curious to see through the glass of the windows, through the blinds and curtains, through the keyholes of a door – only to reveal nothing but what the observer's inner eye fathoms to imagine. The light beams search with a faint luminosity, seemingly escaping the two dimensions of the paintings, just a moment in time away from unveiling what lies behind the blurred surfaces.
Offset by Kate Mosher Hall is exhibited at Tanya Leighton, Berlin, from September 17th to October 23rd 2021.
www.tanyaleighton.com
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Art
Gallery Weekend Discoveries: Tobias Pils and Joey Bradley
On the occasion of the Gallery Weekend Discoveries, befriended artists Tobias Pils and Joey Bradley have come together for their first namesake exhibition at the Capitain Petzel gallery. Although the two artists express their creativity in opposing practices; Pils in grey-scale suggestively figurative scenes and Bradley in explosive and coloful abstract paintings, a closer examination of their works showcases surprising parallels. Their contrasting yet complementary ways of practice unveil an intriguing synergy that emphasizes their individuality and uniqueness while intertwining their artworks into one entity. The common ground of the artworks is the use of figuration and distinctive shapes. While Bradley relies on figurative, expansive shapes determined by their colors, Pils uses more stylized, abstract imagery. The resulting expressive sceneries seem to portray a moment in time from which an entire narrative embarks that unfolds itself with the observes imagination. “I’m not so interested in storytelling in my own work. In painting, beginning, middle and end are present on the surface and available all at once,” reflects Bradley’s view on narrating through his paintings. Similarly, Pils defines his paintings as being “about travelling – without a beginning, a middle, nor an end.”
The artwork of Tobias Pils and Joey Bradley is exhibited at Capitain Petzel, Berlin, from September 15th to October 23rd 2021.
www.capitainpetzel.de
www.tobiaspils.com
www.josephbradleystudio.com
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: Compliance
The pursuit of self-optimization has gained tangible significance over the past decades. Self-fulfilling aspirations such as academic success, professional advancement, character development and altering one’s appearance occupy the human mind. The physique of the body stands in the limelight of this optimization fever. The desire to look one’s best is majorly impacted by the constant state of comparison that the individual is confronted with, whether in mirrors, social media or the real world. While optimizing oneself and striving for the best version is an immanent human trait driving forward evolution, the idea of constantly evolving into a better, stronger and faster version of oneself, cultures a toxic mindset. In this mindset, thoughts turn into a torrent that allures with positively labeled attributes like discipline, routine and dedication. Somewhere along the lines of gym sessions, workout videos and fitness gear, determination turns into compulsion. Megan Marrin, known for installations with medieval and torture elements, expresses this mind game in her exhibition Compliance. A series of paintings show athletic devices – ballet barrés and gym machines, in a minimalistic manner, exposing them in all their cold, neutral object-ness. With elements of modernist architecture, Marrin’s work sketches how purposeful spaces turn humans into objects that fall victim to hyper-optimization. The exhibition captures the turning point between free will and societal constraint. Marrin unifies the notions of aesthetics and function not only in the artworks but in the exhibition location itself, where the space functions as a medium to display the art – similar to how athletic activities showcase the fit body. Marrin's exhibition evokes both the discomfort and the desire for the visibility of bodies and, in an abstract form, the social pressure to conform to ideals postmarked on individuals by a collective effort to preserve the body in its finest state.
Compliance is exhibited at Efredemis, Berlin, from September 4th - October 7th 2021.
www.efremidisgallery.com
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Fashion
Longchamp FW21: Seasonal Reinterpretations
For the FW 21 collection, Longchamp explored a seasonal reinterpretation of two of their star pieces – the Brioche bag, named after the delectable French pastry and the Roseau bag with its signature bamboo toggle. Inspired by the evergreen charm of the Parisienne, the French Maison revisited the two iconic bags with the suave wink French women are known for, expressed in the campaigns through a humorous take on ordinary situations of daily life. The Brioche is presented in a sleek, compact design with a versatile metal chain and it's signature neat flap that allows for a surprisingly spacious interior. A leather-covered, metal-rimmed clasp nods to the leather expertise Longchamp is known for. This season, the Brioche’s color palette is replenished with a pastel powder pink and a neutral dove grey. To counteract the soft nuances, a shiny snakeskin-effect leather version as well as indigo denim style one cater for a more outspoken look. Another new version of the Brioche features a sporty 60s vibe with graphic stripe elements. Lastly, the reinterpretation spawned an ivory-colored Brioche with a shearling-effect canvas and a natural calfskin clasp. The Roseau bag has been revisited with a smooth leather body in natural ecru and red color, accessorized with a chunky toggle and chain giving a vintage look, as well as more contrasting material choices such as crocodile-print leather and velvety suedes.
www.longchamp.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend: Four Months, Four Million Light Years
On February 8th, 2021 the Dutch government has officially put an end to transnational adoptions, hoping to prevent the systematic trafficking and fraud that these processes often inherit. Korean/ Dutch artist Sara Sejin Chang set herself to raise awareness of these past malpractices by dedicating an exhibition to the matter. With Four months, four million light years she captures the colonial past of interracial adoptions. Named after a decree of the Korean government, which stipulated four months as the minimum time frame for children to stay in one orphanage before adoption, the exhibition calls out the transnational and transracial adoption industry. The adoption industry leaves a trail of individual fates confronted with deracination and an ever-lasting question of cultural belonging. The artifacts and anecdotes displayed are an homage to these persons who have been separated from their families, ancestors and inevitably cultural heritage. A composition of textiles, paper text banners and drawings accompany a video projection of a colonial print that marks the entry point of the exhibition. The print serves as a memorial for the beginning of a long history of racialized and infantilizing descriptions of Asian cultures and the violent eradiation of shamanistic cultures by Western missionaries. Drawing from her own experience and those of other adoptees, Sara travels through time in her works, from early colonial descriptions to contemporary adoption society. Sara honors the healing power of the shamanic figures and ancient traditions throughout the exhibition, emphasizing how a reconnection to cultural roots and spirituality is a sacrosanct pillar for adopted persons.
Four months, four million light years is exhibited at Argos, Brussels, from October 9th - December 12th 2021.
www.argosarts.org
www.sarasejinchang.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend: Soap Opera
For the third time, Takahiro Kudo exhibits his most recent works at the Archiraar gallery. Kudo’s creativity often revolves around the idea of restriction, he defines the physical presence of humans as a state of being trapped. Since the body is the vessel for human’s mental activity, Kudo pursues the idea that restriction itself is the matrix of human purpose. Given the development of the past month and the succession of a global pandemic, Kudo investigated the term of restriction in a new light. In times where turning inwards, metaphorically and literally, was not a choice but a given, the notion of restriction has changed. Various practices and concepts of social life have been put on hold. Resulting from the forced collective social sabbatical, society has newly defined what it means to be connected or secluded. In his most recent works, Kudo channeled his own development during social distancing in recent times. Reflecting on his personal experiences with separation and connection, he discovered a new meaning of the term that applies to the fluctuating intimacies of private lives. Aligned with the close to real-life concept of his work, Kudo experimented with soap and acrylic glass, both materials that symbolize self-care and separation. By depicting private yet common narratives, the exhibition of Kudo’s work illustrates the dynamics behind distancing oneself in social engagement, the commodification of happiness and its consumption.
Soap Opera is exhibited at Archiraar Gallery, Brussels, from September 9th - November 6th 2021.
www.archiraar.com
www.takahirokudo.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend: Around the Figure
The exhibition Around the Figure touches upon the reconfiguration of the human body since the post-war years. After a time of austerity, the following years marked a liberating shift concerning the vision of the body. This shift in perception brought along artistic practices which explore the transformative states of human physicality. The exhibition addresses the question of whether the corporeal body truly belongs to the human. A compound of sculptures, photography and paintings from various artist shine a light on bodily perception in abstract and figurative ways. The works center around the predicament between the human desire to reveal the true self and the impulse to remain inscrutable to the outside world. This constant dynamic between exposing and concealing, propelled by second-wave feminism and the sexual liberation movement, exemplifies how the body is harnessed and liberated simultaneously. Control versus powerlessness plays a significant role in many of the exhibited artworks. As such, Cindy Sherman’s self-portraits delineate the male gaze on the female body, proving how the self-control over the own body is limited. Gerhard Richter challenges the mind’s eye in a portrait that depicts the temporary, unreliable character of distant memories, indicating how they are replenished by vague remembrances. Blurring the lines between the individual artists' visions, the exhibition opens a discourse on the individual and inevitably societal perception of the human figure, painting a holistic notion of the mutability of the body of the past seventy years.
Around the Figure is exhibited at Vedovi Gallery, Brussels, from September 10th - November 13th 2021.
www.vedovigallery.com
Fashion
Loewe FW21: Aligned with Nature
The earth is the home of humanity. In times of uncertainty and dismay, it becomes more important than ever to cherish this home not only as the base of our existence but just as much as an organism that lives, breathes and feels. An organism to be respected by humanity, where the relationship between inhabitants and surroundings is not fuelled by exploitation but by respect. It is this mind game that lead LOEWE to introduce their FW21 collection called Eye/LOEWE/Nature. The essence and backdrop of this special collection is the outdoors, the realm where the elements of nature and the instinct of the human meet on a par with each other. The core Eye/LOEWE/Nature FW21 reflects a vibrant playfulness that brings ideas of patchwork and upcycling to the extreme, exploring ways to create surfaces as well as entire garments. Outdoor, vintage and military details are hybridised into garments that make for progressive dressing. Following the overall tendency to loose-cut clothing, the collection features generous shapes, unexpected volume and items that are versatile in their purpose. Tailored tweed jackets are fused with sportswear details, tents are turned into long coats and flannel and knit sweaters are combined with fleece styles. The sartorial range of the collection is replenished by accessories such as coloful hiking boots, technical bags, protecting gear such as hats and small upcycled items including charms and belts.
The Eye/LOEWE/Nature collection is available online and in LOEWE shops.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Kolor SS22: New Minimalism
For the SS22 season, Japanese brand Kolor pursues a new take on minimalism. The majority of the presented looks remain in a simple aesthetic, whereas profound design ideas and detailing is limited to just a fraction of the collection’s pieces. By this approach, Kolor’s SS22 collection carries the uniqueness and complexity the brand is known for, and presents itself with a patchwork-like, mixed and matched aesthetic in which the minimalist singular pieces are elevated through the whole of the look. As seen in previous collections, Kolor incorporated the element of “broken-then-fixed”, yet introduces a twist by using transparent, clear fabrics to emphasizes the seemingly “repaired” parts. The see through fabrics reveal the structures of the garment, bearing the tapes, staples and seams which are usually hidden. By intentionally showing these messy and raw parts of the garments, Kolor puts them into the limelight as the aesthetic essence, creating lightness and an analogue feeling. The color palette of the SS22 collections is composed of cool tones, such as blues and greens, paired with conservative beiges, grey and brown tones. To create accentuation in this otherwise muted scheme, Kolor worked with hints of with bright purples, red and oranges. The collection conveys the loose and light feeling of 60s and 70s wear, with inanimate and avant garde touches through rubber coatings and silvery, reflective fabrics.
www.kolor.jp
Fashion
Amsterdam Fashion Week: Wandler FW21
Without light, there is no color. With this mantra in mind, the FW21 collection of the Amsterdam-based accessories label presents itself in a bright, apple green color palette. Being the vanguard of the Amsterdam Fashion Week 21, Wandler orchestrated an art show that put the collection’s items in the limelight– in a literal way, creating a homage to colorful expression and celebrating the significant role of colors in Wandler’s creativity and collections. Introduced by a light installation and narrated prose that touches upon the empowerment of color, Wandler showcased the collection at an abandoned gas station in Amsterdam Noord. The graphic elements of the light installation represented the striking shapes and unexpected nature that Wandler’s designs are known for. Following the installation, the items were presented in a lab-like manner, drenched in green neon lights, radiating a sophisticated and confident atmosphere. The choice of apple green reflects on past times and simultaneously embodies hope, growth, joy and happiness, pointing towards a bright future – in general, as well as for the Amsterdam label itself. The collection features the classic Wandler pieces such as the Rosa boots and loafers, as well as the Penelope and Louis bags. For the FW21 collection, the brand’s most iconic piece, the Hortensia bag, parades its rounded, trapeze shape in the fresh emerald color, too.
www.wandler.com
Fashion
Cartier The Clash [Un]Limited with Lily Collins
Free-spirited, energetic and authentic are the attributes that make for Lily Collin’s alluring charm. With a unique and committed attitude, Lily belongs to the generation of artists who embrace and celebrate their different sides, the classic and the elegant, the creative and the extravagant ones. She embodies a woman, who does not limit nor label herself. Lily has been a muse and friend of Cartier for a long time, her individualist and multifaceted nature makes her the perfect fit for Cartier’s The Clash [Un]Limited jewelry collection and the Double C Cartier Bag. „For me, being part of the Cartier family means joining a community of unique nonconformists who show great strength of character. Cartier is Paris, it's this certain idea of elegance and French refinement, which the Clash [Un]limited jewelry and the Double C bag embody with classic extravagance,“ is how Lily describes her campaign collaboration with the renowned French Maison. Lily is internationally known for her diverse range of acting, including movies like OKJA, The Last Tycoon and more recently, the immensely popular Emily in Paris series, for which Lily was nominated for a second Golden Globe. Aside from an astonishing career sparked with one-of-a-kind movies, the actress shows commitment to charitable projects, being involved with several nonprofit organizations, collecting funds for vulnerable, deprived children.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
HUBLOT x NOVAK DJOKOVIC
Joining the ranks of top-tier athletes like Pelé, Usain Bolt, Dustin Johnson and Kylian Mbappé; Hublot has selected their latest ambassador, Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic. In anticipation of the US Open, the world’s number one tennis player has aligned his pursuit of greatness with luxury watch-maker Hublot, in becoming an ambassador and part of the Hublot family.
Djokovic’s mastery of the sport is evidenced in his life’s work, having 85 singles titles on the ATP circuit, 20 Grand Slams, 5 Masters games and 36 Masters 1000 games and an Olympic medal. In addition to his many accolades Djokovic is the only player in the Open era to have won at least two Grand Slam tournaments. Ricardo Guadalupe, Founder of Hublot, the opulent Swiss Watch company which created the Big Bang in 2005, spoke fondly of the star tennis player, saying “we are particularly honored to have the great Novak Djokovic join our beautiful Hublot family. He is a player who makes tennis history by being unique, first and different, which is exactly our motto. It’s a great day for Hublot!”
To excel beyond that which is widely seen as expected or attainable, to reach further than your imagination can comprehend; to truly be the best at your craft is a conquest that is shared by Hublot and Novak Djokovic.
Fashion
Remastered Archives at C.P Company
In 1971 C.P Company, then still called Chester Perry, was called to live by Massimo Osti. Osti, who had a background in graphic design, was soon earned the reputation of a “godfather of urban sportswear”. Ever since, C.P. Company has been known for its hybrid style that combines elements of vintage military and sportswear. For their 50th anniversary, the revolutionary streetwear brand has launched a series of celebratory chapters, of which the latest, chapter six, is the collection Remastered Archives. With Remastered Archives, the Italian brand cherishes the past of its legacy by reinterpreting pivotal designs of their creative history. The most emblematic item of the brand, the classical t-shirt, has been used as a canvas to portray the retakes on these nostalgic designs. The design of the shirts relies on the graphic design roots of the brand, featuring a variety of type fonts that bestow a bold yet simple message. Iconic moments of the brand, such as the British Sailor motif, the Flatiron Building – which represents the site of the very first C.P Company store –, the Rainforest Foundation moment and the original MilleMiglia race mark celebrate the half-century anniversary with all its landmarks. The appearance and feel of the t-shirts are also a nod to both historical designs and current aesthetics, using heavyweight cotton, a relaxed fit, and a higher neckline.
The Remastered Archive collection is available at all C.P Company flagship stores in Milan, Amsterdam London and Riccione, as well as online.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Responsible Living: DIESEL Library
The next chapter in eco-friendly denim production from high quality denim brand, Diesel. ‘Diesel Library’, which will be presented for the brand’s Spring / Summer 2022 collection, incorporates a genderless design aesthetic and extends the brand’s commitment to innovation and production technologies that consistently make durable and desirable denim garments. The removal of the 5-pocket demarcation between women and men offers a new perspective on the most democratic material, denim, and to usher in a new era of essential pieces at Diesel.
All fabrics consist of resource-saving materials, including B. organic and recycled fibers The techniques implemented in making the Diesel Library significantly reduce the use of water and chemicals. 50% of the Diesel Library will be “made-to-stay,” meaning that they will have a permanent home on the shelves in the future of the brand. Leather patches are tanned free of chrome, the metal buttons found in the Diesel Library are treated without zinc, even the labels found on each piece are made from recycled materials. Tags and patches are also made from FSC certified materials. This reinforces the brand’s dedication to sustainability, a “total look” will anchor the wide range of eco-friendly garments in the evergreens collection; intended to outlast trends and withstand the test of time.
A first look of the Diesel Library collection premiered at a show hosted by Creative Director, Glenn Martens in June of this year. The garments will be available from November 2021 online and in select Diesel stores globally.
Fashion
FW 21 Suicoke x Daniel Arsham
For their FW 21 collection, Japanese label Suicoke collaborated with Daniel Arsham. The New York based artist contributed to Suicoke with a textile design applied to one of their most iconic shoe styles, the Zavo. Inviting comfort and items that create a certain atmosphere are central attributes that determine the design process of Suicoke. The Zavo style embodies these characteristics with a a closed toe cap and a flat sole with a raised foot bed – resembling a pantofle. Arsham overhauled a Porsche 911 from 1986 in late 2020. For the shoe collaboration, he lent the canvas design of this automotive work to Suicoke. Thus, the FW 21 Zavo version features a sturdy, heavyweight stonewash textile material. The cap is finished of with a horizontal strap showcasing the Arsham Studio logo, along with a branding emblem on the inside sole. Fur ultimate comfort, the Zavo variant is lined with mouton fur, which increases heat retention and premium comfort and is available in navy and beige.
The Suicoke x Daniel Arsham collaboration footwear will be available online and at selected global retailers from August 20th 2021.
www.suicoke.com
Fashion
CHANEL Watchmaking: Monsieur. Superleggera Edition
“With its powerful engine, dream coachwork and unique finishing, the Monsieur. Superleggera Edition watch opens new roads that lie ahead” is how CHANEL presents the launch of a unique watch that compromises the most distinctive elements of two renowned chronograph lines – the Superleggera and the Monsieur. Resulting from this rendez-vous, a unique blend of high-tech and elegance emerges. The Superleggera line, consisting of unisex chronographs that appeal to both women and men, features an athletic, masculine look manufactured from high-tech aluminum. The J12 Superleggera proclaims a passion for performance and a love of sports. On the contrary, the Monsieur, characterized by old-school classic elements, is a timeless, scaled-back watch that charms with elegance and grace. With its understated leather bracelet and detail-oriented clock face, the Monsieur watches do justice to their name. The Monsieur. Superleggera Edition stands for a contemporary interpretation of fine watchmaking for men at CHANEL. The new interpretation is inspired by racecar speedometers and has been designed to stand out from the crowd. With a matte black ceramic 42mm-diameter case and a matte black dial with a small detail of red calfskin the Monsieur. Superleggera Edition persuades with a discrete force.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Karl Lagerfeld x Aubade
Aubade Paris has been manufacturing premium lingerie for over 60 years. Over the decades, the French brand has acquired incomparable expertise in corsetry that delivers the perfect fit and cut to their loyal customers. Bringing confidence through empowerment to women is the philosophy behind Aubade. Relying on experience and craftsmanship, Aubade modifies its undergarment collections to current trends and styles. The quality values and aspiration to go with the Zeitgeist show in their latest collaboration for an F/W 2021 capsule with Karl Lagerfeld. The collection consists of four underwear sets, available in an elegant black version and as well a bolder variant of bright red. Karl Lagerfeld’s signature rock-chic design and tuxedo inspirations shine through in selected details and are completed by a clip-on collar and waist corset. From simple to daring, the capsule offers a range of styles that celebrates the body in true classical French fashion. The pieces are crafted from premium quality fabrics and haberdashery, including satin-covered buttons, guipure embroidery and mesh embellishments. The development of the collection centered around the mutual Parisian heritage of the two brands, merging together Karl Lagerfeld’s design creativity and Aubade’s proficiency in manufacturing.
www.karl.com
www.aubade.eu
Fashion
Hugo F/W 2021: Breaking the Box
“There is no right way to wear your clothes, only your way”, is how Bart de Backer, Senior Head of Design at Hugo Menswear, phrased the framework of Hugo’s F/W 2021 campaign, which is built on the concept of nonconformity. Since the act of eluding conventional creeds and practices is majorly motivated by very personal reasons, the campaign features close-up video portraits of four inspiring talents – painter Atusa Jafari, dancer Ahmad Kontar, model Christina Mamantzi and artist Patrick Mason. Going beyond the notion of style, each of the quartet gives insight into their motivations of going against the grain and how their unique stories have shaped them into the persons they are today. Voice overs in their native languages leading through different locations and situations, almost like vlogs, capture how their stories have one thing in common: finding their own individual ways in a society that relies on stereotypical dogmas and snap judgment. Topics like societal pressure, body image, inclusivity and acceptance weave like a red thread through the clips, eventually revealing how creativity and art serves as a pillar of strength and guidance. While the four campaign videos portray very individual journeys, they carry the same message across: to break the box is to be free.
The F/W 2021 collection is globally available from now on in Hugo stores and online.
www.hugoboss.com
Travel
Curious Encounters
Alpacadroom is an environmentally friendly alpaca farm founded by Greet and Wilko, located in the Dutch province Gelderland. Inspired by their trips to Bolivia and Peru where they first encountered these special animals, they embarked on a project of creating a guesthouse combined with an alpaca farm surrounded by nature. With the Spleuderbos, the oldest forest of the Netherlands and the heaths of Houtdorperveld, a vast width of nature awaits the guests. Since 2019, Greet and Wilko transformed the barns and stables into a welcoming home with rustic elements and the comfort of a modern interior. The shared living room invites the guests to chat and enjoy each other’s company, all while relishing the view of the pasturing alpacas in front of the adjacent forest. Preparing extensive meals in the spacious kitchen contributes to the familial atmospheres too – alpacas peeking through the windows included. Bodil and Gaia, the first alpacas on the farm have extended their family to a herd of 13 of the calm yet curious spirits. Greet and Wilko have created an idyll of a guesthouse that enables transients to connect not only with themselves but just as much with nature and the animals.
www.alpacadroom.nl
Fashion
aeyde Pre-Fall 21
The pace of our everyday lives is becoming faster and faster. News and images circle the globe almost instantly and we are at all times connected to almost everything that is happening in the world, bombarded with a constant flux of outside stimulus. Then, Covid-19 happened and the world for once stood completely still. People were confined to their homes, events were cancelled, streets were empty, and suddenly we found ourselves alone with our thoughts almost without any distractions. This wasn’t just the case for individuals. Also, companies suddenly found themselves in a period of intense introspection, as the minds behind aeyde put it, during which the immensity within was allowed to swell to the surface. All the changes and challenges of the past five years were finally able to sink, sparking the creation of a renewed inner space to contemplate the journey which has brought aeyde to where the brand is now. This is also reflected in the new Pre-Fall collection, which was launched this July. The ongoing reflection is presented throughout the styles, old as well as new, revealing the brand’s past, its identity, but also what’s to come. In line with its typical signature aesthetic, the two highlights of the collection are the new razor-sharp pointy-toe shoes in monochrome and the sleek square-toe styles in classic colors and luxe snake prints.
The aeyde Pre-Fall collection is available in select stores and online now.
www.aeyde.com
Fashion
Valentino Des Ateliers
Valentino’s Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli makes it clear that fashion is not art. Art has no purpose outside itself, art for art, whereas fashion due to its very nature features functionality, a practical scope directly linked to our body. Nevertheless, these two creative differences aren’t opposed. On the contrary, when taking the time to learn about these differences they offer a great source of inspiration and opportunity to broaden our horizons. All that's required is to be curious and to take the time to listen. This is the foundation for the Valentino Des Atelier project, meaningful dialogue between the disciplines. Driven by the urge to build a community of makers around Maison Valentino, convinced that painting is to contemporary art what Haute Couture is to fashion, Piccioli brings together a group of painters of different ages, backgrounds and aesthetic inclinations, translating the two-dimensionality of their works into three-dimensional garments, a truly metamorphic process that transforms the paintings which are contemplated as something still into an animated and draped garments moving with the body. Color layering, signs, backgrounds, the full and empty portions are translated by Piccioli into lines, cuts, compositional gestures, involving each artist in a conversation on the dress itself. Each dress is the result of the confrontation of two creatives, the coming together of two distinct languages into a single dress. Valentino Des Ateliers is not just about creating a dialogue, but about listening to each other before pronouncing yourself.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Montblanc: The Pink Dial Project
The world of luxury watches indeed operates on its own terms. It’s a very unique industry, which different to other luxury sectors, such as luxury fashion, has upheld its time-honored traditions and modus operandi and moves comparatively at a much slower pace. But when the world is changing, the watch sector will follow. Across all different market segments, customers and their mindsets have changed and the luxury watch clientele is by no means different. The notion of luxury is changing, it isn’t merely about showcasing wealth, but it now includes a new awareness regarding ethics, sustainability and humanitarianism. Luxury watch manufacturers have recognized their corporate responsibility and have incorporated this into who they are. For this reason, Wei Koh, founder of the Rake Magazine, has initiated the Pink Dial Project. The color pink might already indicate to most what this project is about. It’s a charity project supporting the fight against breast cancer. Montblanc is proud to partake in this initiative by donating the 1858 Geosphere Pink Dial Unique Piece, an addition to Montblanc’s eponymous key line. The watches’ stunning fuchsia pink dial is contrasted with a deep black titanium case. The dial is lacquered with a sunray finish making the timepiece stand out even more. It is powered by the renowned Manufacture Worldtime complication and movement which features two turning domed hemisphere globes that make a full rotation in 24 hours. They are surrounded by a scale with 24 time zones, along with a day/night indication for both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. To give it the necessary female touch, it is noteworthy that Montblanc’s female watchmakers have assembled this unique piece. This very special watch will be up for auction in October 2021, the worldwide Break Cancer Awareness Month, with all the proceeds going to selected breast cancer charities all across the world. To put it in Wei Koh’s words, “Together we can rock 2021 from a horological but also ethical perspective.”
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
CHANEL Haute Couture FW2021/22
“There are dresses embroidered with water lilies, a jacket in a black tweed crafted from feathers with red and pink flowers. I was also thinking about English gardens. I like to mix a touch of England with a very French style. It’s like blending the masculine and the feminine, which is what I’ve done with this collection too. That twist is very much part of who I am.” This was what Chanel’s Creative Director Virginie Viard had to say about her latest Haute Couture FW2021/22 collection. The natural inspiration is reflected throughout the collection with is countless colorful hues, radiating a warmth perfect to brighten up the cold and grey winter days. Nevertheless, the collection reflects the house’s roots, more precisely its larger than life founder Gabrielle Chanel, which Viard had seen in old photographs dressed in throwback 19th century bustles and crinolines for some society balls in the 1930s. But the collections doesn’t just pick up on the natural and on Chanel herself, most prominently, the collection merges the worlds of fashion and art, acclaimed Impressionist Berthe Morisot and Cubist Marie Laurencin, whose influences can be felt throughout the collection. They are reflected in the lightness of touch and the masterful work of the great embroidery houses of Paris, the likes of Lesage, Cécile Henri, Atelier Emmanuelle Vernoux and Lemaire. The results are nothing short of magnificent, yet weightless, a dream made from embroidered tulle and chiffon. To bring it full circle, the show’s location the Palais Galliera fashion museum is currently hosting a remarkable exhibition Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto, creating a direct dialogue between Chanel’s originals and Viard’s new reinterpretations of the house’s codes.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Dunhill SS22
‘Identities’, the new Dunhill SS22 collection for Paris Fashion Week is s collision of style and identity, utility and extravagance feature throughout. Archetypal characters and clothing, cross-fertilised and collaged, show a sense of ease with elegant imperfection, all realised in precious-made-practical fabrics.“In this collection i wanted to look at certain identities. These are clothing archetypes, but also identities of britishness, of masculinity, of uniforms, as well as those of dunhill past and the new era archetypes that we have sought to establish here. It’s really about how character and clothing work together; the idiosyncratic combinations of personal style and identity in britain and dunhill, as well as a redefinition of them for the house.”, so Mark Weston, Creative Director of the house. From deco dandies to hi-vis handy men, encompassing traditional male archetypes in conventional uniforms to the purposely provocative effeminacy of ‘80s casuals along the way, British masculine identities are playfully reworked, as are elements of dunhill history, past and present. The abstract work of photographic artist Ellen Carey features as a print collaboration this season. Most frequently appearing on double bonded duchesse satin, this most haute couture of fabrics takes the place of a technical shell in canoe tops, jackets and hats. Carey’s prints also feature on leather goods, such as the new era Lock bag in a variety of forms this season.
www.dunhill.com
Fashion
Jil Sander SS22
For Jil Sander’s SS22 collection the attitude is freedom, the keywords autonomy, lightness and clarity. This is a sharp urban collection about the right, and duty, to individuality and imagination. About multicultural cities that lead us to appreciate and absorb diversity; to combine different things, different facets of ourselves, in ways that are unprecedented and effortless at the same time. We turn labor into play, blend day and night - and the other way around; we wear suits for leisure and utility garments to shine. Lucie and Luke Meier always find new forms to balance opposites. The relationships between materials, colours, shapes and volumes are flawless. Lines, movement, and touch are equalized. Every look is unique. Japanese wool jackets, shirt-jackets and coats are straight and voluminous. Overdyed cotton and linen flight suits, with removable sleeves, and comfortable utility trousers are worn under one-and-a-half breasted tailored overcoats.Strong colours, large pockets, contrasting copper zippers, a cheetah print on a brushed wool pullover, scarves in fleecy pure silk, and jewels - silver necklaces, brooches, ear cuffs, and earrings - give all looks - and us - extra personality and an edge.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Mens SS22
The Louis Vuitton SS22 Men’s Collection by Virgil Abloh, filmed by Amen Break, features GZA, Goldie, and Saul Williams alongside a wide cast of talent. Directed by Mahfuz Sultan, the film explores ideas of transmission: the act of passing something from one person to another, activating waves of change across generations, and impacting the lives of others. The story told in the show is an abstract interpretation of Lupe Fiasco, the American fine artist and rapper who grew up on the Southside of Chicago amid the gang turbulence of the 1970s and ‘80s. The story is about a father and son united by an unnamed loss, crossing a dream world to deliver a message to the other side. Along the way, adversaries conspire against the child, heroes emerge to guide him, and great sacrifices are made to get him across the divide. The collection introduces new headwear, the modern version of cylinder hats rounding off most of the looks. Accessories also take the forefront in the collection: bags, earmuffs, and gloves prepare the viewer for the cold season. The color range includes monochrome green and navy blue to black looks and color gradients from neon yellow to navy blue.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Jean Paul Gaultier Instagram
The official JPG Instagram account name has changed from jpgaultierofficial to jeanpaulgaultier.
www.instagram.com/jeanpaulgaultier/
Fashion
Fashion
Tod's Mens SS22
Tod’s Men’s SS22 collection is presented in the video “Tod’s Under The Italian Sun”, which was shot at Cantina Petra, Suvereto, a building designed by Architect Mario Botta. The collection embodies nonchalance and modern craftsmanship. Te items are inspired by a combination of the adventurous imagery of Peter Beard with the idea of the urban safari, imagining a wardrobe focused on leisure. The volumes are soft, even in tailoring harmonize well with sandy Mediterranean colors. This wardrobe is made of classics reinterpreted in material, detail, and proportion, such as the Jack Biker jacket made of canvas. The windbreaker is a combination of different materials, and the hoodie is made of suede. The idea of uniform recurs and matching top and trousers, whether they are knitted or lightweight safari jackets. The trousers are practical in parachute canvas, with drawstrings details at the ankle. The knitwear is chunky yet lightweight.
www.tods.com
Fashion
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA: ROME AND FORTE DEI MARMI STORES
Ermenegildo Zegna enhances its retail network in Italy with the opening of a new flagship store in Rome and a seasonal resort boutique in Forte dei Marmi. Zegna’s evolution from Tailoring to Luxury Leisurewear represents a leap forward for the brand and a new era in store design, too. The new flagship store in Rome, relocated within the historical Palazzo Maruscelli Lepri, launches a new retail design course, to reflect the brand zeitgeist. The new design features a sophisticated atmosphere, customised around the classical architectural references of the venue, framed by natural woods and serpentine marble inserts: a bold check pattern running along the entire ground floor. The coffered ceiling of the Made to Measure room, on the first floor, maintains the original decoration to provide a unique atmosphere where customers can personalise their wardrobe entirely. A modern library in rose gold finishing and an iconic sofa complete the furniture setting to conveying a luxurious home feeling with a bar area to welcome visitors as well as two video screens to convey the brand seasonal highlights. Transformed into a luxury retail space that occupies over 250 square meters and two floors, the new flagship store naturally blends history with modernity.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Dior x Sacai
Dior collaborates with Sacai on a men’s capsule in which Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the house’s men’s lines, engages in a dialogue with Chitose Abe, founder of the Japanese label. The reinterpretation of the emblematic “Dior” signature embodies this creative exchange: the name Sacai figures within the ‘i’ in the Dior signature. The DNA of Sacai is hybrid: an idea that permeates a collection punctuated by a color palette primarily in black and white. Looks combine Dior tailoring and savoir-faire with the Japanese brand’s sportswear style and technicality. Denim enhances pieces fusing workwear cuts with functional details, finished with a refined couture touch. Dior symbols, such as supple berets designed by Stephen Jones, are revisited while iconic bags from the saddle universe are reinvented in vibrant shades of olive and orange, echoing Sacai’s essential bomber jacket. This capsule, called Dior and Sacai, illustrates a vision in motion, a captivating meeting of two artists. This new perspective on the two houses, framed by Dior heritage, may be discovered from November 2021.
www.sacai.jp www.doir.com
Fashion
MIU MIU Spirit bag
Unveiled as part of the Miu Maritime collection, the Miu Spirit bag adapts to myriad locations, seasons and, of course, individual personal styles. Fun, feminine, light and light-hearted, the Miu Spirit bag perfectly balances fashion and function, classicism and innovation, innocence and experience - all apparently contradictory qualities central to the Miu Miu name. A soft construction, made predominantly in fabric trimmed with leather, this versatile design features bold stripes, Vichy checks and polka dots dancing across faille. In quilted ciré in ultra-bright hues, the Miu Spirit is more sporty; in soft French terry cloth in icecream shades it becomes the ultimate summer carry all. It is – as its name suggests – as freespirited as the woman it was created for.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
“ISSUE 02”: BOTTEGA VENETA’S QUARTERLY DIGITAL JOURNAL
Bottega Veneta swapped social media for a quarterly digital journal called Issue, of which it just released its Issue 002. The reveal of their journal explains why the Italian brand mysteriously vanished from all social platforms earlier this year. While other brands were launching Clubhouse accounts and joining platforms as TikTok, Bottega Veneta, one of the most popular labels of 2020, was making itself impossible to find. Daniel Lee, Bottega Veneta’s Creative Director, chose to get off the platform because it oversimplifies the creative process and believes it’s a homogenization of culture. The content that lives on the digital journal is a mixture of creative campaigns and features people like Travis Scott and Naomi Cambell. Content like that is supposed to make the audience sit with it as you would watch a movie. The mix of serious and playful content proves that Bottega Veneta is the perfect mixture of sophisticated and whimsical.
www.issuedbybottega.com
Fashion
SLIM D’HERMÈS - La Source de Pégase
A Pegasus with glowing wings emerges from the Slim d’Hermès watch, highlighted by the arts of miniature painting, straw marquetry and engraving. Created in 2015, the Slim d’Hermès watch is all about essentials: a simplicity mingling rigorous discipline with aesthetic balanced. The distinctive yet understated lines of its round case with angular lugs frame a transfigured dial. Graced with a combination of several miniature techniques, the Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase watch features a winged horse in brilliant colours, born of the virtuoso skills of the enamelling and engraving artists. This mythologically inspired symbol, reinterpreted through the use of artistic crafts, is drawn from the La Source de Pégase silk scarf designed by French artist Pierre Marie. The illustrator depicts the winged horse striking a rock with its hoof to create the Hippocrene spring on Mount Helicon. His narrative and decorative style composes a radiant Pegasus in a joyful fantasy universe. Transposed onto the slim dial of the Slim d’Hermès watch, the legendary creature expresses a new creative dimension.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger: Moving Forward Together
Tommy Hilfiger certainly belongs to one of those brands whose influence spans across the whole globe, with its countless stores and retail venues. In the German capital, along one of the city’s most famous and prestigious shopping avenues, Tommy Hilfiger now reopens a new and improved flagship store and a cafe called Tommy’s coffee. For this special occasion, the brand created the local “Moving Forward Together” campaign, especially created for Germany, featuring local Berlin talents from the world of film and music. The campaign was captured by photographer Alex de Brabant and videographer Viktor Sloth. In two iconic cultural Berlin locations, the Kino International and Columbia Halle, they capture the likeness of actor Kida Khodr Ramadan and Berlin-based DJ duo Lucia Luciano and Gizem Adiyaman, all three of them being deeply interconnected with the local communities and perfect embodiments of the campaign’s overarching message of inclusivity and togetherness. Luciano and Adiyaman are behind the community space Hoe_mies centred around women, non-binary and trans people. From May to June, Tommy Hilfiger offers its Club members the possibility to enter a raffle in order to win whether a movie night hosted by Ramadan or a private workshop around music production with Hoe_mies. Both events will be hosted once COVID-19 regulations permit. The new flagship store is set to open its doors to the public on July 1, 2021.
#MovingForwardTogether
www.tommy.com
Fashion
MIU MIU MARITIME
Miuccia Prada toys with characteristics of a nautical atmosphere -colours, insignias, attitudes - to create a Miu Miu Maritime collection, refracting these archetypal and classic sartorial gestures into unexpected new forms. Silhouetted against twin expanses of blue like the sky and the sea - the Miu Miu crew of feminine sailors are captured by Johnny Dufort, poised on the concrete ramparts of the Plage de Bon-Secours at Saint Malo, a bathing pool jutting into the sea. As ever, these Miu Miu women are part of a collective, a group - here, they are a fleet, an admiralty, their clothing unifying them, signifying their bond.The clothes are fresh, spirited, evocative of mariner attireyet exaggerated by the lens of fashion. Traditionally masculine gestures - the flap collar, wide shoulders, an air of utility - are abstracted to be fused with the inherently feminine, with softly rounded sleeves, lace detailing, ruffles, bows. The coastline is not the end of the land, but rather marks the start of something new.
www.miumiu.com
Creative direction by M/M (Paris), featuring Shin Hyeon Yi, Shade, Nina Pronk, Elisa Löhr and Topsy. Photographed by Johnny Dufort. Styling by Lotta Volkova.
Fashion
Longchamp Eyewear: Plant based Resin Capsule Collection
Plant-Based Resin is made from castor bean oil, a cleaner alternative to standard petroleum-based plastics; now used in the Longchamp capsule collection, featuring two sunglasses and two optical styles made from 40% Plant-Based Resin. With this collection, Longchamp eyewear draws inspiration from the brand’s iconic Voyageuse handbag, bringing a trendy and sophisticated interpretation of the brand’s signature pattern to the eyewear offering. All four styles are designed using Plant-Based Resin without sacrificing the quality and premium feel the brand is known for. The four styles feature vintage-inspired frame-fronts designed in modern and contemporary shapes, while the new LGP temple design has a tone-on-tone effect to the iconic monogram of the brand. All styles are offered in Black, Brown, Blue and Wine.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
Bally Presents “My Craft, My Legacy”
Swiss luxury brand Bally honors its 170 - year shoemaking history as architects of leather with a new digital campaign, “My Craft, My Legacy,” featuring the company’s expert artisans. Based in the company’s state -of-the-art Shoe Factory in Caslano, Bally’s artisans undergo three years of rigorous training before utilizing a dedicated and proprietary approach to handcrafting iconic styles “Made in Switzerland,” including the men’s Scribe formal shoe, which was first designed in 1951 on the occasion of Bally’s centennial, and requires 240 artisanal techniques to complete. “My Craft, My Legacy” pays tribute to Bally’s team of 100 artisans whose passion and skill have continued the company’s heritage of craftsmanship and design for generations. They are celebrated through a series of intimate photographs by photographer Jackson Frederik, who captured their personal portraits alongside the instruments of their craft. These remarkable individuals champion the spirit of Bally and its founding, representing the ingenuity of the brand as well as its future, as standard bearers of quality and excellence since 1851. A spirit of community has always been an integral part of Bally, dating back to the company’s founding by Carl Franz Bally, who pioneered an employee benefit system such as an onsite canteen, children’s daycare and community park. This tradition lives on, demonstrated by the longstanding tenure of Bally’s craftspeople, many of whom have over 30 years of service to the brand. Today, Bally artisans craft between 150,000 - 200,000 pairs of shoes each year at the Caslano Shoe Factory, mastering a diverse range of roles including polisher, leather cutter, stitcher, finisher and shoemaker.
www.bally.com
Fashion
FENDI SS21 Capsule collection & FF Vertigo
Dominated by yellow and light blue tones, the Summer 2021 capsule, spans from sophisticated and eye-catching bags and accessories to compelling ready-to-wear for women, men and children. Seventies’ references and Nineties’ vibes fuse in a charming line-up, where FENDI’s outstanding craftsmanship and innovative, forward-thinking approach shine bright. As part of its Summer 2021 capsule, after the official launch at Design Miami, FENDI reiterates its collaboration with New York-based visual artist Sarah Coleman, known for her disruptive manipulation of designers’ materials that she employees to rethink and repurpose everyday objects with an ironic filter. Within the colorful and irresistible Summer 2021 Capsule Collection featuring ‘70s references and ‘90s vibes, FENDI presents a special collaboration with the iconic Polaroid brand, inventor of the first instant camera designed to capture community and individuality. Born from the idea to personalize the classic Vintage Polaroid OneStep Close-Up 600 camera with the FENDI DNA, this Polaroid camera combines the design of this renowned instant camera from the ‘90s with the multicolour FF Vertigo. The FF Vertigo motif—a new magnetic motif offering a twisted, turned version of the classic FF logo—and FF Fisheye motif—where the signature FF logo appears wavy and fluid, as it is seen through a fish-eye lens—are the results of the new collaboration between FENDI and the New York based artist Sarah Coleman who is known for her disruptive manipulation of designer’s materials that she employs to rethink and repurpose everyday objects with an ironic filter. FENDI collaborated with her in the Design Miami/ 2020 edition where she was commissioned to reinterpret the Miami Design District FENDI Boutique and create a series of one-of-a-kind design pieces. The FENDI and Vintage Polaroid OneStep Close-Up 600 instant camera will be available in FENDI Boutiques worldwide starting May 2021.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
All Things Loose
For the SS21 collection, Levi’s® puts a spin on the brand’s emblematic Levi’s® Red classics from the 90s – the last great era of the loose fit. Following the motto of ‘all things loose’, the collection draws on the exaggerated fits, wide hems and drop shoulders of the Levi’s® Red collections, first launched in the late 90s. The contemporary interpretation of the Levi’s® Red collection re-imagines the denim pieces following a sustainable and innovative approach. Men’s jeans include a looser fit version of the 502™ Taper, and a new 505™ Utility, both of which have irregular bartack stitching and a bigger and exaggerated double-stitch on the back pockets. For women, the Low Loose Workpant with a loose balloon leg and a super low rise is the centerpiece of the new collection. The loose silhouette-focus is re-emphasized in the line of denim jackets. Wide drop shoulder fits with mid-length hems and bold pocket and lining designs are their signature features. For fabrics, – in addition to the organic cotton in men’s pants – cottonized hemp is frequently used in select styles of the Levi’s® Red designs. The innovative fabric drives the brand's commitment to sustainability. It resembles cotton in look and feel, and is made with hemp which has been manufactured in a process, which requires less water and fewer chemicals than growing cotton does. The Levi’s® Red collection therefore simultaneously embodies a daring outlook into the future, as well as a nostalgic throwback with a range of unique pieces based on sustainable fabrics, modern shapes and the retro, signature Levi’s® style.
www.levis.com
Fashion
RIMOWA x Chaos
RIMOWA announces its debut collaboration with Chaos, the London based brand renowned for its coveted accessories - two brands for which both individualization and personalization play a big role. United by their common appreciation for luxurious design and innovative solutions, RIMOWA and Chaos have partnered on a limited-edition line of suitcases and tavel accessories. The special design, the striking color scheme, the colorful stickers, as well as the characteristic embroidered tags in three new shapes give the suitcases an instant recognition value. It's impossible to miss these suitcases when you're traveling with them. RIMOWA x CHAOS approach was to design products with excellent function and style, full of energy and high aspirations to improve daily life.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Alice Anderson at König Galerie
Alice Anderson - SPIRITUAL MACHINES SERIES, TOTEM 12
Alice Anderson at König Galerie Anglo-French artist Alice Anderson is to showcase her work “Hyperlinks – a solo exhibition – at KÖNIG GALERIE. Her works include sculptures, paintings and drawings generated through dance-performances, each with ritual at their essence. For this exhibition, Alice Anderson presents performative works created through repetitive gestures, some coupled with rapid breathing (the technique of hyperventilation), which gives her access to a state of modified consciousness. This pairing puts forward the body as a vehicle of humanity within the contemporary world propelling towards a technological-wholeness; and the ancestral culture of the Kogi people from Sierra Nevada in Colombia, who exist in cosmic harmony with their environment. Kogi concepts, rituals and ecologi-cal combats have framed Alice Anderson’s reflections upon this change in civilization. The challenge is not to decry these complex technologies but to continue to question the relation-ships between humans, the environment and the machine. One of my answers ‘goes’ through spirituality that expresses another definition of things and redefines a certain balance of what escapes us. In this sense, my performed rituals take on all their importance because they are a physical re-appropriation of what has been dematerialized” says Anderson.
www.koeniggalerie.com
ALICE ANDERSON - Random Chromatics Pixels N.64, 2021
Fashion
Summer Ease
For Furla’s SS21 collection following the motto #FUNFURLA, the brand celebrates optimism and lightness of spirit. Furla enhances its distinctly Italian DNA and communicates a cheerful lifestyle message. The campaign comprises images and a film, which represent a new chapter in terms of creativity and lust for life. The aesthetic of the collection channels this spirit, featuring loose and airy fits in a broad range of colors that embody the vibrancy of the season. Set against a dreamy, Mediterranean backdrop, the open sky and sparkling sea become #FUNFURLA’s setting. The visuals are an interplay of shadows and silhouettes, which is displayed mainly from the back and through body language of the models displaying the clothing. The soft color scheme of the clothing, shown in the photos with chromatic monochrome effects, further enhances the feeling of carefreeness. The joyous atmosphere of spring and summer, as well as Furla’s core values of heritage and beautiful Italian craftsmanship are conveyed through every image. The Furla SS21 collection invites the wearer to enter a summer daydream.
www.furla.com
Fashion
Abstract Femininity
After taking a maternity leave of absence, LARA KRUDE is back with her Spring Summer 2021 collection. The “Designer of Tomorrow” Award-winning designer worked closely with Stella McCartney for several years before launching her eponymous Slow Fashion Brand in 2017. Her latest collection is based on bold silhouettes and traditional craftsmanship while leaving space for the body and the natural fabrics. Androgynous silhouettes, natural colors, such as forest green and navy blue, combined with plaid and striped patterns reinvent the distinct LARA KRUDE look for the warm season. All of Krude’s collections are produced exclusively in Germany and Poland by small family-run manufacturers to guarantee the highest quality and protect the environment. LARA KRUDE stands for effortless elegance and abstract femininity, with the timeless pieces empowering women to feel their utmost best; strong, independent, and always curious.
www.larakrude.com
Fashion
Blurring Boundaries
The Korean artist and designer Lee Sanghyeok’s creative vision is rooted in his interest in the manifestation of rational ideas of immateriality. His interior design projects reflect and analyze objects in space and open up a dialogue about the conventional meaning of material space through this re-contextualization approach. Harmonious, conventional forms are redefined and endowed with new meaning and room for interpretation. Lee emphasizes a new way of understanding the technology in production by making it part of the creative process and visual aesthetic. Most of the Berlin-based designer’s pieces are inspired by architecture, built environment and urban space, which serve as reoccurring metaphors in his work. Creating a dynamic dialogue between objects and their environment, Lee artistically blurs the lines between the exterior and the interior space, between the public and the private sphere. The project titles Domestic Architecture brings this multifaceted approach to spatiality into practice. Including items that appear to be every day - like chairs mirrors, tables and shelves – a new interpretive layer is added to their conventionality. Lee Sanghyeok envisions his project Domestic Architecture as a reflection of the processes that constitute our living spaces. It focuses on and studies human behaviors and attitudes toward objects and creates an intriguing dialogue between intangible body and rational practice. Marble, as a fundamental substance in architecture, is the central material used, which expresses Lee’s validation of workmanship, minimalist design and harmony between forms and function that comes to light in Domestic Architecture.
www.leesanghyeok.com
Fashion
CHANEL Cruise Collection 21/22
It was under the sign of Jean Cocteau that Creative Director Virginie Viard began to imagine the look of the CHANEL Cruise 2021/22 collection, she explains "Because Gabrielle Chanel was close to Cocteau, and I love the film Testament of Orpheus. In particular this magnificent scene: a man with a black horse's head descends into the Carrières de Lumières, his silhouette cut out against the very white walls". Destination: the Carrières de Lumières, in Les Baux-de-Provence, for a highly graphic show, "because the simplicity, the precision and the poetry of Cocteau's film made me want to create a very clean collection, with a very distinct two-tone, made up of bright white and deep black". Both influences for this show, Cocteau and Chanel, are embodies in the cruise collection by the strong yet faded contrast from radiant white and deep black. The combination of those colors manifest in pieces such as long white shirt-dresses, black macramé capes, and a white tweed jacket embroidered with lucky charms to a black dress in velvet and leather. "Echoing the extreme modernity of Cocteau's film, I wanted something quite rock. Lots of fringes, in leather, beads and sequins, t-shirts bearing the face of the model Lola Nicon like a rock star, worn with tweed suits trimmed with wide braids, and pointed silver Mary-Janes. A look that recalls as much the modernity of the sixties as that of punk...". so Virginie Viard.
www.chanel.com
Art
Gallery Weekend Berlin: Rebecca Horn at Thomas Schulte Galerie
Rebecca Horn presents the first solo exhibition at the Thomas Schulte Galerie since its inauguration in 1991. Horn and the gallery have collaborated many times during the past 30 years. Thomas Schulte Galerie featured the artist in the opening exhibition. On the 30th anniversary, Thomas Schulte Galerie is celebrating with a collection of one of Germany’s most important living female artists. Alongside Horn’s recent works, the gallery will be showing two of the artist’s seminal kinetic installations from the 1990s: Bee’s Planetary Map (1998) and Der Turm der Namenlosen (1994). The piece Bee’s Planetary Map (1998) captures the transformative power of bees: converting and repurposing natural materials to construct their habitats. Conceived in 1997, even before the flows of forcibly displaced millions from the Balkans, Bee’s Planetary Map captures themes of dislocation, uprootedness, and fractured movement. Empty beehives fill the space with the haunting buzz of a wandering swarm of bees. Honey-yellow light streams from the suspended baskets, reflecting circular rotating mirrors and projected across walls and ceilings. At regular intervals of two and a half minutes, a stone attached to a mechanical hoist falls from the ceiling and shatters one of the mirrors. Spinning splinters of mirror chase panicked scraps of light across the room. Struggling towards the center, searching for protection and security, fearing for freedom and belonging – these are the central human themes in Rebecca Horn’s work. Themes of flight and (up)rootedness are further visible in Der Turm der Namenlosen (1994). Rebecca Horn dedicated this piece to the thousands of Bosnian refugees who arrived in Vienna in the early-to-mid 1990s. Most arrived without passports and knowledge of the dominant language. Many would use the musical instruments they brought with them to express and perform their trauma.
Rebecca Horn’s work is exhibited at Thomas Schulte Galerie, Berlin, from 28 April - 26 June 2021.
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Rebecca Horn, Bees Planetary Map, 1998. Installation view, Centre Pompidou-Metz, 2019, Photo: Jacqueline Trichard. © Rebecca Horn, VG Bildkunst, Bonn, 2021 Courtesy die Künstlerin und Galerie Thomas Schulte
Rebecca Horn, Die Neuerscheinung, 2019. Courtesy the artist and the gallery.
Fashion
Maserati Special Edition F Tributo
With motorsport in its genes and inspired by countless successes, Maserati celebrates its racing past with the new Special Edition F Tributo. Exactly 95 years ago, on April 25, 1926, the brand made its racing debut: on that day, the Maserati Tipo26, the first car to have the trident on its hood, won the 1,500 cc class of the legendary Targa Florio in Sicily. Driving was Alfieri Maserati himself. 28 years later, on January 17, 1954, the Maserati 250F made its racing debut - a car that wrote motorsport history. This time it was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, who won the Formula 1 five times, making him world champion. His last title came in 1957 on the same 250F. Maserati is now taking this motorsport era as an opportunity to present the special F Tributo edition. The F stands for Fangio, who shaped this phase of international racing like no other driver and was closely associated with Maserati. Red is the color of Italian motorsport. In contrast, the bright and lively Azzurro Tributo is a reminder that blue (along with yellow) is the color of the city of Modena, the historic home of the brand. Other references to Fangio's 250F are the yellow brake calipers and wheels with yellow rims. This is because the racing car of yesteryear also had decorative elements in yellow. To complete the exterior, the Levante F Tributo is fitted with 21-inch Anteo wheels in black and the Ghibli F Tributo with 21-inch Titano wheels in gloss black. The front fender also features an edition ensemble in gloss black, while the trident logo on the C-pillar is deliberately in body color. The exterior accents are also reflected in the interior: the black full-grain leather from Pieno Fiore features decorative stitching in red or yellow.
www.maserati.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger - One Planet
The Tommy Hilfiger One Planet capsule collection was created in honor of and to celebrate Earth Day. It is an embodiment of Tommy Hilfiger’s sustainability objectives, featuring a range of relaxed and effortless pieces made of organic and recycled materials. The planet-positive message of the capsule is emphasized with the goal to inspire more sustainable decision making on this Earth Day and beyond. The range of soft everyday loungewear embraces laidback comfort and displays three unique Earth Day graphics. The recycled-material sweatsuits showcase the planet surrounded by a united community and the message, ‘The Future is Bright, Together We Succeed’. For the One Planet capsule collections, Hilfiger reimagines its red, white and blue ‘Spreading Love’ logo in pastel colorways, creating a harmonious visual impression.
Fashion
DIOR FW 21
For Maria Grazia Chiuri, the presentation of the FW21 collection at the Long Museum West Bund in Shanghai represented an extraordinary opportunity to infuse her creations with the visual power of movement and a new energy to celebrate the house's creativity and world cultures.Bright hues play with transparency and shiny looks celebrate the pop aesthetic. Embroideries are embellished with oversized sequins reminiscent of disco balls. The leopard print that graces the runway combines esprit and elegance, appearing on a range of creations and accessories, including the iconic bar jacket. A series of five others exclusive models, each in a different neon hue – as well as red, “the color of life” as Monsieur Dior noted – with tributes to the House’s archives also enriching the collection. Presented to the rhythm of a musical composition by Giorgio Moroder – punctuated by the voice of Maripol – these creations are designed for facing the current context with the high energy, hyper-sophistication, and profound lightness of the Pop spirit.As a final surprise, singer Joey Yung – wearing a dress specially conceived by Maria Grazia Chiuri – and the Chinese rock band Black Panther give an exceptional live performance.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Canada Goose x Angel Chen
Following their highly acclaimed collaboration for SS21, Canada Goose unveils its second collection with guest designer Angel Chen during Shanghai Fashion Week FW21. Angel Chen is widely known for participating in Netflix’s “Next In Fashion” design competition show. She is also a Woolmark prize finalist and the first-ever Chinese designer to collaborate with H&M. For FW21; she was inspired by the traditional Snow Mantra Parka, combining her unique aesthetic with Canada Goose’s functional know-how. This season comes to life with new silhouettes and feminine details like peplums and belts. New bold colors and remarkable Chinese hand embroidery create a diverse visual effect. Angel Chen’s experimental approach to design and color, coupled with a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics, has enticed the brand to work with her as their very first guest designer. The designer used Canada Goose’s heritage pieces to co-create a capsule collection based on an innovative design direction. Her experimental approach to color and proportion has not only made her a designer to watch, but a coveted person to collaborate with also. With a vision as unique as the clothes she conceives, she doesn’t just push a proverbial envelope open; she lights the whole thing on fire.
www.canadagoose.com
Art
Friedemann Vogel appointed Ambassador of International Dance Day
The International Theatre Institute (ITI) annually proclaims International Dance Day on April 29th. First established on the occasion of the great dance reformer Jean-George Noverre’s birthday by the ITI’s Dance Committee in 1982, the International Dance Day is a celebration of dance as a universal language of human expression in all its forms. Every year, an important personality from the dance world is chosen to compose a message for the occasion. This year, the renowned international ballet star, Principal Dancer and, “Kammertänzer” of the Stuttgarter Ballett Friedemann Vogel has been selected as Ambassador and Message Authore for International Dance Day. The Stuttgarter Ballet is proud to have a dance from its own ranks filling in this honorable position. In the face of the ongoing lockdown and closure of cultural institutions, it is especially important for artists to able to express themselves and uphold their passion for the arts. The International Dance Day provides a special platform for this. Thomas Detrich, Artistic Director of the Stuttgarter Ballett says in this regard: “I cannot imagine a better Message Author for International Dance Day than Friedemann Vogel. An exceptional dancer and artist who always wants to explore and expand his own boundaries, as well as those of his art form and is open to dance in all its facets.”
Fashion
Acqua di Parma presents Colonia Futura
Acqua di Parma’s universe welcomes Colonia Futura, the newest addition to the colonie family and a genuine emblem of the historical Italian brand’s sustainability manifesto. For the brand, sustainability means preserving traditions, respecting and renewing them in a dynamic and vibrant transition between past, present, and future, protecting and sharing authentic Italian style, alive and intact, to future generations. For over a century, Acqua di Parma’s values have been lying in the necessity to safeguard and pass on the Art of Italian Living, aware of the importance of protecting Italy’s cultural, artistic, and natural heritage. The newest product of the brand embodies this commitment. The fragrance is rooted in the Maison’s heart to its original universe - the planet of the colonie.
Colonia Futura follows the tradition of Colonia, an iconic fragrance of the Maison, in the olfactory signature and the quality of its Frutti d’Oro, but projects it into the future, in the knowledge that sustainability is the necessary condition for evolution. The new Eau de Cologne composition contains 99% natural origin ingredients in line with the ISO16128 standard. The bright, sparkling tones of P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) Bergamot from Calabria, the roundness of Clary Sage, and the freshness of Lavender are the key essences of Colonia Futura. These olfactory notes are skillfully blended and dosed in a composition highlighting the bright richness of Italian sun-filled landscapes, trademark for Colonia.
www.acquadiparma.com
Fashion
FENDI presents “Wild Untamed Naomi”
FENDI releases the #FendiPeekaboo video starring Noami Watts, the award winning actress presented in celebration of the opening of the new FENDI Queen’s Club flagship boutique in Sydney. The video is called ‘Wild Untamed Naomi’ and presents a private moment in Naomi Watt’s day within her apartment in New York, documenting her hidden and surprising side, accompanied by the FENDI Peekaboo ISeeU bag. What starts as an average and restless day slowly unveils Naomi’s untamed side as she escapes into her own world and discovers the joy of releasing stress and anxiety through a cathartic release of movement. Using the FENDI Peekaboo ISeeU bags, Naomi chanells the extraordinary in the ordinary. The video is a journey to self-love that plays with the FENDI values of creativity, craftsmanship and playful spirit, whilst celebrating the eternal narrative of the FENDI Peekaboo bag – the hidden beauty within. The iconic bags feature an accordion-frame shape, to open in a deep ‘smile’ featuring inside pockets which can be interchangeable in smooth leather or precious skins and personalised with one’s initials.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Diesel x Diesel: FAKE SMILES
Diesel x Diesel is a concept created by the founder of the brand Renzo Rosso’s desire to reintroduce Diesel’s past icons in a modern context. The capsule collection has a distinctly North American aesthetic with a look back at old archives of the many trips Renzo and his multicultural design team did back in the late 80s. The collection is mainly inspired by college apparel, Route 66, and the essential Diesel identifier of workwear. This results in pieces such as varsity jackets that have been reimagined in extra-distressed leather with a new Diesel typeface in patches across the shoulder blades. Further in terms of outerwear, the collection also includes reimagination of a mixed-material coat of shearling, cotton, leather, and jacquard wool which was initially inspired by a late 1980’s research trip to the South of the U.S. A treated leather vest from the tail end of the 1980s has patches that recall an American road trip. For each piece, the underlying idea is the bridging of separated entities, whether governmentally (land borders) or temporally (the then-and-now). With their slouchy shape and the oddness of the pseudo-trompe-l’oeil chaps, there’s something casually appropriate about them for 2021. There are four other denim trousers models, each from the 1980s, on which contrasting waistbands have been added for differentiation. Rounding out Diesel x Diesel, there are reissued hoodies, mini-skirts, and shirts.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
COLMAR A.G.E. X Morteza Vaseghi
Colmar’s innovation-focused label A.G.E. (Advanced Garment Exploration) was initiated by the Italian outerwear brand three years ago with the experimental goal to collaborate with international artists and designers. A.G.E. stands for modern, contemporary design and reinvention of Colmar’s designs, which are historically rooted in ski-wear. For the third collection of A.G.E., which is an essential part of the FW21/22 collection, Colmar works with the internationally renowned designer Morteza Vaseghi. Mostly known as the co-founder of the magazines Recens Paper and Wallet along with Elis Olsen, Vaseghi transfers his fascination for printed pages in magazines to the design of clothing for the human body. As the Creative Director for Colmar’s newest A.G.E. collection Vaseghi introduces organic, futuristic forms that express his progressive ideas of unifying human beings with nature, reconnecting the idea of modernity with the natural environment in the context of fashion.
Fashion
Miu Miu FW 21: Brave Hearts
Miuccia Prada draws together a diverse group of women for the Miu Miu FW21 fashion show. The result is a voyage through the mountains - a fashion show in the snow. For the show, models explore the landscape of Cortina d’Ampezzo as part of the ‘Miu Miu Mountain Club’ in the heart of Dolomites Alps-, captured on film in a brave and challenging undertaking. The concept is all about dreaming of escape and making this fantasy a reality. In the video, the Miu Miu women explore the landscape dressed for extreme weather conditions. Outfits combine different intentions, different dreams, and realities to create different characters. Inside and outside, protective and seductive, just like women, the outfits contain multitudes.
Forming a collective experience on the mountainside, the models form a graspable alliance as they walk together. Sportswear and fashion fuse within the collection using the vernacular of mountaineering clothing. Miu Miu uses teddy bear faux fur, padded layers, and knitted ski helmets, and ski masks to keep warm and safe while upgrading the necessary means of protection for the mountainside. Silk satin dresses and lace stand convey delicacy and intimacy. Outerwear, inner lives. The juxtaposition speaks volumes and creates a dreamlike state of romanticized practicality through exaggeration - when the fragile can be reinvented to become brave. The utilitarian can become beautiful and pleasurable; the decorative can suddenly have a reason, a new purpose. Padded sportswear borrows its satin and pastel colors from lingerie fantasies; slip dresses are executed in heavy wools, studded with metal-like imaginary armor - warrior lingerie: strength and fragility, courage and aggression.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Versace SS21 Campaign: Summer Daze
For its SS21 campaign, Versace Jeans Couture embraces the memories of a simple outing with a group of friends on a fun summer night for a collection that celebrates escapism and fantasy and is directly inspired by the irreverent style and attitude of the 18th century French Court. The collection’s theatrical and exuberant designs are displayed in a contemporary take on French aristocracy in the form of street edge and youthful style. The fantasy mood is set with a pastel palette, Rococo-infused prints, and tongue-in-cheek graphics that add a pop of color to the dull everyday. For the Women’s collection, the brand has taken inspiration from its iconic archive and youth subcultures - skirts with sumptuous, voluminous silhouettes are paired with jean shirts and jackets - and channels romanticism. The Men’s collection, on the other hand, declassifies a sober military aesthetic by pairing classic camo patterns with bold and colorful logo accents. Tailoring winks to streetwear are found in cropped trousers or loose shorts worn with boxy, structured blazers. The campaign’s concept is based on a group of young friends who searches for thrills during a night out in an empty city during a hot summer night. Due to travel restrictions, they can view their city Milan in a new light by exploring secret gems such as the famous Villa Necchi, the Teatro Manzoni, to the Piscina Cozzi. With a touch of voyeurism, the stills were shot through a fisheye lens in a highly stylized way.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Maserati honors Maria Teresa de Filippis
In honor of International Women’s Day, Maserati celebrates Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to qualify for a Formula 1 Grand Prix – driving a Maserati 250F. Five years after de Filippis death, Maserati releases a special video on the automobile brand’s social media that is dedicated to her groundbreaking career, driven by passion and courage. The female race driver managed to assert herself in an environment that had previously been exclusively male. She earned the respect and esteem of her rivals and brought values to the race-track that still guide Maserati today: Excellence, elegance and power. She won the ten-kilometer road race from Salerno to Cava de' Tirreni, which ignited her dedication to motorsport and led to several victorious competitions in the years following. The key year of her career was 1958: Maria Teresa de Filippis made her debut at the wheel of a Maserati 250F at the Syracuse Grand Prix and then took part in her first Formula 1 World Championship race in Belgium. Maserati and Maria Teresa de Filippis became a winning combination, driven by perseverance and audacity. The story embodies the desire and determination to face technical, physical and personal challenges and turn them into opportunities.
Fashion
LOEWE FW21 - A Show In The News
LOEWE presents the FW21 women’s runway collection as a walkthrough with creative director Jonathan Anderson on its digital platforms as part of Paris Fashion Week. Embracing the reality of the physical show being canceled, due to the current Lockdown regulations, Anderson has created a printed newspaper to showcase the collection. Thus, he transcends the currently popular medium of digital presentation. LOEWE and Jonathan Anderson publish a newspaper supplement with attached articles and images of the collection, released globally in a selection of different broadsheet versions. Drawing on the naming convention established last summer with LOEWE’s ‘Show In A Box’, the paper-based evocation of this year’s canceled runway show is titled ‘A Show In The News’. Alongside the images, the newspaper makes reference to literary traditions by featuring an extract of the newest publication of the prolific writer Danielle Steele, whose book copies have been sold over 800 million times. The idea behind the newspaper concept is also to reach beyond a fashion audience and create a lasting impression, giving the fantasy of fashion a physical presence in the non-digital realm.
The FW21 women’s collection is a full-frontal, visually saturated statement in shape and color, that breaks with the LOEWE formula and escapes its boundaries to create new ones. The vibrant, bright color palette includes acrylic hues and is juxtaposed in graphic compositions and mapped into abstract, draping silhouettes. Geometric shapes are a fundamental tool in the aesthetic form language of cuts and surface treatment. Sinuous lines alternate with straight ones, angles with curves, fluidity with firmness, while quilting, prints and jacquards emphasize the electric glare of the whole. The quilted coats, long tailored jackets and cropped trousers meet strict suede suits, long dresses and draped skirts, mixing angles with curves and fluidity with firmness. For accessories, the collection features color-block lug-soled boots, the Flamenco clutch in a bright, XL version and the new Goya bag as a statement piece. Moreover, the quintessential Amazona bag, first launched in 1975 captures the spirit of the season in nappa-calfskin and Anagram jacquard variations.
Fashion
MSGM FW21 - MANIFESTO
Massimo Giorgetti presents MANIFESTO for MSGM, an ode to the nightlife scene in the city of Milano. It is a new manifesto on the hypnotic rhythm of a song written and interpreted by GeaPoliti, publisher of Flash Art, in collaboration with Club Domani, and is based on Sergio Tavelli's record idea and Andrea Ratti, of which the song "Manifesto" is part. The film was directed by Francesco Coppola, one of the most interesting young directors of the Italian scene. The film is shot in the historic Teatro Manzoni, which has re-opened as a place of cultural production in the heart of Milan. Fifteen performers, including dancers, actresses, and models, all very different from each other, have something in common: all have chosen to live in Milan.
The silhouettes of the collection are sharp with a nocturnal attitude. Belted trenches and suits in caramel brown or teal blue crinkled eco-leather are styled with python-printed satin shirts or net-embroidered tops. The fabrics are shiny: glossy latex and patent leather for outerwear, for short dresses worn with a platform boot, pants with statement MSGM ruffles. The color palette is strong: touches of cyclamen, "screen green," dark amethyst, deep red, broken up with deep black and soft white. Milan's two ambiguous characters are shown: on one side, classic and bourgeois, and on the other side, young and underground. The message transmitted through the collection is clear; Milan is the city of the culture, the city of the future, and we will do everything to rekindle its every light.
www.msgm.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo FW21 – Future Positive
Salvatore Ferragamo’s FW21 collection ‘Future Positive’ as seen online on Milan Fashion Week lives through its title. The show presenting the eccentric collection is inspired by futuristic, metropolitan imaginations of urban utopia, shaping a fearless outlook into what is to come. Creative director Paul Andrew projects the limitless conceptual freedom of science fiction and the house’s heritage of technical innovation onto the future of craft, suggesting an alternative reality and visionary prospect. Driven by a strong ‘the future is now’ sentiment, the collection conveys youthful optimism, creative innovation and rising hope, disrupting and upgrading all that is uniform and old-fashioned. Taking up the pace of the advent of the future, Ferragamo’s Ready-to-wear collection blends diverse ideas of militaria, moto, athletics, scuba and beyond. Shirting, mohair knits, footwear and accessories for men and women are complementary and connected, linked by monochrome shades that are contrasted by bursts of color. Seasonal advances include capes, coats and parkas in elaborate heat-processed leathers and wools, fine gauge technical knitwear, knit bodysuits and dresses patterned in an abstract futuristic take on camouflage. Fringed yarn adds surprising irregularity to the utility parkas and casual tailoring, dresses and outerwear.
Playing on the idea of sci-fi visual story-telling, a constellation of draped jersey dresses and statements in chainmail star and shine silver-line the lineup. The clothing is underlined by the key footwear being space-biker boots, scuba sock sneakers, clogs in rubberised nappa, and a sleek reinterpretation of Ferragamo’s iconic F-heel adorned with rhinestones and a galvanised finish. The Salvatore Ferragamo FW21 collection brings to live the vision that creative director Paul Andrew himself summarizes as the following: ‘“In fashion, the past exerts a gravity - we are always drawn to it. For this season I wanted to invert that physics. The objective was to engineer a collection that sees the present through a prism of the future – unleashing a multitude of fresh perspectives.’
www.salvatoreferragamo.com
Fashion
Aesop x RÆBURN
Aesop and RÆBURN, the pioneer of responsible fashion, have collaborated and developed a sustainable bag for hand care on the go. Whether commuting, traveling, or simply on the go, the Adventurer Roll Up bag makes it easy to carry everything you need. As part of this partnership aimed to be sustainable by using recycled materials, both brands committed to the ethos of the RÆMADEInitiative, which is leading the way in recycling waste materials into responsible designs. The Adventurer Roll Up bag is a 300 piece limited edition item made from 1960s aeronautical navigation charts.
These silk pieces were selected for their motifs, each of which depicts a part of the world that has been particularly damaged by environmental degradation, such as Borneo or the Aral Sea. The manufacturing avoids material waste by making four bags from one card. Each of these Roll Ups also comes with its own serial number and a certificate. To mark the product launch, Aesop has partnered with Hypebeast, the leading online destination for fashion and streetwear, for the sale of 300 limited edition RÆMADE Adventurer Roll Ups. The bags will be available on selected online stores from March 1st, 2021.
www.aesop.com
Fashion
FENDI FW21-22
With the FW21 collection, Kim Jones ushers in a new chapter at FENDI, presented through a homage to the key codes and women who have shaped the house into what it is today. The collection is a celebration of the extraordinary Italian elegance, which has long associated with the house. Nobody embodies the spirit of the house more than the five Fendi sisters, whose wardrobes become the underlying inspiration for the collection. As put so fittingly by Kim Jones himself, ‘The Fendi family are women of intellect who work hard – and that's what I wanted to celebrate, a powerful dynasty. I’m taking the amazing, strong women who I both know and work with, and listening to their needs. There’s a usefulness to the collection, explored in a chic, timeless way.’ No piece of the collection represents this more than a utilitarian shirt jacket which is directly inspired by Silvia Venturini Fendi’s own uniform, reinterpreted and elevated luxuriously as shearling iteration with a boned mink interior. Another legacy which cannot be ignored when looking at the Roman house Fendi is Karl Lagerfeld. His legacy is omnipresent, whether it be the Karligraphy monogram or the FENDI First shoe’s architectural heel, but updated for a new era.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles SS21
Moose Knuckles, a Canadian luxury sportswear brand, presents their ARISE collection for Spring Summer 2021. The collection is inspired by the difficult year the world has lived through and seeing the light at the end of it. The Spring-Summer season represents taking a hiatus from tragedies, the last moment to relax before the world starts to revolve in full swing again. It’s the return of good weather, social distant social events, and a good mood.
The campaign images were shot by Hugo Comte, who was able to capture individuality without undermining the group. Every photograph reminds us of the balance between the collective human experience and the variety of humankind. The collection features a variety of comfortable sports and transition wear, made to resists the natural elements. Additionally featured in this season is ‘Pack Your Moose,’ a collection of rainwear designed to adapt to the unpredictable spring weather. Non-lined, recycled nylon shells promise the characteristic moose knuckles protection; all coats are easily packable and rain protected.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Prada: Linea Rossa Eyewear
Prada presents the second chapter of the Prada Linea Rossa Eyewear campaign in collaboration with the Prada Cup winner, the sailors of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team. In the campaign images, the sailors’ subject viewpoint leads the spectator to the most ambitious goal, the conquest of the America’s Cup. Blending a contemporary aesthetic with technological excellence, the new glasses from the Linea Rossa Impavid collection take inspiration from the world of sailing.
They are engineered to offer functionality and high performance in any weather conditions. The Prada collection includes two new sunglasses (SPS03X, SPS02X) and an optical frame (VPS04N). The sunglasses set themselves apart with their dynamic wraparound design, which features the signature red detail on the front bar and the rubber inserted inside the temples on the frame. This feature guarantees adherence to the face in a comfortable manner. The optical frame speaks of modernity and technical innovation with its clean design featuring sharp profiles and rubber details, combined with perforated temples.
www.prada.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend presents ‘Candle Up!’
In collaboration with Quintessence Lab the Brussels Gallery Weekend presents the candle collection ‘Candle Up!’. All benefits go entirely to the non-profit organization Feed The Culture. The cultural initiative Feed The Culture gathers a group of volunteers that weekly get together to hand out free food parcels to people working in the cultural sector. Facing the Covid Crisis several actors, dancers and other creatives established Feed The Culture during the first lockdown with the objective to support their colleagues from the art world that had found themselves in precarious situations, due to the cultural sector being shut down entirely. The Brussels Gallery Weekend as a cultural organization that was still partially able to operate and plan events digitally corporates with Quintessence Lab to contribute to initiatives within the creative industry that, like Feed The Culture are in need. Together with artists Lionel Esteve, Sanam Khatibi and Pieter Vermeersch Quintessence Lab produced a collection of candles that are launched via Brussels Art Weekend. ‘Candle Up!’ is a sophisticated, creative line of candles with a story, designed from the creative professionals for professionals.
wwww.brusselsgalleryweekend.com
Fashion
Jimmy Choo x Marine Serre SS21
Jimmy Choo and Marine Serre have collaborated to create a capsule collection fusing their values of comfort and iconic designs. The capsule collection helps delineate the narrative of Marine Serre’s Spring Summer 2021 collection and accompanying film, created in collaboration with directors Sacha Barbin and Ryan Doubiago. The six key styles of the collection each allude to a different character- a distinct identity, a new facet of a wearer, underscoring each total look they are designed to be an integral part. Inspired by the pivotal moment in 2019 when Jimmy Choo’s Creative Director Sandra Cho first met Marine Serre and the latter was wearing vintage Jimmy Choo’s, the designers searched deep in Jimmy Choo’s archives from Autumn/Winter 2000.
The ease of sportswear was also a significant influence on the collection. Marine Serre reinvented the traditional Kung- Fu shoe into the MOON BOXING KATO SNEAKER. Functionality meets vintage in the capsule collection, which is most clearly visible in the reinterpretation of the classic Mary Jane shoe into the SWIRL RUBBER MOON KITTEN HEEL PUMP. The collection combines the iconic prints of Marine Serre, as well as the contour cut of Jimmy Choo. All styles feature Marine Serre’s leitmotif crescent logo on recycled jersey. Inherently feminine, the styles are also dynamic, designed to be practical for today’s fast paced modern life.
www.jimmychoo.com
Images Courtesy of Jimmy Choo shot by Quentin Jones
Fashion
Louis Vuitton SS21 Campaign
Louis Vuitton presents its Spring Summer 2021 campaign creatively directed and shot by Nicolas Ghesquière. Ghesquièr, the House’s Artistic Director, embraces his role as a photographer once again to showcase the latest Louis Vuitton collection on the brands’ ambassadors and friends. For this endeavor, the Artistic Director handpicked athletes, models, actors, and musicians for their personality and uniqueness to represent the new generation of Louis Vuitton. The talent includes Grammy Award-nominated singing duo Halle and Chloé Bailey, Oscar-winning actresses Jennifer Connelly and Emma Stone, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, and Sophie Turner, Cody Fern, Laura Harrier, Carolyn Murphy, and Jaden Smith, to name a few. Stars of the campaign are leather bags “the Coussin” and “the Rendez-vous”, to which the idols pay tribute. Both bags can be worn in various ways and challenge both the bounds of style and gender. Icons of the Louis Vuitton’s leather world, the Capucines, and the Twist are also featured by actress Liu Yifei and the model Carolyn Murphy.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The new Breitling Chronomat for Women
Inspired by female confidence, determination and style the new Breitling Chronomat 36 und 32 series for women embodies versatility and attractiveness. The effortless, modern watch has a retro-touch, making reference to the rich Breitling design tradition and signature models. High quality manufacturing and functionality meets everyday casualness and luxurious elegance in the creation of the new Chronomat models for women. The watch is available in different sizes and materials, from cool stainless steel and double-toned all-rounders to luxurious 18-carat red gold. Breitling underlines the collections dedication to confident, ambitious females in the #SQUADONAMISSION campaign, featuring dance Misty Copeland, actresses Charlize Theron and TV actress Yao Chen. As the CEO of Breitling, Georges Kern, describes the women: ‘Three trend-setting stars who are known for their passion and who are setting new standards.’
The images showcasing the new Breitling Chronomat Collection were taken in corporation with the German model, actress and socialite Cleo zu Oettingen-Spielberg in Oettingen Castle, her home located in the Munich region.
www.breitling.com
Fashion
TAG Heuer x Porsche: Carrera Chronograph Collection
TAG Heuer joined forces with Porsche to set a new standard of brand collaboration. The Swiss luxury watchmaker and the German sportscar manufacturer have created the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph watch collection, a love child of the two companies’ rich and successful history in the racing sport. The name Carerra came as a natural choice for its first innovative product collaboration since it has been associated with TAG Heuer and Porsche for generations. In 1963, Edouard Heuer’s great-grandson Jack had created the first Heuer Carrera chronograph, designed to let race track drivers tell the time at a glance in the heat of action. Porsche’s history with the name comes from a class win in the Carrera Panamericana race of 1954, in honor of which Porsche started calling its most powerful engine ‘Carrera’. The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph collection unites the brands in the spirit of the ‘Carrera’ (or ‘race’), which embodies ambition, speed, and technical excellence. The collection’s watches either come on a soft strap in calf leather with stitching that echoes the Porsche interior or on an interlocking bracelet. They feature the iconic Porsche logo and come in bespoke packaging, padded with the red Porsche interior lining.
www.tagheuer.com
Fashion
AGL:SOIREE Couture Sandal
AGL’s latest Spring Summer ‘21 collection features 26 unique designs of plateau sandals, heels, flats, open-toed summer shoes, and leather bags. From summer sandals to cocktail heels to festival boots, this collection offers everything for what the summer of 2021 allows.
The Giusti Sisters, owners, and the brand’s managers always create their collections together: Sara and Vera through research and conceptual ideas, Marianna through her drawings and technical knowledge. Together they represent the third generation after Piero Giusti, who founded AGL in 1958, to lead the family business from Marche in Italy, the shoemaking capital. Steeped in the 60 yearlong expertise of shoe craftsmanship, tradition, and creativity, the sisters’ newest collection promises to deliver trendy summer shoes of the highest quality.
The SOIREE sandal represents the sartorial crown jewel of the collection. Its invisible leather structures and volumes of pleated tulle play with the viewer’s visual lightness while optimizing the wearing experience. The couture sandal is available in both black and white. White is contextually used to represent purity. The black version represents feminine sensuality because of the tulle’s “now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t” effect. The SOIREE is truly an emblem of the artisanal savoir-faire of the sister trio.
www.agl.com
Fashion
Carolina Herrera: 'Very Good Girl Eau de Parfum'
Carolina Herrera’s Very Good Girl Eau de Parfum is inspired by modern femininity, creating a luscious, surprising scent, that adds onto the existing Good Girl line. In awe of the multifaceted nature of the contemporary female, which eradicates binary oppositions of identity in pursuit of true self-expression, the new fragrance creates an olfactory adventure. The fruity, floral Eau de Parfum develops the Good Girl line’s fragrance composition a step further and conquers new territory based on the strength and unique scent of the rose. Aromas of exotic lychee and tangy currant invigorate the reinterpretation of the classic rose scent. As a final component is a veil of vetiver, pure and refined, with a woody scent that harmonically contrasts the floral base scent, highlights the Very Good Girl perfume’s surprising character. The result is a multifaceted fragrance, that embraces the natural beauty of its ingredients and represents the unapologetic women it is made for.
Fashion
Saucony Originals: Happy Birthday, Jazz!
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Saucony Originals collection’s most iconic shoes, the Jazz O’ trainers, the brand launches two new models – Jazz 81 and Jazz Court - in tribute to its origins. Released in 1981, the historic Jazz O’ model embodied the brand’s ambition to create a unique, technologically advanced running shoe focused on aerodynamic profile, lightweight materials and ergonomic fit for ultimate athletic comfort.
The Jazz O’ trainer has become the best-selling Saucony shoe of all time and until today continues to be the cornerstone of the collection and a staple in the world of running, having been awarded five stars by Runner’s World, a bible for runners all around the globe. The anniversary releases represent a faithful reinterpretation of the original model, while enhancing comfort and fit by choosing premium materials and other special details. The keywords “see, touch, feel” express the innovative upgrades in design, material and fit.
www.saucony.com
Art
Foscarini: 'Bump'
Exploring the relationship between light and its interaction with various surfaces, Italian lighting design company, previewed its new suspension lamp during Milano Design Week last September. Designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, who have been longtime collaborators with Foscarini, the suspension lamp began with blown glass before expanding into other materials, surfaces and finishes during the research stage and eventually became the irregular and captivating visual presence of the suspension lamp known simply as ‘Bump’.
The informal personality of ‘Bump’ plays with light, its character changing in relation to the chosen color. The range of colors include gold and petroleum hues as well as a ‘frost’ model with a transparent dome and a satin finish, each with the distinctive shape which resembles a dented surface.
An atmospheric effect is created by the ‘frost’ version of ‘Bump’ due to the translucent dome, whereas the gold and petroleum iterations feature a white interior color to focus light primarily downwards for use in settings such as a study, parlour or bar.
Fashion
Marcell von Berlin SS21
Marcell von Berlin, the brand by Designer Marcell Pustul, with flagship stores in both Los Angeles and Berlin, has released its SS21 collection. The collection is built on the idea of celebrating the cosmopolitan woman who is filled with a yearning and desire to follow her inner path through life with sensuality, joy and fulfilment.
This same feeling is expressed with extravagant prints, flame printed sweatshirts, minimalistic denim jumpsuits, clean lines and noteworthy inspiration from the 70s. In this SS21 collection a range of new handbags are premiered. Made with impeccable craftsmanship, the ‘BERLIN’ bag are made from imitation crocodile leather, the ‘M-R1’ bag and the ‘MM Cargo’ are also versatile accompaniments to each daring and colorful look in this new collection. A hand-painted abstract flame design was scanned and then printed onto the fabrics of this collection, prints that speak to the core DNA of the brand.
The 70s play a pivotal role in the Marcell von Berlin SS21 collection due to that particular decade’s history of women’s empowerment and liberation movements. “While working on this collection I was constantly visualizing women that inspire me,” says Pustul, “women that have that fire and inner drive inside, women who are brave enough to not hide their emotions and live their lives to the fullest. These women are passionate, independent and play by their own rules, therefore the flame seemed like the best representation for them”, declares Pustul.
As Marcell Pustul puts it “times are changing; therefore, the brand needs to evolve and adjust to the new climate in the fashion industry.”
The collection will be available at the flagship stores in Berlin and Los Angeles as well as wholesale partners across Europe and the US from January 2021 onwards.
Fashion
DIOR Haute Couture SS21
With the presentation of the Dior SS21 Haute Couture Collection, the onlooker finds themselves transported into a magical realm to which Tarot cards are the key. Maria Grazia Chiuri immediately felt a connection with the imaginary worlds that they contain and their power to entice us to explore the unknown while fearlessly looking deep inside ourselves. Grazia Chiuri uses the cards’ visual language, the rich symbolic lexicon as well as the complex and fascinating characters and translates it into a series of extraordinary evening gowns, a testimony to Dior’s excellence in craftsmanship and garment construction. Matteo Garrone, one of Italy’s most high-profile directors, is responsible for the presentation of the haute couture creations. He also draws inspiration from Tarot cards, more precisely drawing on the visual force of the Visconti-Sforza tarot, a collection commissioned by the Duke of Milan in the 15th century. This deck is defined by its splendid and luxuriously decorated cards and their impressive yet enigmatic presence.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Hermès Men's FW21
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the physical fashion show has disappeared. Due to ongoing restrictions and social distancing measures, fashion houses have been forced to switch to the digital realm. For this Hermès menswear show, Veronique Nichanian in collaboration with Cyril Teste decided to re-create the closest possible thing to a real physical show. The viewers were able to follow the show through a seven-section split screen format, recreating the eye’s freedom to roam during a real show, revealing different details and angles. For the FW21 collection, Hermès beautifully blends casual and elegant. The world is changing and this is reflected in our clothing. Véronique Nichanian, in charge of the menswear collection since 1988, recognised this, 'Our approach to clothing is currently undergoing a transformation, and my job is to come up with propositions.' The collection brings together luxury, ease and excellent craftsmanship, bringing together the natural, baby lambskin, with the engineered technical canvas. The divisions between work and home were softened through the loose-panted suiting complementing elevated workwear-inspired pieces. Zesty colored sneakers were a great visual juxtaposition to the muted and earthy color palette of lambskin of pants and cardigans.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto POUR HOMME FW21/22
On January 21st, Yohji Yamamoto unveiled his Menswear FW21 collection. For this, Yohji Yamamoto has teamed up a second time with Japanese photographer TAKAY to create a video collaboration that captures the dark and punk atmosphere of Yohji’s vision of the world today. The collection itself follows Yamamoto’s DNA and design language prominently featuring deconstructed and oversized shapes and different layers from several fabrics, such as cotton, silk, linen, wool gabardine and synthetic fabrics, a nod reminiscent of the Yamamoto’s 90s design.
A keen observer of what is happening in the world, Yohji-san processes all in this collection, whether it be global warming that will unquestionably change how we dress or the ongoing regulations caused by a global pandemic. The masks were a definite indicator of the latter. Included in the collection, they are a representation of Yamamoto’s reflection on how people are wearing masks nowadays, some people do, others don’t and some wear them in a very personal way. This is not to cast judgment, rather an observation of what is happening in the streets. To underline his statement about today’s world, the garments wear messages, personal feelings and anger expressed in a poetic way and once more eluding to the different themes that gave inspiration, human rights, social movements, sanitary emergencies and animal protection.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Art
ULAY: From Berlin to Paris
A new online exhibition curated by Hana Ostan Ožbolt for Saltoun Gallery focuses on the work of the late performance artist Ulay (1943-2020). The exhibition is titled ‘Ulay: From Berlin to Paris’ as part of the gallery’s series ‘Soultan Online’.
Two of the artist’s important works, ‘Relation in Movement’ (1977) and ‘Irritation - There is a Criminal Touch to Art’ (1976). The latter is regarded as one of the most outlandish art displayed in a public space in art history, in which the artist staged the ‘art theft’ of Carl Spitzweg’s painting ‘The Poor Poet’ from its home at the Neue Nationalgalerie and navigated its relocation to the living room of a family of immigrants.
‘Relation in Movement’ (1977), like other works in the ‘Relation’ series by Ulay and collaborator, Marina Abramovic, challenges the physical limits perceived by the mind and the body. These two iconic works of art by Ulay will be shown alongside exclusive video clips that translate how these radical actions still resonate and can be likened in a direct dialogue with current societal issues.
This exhibition by Saltoun Online is held in conjunction with Ulay’s critically acclaimed and largest-ever retrospective ‘ULAY WAS HERE’ at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.
The exhibition can be viewed online at the gallery’s website.
LES HOMMES FW21: 'FEMME'
Designers Tom Notte and Bart Vandebosch have created a FW21 collection for Les Hommes that reflects the brand’s core DNA. The collection consists of unique pieces built with a fusion of classic tailoring methods and sportswear sensibilities. The unification of opposites is the key to this collection, hybrid pieces bring together two seemingly opposite worlds. Signature leather, knitwear and nylon inserts fused with classic tailoring and sportswear makes for an elegant yet powerful silhouette. Hand-knitted knitwear is a key feature of the Les Hommes world. As such there is a big emphasis on creative and unique knitwear. The new essentials for the Les Hommes man are filled with energy and a bold sense of creativity.
Contemporary elegance, the lifeblood of Les Hommes, plays a vital role in the FW21 collection. The Les Hommes ‘Femme’ collection is just that; a fusion of considered, impeccable tailoring and ultra femenine party wear. The unique collision of these two worlds makes for a collection with glamour, femininity and a touch of masculine influence. Strength and confidence are the voices that speak to Les Hommes ‘Femme’. The color pallet is exclusively black, with the exception of cobalt and camel details. The variety rests in the collection’s materials, which bring a subtle yet noticeable depth to the clothing. The indulgent use of velvet, sequins, leather and patent leather unify to create an architectural silhouette. The shape of strong shoulders, couture inspired sleeves and more masculine elements contrast with ultra feminine shapes and champagne colored hardware to create the Les Hommes ‘Femme’ silhouette.
Fashion
Etro Men's FW21/22
Etro has released their FW21 collection, an unconventional and personable message of hope and faith for a life-affirming collection of Menswear. The Creative Director behind the collection, Kean Etro, embraces an upbeat mood for his FW21/22 collection, marking the beginning of a new chapter at the family-managed Italian fashion house. Juxtaposing casual and elegant, the playful and ironic, blazers with cadet details and robe coats rich in fabrication are layers on color-blocked anoraks decorated with paisley patterns. In a time when a sense of freedom is so coveted, Etro is blurring boundaries and breaking established rules to bring joy into otherwise ordinary materials. Denim utility pants splashed with cashmere motifs are balanced out by sartorial elements, the sophistication of camel coats and double-breasted suits which feature deconstructed fluid silhouettes.
A sense of street-savvy interplays with pyjama inspired piping which details the shirts. Quilted jackets made from vintage upholstery textiles. The Pegaso logo appears enlarged on bomber jackets and oversized hoodies, to layer with maxi sweaters made from recycled wool and shirt collars made from an archival silk lining. Contrasts define the selection of footwear in this FW2122 collection, patchwork sneakers with neon laces, paisley and mandala patterns display a knowledge of classic and contemporary on a range of highly functional backpacks, pouches and cross-body bags. The collection also features special genderless vests made from a blend of wool and mohair, see now-buy now capsule collection putting the beauty of the androgynous in full focus.
Fashion
Prada Men's FW21
With the first collection co-created by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons focused in on the human body, its freedom and the increasing wish for contact, the need to feel. The collection was defined by its tactility, a veritable panoply of different surface textures and textiles. Jacquard knits and leather find themselves combined with re-nylon and wool suiting in both traditional and unanticipated colors. Apart from the rich colors and textures, the garments were defined by a reduced and minimalized structure. The collection was presented in a space created by Rem Koolhaas. The models navigated through the varying spaces of different interplaying materials and textures, mirroring the rich tactile nature of the collection itself, a space inviting and seductive, hard and soft, warm and cold, simultaneously both and neither. The garments were a feast for the senses. Color and patterns excite the eyes whereas the rich materials and surfaces entice touch. After the show, both Creative Directors answered questions from students from all around the world. This exchange once again highlight the though behind the collection, the human need to exchange and relate to others. During their exchanges, they shared how they work together, the importance and meaning of situational design, the challenges arising for fashion with the increasing digitalization and the importance of fashion and clothes as tools for self-expression.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Acqua di Parma: Barbiere
Embracing every morning, the routine and the time that we take in the early hours of each day is important. Keeping the skin hydrated and healthy all year round is something that many men struggle with, Acqua di Parma has released two new formulas specially for men’s skin. A delicate sensory texture and vivacious fragrance of Colonia establish the character of these new products in the Barbiere universe. For shaving, after-shave, beard trimming, hair care, styling and facial care, the multi-action face cream hydrates and smooths; replenishing the skin and protecting against harmful blue light which can age the skin prematurely.
Strange and harsh weather conditions coupled with pollution and toxicities in the air demand the implementation of the new Acqua di Parma Revitalizing Face Cream. When met with water the face cream transforms into a foam and continues to cleanse and remove toxins from the pores of skin without drying it out. Tailored to a modern man’s needs, a luxurious Italian-style ritual that Acqua di Parma is so known for presents a morning of pleasantries and a level of care that gives the skin a renewed buoyancy against the elements.
In alignment with Acqua di Parma Futura, the company’s sustainability manifesto, all packaging is environmentally friendly.
The Multi-Action Face Cream and Revitalizing Face Cream will be available from February 15.
Burro Studio x Moose Knuckles Gives a Fu*k
Moose Knuckles, the international luxury outwear brand founded in Canada by Noah Stern in 2009, has released a capsule collection with Milan-based Burro Studio. Known for innovative practices in Graphic Design, Burro Studio has also developed a reputation for being a champion of inclusion and diversity to foster ideals of community with their designs for some time now. Having worked with Miu Miu, Nike and Leica, Burro Studio has a contemporary vision and streetwear sensibility.
‘Burro Studio x Moose Knuckles Gives a Fu*k’ intends to reach and care for at-risk communities. For every item sold Moose Knuckles will donate one jacket to charity organization Diakonie Hamburg, supporting its local community. The capsule collection features a range of unisex hoodies, long sleeves and T-shirts each made from high-grade organic and ethically sourced cotton produced with as little impact to the environment as possible. Burro Studio have laced each garment with graphics executed using screen printing and CAD-CUT ® Premium Plus heat transfer for a lightweight feel, the look taking cues from graffiti culture.
The capsule collection, ‘Burro Studio x Moose Knuckles Gives a Fu*k’, is the next stage in an ongoing charity effort from Moose Knuckles which began in May of last year. To offer vulnerable people access to quality clothing. The capsule’s appearance takes cues from cities all across the European continent, including Amsterdam, Stockholm, London, Dusseldorf and Hamburg. This appreciation for global cities continues Moose Knuckles’ ‘Milano Addosso’ capsule, which was dedicated to the city of Milan, inspired by the architectural sophistication of Barona, Paolo Sarpo, Porta Venezia and Soupra districts.
The capsule collection is currently available exclusively at braun-hamburg.com and at a Moose Knuckles Pop-up store in Hamburg arriving in the city this month.
FENDI: Women's and Men's SS21
Perceiving the world outside from the indoors, the world outside calls back with an unmistakable Italian charm and cadence; Rome, the home of Fendi. In the new Women’s and Men’s SS21 campaign a digital window is projected onto the wall, through the window is a view of the globally renowned maison’s headquarters in Rome; Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.
The campaign is shot by acclaimed British photographer, Nick Knight, in his London studio. The set is dressed with curtains that fill with a Summer’s breeze and float as if there is a hidden mysticism in the air. Modelling the Women’s SS21 collection Mariacarla Boscono, Estelle Chen and Jill Kortleve are styled by Chaos Fashion, while Chun Soot and Henry Kitcher are styled for the Men’s collection by Julian Ganio.
Designed by Silvia Fenturini Fendi, the Women’s and Men’s SS21 collection are color coordinated with the sparsely furnished set to reflect the different tones and shades of both collections. A palette of naturally occurring colors including honey, milk and wheat are accentuated by carefully placed notes of cardinal red and sky blue to complete the overall look. To complement the looks, iconic Fendi bags PeekabooISeeU augmented by the modern Fendi x Chaos tech accessories. Featured alongside the iconic Baguette bag for women and the Peekaboo Essential for men, new shapes and designs such as the Moonlight satchel bag and a new Fendi Eyewear collection are introduced.
Shadows visually stretch across the room to signify the ease and relaxation of Summer peaking its rosey fingers through the curtains. Familiar domestic touches like a bed or a wooden chair give the impression that the relationship between indoors and outdoors is at its most casual, seamless and enjoyable in Summer.
Étoile Filante by Louis Vuitton
Étoile Filante by Louis Vuitton Inspired by the striking imagery and boundless inspiration caused by a shooting star of comet glimpsed in the night sky, Maître Parfumeur Louis Vuitton Jacques Cavaller Belletrud, created the new fragrance ‘Étoile Filante’ or ‘Shooting Star’.
In his father’s laboratory in Grasse, an eleven year old Jacques discovered osmanthus absolute. “It immediately fascinated me”, he recalled, years later on the master perfumer’s journey through China he would happen upon a combination of exquisite magnolia and osmanthus dancing on the cool night air at the flower market, swooning him into a heady dream. Adding a touch of Jasmine from Grasse obtained using CO2 extraction, a technique exclusive to Louis Vuitton, the floral harmonies of the scent combined with light notes of sun-ripened strawberry are amplified.
On the olfactory composition of Étoile Filante, Belletrud calls it “A perfect illustration of floral freshness that is vibrant and rich in contrast, with marvellous tenacity”, speaking openly about jasmine’s effect on the fragrance, he says simply “it’s an ingredient that makes you smile” says Belletrud. Stars dancing in the sky, racing unthinkably fast to wherever their journey takes them, if only to remind us there is an energetic and restless light out there in the dark.
This latest fragrance from Parfums Louis Vuitton, is an ode to the pure and simple joys that remind us our natural world and place in the cosmos can still reignite an undeniable sense of wonder and hope to pierce through the fog of uncertainty and doubt.
As of January 28, 2021, Étoile Filante will be available at select Louis Vuitton stores and online.
Art
Foscarini Sun-Light of Love
No identifiable beginning or end, an ever changing shape refusing to be defined by the human eye; the sun is a muse for Foscarini in their new Sun-Light of Love spherical lamp. Made up of 390 metal rays that have been grafted to the central body, the lamp is suspended in midair much like the sun is suspended in space, as opposed to a more conventional lamp being fixed into a wall or bound to a supporting beam. The Sun-Light of Love directs its light softly diffused upward as well as a stronger and more direct beam of light downward in order to create ambiance for a table setting as well as more focussed lighting for reading or inspecting objects. Foscarini has made the lamp available in two finishes, one in gold which brings its proud and regal star-light quality to the room and another finish in white for more minimalist settings that require statement pieces that also play to a room with innate subtlety. Its charm and vivacious personality are well purposed to neutral spaces that otherwise lack an edge; reception areas, hotel entrances or retail facilities. Dutch designer, Tord Boontje, showcased in MoMA, New York, is renowned for implementing a sense of romanticism and whimsy in his work. Sun-Light of Love is his first design for Foscarini. This highly decorative, impactful sphere of hundreds and hundreds of metal spokes conjures to mind that which is felt more than defined. Like the welcome heat and bright light of our Earth’s sun is felt, while staring directly into the sun will only add to its enigma.
Fashion
Fendi 'The Baguette Dance'
Iconic Roman fashion house, Fendi, continues their ‘Baguette Friends Forever’ series with a stirring emotional performance by a troupe of five skilled gymnasts from The Paris Centre. The Fendi Baguette is invigorated for The Baguette Dance, wearing the renowned FF logo embossed in a hypersoft leather that appears in five colors including black, pink, bright blue, yellow and red. The dancers grace a ballet ballroom with poise, vigour and an unparalleled energy spurred on by an uptempo synth pop beat. The Baguette changes hands between each dancer in tandem with the flow of their highly coordinated routine. The same playful spirit of ‘Baguette Friends Forever’ is enhanced and the first time the Baguette finds its soul and denotes friendship that is youthful and exists outside of the limitations of time in this quintet of ‘FFriends!’ from Fendi.
Dedicated to the joy that dancers evoke and the same feeling that strong friendships create; the fearlessness and energy of dancers deeply in their element follow a similar path to the curves, edges and accents essential to the DNA of the Fendi Baguette. The Baguette Dance not only pays homage to the overall beauty of the bag’s design but it presents the world in which this bag was created; one of unrelenting joy and comradery. The exceptional dancers at The Paris Centre translate in movement a feeling which cannot be expressed in words.
Conceptualized by the minds at Fendi, the Baguette Dance is not simply an homage to the Baguette design, it represents the Baguette in its purest form.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Prada honoured with Creativity Fashion Awards 2020
Prada is the new recipient of the 2020 Fashion Awards, presented by the esteemed British Fashion Council under the creativity category of this annual event. The Creativity category was set up to provide recognition to individuals and brands that have realized global impact through creativity in design, campaigns and collaborations, in addition to the massive task of shaping global fashion through innovation. Prada has and continues to fuse creativity and social responsibility making the house a worthy winner of such a monumental award. With the Prada Linea Rossa FW20 campaign, their substantial support of Italy in the Covid crisis, the Tools of Memory campaign in partnership with Sotheby's that donated its proceeds to Unesco, educational projects just to name a few, Prada has done a huge amount of good in such a bleak and uncertain time. Co-Creative Directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons were selected for the positive change they made this year within the fashion industry, a testament to the power of creativity.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Support Our Future
With the bold hashtag “Support Our Future”, Aqua di Parma proudly presents their new charity campaign. From December all UK profits from their Colonia Futura will be donated to The Prince’s Trust, to help support young people, who are facing an increasingly bleak and unpredictable future. In keeping with it #StayAtHome solidarity campaign in reaction to the Covid crisis in Italy earlier this year, Acqua di Parma continues in its global support of those in need. The Prince's Trust remains the Uk’s leasing youth charity, first set up by the Prince of Wales in 1976. With this stoic history behind it the charity continues to make huge strides to bring positive change to many young people’s lives. Acqua di Parma’s new campaign is a strong reflection of a brand dedicated to using their influence and platform for good.
www.acquadiparma.com
Fashion
Zegna X Leica
The indomitable pairing of fashion and photography are realized brilliantly in an exciting new collaboration between Zegna and Leica Camera. Both legends in their own field, it feels a long awaited union, the iconic German camera manufacturer moving into the world of fashion with a distinctive collection of high-end camera accessories. First seen in the January on the runway, the modern photographer is gifted with an array of accessories all made extra special by their handmade craftsmanship. Consisting of PELLETESSUTATM camera holsters for Leica Q2 and Leica M cameras; PELLETESSUTATM protectors for Leica Q2 and Leica M cameras; functional crossbody bags called Insta-Pack and the Leica CL with the 18mm ‘pancake’ Leica lens; carrying and wrist straps; Leica keyrings and round wallets (both for coins or the Leica Q2 lens cap) this collaboration caters to every photographer’s need. Zegna’s Artistic Director, Alessandro Sartori is himself a photography enthusiast not to mention a Leica lover, and this unrivalled passion is clear in the collaboration that is a celebration of both photography and fashion alike.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Star Service
Orveda announces Orveda concierge, an amazing new service, allowing clients to get tailor-made advice for their skin. Investing in the right skin care requires both industry knowledge as well as an acute understanding of one’s own personal makeup. This 5 day a week, 5 star concierge amalgamates the two, providing a bespoke “Chat with our Healer” live service. With a detailed plan of the right products and Orveda regimen for your skin, customers are treated to a truly personal service that centers the client and equips them with the knowledge they need to make their skin the very best. At a time when self care has never been more important, Orveda delivers, entrusting their clients in the hands of their team of expert advisors, ready to tackle the ominous landscape of skincare.
www.orveda.com
Fashion
Night Mode
Louis Vuitton presents perhaps its most daring watch to date, the new Tambour Damier Graphite Race, fusing energy and creativity together in an exciting bold design. This time piece combines sporty-chic with a sleek sophisticated aesthetic, creating a wearable and versatile accessory. The accents of fluorescent green against the dark gray of the graphite PVD coated steel case exudes a real sense of daring and adventure whilst also fitting into an urban aesthetic. Subtly incorporates the V for Vuitton into the design, the Maison erects an architectural dial in the shape of this significant letter, a truly patriotic detail. Despite its modern feel, age old craftsmanship forms the very essence of the Tambour Damier Graphite Race, its smoked-grey sapphire glass caseback cleverly revealing a traditional mechanism. Available in two versions, customers can choose from the 41.5mm diameter automatic model and the extreme 46 mm diameter chronograph. Both designs have the capacity to have an interchangeable strap, black or fluorescent green depending on the wearer’s mood, outfit or preference. Louis Vuitton crafts utter magic with this watch, a striking graphic design that makes a statement.
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
Architects of Air
Designed by Alan Parkinson, the luminarium changes the way we interact with light and space, curating a sense of the sublime through an immersive experience. Influenced by the awe inspiring structures created in the Islamic and Gothic architectural tradition, Parkinson engages a contemporary aesthetic, creating for his audiences a unique and spectacular interplay of light and space. Light in fact, is simply a product of the daylight which seeps through the luminarium’s fabric, employing a wonderful symbiosis with the natural world and connecting each experience to a specific locational context. Shown in a diverse range of contexts, from corporate events to festivals, the luminaria are accessible in their instinctive appeal and versatility. Since there creation more than 3 million people in over 40 countries have been able to experience their transformative and arresting effects. On arrival visitors are asked to take off their shoes before passing through an airlock. Inside visitors are given a map to freely explore the installation comprising multi-colored pods, labyrinth tunnels and domes, as such each experience is defined by the audience who are as much a part of the luminarium as the structure itself.
www.architects-of-air.com
Travel
Parkhotel de Wiemsel
The Kunstgalerie Parkhotel de Wiemsel is simply every art lover’s dream, offering its guests a diverse collection of art, all within the realms of a delightful residence. Deceiving in its historic facade, the quaint country house is home to an extraordinary array of contemporary pieces, covering paintings, graphics and sculpture. Stemming from its owner Henning J. Classen’s 40 years of experience collecting art, which includes the Galerie im Alten Kaufhaus which he founded in his home town Lüneburg 10 years ago, Classen now opens up his collection, inviting his hotel guests to share in his enjoyment over his most treasured pieces in the uniquely private atmosphere of the hotel. A wonderful mix of emerging and established artists, the collection is home to works by the likes of internationally acclaimed artists, such as Ackermann, Christo Giacometti and even Warhol. The gallery holds exclusive hours and on entrance, welcomes the hotel guests with a glass of champagne and other tantalizing nibbles. The luxury does not end here, as the hotel also boasts a decadent spa and heated pools (both inside and out), perfect for a relaxing retreat. Great food and wine are the finishing touches to a truly perfect experience, treating its customers to a truly well-rounded stay. Close to the German Dutch border, food lovers, art connoisseurs and those in need of utter peace and harmony can come together in a hotel that caters to the very best life has to offer.
www.parkhotel-dewiemsel.com
Fashion
The Joys of Gifting
Gifting is imbued with real love and consideration in Cartier’s new collection of objects, that bring moments of joy to everyday life. With everything from music boxes to writing papers, Cartier continues its long established tradition of adding sparkle and intrigue to the most mundane aspects of day to day life. Since 1880 the Maison has been invested in small objects, such as powder compacts, inkwells and other quaint pieces of stationery, and this long fascination is injected with real contemporary flair. Curating 4 collections of objects, all connected to one another by their emblematic codes: the panther, Double C and the menagerie, Cartier show the small unsuspecting power of gifting. From stationery to small silver cups, each object is a show of affection and thought, Cartier preparing for a holiday season like no other.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
10SOUL
The Seoul Design Foundation set up the 10Soul Project in order to champion Korean design on an international platform. Selecting these designers at Seoul Fashion week, 10 emerging talents were chosen to take part in a pop-up installation at Berlin’s iconic Voo Store. Amongst this creative group was Yoon Seok-Woon with his brand SEOKWOONYOON. Seok-Woon takes many of his references from modern art, and is particularly drawn to Trompe l'oeil, creating sculptural illusory elements on his garments. Moving from ready-to-wear to more conceptual looks, Seok-Woon is definitely one to watch. Another 2 members of the Soul project, Lee Moo-Yeol and Kim Min-Hee with their brand YOUSER, have since had their looks shown at Milan’s 2020 runway. Clever sartorial design meets sports luxe, meets uniform in YOUSER, where unique layering gives way to exciting and surprising garments and looks. Voo store proudly showcases these designs amongst many others in an installation that fuses art and fashion.
www.vooberlin.com
Fashion
Story Time
Rooting their Holiday 2020 campaign in the literary imagination of best-selling author Candice Carty-Williams, Prada’s accessories, jewelry and leather goods tell a mysterious and captivating tale. With Steven Meisel as photographer, Williams’ story is given visceral depth, the aesthetic of a film noir providing a cinematic edge to the author’s words. Multiple perspectives, angles and cuts revolve around 5 characters, familiar faces in the Prada’s universe - Freja Beha Maty Fall, Mai Xiaoxing, Rudolfs Valbergs and Merlijne Schorren. Situated in the Villa Gnutti, an isolated residence in rural Italy well known through its association to Helmut Newton’s 1981 shoot, Meisel’s black and white photography recalls vintage cinema, the idyllic mediterranean backdrop creating a beautiful mise en scene. The photograph stills taken from the campaign act as portals into a glamorous world, framing with acute attention the new Prada Cleo Handbag, which debuted in the Multiple Views spring summer 2021 show. The Cleo is a wonderful hybrid, a synthesis of Prada’s archives with futuristic ambition. Alongside the Cleo, the Prada triangle is reinterpreted, the iconic emblem appearing as an array of necklaces, lariats and chandelier earrings. Luxury and decadence run throughout the holiday 2020 campaign, where emotion, intrigue and desire run rife.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Vessels of Light
Aesop channels other worldly wonderment, in its new set of Aromatique Candles created with seasoned collaborator, Barnabé Fillion. Each of the three candles in the collection are named after an ancient astronomer: Aganice, Callippus and Ptolemy, referencing the early pioneers of discovery. The night sky framed as an infinite source of inspiration. Detailing the concept behind the collection, Dr Kate Forbes, Aesop’s Director of Innovation simply put the new collection as “candles as stars”, a warming indictment of the brand’s notion of vision. With exquisitely subtle, nuanced scents, the candles are a welcomed addition to any cosy interior setting, designed to ease the stresses of everyday life through calming fragrances. The Aganise Aromatique Candle is rich with Cardamom, Clove, Mimosa and slight notes of Tobacco, the Callippus Aromatique Candle offers Frankincense, Guaiacwood and shiso and the Ptolemy Aromatique Candle is light with a smokiness of cedar, Cypress and notes of Vetiver. Fillion delights in this collaboration, where candles centre the home as a place of serenity and sanctuary, basking its inhabitants in the soft glow of a beautifully scented candle.
www.aesop.com
Fashion
Adrian Ghenie
Presenting the fifth solo exhibition of Adrian Ghenie, the Tim Van Laere Gallery are proud to present nine new paintings and three new charcoal drawings by the Romanian born artist. Born in 1977 in the city of Baia Mare, Ghenie graduated from the Art and Design University of Cluj-Napoca and now works between Berlin and Cluj. Engaging with a unique and illusionistic spatial arrangement, Ghenie’s work is characterized by distinct pictorial motifs that are at once hedonistic and radical. Transposing his extensive knowledge of history on to his eclectic and diverse subjects, Nazi Germany and Greek Mythology appear in narrative form in many of his works. Referencing the genre of history painting, classic techniques such ad chiaroscuro, reveal a real and genuine connection with traditional practices. Known for his emotional investment in his practice, feelings of vulnerability and frustration come to the surface, challenging the viewer’s own collective memory through the stories he presents. Adrian Ghenie will be exhibiting at the Tim Van Laere Gallery from 15 October until 28 November 2020.
www.timvanlaeregallery.com
Fashion
Echoes of The Unseen
Gerhard Hofland announces its international group exhibition, “Echoes of the Unseen”. Moving beyond the realms of tangible and visual experience, through a narrative of figurative and abstracted forms, artists: Johan Tahon (Belgium, 1965), Janine Van Oene (The Netherlands, 1998), Damien Cadio (France, 1975) and Robert Seidel (Germany 1983) come together to showcase meaningful reflections on these uncharted spaces. Gestures and marks are enlivened by the discovery of a space neglected by the subconscious, landscapes shaped by subjective others. With a distinctly haunting offering, Johan Tahon curates an emotional display, his timeless works guided by a quiet wisdom. Rooted in the artworks of ancient mythology, Tahon’s works are composed of a series of thoughtful and meticulous interventions, all alluding to a higher truth. In Janine Van Oene’s presentation, she challenges the very possibilities of abstraction, her vocabulary spirited by an affinity with color-mixing and and calligraphic strokes, Motionless forms are given a new lease of life, channeling the nostalgic paradox of plastic flowers and vernacular curtain patterns. Damien Cadio, re-articulates the canvas in his contribution, gathering exciting momentum from the parameters of his pieces. In curating disorienting encounters with his subjects, Cadio produces works that toes the line between the physical and historical, a tension, unnerving in its capacity to affect the viewer. With this state of flux in Mind, German artist Robert Seidel is an artist whose practice is underpinned by the notion of perpetual reconstruction. Magnetized by the present, the past is a skin that is continually shed, the infinite role of transformation, tantalizing in the constant promise of unpredictable change. Immersing us in this cycle, Seidel’s thorough interrogation of architecture and scenery, uses observation as a means to engage the viewer in their own locality, their own sense of being.
image credits:Johan Tahon, Glacier Monk, 2019, 185 x 38 x 65 cm, Stoneware
www.gerhardhofland.com
Fashion
LOEWE Spring Summer 2021
Loewe Spring Summer 2021 “Show-on-the-Wall derived from this idea that this entire collection was done remotely. I was looking back I think like a lot of people were doing in this moment of kind of rethinking of models of fashion and how we approach things”. For Loewe Spring Summer 2021 Jonathan Anderson created Show-on -the-Wall exploring the possibilities of a paper show at a 1:1 scale, fully embracing the idea of actively involving the viewer in an experience that is radically different from the traditional fashion show. Coming in the form of an oversized artist’s portfolio, it holds sixteen bus-stand size folded posters, each one depicting a different character wearing a look from the collection, and one poster featuring a still life arrangement of accessories silkscreen printed with fluorescent, phosphorescent and metallic inks. The portfolio is accompanied by a number of tools including a roll of wallpaper borders depicting all the looks from the collection, wallpaper glue, a brush, scissors, a ceramic disc infused with Beetroot scent and a catalogue raisonné, and a unique roll of wallpaper designed by Anthea Hamilton, “When we worked with the artist Anthea Hmilton for the Duveens at the Tate Britain, for me it was a very seminal work. Just before the Summer I was thinking how we can contextualize fashion in this moment and I thought it was nice to work with her again on the wallpaper” . Jonathan Anderson speaks about the wish to create a place where the viewers are put into the position they are forced to be creative, to interact. The images feature a vast cross section of ages, gender and body types: Adam Bainbridge, Alice, , Elise, Hilary Lloyd, Holly, Jadé Fadojutimi, Jewel, Kristina de Coninck, Laurence Kleinknecht, Louis, Mona, Rinke, Rosie, Sunny Suits, Vittoria and the artist Anthea Hamilton herself, “When we were working on how we were going to put this collection together I liked this idea that we would really delve into exploring the art of fashion. This collection glorifies the hand embroidered, hand woven, hand made”. Spiraling flaps. Balloon sleeves, balloon skirts. Crinolines. Neckerchief hems. Hoops. Tulle as an encasing outer layer. Giant knots made of sequins on knitted fabrics catching and releasing the movement. Curves, folds, flaps. Ballerina hints. Festoons. Jonathan Anderson embraces escapism in his own way, using historical research as an experimental tool: how boning can be taken out of context and can be used to create an unexpected structured fluidity. The collection plays between fantasy and reality, taking the wearer to another place, to a different dimension, where to escape in these difficult times.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
CHANEL Spring Summer 2021
On the occasion of the Chanel Spring-Summer 2021 Ready-to-Wear photographers duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin shot a series of videos and images for the ritual press kit accompanying the show – previously shot by the late Karl Lagerfeld himself. Four recurring cinematic situations, four settings, four different worlds. They speak about the special relationship this iconic French house nurtured with actresses over the years. Here Rianne Van Rompaey, Mica Argañaraz and Louise de Chevigny play different declinations of the quintessential Chanel‘s woman, her cool seductive elegance, each in their own dimension. As Inez & Vinoodh described – “together [they] represent what we feel is Chanel’s way of fitting into the lives of every woman with a cool and easy allure." Launched just before the show, Inez & Vinoodh also created a captivating video teaser where extracts from films by legendary French cineastes – Jean-Luc Godard, Jacques Deray, Louis Malle – revived celebrated scenes: Romy Schneider’s swim in ‘La Piscine’ (1969), Anna Karina’s scissors close up in ‘Pierrot le Fou’ (1965) , Jeanne Moreau’s walk in the streets of Paris in ‘Ascenseur pour l'échafaud’ (1958) . Woven with archival footage of a young Jean-Luc Godard behind the camera, a bird view of the Hollywood hills where “CHANEL” has replaced the iconic letters. A magic cinematic world where everything is possible Imagined by Virginie Viard, the Chanel Spring-Summer 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection is a tribute to these muses, the great actresses that are part of its historical heritage, but also all the ones that have been dressed since the beginning by the Maison. Gabrielle Chanel, beckoned to Hollywood in 1931 by Sam Goldwyn, dressing Gloria Swanson in ‘Tonight or Never’, and Joan Blondell in ‘The Greeks Had a Word for Them’ a year after. Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, were among the other Hollywood stars who became admirers or Mademoiselle Chanel. A legacy continued throughout Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure, both on screen and on the red-carpet. “I was thinking about actresses at the photocall, on the red carpet, that moment when they’re being called to by the photographers: their faces a little distracted, their attitude a little out of sync with the outfits they’re wearing. And then there are the fans waiting for them behind the barriers, this very lively side to cinema that happens beyond cinema, that’s what I like”. Virginie Viard merged the Maison’s signature black and white palette with a splash of vibrant hues: jeans in fluorescent colors, fluid dresses and t-shirts printed with the letters of CHANEL like neon-lights, pale pink capri pants, embroidered looks with sequins, vibrant three pieces bermuda suits. A declination of micro-bags in several colors, worn as belt, charms, jewelry confer the collection an fresh joyful allure, far from any vintage citation.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Balenciaga Spring Summer 2021
The pandemic has given each of us a chance to reflect, and clearly something has happened to Demna Gvasalia. After his apocalyptic show last season and in face of a slightly different dystopia at the moment, Gvasalia returns with an almost optimistic attitude. With the ongoing pandemic, Gvasalia abandons the classic runway show, as many others have done, and reimagines the collection presentation as a music video. The models are strutting in a purposeful step through an abandoned Paris at night to the 80s track Sunglasses At Night, because, to put it in Gvalsalia’s words, “Is there anything more absurdly fashion than that?” His tribe of night time people embodies a sense of modern glamour, representing the type of people who turn heads after dark. In his typical fashion, Gvasalia continues to fuse couture with comfort, applying the Balenciaga DNA to everyday pieces. The standout of the collection was not a single piece, rather the story behind. 93.5% of the plain materials used are either certified sustainable or upcycled. Conscious about the environmental impact that the industry has, Gvasalia show commitment to change, “It became very obvious to try to do garments that are unisex, uni-size, uni-everything—or whatever we want to call it. It drastically reduced the number of cuts and fits we had to make. Also, I like the fact that according to who wears it, the silhouette changes, but whoever wears it, it looks good.”
www.balenciaga.com
Fashion
"Spend More Time With The Great Outdoors"
RSF has released an original buffalo check overshirt in an exclusive purple colorway, the brand’s signature color as part of a second collaboration with Woolrich. Building upon an initial summer drop, where Woolrich and RSF released a collection of sunglasses, the two brands have teamed up once again, this time using the vast beauty of the outdoors as their inspiration. Creating a mini documentary, Milan-based creative Massimilliano Bomba, has created a pure set of visuals, inviting the viewer to venture out of the home and connect with the natural world. The mission statement “Spend More Time With The Great Outdoors” is boldly presented in yellow across the back of the shirt, a graphic and striking addition to the purple and black buffalo check pattern. The Buffalo Overshirt is now available through both Retrosuperfurture and Woolrich channels and at selected retailers worldwide.
www.retrosuperfuture.com
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Chloé Spring Summer 2021
A soft wind brushing between the hair. Taking pictures of the Seine. Strolling on a quiet day in the city, then stopping for a moment to contemplate the serenity of everydaylife, of a simple gesture, of a day like any other. Chloé Spring Summer 2021 collection was presented through a set of cameras following models, merged together, overlapping. Natacha Ramsay-Levi has built her Chloé by exploring the female gaze, its strength, its fragility, and that unconventional emotional and intimate gesture. Over the years Ramsay-Levi has reached out to great female artists and activists, bringing their work into Chloé, creating a debate over these exceptional visionaries. This season the collection feature a selection of print created by American artist Corita Kent also known as Sister Mary Corita. Born in 1918 at the age of 18 years old she became a sister under the Immaculate Heart order in Los Angeles known for being very progressive and nurturing artistic sensibility. She developed a great interest in art and after obtaining her master degree in Art History at University of Southern California, Corita became the head of the art department at Immaculate Heart College in 1964. Her teaching method was so revolutionary that great artists like Charles and Ray Eames, Alfred Hitchcock, Buckminster Fuller were invited as guest speakers. Corita often mentioned how Charles Eames played an important role in her artistic vision. A self–taught serigrapher, she became interested in the potentials of the medium creating several hundreds different works, that over the years became increasingly political. When in 1968 she was accused of blasphemy for her continuous activism against war and female discrimination, Corita returned to secular life and became a prolific artist and openly civil rights activist, until her death in 1986. For Chloé Spring Summer 2021 collection, Natacha Ramsay-Levi featured several of Corita’s artworks: ‘hope’ (1965), ‘give the gang our best’ (1966), ‘i can handle it’ (1966), ‘for emergency use soft shoulder’ (1966), and ‘viva’ (1967). It’s interesting how the apparent delicacy of text and words related to Christian fait actually disclose the incredible strength of the artist’s activism. Celebrating Corita’s work, the house of Chloé, will also donate part of proceeds from the Spring Summer 2021 collaboration to the Corita Art Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving her legacy.
www.chloe.com
Fashion
Kenzo Spring Summer 2021
“How can one draw conclusions from a situation that is far from ending and in which the consequences are impossible to grasp? The world is ill, the world is bleeding, but it is still alive. And, as long as there is life there is hope.[…] Going p laces… a mirage of dreams, hope, excitement and discovery. We will not give that up. Clothes that transform themselves to adapt to all situations. The fully covered and protected becomes fragile and naked, daring danger and rules”. Felipe Oliveira Baptista’s words speaks about his reflection and reaction to today’s challenge. Baptista’s first collection for the iconic brand was shown just few days before the World declared state of emergency. The Portuguese designer has always experimented around the idea of versatility, a youthful and contemporary silhouettes around what he often called ‘post-sportswear’ Last year in a press release marking Baptista’s appointment, Kenzo’s CEO, Sylvie Colin, said: “His innovative and modern creative vision and well-rounded artistic approach will enable Kenzo to reach its full potential while respecting its unique heritage.” For Spring Summer 2021 Baptista created a raw youthful and daring sensibility. Clothes for nomads, to explore and create a new world, were contrasting elements recall the dichotomies of our current life, the paradox of our times. Flowers, bees, nature. Archival Kenzo poppies and hortensias were given a digital crying effect. From flowers the primal feeling of protection and cocooning came an ode to the bees, one of the most important insect for the survival of human species. Recently populations of bumblebees have steeply declined in many places, largely because of insecticide and global warming. Some species are now even listed as endangered species. If all of the world's bees died, there would be a major rippling effect throughout the ecosystem, and although it would not likely lead to famine, it would dramatically alter human food systems. But for Baptista bees and the beekeepers with their mesmerizing clothing and hats also strongly echo “the fragility and distance imposed and needed today”. The collection features a series of sheer beekeepers hats a ttimes elongated along the body and worn over. Deconstructed, draped, twisted, cut out garments: floating and grounded, transparent and solid, romantic and utilitarian. Felipe Oliveira Baptista’s vision for Kenzo is whispered through his small handwritten note printed inside the pamphlet that served as invitation to the show, and voicing this celebration of life: “There are no norms. All people are exceptions to a rule that doesn’t exist."
www.kenzo.com
Fashion
Stone Island x Persol
Both Persol as well as Stone Island are two brands looking back on a rich heritage having contributed to the rich Italian design language as well as continuing to do so with their devotion to craftsmanship and the new technologies. For the first time, both companies now come together to combine their visions in a new pair of sunglasses. The inspiration for the Pilot Frame comes out of Persol’s archive, more precisely the 1970s, evoking the exclusive style so connected with the brand. Produced with the same machines as back in the days, the new frame has been made with special attention to details, showcasing the full technical and stylistic capabilities of both brands. The classic shape of the classes is accentuated with technical details, visible screws, hand brushed metal providing a matt finish which constitute the visual counterpart of the shiny glasses. With a commitment to innovation and unafraid to engage in experimentation, without losing that distinct elegance, Stone Island and Persol show us what ‘Made in Italy’ can and should be in the 21st century.
www.stoneisland.com
www.persol.com
Fashion
Marni Spring Summer 2021
In keeping with this surreal time, Marni’s SS21 collection rejects the runway entirely, its collection of models formed by everyday city dwellers inhabiting day to day life. In a climate where normality has slipped between our fingers, Marni embraces the vernacular habits and intricacies of our lives, the trip to the shops, the comings and goings of traffic, playing with pets and other mundane yet entirely profound highlights, anchoring its collection in the remnants of familiar life. Marni creates a video archive, documenting beautifully the simple pleasures of life that for many were inaccessible for the last few months, chronicling the clothes and their wearers as they move through the city, the home, singing, dancing, cycling. In the spontaneity that animates each shot, the clothes are brought to life by each person, seamlessly fitting into specific contexts, matching and playing off the personalities of its eclectic subjects. Togetherness is depicted conversely through isolated lenses, a true and honest depiction of a time, where the screen has been perhaps one of our only opportunities for human connection. Cropped coats, graphic stripes and tank top hybrids, make a nod to Basquiat in their eccentric urban character. Cotton, leather, gauze and flowers add wonderful textures and layers to the looks, reflective of the bricolage that is city life. Marni defies all expectations with this offering, showing incredible versatility in the face of such a spectacular unknown.
www.marni.com
Fashion
ETRO Spring Summer 2021
Over the last months we have rediscovered the joy that simple gestures, like traveling, reuniting with your loved ones. For many, the places that were once familiar became distant, inaccessible. We became overwhelmed with longing for our native territories, like Ulysses for his Ithaca. For Spring Summer 2021 Veronica Etro, creative director of ETRO Womenswear, explored the enchanting Italian summer landscape, the flora and motives found in Italian Riviera: marine chains, anchors, seashells, nautical rope, summer stripes, sailboats, green foliage, together with the brand’s signature Paisley now proposed in monochrome color ways. The collection also presented archival foulard prints - Bandiere da Parata (1992), Albero delle Meraviglie (1993), Trionfi e Soffitti (1994) and Palais Jamais (1995), reminiscent of sumptuous frescos of Italian palazzos. Playful and uncomplicated with shirt knotted at the waist, knotted scarf’s worn under blazers as tops, denim and micro shorts paired with fluid tunics, bustier long dresses worn with rope lace-up flat sandals. Straw basket bags, chokers in gold rope, high-heeled sandals with silk ties wrapping around the ankles. It’s a collection celebrating the outstanding beauty of Italian life and ETRO’s roots. With its rich prints and summer color palette in Sicilian lemon yellow, lavender, mint, orange, turquoise, and lavish silk, floating as the models walked to the beat of 90s music hits.
www.etro.com
Fashion
Re-writing the Space
Putting on an optimistic front, Furla commits itself to enhancing its retail experience, announcing significant investment into this area of the brand. Targeting its key stores worldwide, the Italian accessories brand has united with renowned firm David Chipperfield Architects Milan, to introduce a new concept to its most popular locations, transforming their customers’ experience in the process. Making its debut in Milan’s flagship store, located on Piazza Duomo, this revamp will be fittingly taking place during Milan Fashion Week, the two storey space enlivened through fluid and artistic design. A sculptural staircase will now connect the two floors, a new adjacent space added to accommodate special events and pop-up displays. Classic arched doorways frame the space sumptuously, always bringing the focus back to the core elements of the space, the accessories. A natural palette and tactile textures also guide the customer’s gaze back to the products, a subtle and effective backdrop to Furla’s iconic accessories. Speaking about the collaboration David Chipperfield reflects fondly and proudly, “together we have sought to interpret its heritage while developing a story around the core product – the bag –within a new built space.”
www.furla.com
Fashion
Prada Spring Summer 2021
The most awaited fashion moment just took place: Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons first collection as Prada’s co-creative directors. Presented through a digital event followed by a conversation where the two venerated designers answered questions submitted by Prada-devotees. What is the meaning of “New”, of “Prada-ness”, of “Uniform”? A dialogue, emblematic of the modus operandi of two of the most intelligent fashion designers. “I have been always interested in the metaphor of “uniform”. The show was very much about that. Muccia’s uniforms, how Miuccia dresses, her own uniforms were an instant and important inspiration for the collection”, Raf Simons spoke about his take on uniforms and how it radically inspired the show “It is interesting if you know you can find clothing that you feel good in, and you know you can express what you want to express through them, without being too much about a very specific fashion item. A uniform needs to express something timeless rather than a specific seasonal piece. It’s almost a base”. Prada Spring Summer 2021 touches on a multitude of interpretations around this notion of uniform, - a visual representation of identity, of shared and embraced values, a way of thinking. Garments are pared-back, refined, focused: shell tops, straight pants, overcoats in industrial re-nylon, constructed using couture techniques, suits executed in fleece. “New is the nightmare of every single designer. But I think that “New” for the sake of the “new” probably it is not relevant anymore - Miuccia Prada has always stressed how in her vision fashion is a deep understanding of reality, of people’s lives at an exact historical moment. “For us is very important reacting to reality, to what is happening now. I always thought that fashion is part of creating people ‘s change, it is part of what is happening in the world. A fashion designer is not an abstract job. The people with my clothes need to feel better, clothes need help define your personality, they are an instrument for people’s life” The collection is both reflection of and reaction to our current time, where the mediation between technology and humanity has become vital and the inevitable restrictions we are all facing. Miuccia Prada’s very own longstanding research on the question of technology, and its now indispensable presence in our daily life has led to a fundamental examination in the collection. Artworks created by Raf Simons’ long-term collaborator and friend Peter de Potter, are used to interrupt and disrupt the surfaces - as graphic tools of contrast, sometimes laid over archival Prada print, emblematic of worlds and aesthetic discourses coming together, exploring ideas of thoughts, processes, dialogues, exchanging ideas. Different fabrications are presented throughout the entire collection: t-shirt jersey, fleece, re-nylon, embroidered duchesse satin, taffeta, connected to simple gestures - garments are drawn around the body and held steadily by the hand - quintessential of both designers’ signature, a shared language. Miuccia Prada has always worked with the juxtapositions of historical references, of elements, approaches, at times in apparent dichotomy, but paradoxically harmonious. Lastly what is the essence of Prada, the Prada-ness? In Raf Simons words: “For many years I have always seen it as a community that has a very specific attitude and aesthetic. You cannot really define it but it clearly IS. For me this is very important. And that “-ness “ is exactly what a brand needs to have for me to love it”.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Herno Spring Summer 2021: Fifties Fun
Herno dives into its archives for its Milan Fashion Week 2020 Presentation, bringing the carefree spirit of the ‘50s strikingly into the contemporary moment. Returning to its roots, stock footage is spliced with visuals of their SS21 collection, showing the brand’s integrity and history to be an essential part of their creative DNA. Beginning with the Iconic Herno Monogram collection, the wonderfully recognizable canvas with the emblematic H pattern, is reworked as an essential accessory. To be worn in the hair, tied as a top and cynching in the waist of their cotton raincoats. The laughter, fun and freedom of a girls trip is recreated, as they drive down italian vistas, culminating in a trip to the factory, where we are reminded once more of Herno’s prestigious craftsmanship. In this italian extravaganza, silk scarves blow in the breeze, inducing each outfit with a joyous sense of drama and excitement. The H pattern adorns the timeless outerwear, cotton raincoats and down jackets made of ultralight nylon. In taking a trip down memory lane, Herno remembers its history with pride, its SS21 collection made even more special, elevated by this charming sentiment of nostalgia.
www.herno.com
Fashion
Musc Ravageur
Maurice Roucel’s perfume Musc Ravageur has attracted global acclaim, after receiving the prestigious Fragrance of the Year Hall of Fame Award. Released in 2000, Musc Ravageur sent waves through the perfumer industry celebrated as a pinnacle of the Amber Oriental tradition. Heralded as an unapologetically sensuous perfume, the scent enhances natural musk, with amber, vanilla, patchouli and sandalwood. Reflecting on the award, Frédéric Malle “could not have dreamed of anything better to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Editions de Parfums”. Roucel, who started his career as a chemist in 1973 then transitioned into becoming a self-taught perfumer, characterized most commonly by his creation of opulent and distinctly sexy scents. Musc Ravageur’s wide reaching appeal shows Roucel to have monopoly over the perfume industry in his ability to curate timeless scents that transcend trends.
www.fredericmalle.com
Fashion
Seen in Venice
Choosing the glitz and glamor of Venice’s International Film Festival as the venue for its big reveal, Etro used the seasoned cultural event to announce its GIANVITO ROSSI for ETRO capsule collection. American supermodel Taylor Hill premiered the Gianvito pumps on the red carpet, a huge statement for the brand. Using a distinctly ETRO lens to reinterpret GIANVITO ROSSI’s most beloved shoes, ballerina flats, pumps and boots comprise a modest yet bold collection- the pumps coming in either 8.5cm or 10 cm heels. All 4 models are characterized by red and blue paisley prints also used for ETRO’s Fall Winter 2021 trench coats. The GIANVITO ROSS for ETRO COLLECTION will be available for purchase at both ETRO and GIANVITO ROSSI boutiques, as well as on their respective e-stores and in selected international retailers.
www.etro.com
www.gianvitorossi.com
Fashion
Roll the Dice
20 years since its launch the J12 returns as the J12 Paradoxe, uniting its previous black and white models in a sleek and bold design. Originally heralded as the first watch icon of the 21st century, CHANEL sustains its prominence, creating a completely new and fresh aesthetic. Appealing to both day and night, the J12 Paradoxe feels one of CHANEL’s most versatile watches to date. Crafted from scratch-resistant ceramic and manufactured in Switzerland, the watch is a masterclass in elegance and detail, fusing the two colours together to showcase creative and rebellious spirit. Two-tone elements also detail the dial and the bezel, ensuring this opposition created by the combination of black and white runs cohesively throughout the watch creating unrivalled harmony. J12 Paradoxe is a dynamic accessory, building upon the success of both the black and white J12s that came before it. www.chanel.com
Fashion
To Travel
Louis Vuitton has long celebrated the luxury and freedom of travel, its suitcases an iconic part of the House since its establishment in 1854. As part of this appreciation the House will be adding 2 new photography books to its series Fashion Eye. Greece by François Halard and Ukraine by Synchrodogs. Each work portrays a country, region, city or a destination through the unique gaze of a fashion photographer. For the Greece edition the French Photographer captures his own personal journey and experiences whereas the Ukraine edition is taken by a photographic duo that intersects land art with nude photography. Fashion Eye is a tailor-made series whose intimate editorial process creates books that are akin to art, artisanal in their craftsmanship. Large-format photographs sit alongside biographical information and critical essays are interchangeable with interviews from the relevant photographer. Each book uses an intertextual lens to curate a picture of a place that is reflective and thoughtful, giving way to an understanding of the photographer also.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Golden Age
L’età dell’oro translated as “The Golden Age”, is the title of Fabrizio Plessi’s new exhibition sponsored by the House of Dior. A pioneering name in Video art, the Italian artist has reached global acclaim, exhibiting internationally across the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries. Scheduled to open just before the Venice Film Festival, whose date has now moved due to current circumstances, his exhibition will continue. The exhibition will be held on the façade of the Correr Museum, a historic site in the city’s iconic Piazza San Marco. Plessi’s exhibition defiantly intersects nature and artifice, the traditional and futuristic and primitive and technological, making him somewhat of an alchemist in his melding together of unexpected and contradictory elements. Golden sculptures also pay tribute to Serenissima, a beloved city of the artist. In its support of the exhibition, Dior continues its commitment to culture, supporting iconic talent such as the likes of Plessi and his new and exciting exhibition.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Peekaboo I See You
Fendi honors its iconic bag, the Peekaboo, in its first ever global video and image campaign. Starring Zoey Deutch, the actress and producer is shot embracing her Peekaboo in an intimate gesture communicative of the beloved status of the bag, as well as granting us a rare insight into the celebrity’s authentic innerself. Deutch’s personality is revealed, as she struts confidently across a street, performs in front of paparazzi and twirls around uninhibited in her own dreamscape to the soundtrack I See You by The Horrors. As seen in February in the FENDI Fall Winter 2020-21 Collection, the new Peekaboo has an accordion-frame shape, featuring inside pockets which can be made out of smooth leather or precious skins and even personalized with the wearer’s initials. The Peekaboo is a constantly evolving motif of the Maison, subjected to limitless change through the House’s creative depth and flair.
www.fendi.com
Art
Sensitive Euro Man, Friedrich Kunath
Returning to Germany after eight years, Friedrich Kunath’s solo show, ‘Sensitive Euro Man’ will be featured at KÖNIG GALERIE in the NAVE of St. Agnes. Opening on 15 August 2020, Kunath will be showing a collection of previously unseen works; spanning painting and sculpture with a notably large sculptural work to centre the exhibition.
Kunath aptly references German romanticism in this collection, in an abstracted ode to his homeland, but not as one might expect. A sense of the sublime and the awe-inspiring presence of nature, though tangible is undone by Kunath, reimagined through a Californian rear-view mirror. Interweaving his life in LA with this prolific genre, sarcasm, bar humour and beloved lyrics intersperse his works, subverting a genre well known for its earnest sincerity. This exhibition showcases Kunath’s unmatched sensitivity as an artist, where balance and timing come together perfectly to produce works that feel organic, if not refreshing in their charismatic lightness. Kunath teases the viewer in this set of works enticing them in with colour to be met with a sharp tongue. This is Kunath at his best.
www.koeniggalerie.com
Fashion
THE DIOR MAISON SUMMER COLLECTIONS
THE DIOR MAISON SUMMER COLLECTIONS distills the essence of summer into a new exquisite line of objects, thoughtfully designed by Cordelia de Castellane. The pineapple becomes muse in this new collection, its texture and colour sensitively curated in Italian blown glass, showing off the extraordinary craftsmanship of the House and its infinite creative talent. Subtle reliefs add another dimension to the transparent objects, giving them an added sense of intrigue, in their ability to create moments of dynamism in such fragile and delicate forms. Carafes, vases and decorative bubbles are an ode to a tropical summer uniquely told in glass. Christian Dior would seat guests on elegant Napoleon III-style chairs with seats decorated in canework, a graphic code that has become an iconic House emblem. As with the pineapple, the canework pattern has become imaginatively reinterpreted by Cordelia de Castellane, portrayed in new and expressive dimensions and proportions. Entertaining guests is imbued with a sense of real celebration, with DIOR taking centre stage.
www.dior.com
Fashion
dunhill Fall Winter 2020, The New Wave
The multiplicity of the modern man is celebrated in Dunhill’s Fall Winter 2020 Campaign, through its nostalgic revival of the prolific Blitz Club and the colourful characters who frequented it. Stating his complete fascination with the scene, Mark Weston, Dunhill’s Creative director, references Homer Syke’s photography of the unique space, where young people partied against a bleak political landscape of economic turmoil. Amongst this youthful audaciousness ‘The New Wave’ announces the House’s continued evolution, interrogating cultural niches and moments that have been formative to our understanding of contemporary masculinity. Embracing both the old guard and the avant-garde, luxurious leather outerwear gives way to rigorous and sensuous tailoring, pegged trousers providing yet another historical reference, this time to the New Romantic Scene. Dominating the campaign are the House’s newest additions to footwear and leather goods, the Axis Runner and the Lock Bag, both symbolic of the House’s impeccable balance of heritage and contemporary elegance. ‘The New Wave’ champions the man who is. “a cross between … the establishment and the anti-establishment”.
www.dunhill.com
Fashion
Miu Miu Wonder Woman 2020
Miu Miu serves us retro empowerment in its new capsule celebrating the legendary superhero, Wonder Woman. Said to have been crafted in clay by her mother Queen Hippolyta and endowed with magical powers by the Greek gods, Wonder woman, known to loyal fans as Princess Diana of Themyscira, is a pioneering figure of female strength and adversity.
Her timeless appeal animates three t-shirts for the collection, each treated with a vintage effect, giving the designs an irresistible sentiment of nostalgia. Illustrated in classic athletic poses, Wonder Woman assumes an air of defiance whilst also referencing the much loved pin up girl. These t-shirts are the perfect throw on for a casual look, or can even be dressed up for an evening out.
The Miu Miu Wonder Woman t-shirts capsule is available now online and in stores.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Dior Cruise 2021
Set in Lecce, a city imbued with heritage and craftsmanship in the Puglia region, Dior Cruise 2021 collection highlights the excellence of these priceless skills, and many creative dialogues between the House of Dior and Lecce that began long before the health crisis and the confinement. Paying homage to Nature and the region’s unique landscapes, as a land that has always been close to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s heart. “During this period, I sought to give collective efforts a new dimension. Despite the disadvantages of distance, bringing a different perspective to our daily lives has given us strength and imagination”, Maria Grazia Chiuri supports and showcases the virtuosity of these artisans and artists: from the architectures of the Luminarie, dazzling light structures that have been illuminating local streets and palaces for the feast of the patron saints, to the essential role of dance performed by the dancers of Notte Della Taranta Foundation, a foundation promoting local culture, and reinventing traditional Italian music and dance. For Dior Cruise 2021 show in Lecce, choreographer Sharon Eyal created a timeless choreographic performance that re-engages anew with the profound meaning and symbols of these powerful Puglian rituals around the Pizzica, the iconic folkloristic dance from the region. The dancers performed on the music created and directed by Paolo Buonvino. Buonvino: an exclusive composition especially for this show, a captivating reinterpretation of traditional Puglian melodies. The beauty of the gestures, emotion and poetry of the performance resonate in the exquisite craftsmanship celebrated in the collection: delicate weaves of Le Constantine Foundation displayed on various pieces, with the atelier’s motto «Amando e Cantando» embroidered on a series of skirts; the Tombolo, an extremely delicate style of lace, born in Italy in the 15th century and spread throughout Europe during the 16th century, is created for the collection in collaboration with Marilena Sparasci, one of the last remaining embroiderers to practice and teach this technique; the waving of Tessitura Calabrese, a family business located in the heart of Italy’s Puglia region, perpetuating traditional weaving techniques of fine threads intertwining craftsmanship and technology. “We rise by lifting others”; “On peut souvent créer des révolutions sans les avoir cherchées”; “La differenza per le donne sono millenni di assenza dalla storia”; “A wish is revolutionary because it seeks what cannot be seen”. Phrases chosen by the artist and activist Marinella Senatore, interwoven with her scenography of Luminarie for the show, are an ode to women’s empowerment and to local communities, reaffirming Maria Grazia Chuiri’s ongoing celebration of women and the role of heritage.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo Pre-Spring 2021
Certain events undoubtedly leave a mark for the better or for the worse. The current global pandemic is certainly one of them as it brings with it a set of challenges for each individual and every business. The fashion industry is by no means an exception, neither is the Italian house of Salvatore Ferragamo. As the house’s Creative Director has put it himself, ‘This collection was made in exceptional times, under exceptional conditions, through which we were all obliged to adapt and innovate.’ Despite all the challenges, Ferragamo’s Pre-Spring 2021 collection can be presented with pride. A distillation of necessity and passionate craftsmanship, the garments combine natural shapes with design structure. The clean and minimal lines and softly tailored silhouettes are contrasted with the print of the season, a hybrid of giraffe and leopard patterns. The print itself derives from Andrew’s deep dive into the archives, more precisely a scarf first seen in 1970. In continuation of the house’s ongoing initiative to increase environmental mindfulness, materials and fabrics are largely sourced responsibly. Various fabrics, cashmere and leather were upcycled, nylons were recycled and the cottons were produced organically. Inspired by functionalism and nature, the collection features minimal construction and only very few ornaments, representing Andrew and Ferragamo’s successful attempt to turn the limitations of the period into positives by focusing on what is most essential.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Prada Men’s and Women’s Spring Summer 2021
The show that never happened. With her signature witty approach, Miuccia Prada orchestrated a series of multiple views on Prada Spring Summer 2021 collection for both Men and Women. Terence Nance, Joanna Piotrowska, Martine Syms, Juergen Teller and Willy Vanderperre, Five different artists, five different takes on Miuccia Prada’s vision through videos, a medium the Italian designer has explored and supported over the years. They tell the story of a house beyond the collection. These are stories within a story. Multiple facets of Prada’s own curiosity. The collection dives back to the origins of the house in the 90s, when the minimal and innovative approach created the renowned Prada aesthetic, speaking a language that continuously evolved through the years, and became imbued of that idiosyncratic approach to fashion codes we have known Prada for. Both Men and Women for Spring Summer 2021 explore technologically innovative fabrications of Prada nylon and stretch materials juxtaposed with traditional suiting: if for Men silhouettes are sharp and fitted, for women they transform into couture volumes and treatments. Taffeta, cotton, nylon. Lingerie, sportswear, couture. Voicing fragility, gender fluidity, and nowness. History and futurism coexist in Prada’s quintessential paradox
www.prada.com
Fashion
Hermès Men’s Spring Summer 2021
The house of Hermès, with its savoir-faire and distinctive history, has always explored boundaries beyond fashion, actively cultivating authenticity and diversity through Fondation d’entreprise Hermès. Paying particularly close attention to works on stage at the crossroads of performing and visual art, the New Settings program was created in 2011 and has supported since a great number of artists experimenting the boundaries of dance, performance, theatre. The Fondation’s long-term commitment to artists supported through the years reflects Hermès’s integrity. The singular work of director Cyril Teste has found voice at Fondation d’entreprise Hermès since the very beginning. Hermès’ Menswear Creative director Véronique Nichanian’ collaboration with Teste for the Spring Summer 2021 collection takes the shape of a live performance. A dialogue between moving bodies and the process of creation, where multiple character – film crew, stylist, assistants, models – and real-life motion explore the boundaries of perceptions. Off-camera becomes the center of attention, spontaneity and improvisation play with the definition of performing arts language. Far from a “making of”. As Véronique Nichanian’ pointed out: “I feel like the current situation is one from which we can all extract new wisdom, and a new momentum”. The collection dives into form, material, and color in Nichanian’s signature carefree expression and simplicity. Striped shirts gain linings, panels and double closure and transform into the lines of a blouson. Mediterranean blue, storm blue, almond green and fluorescent yellow are among the colors inhabiting the collection where leather – deerskin, metis goatskin and technical calfskin – reveal all their sensuality and timeless casualness.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Celebrating Twenty Years of Editions de Parfums
Frédéric Malle was always destined to enter the world of perfume, grandson to the renowned founder of Parfums Christian Dior, Malle’s affinity and connoisseurship feels intuitive of a descendent to perfume royalty. Establishing Editions de Parfums in 2000, Malle was fuelled by a desire to transform the way perfume was seen. Malle gives his perfume intellectual status, tantamount to a classic novel or a vintage bottle of wine, all whilst paying homage to the essence of its craft: its creators, its ingredients and above all the creative process.
Using his platform as one of the greatest perfumers in the world, Malle has created something of an open brief, entrusting an unparalleled amount of freedom to his chosen perfumers. Bereft of any marketing brief, specified products and perhaps most remarkably time schedule, Malle is the epitome of blue sky thinking.
In an ode to the Parisian culture that has been so formative to Malle’s identity as a perfumer, the finished perfumes will be encased in a neutral bottle, its packaging referencing the iconic book covers of the admired French publishing House, Gallimard. Each scent sold in his boutiques are ‘published’, emphasizing the quality and standard at which he works. Embellishing upon his literary semantics, each perfume will be accompanied by elaborate titles, continuing the theatre of Malle’s unique creative process. ‘Portrait of a Lady bath Foam’, is one of Malle’s newest examples of this theme. A luxuriously scented bath foam whose decadence is matched in name alone.
There is an intimacy to Malle’s brand that feels counterintuitive to its position as a world renowned perfume house. Despite its loyal and vast customer base, personalization and authenticity still remain at the heart of the business, and are undoubtedly what has claimed its success over the last two decades. Each store places the customer at the centre of the experience, staffing each boutique with a team of Perfume Experts ready to perform Malle’s personalized consultations committed to finding the perfect scent for each and every one of his customers. It is these encounters that birthed the hybrid concept behind each boutique, a seamless blend of laboratory and Parisian interior.
2020 is a prolific year for the house, marking twenty years of audacious and rule-breaking creativity. To mark this anniversary Malle will be embarking on a series of international events to commemorate and share his passion for perfumer worldwide.
www.fredericmalle.com
Fashion
LOEWE Munich Flagship
Under the guidance of Creative Director Jonathan Anderson, LOEWE has reinvented themselves as a house focused on craft and culture, shown clearly in their intellectual yet playful approach to fashion and lifestyle. Taking after Casa Loewe HQ in Madrid, the Spanish brand has just opened a new flagship store in Munich that harmonizes all aspects of the brand’s repertoire.
Inside the two-storey standalone store on Munich’s Maximilianstraße, Anderson has re-orientated the retail space into a dynamic space that showcases the highlight talents in art and design, core constituents of the maison’s craft-centered identity. LOEWE products are interspersed with art and design objects curated by Anderson himself. Furthering their relationship with the arts, LOEWE features work from artists linked to the brand. This includes Japanese ceramist Takuro Kuwata whose work is shown alongside an impressive basket by Irish weaver Joe Hogan. The space is also inhabited by contemporary furniture including recliners by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and a stone table by Axel Vervoordt. The classical interior is left intact, but elevated with quality materials such as Campaspero limestone and smooth concrete which can be seen on the walls, floors and structural furniture of the store.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Boden FW20
Unlike many of their counterparts, British retailer Boden welcomes Fall with a refreshing collection that steps away from the typical muted, autumnal colors that have populated FW selections this year. Rather than neutral colors often associated with the season, Boden has issued a Fall collection that revels in bright contrasts, eccentric patterns and color blocking. The usual tan, walnut, or hickory coats and cardigans are all replaced with spirited fuschia trousers, coral pullovers and olympic blue trench coats. The preview features wildflower printed dresses and pumps, contrasted with the vibrant 60’s inspired patterns that litter blouses and skirts. Although the collection isn’t only pop-colors and quirky patterns, true to Boden’s nature the brand supplies options for the everyday, including a wide range of neutrals, essential for any wardrobe. Making up for a Summer spent indoors, Boden’s FW20 collection is optimistic for the upcoming season.
www.boden.eu
Fashion
An Extended Summer
As many countries are easing out of lockdown and restrictions seem to be relaxed with every day that passes, some of us may be finding it difficult to grapple with the realities of the new normal. The anxiety of re-joining society after a challenging few months can be hard to deal with, and many of us are already planning a much-needed vacation. The new Herno Resort collection for FW20 is designed with this sensibility in mind, an inter-season selection inspired by the dream of travel, designed for those with summer and leisure still fresh in their minds. The collection is dedicated to free time, proclaiming it as the true luxury left in this world. Both men and women are featured in the range, with core silhouettes of a man’s wardrobe reinterpreted with a leisurely accent. Peacoats, blazers and duffels are matched with a selection of parkas, bombers and sweatshirt styles. While women’s silhouettes are enveloping, intended for those not ready to leave the lightness of summer behind, yet the designs are still full of comfort and warmth. The collection is enhanced with a sense of lightness and is completed with Herno’s usual attention to detail and high-quality materials. Wool highlights in the menswear includes a sophisticated herringbone pattern as well as the lingering cashmere, luxurious corded cotton velvet is edged in a bi-colour knit, whilst suede treated with water-resistant tools rounds off the selection of luxury styles. Fabrics in the womenswear suggest a sense of relaxed softness, seeing ultralight nylon with a silky effect matched with tone-on-tone velvet and combined with soft knitwear in a mix of wool, alpaca and viscose to further extend the soft and delicate sense of the diverse selection.
www.herno.it
Fashion
Cartier Women's Initiative
When Cartier launched the Cartier Women’s Initiative in 2006, they made a commitment to helping women in reaching their full potential. Open to women-run and women-owned businesses that aim to have a strong and sustainable social and environmental impact. The names of the 7 laureates of the Cartier Women’s Initiative were announced virtually this week after being selected by an international jury committee. This year’s laureates include Adriana Luna Diaz, Stephanie Benedetto, Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, Temie Giwa-Tubosun, Nadia Gamal El Din, Chunguang (Charlotte) Wang and Joanne Howarth. They will each receive $100,000 in grant, while runner-ups will receive $30,000. The 7 laureates and 14 finalists will all receive support on strategic financial thinking, one-on-one strategy mentoring, media visibility and international networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to join an education programme on scaling social impact. Now, with the addition of a new award, the programme is expanding. starting from the 2021 edition. Three more women impact entrepreneurs will be recognized thanks to the Science & Technology Pioneer Award, to support women impact entrepreneurs at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. Applications for the 2021 edition of the Cartier Women’s Initiative are now open until July 31.
www.cartierwomensinitiative.com
Fashion
Chanel Cruise Collection
Take a trip around the Mediterranean with Chanel’s latest collection. Refined simplicity and rich in fluidity, the collection was conceived for those who travel light. Consisting of several easy to wear, multipurpose items that work perfectly mixed and matched for an ideal and stress-free holiday wardrobe. “Initially I had Capri in mind, where the show was supposed to take place, but didn’t happen in the end because of lockdown,” says Virginie Viard, “So we had to adapt: not only did we decide to use fabrics that we already had, but the collection, more generally, evolved towards a trip around the Mediterranean… The islands, the scent of the eucalyptus, the pink shades of the bougainvillea.” And a free, laid-back allure inspired by the legendary actresses of the 1960s when they would holiday on the Italian and the French Riviera. Discover the ‘Balade en Méditerranée on chanel.com.
#CHANELCruise
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Acta Non Verba
Peter Do launched his eponymous New York-based brand in 2018 to much acclaim. Since then, the designer has proved consistent yet surprising, making more than just a uniform for the modern woman. It all started with a flurry of sketches during his high school years in Philadelphia. These days, since he was granted the LVMH Graduate Award, Do has taken the temperature of women’s desire and and locked it into each of his designs. After returning from Paris, where he studied under the expertise of Phoebe Philo at Celine, Do amassed relationships with nine stockists, designing out of his friend’s apartment, where he showed his SS19 collection . Philo herself once said, “there is absolutely a gap in the market for 30-something women and, the more I look at it, the more I feel there needs to be a sense of ease and choice.” Do clearly didn’t take that lightly. With Do’s SS20 collection, color trumps all. Textures with an enigmatic opacity do a lot to display the relationship between shape and tone, evoking the modern masters that made America their home: Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still and Ellsworth Kelly. It can be said that Rothko explored the spectrum of single shades like no other, and the designer deftly conjures this fascination for SS20. The restraint and care taken by Do in his latest collection builds on the wardrobe of a contemporary metropolis, while serving the sensitive demands of the modern woman from New York to the world over.
www.peterdo.net
Fashion
Selling Sunset
After spending months in isolation, for many of us lucky people, this time has been spent dreaming of where we would go once things got back to what we know as ‘normal’. The desire to travel is embedded in many of us, and even more so in our instagram-saturated world that lets us peek into the furthest corners of the world from our own home. This glimpse of different places is enough to spark the drive to explore in the physical world. Louis Vuittons Jacques Cavallier Belletrud has embodied such desire and created a scent that captures a place, triggering memories or creating desire or even triggering an emotion to whomever has the pleasure of breathing it in. Part of an enchanting tryptic, California Dream portrays the enchantment of a sunset, a moment that prolongs the happiness of a summer’s day. The new Cologne Perfume is light and citrusy, cloaking the skin with all the emotion of a beautiful sunset. “My starting point was to create warmth that envelops coolness,” explains Jacques Cavallier Belletrud as he does so using notes of citrus, mandarin, musk and floral aspects the master perfumer creates a blend that embodies the warmth, earthy and fresh sense that comes with a sunset.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Savoir Faire
Meaning to possess the ability to act appropriately, to be able to adapt and knowing what to do in any situation, Savoir Faire is an appropriate phrase to use when referring to Fendi’s iconic Peekaboo bag. The Italian house has just released a new video that exalts the adaptable nature of the bag, showing three different takes on the accessory. The male and female universes collide in this fendi-scape which presents the Peekaboo X-Lite for Men with laser-cut workmanship, the Peekaboo for men where Selleria stitching is combined with the intarsio fur and the Women’s Peekaboo, in different sizes, with leather interlacing. The fil rouge of the video is the Roman maison’s trademark yellow, while the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana shows impressive architectural perspectives rounding together the video’s purpose of highlighting the Italian houses creativity and unparalleled craft.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Equine excellence
In a celebration of the classic Arceau watch designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, Hermès presents a new expression of the French maisons’ creativity and expertise. Imagined by artist Gianpaolo Pagni, the “Cheval Cosmique” composition combines graphic undulations with the silhouette of a horse from Émile Hermès’ private collection. Produced in two limited series of 24 each, the watch is powered by a mechanical self-winding movement which, like the dial, case and bracelet, is developed in the Hermès Horloger workshops. Renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship, Hermès dazzles on the dial of the Arceau Cheval Cosmique, adorned with a sculpted equine silhouette and waves in engraved gold, highlighted with a dash of black lacquer, set against an aventurine or mother-of pearl and enamel background beautifully paired with an abyss blue or Chantilly alligator strap.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero
The work of French artist Marc Ferrero has been a source of inspiration for many, being one of the most distinguished representatives of Storytelling Art. Swiss watch brand Hublot has once again been inspired by Ferrero’s emblematic work, ‘Lipstick’ for their second collaboration that pays homage to 21st-century women. This time, the artist known for his typically colourful palette tells a story in black and white, in the form of two limited-edition numbered models in a run of 100 pieces. “I love the power of black and white. Shade and light. Yin and Yang. One is profound, unclassifiable, eternal. The other is subtle, ethereal, timeless. They symbolise antitheses and complementarity. Choosing black and white means getting straight to the point without an excess of tonalities. The black and white make ‘Lipstick’ even more graphic and its red lipstick—more magnetic” - Marc Ferrero
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Inside Chanel
In light of the sudden surge in traffic amongst the online sphere, people are searching for new content to keep us entertained in this strange time. Chanel has launched its new series to remedy such want, Inside Chanel. The microsite aims to educate viewers about the maison’s exciting history and heritage through a series of short film and media content. The latest chapter of the series delves into fashion and film, exploring the French designer’s impact on screen, in a time when fashion and film were both finding their footing in the 20th century. As newcomers to the artistic sphere of the 20th century, the paths of cinema and Gabrielle Chanel's extraordinary career crossed in a continuous creative dialogue and is reflected in this condensed picture. The short films have so far reflected on the brand’s history and its founder’s legacy, with testimonies and quotes from icons such as the late Karl Lagerfeld.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Brands Giving Back: BOSS
Fashion sales, like much of the world, is right now at a standstill. As we wait for things to return to normality, private sector companies are stepping into the fight in whatever way they can through manufacturing life-saving masks and gowns, funding or raising awareness. Boss is among those helping out as shortages in equipment increase. Manufacturing 180,000 masks, converting its clothing production site in Metzingen and repurposing conference rooms into workshops, the brand also began making protective clothing and hand sanitizers. All items produced will be donated to public facilities where it’s needed most.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Brands Giving Back: Fendi
In support for their country and it’s healthcare system, Italian maison Fendi has donated €250,000 to the organizations in the Regione Lombardia and donated masks to health professionals in Regione Toscana. The Carla Fendi Foundation, established in 2007 to aid the preservation of cultural heritage, also made a €100,000 donation to support the intensive care unit at the Presidio Sanitario Columbus in Rome. In a recent post on instagram Fendi expressed a message of positivity and hope, “Aware of the difficult moments that the world is going through, we are committed to designing the best way to start again, stronger than ever, supporting Fendi’s production ecosystem and its values.”
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Virtual Arts #Rijksmuseum
In light of museum closures, the national museum of the Netherlands has launched ten ways to experience the museum and its works from the comfort of your own home. Presenting online tours, educational videos and research information, the gallery successfully utilises the online sphere to educate its patrons in this time of crisis. Launched in 2012, the Rijksstudio has been a great resource since its inception, allowing users to create their own collection with over 700,000 high resolution artworks available. While the Gallery of Honor has reopened via an online platform, Rijksmuseum Masterpieces Up Close, showing an adjacent look at classics such as Vermeer’s Milkmaid or Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. On top of all this the Rijksmuseum hosts Rijkstube and Rijkscreative, as well as bundles of social media content for education and entertainment.
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Fashion
Rimowa #NewHorizons Project
These are exceptional times, the hustle and bustle of 21st-century life has been paused and for now we are grounded, waiting for the future to unfold before us. “Right now, as we stand in solidarity with everyone from the confines of our homes, we can't help but imagine all the places we've once explored and the new horizons we long to discover. With our movement so unnaturally restricted, many of us have entered a suspended state of longing, hoping, and dreaming.” says Emilie de Vitis CMO Rimowa. For now, we’re reflecting on where we’ve been, dreaming of where we’ll someday go, and who we’ll share it with when we get there. Rimowa’s #NewHorizons series joins forces with talented photographers from across the globe, reflecting the destinations of past travels and those closer to home that have inspired and captured our imaginations. We dream of sunny holidays and live vicariously through Austin Leis dreamlike imagery in sun-drenched Spain whilst Marie Dehe takes us on a tour of southern England in her pastel- filled images. Each week Rimowa will unveil a selection of intimate travel diaries to remind us of the world beyond our everyday. Evocative and immersive, the visually rich series aims to transform our present moment in the way that exceptional art always has.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Prada Possible Conversations
Now, in the digital age people have never been more connected. Thanks to the internet we have a constant resource for communication and entertainment. Yet during this time of isolation we are reminded that we are a global community, one that is economically, socially, and politically interdependent. As we stay in isolation we note the benefits of the internet and how lucky we are to be able to stay connected even when we must stay apart. Prada now debuts Prada Possible Conversations, a series of live dialogues between thinkers, cultural arbiters and fashion figures from across the globe in an effort to bring people together during this surreal time.
The talks will start off on 14 April at 6pm CET with author and curator Pamela Golbin and Alexander Fury, features director and critic. The two will discuss the topic ‘Fashion in Times of Crises’, and their dialogue will be broadcasted via Prada’s instagram, allowing the audience to pose questions to the speakers. For each conversation Prada will donate to UNESCO, whose work during the COVID-19 pandemic focuses on the importance of culture, creativity, and education for over 1.5 billion students affected by the crisis.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Z Zegna presents TECHMERINOTM and TECHMERINOTM WASH&GO for SS20
Zegna: A Conscious Lifestyle Zegna has been at the forefront in developing reforestation and environment preservation for over eighty years with successful results on the outstanding Oasi Zegna in Biella, Valdilana Region. Therefore it’s no surprise that Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori utilised the concept of desertification for the SS20 collection. A theme that embraces an ethical and conscious lifestyle, the collection features a new generation of technical garments with innovative fabrics and functional construction. Loose outwear styles such as windbreakers, anoraks and bombers feature mix and matching textures that are paired with pants cut in slim, cargos and carrots. While the crease-free merino natural wool shines with tactile effects, the striking colors are reminiscent of a desert at sunset. Nocturnal indigo is refreshed with off-white and orange shades, while desert and khaki neutrals are paired with the neon boldness of lime green and pink red for added modernity.
Driving the choice of materials and techniques, the range is derived from up-cycled and recycled fibers using water-friendly treatments and washing processes, as well as fiber blends.The deconstructed silhouettes, ultra-lightness, high-performance and unquestionable style of the collection are synonymous of the esteemed Italian label.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
#PomellatoForWomen
Although most of us may be struggling with the new reality with work and events cancelled and in reality, life seems to be on hold. In reality, we are blessed that we get to stay safe indoors, doing our part by flattening the curve. Not everyone has the luxury of feeling safe in their own home, for victims of domestic violence, most commonly women, their reality has been warped far worse than most. Suddenly victims are isolating with their abuser, with very little options to seek help. In a measure to battle against this crisis, brands are scrambling to help in whatever way they can, Italian jewelry brand Pometallo is no different. Founded in Milan during a revolutionary time for women’s emancipation, Pomellato jewelry was created with independent women in mind and in 2017 they launched the #PomellatoForWomen campaign for Pometallo’s 50th anniversary. Building on this, Pomellato along with sister brand Dodo have now launched an awareness campaign and crowdfunding initiative to support women victims of domestic violence. Sabina Belli, Pomellato Group CEO has said, “We were alarmed to learn of the resurgence of domestic and sexual abuse against women, directly related to the restraints and pressures of confinement. Pomellato will always act decisively to support womenkind, and we want women victims to know they are not alone.”
#YOUARENOTALONE
www.pomellato.com
Fashion
Longchamp Roseau Bag
Back in September, Longchamp’s Sophie Delafontaine had guests refreshed and excited as she presented a line for SS20 that stepped away from the brands preceding rock chick aesthetic and cruised in a new direction. A sporty, feminine revamp. Athleisure has become a part of fashion as brands shift and adapt to the needs of the modern woman. Longchamp is no different. The line featured a selection of bags that caught eyes as well as the house’s long-time favorite Roseau bag, but with a new look. In keeping with the sportswear trend, Longchamp has also created a new version of the Roseau in luxuriously soft lambskin leather. The bag itself stays true to the ever-so-loved design with a bamboo-shaped closure that in this version slides onto a leather cord. Bamboo inspired toggle and handles are enlarged, while a more graphic look is gifted from the clean-cut leather edges. This chic minimalist line is available in four sizes and three timeless colors.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
AGL Mystery Collection
Nothing says femininity more than a high heel. The unwelded power that some extra height can give is unmatched. Confidence and sensuality go hand in hand with a little lift. As we know, fashion and comfort don’t always coexist, though they have begun to shake hands with the outbreak and rise of athleisure, streetwear and non-gendered clothing. The person who wears heels today is different than those of the past, they do it with agency, not because society says they can or cannot. Now the high heel has become a tool for liberation and like all fashion and footwear, an expression of personality. The new MYSTERY series by Italian brand AGL employs sensual details and high quality craftsmanship to create lace-up ankle boots and décolleté characterized by a play of transparencies using micro mesh, combined with a patent leather finish that offers a touch of glamor. Reminiscent of victorian-style boots the series is available in two color options of nude and black diversifying the range for the most casual outfit to one for grand soirées.
www.agl.com
Fashion
Prada Linea Rossa SS20
Back in 1997 Miuccia Prada struck gold in 1995 where, alongside Neil Barrett they debuted Prads’s first menswear collection solidifying the minimalist yet high-tech aesthetic that became the backbone of Prada Linea Rossa when it launched two years later in 1997. The sports-infused aesthetic was so influential that it had become an emblem that diversified the image of the brand itself. After relaunching the familiar red rubber strip in 2018, Prada now presents a new digital campaign coinciding with the reintroduction of Linea Rossa. Taking inspiration from morse code, the Italian maison translates the hyper technical code into an entirely new alphabet for the everyday. The collection itself draws inspiration from uniforms, yet avoids uniformity and presents timeless designs that are genderless, created with innovative fabrics. The classic sahariana jacket is reimagined with new finishes and modern proportions The sporty line takes inspiration from sports such as skiing and dashes of urban streetwear as well as the abstract notion of exploration. Ingrained into the language of fashion, the word athleisure is long-favoured for its gender-neutral and easy-going approach to dressing which is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s society.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Miu Miu SS20 Campaign 'Casa Corberó'
The late artist Xavier Corberó has been considered by many to be the most significant Catalan artist since Gaudí and is best known for his monumental public sculptures that can right now be seen in galleries all over the world. Back in 1967 Corberó acquired a plot of land on the outskirts of Barcelona where he began devoting his time into developing the estate until his death in 2017. The property now stands as a labyrinthine cabinet of curiosities concealed by a heavy medieval stone fence. The surrealist style of Corberó’s friend, Salvador Dali is seen throughout the nine buildings largely devoted to hosting artists-in-residence and exhibition spaces that hold a number of Corbeó’s own sculptures. Now, the estate takes a new identity as it becomes the scene of the Spring-Summer 2020 Miu Miu campaign as ‘Casa Sublim’ part stage set, part installation, part gallery, part home. The campaign envisions an all-female artist colony where creative freedom and expression – at times spattered and hand-painted, with mismatched buttons and ‘collaged’ ruffles is contrasted with the discipline of form, silhouette and utility found in workwear and uniform. Utilising multiple, contrasting viewpoints and styles, still and moving imagery, black and white and vivid colour the campaign ultimately contrasts female and male gazes as well as challenging notions of subject and object as well as the real and surreal.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
The New Chanel 19 Handbag
A new era for Chanel has begun and as strange and unfamiliar as it seems, the fashion house is finally finding its footing in the post-Lagerfeld era. In homage to the 2.55 bag designed by Coco Chanel herself in 1955, Chanel’s Artistic Director Virginie Viard has brought us the 19 bag, a wonderful nod to the brand’s memorable past. The campaign, imagined by Sofia Coppola in collaboration with Virginie Viard features a trio of muses with actors Margaret Qualley, Taylor Russel and Marine Vacth each as distinct as the last. The playful campaign leans on the women’s individual personalities representing the diverse nature of the bag. “I wanted to show how Chanel is so classic it can work with many personalities, and is great to show on different women,” says Coppola. Embodying the spirit of the brand the 19 bag is swathed in large diamond quilting and embellished with an oversized CC clasp. Available in a number of variations the accessory allows each individual to express themselves in their own way, with the Chanel mark exuding a sensual and timeless sense of beauty.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles SS20 Campaign
On a voyage of discovery Captain George Vancouver met with King Kamehameha I and soon confirmed their friendship by saluting each other with a touch of their noses, as is Hawaiian custom. As a parting gift, Vancouver gave five long horned cattle to King Kamehameha who then made it kapu (off-limits) to harm or possess the cattle. Decades later the people of Hawaii discovered that these animals had to be tamed and so the hawaiian cowboy tradition was born. Canadian outerwear brand Moose Knuckles embodies this relationship and shared culture and beliefs in their new SS20 campaign titled, Surf Rodeo. Since 2013 the brand has been embodying a message of family, and community using honest materials and premium hardware that highlight the Moose Knuckles values. Designed and directed by the Hawaiian creative, Taylor Okata, the storyline of the campaign video embodies the Hawaiian way of life, portraying a group of friends on an adventure that leads them to a beautiful horse ranch and ending the day with a sunset surf session. Combining modern silhouettes with traditional western aesthetics, the collection consists of lightweight, padded jackets, parkas, fitted down jackets and high-end, country-inspired pieces - all in a color palette inspired by the grasslands of the Canadian Prairies. Featuring graphic prints, fringe silhouettes and custom python and kangaroo cowboy boots made by the Alberta Boot Company the western sensibility is celebrated throughout the collection. Shot on the North Shore of Hawaii by photographer Alana Spencer, the video combined cowboy vibes with more metropolitan influences for the Spring / Summer 2020 collection and featured siblings Evan and Alika Mock resulting in an authentic and warm sense of Ohana or ‘family feeling’.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week Women's - Recap
MONCLER
Not one for staying in one lane Moncler presented its third edition of the spectacle that is Moncler Genius in Milan last week. Inside a warehouse it displayed 12 installations each with their own vision with the newest addition being JW Anderson who presented an “inflatable archive” of his signature looks reimagined in down material. Going even further past the boundaries of fashion the event also showcased two surprising new members of collective, luggage brand RIMOWA and electric vehicle brand MATE.BIKE furthermore pushing Moncler to new heights for creative innovation.
www.moncler.com
FURLA
Full of glamour, fantasy and palpable sense of excitement a night at the theatre is always one to remember. Furla launched their Fall/Winter 2020 it-bag with this theme in mind as they invited guests to Milan’s Teatro Gerolamo where they were met with mirrors, neon lights, holograms and a kaleidoscope of colors. Guests strolled through the rooms discovering the rest of the color variations and materials for the bag. The psychedelic setup was in celebration of the Italian brands foundation and presented the Furla 1927.
www.furla.com
HERNO
Italy has been the epicentre of design excellence and manufacturing since the industrial revolution known for their unrivalled innovation and attention to detail. Today that innovative mindset is pushed further as sustainability becomes the main topic of conversation. Presented in Milan, Herno introduced their six projects for their AW 2020 ‘Green focus’ collection under the name Herno Globe. From biodegradable bombers to recycled parkas, the ethical label has redefined functionality in clothing. Not only does it have to look good but it also must in a way do some good.
www.herno.it
Fashion
Together for Change
Cartier joins forces with The Lion’s Share Fund, an award-winning initiative that tackles the climate crisis through a fresh new approach. Uniting brands, conservationists and consumers, The Lion’s Fund cites change as a shared effort, breaking down the usual boundaries that exist between these three groups, in a plight to create shared and achievable goals. With the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a coalition of Businesses and UN Partners as leaders, the fund has its sights set on $100 million per year within the next five years in oder to halt biodiversity loss and ensure habitats are protected. As part of this target brand are asked to contribute 0.5% of their media spend every time an animal is featured in their advertisements. Speaking on this important new move for Cartier, the luxury Maision’s president and Chief Executive Officer Cyrille Vigneron said “The beauty of the natural world has always been a source of inspiration and creativity for Cartier’s timeless pieces” in bringing about real and tangible change from this unique symbiosis, Cartier commits itself to a more positive and hopeful future.
www.cartier.com
www.thelionssharefund.com
Fashion
News from the Top
It was last spring that the Swiss house Bally set a clear sign to its continued commitment to environmental protection, more precisely the protection of the mountains, so intertwined with its Swiss origins and mountaineering heritage. After a more than successful first-ever Mount Everest cleaning expedition, Bally now proactively establishes long-term commitment, in the form of the Bally Peak Outlook Foundation, to the protection of these extreme environments, threatened by increasing numbers of tourists and the garbage they leave behind. With the help of the local communities, Bally’s future efforts will by no means focus solely on Mount Everest. The Himalaya features a multitude of peaks towering far over 8000m, which all will become subjects of the Bally cleaning expeditions. Besides a second Mount Everest expedition this year, Bally has confirmed efforts on four further peaks in 2020 as well as more plans for the upcoming year 2021. As put by Nicolas Girotto, Bally CEO, ‘This is a long-term mission and it is only the beginning.’
www.bally.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Yohji Yamamoto Men's Fall/Winter
Yohji Yamamoto is a master of humor. “Naughty Yohji” “100 ways to forget Yohji” are all sentences marking the back of coats for his Fall Winter 2020/21, shown at the historical headquarters in rue Saint Martin few steps away from Centre Pompidou. A bitter-sweet humor. Yohji-san played with his usual high craftsmanship - at times whispered gestures that only a close look can return the appreciation they deserves – together with his irony towards the meaning of death, of disappearance and resistance. See the coats with multiple chains or the hand painted heavy knitted sweaters with a ripped, raw edge placed on top of coats. Like an armor ripped by a battle. It’s an homage to the French resistance during World War II. To the women partisans who are often forgotten. We see the portrait of one of them in the show invite. She is a very young woman, standing proud with a basque and the typical armband partisans used to wear. She is the embodiment of hope and of unconditional strength against oppression. Yohji Yamamoto has been always working around the meaning of freedom with great coherence and poetry while delivering an exquisite men’s collection true to his aesthetic.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week 2020 - Ermenegildo Zegna Men's Fall/Winter
Against the backdrop of shivering ribbons of fabrics, all sourced from the surplus of the 6 previous collections, Alessandro Sartori presents his newest collection at Ermenegildo Zegna. Conceived by American Ann Patterson, it visualizes the huge waste of materials at a house like Zegna and sets a signal of the house’s pledge to improve the efficacy of their ways of production. Entitled ‘Art for Earth’, the intentions behind the collection become clear in an instant, reminding us that in Sartori’s own word, ‘art should always respect the earth. That’s our mission, as humans and fashion-makers.’ Once again, Sartori proves to be the ideal person to showcase all of Zegna’s craftsmanship and mastery of tailoring. Breaking down boundaries, he takes Italian tradition into new hybrid directions in a constant morphing of evolving shapes, such as blazer-parka hybrids, voluminous coats with deep black pleats and shirts that double as short-sleeved blousons. In collaboration with German camera manufacturer Leica, the collection features a series of camera bags, straps and holders, as part of a broader dialogue between the two brands.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Whitney
In 2015, the Whitney Museum of Modern Art found a new home in the futuristic Renzo Piano designed building in New York. For the special occasion of this reopening, Max Mara teamed up with the Renzo Piano Building Workshop to create the now iconic Whitney bag, with its design being inspired by the architecture of the new museum building itself. For the fifth anniversary of its original unveiling, Max Mara revives the bag in a special edition, dedicated to American painter Florine Stettheimer, whose avant-garde paintings represent a major part of the Whitney Museum's collection. Her acclaimed work 'Sun', dating back to 1931, becomes the main inspiration for the bag's five new colorways and the floral design of the inside lining. Indeed a anniversary issue, or better yet five, each variation of the Whitney bag is to be desired and collected like a piece art.
www.maxmara.com
Fashion
Art of Gardening
There are some months passing between a collection being first revealed on the catwalk and it actually becoming available in store. During this time, the world of fashion does not stop, but continues to move forward with new projects or capsule collections being presented one after another. For this reason, it becomes even more important to follow up the strong first impressions from the initial shows with advertising campaigns that revive the spirit of the collection. Shot en plein air in a natural and classic Italian scenery, the FENDI campaign reflects the gardening and bucolic aspects of the collection with the locations flawlessly merging with the earthy and muted color palette of beige, green and brown. The collection, from sartorial workwear pieces, including overalls, to shirts and suits, is completed with matching accessories in a further nod to the art of gardening, with the house's classic pieces appearing in new variations with carefully selected and combined materials. As with the collection, Silvia Venturini Fendi invited Italian movie director Luca Guadagnino to help her realize her vision of the relationship between man and nature. The resulting visuals will break in worldwide magazines in January 2020.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
SUICOKE: a unique approach to innovation
We have been looking at SUICOKE's bold creative approach for a while: challenging creative development and utilizing only the highest quality materials. Founded in 2006 Suicoke introduced its original Sandal equipped with SUICOKE ORIGINAL EVA Footbed in 2012, adding and unique comfort to footwear. These are shoes made for walking. In 2014 SUICOKE went a step further when they found great unification with the likeminded Vibram® - known for being the best sole producer in the world - working together a sandal equipped with an original Vibram® sole. The two brands went on to create one of the greatest products on the market – the Vibram® Morflex. An industry first, its function and high quality of design gained quickly global recognition. SUICOKE is continuously in motion developing footwear that showcases the brand's relevance within the fashion world.
www.suicoke.com
Fashion
Acqua di Parma: Signatures of the Sun
For more than a century Acqua di Parma has been capturing a sense of lively and inspiring fragrances, bottling them in small yet artful glass bottles and distributing them far and wide. Now, with the help of Italian instant-visual artist Maurizio Galimberti, to evoke an adventurous collection of ten perfumes. ‘Signatures of the Sun’ favors more delicate olfactory elements like the sparkling citric notes of mandarin, flowering notes of neroli or osmanthus, a special flower that blooms commonly in the sunlight of south-east asia.
Their perfume, ‘Sakura’, is a flower of rebirth that comes from Japanese cherry blossoms. The floweing of the sakura is celebrated every year all over Japan, it is a symbol of new energy. With a long-lasting spice and a counterpart of sambac jasmine rest on a sophistocated musk base note. Each of these fragrances embodies the retainance of newfound energy, like dawn’s first light opens one’s eyes the sensations evoked in Acqua di Parma’s latest collection are just as subtle and sweet. Galimberti’s kaleidescopic works bring to mind the many ways in which sunlight is reflected and enhanced, each fragrance’s glasswork also captures this joyous and ephemeral beauty.
Fashion
Miu Miu SS20
The freedom of dressing, of moving in your own personality, “Something raw, simple, naive, not a big deal: I am suggesting a way of dressing to people where they are free to do their own thing” Miuccia Prada told to the group of journalist who gathered around her to warmly congratulate after the show. The collection was intelligent and naturally appealing, simple and playful, as only Miuccia Prada is capable of. When a fellow journalist asked why of the relevant difference with Prada Spring Summer 2020 collection, the nonchalant Mrs Prada underlined how when designing Miu Miu there is “more spirit, more lightness and lot of enthusiasm”. And there it was, the lightness: canvasses created from artist’s toile freely painted or adorned with knotted gestures.
In contrast silk duchesse pleated pinafores paired with mohair boiled-wool-like cropped cardigans worn underneath. With the generously long crimped hair it reminisced of Romy Schneider’s look portraying Empress Elisabeth in Sissi trilogy and later in the ambitious and beautiful Luchino Visconti’s “Ludwig”. The structured and austere elements coupled with the light-hearted and youthful: ruffled fabric just directly collaged on the garments. Flowers and oversized buttons as if in a DIY gesture, to underline that simplicity and spontaneous attitude Mrs Prada mentioned backstage: “reflected in the wood, the set, like theatres where people used to improvise.”
AMO’s set design played with the austerity of the magnificent Auguste Perret’s reinforced concrete Palais d’Iena and its monumental Salle Hypostyle. AMO’s space-inside-the-space in OCB wood resulted in a strong juxtaposition with Perret’s original design: its mono-materiality and bas relief created almost a fictional space as out of a computer drawing, a pure simplicity, a “un-palace”.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Woolrich x N.Hoolywood
In collaboration with N.Hoolywood, Woolrich has allied with a contemporary counterpart. With salvaged vintage apparel being one of Obana’s career staples, N.Hoolywood’s creative director utilizes camouflage patterns to mix a sleek urbanity with Woolrich’s tried and true materials. With Woolrich transitioning from the more traditional side of clothing to a more contemporary aesthetic it is safe to say this collaboration has been mutually beneficial. Both brands went into this project with the same intention, to create garments that retained their style and comfort over a substantial period of time.
Their collection comprizes of four unique styles that juxtapose Woolrich’s signature check pattern with camouflage print, resulting in an all-over motif in shades of forrest green and steel grey. An oversized bomber jacket is a sure highlight from their fruitful collaboration, with deep pockets and neon mesh detail the look is as bold as its functionality. Classic Woolrich style is also readily apparent in a wool shirt reminiscent of their famous ‘Chief Petty Officer’ shirt worn by the US Navy, straying from conservatism for a new generation this iteration arrives in a multi-color palette. Complete with water-repellent down-vest, parka and nylon track pants; there is little left to be desired in weather-ready street-style.
Of the collection, released today, Obana was pleased with the outcome, saying “it was an experiment to see what happens if you combine the strength of weak points, the result was a beautiful pattern that I had never seen before.”
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Celine SS20
A constellation of lights. The humongous installation designed by Hedi Slimane himself moved slowly with his monstrous arms covered in millions of lights.
Slimane continued his poetic staying true to his vision for Celine Spring Summer 2020. Denim trousers, skirts and a-line culottes, paired with silk shirts, fedoras hats and cropped jackets.
This season Slimane explored the powerful allure of the early 70s. These girls love to wear floating silk dresses with an attitude. Printed with floral or with geometric motives, pleated at the skirt and at times richly embroidered, worn with suede high-knee boots and cropped sleeveless shearling jacket – almost as gilet. The color hues stayed naturals exploring earthy tomes: cream, hazel, taupe, grey, caramel.
The accessories as always played a big role: new variations of the Triomphe and Triomphe chain bags. The latter beautifully declined in wicker, python and in suede with fringes. The original soundtrack “Calling it” by Automatic permeated in the space at Place Vauban creating a positive energy . The band’s guitar-less experimentations and minimal sound provided a perfect setting for the collection, where model literally stormed in.
Arriving backstage to congratulate Hedi Slimane, we felt a air of ease and joy. This iconic French maison is treating the designer with outmost respect and we cannot wait to see the future of this collaboration.
www.celine.com
Fashion
10 Years of Kaviar Gauche
In celebration of ten years since launching their bridal line, and fifteen years in the industry, Kaviar Gauche proved beyond doubt that modern German glamour is alive and well. When Kaviar Gauche first stepped on the scene in 2004 they were hosting a guerrilla fashion show on the doorstep of high-end Parisian department store, Colette. In those days the German design duo were finishing up their studies at Esmond University for Art and Fashion in Berlin. Since then Alexandra Roehler and Johanna Kühl, have caused a stir and paved the way for dreamy bridal wear and graceful ready to wear dresses.
Since its inception Kaviar Gauche has designed with great care and attention to detail. Icon, Heidi Klum turned heads in Kaviar Gauche as she walked the isle of her own wedding earlier this year. Their Paris Fashion Week Runway ’10 Years of Bridal Couture’ displays their effervescent signature, a downplayed glamour with tasteful hints of German design intuition and couture influence. With 24 looks, the show was a spectacle of German design prowess keeping their affinity for fine materials with delicate and uplifting tailoring in full focus. With metallic floral embroidery, silk organza and crystal fabrics every look spoke to the Gauche history and foreshadowed a bright future.
Fashion
Alex Thomson’s new Yacht by BOSS
British sailor, Alex Thomson, is the face of modern greatness in sailing. Thomson is the youngest sailor in history to claim first place in circumnavigation. In doing so Thomson shattered three world recor¬¬ds and reinforced his reputation by placing second in the 2016/17 Vendée Globe. For next year’s Vendée Globe Thomson will race in a yacht built by BOSS. BOSS, along with friends, international guests and acclaimed celebrities baptised their new yacht on London’s historic Thames river. The ship was in development for two years, worked on tirelessly by Karim Rashid, known for his use of bright colors, painted the boat a neon pink. The yacht will be the first boat of its kind to feature neon pink accents, approved by the IMOCA or ‘International Monohull Open Class Association’. The yacht will be entered into the Vendé Globe in November 2020, helmed by Alex Thomson for his team ‘Alex Thomson Racing’. Poppy Delvingne would be the lucky one to break a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow, thus christening the racing yacht.
The race is both physically and mentally exhaustive and requires the upmost endurance. It is a test of courage and technical prowess in boating, the Vendée Globe is a single-handed non-stop yacht race around the world without any assistance. Thomson’s ‘BOSS’ yacht features solar panels that charge the ship’s battery, as well as its communication and navigation tools. With savvy engineering the panels will also remain functional in the Southern Ocean where direct sunlight is scarce. The ‘BOSS’ logo plays a structurally important role on the yacht’s light carbon fiber body, the foils on the yacht are also redesigned in a first for single-handed off-shore sailing. The wings on the exterior of the yacht’s bilge create the effect of flying or gliding over the ocean for maximum speed. With an immolating desire to reach his absolute potential and the right yacht to claim his victory with there isn’t much in this world that can stop Alex Thomson now.
Fashion
Olivier Theyskens Pop-Up in Verso Antwerp
Verso, a restored 16th century mansion in Antwerp is where Olivier Theyskens (CFDA 2016 winner, formerly designer at Rochas, Nina Ricci and Theory) has chosen to open a pop-up for his FW19 collection. A dark cloud filled with rolling thunder, a rogue that strays far from the conventional herd, Theyskens’ women’s collection is as decadent as it is bold. Haute Couture is plunged into a future full of cascading butterfly lace dresses and ice pink satin offset by gothic jewellery and moiré linen. Theyskens’ own lambskin leather jackets and pleated trousers are soft to the touch yet visceral to the eye.
It comes as no surprise Theyskens has a fondness for Antwerp after the fashion museum, MoMu, unveiled a comprehensive retrospective of his career in 2017. Later, in early 2018 a monograph spanning Theyskens’ 20 year career was penned by MoMu’s head conservator Wim Mertens in collaboration with a range of experts including the New York Times’ chief fashion critic, Vanessa Friedman and two curators from Antwerp’s ModeMuseum. The book, published through Rizzoli was titled ‘Olivier Theyskens: She Walks in Beauty’. There is a home for world-class style, and as the old adage goes, home is where the heart is. Theyskens’ heart rests not in Paris, not in Milan but in the fashion mecca of Belgium, Verso.
The Pop Up embraces Antwerp just as it has embraced him, the FW19 release party will be held on Wednesday the 18th of September.
www.oliviertheyskens.com
Fashion
NYFW: Michael Kors Spring 2020
At 10am on September the 11th spirits were high at Brooklyn’s sun drenched Duggal Greenhouse. All-American optimism was the theme that Michael Kors sought to evoke with his Spring 2020 collection. Is there anything more reassuring of a bright future than the voices of children singing? With performances from the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, which aims to bring music into children’s lives no matter their circumstances, the theme of a typically unified New York could not have been stronger. Of the show Kors said “I am a native New Yorker and I wanted this show to highlight the strength and optimism and can-do attitude of our city – it is a celebration of the diversity of American style and beauty”. Guests were able to have their photo taken at a highly decorative showpiece picnic set before catching the show.
Collisions like preppy versus punk, luxury meeting relaxed nonchalance, all with precise tailoring so that nothing looks out of place. A midnight blue cotton pinstripe blazer effortlessly conveys a sense of formality while the white pick-stitches indicate fashion conscious craftsmanship to diffuse the stiffness of the conventional suit for a more relaxed demeanour. The women’s Spring 2020 collection shined, in particular a crimson crepe sablé dress glistened with silver star sequin embroidery, a taut waist seam and straight shoulder line postured the dress to be as elegant as it is commanding. An elusive and ineffable sense of hope for the future found a place to grow in that Brooklyn greenhouse
Fashion
NYFW: Longchamp SS20
Only a handful of days ago creative director of Longchamp, Sophie Delafontaine, envisioned and presented a sunburst of retro elegance with her SS20 Runway during New York Fashion Week. An artist adored by Los Angeles, Judy Chicago, is the easel this art rests on. The colors brought out in this collection encourage the same freedoms that entice on late Summer afternoons when the sun has not yet fallen on a hot day. Sky blues and dreamy yellows that reminds you of the first small flower to push through the grass, the truest colors of Summer can be found in Delafontaine’s collection. New York was privelleged to host some fine Paris tailoring and Longchamp delivered.
The classic Roseau bag returns in new contortions, the Le Pliage bag, originally designed by Philippe Cassegrain in ’93, is dramatically downsized, appearing in ‘mini’ and ‘nano’ variations. Putting the right foot forward, Longchamp takes on footwear from contemporary boots to classic laced designs. Lots of rosey faces were in attendance including Kate Moss, Victoria Swarovski, Flaviana Matata, Kendall Jenner and Julianne Moore. All looks appear unquestionably complete as they burned up the runway. Along with nylon crop tops with transparent skirts, floral appliqués and high-cut shorts, this show was for the women that make the very most of Summer. A plateau of different colors and fabrics flowed as the models walked for New York, each step seemingly bringing Summer closer and closer until you could practically hear crickets singing from their warm blanket of Earth beneath the runway.
Art
Osservatorio Fondazione Prada: “Training Humans”
Fondazione Prada will host the first major photography exhibition dedicated to bettering our understanding of the images gathered and used to train A.I. technologies. Artificial Intelligence is talked about frequently and superstitions surrounding new tech are mounting. Two highly contemplative and knowledgeable scholars will host “Training Humans”, held at Galleria Vittorio II in Milan. Kate Crawford, distinguished New York University professor and widely published A.I. researcher, along with artist, futurist, and researcher Trevor Paglen who has been exhibited from the Smithsonian to the Guggenheim. Their exhibition is an interrogation of the training practices used to categorically define the human race through the eyes of artificial intelligence.
When the CIA first conducted facial recognition experiments, in 1963, they compiled a total of 14,126 images with which to set a benchmark for machine learning. “Training Humans” explores two issues fundamental to humanity and its freedoms. The photography on display will expose to human eyes how humans are represented, interpreted and how technological systems harvest, label and use this material. The intention of “Training Humans” is not to imagine some not-too-distant dystopia; it is to specify to a concerned public exactly which images are chosen to teach A.I. Because of the Internet and the integration of social media into our every day the AI researchers moved from using government-owned collections, such as FBI mug shots of dead criminals, to sourcing photos from anywhere they chose to.
In our infinite complexities, authorities seem desperate to teach machines how to understand us in simple terms. The moral quandary of this is how far they will go to put humanity in a box, to remove the unpredictable, the wild, the life we share that machines cannot yet understand.
“Training Humans” is open to the public from September 12th to the 24th of February 2020
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
MARNI FW19: ‘Banana’ Sneakers
In a nod to Warhol’s pop art banana, Marni has crafted summer sneakers without complicating the design process, allowing playful and contemporary shape to guide them. Marni’s Fall/Winter 2019 riffs on the chunky sole shoe, adding a lightweight upper in polyester making the fit less restrictive. The Italian brand founded in ’94, showing no sign of slowing down, has opened up flagship stores this year in Tokyo and Munich to further align themselves with the styles of both cities.
Marni has contributed to emergent trends in a light-hearted way sure to catch passing eyes amid Fall/Winter festivities. The ‘Banana’ sneaker has plenty to like, putting a fresh twist on a familiar favourite with its thick rubber sole, pull-tab and minimalist features. Classic contrast and sparse amounts of color allow for this shoe to be worn with shorts, trousers, jeans or suit pants effortlessly. Marni continues its love affair with the world of the avant-garde while standing its ground in the realm of luxury.
The words quirky and elegant rarely find themselves next to one another, as odd as it sounds “quirky” and “elegant” fit the description of their ‘Banana’ shoe. Under the creative direction of Francesco Risso, Marni has not let its imagination outweigh its sensibilities. Their ‘Banana’ shoe makes for a valiant attempt to capture the essence of the unattainable, that which surprises at a glance time and time again. This shoe treads the line between standing out and fitting in to suit demand for smart-casual sneakers.
www.marni.com
Art
Lovingly Renovated: The Cranford Collection
The Cranford Collection is the most prized collection of art in Europe; nearly 700 works of fine art live in a residential building in Regent’s Park, London. The collection rotates every 18 months under the expert curatorship of Anne Pontégnie, who has been the guiding force behind the collection since 2011. The Cranford Collection exemplifies how art might be seen with fresh eyes in an intimate setting undistracted by any impinging tones set by the impossibly high glass ceilings and large slabs of bedrock found in most other museums. Architecture has a profound effect on the way art is viewed; The Cranford Collection explores the notion that all artworks are at the mercy of the placid walls they adorn.
The Cranford Collection is home to masterpieces by Bruce Nauman, Louis Bourgeois, Alice Neel and many others. The residential location at Gloucester Gate is fresh off the heels of its recent renovation by London based architect, David Chipperfield. The original building was designed by John Nash, one of Great Britain’s foremost architects responsible for the lasting neo-classical elements of England’s Regency and Georgian eras. The essential style of the building has been retained while the space itself has expanded to suit the needs of artists in pursuit of bettering their work. MFA students can now attend talks and discussions, school groups can tour by appointment and the esteemed residential gallery will host film screenings. The Cranford Collection’s collaboration with the Camden Arts Centre ensures artists can apply for residency or publishing of art books. The private gallery has been lovingly expanded to make up and coming artists feel right at home.
The museum will reopen its doors November 2019.
www.cranfordarts.org
Fashion
Messika: Precious Wanderlust
A campfire under the starry night sky surrounded by nothing but the vastness of the desert plains. A red carpet event with thousands of photographers and fans screaming for your attention. The Wild West and fine jewelry really are worlds apart. Nonetheless, Valérie Messika finds inspiration in North America’s endless desert landscapes and injects her newfound desire for escape and a sense of wanderlust into the Haute Joaillerie collection.
Named after the famous 1969 song “Born to Be Wild,” the collection is a tribute to the iconic Route 66 and the love of adventure as celebrated in the film Easy Rider. Carefree American attitude meets French glamour and sophistication in a dazzling display of diamonds and Maison Messika’s excellent craftsmanship.
Suited for queens of the desert, Messika second opus of Born to Be Wild presents its vision of modern jewelry: ultra-feminine and elegant, yet organic and natural in shape, drawing inspiration from Wild West motifs such as cactus flowers, lassos or shooting stars.
Even in Haute Joaillerie, taste never stands still as new generations of customers demand novelty objects and new creations. For the first time, Valérie Messika introduces more unconventional pieces into her collection, such as the mask entirely set in diamonds, each stone in the Maison’s signature feather setting, or the two-in-one nose- and single earring.
Born to Be Wild represents the perfect synergy of French luxury and vast American wilderness, celebrating and combining the glamour of Haute Joaillerie with the Wild West’s longing for freedom and adventure.
www.messika.com
Fashion
Missoni: Casual Finesse
If there is one trend that stands out and has dominated fashion over the last few seasons, it has to be streetwear. Streetwear staples, such as hoodies and sneakers, have become absolute must-have items and they have been elevated, at one point or the other, into the realm of luxury ready-to-wear at every fashion houses. The trend pendulum keeps swinging ceaselessly, so even last seasons’ streetwear aesthetic will be replaced eventually. Maybe sooner than we think.
Missoni’s new Menswear FW19 collection might be the first precursor, as it perfectly illustrates a new sense of formality this season. Reminiscent of ‘70s glamour, the Italian brand dives into the realm of evening wear, reconstructing classic pieces with the signature Missoni finesse. The collection is defined by the narrow and elongated silhouette of smartly tailored pieces: high-waisted, tapered trousers are paired with blazers or caban coats – belted double-breasted or reversible, which softly envelop the body.
In signature Missoni fashion, the collection demonstrates the house’s long-established expertise and heritage in knit and weaving. Using a variety of finely knitted materials for their garment construction, some of the standouts are definitely the tuxedos in woven or lamé flecked loom-knit fabrics, alongside the house’s luxuriously soft basic knitwear staples in cashmere, mohair and fleecy wool.
The color palette of the FW19 collection features soft and refined gradients of earthy tones and radiant hues, inspired by the tonal dégradés of the Swedish-Chilean artist Anton Alvarez’s work. Textural, abstract and boldly colored, Alvarez’s work has resonated with Angela Missoni and inspired this season’s collaboration. The resulting pieces, two distinctive cable knits, play on different patterns and textures, perfectly merging the artist’s eclecticism with Missoni heritage.
This season’s style for the Missoni man is more soigné, proving that informality does not have to come at the expense of elegance.
www.missoni.com
Fashion
BOSS x MEISSEN
With their joint capsule collection, two of Germany’s most prestigious brands come together. HUGO BOSS is a global player in the luxury fashion scene, whereas MEISSEN has enjoyed a premier status amongst the world’s porcelain manufacturers. Both houses have, since their foundations, unceasingly stood as embodiment of the German values of quality and innovative design and exported them all around the globe.
These shared core values have laid the foundation for the collaboration. The starting point for the unique capsule collection were MEISSEN’s Big Five figurines. Inspired by the angular style of traditional wooden African sculptures, they depict the continent’s rich wildlife in form of the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo
These majestic creatures appear as motifs in embroidered, jacquard and printed form on BOSS’ casual and formal pieces. The monochrome palette of black and white, heavily reminiscent of the porcelain aesthetic, is a direct visual reference to MEISSEN and its rich heritage, fused with HUGO BOSS’ signature craftsmanship and experience in garment construction.
Alongside the garments, the collection features a series of five limited-edition porcelain mugs featuring the same aesthetic. In recognition of the underlying theme, HUGO BOSS pledges a donation to Elephants for Africa, a charity focussing on the conservation of the iconic species.
The capsule collection of BOSS Mens and Womenswear will be available in BOSS and MEISSEN stores around the globe.
www.boss.com
www.meissen.com
Fashion
CARRIE and IVA: Maison Héroïne for Work and Play
Since 2016 Maison Héroïne has created bags for all settings, bridging the gaps between work and play, fashion and function. Working with the finest Italian leathers the Milanese designer, Marta Vitali, has created the new norm for professional women the world over. Maison Héroïne has a polished simplicity and elegance about their design that can be viewed as a statement piece or a means of convenient organization poised for greatness in a workplace setting.
The forms and shapes of Maison Héroïne’s designs keep tablets and notebooks in mind, the modern woman carries both and should not have to compromise her elegance for either. The sleek design and care that IVA encapsulates throws the focus back on the wearer, if less is more then IVA does the most, in Italian brick red suede or sleek black leather, even an expressive gold it does what other bags cannot and does it with spectacular ease. CARRIE, on the other hand is sure to be everywhere in offices from New York to Paris just in time for Summer. Worn as a cross-body, belt-bag or clutch, coloured in ‘deep berry prugna’ among others, CARRIE is at the cutting edge of women’s workwear.
www.maisonheroine.com
Fashion
Panthère de Cartier
The days of the wristwatch as functional items are over. Wearing a watch is not about being able to tell the time, it is a statement, an essential part of your accessories, especially if it comes from the Parisian house Cartier.
The French house keeps redefining and reinventing its products, iconic models are instilled with new energy through creativity and innovative design in an ever-evolving stream of ideas. Ultra-feminine in spirit, the two new interpretations of the Panthère de Cartier celebrate the essence of Cartier, a daring and triumphant elegance.
Inspired by the original, both the styles are a play on proportion, combining signature features, such as the Roman numerals or the iconic soft square shape with a new and contemporary housing. The Manchette accentuates the flowing bracelet of the watch. The dial is set slightly off-centered in a bracelet-styled, open-worked chain to create a casual yet stylish piece. As the name suggests, the Mini Watch is kept very close to the original. Smaller in size, the watch keeps the original’s elegant appearance, making it a well-suited pairing for several bracelets.
The new Panthère de Cartier models will be available from September.
www.cartier.com
Travel
Mindspace's Office Revolution
With the progression of time, it is natural that certain things are bound to change. Letters, typewriters and CDs are just a few examples of objects that have all fallen victim to the changing times and the traditional office space might be the next on the list to disappear.
Flexibility is key in all the facets of today’s work environment. Staff is moving around the office space freely changing between different teams and projects, freelancers and outside contributors come and go and different yet congenial businesses are working alongside each other to enhance each other’s expertise and network. The traditional lease model for office space just does not seems to suitable to fit these new requirements.
Mindspace has become the leading ‘office-as-service’ provider in the world, with almost thirty locations in major global cities. They revolutionized the modern office, creating high-end, yet affordable and flexible shared workspaces, comfortable lounges and efficient conference rooms, enabling creative businesses to work alongside each other and thrive from within the same building. Mindspace’s commitment to a new and vibrant workspace extends beyond the premises, offering its tenants a range of in house wellness-, lifestyle- and professional programs for an efficient yet pleasant work environment.
By opening more locations worldwide and with 8 different locations within the Netherlands, Mindspace continues to support businesses so they can continue to grow and thrive within their industries.
www.mindspace.me
Fashion
New DIOR Boutique on the Champs-Elysées
For a brand of DIOR’s magnitude, it is a question of prestige to have a presence in certain select locations worldwide. This becomes even more important if said location happens to be the birthplace of the house. With the majestic display of its new boutique on the world’s most beautiful avenue, the Champs Elysées, the house of DIOR pays homage to the French capital and its special bond city.
The three-story space is a reflection of core DIOR values, a testament to the house’s savoir-faire and a journey to the heart of the House’s modernity and heritage. In a tribute to the DIOR’s iconic address, the façade of 30 Avenue Montaigne is reprised on an immense, entirely handmade drape at the heart of the Champs-Elysées.
Inside the store, a staircase unfurls like a ribbon in an ode to the curves so loved by its founder, whilst pristine white toiles usually locked away in the DIOR ateliers compose a poetic fresco.
The new boutique adorned with symbols of Christian Dior offers a timeless and contemporary atmosphere for its customers to discover the houses Men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, as well as jewelry and footwear, fragrances and Dior Maison designs. Additionally, the store features an in-store workshop offering a broad range of new personalization services, completed on the spot within an hour. Animated with new launches and pop-ups, DIOR presents an immersive and innovative concept of luxury.
For the opening of its new boutique, DIOR presents an exclusive preview of the Check’N’Dior collection with two exclusive variations of the DiorCamp and a silk scarf in tropical toile de Jouy specially designed for the Paris address.
www.dior.com
Art
Implicit Tensions: Mapplethrope Now
Robert Mapplethrope counts amongst the most critically acclaimed artists of the late twentieth century. Most notably, Mapplethrope is known for his black-and-white portrait photography and his documentation of New York’s S&M scene in the late 70s. His provocative images were never created with the purpose to shock, but out of a curiosity to explore and showcase the unknown. For the 30th anniversary of his passing, the Guggenheim Museum dedicates a yearlong, two-part exhibition to Mapplethorpe’s groundbreaking work, which deliberately kept challenging the social norms of the time.
Whereas the first phase of Explicit Tensions showcased the Guggenheim’s large collection of Mapplethrope’s work, the second part is focussed on the artist’s lasting legacy. In the ensuing decades, Mapplethorpe’s treatment of under-represented communities and homoerotic desire have raised questions about the agency of the photographic subject and initiated complex conversations about the fine line separating representation and objectification.
To honor Mapplethorpe’s critical contributions, the Guggenheim showcases the work of six artists, that engage various approaches of exploring identity through the medium of photography. The six chosen artists were Lyle Ashton Harris, Glenn Ligon, Zanele Muholi, Catherine Opie and Paul Mpagi Sepuya.
The second part of Implicit Tensions: Mapplethrope Now will be open to the public from July 24, 2019 until January 5, 2020.
www.guggenheim.org
Fashion
SCHUELLER DE WAAL Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019
Dutch Design studio SCHUELLER DE WAAL continues to unfold their story of ‘Fashion Therapy’ and opts once again for a different kind of presentation during Paris Haute Couture 2019/2020. In collaboration with Pik Pik Environnement, they present the first Collaborative Cleaning Initiative named ‘Litter’.
Rather than changing a location to be able to accommodate a fashion show, SDW Studio created an initiative that has a positive effect on the location itself. Dressed in an eclectic range of cleaning uniforms, a group of 50 models, cool kids and volunteers started picking up trash in the public square in front of the town-hall in an upbeat cleansing fashion performance.
The workwear inspired overalls pick up on the concept of re-purposing. They are made from patchworks of leftover fabrics and past collection pieces in an effort to avoid the unnecessary waste of resources. The collection is a clashing combination of couture and workwear, recontextualizing past pieces whilst supplementing the insufficient samples and leftovers of luxurious fabrics with re-creations made from office-and household materials.
Most of the cleaning uniforms were finished off by safety shoes by the Dutch brand EMMA Safety Footwear, chosen for its Corporate Social Responsibility mission.
www.schuellerdewaal.com
Fashion
Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2020
Thom Browne is a master in creating a dream-like surreal mise en scène. For Spring/Summer 2020 he imagined a garden as out of Marie Antoinette’s summer residence. At our arrival at the spectacular Ècole des Beaux-Arts we saw what looked like full-scale statues standing on small podiums, at its center a adorable cherub fountain jetting seersucker gush instead of water. The statues, wearing 2D visualization of garments — that we will later discover — we’re no other than part of the collection looks soon to be unveiled. Coming to a closer look to discern the intricacy of the composition, we all realized they were actually real models. Part of the fantasy — one of the principal of the American Ballet Theater — is James Whiteside, dancing magnificently as the models walked in.
The signature Thom Browne fabric, seersucker, is declined in pastel colors: light blue, aqua, pink, yellow, but also in navy and red. At times flower embroideries blossomed, recalling the summer garden we were merged in.
The silhouettes at time reinventing the XVIII century gowns: dilated hips, achieved by panniers, the corseted waist well below the natural waistline, the deep décolletage, the drapery-parted opening of the skirt to reveal underskirts, petticoats, or a dress. Elements that Oriole Cullen - Furniture, Textiles and Fashion Department, Victoria and Albert Muse address as a measure of eighteenth-century theatricality and sensuality.
In Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2020 all these elements are transformed and reinvented: the décolletage is turned in a graphic representation of blazers lapels, the underskirt in exaggerated culottes, the petticoat is rendered only by its naked structure. In classic Thom Browne fashion, he has always loved to merge couture elements in his work.
A whimsical collection as a refreshing dive into a dream-like world, like the breathtaking James Whiteside’s grand jeté.
www.thombrowne.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Men's Spring Summer 2020
Yohji Yamamoto has the power to fill us all with emotions no matter what. The languid sound of voice and guitar accompanying the slow pace walk of the models. I actually dreamed of an even slower motion walk, just to capture better the passionate handwritten notes, verses, all over the collection. At times I could reach one - if lucky few - words. They felt like notes of protest, a reminder to take action. Visceral and poetic.
Sometimes I would spot ghostly figures by artist Suzume Uchida. With whom Yamamoto collaborated already for Men’s Spring Summer 2018.
Powerful brush stokes by Yohji himself all over, hand painted faces at the back of coats and jackets. And images of what it looked like a sunset. Or was it a hellish landscape?
The artwork is by Yuuka Asakura who has collaborated with Yohji Yamamoto since 2016.
Don’t ask Yohji the reason why he used these elements, he might answer: “just because”. He doesn’t like the overly explained commentaries of what he creates, the fashion journalism that is obsessed to ask “why” without feeling his clothes. He might let you believe it was just an aesthetic gesture on a whim.
The truth is that Yohji Yamamoto has been reflecting on the meaning of our existence and on the future of our planet since a while. Breaking the boundaries of gender already since decades. He is one of the greatest poets of our time. Although he will tell you he is just a dressmaker.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Berluti Spring Summer 2020
The iconic Alessandro shoes have been a source of inspiration since the beginning for Kris Van Assche at Berluti. The headquarters marble table in Ferrara where the shoes receive the special patina, and its coloured stains were rendered on suits already for the Fall Winter 2019 debut collection at the house. For Berluti Spring Summer 2020 Kris Van Assche intensifies the same colour palette with more brilliant hues channelling the rebellious spirit we are acquainted with: intense violet, cobalt blue, fluo orange, yellow.
During last season’s debut collection Van Assche talked about carefully finding the new codes for Berluti in beautiful excellent crafted clothes but with a new energy and seductive allure.
For Spring Summer 2020 Van Assche adds little by little new elements together with confirming what already proposed, building up a language made of details, where heritage meets modernity, also declined in Women’s looks. Like the zip at the bottom of tailored pants to underline the presence of the shoes Alessandro in the version Diamond already available for Fall and the new design with a sneaker sole - Alessandro Edge. Or the house’s legendary scritto motif – a 19th century old manuscript from Berluti’s archive – printed on jacquard suits, shirts and leather pieces.
Kris Van Assche also expands Berluti silhouettes: suits jackets are often sleeveless or paired with bermuda. If we see motocross pants added to Berluti’s vocabulary - further driving in the direction of Van Assche love for New Wave rock - the women’s suits counterpart are declined with ostrich feathers, channelling a delicate femininity, a game of contrasts.
We applaud to the brave spirit of Van Assche and we are already looking forward to next season’s new staples.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Miu Miu Jockey Club
Each year, Europe’s luxury houses travel in style to a chosen destination for the presentation of their Resort collection. Whereas Prada invited its guests to New York earlier this year, the selection for the sister label Miu Miu fell on the picturesque Hippodrome d’Auteuil race track on the outskirt of Paris.
Fitting to the chosen venue, Miuccia Prada unveils an upbeat collection reminiscent of a day at the races. Aware of the current political situation, Prada confronts conservatism in her designs and presents her personal and playful take of ‘conservative’ occasion wear.
Throughout the collection, fairly straight shapes are shown alongside Forties and Seventies references in form of recurring Chelsea collars, crystal-embroidered pouf-sleeves and high-waisted shorts. Despite many conservative staples, the retro-looking collection gets a distinctly youthful and sporty flair through its accessories. The silhouettes are finished off with clunky platform sneakers and a variety of layered hats, combining classic styles, such as cloches and wide-brimmed sunhats with modern baseball caps.
Fitting for the venue and to underline racing’s tradition as a social occasion, the runway show was completed with a horse race and an exclusive party.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Fifty Years Proud
Most of the world’s heritage fashion houses share a special bond to the city they are located in. Having remained within its confines for generations, their stories began to intertwine and the brands have become an intricate part of the fabric that set is apart. They become a visual embodiment of the city’s spirit, taking its aesthetic and lifestyle into the world.
Coach shares a special bond with the city of New York. For almost 80 years, they have witnessed some crucial social movements that started in the city and later changed the whole world. With Fifty Years Proud, Coach celebrates the LGBTQ+ community; its history, culture and determined pursuit of recognition and acceptance.
In honor of WorldPrideNYC and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, Coach releases a film project dedicated to the five decades of the struggle endured by the LGBTQ+ community. Through a combination of dance, archival footage of past Pride celebrations and interviews with key figures from each decade of the movement, Coach promotes inclusion and freedom of self-expression, two of New York’s trademark features. To create the film, Coach collaborated with a diverse team of internationally recognized artists, including the director Kevin Calero, choreographer Tanisha Scott, stylist Chris Campbell, makeup artists Jace Bowman and Tiffany The Artist and hairstylist Yusef Williams.
The struggle against sexual discrimination has come a long way but is far from being done. With Fifty Years Proud, Coach expresses its continued active support for the LGBTQ+ community and fortifies its multi-year commitment in support of the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
www.coach.com
Fashion
Karl For Ever
On June 20th, the houses of Chanel, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld came together to pay homage to an extraordinary career and the man behind it. As much as Karl Lagerfeld lived in the moment and refused to look back into the past, nobody could possibly begrudge the industry for taking a moment to dwell on the lasting memory Lagerfeld left behind.
In the Grand Palais in Paris, over 2500 guests came together to witness a spectacle staged by Robert Carsen in Lagerfeld’s honor. Countless celebrities from film, fashion and music alike took the time out of their busy schedules to take part in this event.
Through testimonials and compelling videos, shot throughout his life, and portraits, from some of the most famous photographers, we get a last impression of this multi-faceted man, who refused to be defined by anyone. Alongside performances by world-renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang and American artist Pharrell Williams, the actresses and close personal friends Tilda Swinton, Fanny Ardant, Cara Delavingne and Helen Miren recited and read excerpts from his favorite authors, Virginia Woolf, Stéphane Mallarmé and Edith Sitwell.
In an exceptional moment, the industry says its last farewell to a man of incredible talent, who has undeniably left a lasting mark in an inherently fast-paced and ephemeral industry.
Fashion
Marcelo Burlon County of Milan Spring/Summer 2020
Italian fashion has a certain inherently elegant quality that has been established by its grand houses and their rich tradition. Marcelo Burlon does not fit this mold of Italian fashion. Traditional Italian elegance is replaced with a gritty urban aesthetic, closer to streetwear than couture. Marcelo Burlon takes a techno-approach for his new season, starting with his choice of materials. Modern fibers, such as iridescent coated nylon and paper-like resin tech cotton are crafted into garments suited for the hyper-accelerated needs of a contemporary lifestyle.
Throughout his collection, sometimes evoking references to ‘90s acid culture, Marcelo Burton continues to refuse the pre-set rules and lets extremes collide, showcasing them side-by-side. Technical cycling garments, do not just inject an element of body consciousness, but also infuse traditional tailoring techniques for an eclectic hyper-modern look. To underline his techno-approach, Edoardo Tresoldi build a modern and impressive wire mesh cathedral as a runway for the show.
Additionally, Marcelo Burlon used his platform to denounce Italy’s increasingly xenophobic political climate. In an effort to give back to the community and in support of tolerance, Marcelo Burlon sets a sign by casting a considerable number of first-generation Italians of African descent and inviting 300 local kids to the show.
www.marceloburlon.eu
Fashion
ETRO x Star Wars Capsule Collection & Spring/Summer 2020
Italian brand ETRO does not only showcase one, but two collections at their Spring 2020 Menswear presentation. Throughout the show, the SS20 collection was complemented by ETRO’s upcoming capsule collection based on the hugely successful movie franchise Star Wars.
As long term fan of the movies, it was Kean Etro’s wish to produce this unisex collection, including a range of urban staples, such as hoodies, sweatshirts and T-shirts, all carrying a variety of Star Wars prints. The images of all the famous characters are sourced from the original movies, released in the late ‘70s and ‘80s.
Human decorative traditions are in the focus of the main SS20 collection. Kean Etro celebrates the brand’s adventurous and traveling spirit, by presenting an eclectic collection, imbued with references to artisanal craft from cultures all over the globe.
Italian sartorial tradition is revisited and freshly interpreted, resulting in a line-up, defined by light construction and relaxed, sometimes even generous silhouettes. Combined with tribal motifs and quintessential nomadic staples, such as the poncho, they create a nomadic vibe reinterpreted in a modern urban context.
The ETRO x Star Wars capsule collection will be available online and in ETRO international stores from July 1st.
www.etro.com
Fashion
NET SUSTAIN: An Edit of Considered Fashion
The mentality of the modern consumer has undeniably changed over the last few years. Whereas a few years ago the main incentive was to blindly satisfy the desire for luxury and consumption, the focus has shifted towards a more informed way of shopping. Important notions of environmental protection and sustainability never before had such a strong impact on our ways of consumption.
By launching NET SUSTAIN, NET-A-PORTER creates a platform dedicated to brands and designers that meet the business’ criteria for sustainability. Hailed as an important milestone in the business’ sustainability journey, this new section will allow the customers to make informed choices while at the same time highlighting brands that are truly making positive changes.
Initially launching with 26 brands, the 500 qualified products all meet one or more of the five key attributes set by NET-A-PORTER. Each attribute takes a different aspect into consideration, covering everything from waste reduction to human, animal and environmental welfare, whilst also aligning with internationally recognized best practices in the fashion and beauty industries. Over time, they hope to include more and more brands, including the addition of beauty within the next year.
NET-A-PORTER sets out on a mission to inspire positive change by showcasing that sustainability and designer fashion can go hand-in-hand. The changes also extend onto the conglomerate itself, which implements a reduction of travel and a strict no-plastics policy into its shoot programming.
NET SUSTAIN will launch on June 18th.
www.net-a-porter.com
Fashion
Christian Louboutin: The Exhibition
On a global level, fashion exhibitions have gained immense popularity over the last decade. As the exhibitions’ curation becomes more and more elaborate, the visitor numbers reach record-breaking levels. Following the major success of two exhibitions, “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” and “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams”, solely focussing on just one designer’s work and vision, iconic shoe designer Christian Louboutin is the next in line whose work is celebrated with a major exhibition.
Under the curation of Olivier Gabet, the Palais de la Porte Dorée dedicates a whole exhibition to the Parisian’s rich creativity and varying sources of inspiration. The designer’s vision and creative processes are explored in every facet through a selection of his most precious works from his personal collections and loans from public collections.
This exhibition presents one of the most complete collections of shoes, showcasing previously unseen historic and artistic pieces alongside a number of exclusive collaborations, which pay tribute to Louboutin’s admiration for craftsmanship and know-how.
For the first time, we are offered a full insight into one of fashion’s most outstanding minds and we will be able to follow what shaped the Parisian’s designs throughout his stellar career. The Palais de la Porte Dorée from which the French designer was fascinated and borrowed a whole repertoire of forms and motifs for his first designs, unquestionably underlines the exhibition’s personal touch and immersion into Louboutin’s creative spirit.
The exhibition will be open to the public from February 25th 2020 to July 28th 2020 in the Musée de la Porte Dorée in Paris.
www.christianlouboutin.com
www.palais-portedoree.fr
Fashion
CELINE: New Paris Boutique
When Hedi Slimane took over Parisian brand CELINE, he succeeded the likes of Phoebe Philo, whose tenure at the house lasted for the whole previous decade. This change at the top of the house brought in a fresh breeze. This new direction would unquestionably trickle down to affect CELINE in its entirety. After announcing a makeover of the house’s logo in September 2018, Hedi Slimane continues to leave his mark by re-envisioning the brand’s retail space.
The new Paris CELINE store opens its doors in the First District of Paris. The creative director’s architectural vision offers the perfect mise-en-scène to present CELINE’s Men’s and Women’s collections. The new boutique’s concept is rounded out with the help of five perfectly integrated artworks by renowned, international artists Deyson Gilbert, Rochelle Goldberg, Katinka Bock, Hu Xiao and Georgia Dickie.
The new CELINE store is located at 4, rue Duphot in the First District of Paris.
www.celine.com
Fashion
Max Mara Resort 2020
Over the last thirty years, ever since the fall of the Berlin wall, the German capital has experienced a period of renaissance. Countless creatives and visionaries have left their mark upon the city to shape it as one of Europe’s true hubs for art, architecture and design. All the recent contributions to contemporary culture revive the avant-garde spirit established a century ago by the radically modern Bauhaus movement. No other city seems more adequate to mark a new beginning.
His fascination with the German capital has influenced creative director Ian Griffiths’ selection of Berlin as the Max Mara Resort 2020 destination. Both of his Berlin idols, Marlene Dietrich and David Bowie are everpresent throughout the show. They become eponymous with Max Mara’s new brand spirit, defying imposed conventions, being classic not conservative. Max Mara presents itself edgy and refreshed by employing hand-made looking fabrics and using the idea of frayed selvages as fringes.
The Neue Museum Berlin, with its priceless artifacts, offered the perfect scenery for this tribute to Berlin, as it syncs with the collection’s sandy and earthy color palette and gave inspiration for the first Max Mara jewelry collection designed by Reema Pachachi. Expertly crafted pieces, such as the pure white Berlin coat, a tribute to Meissen porcelain, were rounded out with a selection of sculpted bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
With the selection of this historical location and the Marlene Dietrich-inspired performance of German singer Ute Lemper, Max Mara pays homage to the past. The collection itself acts as a springboard into the future and modernity, redefining Max Mara’s effortless chic for a new generation.
www.maxmara.com
Art
Holland Festival
Art is an essential and indispensable part of life. The value of art oftentimes exceeds creative expression and broadens our horizons by influencing and enriching our world view. Artists take a central role in today's society, crossing borders, collaborating worldwide across many disciplines and never shying away from sensitive subjects or deep messages.
The 72nd edition of the Holland Festival transforms the city of Amsterdam into an international cultural hub, celebrating the diversity of artists and their work all around the city. Perhaps more than before, a platform is provided to the artists, coming from Chile, Colombia, Germany and the United States among others, to bring pleasure to a broad audience, just as diverse as themselves. For the first time, this year a special focus is on associate artists, South African artist William Kentridge and Congolese Faustin Linyekula. Throughout the festival special prominence is given to their new works, exploring the inspiration, themes and ambitions.
The program includes a number of disciplines from the visual arts to theater and opera.
The Holland Festival, taking place all across Amsterdam, starts today and will last until June 23th.
www.hollandfestival.nl/
Fashion
The New Essential
Certain occasions require more than just a simple party. In honor of their 120th anniversary, German luggage manufacturer overworks its visual identity and embarks on a whole year of celebrations. The aim is to remind people of who they are and what they stand for.
The reimagination of their staple RIMOWA Essential is just a first step of this transformation. RIMOWA recognizes the traveler’s needs to make a statement even when traveling and revives the Essential in four distinct hues. As expected from RIMOWA, the colors were not chosen at random, but are reminiscent of the journey, often forgotten behind the focus on the destination. Each color is inspired by the fleeting impressions of the places in between, often only to be seen from the ariel view. The new colorways of the freshly monochrome Essential include Coral, Slate, Sage and Saffron yellow.
The RIMOWA Essential will be available in three sizes starting June 6th at RIMOWA stores and online.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Furla Flagship Munich
Family-owned Italian accessory label Furla opens a brand-new flagship store in the centre of Munich. With their new boutique in Theaterlinienstraße 33, designed in a modern and elegant fashion, Furla brings a piece of the comemporary Italian lifestyle into the centre of Munich.
This newly minimal and elegant interior, dominated by clear lines, offers the ideal background setting for the brand’s men’s and women’s lines. Some of their more colourful bags become a visual focal point in the otherwise creme and champagne-coloured interior.
Furla embraces the opportunity to offer its customers an improved shopping experience as upscale as its expertly crafted leather goods and accessories. The remodelled store radiates an ambience fit for a 92-year old house, looking back on a tradition of expert craftsmanship, quality and innovative design.
The two-storey store opened on Theaterstraße 33 in Munich.
www.furla.com
Art
About Future: Architecture, Cities, Environment. Models and Visions
With the creation of Armani/Silos, Giorgio Armani has continuously supported young creatives to realise their visions and ideas. After initiatives in the fields of fashion, cinema and photography, the focus has shifted towards architecture, deemed to be a crucial discipline in our reflections tackling pressing questions of sustainability and social equality in a rapidly changing world. In the run-up to Milano Arch Week 2019, the ‘About Future’ project is launched in collaboration with the School of Architecture, Urban Planning and Construction Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Milan. This exhibition features the work, in form of drawings and models, of around 50 of its brightest students, working on new ways and innovative visions to redefine the balance between the artificial and natural. The presented projects are a mixture of proposed modifications or extensions of existing features or the creation of
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection 2020
Nicolas Ghesquière once more stunned with his 2020 Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection. Quite suitable to a house, which started as a trunk manufacturer, this year’s theme was the joy of discovery. This does not only include the physical departure to new places, but also the comprised spark of personal growth. TWA Flight Centre at John F. Kennedy International airport offered the perfect scenery for this collection, with is architecture reminiscent of the Jet Age, a time where the world started to become as never before, and the invited guests resembling the waiting crowds at an airport’s terminal.
No other city in the world quite captures this spirit than the chosen destination, New York. This cultural melting pot is ever-changing, due the thousands of people arriving and leaving the city everyday. Everybody enriches the canvas that is New York City, leaves a part of oneself behind, but in return receives much back.
The collection captures the spirit of the city, the legendary buildings transposed as sophisticated prints, the bright colour accents in homage of the city’s bright lights and the suave brocade and embroideries, reminiscent of the city’s glam.
Just like the city of New York, Louis Vuitton blends cultures, the French tradition and the American spirit, to form a sartorial expression, enriched by one another.
www.louisvuittion.com
Fashion
Carhartt Urban Book Release
When thinking about the expressions of urban youth cultures, cities standing at the forefront of seismic cultural shift, such as New York or London, pop in most people’s heads. Amsterdam is often overlooked, despite being at the forefront of one of the street’s most visible artistic embodiments, graffiti culture. Before the influences from across the Atlantic reached and popularised this visual urban language across Europe, Amsterdam had its own home-grown graffiti culture. Punks, hooligans and other rebellious movements alike, spread their message on the city’s walls. Their styles were as varied as their messages, creating graffiti unlike any others.
In collaboration with Carhartt WIP, FRESHCOTTON releases Amsterdam On Tour by grafiti artist Again, to investigate the early roots of this phenomenon. They focus on the city’s original scene starting from the 70s, lasting until 1985. 30 different artists offer a glimpse into this insane scene, dominated by the fully tagged tunnels, benches and trams, in an unique collection of words and images.
In addition to this publication, Carhartt x FRESHCOTTON also releases a limited edition capsule collection, perfectly capturing the spirit of the scene, available only at selected Carhartt stores and freshcotton.com
Art
ES Exhibition - JOHAN TAHON, TILL LINDEMANN, SANDOR LUBBE
‘The collective unconscious consists of the sum of the instincts and their correlates, the archetypes. Just as everybody possesses instincts, so he also possesses a stock of archetypal images.’
- CARL GUSTAV JUNG
Following on from the mighty success of the 2018 retrospective exhibition at the Bonnefanten Museum in the Netherlands ‘Wir uberleben das Licht’, which documented Belgium visual artist Johan Tahon’s career exploring the physical and the philosophical through the art form of sculpting, New York now hosts ES.
From 29th March through to the 18th May 2019, a unique opportunity to experience the work of Johan Tahon and his collaborations presents itself to the public. Sculpture, poetry and photography all coalesce to form an immersive, united exhibition.
Sharing the same sensibilities and sentiments as Johan Tahon, German frontman Till Lindermann of Rammstein has specifically written poems to accompany the exhibition. Our editor-in-chief Sandor Lubbe’s photography also plays a part alongside Tahon’s pieces, the culmination from which ES has developed.
Wednesday to Saturday 18:00-20:00 at 87 Rivington Street, New York, the exhibition at 'Empirical Nonsense' runs from 29th – 18th May 2019.
Music
NAO At Paradiso
The effect of NAO’s sound, songwriting and stage presence can be firstly be described as physically impactful. Soul-splitting, heart-wrenching lyrics paired with a vocal ability on par with the R&B greats leave an unexpected bodily impression that hits you direct in the gut. Bold and boundless, NAO taps into all shades of the human experience in a honest, exposing way that escapes any risks of pretension or disingenuinity.
NAO very much takes the reigns of the show at Paradiso, Amsterdam, ensuring that the experience is truly a shared one, not merely a screen projected for the audience to neutrally detach from. Riffing with the crowd, she guides them through a full orbit of emotions, through every peak and trough, celebrating all the experiences symptomatic of the human condition. ‘A Life Like This’ and ‘Another Lifetime’ are particularly striking, stop you in your tracks and capture your heart.
This intensity would most certainly be too overwhelming if it were not for the dam-like burst of unrelenting joy in ‘Get To Know Ya’, ‘If You Ever’ and ‘Inhale/Exhale’ as NAO joyously bounces around the stage, actively engaging the audience to the point where you catch your unwitting grin begin to ache. ‘Drive and Disconnect’ is just effortlessly cool. This ability as a performer is only supported by an exemplary sense of musicality, phrasing and rhythm. Her vocal acrobatics are nothing short of impressive, particularly in the melismatic stretching from the piercingly high then dipping into a resounding, hearty register.
There is no sense of censorship or false cultivation. NAO genuinely feels like a passion artist, writing and singing for the sheer love of and need for it, relishing in the live experience and exhibiting a colorful, refreshing force of unshackled expression as she does so.
NAO is a English musician from East-London currently touring her second studio album around Europe, ‘Saturn’, the follow up to her debut ‘For All We Know’. Her style is self-described as ‘wonky funk’ fusing the electronic with the soulful. Having performed with the likes of Bon Iver, Lauryn Hill and Nile Rodgers to date, she has very early on established herself as a promising musician to look out for.
www.thisnao.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Womenswear Fall 2019/2020
Not many knows that when in 1977 the iconic Centre Pompidou opened its doors the Parisians were so shocked that the museum had to arrange clowns and jugglers playing in front of its doors to loosen up the mood and invite more visitors in. The citizen didn’t like the radical architecture designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers – at the time partners – featuring a stile later defined “Bowellism”, where the cable and pipe systems usually kept inside a building were infact exposed.
When entering the Louvre’s Pyramid, slowly approaching Louis Vuitton’s show venue Cour Carrée, we saw a humongous blue pipe running across the courtyard. Little we knew that inside the temporary structure built for the show we would find all the elements and colors of Centre Pompidou’s façade, more pipes, hundreds of them, as set for the show. A Museum in the Museum.
Nicolas Ghesquiere mentioned the beauty of controversy as his inspiration, the need to address colliding elements and the famous Pompidou colors came back in the clothes: the yellow, blue, red, all together.
The collection had a strong 80s references, with its graphic ruffled shoulders and dresses, the ankles boots worn with tights, the silver and glitters, the high-waist carrot shaped trousers and frill skirts. The iconic damier motif was presented in skirts and leather caps.
A bit 80s disco, a bit punk, a bit 80s power feminism. Ghesquiere presented the modern thirst for diversity and an eclectic look far from a put-together one.
The accessories presented some interesting novelties hinting to architectural references and a classic attire: like the flat large bag appearing in look 9 in grey and declined in brown in look 16, apparently Ghesquiere’s favourite bag of the season.
It was a daring collection and we are looking forward to see Louis Vuitton’s client picking and mixing elements.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
CELINE Fall/Winter 2019
At the Winter 2019 show in Paris, Hedi Slimane premieres his winter collection for Celine. Whilst distancing himself from his predecessor, Slimane still manages to meet the brand’s iconic style somewhere aptly in the middle. A solid and stable collection displays a wearable collection of blazers, jeans, sweaters and skirts with a consistent thread of colour and fabric throughout.
It would be hard to miss the references to the 70s. The palette is unmistakably so, camels outer-layers are naturally paired with browns. Creams and denims all tie together with thick knee-high boots. Scrunchy leather boots, wide lapel blazers and aviators play up to this feel also.
Although Slimane’s typical staple is largely subverted by virtue of not having included his characteristic tight and short style, his touch is palpable and present. Leather jackets, the occasional dash of sequins and soft trimmings are identifiable and for a first collection, it is harmonious and marks a strong, clear foundation for evolution in the brand.
Fashion
Boggi ’s Conscientious Collection for the Casual and Sophisticated
Boggi’s SS19 collection firmly repudiates a common misconception that elegance is a necessary sacrifice in favour of practicality. The collection asserts that sophistication can be achieved in one’s leisure time, featuring lightweight pieces with crease-proof properties. Promoting versatility, breathability and comfort, two strong marks of the brand’s identity – simplicity and class – are neatly woven throughout the collection with vintage designs in wool, linen, soft knitwear and silk.
An exciting aspect of the collection demanding mention is the eco-sustainable fabrics. Garment dyed jackets and flowing long-sleeved shirts are exceptionally made from biodegradable fibers extracted from eucalyptus trees targeting the environmentally conscious Boggi Milano man and offering a newfangled language and approach to fashion.
In the formal-casual line, the completely unlined pinstripe suit is made from bouclé fabric, interweaving red and navy blue yarn. Other suits come in sienna red earth and ice grey. The highly popular bestseller polo-shirt is available in an updated range of colours and fibers. Another highlight is the reversible raincoat: one side, high-tech water-repellent and windproof fabric and the other wool. This use of hybrid elements is replicated in the exceptionally lightweight Aria jacket-shirt. Textured printed jerseys atop jackets add a third dimension to the piece, and monochromatic, warm, earthy colours are split up with detailed, decorative patterns.
Designed with a sense of practicality and understated class, the collection is ideal for Spring weekends of outdoor exploration and urban travel.
www.boggi.com
Fashion
Illuminated Forms
“It was the night /A giant saved me / Changed me into a love machine / I can’t take this hell, i a not your prisoner / i was a love machine /soft and hard” SebastiAN’s original track created for Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent Fall 2019 channels the spirit of the collection: the 80s nightlife, the enchanting Betty Catroux, Bianca Jagger (monsieur Yves Saint Laurent’s own muses), the time when the clubs were the place where designers, artists, socialites and most of the creative crowd would meet.
Anthony Vaccarello presented a strong vision for Saint Laurent gradually evolved season after season into an enchanting identity celebrating the Maison’s historical codes and imbued of Vaccarello’s own signature. The first looks already set the mood: long wool coats, dazzling tuxedo blazer with boxy sculptural shoulders, beautifully tailored. Anthony Vaccarello calls it the “couture blazer”. And it channels that famous masculine look Monsieur Yves himself merged in the Woman’s wardrobe.
But the collection also featured the vertiginously short minidresses Vaccarello is known for in the last looks that stormed in the catwalk as a totally different happening hinting the most deepest night ahead: fluorescents with matching shoes. Looking at their silhouette you can see a reinterpretation of some lines from the iconic 1971 collection by Yves Saint Laurent, clearly addressed by Vaccarello who has been constantly researching the archives. The light installation inside the venue between Matrix and the Tour Eiffel light spectacle – the latter usually accompanying the show during summer time – was a magnificent set for a magnificent collection.
Fashion
A Final Inheritance of Karl Lagerfeld
The Fendi Women's Fall / Winter 2019-2020 collection contains Karl Lagerfeld's last creations. Karl started his career as a design consultant for Fendi in 1965. He developed a special bond with the brand, which is characterized through unprecedented perseverance. Karl gave everything to his collections, whether it was Balmain, Valentino, Chloe, Stella McCartney, Chanel, Fendi or his own brand Karl Lagerfeld. For Lagerfeld, fashion was an endless thought about the expression of wealth and beauty, thoughts that will always live with Fendi, according to creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi.
The collection embodies the extremely creative, romantic track that Karl was always on. His work was a form of personal expression. In his career, Karl was always deeply engaged with the simplicity of the silhouette. Trompe l'oeil - a lasting signature – one he defined in this collection with dreamy and luxuriant scenes in contrast with the sharp geometric forms that were irresistibly illuminated. A beautiful game is played with neutral tones that are highlighted by counterparts such as light ivory tulle, warm cognac patent and terracotta calfskin, alternated with sublime shades such as sea green, mandarin and azure.
Cloque, organza and satin are leading. To compensate for these soft textures, large buttons, double zippers and extra large floating snare straps are added. Karl's own signature is also subtly processed; the collar of the pointy shirt is high and combined with fully pleated trousers, jacket pockets and asymmetrical revers. The geometry contains playful shifting lines that refer to sharp diamond shapes.
A nice detail is Karl's curling 'Karligraphy' FF logo monogram, which Karl designed in 1981 and is depicted on the cabochon buttons. The accompanying accessory collection is a wonderful addition. The classic baguette is available in pillow patent, topstitched vegetal leather with a multi-strap utility harness. There is also a spacious metal frame tote executed in shiny calf. Shoes include flat heels or pointed heels with high heels and contrast soles in shiny neoprene.
A collection that is almost a true blueprint of Karl's artistic heritage.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Crystallized Flamboyance
The magical, pure rays of the Northern Lights are an intrinsic source of inspiration for Byblos's creative director Manuel Facchini. The pristine polar areas that have hardly been affected by humanity are an example of dedication to a more sustainable life. The colors that come together through the interaction of light, ice and temperature on the Aurora Borealis create a natural, flamboyant atmosphere.
Facchini’s aim in this Fall Winter collection is a more sustainable luxury life; plastic recycled bottles are reused by being turned into magical eco-friendly pearls that pursue the same aesthetics of the durable ice crystals and mountain diamonds. By imitating luxurious flamboyance in recycled plastic, Facchini shows that this graceful lifestyle does not only have exist at the expense of our fragile living environment.
Byblos's signature is characterized by all sorts of sports. Elegance and sportiness come effortlessly together in ergonomic constructions from cozy buffers to tight streamlined dresses, all embellished with classic 3D sport protection. Structured silhouettes alternate origami-styled suits with molecular ice structures that seem to melt slowly. Coconbomber jackets, hoodies and crystallized parkas are lined with beautiful graphic and geometric motifs, all are inspired by our own natural, nothern atemporal cosmos. The forms of the prints in this collection are copied from the effects of the Aurora borealis; collisions between electrically charged particles produced by the sun that slowly penetrate the earth's atmosphere. Footwear is characterized by sturdy, cool "cocoon" sneakers, eco-furry booties and hockey-inspired over-the-knee boots.
This new collection is a kaleidoscopic range of practical natural wonders with an inventive, sustainable, extravagant flair. By re-using materials and resemble terrestrial sources, a new challenge arises to save this planet and still live in luxury.
Fashion
Infinite Creativity
Hugo Boss, NY Fashion week Fall/Winter 2019
New York is the city where all sorts of cultural influences come together; art, design, architecture, and fashion. Disciplines fuse here faster than anywhere else. This visionary New York culture has been the starting point for Hugo Boss's new women and men’s collection.
The collection was presented in the gallery district of Chelsea, the heart of the Manhattan art scene. Boss’ decent and modest spirit aims to pursue formality, which has evolved in this collection into a more sporty identity that wants to stand out.
Long, custom made coats and voluptuous capes are made out of luxurious alpaca wool and double-faced cashmere. Edited patchworks are interspersed with graphic stripe constructions and sturdy quilts. Him and her are in contrast with the combination of extremely elegant flowing dresses and slouchy knitwear sweaters.
Traditional craftsmanship has been incorporated in this collection in high-end fabrics to refine the noble identity in a refined, creative way. The volumes of the designs have also been given unexpected proportions with raw-edge finishes and stitch details. Boss is nodding here to the great variety of architectural influences that New York richly possesses.
The basic colors have remained true to the roots. Subdued colors camel, mélange gray, biscuit and winter white are connected to extremes like cool yellow, bright blue and dark pink.
The diverse artistic references reflected in the details make the collection individual and quirky. The new designs from Boss invite you to watch twice - and then again; the unexpected is combined with the expected.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Flooded in News
Jeremy Scott, NY Fashion week Fall/Winter 2019
Jeremy Scott thinks that we are guided by the order of the day: the news cycle. Sensational and earth-shaking headlines keep us in their grips, a trap that is hard to escape. Scott wants to make people aware of this issue and designed this collection together with artist Aleksandra Mir, who does not hesitate about mapping the present in a confrontational way.
The endless news cycle does not only make us spectators but also witnesses, victims and perpetrators of an event, something that does not only affect our view on politics, but also pop-culture. Scott’s Autumn / Winter collection 2019 forms therefore a declaration on this tendency.
Mir brought the New York Post and the New York Daily news to life by enlarging the blown-up headlines into large graphic expressions, which are displayed large on the clothing. The collective obsession with salubrious headlines, false scenarios and click-bait drama causes unnecessary tension and divides societies into different groups, something that according to Scott is an unnecessary pattern and must be broken. His designs reflect the latest news that penetrates our lives so uninvitedly. Only black and white have been used to emphasize the contrast and to get into the graphic atmosphere.
Fabrics such as soft and liquid vinyl printed with blazing headlines formed in geometric dresses with a full zoom give the headlines a new context. Denim and leather also dominate and are embellished with a precious counterpart: Swarovski crystals.
Preformed bustiers are interspersed with layered feather-light tulle skirts - again transparency and layering play an important role. Today's catastrophes are covered in chiffon, the scandals of tomorrow in sequins, silk and tulle to express the horror and displeasure of this time.
By placing the powerful images in a different context, another meaning is created and that is exactly what Scott wants to give us.
www.jeremyscott.com
Art
Hate Speech
Aggression and Intimacy
Hate Speech is a collaborated art project with artists: Thomas Baumann, Candice Breitz, Elena Aya Bundurakis, Tony Cokes, Petra Cortright, Folkert de Jong, Verena Dengler, Ryan Gander, Yuri Pattison, Signe Pierce, Jim Shaw, Gunther Skreiner, Markus Sworcik, Amalia Ulman, Martha Wilson, Joseph Zehrer. Presented until 18 April 2019 in the Künstlerhaus, Halle für Kunst & Medien (KM-) in Graz, Austria. The exhibition addresses the function of the institution as a place for societal, free debate and democratic discussion.
Free speech and freedom of public expression are an ever returning and essential element in human life. In order to live alongside each other, it is always necessary to keep searching for a way to live next to each other. Interacting means developing. By “picking” interactions as a human being, you choose to connect, which means blending yourself with the public and private.
This artwork was developed in response to current relationships between politics and multi-media. Communication contains so many layers today, layers within which humanity needs to wonder whether there is still real freedom of speech within the use and especially abuse of media.
The individual partakes in the interaction process, subconsciously searching for individual meaning and with that, the possible connotations of their own personal intimacy. Interaction arises from people responding to the social and political happenings around them, becoming more sensitive and their psyche becoming more aware.
The way people are connected to online social channels today and how they interact to one another is a tendency that determines a whole new order in communication. Users develop an extraordinary urge for connection, which often seems to be in conflict with their personal boundaries. Questions about identity arise and create an inner intimate crisis. The media has been a dominant middleman for a long time, and has become even more powerful due to the rise of social media platforms. These channels do not only report and interpret the news. Interaction is unfiltered and not viewed in light of context. This creates a solid breeding ground for fake-news and the manipulation of public opinion resulting in an overly sensitive personal psyche.
Online communication results in a contrasting combat between dedication and discarding, visibility and anonymity. The collective reaction to this has resulted in people challenging each other in a hostile manner. Users dare not express their real desires in this uncertain, undetermined environment where only roles are adopted, instead of real personalities. “Intimacy” is central in this collection; it conveys a need for demarcation from outside space and ‘The Other’, for retreat and silence, so as to be able to recognize and describe one’s own personal self.
www.km-k.at
Fashion
TECHMERINO™ Wash&Go by Z Zegna starring Alexander Zverev
Today Z Zegna introduces the new TECHMERINO™ Wash&Go collection tested and presented by the youngest tennis winner of the ATP Finals and face of Z Zegna, Alexander Zverev. During playing, Zverev can fully count on high quality performance-capable material, encompassing lightweight comfort and sustained flexibility.
Zegna has an unprecedented passion for tennis and designed the TECHMERINO™ Wash&Go wardrobe with this obsession in mind. This assemblage includes suits, jackets, bombers, t-shirts, and pants, all with a fast-drying wool fabric for optimal comfort and performance. This collection contains best of both worlds; elegance and ultimate convenience. This can be seen in the variety of fabrics: maxi meshes playing with transparency executed in an inspiring spring color palette. This apparel shows how the limits of active wear can be re-interpreted with innovative techniques that lead into a sophisticated look.
TECHMERINO™ Wash&Go breathes well by offering a continuing thermo regulation that keeps the body on a constant temperature in both heat and cold. All the pieces are made out of the natural fabric; pure Merino wool treated with special finishing techniques so that it will be easy to wash and maintains its rich quality.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Sacai Fall 2019 Menswear / Pre-Sacai Fall 2019 Menswear
When the morning of the yellow vest protests we all tried to arrive on time for Sacai held at the Grand Palais, Paris seemed a ghost city, lost in space and time. With the Grand Palais in the middle of the restricted area and dozens of police’s special forces at every single corner surrounding the area it was surreal. In 2 hours the people fighting for their future would march those streets.
Feeling blessed to have succeeded to arrive on time at the show after several attempt to enter the area, as we saw this beautiful collection full of all Sacai’s signature traits playing with the construction of silhouettes and juxtaposition of materials: the deconstructed pleated asymmetrical skirts, performance fabrics hybridizing formal garments, coats where the liner becomes a pumped up outer layer, a sweater traditionally worn under a jacket instead becomes its outer shell.
Chitose Abe mentioned a “cultural melting pot”, in her show notes and the importance of feeling “the freedom to be different, to be an individual”. Symbolized by the iconic London’s Bar Italia collaboration for t-shits and hoodies, where Abe spent time as student.
www.sacai.jp
Fashion
Hermès Fall 2019 Men
French pioneer of modern architecture Auguste Perret and his spectacular reinforced concrete aesthetic welcomed us at the Hermès show last Saturday, after a difficult day for France with the Yellow Vest protest that fired across the city.
When arriving at the venue, housing the Mobilier National - the French national supplier of furniture to the royal family first and every official building – the guests were thrown into an ecstatic moment of appreciation: the show was set in the storeroom where all the magnificent armchair and sofas from Art Deco to Louis XIV were laid one after the other.
This landscape of emotion created the perfect setting for Véronique Nichanian’s collection. As magnificently as the upholstery in the background, Nichanian created a modern and extremely sharp Menswear both in the silhouettes and in the intentions.
It is rare today to see a Fashion house not to be tempted to create pieces draw from the current need for the extreme. Admirably Véronique Nichanian stays true to her aesthetic creating a collection made of refined gestures that doesn’t renounce to address a smart and young audience.
Take the beautiful leather carrot pants declined in all colours, from blue to caramel. Combined with knitwear or with leather bomber jackets with geometric contrasting elements. Or the oversized shearling and leather trench in a splendid burgundy tone.
Suits appeared sharp and worn with them with a roll-neck or zip-neck jumper in iridescent colourful hues underneath, giving a smart take on suiting.
It was fun to see a dragon silhouette on bags reminiscent of the Chinese Zodiac
The alluring power of heritage once again flame in this iconic Frech maison
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Fall 2019 Mens
When not long ago Yohji Yamamoto himself held a live concert in Tokyo playing his beloved guitar we couldn’t help but be extremely excited. The reserved - at times almost introvert – Japanese maestro performing his music on a real stage!
For us who love his poetic and admire him unconditionally it was a natural gesture. We all wanted to be there. And when the sound of his soft voice pervaded the show venue for his Fall 2019 Menswear a soft melancholy, recalling that iconic moment surfaced embracing the whole collection.
The same soft melancholy of the silk thread on blazers and coats, the layered volumes signature of Yamamoto’s poetic: fluid large pants tucked in laced boots, coats on jackets approaching and slowly – in the Yamamoto’s signature models pace – as out of a majestic army.
It is not a stretch to feel the pathos recalling the uniform of the late Hijikata Toshiz? in Shinsengumi’s final battle in 1868.
Backstage Yamamoto playfully stated to some journalists the reason of the floating treads was due to having forgotten to cut them away, but we know his extreme humble nature drives miles away from the fashion circus where every gesture needs to be overly hyped.
Once again Yohji Yamamoto stays true to his integrity.
www.yohjiyamamoto.com
Fashion
Off-White Fall 2019 Mens / Pre-fall 2019 Womens
Spontaneous vegetation growing in hostile conditions, around abandoned industrial landscapes, resurfacing lacerated concrete, fading away from one place to blossom in another corner meters further. It’s the interstitial landscape in Gilles Clément’s “Manifeste du Tiers-Paysage” where plants serve as aid to observe the space with all its social, political, urban connotations.
Virgil Abloh’s setting for Off White is imbued with this rich fragmentary landscape, suspended, in constant evolution and change. Like Abloh’s creative ambition and know-how.
Moving into this residual landscape - constructed as a huge green-screen noddig to the 80’s and 90s “Pubblic Television” - Off-White new collection for Fall 2019 stormed in , with all its codes where the formal clothing and the attention to tailoring surfaced amongst Off-White’s repertoire confirmed Virgil Abloh’s voice and personal baggage starting his adventure at Louis Vuitton.
www.off---white.com
Fashion
Colmar to Protect Against the Elements
Colmar shows off their carefully cultivated experience and expertise that have been trialed and tested over the course of almost a century, catering clothing for the most challenging of open air sports. The Spring/Summer 2019 collection showcases exceedingly technical pieces, conscious of the multifarious challenges and restrictions that are thrust upon the active sport enthusiast facing disparate and at times harsh climates and conditions. The pieces are fit for function and ensure reliable elemental protection and safety, proving the garments up to the task presented by even the most demanding of sports.
Colmar consistently demonstrates its close connection to and understanding of the needs facing athletes and enthusiasts through regular, self-reflective frugal research and development. No more is this evident in this collection than in the slim, compressible jackets occupying only minimal space, ideal for seamless slipping into your backpack. All stretch pieces are created using anti-bacterial and anti-odour fabrics allowing for uninhibited and carefree movement. Other additional details include hoods, breathing inserts and glowing, reflective prints heightening visibility in the darkness. Polartec Alpha technology allows for thermo-regulation in one piece, managing the body heat produced alongside the circulation of air it comes into contact with. Wadding-filled sleeve and sleeveless outerwear have high absorption capacities combating wind, water and cold. All these essential functions are paired with a look that is simultaneously bright, bold and vibrant; so you can look, feel and be the part. The women’s jacket line is decorated with punctilious woven shoulder strap details and prints and the collection is cleanly rounded off with a wide selection of men’s swimwear.
Colmar’s Spring/Summer collection is skilfully crafted and harmoniously structured offering colour combinations that can be playfully layered together. The balance of the functional properties demonstrates Colmar’s sheer commitment to change in the pursuit of high quality, accommodating for both the athlete and the part-time sport enthusiast.
Fashion
Mr Porter Collaborates with Off-White
In a partnership with Off-White and under the direction of founder Mr Virgil Abloh, Mr Porter premieres an exclusively available 44-piece capsule collection ‘Modern Office.’ As indicated by the title, the collection revises traditional sportswear dress codes, synthesises them with the game-changing luxury Italian streetwear of Off-White, all the while underpinned by a refreshing exploration of modernity inspired by an upcoming generation of workers and their environments.
Bold and intrepid yet comfortable and minimalist. The skate sub-culture is retained through the individualistic, personalized style items and that sense of independent-minded, carefree disregard subsequently permeates the collection. Flux is revealed through the utilisation of a synergy of wool, felt, heavy canvas and cotton highlighted by muted, tonal colors and graphic visuals.
Mr Porter will debut the collection ‘Modern Office’ on 21st January 2019 as part of a thrilling collaboration available only at Mr Porter.
www.mrporter.com
Fashion
Pop-Up Store In Berlin
Another Berlin-based label, Nobi Talai, took the opportunity to launch it's pop-up store at KadeWe during Berlin Fashion Week. The store will be open to the public until February 16th. Designer Nobieh Talaei - inspired by the aesthetics of the Danish designer Finn Juhl - found inspiration in his famous designs such as the Circle Rug or the Pelican Chair for her S/S 19 collection that is being sold at the pop-up. As with all her designs she is forging a link between tradition and modernity, creating a collection for the urban explorers of today.
www.nobitalai.com
Fashion
Roman Nonchalance
Brioni showed in Milan its Fall/Winter 2019 collection presenting a masculine wardrobe repertoire with a tailoring formality. On the other hand they simultaneously exhibit a sense of informality making the collection one open to personal interpretation. Brioni’s authentic tailoring and precision is shaped again in a niche way, in an item called the primo suit. This slim-fit silhouette expresses a confident and exceptional, social spirited character.
An identity that embodies the idea of Roman nonchalance; an attitude that is characterized by pieces that move smoothly and lightly over the body made out of precious, refined materials with interesting details. This philosophy is central due to the representation of a man who instinctively follows his whims. An elegant gent with a well considered wardrobe, which obeys a special repertoire of style codes.
The collection indicates a mix of traditional and trending items: From trench coats to blousons, from morning suits to tailored or military pants. The items are released in materials such as cashmere, camel, wool, silk, leather, crocodile leather, velvet and knits with a fused color palette of neutral tones, whites, greys with touches of light blue and accents of rusted notes.
www.brioni.com
Art
Ulay's Exhibition at Richard Saltoun, London
The very nature of Ulay’s art inadvertently resists all attempts at classification and defies categorisation. A self-proclaimed anarchist, Ulay’s work spans multiple platforms and offers a stark exploration of the dichotomy between the masculine and the feminine, exploring the fluidity of the self and the constant potential for transformation and experimentation with new identities. Ulay is one of our long-time favourite artists with whom we have previously had the incredible honour to work with on two separate projects.
From an early affection for the fleeting, transient and instantaneous process of the Polaroid to a traceable crossover in utilising the physical form through performance and body art, it is strikingly evident that the single common thread of Ulay’s work is awareness — in the obvious performative, physical sense of course but also in his social commentary.
Ulay’s unyielding lifetime commitment to dismantling and subverting the roots of complex themes of identity, particularly gender, by tackling the harmful human conflicts that arise from externally enforced notions of identity through his unprecedented format, are what have comfortably established his status as a true icon of polaroid photography and as the father of performance art.
From 11th January – 23 February 2019, the Richard Saltoun Gallery in London will host its first solo exhibition of Ulay’s work dating back to the 1970s and progressing right through to new works exhibited in public for the first time.
www.richardsaltoun.com
Fashion
FENDI: ART & CULTURE
“My work is dealing with volumes shaped by lights and shadows, highlighting the forms with light, creating visual relations between projection and the use of lights and stroboscopes. The light is something smooth, untouchable, soft”.
Laslzo Bordos, the internationally renowned Hungarian artist, considered a pioneer of digital arts and architectural mapping, created “Lux Formae”, a visual installation supported by FENDI and produced by Solid Light Festival within Videocittà series of Events in the city of Rome. Using Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana - home of the roman maison FENDI- as its canvas he created a spectacular 3d projection on the building triggering new perceptions and symbolism of this iconic Italian architecture: “The building is a massive, heavy construction. I would like to create the illusion of the lights "holding" the building, bringing a contradictory situation where the lights become solid and the concrete becomes a floating element, supported by lights”- Bordos explained.
Having its deep roots already in the work of legendary artists like Laszlo Moholy-Nagy or George Kepes, Light Art had incredibly developed in the last decades, taking shape into the new forms of Light Projection on building using 3D mapping, where the urban and architectural environment is completely reproduced virtually in 3D to create an extremely precise and three-dimensional installation. When the projection is performed in situ on the building, its visual power derails the viewers customary schemes of perception and observation, creating a new reality, where the boundary of what is real and what is seen become blurry.
With the support of Fendi and its cutting edge approach to art, the video mapping projection by Laslzo Bordos took shape and brought a new meaning to Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, one of the most fascinating contemporary architectures in Roma.
Fashion
Dries van Noten Spring Summer 2018
Dries Van Noten has been synonymous of effortless since the beginning, more than 25 years ago. We have tasted surely during his 100th show where pieces of all past collection where carefully selected and carefully re-arranged together. The Spring Summer 2019, the first Womenswear show after the news of the recent majority acquisition by Spanish conglomerate Puig, was set at Palais the Tokyo and its clean environment. Many saw it as a symbol of a new start, a new beginning.
But the collection proved that Dries van Noten aesthetic is as strong as ever.
That relaxed attitude, that playful side to mix prints and certainly the ability to wear masculine oversized cotton suits in white or black with anything borrowed from eveningwear like sheer knits and maxi sequins in aqua green, yellow and Yves Klein’s blue, one of Dries favorite references. The blue splashed a great part of the collection also adorning a couple of models’ head in form of feathers swim caps.
As the collection developed into evening dresses we all felt the mastery of Dries’ cut and ability to create couture-like dresses without feeling too Haute.
The workwear jumpsuit with the upper part pulled down at the waist and work as a decorative bow belt felt the quintessential Dries van Noten: infinitively savoir-faire.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles AW18 Collection features a Horror movie
In slang, Moose Knuckles defines the splitting of one’s bean bag as a result of pants that are hiked too high. In the realm of outerwear, Moose Knuckles sounds alarms as the benchmark of style for those who live in the cold.
To mark the release of their Fall Winter 2018 campaign, the moose tribe created a short, campy horror movie – Shady Maple Motel. Toronto’s own four-time MTV video award nominee, Kid. Studio directed the short, taking inspiration from the hyper-real sexually charged photography of Steven Klein. With previous high-profile clients Big Sean and the Weekend to his name Kid, employed the cream of Toronto’s crop for the stylish, sarcastic and gory short.
The leanest, toughest and most luxurious outerwear brand consciously pounds the path less travelled. Playing it safe has never been in Moose Knuckles DNA, and never will be. The contemporary Canadian counter-culture prefers to be known for its grit, dexterity and heritage. Creative Director Steph Hoff prides the brand on an instinctive, organic ethos.
‘If I wasn’t making a campy horror trailer with my friends for Moose Knuckles, I would probably be making campy horror movies with my friends for fun. Like everything we do at Moose Knuckles, it was completely natural to create a campaign around my lifelong love of cheesy drive-in movies, in my home town.’
Fall Winter 2018 includes an array of shearling jackets, transitional coats; combat pieces and over-the-top colorful fur-trimmed parkas, sweatshirts, oversized knits and draped football scarves. To really put the knife in, the collection increases the seminal core of Moose Knuckles with new Army Green, Redwood and Driftwood colorways. Canada to its core Moose Knuckles lives to innovate - to lead.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Highlights from Milan Fashion Week
Jil Sander Spring 2019
Was the outside inside or inside outside? Who knows? What is for sure is that Lucie and Luke Meier made another lasting impression with the Spring 2019 collection for Jil Sander.
Enter centre stage: the former beloved Milanese Panettone factory. Traditional white tiles adorn the now forlorn walls; operational buttons and levers exist as relics of the past. This was a setting that conveyed function, sense and a certain pragmatism that epitomizes Jil Sander.
Chiseled, sharp, asymmetric two-pieces began the carousel. As time transpired the looks grew in their femininity - sharp minimalism developed an asymmetric funk before evolving angelically into loose, airy ensembles. Rich greens and deep milk chocolate brown rose to crisp innocent white and luxurious caramel tones.
A common trend for Spring 2019 will undoubtedly be the ever-trusty pocket, which infiltrated another runway here in Northern Milan.
www.jilsander.com
Byblos Spring 2019
The regeneration of Byblos is here. Manuel Facchini made a welcome return to the Fashion week circuit in Milan this week with an incredible collection that twisted space atmosphere into something sporty.
Self-expression community experiment Burning Man influenced the Byblos Spring 2019 collection - the annual gathering in north-west Nevada’s, Black Rock Desert dedicates itself to anti-consumerism, communal effort, radical inclusion and leaving no trace.
These influences have birthed a special utilitarian collection that creates a sexy survival atmosphere by translating the colorful Nevada horizons into a playful and ironic space hippie typical of the desert melting pot.
Bonus points for the speculation of an active-wear collaboration.
www.byblos.it
Fashion
Breathing Change: Highlights from NYFW
The Row Spring 2019
Calm, free, fresh, angelic. The Row. In 2019 so much attention is fostered toward creating originality in fashion. So much so that this very idea often breeds stale, unoriginal, regenerated mush. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are the antithesis of this very process. Allowing their serene collection to speak for itself as guests interact solely with their collection directly, quietly and intimately.
www.therow.com
Eckhaus Latta Spring 2019
Eckhaus Latta push new limits. Together Mike and Zoe fuse cool with raw. Spring 2019 combines digital prints, fluttery plaid dresses with dip dyed and tie dyed pastels on gimmick free, real, authentic models that live the brand. Eckhaus Latta is growing up.
www.eckhauslatta.com
Sies Marjan Spring 2019
Sander Lak’s sixth Sies Marjan collection is his most mature to date (at least according to his stepdad). Cargo elements and nautical stripes pay homage to memories of his father with a bold variety of textures that echo Sander’s journeyman child hood. The intense emotional occasion reached a crescendo as Sanders’ mother took to the runway with a smile.
www.siesmarjan.com
Coach 1941 Spring 2019
Leather goods may be Coach 1941’s main bag but that hasn’t stopped Stuart Vevers’ from using spring 2019 to playfully modernize their practical approach. Iron Dinosaurs, gritty ground, and Disney motifs New York 2018 was not a typical Coach runway show.
www.coach.com
Fashion
Prada opens a new boutique at Via della Spiga, Milan
Italian fashion house Prada is pleased to announce its opening of the new clothing boutique at Via della Spiga in Milan. The new 400 sq m corner store, designed according to Prada’s aesthetics, showcases a large, beautiful and fresh interior with large windows, inserted in the stone frame of the building. All display elements are made exclusively for Prada by Osvaldo Borsani and Giò Ponti.
While the first floor is dedicated to leather goods, accessories and footwear collections, the second floor will stock the clothing collections. To celebrate the opening of the Via della Spiga store, from the 10th of September on, the Italian fashion brand will offer the Prada Sidonie bag — from the Prada Resort 2019 collection — in two styles, made of city calf leather in a different range of colors.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Joey Fung and her mother Kam in new Fendi campaign
Joey Yung is one of the most popular singers and actressas in Asia at this moment. She became one of the most best selling Asian female singers of the 21st Century after she released her debut IEP in 1999. Joey Fung won numerous music awards and released almost 40 albums. In 2013 she proudly performed at the Royal Albert hall in London, becoming the first Chinese singer to perform on that stage. Joey Fung was ranked 63rd on the 2014 Forbes China Celebrity 100, making her the most influential Hong Kong-based female singer that year.
She participated in the Hong Kong Peekaboo Project and customized the Peekaboo, which pays homage to her mother Kam Fung. Kam Fung is not a public figure and did not appear on TV shows or TVC, but made an exception for this special Fendi project.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Back to the 80's
In the new Fall/Winter 2018 Advertising Campaign Italian fashion House Miu Miu presented a series of pictures with British fashion model Adwoa Aboah, Georgia May Jagger, Kesewa Aboah, Ariel Nicholson, Zoe Thaets — all of them shot by British photographer Alasdair McLellan.
The starlets company was joined by Hollywood’s renegade spirit Raffey Cassidy, Rowan Blanchard and Elle Fanning. All of them posing in iconic clothes from the season: denim total-look, drape coats, polka dot dresses and shoes with socks.
The reference comes from the 80’s and hairstyles of famous singer Cindy Lauper and Bonnie Tyler. In the movie "Steel Magnolia" Dolly Parton explains: ‘The higher the hair, the closer to God’. But what if she was wrong? There is something devilish about the exploration of the contemporary beehive. What if bad girls want to wear high hair too?
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Suitcase with the secret: Off-White&Rimowa Collaboration
The king of collaboration Virgil Abloh — founder of the Off-White brand and Creative Director of the men's line of French fashion house Louis Vuitton — continues his cooperation with German brand Rimowa.
After the Off-White fashion show for Men's Spring/Summer 2019 at Paris Fashion Week, the two companies officially launched their partnership. Virgil Abloh presented a new transparent case with a ribbed surface, calling it a new level of design. " It’s like 3.0 of personalisation.
It’s not just putting your initials on it but allowing another layer to come in play.’’ — said Virgin. From July 2nd everyone has the opportunity to buy the limited-edition case online and at selected RIMOWA and OFF-WHITE stores in the US and Asia.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Breathing Change: Highlights from PFW
Creativity, newness and powerful vibes of change. This is the fresh air anyone could breath if looking from the Tour Eiffel during the Paris Fashion Week, which has celebrated masculine elegance as well as the debut of several designers at the lead of iconic brands.
Maintaining a structured and industrial look that runs over wide denim trousers and T-shirts, Virgil Abloh’s personal brand Off-White brings flashes of American pop and underground culture. Particularly, the use of graphics ornamentations pays homage to graffiti of iconic artist Dondi as well as The Simpsons prints underline the statement of a subversive yet relaxed contemporary appeal.
New Louis Vuitton’s Creative Director makes a great debut, defining a precise and sophisticated new vocabulary for the brand. A bright (off-)white palette spreads into an extended prism of colours, prints and graphics.
From red poppy flowers taking over anoraks to the renovation of zoot-suit monochromatic looks, Virgil Abloh presents a collection that clearly speaks the language of Millennials, without compromising the distinctive notion of masculine elegance.
On the other way around, Belgian designer Walter van Beirendonck irradiating collection playfully works on structures and subversive imaginaries. On the one hand sparkling primary colours, graphics and patterns run over oversized sweaters and outerwear staples, underlining the label’s eclectic identity. On the other hand, a fetish-like abundance of leather marks the rebellious outlines of blue electric jackets and black pants.
A free dialogue of lines, shapes and drawings introduces to the fluid collection presented by Hermes for Fall 2018. Working on textiles such as cotton poplin or technical calfskin and a colour palette that includes monochromatic staples in pop orange, english green and greyish tones, the proposals define a sober yet self confident masculinity.
Inspired by Hawaii, travelling and island living, Yoon Ahn’s label Ambush creates a collection focusing on natural materials, such as cotton, wool and linen. Moreover, the jewellery range unveils literal pearls of wisdom on earrings, bracelets and rings, keeping in mind the ebb and flow of waves that mirror the motions of life experience.
Another promising beginning has been signed by Dior’s runway. With Kim Jones interpreting the codes of Monsieur Dior himself, the collection is a dual tribute to fantasy and Dior’s creativity. Both urban and soft, finding a balance between floral motifs, embroideries, delicate colours and streetwear structures, Jones spaces between the House iconic past, Dior’s personal life and celebrate the birth of a new out-look.
Fashion
Diesel's Red Tag Project by Glenn Martens
On the 16th June 2018, Diesel presented its second instalment of the Red Tag Project by designer Glenn Martens of the label Y/Project.
This platform aims to host international designers that will create exclusive capsule collections, then distributed by selected retailers. According to Renzo Rosso, founder of Diesel: “Glenn comes from Belgian training, so he has this practical-yet-surreal, Margiela-like sense.
But then he’s young and modern, and knows how to appeal to a global, educated consumer, while simultaneously being able to experiment with denim”. Showcased on a stairway at Milan’s Fabbrica del Vapore, the Red Tag Project collection will be distributed and curated by Tomorrow Ltd.
Fashion
Automotive masterpieces with Idris Elba
This September, Grand Basel, the show for automotive masterpieces that presents vehicles in combination with art, design and architecture, is starting a global tour. Therefor, actor Idris Elba is looking for answers about what gives cars their soul in a new film he’s starring in made for Grand Basel.
The new film features four of the event’s exhibitions that reflect the past, present and future. Exceptional automobiles will be presented in extraordinary settings during the contemporary exhibition concept where sophisticated culture, aesthetics and technology engage with international audiences.
The Grand Basel show will be from 6 to 9 September 2018 in Basel, Switzerland. After that the show will be in Miami Beach from 22 to 24 February and Hong Kong 2019.
www.grandbasel.com
Fashion
Karl Lagerfeld first flagship store opening in New York City
Sited at 420 W. Broadway in New York in the heart of SoHo shopping district, KARL LAGERFELD celebrates the opening of their new flagship store, the first one in the United States.
The open feel of the boutique is best intensified by its 3230 square feet, where the overall interior design takes inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld’s private home and studio. Marble finishes, velvet chairs and vintage mirrors create a unique atmosphere, while others elements, such as the red border around the carpet’s edges, tell little stories about the wide imagery of the iconic designer.
The New York boutique will include KARL LAGERFELD and KARL LAGERFELD PARIS ready-to-wear collections for both men and women, as well as accessories and footwear.
In addition to that, Karl Ikonik, the playful collection featuring Karl Lagerfeld and Choupette graphics is also presented. Yet besides clothing, the boutique will also introduce a collection of cosmetics, realised in collaboration with Australian Beauty brand ModelCo.
Keeping the eye focused on future initiatives, the house will surprise customers with the launch of the special collection KARL LAGERFELD x Kaia, which will be available from September 2018.
As Paolo Righi, CEO of the brand, declared: “Opening the first KARL LAGERFELD store in the United States is an exciting milestone in our brand’s continued growth. […] New York is an international fashion capital with a modern spirit and energy that make it ideal setting for our new flagship.”
Innovative, timeless, contemporary. The World of Karl is an open invitation to observe how the future of high-end retail experience looks like.
Fashion
FEIT for TOOGOOD // TOOGOOD for FEIT Collection 02
FEIT founder Tull Price and British design duo Faye and Erica Toogood team up for the second time to launch the unisex Suede Artist Shoe and Suede Artist Boot, as a pure tribute to craftmanship.
The two versions readapt the design from an original desert boot and are made by hand from one-piece upper, which is consequently sewn by hand to the midsole.
With their innovative approach to sustainable solutions, the two models feature a biodegradable and non-irritant vegetable-tanned suede, which allows them to get better with age. As well, the water-based glue used to cement the midsole and the outsole and the shoes can be resoled thanks to the Goodyear construction process.
When looking at the clean design and solid structure of these two clever proposals, it is clear that this project is not only a challenge to the industrial way of thinking, rather it is a consistent demonstration of how the future of fashion is already present.
The Suede Artist Shoe and Suede Artist Boot will be available online and at FEIT New York and Toogood London stores from 21st March 2018.
Fashion
Cartier: The Exhibition
On the 30th March at National Gallery of Australia, Cranberra, historic jewelry brand Cartier will inhaugurate an exclusive exhibition, featuring more than 300 hundreds masterpieces samples from Cartier Collection, private owners and institutions.
Designed by renowned scenographer Nathalie Criniere, the exhibition has been co-curated by Margaret Young-Sanchez, Denver Art Museum and NGA and will dispaly a selection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewels, including the Queen’s Halo tiara.
As well, several items belonged to European monarchs such as the 10.48-carat diamond engangement ring of Her Sirene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco will be showcased alongside famous clients’ private belongings, including the Duchess of Windsor, Mexican film star Maria Felix and Elizabeth Taylor among many others. In addition to that, a variety of the brand’s iconic watches will be showcased for the occasion.
As Gerard Vaughan, NGA Director stated: ‘Jewels of spectacular calibre and size, amongst the most important in the world, magnificently set by Cartier’s renowned craftsmen will be exhibited only in Canberra. It is a collection of immeasurable quality and value, the likes of which have never been seen in this country before, and may never be again. Years of research and gentle persuasion will deliver an unforgettable experience.’
Dedicating this project to Australian people and of course, Cartier lovers, the event that will last from the 30th March until the 22nd July 2018 represents a unique occasion to explore and be overwhelmed by the incredible production of an extraordinary company leading the way of diamonds design for over a century.
Fashion
Givenchy launches their new platform to main European markets
Now closer to their customers than ever before, on the 5th March 2018 historical Fashion House Givenchy has launched their new omni-channel platform to its five main European markets: the UK, Italy, Netherlands, Germany and Spain. The new platform, which has been designed in collaboration with the London-based agency R/GA and curated by artistic director Clare Waight Keller, is characterized by a very fluid layout and clean structure blending real-time access to fashion shows, in-depth features and a mix of news.
Coinciding with product availability in-store, the platform will satisfy consumers desire to purchase several pieces from the designer Spring Summer 2018 collection, including front-of line access to monthly-product drops and online-only capsule pieces. Presenting all products in high resolution, Givenchy’s new strategy (covering also online media, e-mail and social media) celebrates a future-oriented approach to shopping and unique ability to combine very distinctivr web design aesthetics with the increasing improvement of user experiences.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
The future starts now - Moncler Genius
Creativity is our energy, multiplicity is our strength. Truthfulness is our credo. Change is what drives us forward. Moncler is continuing to explore the surrounding spirit of its uniqueness. The future starts now.”
On the 20th of February and with a powerful manifesto, new forms of expression for iconic duvet brand have been announced. Conceived by Remo Ruffini, Moncler Genius is the result of a consistent work of research culminating in different languages that narrate only one identity.
Using the jacket as a starting point, fragmentation becomes the main concept and guideline. Eight projects turn the product in an object and communication mean, strongly oriented to functionality and newness.
The new Moncler building hosts several areas identified by a number, each of them dedicated to a single project (which will be realised monthly) interrelating with others and interpreting the singularity of Moncler consumers.
Starting from 1 Moncler Pierpaolo Piccioli that focuses on purity of forms, Moncler 1952 instead pays tribute to the brand’s year of birth, adopting a curatorial approach.
The journey into the exhibtion-like space continues with Monocle Grenoble focusing on prints and fabrics, Moncler Simone Rocha on deconstruction, Moncler Craig Green on the dialogue between clothing and the body, Noir Kei Nimomiya on wereable geometries, Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara on reinforcing the duvet cult-status and eventually Palm Angels working on logos and slogans.
With Moncler Genius, a new and really clever direction for the company has been set up, extraordinarily combining those diverse medium that celebrate imagination and uniqueness.
Travel
Casacau: A Homelike Stay In the Eternal City of Rome
In a 17th century Roman residential building near the Fontana di Trevi, the six unique and luxurious apartments of Casacau have been integrated. Situated in the heart of the eternal city, the historical charm of the house intertwines perfectly with contemporary design. This getaway offers all comforts and services one might expect in the most exclusive hotels in Rome, but with the added touch of a home-like-feeling and more privacy. Each apartement has a different aesthetic atmosphere mixed with its own personality. Vintage-furnishings from the 50s, 60s and 70s blend in with modern comfort and convenience. Some of the rooms are equipped with a Turkish bathroom and one even offers a sauna for that added wellness value. All rooms come complete with a dining space and an open supplied kitchen. Two rooms also feature a balcony, with a view either on the street or the patio.
The hotel is part of the TakeMeRome project by Pino Cau, who has been working in hospitality for thirty years. Aiming to offer guests a carefree stay in Rome, TakeMeRome takes care of all details of their stay. Following this philosophy, Casacau offers its guests the possibility to order fresh groceries if they’re feeling up to the task of cooking. If not, the restaurants Stazione di Posta and EIT can deliver to all rooms upon request. What’s more, at Casacau, there will always be someone available to fullfil guests’ special wishes. The philosphy behind Casacau is to provide a hideaway that makes it easy to discover Rome’s hidden gems while making one feel like staying at a friend’s place, because human relations are seen as the real luxury.
casacau.com
Fashion
Berlin goes Kiez
From the 15th of February to the 23rd on the occasion of the renowned Film Festival, Berlinale Goes Kiez is bringing the event to independent cinema's across the city.
With a selection of films and events, the programme is aimed to create a dialogue between the audience and the filmmakers, who will answer the public’s questions immediately after the screenings and Anne Lakeberg, head of City Kino Wedding, will moderate the discussions on the behalf of Berlinale.
This initiative is also honouring the work of art-house theatres that kept cinema culture active and vital overtime as well as it is consolidating a charismatic engagement with the annual appointment.
www.berlinale.de
Fashion
Highlights from NYCFW
Playing with American culture and inspired by everyday heroes, Raf Simons for Calvin Klein presents a layered collection, sporting long skirts, overcoats, balaclavas, knits. From Sofia Coppola’s 2017 The Beguiled to Nasa’s aesthetics, Simons’ references emboss a rich symbolism on Calvin Klein's minimalistic style, interlacing elements from workwear: cropped jackets, prairie dressed and looks reminiscent of an industrial milieu.
Mentioning baseball without including New York would be an oxymoron. With its ‘Sports Tailoring’, Hugo Boss celebrates the American's favourite sport and translates it to high tailoring. There is a focus on making extra sizes and volumes for cashmere coats, puffer jackets and raincoats. Baseball graphics along with Hugo Boss initials adorn shirts and jackets, while flashes of neon yellow are added to classic wool pieces in brown and grey, which elaborate a new imagery for American elegance.
Aligning fashion with art and architecture is likely one of the diktats of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who presented their collection at their showroom in Manhattan’s West Village. For the occasion, the studio has been transformed into an exhibition space where 13 sculptures from artist Isamu Noguchi were displayed to enhance The Row’s vision. Monochromatic and earthy-toned, the collection unveiled relaxed knitwear dedicated to non-conformist women of the 20th century.
Bondage-style straps and neon orange iconic bob wigs. The reference to Luc Besson’s cult movie The Fifth Element is immediate. Over 20 years since the release, Jeremy Scott pays homage to heroine Leelo (marvellous Milla Jovovic) delivering a bright collection with sharp lines saturated by kaleidoscopic prints and tight moon boots. Make-up by Kabuki and hair-styles by Eugene Souleiman was the perfect backdrop.
For Zadig & Voltaire, Art Director Cecilia Bonstrom focuses on sensual femininity, with white T-shirts and tight vinyls. The collection features both men and women’s looks in oversized soft sweaters in red and creamy hues, as well as leather jackets interpreted in new different cuts. To complete the outfits, relaxed blousons are worn under sculptural trenches, while jackets add a touch of balanced androgyny to the full range.
Fashion
Lanvin Fall Menswear 2018
A landscape of lights. A cityscape and its never-sleeping crowd.
Lanvin Fall 2018 collection epitomises Lucas Ossendrijver’s extraordinary know-how in constructing a garment and inventing totally new codes.
We have seen the seminal elements in his Summer Spring 2018 presented last June: combined fabrics, double inlays that revealed a duality.
This season we see the apotheosis of this idea: deconstructed and layered garments play together where everything is masterfully balanced blurring the borders of the garment’s identity itself.
It’s that strong sense of the unexpected invading the entire collection. Sports pieces in fabrics borrowed from the tailoring world: see the puffer gilet delivered in grey pinstriped wool worn over a classic coat.
It was mesmerizing trying to capture all the annexed elements, the attached from the layered, the inserts pieces where the subversion of the traditional idea of a suit is the main theme.
“I focused on the most classic, almost passé item, drawn directly from the legacy and origin of the Lanvin man: the suit. What is a suit? Two pieces, a jacket and trousers, cut from the same fabric. I wanted to deconstruct this idea, using layering”. Ossendrijver’s approach on tailoring delivers a modernity merged with sartorial tradition.
The use of sleeveless parkas is striking: layered on tailored pieces or part of a articulated garment: a part-technical, part-suit parka jacket – in an updated Price of Wales check – sported an asymmetric zip around the collar to reveal a shirt and another suit jacket beneath.
“For me, these combinations make a modern suit. I wanted to create a smokescreen”.
www.lanvin.com
Fashion
Hermès Menswear Fall 2018
The power of senses. The power of what a particular scent can evoke. The smell of winter, of nature, of an alluring simple life.
As we walked in the Hotel de l’Artillerie, a beautiful monastery built at the end of the 17th century in the 7th arrondissement, the magical vision of eight tall narrow bonfires sat at the centre of the cloister. The smell of wood and the dramatically increasing height of the flame, triggered by the sudden wind arose in the evening, gave a extraordinary romantic feeling of warmth and cosiness increased by the woollen blankets waiting at each seat.
We only later discovered that the models were to walk in between those flames and the then dangerously sparkling wood.
It is a fact that the set design by Villa Eugenie gave the perfect background to the collection.
Véronique Nichanian created once again a timeless collection for Hermes Menswear imbued with classic staples pieces. Beautiful sweaters at times slightly slouchy, leathers outwear with a delicate youthful charm like the glossy leather matelassé jackets.
At Hermès the leatherwork Hermes is always outstanding. The butter-soft intarsia leather sweatshirts are only one of the several pieces that caught our eyes. If the evening pieces played around slim silhouettes with lustre finish, oversized and cloudy woollen coats balanced the final look. Nichanian delivered a new spirit in this iconic maison. We are excited to see the developing traits of these sparks.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Junya Watanabe Menswear Fall 2018
Junya Watanabe has always been researching on workwear for his Menswear collection.
It’s a fuss-free, genuine utilitarian take on clothes that are impressed on our everydaylife, from heavy duty to white-collars. This season was the turn of the fireman, the waste collector, the delivery boy, the office worker, the college student, the hiking guide.
Some carrying totes and backpacks that transformed into a jacket, ready for any weather sudden changes. A reflective band run through the entire collection, also adorning the more tailored jackets, sweaters and coats. A hint to our modern times where office hours often extends into late night.
As the colour palette was imbued with black, dark blue, grey, orange, red, the materials spaced from technical materials to heavy wool and relaxed knit pieces.
Watanabe has been a pioneer in brands collaborations before it became the new cool in the industry.
Also this season Junya Watanabe collaborations featured Carhartt, North Face, Levi’s, Canada Goose, New Balance conferring that high-tech know-how and durability to staple pieces which will undoubtedly never go out of fashion.
Fashion
Woolrich's New Store Experience
Woolrich hosted a private cocktail in its first Milan flagship store located on Corso Venezia 3. Taking place on the opening day of Milan Men’s Fashion Week, the event featured a live DJ set by François Pochez. The boutique, spanning 700 square meters, was designed by Japanese studio Wonderwall under the guidance of Masamichi Katayama. The store’s interactive concept comprises a lounge area, a dedicated space for customization, a green area curated by Green Fingers and an Extreme Weather Experience Room, all of which offer an innovative and fully engaging in-store experience.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Celebrating Diversity
“Everyone has a different story… and everyone wears Emporio Armani”. For the launch of its Spring/Summer 2018 campaign, Emporio Armani decided to feature men and women of different ages and coming from all over the world, all selected trough street casting.
Shot in Milan by Photographers Ben Weller, Mark Peckmezian and Pawel Pysz, the campaign comes with a serie of pictures portraying the lucky ones, who bring a personal and original interpretation to Emporio Armani’s exclusive style, as the merging outcome of individual attitude and group’s identity.
With their charismatic attitude and ironic descriptions, the shots intensify the spontaneous freshness of the brand’s spirit and put emphasis on the authentic diversity that makes people unique.
www.armani.com
Fashion
The Paris Polo
In line with its precise identity and redefining the modern codes of urban elegance, Lacoste launches their R-T-W brand new polo shirt.
Characterised by a slim concealed button placket and a collar band, the shirt is proposed with shorter length and a straight fit that highlight the silhouette. The use of light materials like the stretch cotton mini piqué allows a comfortable and practical wear, while a tone-on-tone embroidered logo remarks the clean essentiality of the label, aiming to create a timeless look easy to combine with different styles.
Available in 15 shades, the Paris Polo will be available online and in all Lacoste stores from February 2018.
wwww.lacoste.com
Fashion
Dior Lady Art Bag #2
Last year Dior invited a handful of British and American artists to reimagine the classic Lady Dior Bag for a limited edition. As the project was a great success, it is back now, featuring another ten artists from all over the world of different ages and origins.
Giving “carte blanche” to the artists, they could freely transfer their creativity into Dior’s leatherworking language. Everything, from the fabric, to the charms, size, color, jewelry, handles and stitching could be adjusted by them.
The artists Friedrich Kunath, Namsa Leuba, Spencer Sweeney and Lee Bul created the new versions of the Lady Dior Art Bag. On Dior’s website, one can watch a series of videos highlighting their individual artistic identities and inspirations.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Moon Boot x Moncler
Two brands that are somehow synonymous with winter in fashion, just announced a collaboration with each other. The French outerwear brand Moncler, that connects the extreme demands of nature with those of city life, breathes life into a collection with Moon Boot, the iconic brand for aprés ski shoes. A capsule collection that fuses the stylistic elements of both brands, creating minimal to opulent boot models.
They are playing with colors, but a brillant black, that blends the classical with the traditional, is always prevalent. The collection is featuring boots in complete black, characterised by the typical Moon Boot tone-on-tone graphics, in sand, kaki, with shearling wool or a greige canvas effect. Various typical designs have been revisited concernig content, proportions and height.
The softness and exclusivity of silvery fox fur transforms the pieces in something even more desirable and timeless. With this collaboration a simple winter and sports shoe has become an iconic object and must-have of modern times offering cosy wintertime chic.
www.moncler.com
Travel
A Special Hideaway In the Historic Heart of Rome
In the middle of baroque Roman buildings, emanating the extraordinary presence of history, the exquisite private residence and boutique hotel Le Quattro Dame is located in a traditional palazzo between Piazza Venezia and Largo di Torre Argentina. The name of the residence and its philosophical inspiration comes from the four famous profile paintings, Portrait of a Woman, by Florentine renaissance artist Piero del Pollaiuolo, displayed throughout a few of the rooms. Entering the builiding, one has the choice to either walk up an impressive marble staircase that leads to the second floor, or enter a nostalgic elevator that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Muted earthy tones at the reception area have a soothing effect on the visitor, and lounge sofas serving an inviting space to sit and unwind. A gallery of renaissance artworks by selected artists such as Bronzino, Raffaello and Lorenzo Lotto adorn the walls, instilling the space with an independent and authentic vibe. Classical features such as high ceilings, wooden floors and wide windows are fused with modern but timeless interior design.
Only minutes from the Pantheon, Le Quattro Dame houses six different styles of rooms: three deluxe rooms, two junior suites, and a more secluded apartment. All of them are eclectically furnished and decorated in a chic, sophisticated Italian style. From the Sand Suite’s balcony, one can see the spot where Julius Caesar likely passed away. Viabuzzuno and Kartel lamps light up the rooms, Dedar and Sahco provide wooden flooring and curtains for a homey feel, while cosy Meridiani and Flou beds tempt you to lie in for longer. The bathrooms are furnished with glass doors, resin floors and steel accessories by Agape and Gessi. As Le Quattro Dame provides more of a self-contained apartment stay than a traditional hotel, all rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, Nespresso machine, kettle, minibar, glassware and Villeroy & Boch china.
During the stay, the manager Dori is reachable by phone, and mulitilingual staff members are available daily from 8.30 am to 6.30pm for inquiries about sightseeing, museum visits, tansfers, car hires, table reservations and everything else. Walking in and out of this typical Italian residence, feeling as if it were your own home, makes one blend in with the locals immediately. Le Quattro Dame is the ideal choice when looking for a high quality luxury hideaway with a romantic and stylish twist in the centre of beautiful Rome.
www.lequattrodame.com
Fashion
Versace Reopens Boutique in Frankfurt
When entering the newly designed and reopened Versace boutique in Frankfurt, one is greeted by a blend of traditional Italian architectural values and the incomparable dynamism and energy of Versace. Fior di bosco marble, onyx and brass elements create an ambience with a contemporary twist and emphasise the mood of supreme luxury. The boutique is a meeting point between the past and the future. The store is a unique and exclusive area of 345 square meters, which is perfect to present the Versace prêt-à-porter collections and accessories for men and women. According to Donnatella Versace, the interior design pays tribute to Italy’s cultural heritage and represents the spirit of the brand.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Paris By Night
With its new capsule collection, Highlight, the french brand Sandro presents an evening wardrobe with Parisian flair just in time for the party season. The 15 pieces are inspired by different decades of party wardrobe, offering the ideal outfit for each taste and occasion. Shades of black, silver and white, geometric shapes and volumes meet asymmetries. Pleats and frills bring twists to a feminine silhouette. The looks are formal but have the typical oh-so Parisian casual edge to them. The lustrous moiré of a draped bustier is combined with a full-circle skirt, silvery sequins can be found on a shawl-collar smoking jacket, worn over a short skirt in draped lurex and a white top with gigot sleeves contrasts with the deep black of a skirt enhanced with an asymmetric frill. Details of lace and brocade capture the final glow of Paris at dusk. The Sandro Highlight collection knows how to play with the dreams and desires of a starry night and channel chic femininity.
www.sandro-paris.com
Fashion
Hogan Christmas Special Edition: Glam It Up!
To accompany the upcoming festive and joyous mood before and after Christmas with style and grace, Italian shoe brand Hogan releases a special collection. The 2017 Christmas Edition can’t be beaten in glamour and festiveness. The brand’s maxiplatform H222 signature sneakers have been revisited and are proposed in two bright versions. The first one is a black patent leather edition with allover golden motifs and a laminated sole and the second comes in black suede with silver decorations and a metallic platform. A bright-touch clutch bag completes the Hogan XMAS Capsule Collection making it a perfect match for the shoes. These pieces are a secure entry on this year’s wish list!
www.hogan.com
Fashion
Camper x Eckhaus Latta
In the name of their Camper Together model, the shoe brand collaborates with leading international designers from the worlds of art, fashion and architecture. The aim is to create singular products and fuse their signature style with Camper’s unique DNA. Now, Camper partners up with fashion label Eckhaus Latta for a third collaboration. The couple and design duo behind the American brand is known for its avant-garde aesthetic, which they combine succesfully with Camper’s offbeat approach to footwear. Eckhaus Latta designed their own version of the Thelma model, which is a vintage-inspired heeled shoe, playing with flared volumes and refined heights. While the deconstructed design features uppers that combine rich leather with inverted jacquard fabric, the outside is inspired by the cloth upholstery typical of public transportation. All these attributes give the shoe an edgy tongue-in-cheek, anti-fashion vibe. The new Thelma will be available as both a slip-on moccasin and a zip ankle boot from the 31st October at CamperLab stores in New York, London and Paris, selected Camper stores and online.
www.camper.com
Fashion
The Handmade Derby by Sandro Homme
The french brand Sandro combines a focus on the future with the exploration of its past heritage. For the Sandro Homme shoes winter collection 2017, Ilan Cherite has revisited the iconic laced derby and added some character and class. These quirky shoes are a product of traditional savoir-faire, entirely hand made in England. To make it durable, they are constructed with Goodyear stitching. The first seam binds the upper, the inner sole and the welt. A second seam binds the welt to the outer sole, which makes it easily to replace. The inner sole out of natural cork fits to the shape of the foot and provides comfort like a tailor-made model. The timeless derby comes in box-calf black leather, which enhances the classic. This classy english shoe style is convincing with its versatility and can be worn with a city suit or less formal attire. In each pair Sandro expresses its aspirations and values, which are elegance, quality, discreet luxury and refinement. These high-end shoes are also intentionally affordable, which makes it easier to achieve that desireable dandy look.
www.sandro-paris.com
Fashion
Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2018
A laugh, a constant chuffed female loud laugh. It’s Michele Lamy’s voice in her latest album, accompanying Rick Owens Spring Summer 2018 show staged at the ornamental pond on Palais de Tokyo’s esplanade.
Rick Owens’ parade of draped, layered, adjunct looks felt - more than the recent Menswear Spring Summer’18 - like a continuation of the previous Womenswear Fall Winter ’17, with its spectacular volumes and emblematic head pieces of what looked like a sacred procession. At the time Owens declared how it was a propitious gesture in name of humanity and a positive new beginning as opposite to his historical cult of darkness.
On the same wavelength, this Spring Summer ‘18 collection is a rejection of any dark climate our time is undoubtedly imbued with. The show started with off-white silhouettes carefully draped with oversized bags placed at the waste, to create volumes recalling wombs.
The collection was rich in variations: sequined looks with knitted threads over them in brown, grey, and black; embellishment details in forms of slim linear beads placed in the shape of striped architectural structures over tops and dresses, occasionally recalling a moebius form.
But it were the final looks that undoubtedly stole the scene. A series of cocoon-like forms made of carefully shaped transparent jersey revealing intricate origami forms beneath, covering models heads’ and elongating them as to create a new being, a new existence. Rick Owens’ ode to joy, light and what’s still to come was staged in a water spectacle where beamers vertically sprayed water ten meters high. As the models walked in an impetuous fresh mist invaded the entire space. The PR’s urging us to wear the plastic rain ponchos placed on every seat pre-show, finally made sense. With Rick Owens signature’s logo written on its back we all looked as part of a congregation, reunited for some propitious ritual in the name or rebirth. A cleansing from this tired society.
www.rickowens.eu
Art
FENDI announces partnership with Galleria Borghese
The Italian fashion house Fendi has always had a strong connection to Rome and the fine arts. It all started, amongst others, with the restauration of the Trevi Fountain in 2015, followed by the opening of the first floor of Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana to the public, where Fendi’s headquarters are now. The brand recently announced a three-year-partnership with the prestigious Galleria Borghese in Rome, which is guarding the most relevant and best preserved paintings by Italian painter Caravaggio. Hence Fendi will be supporting the Caravaggio Research Institute, which sees the constitution at Galleria Borghese as a center of studies, diagnostics and artistic-historical research aiming to become a primary reference. To spread the word about the project, Fendi and the Galleria Borghese created an exhibition on the artist which will be taking place all over the world at the most high-end-venues. However, the first exhibiton that Fendi will be supporting is the “solo one”, which is dedicated to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the most representative artist of the Baroque period in Rome. The exhibition will be inaugurated on the 31st of October and will be open to the public from November 1st 2017 to February 4th 2018.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Lacoste Spring/Summer 2018
Lacoste celebrates its 85th anniversary with a collection full of humour and new declinations of their iconic polo shirt. Creative director Felipe Oliveira Baptista draws inspiration from classic French cinema from the mid 90s with two particular titles : the controversial Kassovits’s “La Haine” and Eric Rohmer’s “Conte d’été” exploring their portrayals of youth and the clashing realities between these two very different movies.
Oliveira Baptista questions the themes of formal and informal, of classic and sportswear in a play between contradiction elements and codes. If for women the polo shirt becomes an off the shoulder mini dress that wraps around the body, for men it appears oversized worn over denim.
The 90s reappear in the windbreakers, pea jackets and tracksuits reminiscent of the youth of that time, now released in high-tech versions. This is a collection where the beauty is in the cuts and its new sensuality and where the sportswear pieces made from openwork mesh nylon create a new sensuality. A celebration of the heritage of the brand, the iconic colours red 240, navy 166, white 001 and green 132 reissued together with pastels of the 80s, with the crocodile logo inhabiting the buttons of a piped cardigan or “climbing” over the shoulders of a dress.
A playful approach full of Lacoste’s history and its contemporary innovation.
www.lacoste.com
Art
Museo del Novecento and Fondazione Furla present Simone Forti: To Play the Flute
Museo del Novecento and Fondazione Furla present Simone Forti: To Play the Flute – a selection of performances by this Italian-born American artist, choreographer and dancer that will fill the Museo del Novecento’s Sala Fontana with sound and movement for three days.
This marks the first event of the Furla Series #01 – Time after Time, Space after Space, a performance- centred program that will feature five events from five different artists with varying backgrounds, influences and approaches to this form of expression.
Simone Forti, has been a leading figure in postmodern dance for over fifty years and has helped shaped the landscape of contemporary dance with performances that range from minimalist movement to improvisations that also featured spoken word. To Play the Flute is a reenactment of four seminal performance moments in Forti’s career that highlights her approach to the interplay of actions and objects, and they key role assigned to sound.
Forti’s famous Dance Constructions – now part of New York’s MoMa permanent collection – served as the foundation of her solid reputation in the 60’s art world thanks to her innovative ways of experimenting with the language of movement. The performances rethink the relationship between body and object, movement and sculpture, rules and improvisation and are based on everyday movements or interactions with objects. Personal expression and improvisation always appear to be hampered by the effort required to carry out a given physical task or follow certain rules.
The first Time after Time, Space after Space event will take place on the 21st to the 23rd of September in the Sala Fontana of Milan’s Novecento Museum. The program for Time after Time, Space after Space will include four more events featuring artists from around the world, at bimonthly intervals: Alexandra Bachzetsis (November 2017), Adelita Husni-Bey (January 2018), Paulina Olowska (March 2018) and Christian Marclay (April 2018)
www.museodelnovecento.org
www.fondazionefurla.org
Fashion
Jeremy Scott Spring/Summer 2018
Jeremy Scott is celebrating his birthday. Not the birthday of Jeremy Scott, the 42-year-old designer from Kansas City; rather Jeremy Scott, the distinctive namesake brand. But really, what is the difference? Scott is a designer who's personality is so transparent in his designs - his collections time and again let us peek into the mind of the fun-loving, eclectic American who 20 years ago staged his first show off-schedule in Paris.
For the anniversary show, Scott strived to refresh his distinct style while remaining true to what attracts his loyal following (basically, streetwear on acid). "It was a challenging process," Scott admitted. Not to undermine his word, but the show felt as challenging to process as a favorite guilty pleasure chick-flick. And why should fashion be any more complicated than that, anyway?
Neon phantom trousers overlaid bedazzled fishnet bodysuits, comic book printed body-con dresses were styled with over-the-knee python boots, fun bathing suits worn with chunky leather jackets: as per usual, Scott is hailing every contrast, clash and fashion faux-pas in the book. Perhaps the biggest contrast of all was Ms. Jourdan Dunn, one of the most commercially successful models, strutted down in a one-piece which read "VIVA AVANT GARDE." Oxymoronic, indeed.
www.jeremyscott.com
Fashion
Camper’s Techno Odyssey
Camper’s latest campaign is spearheaded by Romain Kremer, who has created a techno odyssey made up of surreal set pieces and vivid imagery. Six new alien-like personalities bring to life the A/W 2017 campaign, enlarging the Camper universe and telling a new part of its story: dreamlike characters are pictures with avant-garde designs, infused with the drama of over-saturated monochrome tones and colour-blocked, graphic shapes. Photographer Daniel Sannwald and makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench are the ones responsible for creating the high-impact, memorable images which were shot in London. Avatars Thelma and Serena lead the march for women, Rex and Brutus for men, and unisex favourites Dub and Drift for the androgynous crowd. Viewers can step into Camper alluring new world on many different platforms, all around the globe: in-store, in print, on digital platforms, and their website.
www.camper.com
Art
POWERMASK: Walter van Beirendonk at the Wereldmuseum
From the 1st of September 2017 until the 7th of January 2018, the ethnographic Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam will host POWERMASK, an exhibition curated by Antwerp fashion designer Walter van Beirendonck. The exhibition is a journey through the deeply symbolic, totemic and patrimonial world of masks, an often underrated accessory in contemporary fashion. Van Beirendonck has incorporated masks into his fashion collections since the 1990s, sourcing inspiration from André Breton, Pablo Picasso and Pieter Bruegel’s caricatural portraits.
The exhibition will examine links between Western art and African masks, the supernatural rituals surrounding masks, masks in fashion, masks as fetishes, and numerous other aspects. Van Beirendonck has styled the 125 masks, unpacked from the Wereldmuseum’s archive, with colorful costumes and fashion silhouettes. The backdrop of the exhibition is a delightful patchwork of wall installations by contemporary artists such as Brian Kenny, Coco Fronsac and Charles Fréger, macabre paintings of James Ensor, playful illustrations by Keith Haring, and designs by haute couture heavyweights Viktor & Rolf and Jean Paul Gaultier.
www.wereldmuseum.nl
Fashion
Kenzo Spring/Summer 2018
Asian models, only. Humberto Leon and Carol Lim celebrated two icons of Japan where Kenzo as brand finds its deep roots back to founder Kenzo Takada.
The collection explores the personalities of master musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and topmodel Sayoko Yamaguchi for Spring Summer 2018 menswear and Womenswear respectively. A beautiful look at their world, their time, their influences to Kenzo.
It’s as we were allowed to jump back into the past where Ryuichi Sakamoto was playing with its pioneer electronic group “Yellow Magic Orchestra” in the late 70s, and during the solo years composing the spectacular soundtracks for Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor” in the late 80s first and “The little Buddha” in the early 90s.
His individualism hinting to classic English tailoring mixed with Japanese 50s baseball culture is the main inspiration for Leon and Lim. It is a beautiful collection, eclectic in its preppy style and avant-garde attitude.
The extremely high-waisted trousers are matched with graphic tees printed with original images by Sakamoto himself. It’s the late 70s, the 80s, but more than a specific decade it’s the unique creative persona of Sakamoto.
For the Womenswear collection Leon and Lim channelled Sayoko Yamaguchi personality in the clashing of stripes, prints, coloured and bold sequined look: a love letter to the iconic top model and Kenzo Takada’s muse. Frills, feminine pieces next to more graphic ones.
The accessories are a striking element. Reminiscent of traditional Japanese accessories, they are reworked with pop colour, neon materials or stripes. The bags recall the beautiful satin pouches carried by Japanese women dressed up in kimonos during summer festivals with all that vintage allure.
All framed in a spectacular live performance by singer Lafawndah and aerial dancers on the façade’s courtyard of the show venue. An inspiring ending of this fashion week.
www.kenzo.com
Fashion
Lanvin Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
Workwear versus tailoring. Literally. Lucas Ossendrijver's virtuoso for Lanvin Men's Spring Summer 2018 exploded in a spectacular intricate composition where a dualism of silhouettes and materials merged as the model stormed in a situationist walk.
The factory worker jumpsuits, the tailored pants, the tech sporty anorak but in a checked classic English fabric, beautiful asymmetric knitwear and a strong vision that has graced Lanvin Menswear for more than 10 years.
The multitude of elements in this collection it’s as overwhelming as carefully balanced.
Reworked coats graced with graphic motives or with contrasting neon lining sometimes made into a reversible look. Trousers constructed with double sides where checked classic fabric at the front is mixed with a tech sporty finish at his back beautifully seamed together with a visible stitch. The check again – as in last Fall Winter collection – is one of the protagonists.
It’s a fascination for the classic menswear codes and its challenge to enrich it and enhance it with new elements and unexpected mix matching.
That play of the unexpected that Lucas Ossendrijver's delivers also in the accessory collection for Lanvin for Spring Summer 2018. A retro vintage camera leather pocket case, a massive squared bag as out of a messenger bike utility case with an engraved “L”, a necklace made out of an hand-hammered sculpture in metal covered with leather representing an incredibly detailed hand almost as out of an anatomical specimen collection.
It is an incredible collection of several influences, ideas, many genres, whispering one message: be yourself no matter what.
www.lanvin.com
Fashion
Hermès Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
A specific red hue named "H", a deep, intense red spacing between burgundy and brick colour. Splashed on Hermes Spring Summer 2018, together with taupe, navy, royal blue. It's a collection full of playful graphics, sporty and smart.
Veronique Nichanian’s normcore for Hermes Menswear has been balanced on relaxed silhouettes, cotton suits, leather sandals, paper-thin knitwear in caramel on top of emerald green chinos, a white shirt with a cardigan, a spectacular crocodile bomber in black.
Nichanian’s Hermes is that power dressing far from being loud, that discreet approach with a French attitude. Wear a pair of casual trousers, a beautiful fresh pullover, a sporty anorak on top and you are ready to be off duty in a breezy summer night. And yes, with sneakers. It is the quintessential vision of Hermes, its discreet approach and the meticulous leather work.
As the versatile big tote bag and the lambskin bomber jackets with contrasting stitching hint to baseball references it gives a different angle to this historical Maison and its equestrian heritage.
www.hermes.com
Art
Michaël Borremans Dances at Zeno X
Michael Borremans has launched his sixth solo exhibition at Zeno X, a Mecca of contemporary painting in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium. Sixteen Dances, the title of the show, is primarily a reference to the changing and multi-faceted nature of painting, and how the medium has the ability to forever adapt to the contemporary zeitgeist. The paintings are structured into three series: this is a typical way of working for Borremans, who has a necessity to always dig deeper and discover new meaning through multiple variations of the same theme. The paintings function almost as vignettes, which give the exhibition a cinematic feel: a clear continuum is interrupted by random stills which confuse any possible narrative structure. This gives an ambiguous and dark atmosphere, encapsulating the morbid and grotesque scenes present in the paintings, such as babies dancing covered in blood and figures in straight jackets. Borremans undoubtedly takes references from Bosch, Bruegel and Goya in this series of works, which questions the morality of human nature and exploits its subconscious savagery and cannibalism. While absorbing these haunted tableaux, viewers are left feeling dread and disorientation: a feeling that permeates in our current age and society. The exhibition will run until October 14th 2017.
Fashion
MSGM Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
This season marks a new chapter for Massimo Giorgetti’s MSGM after his departure from Emilio Pucci earlier this year. The move has been a catalyst for him to dedicate himself fully to his own brand MSGM, that’s been making street wear waves for quite some times now and shows no sign of slowing down.
Giorgetti’s MSGM Spring/summer 2018 Menswear collection was a well-travelled one. Drawing inspiration from modern street culture has been a constant for the designer who, this time, travelled to sunny California picking up on the inimitable vibes the west coast has to offer. From skaters and latter-day hippies to Burning Man festival-goers, Giorgetti’s references are as current as they are multi-faceted.
This season is all about workwear-inspired apparel in the form of madras parkas reworked into oversized volumes, paired with extra large backpacks. But colour is never far from the designer’s mind who offered his sports-alluding shapes an extra pop by pairing army green with bubblegum pink or turquoise while elsewhere graffiti and watercolour flower motifs elevated nylon ponchos and a chino pantsuit. Thick, cosy knitwear pieces embroidered with boisterous lettering were paired with short shorts and blousons were seen layered over boxy t-shirts.
The MSGM man’s sartorial identity may seem hard to pin down, but that’s exactly where the beauty is: as he floats between identities, influences and moods he picks his battles of rebellion carefully while remaining in the now.
www.msgm.it
Fashion
Missoni Spring/Summer 2018
Even though it wasn’t made explicitly clear, all elements point to a collection dedicated to an urban gardener, quite possibly Angela Missoni’s father whom her mother fondly referred to as ‘her gardener’. With a long-standing love for gardening that spans across generations of Missoni offsprings, this appears to be a well-founded claim.
Missoni’s style has always been characterised by an ease and effortlessness that many brands have tried to emulate throughout the years. Tried being the operative word here as this is exactly the element that should be missing from such an equation.
Lavender, periwinkle, indigo, cherry, blossom, apricot, shadow blue, mint, bamboo and red birch fabrics were dyed, blended and then washed to achieve that faded, almost blurred effect that screams Missoni from miles away.
The silhouettes were relaxed in a way that oozes stylish comfort, accentuated by fabrics that enhance that same aesthetic: slouchy utility pants with a lived-in feel in linen, for example or lightweight wools and cotton crepes. Denim was also given its time to shine in Missoni’s Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear collection – it was washed an appeared to have accompanied the man wearing it on many a relaxed adventures.
A bright and summery mood without trends or frills, bells or whistles, a calm joyfulness that exudes happiness much like a well-tended garden under the summer sun.
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Marni Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
“Lost and Found” – the tile of Marni’s Spring Summer 2018 collection that leaves so much to be imagined and so much more to be discovered. Convoluted as the meaning of that phrase may be, for Marni it acted as the catalyst for a collection that preaches the enjoyment of life through self-discovery.
In his second collection as creative director for Marni, Francesco Risso offered a collection of wearable clothes with a non-conformist touch. An air of randomness characterises the collection of roomy trousers and shirts that appear to have been de- and then re-constructed, sometimes held together with the fabric swatches for a DIY allure.
Sailboat prints and Hawaiian motifs make an appearance alongside garments of a more bookish, almost nerdy, nature that stay true to the brand’s retro tones. As Risso himself put it, this season’s pieces ‘surf the typography of a city’. This is office wear on holiday, where a tie on the beach is just as relevant as sailboats on a suit and Jamaican accents paired with a dash of the 20s. Knits appear shrunken and unfinished with their misaligned stripes.
Rules appear to have been thrown out the window here as the Marni man dresses himself freely, as if he were a collector of moments who may intentionally leave items behind only to retrieve them later. Perhaps even finding himself along the way.
www.marni.com
Fashion
Moncler Gamme Bleu Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
Thom Browne brought his signature hand-made tailoring sensibility to Moncler Gamme Bleu Spring Summer 2018 Menswear collection. Thus was born a perfect conflation between Browne’s flair and the brand’s expertise in active sportswear and outerwear for a collection that highlights an ease in seasonal transitions.
Down-filled looks made with over-sized plastic zippers and worn over identical looks without the down-filling epitomise the concept of smooth change. The collection was split into three colour-coded subcategories: grey and grey and white, red, white and blue and formal.
Trademark Thom Browne tailored pieces were present in traditional suit material iterations as well as more technical versions that incorporated highly functional fabrics such as technical wool and cashmere, nylon, ripstop, mesh and rainproof slicker.
www.moncler.com
Fashion
HUGO Spring/Summer 2018 Fashion Show
Presenting its mens- and womenswear Spring/Summer 2018 collection, HUGO transformed a factory in Florence into a candle-lit fashion show.
As a tribute to the spirit of the artist, the collection and the space itself illustrated all kinds of sketches and paint strokes that symbolises art and expression. An artist's unconventional perspective upon things, living according to his own rules with an sensitive yet careless attitude, just like the brand characteristics of HUGO, served as inspiration for the collection.
Many of the styles are in collaboration with the Designer Charles Jeffrey, with cut and shape inspired from the first HUGO collection from the year 1993, alongside completely redefined tailoring. The collection also presented oversize jackets and jumpsuits to create a unisex look with a color palette inspired from the artist's studio, reaching from neutral tones to shades of blue, yellow and of course the classic HUGO red.
For HUGO, this Spring/Summer collection is also all about the accessories. From oversized men’s bags, sneakers with chunky soles, to long earrings or pearl chains, they all contributed to a playful look.
Amongst M.I.A, Anwar Hadid and many others, present at the show was also ZOO Magazine’s current cover star, Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, all wearing head-to-toe HUGO.
hugoboss.com
Art
The Beats and The Vanities, Larry Fink Exhibition at Armani/SIlos
A collection of exquisite black and white photographs from Larry Fink’s The Beats and The Vanities books will comprise the latest exhibition at Armani/Silos. The exhibition presents a unique opportunity for the legendary photographer’s work and idiosyncratic vision to be experienced as one as they have never before been shown together before.
Giorgio Armani himself is a great fan of Larry Fink’s work, finding his ability to capture form and line in such a fluid way something he can relate to as well as a designer. “Fink is a jazz fan, and you can almost view these images in terms of musical composition – people in flow, surprising us, possessing an unconscious sensuality”, he adds.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in a progressive and politically active family, Fink cut his teeth as a photographer as part of the late beat generation, when he hooked up with a group of beats at the age of 17. Political activism, protests and marches formed the photographers worldview who documented the times through his medium-format camera.
His pictures serve as a time capsule and a candid look into his world, perfectly capturing the sense of romance and rebellion that characterised the underground jazz-fuelled youth movement of the time. A regular editorial contributor for prestigious titles such as The New Yorker and Vanity Fair, it was the latter that recognised his ability to bring them something different if let loose to create.
His visual record of the famous and their surrounding courtiers is not concerned with who’s who – rather it focuses on what’s happening. As Fink himself describes it, he tries to embrace the souls of all people, regardless of their conditions.
The Beats and The Vanities, Photographs by Larry Fink will be on show at the Armani/Silos until the end of July 2017.
www.armanisilos.com
Fashion
Dior Fall/Winter 2017
Taking the reins of a legendary fashion house is always a challenge. Maria Grazia Chiuri is not new to the job. She, together with Pier Paolo Piccioli, took the helm of Valentino one year after Sir Garavani’s retirement, keeping high the stakes of the house, bringing it back to international acclaim.
At her second collection for Dior, Chiuri’s wish to bring a revolution and play with the house’s codes is even more clear. She is a woman, and as every Italian woman, she is naturally engaged in elevating women’s power and society’s perception of the female stance. If you were expecting a Valentino’s modus operandi you were mistaken.
Maria Grazia Chiuri is not easily affected by predictions. She has a vision and she is certainly not playing the safe card. Dior Fall Winter 2017 was entirely declined in shades of blue, a blue that Chiuri found in the archives of Dior – particularly on a taffeta silk dress designed in ’54 - and quickly got fascinated by. It’s the blue of uniforms, of elegant evening dresses and certainly of denim. It’s a young contemporary collection. Chiuri wishes to picture the contemporary woman emerging the tense political climate of our time.
Last season’s motto “We should be all feminists” left the place to a more consistent and strong statement where the clothes speak by themselves. The basques created by Stephen Jones give a further accent in this sense. It almost as we see a troupe of suffragettes, marching one after the other advocating women’s freedom to dress however they find fit.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Loewe Fall/Winter 2017
Loewe’s creative director J.W. Anderson is transforming this luxury Spanish leather brand into an impressive fashion house where cultural references, design, architecture, and the beautiful leather craftsmanship coexist.
Like for his eponymous label, Anderson is able to create a dialogue between the arts, where fashion is at its centre, without any stretch. The romantic and enchanting feeling reminiscent of Gone with the Wind’s Rossella O’Hara ball gowns together with a playful splash of Commedia Dell’Arte’s Pierrot and Harlequin, where the polka dots and the western hat felt perfectly parts of the same image. But also the signature handkerchief hem dresses and a parade of countless accessories declined in new colours like the polka dot iconic puzzle bag.
As in every season we see experimentations with butter lamb leather in exceptional peplum waist-cinching tops, dresses, suits, outwear in a variety of colours: lipstick red, moss green, and the forever favourite almond and black. There are so many fascinations Anderson took into account for Loewe Fall Winter 2017 and it just feel fresh and captivating.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Nicholas Kirkwood Fall/Winter 2017
“The Dark Matters”, for Fall/Winter 2017 Nicholas Kirkwood created a series of monochromatic shoes with a strong 80s aesthetic.
Geometric and graphic lines adorn the heels and boots for this strong and architectural collection. The English designer - inspired by artists like Daniel Buren - used a sculptural approach and the forever-favourite feminine/masculine dichotomy references.
The austerity of black in contrast with lurex and silver mirror smooth leather uppers, plexi-heels, pearls inlaid into a metal frame sole and luxurious black suede, adorn the collection in a play of contrasts. The name of the collection also refers to a new fabric created by Kirkwood: a black glittering stretchy textile used for a new sock-boot and a slip-on mule. It’s a rich and sophisticated collection with new silhouettes and the omnipresent irreverent mood of Kirkwood’s work
www.nicholaskirkwood.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2017 Ready-to-Wear
We have come to a point in fashion when history has been elevated without precedent. There is a lot of the 80s Monsieur Yves we know in the new Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. For Saint Laurent Fall Winter 2017 there is again a respectful reference to the history but also a lot of the Vaccarello DNA that we have seen in his eponymous label for many years.
That sexiness, that daring and fierce attitude the Italo-Belgian designer infused in his own shows season after season before becoming the new creative director of the historical Maison. And then there is the show vibe. Anthony Vaccarello presented his second collection for Saint Laurent in a surreal, and provoking atmosphere inside the under-construction site of the new brand’s head quarters in rue Bellechasse at the Left Bank of the Seine. The rain pouring down, the scaffolding as backdrop, the loud pulsing music as in any squat party, was the perfect set as to declare a new beginning, the shaping of the new identity of Saint Laurent in fieri.
Bold short dresses in velvet, caramel and black leather matched with long up-to-the-neck gloves as to create a tromp l’oeil effect for maxi shoulders. Thigh-high boots in patent leather and rhinestones with ruches - sure to become the obsession of next season. But also strong day looks with an invasive sense of masculinity: denim with mohair sweaters, shearling jackets, or a simple tee. It’s that subversive soul that Yves Saint Laurent himself was known for. It’s that unexpected atmosphere that everyone is waiting with anticipation at this fashion house. As his predecessor, Vaccarello will make everyone want to wear his clothes. With no exceptions.
www.ysl.com
Travel
Burlesque for the Senses
Few cities come close to Berlin’s notoriety — renowned for its progressive art scene and home to internationally-famed nightclubs, the city seems to constantly reel in artists, free thinkers and hipsters from all over the world, creating a buzzing, infectious atmosphere that gives way to a thriving art scene. But something unique and glamorous lies behind the doors of the Berlin Provocateur, the latest gem in hospitality that opened its doors to the public in March 2017.
An other-timely experience that is patiently waiting to be discovered channels the exuberance of Parisian 1920s style, and places creativity and joie de vivre at the forefront. Think of enigmatic songstress édith Piaf and the dandy gentleman that was Oscar Wilde. Where would these legends choose to sojourn, relax and recline should they have been transported to modern day Berlin through some inexplicable twist of fate? With that very concept in mind, Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu, the Frankfurt visionaries and hoteliers behind Gekko Group, brought to life an oh-so Parisian oasis in the heart of the German capital. Describing the immersive experience that greets guests upon arrival, but also permeates the Provocateur’s modus operandi in its entirety, is no easy feat. Rarely are you able to truly feel transported to an iconic city, let alone a seminal era for the arts and culture.
But the Provocateur and its fifty-eight stunning rooms, bar and restaurant beg to differ — and rightly so, as they give ‘hospitality with a passion’, Gekko Group’s motto,an entirely new meaning. Amsterdam-based designer Saar Zafrir is the creative mastermind behind the hotel’s modern burlesque character. Sensual yet intricate details coupled with warm colours and intriguing textures comprise a beautifully serene ambiance. The journey begins at the lobby, where an elevator from 1912 fulfils its prescribed function, while simultaneously acting as a portal to French je ne sais quoi. What’s more, the guest rooms hold further surprises: at the simple push of a button, guests are given the opportunity to delve further into the reverie of the Parisian past, guided by music and images that are projected on the walls. Unapologetic in its Frenchness, yet somehow contemporary as ever, the Provocateur’s interiors feature luxurious, plush furnishings in warm hues and details that accentuate its glamorous influences. Duc Ngo, one of the most influential figures on Berlin’s flourishing restaurant scene, is responsible for the Golden Phoenix restaurant, where he brings to life his personal vision of fusion cuisine. At the Provocateur bar, arguably the establishment’s beating heart, guests are invited to taste a menu that boasts several creations with clear Franco-Chinese influences and a tastefully provocative burlesque attitude. With its hotel, restaurant, bar and event room, the Provocateur offers all that matters for a stay in Berlin. No sense is left unsatisfied — and that is without even leaving the premises. A case of ‘stay up all night and sleep all day’.
www.provocateur-hotel.com
Fashion
Make Love Not Walls
Through photographic material and a series of global actions, Diesels breaks down all barriers in communication with its #makelovenotwalls movement and tears down the mental and physical walls that separate us. In a time where hate, walls and fear seem to prevail, the brand urges us all to unite for the greater good.
“At Diesel we have a strong position against hate and more than ever we want the worlds to know that. Love and togetherness is crucial in creating a society we all want to live in, and the future we all deserve” explains Diesel Artistic Director Nicola Formichetti.
For this campaign, Formichetti collaborates with legendary artist and photographer David LaChapelle using the Wall as a symbol of separation and breaking it down to create strong stories through a simple yet powerful narrative: walls are built and the heart-shaped Diesel love tank tears them down. As a symbol of separation is reinterpreted into a symbol of unison and flowers fills the space, a celebration of freedom and love is born. Diesel is known for pushing the boundaries creatively.
From its 1995 LaChapelle campaign with two kissing sailors, to this year's anti-wall ads, it encourages us to let fear aside and focus on what brings us all together rather than what divides us. If You've got walls, Diesel's got wrecking balls!
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Mode Suisse Edition 11
February 8th 2017 marked the showcase of Mode Suisse Edition 11 at the Migros Museum fur Gegenwartskunst in Zurich. Once again, a wealth of design talent was represented. Among them high-flying label Julia Seeman, Garnison's post-dandy menswear, LYN Lingerie's luxury handmande collection, Julian Zigerli's second appearance of womenswear and gender-fluid menswear that have made him a household name as well as Berlin-based experimentalist womenswear label studiowinkler. Additionally WUETHRICHFUERST made their much-anticipated debut.
The evening's highlights included the showcase of Masters' students Jeremy Gaillard, Flore Girard de Langlade and Vanessa Schindler, who is the winner of the Prix d'Excellene Hans Wildorf. Additonally Zurich favourites enSoie had the audience craving for its nonchalant style while Vivienne Rohner strutted the catwalk laid with previously unseen carpets by Schonstaub. Special guest designerDorothee Vogel's desirable duvet coats and floaty dresses ended the show.
Edition 12 of Mode Suisse will take place in Zurich in September 2017.
www.modesuisse.com
Fashion
Loewe Fall/Winter 2017
A small trumpet as an earring, a shopper completely covered in off-white cable knit wool, a thin leather belt with an ominous brass nose on its centre. The collection of objets trouvés that populated Loewe Menswear Fall/Winter 2017 is not a new element for the quirky mind of creative director Jonathan Anderson.
The mix of fun, classic, and urban elements is something we have seen season after season where individuality has been the key. Beautiful leatherwork as rooted in the brand's Spanish heritage, but also Anderson’s favourite hints to fishermen and sailors’ daily-life. Presented in the Parisian showroom the collection is the image of a further complexity and playful daring attitude from the English designer now in his fourth year at the helm of Loewe.
It was certainly the beautiful shearling one of the spotlight of the collection. In deep cobalt blue with black leather details, in denim, or in a striped rainbow coloured version, to pump up our gloomy mood in rainy, cold Paris.
Mixed and matched tartans and handbags with imaginary propaganda newspaper titles gave a further energising accent to a splendid collection full of craftsmanship and a romantic post-industrial atmosphere.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Y/PROJECT Fall/Winter 2017
A mobius of forms, shaped in the seam lines, leading to dramatic volumes. Beautifully balanced but also true to his roots, Glenn Martens created a collection where Y/Project's identity is declined to a new sphere, all played through Martens’ all-time favourite ironic approach to dualities.
The low and the high, the elites and the masses, deconstructed garments and slouchy fits. Between historical reinvention and street culture, Y/Project's Menswear collection for Fall/Winter 2017 continues to master that relaxed and youthful attitude that has characterized Martens’ work from the start.
Doubled silk shirts, deconstructed faux fur, reinvented corduroy suits, slouchy oversized track suits straight from a rapper's videoclip, followed by the impressive sweatsuits with wired piping in a blobbing volume, reminiscent of that mantle draping we have seen on 1808 Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’s portrait of Napoleon.
As Napoleon and consort printed on scarves in football merch fashion - part of Martens' playful reference along with other royal couples such as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette - steal the scene and we cannot choose. We can only root for this talented Belgian designer.
www.yproject.fr
Fashion
NEW TENDENCY x Meiré und Meiré
New Tendency showed its 2017 product innovations at the Meiré und Meiré Factory.
The Bauhaus tradition has influenced the development process of everyday contemporary objects for New Tendency. Their furnishings serve to compose an ideal setting for modern working environments. With the emergence of co-working spaces, New Tendency have picked up on the need of flexible and functional configurations and strive to inspire those who are surrounded by their creations in their daily lives and their professional environments.
Showcasing their work in one of the leading creative agencies in Germany was therefore a natural progression.
Among other objects, New Tendency presented its December Edition at the Meiré und Meiré factory, a line that was the result of a fruitful collaboration with the agency, furthering their devotion to creative partnerships. The Artist's Edition of the lamp served as the inspirational springboard for the creation of New Tendency's premium line, Black Label that will soon be expanded to include more exclusive pieces with clear geometrical components.
Raw structures, industrial materials and natural elements formed the perfect hybrid framework for New Tendency's minimalist yet progressive designs. The presentation at the Meiré und Meiré factory didn't treat New Tendency's furnishings as conventional exhibits; they were instead integrated in the agency's daily goings-on serving as both a working space and a meeting point.
For New Tendency's exhibition at the Meiré und Meiré Factory, Mike Meire grouped the December edition pieces with side tables from the META line to create an island in the middle of the space. The installation was staged on raw concrete and stone slabs between dry plants, paint buckets and cardboard boxes. Fluorescent lights floated above it, different colours and textures of plastic foil sheets hanging over the top. The industrial ensemble was characterised by deliberately rudimentary fragmented elements that served as a beautiful contrast to the high-end claim of the products on display.
In the age of digitalisation, where products are becoming increasingly perfect Mike Meiré felt the need to infuse the products with textural and tactile elements proposing 'Brutalism x Redefining Nature' and paying tribute to Le Corbusier's New Brutalism.
www.newtendency.com
www.meireundmeire.com
Fashion
Vivienne Westwood summer trip to the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean has always served as a source of inspiration for poets and artists. A symbol of eternal beauty, of endless summers. A beauty that many have attempted to explain with words but that is better left to feelings and emotions.
Andreas Kronthaler's Spring/Summer 2017 'Europa' collection for Vivienne Westwood is a case in point. The collection is an ode to the Mediterranean's laid-back summer vibes and evokes images of sandy beaches, sunsets by the sea and days spent in nothing more than a bikini. But much like everything that bear's Vivienne Westwood's signature, there's a political statement to be read between the lines: 'Europa' is a continent in crisis, struggling to come to grips with the humanitarian crisis of mass migration, an issue that stains its reputation but somehow doesn't distract from its charm.
Legendary photographer Juergen Teller shot the campaign in Greece, with the picturesque white houses and blue waters serving as the perfect backdrop. Showcasing the garments as well as the scenery beautifully, Teller also managed to highlight the Mediterranean's grotesque facade with a mixture of sophistication and grunge very synonymous with the Vivienne Westwood brand.
Former sex-symbol Pamela Anderson features in the campaign providing a contrast that also links to the power of Mother Nature. The result is simple and delicious, just like a plate of spaghetti.
www.viviennewestwood.com
Fashion
BILLIONAIRE Fall/Winter 2017: Texas under spotlights
Once upon a time, soap opera characters served as primary sources of style inspiration and this season Billionnaire by Philipp Plein travelled back in time to pick up the trend. Remember Dallas?
Set in Texas, the show reached cult phenomenon status and was Philipp Plein's moodboard for Fall/Winter 2017. The Billionnaire man is a wealthy and stylish globetrotter: skiing in Aspen and gambling in Monte Carlo. The collection reflects the attitude of a character that isn't shy about showing off his personality.
Snakeskin jackets, chinchilla bombers and full-length overcoats feature alongside astrakhan and crocodile skins as the ultimate statements of elegance whether on the slopes or in the city. Trousers are high-waisted and denim takes centre stage in trousers and double-breasted jackets.
From knitwear to eveningwear the attention to detail is meticulous, fully conveying Plein's references: classic Texan hat included!
www.philipp-plein.com
Fashion
A dandy poem by Alexander McQueen
A dandy spirit that explores the deepest sides of Oscar Wilde's soul during an esoteric trip that Germans call Wanderlust. A contemporary gentleman traveling from London's Tite Street to Paris Saint Germain seeking inspiration from the world that surrounds him.
Alexander McQueen documents this journey through his latest menswear collection, paying homage to the man who has become synonymous with the term 'esthete'. British tailoring plays a central role in a collection that encapsulates and celebrates the house's trademark codes. Precise and elongated cuts in suits with peaked shoulders and legged or flare trouser silhouettes – worn cropped above the ankle and sometimes with a satin or velvet band on the sides, offer their elegance to coats and jackets alongside jacquards with peacock feathers for the most daring dandies. The collection also explores and plays with proportions, combining classic and more of-the-moment oversized fits to give birth to a new hybrid of men's shirt-dresses. A worn-in feel is brought forward by mohair knits, frayed at the edges and laddered with holes. For the evening, Alexander McQueen’s Fall/Winter 2017 features tuxedos, smoking jackets and robes with satin quilted reveres, embroidered velvet and jacquard to give an incredible taste of elegance to a collection that is worth of an old-fashioned gentleman.
McQueen's latest collection is a true ode to Oscar Wilde, done in incomparable style and honing in on elements that have granted the brand the status it holds today. No doubt it will be at the receiving end of countless praises this season.
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
Rocking it with Dior Homme
A utopian sense of refined grunge has always characterized Kris Van Assche's creative direction at Dior. For Dior Homme Summer 2017, Van Assche's dynamic energy is reflected through a new generation of four inspired characters: A$AP ROCKY, Boy George, Rami Malek and Ernst Klimko.
A 'do it Yourself' attitude runs through the brand's creative direction this season, a path that the four diverse Dior Homme personalities will follow, eventually converging to personify the house's vision of Homme. The campaign's four faces may embody different disciplines of modern art but through Van Assche's direction, they provide an all-encompassing, cohesive undertone for the French house's men's collection.
Interestingly, hip-hop is made elegant in this line giving birth to intriguing pieces such as the dark floral garments designed by Japanese artist Toru Kamei.
Shot through the streets of Paris and in studio by photographer Willy Vanderperre, the campaign pairs heritage and an innovative rock, raw-edge mood that will undoubtedly make it a key player in Dior's already impressive campaign portfolio.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Schiaparelli’s Haute Couture moment has come
Schiaparelli Maison, Chanel's historical rival is definitely back on the scene after a long hiatus. This January marks a milestone for the celebrated maison as the French Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture decided to enlist Schiaparelli among the 15 fashion haute couture brands existing in the world.
Ravaged by the aftermath of the war, Elsa Schiaparelli closed her iconic Paris "Schiap Shop" in 1954, the very same year that saw the release of her autobiography "Shocking Life". It was only three years ago that Italian businessman Diego Della Valle decided to revive Schiaparelli, believing in the power of its indomitable style and unparalleled innovative techniques.
Alongside stores of long-established brands in the field such as Chanel, Givenchy and Dior to name a few, Elsa's shop in Paris' Place Vendome is opening its doors again to pick up where it left of, starting a new chapter in haute couture history.
www.schiaparelli.com
Fashion
LOUIS VUITTON CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN BERLIN
France and Germany join in for the celebration of 30 years of Louis Vuitton, the brand synonymous in everyone's mind and many hearts with élégance française.
Louis Vuitton celebrated its birthday with the opening of its latest concept store in Berlin's Kurfürstendamm. Celebrities and influencers from the world of fashion were present to mark the joyous occasion. A combination of craftsmanship, savoir-faire, continuous innovation and heritage - all keywords for the long established brand as well as the city that played host to its celebrations.
Berlin incomparably contemporary dynamism and Parisian haute couture give birth to 'amour toujours'.
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
The world through Henk Schiffmacher’s “camereyes”
When Texas, Henk Schffmacher's daughter discovered her father's old 35mm negatives in a dusty drawer, she knew they had to be exposed for the world to see.
Dutch tattoo artist, Henk Schiffmacher has become known for his energetic and observational photographic work that is now being collected and exhibited for the first time ever. Highlighting the best and worst facets of modern society, this eclectic ensemble of pictures is a real representation of the world we live in through Schiffmacher's camera.
Taken between 1970 and 1985 these pictures give us a raw insight into the world of youths, bikers and tattoo fetishists from all around the globe – from Las Vegas, L.A., Amsterdam, and Tokyo to Mumbai, Manila, San Francisco and Kuala Lumpur.
This makes for an interesting juxtaposition: a wild mix of cultures, nationalities and excess against the backdrop of vintage cityscapes and timeless scenarios. Schiffmacher's photography offers a unique and brilliant view of the world as it was four decades ago.
Pure, direct and unprecedented just like photography should be.
www.schiffmachershoots.com
Fashion
PIRELLI CALENDAR 2017: An Unfiltered Emotion
“In a time when women are represented in the media and everywhere else, as ambassadors of perfection and youth, I thought it was important to remind everyone that there is a different beauty”
‘Emotional’, the title chosen by Peter Lindbergh for the 2017 edition of the iconic Pirelli Calendar. No other word could strike such a chord in women’s hearts that, nowadays, find themselves fighting against unrealistic beauty standards imposed by society. Fighting to fit in a world in which all things beauty are accompanied by a certain degree of fakery.
Pirelli Calendars have always been seen as conveyors of a specific message of perfection that could be hardly afforded by us, mere mortals. Following Annie Leibovitz’s thread of last year, Lindbergh decided to let beloved actresses shine through their nakedness. Not a nakedness imposed by the lack of garments but by the absence of filters.
The choice of abstaining from Photoshop editing is indeed the leading theme of the 2017 Calendar, which includes actresses like Uma Thurman, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet and Julianne Moore in all their natural feminine splendor. The beauty that speaks about the courage of being yourself in your own sensibility.
Lindbergh’s message wants to reach all women who feel worthless, despicable, and inadequate in a way that only an artist of his caliber could achieve.
www.pirelli.com
Fashion
Miu Miu Upcycled Holiday 2024
As part of the Holiday collection, Miu Miu unveils their Upcycled 2024 collection. In its fifth edition, Miu Miu Upcycled introduces their debut creation of a fully realized wardrobe, with a campaign featuring the marvelous Emma Corrin capturing the essence of postcard portrait photography.
Miu Miu is known and adored by many for their relentless combining of cutting-edge design with industrial excellence, leading to the development and production of highest quality garments and accessories. Having launched their first edition in 2020, Miu Miu Upcycled reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to circular design practice and overall sustainability in the industry, through breathing new and fresh life into much beloved pieces of garments from the past. Through preserving the rich cultural history of these pieces, Miu Miu Upcycled equally takes part in enhancing future wearers’ sartorial experience with a sense of style and sustainability.
Four singular narratives unfold through the 2024 collection: globally sourced Upcycled leather; Upcycled kilts from the Fifties to the Seventies; brand archival Upcycled yarn with an emphasis on color; and Upcycled embroidery displaying archival samples.
A verification from the Aura Blockchain Consortium accompanies every piece in the 2024 Miu Miu Upcycled collection. As a non-profit association they promote transparency and customer-focused business practices throughout the whole lifecycle of luxury products.
The collection designed for seasons to come is now available in selected Miu Miu stores worldwide and on miumiu.com.
Fashion
Bottega Veneta – The Heart of the Jungle
This fall, Bottega Veneta unveils its first fragrance line under the direction of Matthieu Blazy, who is enamored by both the brand's heritage and the rich history of Venice. This new collection celebrates Venice’s past as a meeting place for diverse cultures and crafts, much like Bottega Veneta's iconic Intrecciato leather weave, a symbol of interwoven creativity and craftsmanship. Each of the five fragrances in the collection represents a unique fusion of scents, echoing the way Venice once united influences from around the world. Blazy has designed each fragrance as a blend of natural essences from different regions, creating a sensory journey that combines contrasting notes into a harmonious whole. Each scent is crafted with 100% natural ingredients sourced from varied locations, from Morocco to Madagascar, creating fragrances that are both rich in character and universal to any wearer. In doing so, Blazy has brought to life an olfactory interpretation of Intrecciato, a sensory weave of ingredients that pays tribute to the house’s signature style.The fragrances themselves offer distinctive yet complementary experiences.
Colpo di Sole, with French Angelica oil and Moroccan orange blossom, is warm and radiant like Mediterranean sunlight. ‘Come with Me’ blends Italian bergamot’s sharp brightness with French orris butter’s softer elegance. ‘Acqua Sale’ is evocative of saltwater on the skin, merging labdanum from Spain with juniper from Macedonia. For a more sophisticated edge, ‘Déjà Minuit’ combines Madagascar geranium with Guatemalan cardamom, while ‘Alchemie’ brings together Brazilian pink pepper and Somali myrrh, creating a decadent blend that is both alluring and dynamic.True to Bottega Veneta’s commitment to craftsmanship, each fragrance in the collection comes alive on contact with the wearer’s skin.
This intentional design lets each scent interact with the skin’s natural warmth, unfolding subtly as it moves with the wearer. Blazy’s attention to detail extends to the bottle design itself, which he envisioned as more than just a container; it’s an essential part of the experience. Crafted from fluid, translucent glass that echoes Venice’s lagoon, the bottle’s undulating form is both organic and sensual, reminiscent of the soft shapes that have defined Bottega Veneta’s leatherwork.The fragrance bottles are a tactile pleasure, with smooth surfaces that feel at once familiar and luxurious. This tactile quality is central to Blazy’s vision, which celebrates not only scent but the physical interaction between person and object. In every detail, this new fragrance collection pays homage to Venice’s artisanal legacy and to Bottega Veneta’s own craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation in an energizing celebration of the senses.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Travel
Mandarina Duck is going Rome at the Tennis&Friends Event
During the Tennis&Friends event 2024, Mandarina Duck took over the city of Rome, with its “Yellow Wave”. A perfect fusion of health, wellness, and sports.
The vibrant color yellow acts as a unifying theme. It is both – leitmotif of Tennis & Friends and Mandarina Duck’s iconic color. Yellow stands strong, as a symbol for positivity and energy, but also for the dynamic spirit of health and eco-friendly innovation. What connects Mandarina Duck and Tennis & Friends, is a shared focus on sustainability – in terms of environmental consciousness, but also in terms of personal health. The heart of the event took place on October 11th, with Mandarina Duck’s presentation of their visually stunning installation featuring tennis balls at Circolo Foro Italico. Guests had been warmly invited for drinks in the courtyard, with a live DJ set by Dorian. Tennis & Friends offered free medical check-ups to all participants during the event – emphasizing their passion for reinforcing the importance of health prevention and well-being. A mission which Mandarina Duck proudly supports.
Mandarina Duck’s eco-coated line started from the FW24 season onwards. Sustainable backpacks from this 100% green collection had been given to players during the event, as a symbol of the brand’s commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, but also towards protecting our environment.
www.mandarinaduck.com
www.tennisandfriends.it
Fashion
Trashy Clothing’s ’Arsenal of Democracy’
Trashy clothing – the emerging Palestinian “anti-luxury luxury fashion label” based in East Jerusalem has recently presented their SS25 collection – featuring a collaboration with Barragán – in Milan, after their successful collaboration with Salvatore Vignola in the past year.
Mixing elements of satire and kitsch, with an ever-present element of wit, Trashy Clothing’s vision is one to engage into the context of contemporary political circumstances – through their sharp design statements. Trashy Clothing is a narrative-driven brand, telling stories against the backdrop of history. The label successfully weaponizes joy through fashionable humor, with the aim of actively inducing a rupture in the thread woven through established beliefs and ideas about the world we inhabit. Under the leading hands of Omar Braika and Shukri Lawrence’s co-creative direction, the label scrutinizes power dynamics and Western geographies, as well as the aesthetic norms that have been ruling the fashion industry for far too long.
The label’s collections with a focus on the Middle East, often inspired by Arab popular culture and music icons, seamlessly blend references to workwear, clubwear and eveningwear. They address matters of gender, sexuality, ethnicity and race through the medium of fashion – transcending national borders. Staple items as the “Tourist Wrap Skirt”, expose issues like artwashing and cultural appropriation, with the collections lookbooks and campaigns acting as an aesthetic anchor for consumers and viewers alike, to deepen the understanding of the political consciousness as the brand’s driving force – to open their eyes to the historical, political and social relevance of their work.
The pieces from the collection and collaboration with Barragán will be available for pre-order in October.
trashyclothing.shop
Fashion
Louis Vuitton X Frank Gehry at Art Basel Paris 2024 – Scaling Up
The long running collaboration between Louis Vuitton and architect, artist and designer Frank Gehry has reached new heights at Art Basel Paris.
A monumental hanging white fish floating at the top of the grand staircase of the Grand Palais serves as a testament and continuation of the artist's awe inspiring work. Both simplistic and deeply ornamental the sculpture combines strength and suppleness and stands in line with Gehry’s aerodynamic works of design and architecture. In addition to the large display, which is on view from October 18th to 20th the Maison has also unveiled a collection of bags revisiting Louis Vuitton’s iconic models while also reflecting the aesthetic principles of the architect’s work.
Louis Vuitton’s devotion to arts has a long history, beginning with window display designs, moving on to advertisements and objects and signature capsule collections. Additionally, this is the third consecutive year Louis Vuitton is an associate partner of Art Basel Paris. The Maison has also shown its wish to continue this dialogue within a set physical space through the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Designed by Frank Gehry it demonstrates a complex understanding of transparency and light as materials to sculpt and to shift perspectives, both functioning as a work of art in itself but also as a perfect environment for the pieces exhibited.
This play of transparency and botanical shapes that can be seen throughout Gehry’s designs is also found in the Louis Vuitton by Frank Gehry Collection. His catalog of work is transformed into wearable miniature sculptures that frequently feature elements such as scales, or delicate fish embroidery nodding at the exhibition’s key display and equally breath-taking hanging atop the grand staircase as they are as tiny technical marvels.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Reimagining the Gucci Horsebit Loafer 1953
Gucci has recently launched a campaign with Italian actor and screenwriter Pietro Castellitto as the new brand ambassador, shining new light on their, seemingly everlastingly so, iconic design, the 1953 Horsebit Loafer. A piece in Gucci’s collection, emblematic of the brand’s heritage like barely any other, invincible, transcending time and trends, since its first debut in 1953, the year Gucci started launching footwear.
Gucci’s classic, the Horsebit Loafer exudes the house’s exemplary vision of contemporary masculinity, centering around personality, originality and elegance. A perfect fusion of sporty, casual and sensual.The double ring and bar, inspired by the equestrian world, eliciting ideas of timeless style and refined class in our collective mind, meticulously crafted through Gucci’s ongoing creative endeavor, has been a constant motif in the house’s inspiring collection’s for over seven decades already, since the house’s founding in Florence, Italy, in 1921.
The campaign emphasizes the special place the Horsebit Loafer 1953 is given in creative director Sabato De Sarno’s menswear wardrobe. In line with Pietro Castellito’s relaxed character, captured through a series of striking portraits of different looks, ranging from the casual to the refined, balanced through the grounding presence of Gucci Horsebit Loafer 1953’s transformative, but simultaneously, ever so adapting, design.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Stella McCartney x Adidas PFW – Fashionably fast
After multiple successful collaborations over the past two decades, Stella McCartney and adidas come together again for launching what seems to be the next wardrobe essential: the Rasant. While rushing through the short days of Paris Fashion Week and trying to see every show, the new style is the ideal trainer to ensure a comfortable and relaxing watch of the runways.
Translating from German to “rapid”, the new sneaker features a high-top silhouette, vegan leather, and layered lace, bringing fashion into the sports world. A tribute to the old Monza sneaker – worn on the Spring Summer 2002 Stella McCartney runway – the Rasant mirrors McCartney’s desire for playfulness, the excitement that unexpected pairings bring. In a world full of elegance and couture, the female designer dives deep into sports culture and embraces the functionality part of it, while bringing the savoir faire of high fashion to the athletic realm. Striving to support all athletes, Stella McCartney and adidas design an unisex shoe, made to push the limits of innovation and modernize the catwalk. With Monza’s legendary past – worn by race drivers in the 80s and 90s, models, and athletes – that stretches over the past 50 years, the Rasant is designed to live up to the expectations of its predecessor.
Constructed from vegan leather that imitates nubuck leather, the silhouette comes in a natural color palette, with shades of white, black, and gray that wrap the shoe’s slim shape, giving it a light, soft look. The Rasant trainer will be available for pre-order in October 2024 and will arrive in stores in January 2025.
www.stellamccartney.com
www.adidas.com
Fashion
Rabanne Spring Summer 2025 PFW – Relative Radicality
The Rabanne Spring Summer 2025 collection blurs the lines between exquisite and every day in a way that is quintessentially Rabanne.
Couture techniques applied to casual garments, classic pieces of preppy wear transformed into industrial inspired futuristic looks, and the iconic 1969 assemblage bags reimagined as three dresses giving the whole show an essence of a transformative fairytale. The twisted fairytale vision is equally present in the makeup of the show, all from Rabanne Make-Up. Simplistic but still strong and fierce while using traditionally soft colors is not an easy feat, but one that Beauty Creative Director Diane Kendal managed expertly. Not only are the looks ready to wear but ready to inspire as well.
The show begins with short, layered looks that resemble industrial packaging as well as futuristic ideas, but in candy-ish colors. Later looks transition into plays with silhouettes, garments made from intricate geometric piecing create intriguing shapes as well as reveal parts of the body beneath. The 1969 assemblage bag is not just reimagined as a dress but also is rereleased as Artisan Editions. three different collaborations with masters in medal making, ceramics and glass blowing.
Creative Director Julien Dossena makes use of the history and heritage of Rabanne to continue the existing story, but instead of falling into the traps of simply returning to past standards that were groundbreaking at the time, he questions the notion of radicality itself. Radicality is relative – it depends on the circumstances it exists in and rebels against. This is why this collection is exciting, it is unique to our time as well as exists in conversation with Rabanne's heritage.
www.fashion.rabanne.com
Fashion
Rick Owens PFW Spring Summer 2025 - Hollywood takes Paris
Taking Paris Fashion Week to Palais de Tokyo – one of his preferred locations for a show – Rick Owens transforms the runway into his own playground. Instead of keeping it intimate, like he did for his previous shows, Owens goes all out and puts on an extravagant show that pays tribute to Hollywood, a place of reference for the designer, as it is the place he ran to and met some of the most important people of his artistic journey.
In what he called his “white satin army of love”, the designer introduced his previous menswear collection and asked all fashion schools in Paris to send students and faculty that would walk in the show as a testimony of unity. With his concept, he aims to demonstrate how impactful and important it is to stand by each other. For his most recent show, Owens presented the Women's line named after the boulevard of vice. At first sight, the collection seemed to respect a monochromatic palette of black, as the one back in June did – except with white. However, the creative director added a splash of absinthe-green to some of the looks, as well as some shades of gray, some of which were decorated with shimmering details that added a playful touch. As such, models walked around Palais de Tokyo parading in larger groups, each group wearing similar outfits that turned the venue into a theatrical performance.
Among the pieces in the collection we find flowing capes, transposable zipper jackets and coats, and knit gowns, all made from materials that allow recycling. Using certified organic silk, cupro – a biodegradable and plant based fiber – and recycled polyester, Rick Owens proves that he places sustainability at the frontline of his design process.
The new womenswear collection "Hollywood" stays in opposition to the last menswear line "Porterville", Rick Owens proving his artistic genius to his guests once again in a spectacular catwalk.
www.rickowens.com
Fashion
Dior Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025 – On Arrows and Amazons
In the Dior Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri is reconsidering the relationship between the garments and those who wear them. The collection is pushing back the boundaries between model and designs to create an artistic process full of intention, functionality and mutual respect of body and dress. This is an exciting return to a time before the industrial complex of fashion week, to rekindle a stronger relationship with the models and treat them with power and agency.
The notion is further affirmed through the recentering of the Amazone dress from the Dior archives designed by Christian Dior himself. The figure of the Amazon is a symbol for autonomous and courageous femininity which perfectly describes this collection. The power of the Amazon is taken on through the inclusion of sport into the show and its looks. Utilitarian cuts in black and white with athletics inspired cuts are blended with entrancing fringe bodysuits in neutral tones – demonstrating the power in feminine strength.
A highlight of the show is SAGG Napoli, an artist who uses archery in her work, who is the emblem of a modern Amazone and high fashion warrior. She opens the runway with her bow and shoots an arrow down into the bullseye at the end of a long glass corridor.
The runway show immediately entrances you and is an exciting spectacle of a positive future for fashion and femininity as a true powerhouse.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Ferrari MFW Spring Summer 2025 – An Ode to Power and Sensuality
The Spring Summer 2025 Ferrari collection at Milan Fashion week is quintessentially Ferrari in its playful elegance and embrace of the brand’s origin in the automobile industry.
Padded leather with hand painted brush strokes evoke 1970s steering wheels and workwear denim is enriched in exciting ways that elevate this tried-and-true staple. A highlight of the collection is the handbag inspired by toolboxes of factory workers of the past and outfitted with fringes made from repurposed leather offcuts. It was shown in seven different colors and materials to celebrate the brand’s seventh collection.
The color palette is defined by a love for red – yet again a nod to Ferrari’s signature passionate hue – with which the collection begins but the beautiful cascade of shades is not ending there. Vibrant red transitions into burgundy, ivory and icy blues then into electric sparks of lemony yellow, which then again become more muted with terracotta, tobacco and olive green. This gradient creates a beautiful story of tradition and innovation and through its consistent silhouettes of bomber jackets, blazers and pencil skirts all the pieces and looks gain a sense of interconnection. However, due to their difference in materials and shade, their meaning to the audience changes drastically.
This collection embodies power and sensuality and is demonstrating a commitment to Ferrari’s heritage without fear of evolving from it.
www.ferrari.com
Fashion
Ferragamo Spring-Summer 2025 MFW – Silk Ribbons and Raw Denim
The Ferragamo Spring Summer 2025 collection at Milan Fashion Week is a masterful blend of personal story and brand heritage. Creative Director Maximilian Davis combines Ferragamo’s history with ballet with his own Caribbean heritage to create a contemporary fusion with lots of subtle nods to its roots.
Ferragamo has a long history with ballet, including Rudolf Nureyev – one of the greatest ballet dancers to ever exist – wearing custom-made Ferragamo ballet shoes in the 1980s. And Davis has long been using historic eras as a source of inspiration in his works, and in this collection the ballet spirit of disparate decades is united into one narrative using the language of Ferragamo. Classic ballet uniforms are seen alongside mid-century glamor as well as oversized tailoring. All of these are equally representative of the spirit of ballet and the reality of dancers in different times and places, which makes this take on the ballet fashion aesthetic more than a one-dimensional portrayal. Due to the longstanding relationship between the house and ballet the respect and connection can be felt in every stitch.
The Caribbean spirit can be found in stonewashed denim and raw finishes that provide an invigorating contrast to the pristine look commonly associated with a ballet aesthetic. The shoes are an equally eclectic mix of jelly moccasins and pointed heels as well as a blend between the two inspirations in the form of a graphic heeled sandal with ankle ribbons.
What could have seemed random is turned into a heartfelt tribute to two cultures with long history, that is also quintessentially Ferragamo, showing fashion as a gorgeous narrative device across time and space.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Prada Womenswear MFW Spring Summer 2025 – To Infinity and Beyond
We exist in the age of constant content on a globalized scale. Additionally, predictive algorithms and artificial intelligence use logic to calculate what might happen, but still the future feels as uncertain as ever, maybe more so. In a time of infinite possibilities that all coexist at our fingertips we have heightened awareness of all we do not know and all the paths we could take.
Where do all these somewhat bleak ideas land us?
At the Prada Spring Summer 2025 MFW show entitled “Infinite Present.”
It is a simultaneous celebration of human creativity throughout time and space but also distinctly centered in the present. The looks span eras of Prada and coexist in a way to question the chronology of time. Some of them are reminiscent of the past with knee length skirts and muted florals while others are futuristic in their nature walking the line between utopia and dystopia. But regardless, all of them are uniquely contemporary.
The fact that there is no clear obvious throughline is the connection in itself – while physically present together we are also infinitely present through the global network of connections that exist concurrently.
We are more connected than ever but also much lonelier in our day-to-day lives, many of the models are wearing coverings over their eyes shutting them off from the world around them.
Additionally, the lack of one clear theme reflects the contemporary trend cycle that has sped up to the point of self-destruction. And while this is somewhat frightening, it is also an opportunity to highlight freedom and personal style, which the collection expertly explores through their MFW runway.
Every look, every model feels like a study of an individual. With a rich backstory full of plot twists, failures and successes, creativity and an innate humanity, the presentation leaves a lasting impression for current and future times.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Diesel Denim Cave
Hiding under four walls and a ceiling made out of denim there is a collection that concentrates Creative Director Glenn Martens’ vision of Diesel. Denim Cave, the pop up installation in San Babila, Milan, is on display for customers from September to November. Reflecting the brand’s core principles of freedom, self-expression, and democracy, the store blends the traditional retail experience with an immersive concept that allows visitors to see beyond the Fall 2024 pieces that are exposed in the room.
Walking through the official flagship, the guests stumble across a 52-square meter cube-shaped room, covered in distressed and destroyed Diesel jeans. Diving into the world of Diesel means understanding its heritage – the denim mastery rooted in almost 50 years of being a leading brand in premium fashion – which is exactly what Denim Cave strives to do. Through it, the creative team of the Italian label builds the ideal environment for exploring ready-to-wear Fall 2024 items, while proposing a fun initiative that demonstrates Diesel’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.
Central to the Fall 2024 collection is the Charm-D bag, showcased in light blue, perfectly complementing the room’s all-denim aesthetic. On top of its quilted denim lies a detachable, rhinestone Diesel letter chain which also doubles as a bracelet. The bag is available in small and medium sizes, and also comes in a backpack version.
Instagrammable and ready to be posted on all social networks, the Denim Cave is a means of making most of the flagship store, proving that having fun can go hand-in-hand with elevated fashion.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Stone Island Autumn Winter 24
Founded in Italy in 1982, Stone Island is a leading luxury fashion house specialized in product design and garment innovation. As such, the new release of the Autumn Winter 24-25 collection lives up to the standards of unparalleled originality and creativity, featuring advanced fabric treatments, dyeing techniques, and designs that push the boundaries of contemporary fashion.
For its Ghost collection, the avant-garde brand places wool in the center. Made with Melton wool, the peacoat and single-breasted jacket become staples of the season. Stone Island captures an authentic theme that makes the pieces stand out: camouflage. As one would think, the pieces are completely monochromatic, blending the softness of the textile into neutral, characteristic colors for the Fall Winter time. Shifting the focus from aesthetic appeal to functionality, the creative team designed a special mono-color version of the Stone Island badge. To achieve the smooth look of the garments, innovative techniques are introduced. For the first piece – the 002F9 HOODED SUEDE JACKET SHEEPSKIN – the suede sheepskin is treated with a PFC free anti-drop agent that offers a flowing feel to the textile. Similarly, the cashmere of the 455F5 HEAVY MELTON jacket balances the rough touch of the Melton wool. The ivory and khaki shades of the outerwear pieces provide versatility, while the construction featuring pockets and buttons enhances functionality and style. The thoughtful design ensures that it not only complements a variety of outfits but also offers practicality for everyday use.
An ode to the artistic direction of Ferdinando Verderi, the Fall Winter campaign features actor and curator Russell Tovey, captured by David Sims with behind-the-scenes shots by Heikki Kaski.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Mediterranean Romance
“For a designer, the greatest thing is to find partners who can bring your ideas to life, which is what Italy’s artisans have done for us for 35 years,” says designer Michael Kors. Even though summer is over, in New York it has just begun. On September 10th, the afternoon brought familiar faces to The Shed for an exclusive runway show presenting the Spring/Summer 2025 collection for Michael Kors.
This collection brings “Mediterranean romance”: a blend of the 1950s romance and the sleek simplicity of the 1990s. Whether it was lace or satin, the defined-waist silhouettes set the collection apart, giving it a vintage feel. Adding to it were the soft details – floral fabric embroideries, texture play and bare tailoring – complemented by the timeless shapes of the garments – slim, long-line dresses, relaxed trousers, and dramatic necklines. Unexpected for a summer collection, shades of black, brown, and earthy tones paraded down the catwalk.
As they walked to a custom-made soundtrack, models like Anok Yai, Paloma Elsesser, and Irina Shayk, along with others, showcased the trends set to define next summer's fashion. Paired with hand-woven leather market and bucket bags with braided handles, the sculptural heels completed every outfit, defining exquisite craftsmanship and creativity.
The star-studded front row included Olivia Wilde, Mary J. Blige, Lindsay Lohan, Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Nina Dobrev, Shailene Woodley, and JC-T, making the event a spectacle not just on the runway but also off it. The live show experience reached global audiences through the brand’s social and digital platforms, with MichaelKors-Collection.com serving as the central hub for all exclusive content. Fashion lovers worldwide tuned in via YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and Threads, while the brand also catered to its international fanbase through WeChat, Weibo, LINE, and Kakao.
www.michaelkors.com
Fashion
The Beauty Booster
Foundation is like a canvas – the base of the make-up look. On this canvas, a highlighter might be a sheer, gleaming veil that enhances the face’s contours and beauty. As the final glowing touch, it captures the reflection of light on the skin with a multi-dimensional effect. It can be sensationally glamorous, natural-looking, or even evoke a subtle ethereal effect. Either way, to achieve all the possibilities of the beautifully luminous look, Armani Beauty recently introduced a new highlighter: Luminous Silk Acqua Highlighter – the latest addition to their skin-enhancing Luminous Silk collection.
This highlighter brings a new level of glow with micro pearls. It is buildable from a natural to a glamorous finish, owing to its liquid blendable formula, which includes a blend of exclusive white micro-pearl and skin-boosting ingredients such as niacinamide, caffeine and glycerin. The water-like texture melts onto the skin, then stretches into a seamless film of shimmer, without moving the underlying make-up. Its pure translucency comes with a pearly glow effect and a silky, dewy finish.
Particularly, tinted or pure white pearls can be used for a variety of purposes. Shade 1, Halo, creates a perfect highlighting tone, ideally on the top of cheekbones, while the depth of shade 5, Sunset, creates a natural contouring effect. For additional use, shade 3, Dawn, can be blended with the Armani Beauty eye tints to infuse a soft metallic tone into your eyes.
www.armanibeauty.com
Fashion
New Face of Dior J'Adore - Rihanna
Amidst the golden hues of Versailles, she stands as a queen exuding remarkable femininity.
The new muse for Dior J'Adore is - Rihanna, without any explanation needed. As a fusion of a pop idol and a legendary perfume, J’adore and Rihanna have entered a new era of golden dreams in Dior. The timeless golden appeal of J’adore has been offered to women for 25 years, and now, it takes on a new level of Diorness.
The new Dior J'Adore campaign envisions a dream perfume, enhanced by stunning visuals of Rihanna. The sublime beauty in the iconic reinvented necklace is radiant, while the embroidered golden gown with pale sequins is ethereal, all completes the gracious golden dream, both created by Dior Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Being truly herself, the celebration of the Dior dream is an expression of her original celebration of life. The new commercial of J'Adore will be displayed from September 1st.
www.dior.com
Travel
Postcards from Hawaii – NIO Cocktails New Drinkable Destination
NIO Cocktails’ new collection created by mixologist Patrick Pistolesi pays tribute to the beauty of Hawaii and provides a tropical flavor journey shipped right to your home.
This collection of four cocktails features new takes on classic drinks such as a tropical Negroni, a hot Mai Tai, and a spicy Mango Margarita, as well as a brand-new exotic signature cocktail inspired by the Celestial Ocean.
Carefully handcrafted in Italy using only high-quality spirits this tasting set is the perfect summer getaway in a glass.
www.niococktails.com
Art
DIESEL X TOM OF FINLAND FOUNDATION
The celebration of Pride unites people across the globe, transcending boundaries in art, social norms, and culture. This provocative, inclusive mission is the core of the collaborative exhibition project of Diesel and the Tom of Finland Foundation.
Denim brand Diesel is partnering with the Tom of Finland Foundation to exhibit a special collaborative display in Tokyo in honor of the Foundation's 40th anniversary. Titled "Forty Years Of Pride," the exhibition will be hosted at the Diesel Art Gallery in the Diesel store in Shibuya from July 12 to Wednesday, August 14, 2024. This multi-faceted project is a highlight of their commitment to LGBTQ+ art advocacy, speaking to diversity and unity. This event not only celebrates four decades of preserving and promoting the iconic legacy of Tom of Finland but also offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Tom of Finland's impact on contemporary art, social consciousness, and its resonance with diverse audiences. Notably, the exhibition will feature "TOM House: The VR Experience," a groundbreaking virtual reality installation that provides an immersive, aural journey into Tom’s world.
With this global project, Diesel aims to support the artist community by providing a unique venue for openness, freedom, and love, underscoring the tremendous social and cultural impact of Tom of Finland’s work.
www.diesel.com
www.tomoffinland.org
Fashion
Doucal's MAN SS24
Luxury Italian shoe brand Doucal's reaffirms the classic Italian aesthetic in the men’s loafer for its Spring Summer 2024 collection. The collection features two iconic styles, the Mario Loafer and the Full Penny Loafer, both highlighting lightness and enhanced comfort with exceptional elasticity and flexibility. The Mario Loafer is a signature item dedicated to the brand's founder, while the Full Penny Loafer offers an alluring take on a timeless classic. Both models are versatile, embodying hand-crafted excellence with traditional references in Italian shoes. Doucal's long-standing footwear craftsmanship is at the core of the brand, producing vibrant and one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Each shoe boasts its own color, shading, and luster. Even small imperfections contribute to their unique character.
The SS24 collection is designed to suit various customer lifestyles, distinguished by three lines: Gentlemen, Sporty Leisure, and Academy. The Gentlemen line, dreamed up by Creative Director Gianni Giannin, features versatile leather-sole styles that cover the entire spectrum of menswear, from everyday to formal wear. These loafers, when paired with any outfit, epitomize timeless elegance. Each pair features a memory foam insole, adding a layer of comfort and innovation that ensures a soft feel and constant breathability. On the other hand, the Sporty Leisure line features a rubber sole, designed for more casual, leisure occasions, yet they remain strictly hand-crafted with unmistakable style. In the Academy line, the Roger sneaker features a lace-up Strobel construction that guarantees lightness and torsion.
www.doucals.com
Fashion
Fendi FW 24/25 Campaign
In Fendi’s latest collection, Artistic Director Kim Jones explores the ease of dressing, revolving around subtle contrasting conceptions. The gowns are relaxed, utilitarian yet extravagant. The simple yet theatrical ideas infinitely expand to salon and street, town and country. This uncommon blend is a fusion of tradition and subversion, combining blasé British style with Roman elegance in Fall Winter 2024-2025.
In his creative narrative, London nonchalance meets Roman freedom. Luxury exudes sumptuous comfort, while the magical confidence the clothing and accessories bestow allows the wearer to express themselves with boundless freedom. Above all, a very Fendi quality grounds the collection with hints of practicality and playfulness, while highlighting a sense of duality.
Meanwhile, the bags by Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear, showcase a more refined style, deconstructed from past designs. Featuring soft and reconfigured shapes, the bags boast the sumptuous appeal of luxurious leathers. The rich, natural hues slip into the new versions of signature bags: Peekaboo, Baguette, and By The Way. The standout piece is the new Simply FENDI, inspired by an archival style from the late 1990s. It can be worn in multiple ways, symbolizing a sumptuously utilitarian aesthetic.
www.fendi.com
Travel
Dolce&Gabbana Resort 2024
To celebrate summer, Dolce&Gabbana will partner up again with the iconic San Domenico Palace in Taormina. After taking over fabulous destinations such as Capri, Marbella, Taormina, and Saint Tropez in 2023, Dolce&Gabbana revisits the beauty of Sicily and brightens up the former monastery, transformed into a luxurious hotel.
A symbol of the wonder of Taormina, the San Domenico Palace became a Four Seasons Hotel in 2021, yet its story dates back to the beginning of 1896 – a time when the palace was part of the Grand Tour, a traditional trip taken by upper-class European men, later becoming an essential travel stop for celebrities. Today, San Domenico is a hotspot for travelers who enjoy a posh lifestyle.
Dolce&Gabbana will set up a pop-up boutique decorated in gleaming gold that reflects the exclusivity of the Italian brand, where Four Seasons guests will have access to fashion and jewelry pieces specially curated for this location. Complementing the rich gold is the white and blue of the Blu Mediterraneo, wrapping the sunbeds, the infinity pool, and the terrace of the hotel. The combination of the white and blue adds to the Italian heritage of the House by pointing to ancient Italian traditions that highlight the values of “Fatto a Mano” (Italian for “handmade”).
A token of love and appreciation for the summer and the Ionian Sea, Dolce&Gabbana Resort 2024 explores Italian delicacy and fine craftsmanship, while revealing the beauty of Sicily.
www.dolcegabbana.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani SS 2025
After 92 spectacular looks from the SS25 Menswear collection that reminisced upon early 1970s pieces from Armani, the brand is expected to launch its Women’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection on October 17th.
Giorgio Armani plans to honor the inauguration of his new building on Madison Avenue by hosting his Women’s fashion show, followed by an iconic party. Known for his amazing celebratory nights in New York recognized even by the former mayor Michael Bloomberg, Armani will come back to the Big Apple after 11 years of presenting shows in Milan, for his SS25 Women’s show.
“I am delighted to return to New York to celebrate this very important project. My time in this city has always been significant and has marked key moments in my career,” said the designer in a statement. “The opening of Madison Avenue is an important personal milestone because it crystallizes my vision of style in the city that was perhaps the first to truly embrace it.”
After presenting his newest collection, he will prepare for Milan Fashion Week in February 2025, where he will introduce the Women’s Fall/Winter 2025/26 line.
www.giorgioarmani.com
Fashion
GIORGIO ARMANI BOUTIQUE IN VIENNA
On July 5, 2024, the Armani Group announced the opening of a new Giorgio Armani Boutique at Tuchlauben 7A, 1010 Vienna. The new boutique is nestled in the historical city center of Vienna, the Austrian capital. Boasting a spacious area spread over three levels, the boutique features an impressive spiral staircase with a green marble effect and platinum-colored railings.
Designed by Mr. Armani and his team of architects, the boutique embodies a refined, sophisticated atmosphere centered around the Armani aesthetic. In particular, the marble floors with an onyx look complement the silk wallpaper from the Armani/Casa collection. Inside the boutique, the color palette shifts subtly across different areas. Moreover, the furnishings are equally noteworthy, featuring a luxurious blend of platinum and metallic wood. This choice of materials and colors reflects Armani’s high-end aesthetics, at the same time, it exudes a contemporary, elegant vibe in the luxurious boutique. Indeed, the architectural design of the boutique is striking, highlighted by a large, continuous façade. This façade, with its bold black frames, creates a sense of grand enclosure that extends over two levels. Above all, the ground floor's design is particularly eye-catching, with a row of windows framed in platinum-colored metal and adorned with luminous Giorgio Armani logos. Altogether, this Vienna boutique ultimately encapsulates Giorgio Armani’s ethos—where Italian style meets cosmopolitan vision and culture. Now, Giorgio Armani invites guests in Vienna into the brand’s exclusive universe. www.armani.com
Fashion
CHANEL Couture FW25
At the place of creative freedom for Chanel, Palais Garnier is the inspiration and the venue for the CHANEL Couture FW25 Show. The collection unfolded Maison’s discipline of beauty, patience, and excellence, fused with theatrical elements from the historic opera house, Palais Garnier in Paris.
The show opened with an opera-inspired, long, elegant cape featuring a distinctive ruffled collar, paired with an embellished bride top and matching knickers, elevated with a romantic hair bow. The dramatic, romantic look set the tone for the entire couture show. Following this, Chanel's signature tweed suits made their way down the runway with glittery and glitzy accents: Some pieces were adorned with feather trimming and tassels on collars or sleeves, while others featured embroidered flowers, sequins, braids, and precious gems across the garments. Overall, matte, glossy, and lacquered textures showcased how light reigns supreme.
Along with the splendid and sumptuous tweed pieces, costume-inspired outfits stood out, including corsets, tutus, puffed sleeves, and evening dresses, which appeared toward the end of the show. Moreover, the gleaming palette exuded elegance and grace in the splendid couture mood featuring black, gold, silver, ivory, fuchsia, and pale pink.
Dreamed up by the French director Christophe Honoré, the show transformed the Palais Garnier into a gilded theatre catwalk where performance and elegance mingle at every glance, gaze, and artful display, creating a true stage for dance. The collection imbued the House codes with a romantic twist through voluminous capes and luxurious gowns, evoking a modernized stage tradition and taking us to a glorious era in the opera house. In short, romantic dreams intertwined with elegance and exuberance on the theater stage.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Ten c Milan Fashion Week
With their new SS25 collection, Ten c is yet another luxury brand that proves that the focus of this season is on functionality. Combining military with urban style, designer Alessandro Pungetti continues to surprise his audience with his attention to detail by bringing an unparalleled understanding of the brand’s identity through this new line.
As the name of the label suggests – “The Emperor’s New Clothes” – the outerwear series is inspired from the military world and uniforms, and is best represented by the reinterpretation of the Aviator Flight Suit, which is redesigned in a way that allows everyday wear and aligns with current trends. With the mixing of materials and exquisite focus on artistic processes, Ten c launches a fresh and contemporary series of remarkable summer outfits. The innovative technique of “trompe l’oeil” gives the illusion of three-dimensions on some of the pieces from the collection, including T-shirts, bottom ups and sweatshirts, completing the Ten c look, while displaying the house’s distinctive personality. Resin-coated linen, nylon gabardine, tactel nylon, and heat-sealed cotton are all part of the futuristic vision of Alessandro Pungetti. The fabrics grant easy movement and integrate the items of the campaign in everyone’s closet.
Initially recognized for its no logo policy, Ten c now establishes itself among other major Italian couture houses by its dazzling craftsmanship, timeless designs, and durability of its clothes.
www.tenc.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta MFW – “Portraits of fatherhood” with A$AP Rocky
In time for Father’s Day, Bottega Veneta pays tribute to all fathers out there by taking a closer look at what it means to be a dad through the eyes of A$AP Rocky. In a set of black and white portraits, photographer Carrie Mae Weems captures the love and protection that we seem to rarely find in lyrics of rap songs. This shoot illustrates the duality of A$AP and expresses the balance that becoming a parent requires.
“When you think about A$AP Rocky, you think about a playboy, pretty boy, bras being thrown on stage. This is about me as a one-woman man, as a family man. It is about what completes my life now: being present as a partner and a parent.”, said Rocky about his self growth and the important role he has taken on in recent years.
Yet, this collection of photos does not only celebrate fathers, it also plays a significant part in changing the distorted view formed around the African American family and especially against Black men. The six pictures shared by Bottega Veneta share the touching story of intimacy between a father and his children. This is what Creative Director Matthieu Blazy hoped for when he asked Carrie Mae Weems to collaborate on this project.
Different from the usual campaigns of the luxury Italian brand, with “Portrait of fatherhood” we see a picture of vulnerability – Rocky surrounded by his two sources of happiness, RZA (2 y.o) and Riot Rose (10 mo.), blinded by true love and devotion to them.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Fendi
For the Spring Summer 2025 collection, the iconic Italian fashion house FENDI epitomized luxury timeless menswear for gentlemen heading to summertime. Through the lens of modern luxury, the show infused soft expressions of contemporary masculinity in Italian essence. Overall, Italian craftsmanship grounded the collection, exuding classic Italian charm while paying homage to the Maison’s signature codes, revisiting the first menswear collection in 1990.
Taking the menswear code from an international elite, the concept of work uniforms was ultimately transformed and jazzed up with soft powdery hues: a mineral palette of sherbet, mist, ivory, caramel, and buttermilk seamlessly blended with soft blues, natural indigo, black, and forest green. The outfits, blending elements of sports and office wear, invited the audience into Fendi Club – a luxurious gathering of well-dressed gentlemen.
Meanwhile, the venue was special for this season. Set against the minimalist open studio known as the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) event venue in the EU, models showcased stunning elegant outfits under natural daylight, framed by a series of mirrored columns and mobile monoliths that created infinite corridors and reflections in the show. Alongside the sophisticated setting, a customized electronic soundtrack by Vascellari in collaboration with Rocco Rampino featured an oscillating, romantic beat that echoed the airy, modern atmosphere.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Gucci F/W 2024 Men's Collection
Inspired by the beauty of human expression, Gucci's Creative Director Sabato De Sarno celebrates his first men's campaign for the House by shifting the focus from fashion to a captivating set of models that combine familiarity with modernity. Iconic faces like Clément Chabernaud and George Barnett embody the new creations of De Sarno, bridging the gap between the early 2000s and the Creative Director’s modern vision.
Simple, yet fabulous, the collection is an ode to life, to humanity, and introduces some wardrobe staples, while redefining luxury. The emphasis is on the art of living, the ability that each of us has – to give a unique story and a personal touch to the looks. In this campaign, shot by David Sims, Sabato De Sarno blurs the lines between past, present, and future and redefines the purpose of couture: to tell stories through passion, happiness, and originality.
With his first runway show for Maison in September 2023, in Milan, De Sarno’s focus is on making Gucci feel more contemporary, chic, and Italian. In the Fall Winter 2024 collection, central to him is to enrich everyday life through his pieces and to share each of their stories, which can only be done by sharing the story of life. The Creative Director invites everyone to embrace freedom and authenticity while sharing the joy of being united by human thoughts of memories, fears, and friendship.
Starting July, the Italian brand will make its Fall Winter 2024 Men’s collection available in stores all around the world.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
At the Crossroads
Where art, design, and decoration converge, Sheila Hicks’ oeuvre stands as a testament to the seamless blending of diverse artistic practices. An American artist known for her innovative approach, Hicks brings together modernism, abstraction, and extra-western traditions, creating an artistic dialogue that adapts to its surroundings. At the crossroads of mediums and expressions, her work transcends conventional boundaries, inviting viewers into an interactive experience at the Espace Louis Vuitton in Seoul.
Deconstructing the boundaries between fine arts and applied arts, Sheila Hicks' textile works range from her early Minimes (1956) – tiny abstract weavings – to larger installations. Pushing the limits of her craft, these initial Minimes served as testing grounds for the expansive and intricate works that would define her career. Wool, nylon, silk, linen, and cotton are the main materials in her practice, rendering monumental pieces that are intimate in texture and detail. Sometimes merged with everyday items like clothing, these materials result in pieces that engage with the architecture of their exhibition spaces. Hanging vertically, bending horizontally, and tilting up and down, these pieces' final purpose is to adapt to the environment’s contours.
Functional and inviting, the sculptures and environments encourage visitors to wander through, lie down, and lounge on the installations. Whether presenting stacks of large fiber bales, cascades of colorful creepers, columns of pigmented threads, or wool-wrapped flexible tubes, Hicks' works celebrate the materials themselves, allowing their natural properties to dictate form and structure.
Gravity plays a significant role in her creations, with pieces that hang and bend according to their weight, transforming spaces with a spectrum of colors and textures. Hicks' refusal to impose a fixed form on her works reflects a spirit of free experimentation. Her approach prefigures the Anti-Form and Post-Minimalist movements, which similarly embraced the fluidity and versatility of materials.
Part of Louis Vuitton's Hors-les-murs program, the Espace Louis Vuitton Seoul presents an exhibition dedicated to Sheila Hicks’ oeuvre. From the French, Hors-les-murs translates to ‘outside the walls,’ alluding to the foundation's mission to reach broader audiences through international artistic initiatives. With Espaces in cities around the globe, including Tokyo, Munich, Venice, Beijing, and Osaka, Louis Vuittion unveils Hicks’ transformative art in Seoul’s Espace. For the first time in Korea, her works "Atterrissage" (2014) and "Another Break in the Wall" (2016) are on display.
Sheila Hicks stands at the crossroads of artistic expression, where the intersection of art, design, and environment invites viewers to experience the world through a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and forms. Challenging perceptions and encouraging a deeper connection with the spaces we inhabit, Hicks’ work is a contemporary signpost, pointing in all directions while firmly standing its ground.
www.press.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Lino Caro
Zegna, the iconic luxury menswear label, launches its Spring-Summer 2024 collection, incarnated by actor and brand ambassador Mads Mikkelsen.
The campaign, called “Zegna in Summer”, focuses on linen, the central element of the summer collection, Oasi Lino.
Unveiled in Milan and designed by Alessandro Sartori, the collection reveals relaxed silhouettes in natural colors, the perfect uniform for the season of cicadas.
Oasi Lino fabrics, made from the finest Normandy linen fibers, are then processed in Italy. Zegna is committed to certifying the traceability of these fibers, reinforcing its “Road to Traceability”, an initiative in line with the environmental values promoted by Oasi Zegna, natural reserve located in the Italian Alps.
Mads Mikkelsen pursue his collaboration with Zegna, a brand renowned for its quality and commitment to sustainability; embodying this season a collection thought of as an ode to nature and elegance.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton - Resort 2025
Sculptural cuts and thoughtful drapery were the motto of the Louis Vuitton Resort 2025 show, imagined by Nicolas Ghesquière.
The collection featured elegant, tailored outfits with equestrian touches and 1980s influences, transitioning to flowing silk pieces inspired by Spanish masters. Innovative elements, like boiled silk and wool dresses, were once again proof of the creativity and craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton’s ateliers artisans.
For the past decade, Louis Vuitton has showcased Nicolas Ghesquière’s collections in stunning architectural marvels. This year, the designer selected the Hypostyle Room in Antoni Gaudi’s Park Güell, a hall renowned for its mosaic ceilings—a hallmark of Gaudi’s style. The show was then beautifully enhanced by its set-up, internationally renowned for the genius of its architect.
Along the same spirit, the designer said to have been inspired by the Spanish greatest artists, from Velazquez to Goya and Zurburan, as well as by the work of the talented filmmakers Luis Bunuel and Rodrigo Sorogoyen.
The collection and the show were then thought of as an homage, paying tribute to those who have contributed to the renown of Spanish art. The garments were adorned with interesting, modern cuts, questioning Louis Vuitton's identity by bringing a touch of fun elegance to more classic colors. Grays, blacks, and beiges followed one another, sometimes brightened up with a polka-dot motif, a nod to flamenco fashion. Then more diversified patterns appear, with mixtures of textures and colors providing the offbeat touch that we were waiting for. Finally, strict cuts are loosened, giving way to puffy, almost dramatic skirts and dresses, bringing an eye-catching finale to this architectural and well-exectuted Resort 2025 collection.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Gucci Cruise 2025
London is the backdrop of the new Gucci Cruise Collection 2025. Framed through the eyes of Gucci Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, the collection reflects his own experiences, as well as the profound ties to the city he inherited from Gucci's family. The Tate Modern - a unique location synonymous with unexpected juxtapositions and unanticipated rendezvous - opens the doors and hosts a singular event. This distinctive and diverse arena echoed in the collection itself. Rigor and extravagance, strength in delicacy, and Englishness with an Italian accent are the key points of the Gucci Cruise 2025. Short coats tailored in technical gabardine have a sharp precision juxtaposed with wild chamomile flora motifs, a softness against the body. To continue, chiffons, frills, and lace contrast with a feeling of protection and preciousness in outerwear, presenting an evening meeting every day. It is a game of contradictions and opposites. But it is already known that opposites attract. In this case, the sartorial fuses with workwear, street with salon, the fragile can become tough. Meanwhile, symbols of British style - tartans, tailoring - and emblems of Gucci are reconsidered, and re-energized for a new generation. Here, craft, and fashion can unify, crossing culture, time, and places.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Prada X RedBull - Ryoyu Kobayashi
Prada Linea Rossa, Prada’s sportwear-inspired line supports the Japanese Olympic champion ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi.
As a Red Bull athlete, Japanese ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi is the Olympic and World Cup champion and three-time Four Hills winner who achieved a remarkable result. Kobayashi set a new ski jumping world record, breaking the previous record by 37.5 meters and setting a considerable new world record.
To support Kobayashi’s extreme challenge, Prada Linea Rossa offered its functional clothing and accessories for him and his core team members to achieve his goal. Prada Linea Rossa line features advanced technical fabric that combines comfort and high-performance function, suitable for professional athletes and outdoor sports. This support is the latest event in the partnership between Prada Linea Rossa and Red Bull which aims to promote unique sporting initiatives and the talent of athletes by helping them to reach their outstanding goals. Prada Linea Rossa brings together Prada’s modern luxury with functional items, elevating the outdoor look with design excellence and technical prowess. Tied intrinsically to the core identity of Prada, each item is hyper-functional, devised with cutting-edge methodology.
www.prada.com
Art
GRAU - Milan Design Week 2024
Not only does the lamp boast a unique appearance, but its name is also one of a kind: Fire. Designed by GRAU, a lighting design project, the Fire features both an iconic soft visual and great functionality with fast charging. “Fire is the biggest milestone of our work so far. We are launching a new kind of lighting experience and are convinced that Fire marks the start of a new era of lighting - the era of living light.” Timon and Melchior Grau, GRAU’s Creative Directors. Fire was designed to offer an uncompromising lighting experience that reinvents the design and user experience of a classic ambient table lamp. Beyond its design, what sets it apart is its special feature of healthy light, free from blue light. The designers ensured that Fire offers warm light free from blue light, which enhances the production of the relaxation hormone melatonin and has a health-promoting effect. Moreover, the lamp features fast charging, fully charging in 2 hours via USB-C Power Delivery. A smart LED indicates the remaining battery life and can provide up to 50 hours of portable light. Obviously, the Fire is a unique piece that you can find during Milan Design Week. The Fire was presented by GRAU during Milan Design Week from April 14th to 17th in an exhibition alongside Bonfire at Via Meravigli 4.
www.grau.art
Art
AAS:object:project by Marsèll X Gonzalez Haase – Milan Design Week 2024
AAS:object:project by Marsèll X Gonzalez Haase – Milan Design Week 2024 Marsèll, a Luxury footwear brand presented an exhibition in Milano by Gonzalez Haase – AAS, a Berlin-based studio with principal practices in architecture, scenography, and lighting. Renowned for the unique interplay between light and architecture at the forefront of their designs, AAS has gained a noted reputation for their spatial concepts. Their work includes major artwork installations, luxury retail interiors, residential extensions as well as conversions for industrial and art-related spaces. For the Design Week 2024 installation, AAS made an exceptional collaboration with Marsèll, which was entitled AAS:object:project. Within the project, the design action becomes performative, involving visitors to the point of transforming them into artists themselves. The key to the project is a reaction to multiple elements - a given space, light, proportion, or movement. All the objects were beautifully designed while each is critical in the unique settings where scenography and architecture made a perfect fusion; Benches that extend to the extreme in modular sequences, urbanized plants sprouting from a series of aluminum towers, a special re-edition of the emblematic LOLA light and an infinity of light paper confetti kept in motion by large fans. The exhibition will be held from 14 April 2024 to 10 May 2024 at Marsèll, Via Paullo 12/A, Milano.
www.marsell.com
www.gonzalezhaase.com
Fashion
Mandarina Duck Gallery Project
On 15, April 2024, Mandarina Duck, a historic Italian fashion brand, specializing in leather goods and travel items, arrived in the heart of Verona and inaugurated the "MANDARINA DUCK Gallery" project. The project unveils its historical archives but also offers a retrospective of its items as well as the most iconic campaigns that featured in the brand's history while encouraging the viewers to rediscover the creativity and avant-garde objects that have been produced till today.
With the opening of the Verona flagship store last March, the Mandarina Duck archive exhibition took place at the boutique, Via Mazzini 24/b, Verona, Italy to celebrate and underline the special bond with the city of Verona. Within a dynamic and harmonious dialogue with the space created by ARTEP Italia atelier, the Mandarina Duck Gallery offers a comprehensive journey between past and future where its core values lay and will continue, in between innovation and creativity as well as freedom from formal schemes and creative research. As always, Mandarina Duck's approach has been driven by a strong feeling of curiosity towards the contemporary world and future, leading it to produce functional items that equip utility, style, and distinctive colors. From leisure or work bags to suitcases and leather accessories, the archive exhibition thoroughly summed up the brand’s recognizable essence, original identity, and functional aesthetic.
www.mandarinaduck.com
Fashion
Stone Island Prototype Research 8
An innovative global brand, Stone Island unveiled a new limited edition, Stone Island Prototype Research Series, including specially designed t-shirts and tote bags. In celebration of Prototype Series 08, the exhibition will be held during Milan Design Week 2024. The exhibition features a wide range of garments in fabrics and treatments born from research and experimentation processes that have not yet been industrialized.
Due to the advanced industrial techniques, the Series 08 fabric, especially, aims to create rigid shells for the automotive, boating, and sports sectors, starting from flexible and multiaxial components. This innovative fabric is born from a collaboration between Stone Island and three industrial partners that has allowed the modification of some technical treatments to obtain a flexible, translucent, and water-resistant experimental material, usable in the field of clothing. The process involves the creation of a multiaxial linen textile base as a natural reinforcement material, subsequent needle-cohesion to a non-woven fabric veil, state-of-the-art inkjet printing with pigments, and double lamination of aliphatic polyurethane film. Encompassing 100 print artworks, each created for the garment was recomposed into a large fresco, a dreamlike organic landscape reminiscent of a primordial world. Notably, the cape style is inspired by the very first Stone Island collection in 1982 – a functional reference to a military garment that could evolve into a tent.
Afterward, they will be on sale at selected Stone Island stores on May 28th, including Milan, London, Paris, Munich, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai AIPM.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Reinventing an Aesthetic Legacy
Tiffany & Co. celebrates its collaboration with designer Elsa Peretti with the launch of the new Elsa Peretti® Split Ring, marking her 50th anniversary. This ring pays homage to Peretti's iconic Bone Cuff design, first introduced in 1970. It features sensual contours that gracefully meld with the finger, showcasing Peretti's design brilliance and craftsmanship. The split design allows for versatility in styling, whether worn with the slit up or down, offering a bold yet elegant statement.
Comfortable and adaptable to any hand, this ring complements Peretti's renowned designs like the Bone Cuff and Split Cuff.
Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold and sterling silver, the Elsa Peretti® Split Ring is a timeless addition to her collection, embodying the enduring allure of Peretti's aesthetic vision.
www.tiffany.com
Fashion
GANT Archive in Berlin- A Shirt with History
GANT, the iconic American sportswear brand, presents its digital archive, the GANT Archive, in partnership with Highsnobiety, a global fashion and lifestyle media brand. Under the name of "A Shirt With History," this innovative project delves into GANT's mesmerizing 75-year journey. The archive will be unveiled on April 11, 2024, opening at 7 PM at the Highsnobiety Store in Berlin.
In celebration of this milestone, the brand has curated an interactive space within the Highsnobiety Store, offering visitors a comprehensive look at GANT's evolution over the past seven decades. In the opening day of the event in the Highsnobiety store, numerous distinguished panels will feature the insightful discussion including, Creative Director Christopher Bastin, VP Creative & Buying at Highsnobiety Herbert Hofmann as well as Model Sadiq Desh, and the session will be hosted by Founder and Editor-in-Chief of INDIE magazine Kira Aurelie. Along with the discussion, the guest can enjoy the drinks and music with Temry.
For the last seven decades, GANT’s shirts have been synonymous with timeless elegance and comfort, grounding the concept of preppy fashion. From the iconic Oxford Button Down shirt to innovative pieces like the Woolster and the Popover, the garments reflect the brand’s longstanding commitment to craftsmanship as well as exceptional style evolution. The GANT archive vividly illustrates the brand's deep-rooted collegiate connections.
www.gant.com
www.highsnobiety.com
Fashion
Dior Men’s B57 low sneakers
First introduced in the Dior Spring 2024 collection, the B57 sneakers revealed its new fresh look in the Fall 2024 collection featuring the low-top silhouette. As a must-have piece of the Dior Fall 2024 collection, the B57 low sneakers grounded Dior’s runway completing the various stylish ensembles with accented bold lines and signature logo play.
Designed by Creative Director Kim Jones, the B57 low sneakers boast their retro charm and combine incomparable elegance with sportiness and fresh lightness. The captivating retro allure symbolized the objects of desire that fused elegance with sportswear, reflecting the virtuoso Savoir-faire of the French house. Crafted in luxurious smooth calfskin, this sneaker boasts several design elements that imbue it with a retro athletic style - including a perforated toe box, a rubber insert, intricate topstitching details as well as the brand's logo jacquard embellishment, featuring the iconic CD emblem that symbolizes the house’s rich heritage. Alongside the striking design, these luxe sneakers embraced suppleness and comfort in their materials. The breathable mesh lining and a cushioned ankle not only enhance comfort but also ensure essential qualities as well as prove itself to be a versatile and stylish choice for everyday wear. Available in several soft color variations– gray, black, beige, pale blue, and midnight blue, the color added a light charming contrast on both its laces and body.
The Dior men’s B57 low sneakers are available in the boutiques and online stores of Dior from March 28, 2024.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Gucci Horsebit 1953 Loafer Campaign
One of Gucci's iconic shoes, the Horsebit 1953 loafer, introduces a new chapter, launching the campaign featuring British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir. The brand’s new story unfolds through a minimalist setting, with relaxed portraits narrating the enduring legacy of the timeless style of shoes. Captured by talented fashion photographer Heji Shin, the campaign is infused with stylish fashion portraits that delve into the loafer's evolution, encompassing symbolic values of sporty, casual, and sensual elegance, while weaving together the past and present of the brand’s story.
The Horsebit loafer, since its inception in 1953, has aptly embodied the essence of sophistication, while the double ring and bar, a signature detail of the loafer, was first introduced in the late 1940s. Till today, this beloved equestrian-inspired design remains emblematic of Gucci’s DNA.The latest rendition of the Horsebit loafer was created under the vision of Sabato De Sarno, Creative Director of Gucci, and designed to breathe fresh vitality into the classic design. Embodying its ongoing influence in redefining everyday style, the Horsebit 1953 loafer emerges as a testament to Gucci's commitment to reimagining elegance for the modern era. Its casual yet seductive and iconic design appeals to individuals looking to interpret everyday life through a lens of sophistication. Epitomizing classic elegance, Gucci’s Horsebit 1953 loafer serves as both an anchor to the brand’s heritage and a source of inspiration through its endless and inspiring variations, remaining a timeless piece across generations.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
C.P. Company x ASICS: GEL-QUANTUM 360TM VIII
The two innovative sportswear brands delivered exciting news. C.P. Company and ASICS SportStyle teamed up and introduced the new GEL-QUANTUM 360TM VIII model that signified a remarkable fusion of the expertise and style of both brands.
Drawing inspiration from C.P. Company's Urban Agility concept within The Metropolis Series, the GEL-QUANTUM 360TM VIII embodies a contemporary vision that encapsulates the essence of modern urban environments. The Metropolis Series, established in 1999, is characterized by its tone-on-tone branding, functional pocket systems, and utilization of high-performance fabrics such as HyST, A.A.C., and GORE-TEX INFINIUMTM, combined with advanced manufacturing techniques. Previously, this exceptional collaboration was exclusively unveiled in a multifunctional space during Menswear Paris Fashion Week. The showcase place reflects the metropolitan surroundings, capturing various elements in the city, like noises, the wind, streetlights, sounds, building bricks, and architectural motifs, all serving as inspirational cues for the design ethos behind the GEL-QUANTUM 360TM VIII.
This latest iteration of the GEL-QUANTUM 360TM VIII draws inspiration from natural shapes and interlocking structures, reflected in its reimagined upper construction featuring intricate 5D print details that resemble ergonomic shapes. Moreover, incorporating advanced TRUSSTICTM technology and an external back counter enhances stability and lends a dynamic aesthetic to the shoe. Noteworthy advancements extend to the midsole, redesigned with DIVISION SPACETM technology, offering superior cushioning without compromising on weight. The GEL-QUANTUM 360TM VIII is available from 22nd February at online stores and worldwide selected stores from C.P. Company and Asics.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
H&M Studio S/S 2024 in Berlin
H&M Studio S/S 2024 H&M has brought forward the latest H&M Studio collection with a captivating exhibition in Berlin, running until March 14th. The launch of the H&M Studio S/S 2024 collection was held at the H&M Mitte Garten store where the brand transformed the space into an immersive environment, reimagining a chic Parisian apartment for Berlin. Tilted "La Maison," this exhibition seamlessly merges a showroom with an archival display, all within an innovative setting at the store. Commencing with an exclusive event on March 11th, Norwegian saxophonist Bendik Giske graced the occasion with a mesmerizing performance, welcoming esteemed guests such as Caro Schäffler, Sabrina Lan, Noah Levi, Sissi Pohle, and Pat Scherzer in Berlin. The immersive exhibition was sophisticatedly crafted with visually captivating settings, emphasizing H&M Studio's avant-garde aesthetic. Infused with H&M's iconic red hue, the venue fostered an electrifying atmosphere across themed rooms decorated with artistic installations that represent both past and current H&M Studio collections. These intense and sensuous installations encouraged visitors to delve deep into the brand's daring narrative. Collaborating with the creative agency Ray Atelier, H&M partnered to conceptualize the exhibition, with the implementation by Reference Studios in Berlin.
The H&M Studio exhibition, La Maison, welcomes the public from March 12th to March 14th at Neue Schönhauser Straße 13, 10178 Berlin. Furthermore, the H&M Studio S/S 2024 collection will be available from March 12th in select stores and online stores.
www.hm.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – CHANEL
For her Fall-Winter 2024/25 for Chanel, Virginie Viard was inspired by fashion from the ’20s and ’70s, creating a collection unexpected but in a good way.
Immense summer-inspired straw sun hats turned inside out so as not to hide the models' faces combined with tweed looks and long woolly coats, the mix of influences was surprising, thus interesting.
Ample but belted ensembles offer an active, modern silhouette. Wearing high-knee boots, airy dresses, prints, and soft leathers, the Chanel woman is active and needs a chic wardrobe everywhere she goes. Black cardigans with pastel details recalled the Spring 2021 collection while giving the cardigan a new lease on life, vintage yet perfectly in sync with the times.
Models wore immense sun hats, accumulations of golden necklaces or berets, and hand-carried nonchalantly their bags: giving the collection the effortlessly Parisian-chic appearance dear to Chanel.
This collection was the best one since Viard’s debuts inside the House, using subtle references to the House's archives. The Chanel Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection is a lovely ode to Gabrielle Chanel's heritage, reinterpreting yesterday's codes to dress today's women with the timeless elegance that characterizes the House of Chanel.
www.chanel.com
Art
Salvatore Vignola’s “You Must Live” immersive experience
During Milan Fashion Week FW 2024/2025, designer Salvatore Vignola showcased his collection as a tribute to Palestine, presenting "You Must Live," an immersive experience inspired by Refaat Alareer's poem 'If I Must Die.'
The collection features a reinterpretation of the traditional Keffiyeh, using fabrics donated by readymade textiles, a studio focused on sustainable practices and material recycling and enhanced by prints designed by Trashy Clothing. The artwork was created to support a charitable cause, thus all profits from the sale of the collection were given to the NGO Palestine Red Crescent Society.
Salvatore Vignola also designed an exclusive T-shirt capsule, created alongside the Palestinian duo Trashy Clothing. The capsule is available for on-site purchase, to further support the fundraising efforts.
The experience was orchestrated by the Milanpyramid agency to pay tribute to Palestinian heritage through artworks by artist Amira Suboh, photographer Jasmine Barri and a live performance by artist Mohammed el Hajoui. For the occasion, El Hajoui also created a rug symbolizing hospitality through the ancestral gesture of sifting, adding depth to the exhibition. A projection of images accompanied by traditional Palestinian ballads choreographed by Daniele Vitale completed the ambiance.
More than a fashion show, “You Must Live” was a moving tribute to Palestine, merging artwork from different artists united for the same cause.
www.salvatorevignola.com
Fashion
University life with a Longchamp touch
Longchamp celebrated its Spring-Summer 2024 collection, inspired by university life, alongside friends of the brand on February 29, 2024.
Among other guests close to the brand, Lea van Acken, Peri Baumeister, Elias Becker & Yasmine Dahlberg were present.
For the occasion, Munich's Künstlerhaus became a university for a night, equipped with its library, canteen, and amphitheater in a fun, modern decor, reflecting the brand's identity. Between a live performance by DJs Palina Rojinski and Almedina and a choreography danced by the “Iwanson International School of Contemporary Dance”, the evening was lively and vibrant, in the spirit of the student years.
A colorful party, in the image of the Longchamp Spring-Summer 2024 collection.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW - TOD’S
Matteo Tamburini has presented his first collection Tod’s since taking the creative direction of the brand last December. The show took place at Milan’s largest tram depot, an urban and unusual decor that sets the tone for the collection’s inspirations.
The creative director has taken over Tod’s Italian luxury heritage with vintage accessories inspired by Alfa Romeo as well as driving shoes made from gommino soles and inherent to the brand’s codes.
This collection, both stylish and comfortable to suit all lifestyles, featured yokes and bangs crafted in Italian leather to sublimate shoes and scarves, while more conventional garments were reinterpreted. Thus, bags were worn large and tote, pants were hyper-breasted, while double-collared shirts drew attention for looks that were both fun and qualitative. By creating twinsets in layered wool and silk, coats with distinctive cuts and original materials, notably embodied by an uncommon overcoat in patched goatskin, Matteo Tamburini brought a touch of extravagance to his first collection for Tod's.
Tod’s new credo calls for a fashion that can be worn both at the top offices and on public transportation, showing that fashion can be addressed to a wider audience without neglecting quality and style. For Tod’s Fall-Winter 2024/25, Matteo Tamburini has affirmed its style and position with a collection that brilliantly reinterprets the brand's emblematic codes with flair and a personal touch.
www.tods.com
Fashion
H&M Studio exhibition - “La Maison”
H&M Studio presented its Spring/Summer collection through a temporary exhibition hosted during PFW. Untitled “La Maison”, the space was a showroom and archive display, revealed during a Parisian party on February 26. Were present invited brand friends including Iris Law, Alexa Chung, Hari Nef, Caro Daur, Tina Kunakey, and Jill Kortleve. Singer Ama Lou and DJ Honey Dijon performed during the event.
Open from February 27 to February 29, “La Maison” space in Paris is open to the public, offering an immersive experience through the brand’s collections. The exhibition features key pieces of archives and current collections enhanced by a theatrical red décor and a surreal giant book display. Visitors can immerse themselves in archived H&M Studio collections showcased through printed imagery, complemented by whimsical installations showcasing the iconic pillow bag.
For the occasion, an exclusive limited-edition powder-blue version of the pillow bag will be available for purchase solely at the exhibition.
Developed alongside creative agency Ray Atelier, The H&M Studio exhibition La Maison is located at 51 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, and is open to the public from February 27 to February 29.
The H&M Studio Spring/Summer 2024 collection will be available globally from 12 March in select stores and online.
www.hm.com
Fashion
“Etro Act”: an ode to adventure and skin couture
Etro presents "Etro Act" its first co-created fashion show, under the artistic direction of Marco De Vincenzo. Presenting menswear and womenswear FW24/25 collections simultaneously, the show was set among a backdrop of oversized masks, like an invitation to travel and adventure.
Inspired by ancient theater and Homer's Odyssey, the show featured a collection that favored the use of antique fabrics and playful jewelry, conceived by Marco De Vincenzo in a quest for diversity and renewal.
Fluid, wave-like silhouettes contrasted with straight, confident coats. Many models were adorned with colorful prints such as the emblematic Persian-inspired paisley motif, magnifying fabrics such as felt and leather.
The show also featured pieces resulting from Etro's collaboration with Wolford, a union between Etro's heritage and Wolford's skin couture expertise. The collaboration is incarnated in three unique pattern designs exclusively created by Etro, featuring Paisley motifs on Wolford's iconic fabrics in a collection of bas jacquards, bodysuits, dresses, and more.
The capsule collection, debuting during the Etro Fall/Winter 2024 Fashion Show, will be available in Etro and Wolford boutiques, online, and at selected retailers worldwide from September 2024.
www.etro.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton launches YouTube series retracing Nicolas Ghesquière’s career within the House
Louis Vuitton is launching a YouTube series in which Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, will retrace the story of his career while inviting a host of friends and collaborators.
Named “Nicolas Ghesquière: Shaping Fashion”, this exclusive YouTube series is an in-depth format, bringing together Nicolas Ghesquièreand some of the figures who have influenced his career to discover what goes on behind the scenes of his creative journey.
Tracing the designer's decade and counting at Louis Vuitton, this series of videos will give an insight into Nicolas Ghesquière’s life and career within the House. Through meaningful conversations about cinema, music, and fashion, the designer will give us an insight into his inspirations and projects, with a touch of personal anecdotes.
Among the guests who will interact with the designer, the first invitees to take part are none other than the House Ambassadors Emma Stone and Jennifer Connelly. Counting 10 minutes per episode, the series will be animated by journalists Lynn Hirschberg and Sylvia Jorif to capture the essence of the Artistic Director’s work.
The first episode featuring Nicolas Ghesquière and Emma Stone is already available on Louis Vuitton digital channels.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
CHANEL opens its first boutique on Fifth Avenue in New York, devoted exclusively to watches and fine jewelry
CHANEL made its debut on New York's famous Fifth Avenue on February 9, 2024.
In a magnificent two-storey store designed by the architect Peter Marino, this boutique devoted entirely to watches and haute jewelry is the first of its kind in the United States.
Inspired by CHANEL's heritage at 18 Place Vendôme in Paris, where the high jewelry atelier and design studios are located, the boutique on Fifth Avenue is a moving tribute to Gabrielle Chanel, representing the designer’s love for art and design through a thoughtful decoration.
Sublimated by the gilded architecture of the historic Crown Builiding, the boutique's façade, adorned with black granite and gold bronze, recalls the emblematic building of 31 rue Cambon. The interior of the boutique is also imbued with this style, with gold and black enhanced by subtle touches of rock. A collection of contemporary art objects, antiques, and custom-made furniture complete the boutique's unique atmosphere.
A spectacular staircase leads to the mezzanine, where artworks by renowned artists such as Louise Nevelson and Anna-Eva Bergman are displayed alongside pieces of high and fine jewelry.
Finally, the collections displayed in the boutique embody the essence of CHANEL, with iconic pieces such as Coco Crush and N°5 Fine Jewelry, as well as watches from the J12 collection. Exclusive creations, such as the Eternal N°5 collection, created in honor of the Fifth Avenue boutique's inauguration, and the breathtaking 55.55 necklace, will also be available to celebrate the boutique's opening.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
From the Levi’s Archive
Levi’s invited their Paris Fashion Week Men’s guests to celebrate their freshly released limited-edition collaboration with the Japanese label BEAMS. The capsule collection takes inspiration from the archival SUPER WIDE style while achieving a bold, modern conception through exclusively developed Orange Tick selvage denim. Guests were able to add personal touches to the jackets and jeans at an embroidery station during the event. Showcased on the walls were several iconic Levi’s garments pulled from their archive dating back as early as 1980. From the Levi’s of a farmer to those of Steve Jobs, the presentation served as the perfect reminder of the vital role Levi’s plays in contemporary life and that we should all be excited for what’s to come from the brand in 2024. www.levis.com
Fashion
Loro Piana Interiors Presents The 2024 Collection
Loro Piana Interiors presents the 2024 collection at Paris Déco Off, showing an eclectic spectrum of colors, materials, weaves, and textures in a never-ending quest for new components based on a century of experience and ongoing communication with clients. This season, Pure cashmere is transformed into a warm-toned, cozy Tweed for exclusive upholstery; wool and linen blend broadcloths are ideal for curtains or upholstery; and hemp is combined with cotton and jute in a pleasantly nubbly textile. Cotton velvet in 23 shades completes the range. For the outdoors, fabrics in Trevira® are flameproof and weather-resistant, suitable for all occasions and weather while always offering a certain quality and style. But the true highlight of Loro Piana Interiors 2024 is the entire personalized service, which adds distinct elegance and creativity to every area of the home. The classic bespoke services are now complemented by additional customization options for the bedroom, table, bath, and spa zone. Starting with the table, Loro Piana presents linen tablecloths, placemats, runners, and napkins with embroidered openwork, and contrasting borders. In the bathroom, a fresh color palette and a touch of cashmere provide softness and coziness. For the bedroom, a variety of sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in organic cotton and linen, as well as cotton and cashmere, complement the queen-size cashmere blanket in natural tones and trimmed with cashmere chevron ribbon. The Sils rug is made of New Zealand wool and was hand-woven on looms to bespoke sizes in a variety of color combinations and three designs. In this way, Loro Piana Interiors, creates complete, inimitable interior decoration projects with a harmonious language made up of materials, colors, and elegance. www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Paul&Shark: CLUB RIVIERA
During Milan Fashion Week, Paul & Shark unveiled the FW 2024 Club Riviera collection, which transformed Casa Cipriani's elite private members club into its own Club Riviera. A one-of-a-kind site that dates back to the 1930s with the inauguration of Harry's Bar in Venice and exudes Italian elegance to its full potential. The collection transitions from summer to fall, with a color range of beiges and foliage tones paired with traditional white and iconic Paul & Shark blue. Silk coats, hefty linen shirts, and polished cotton T-shirts take the spotlight. The brand's tale revolves around an elite club with fall sea feels, an emotional journey, and a sweater at sunset, all of which evoke memorable memories. The occasion was meticulously planned to provide the international press with access to the FW24 looks worn by models, who are highly recognized club members. Then, the evening proceeded with a cocktail party and DJ set that welcomed worldwide talents and influencers. The result is a private club-like relaxing environment, where, among the timeless board games, guests may stop and observe the autumn sun setting through the window as winter gently knocks on the door. www.paulandshark.com
Fashion
GUESS JEANS new AIRWASH technology
With a presentation at this year's Pitti Immagine Uomo, GUESS JEANS is unveiling their brand-new denim wash technology, “GUESS AIRWASH”, which will pave the way for a more sustainable future of denim. Following in the footsteps of his father, GUESS co-founder Paul Marciano, who popularized denim stone-washing in 1981, the brand’s current Creative Director Nicolai Marciano, is paying tribute to the brand’s legacy of pioneering denim styles and washing processes through a lens of contemporary values. The all-new AIRWASH technique swaps the water used in stone washing for air and bubbles. Through this technique the use of pumice stones becomes obsolete, resulting in a significant decrease in water and energy consumption. The AIRWASH technology was developed by GUESS’ long-time partner Jeanologia and is manifested on eight airwashes across denim shirts, denim jackets, and denim trousers that appear in three fits for women, ranging from skinny to mom to midrise straight, and four for men, ranging from skinny, slim, straight, to relaxed. All pieces are fabricated from organic and recycled materials, putting an sustainability at the forefront of GUESS’ philosophy. But not just the dedication to (re-)inventing denim culture stands as a tribute to the brand's DNA, but also the designs of the new collection draw inspiration from GUESS archive pieces spanning from the 80s to 90s, presenting us with a reinterpretation of innovation and iconic denim styles at the same time. GUESS JEANS, as a new brand, opens the doors for the rollout of a number of new denim-focused boutiques. The GUESS JEANS collection will be available in June 2024, at selected wholesale stores and retailers worldwide and online.
www.guess.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent New Store In Champs-Élysées
Paris, the fashion capital of the world, welcomes a new Saint Laurent flagship store on the illustrious Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Inspired by the visionary Yves Saint Laurent himself, Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello brings to life a long-cherished dream of seeing the iconic brand's name illuminated in fiery letters along this legendary boulevard. Housed in a meticulously restored Haussmannian building, the boutique is a harmonious blend of historical charm and avant-garde design. Vaccarello's novel concept invites patrons to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the carefully curated spaces that seamlessly intertwine rough textures with precise details. Marble displays elevate the brand's collection to the status of precious artefacts, enticing clients to immerse themselves in the world of Saint Laurent. The double-height foyer, adorned with a mesmerizing neon light sculpture by renowned artist Cerith Wyn Evans, captures the essence of modern luxury. Sensuous surfaces, curving staircases in black-lacquered wood, and a tranquil private garden add layers to the shopping experience. Saint Laurent's complete repertoire, spanning men's and women's ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, and fine jewellery, awaits discerning clients at this opulent destination. The boutique, located at 123 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, officially opens its doors on December 9th.
www.saintlaurent.com
Art
RH Opens in Munich
The doors have swung open to welcome true luxury and sophistication as RH, the renowned high-end interior brand, makes its mark in Munich. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, RH has consistently stood as one of the most successful retailers in the realm of interior and furniture within the US market. Following its successful ventures in the UK, RH has chosen Düsseldorf and Munich as the latest European cities to host its exquisite stores. The Munich "Gallery," as RH eloquently names its stores, is a testament to the brand's commitment to offering not just furniture but an immersive experience of elegance and refinement. Adorned with stunning interiors they transform spaces into works of art. RH Munich, originally designed in 1905 by German architect Max Littmann, graces the heart of the Old Town on Sendlinger Strasse, within walking distance from Sendlinger Tor, a surviving city gate dating back to the 14th century. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the arrival of RH in Munich is a momentous occasion. It not only signifies the expansion of a prestigious brand but also offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of luxury living to immerse themselves in the world of RH's curated elegance.
www.rh.com
Fashion
Heringa/Van Kalsbeek Creates Hermès Winter Windows
In a captivating celebration of creativity and the holiday spirit, Hermès transforms its Amsterdam store on P.C. Hooftstraat into a winter wonderland with the mesmerizing installation "Dazzling On Stage" by artist duo Heringa/Van Kalsbeek. Invited by Hermès for the holiday season, the artists bring a touch of magic to the iconic luxury brand's windows. Inspired by the theme "Astonishing Hermès!" and the enchanting freedom of Hermès' creativity, Heringa/Van Kalsbeek take viewers on a journey through a painterly dreamscape. The installation unfolds across three unique windows, each telling a story of wintery scenes infused with childlike playfulness. The scenes come alive with subtle shades of tranquillity, from rain and snow flurries to vibrant greenery, birds, and trees. Two large installations feature a constellation of ice flowers and an enchanting pine forest, while a smaller window houses a delightful wren. Drawing inspiration from 19th-century paper toy theatre dioramas, the spatial layers create a multidimensional experience, transcending single dimensions. Heringa/Van Kalsbeek, known for their fascination with spatial forms of theatre, architecture, and visual languages, have seamlessly blended painting and sculpture since 1998. As a house dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and aesthetic functionality since 1837, Hermès continues to enchant its audience with collaborations that transcend mere products, inviting viewers to experience the artistry behind the brand.
www.hermes.com
Art
Art Rotterdam 2024 Anniversary
Art Rotterdam, the acclaimed fair for contemporary art in the Netherlands, is set to bid farewell to its iconic venue, the Van Nelle Factory, with a spectacular 25th-anniversary edition from February 1 to February 4, 2024. The milestone event promises a culmination of innovation, talent, and outdoor art installations, marking the end of an era at the historical location. The 12th edition of Prospects, a showcase for 86 budding artists supported by the Mondriaan Fonds, headlines the celebration. This exhibition spans diverse mediums, from traditional paintings to cutting-edge sculptures and videos. Curated by Johan Gustavsson and Louise Bjeldbak Henriksen, it offers a captivating snapshot of contemporary Dutch art, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and our connection with nature. The outdoor exhibition complements the farewell festivities, featuring monumental works such as Tentendorp-Herzien by Studio Dré Wapenaar, RADIATE ||&||| (EVIAN CHRIST) by Joeri Woudstra, and the colossal Vulture by Atelier Van Lieshout. These installations redefine the art experience, engaging viewers in a dynamic and immersive manner. As Art Rotterdam bids adieu to the Van Nelle Factory, the stage is set for a grand finale, a celebration of art, innovation, and the vibrant spirit that has defined the event over its illustrious 25-year journey. The upcoming edition marks not just an end but a transition to new horizons, with Art Rotterdam poised to make Rotterdam Ahoy its home from 2025 onwards.
www.artrotterdam.com
Fashion
Mary Komasa Wears Chanel FW23/24
On the eventful night of November 15th, in Berlin, Polish singer Mary Komasa graced the stage of her ‘SISTER’ release performance wearing nothing but Chanel. Capturing the spotlight not only for her musical talents but also for her impeccable sense of style. The singer adorned herself in a breathtaking creation from Chanel's FW23/24 ready-to-wear collection, showcasing the perfect blend of sophistication and glamour. The black iridescent fantasy silk crepe dress, featuring chiffon flounces, delicate camellias in organza and tulle, and intricate beadwork, stood out as a true masterpiece. The ensemble, marked as Look 59 from Chanel's latest collection, epitomized the brand's commitment to timeless elegance and innovation. Adding a touch of luxury to her ensemble, Mary Komasa complemented her attire with 18k white gold Coco Crush fine jewelry, adorned with diamonds, accentuating her radiant presence on stage. Chanel, truly emblematic for female elegance and empowerment, ties perfectly into the story told in Mary's new album SISTER as it explores the theme of sisterhood - both as a commitment to be made consciously and as a social construct, ought to be challenged. The performance's beautiful soundscape was augmented visually, not just by her choice of dress, but also by the simulation of a journey between sunset and sunrise, ending the show and releasing the audience in the warm embrace of a sunset's glow. Mary Komasa's choice to don Chanel at the SISTER release performance not only showcased her affinity for high fashion but also celebrated the harmonious marriage of music and style.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Flight Mode Collection
In a captivating homage to its rich legacy of trunk-making, Louis Vuitton unveils the “Flight Mode” capsule collection -- a celebration of the Maison's enduring spirit of travel through timeless designs. Crafted to be the perfect companions for this season's adventures, the collection features a range of enveloping pieces that showcase sumptuous, cosy materials. In the hands of Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton's timeless designs take flight, epitomizing a stylish journey to distant destinations. The collection captures the essence of escape as refined women embrace the travel narrative, transitioning from the hustle of the city to serene winter landscapes. Cropped monogram puffer jackets, pinstriped silk shirting, and slouchy pyjama pants form the perfect travel uniform, complemented by models adorned in scarf-encrusted coats and practical reversible outerwear. The addition of two-toned Medallion blankets and handbags in beige leather with gradient logos further accentuates the collection's commitment to luxury and functionality. As Louis Vuitton once again redefines the boundaries of fashion, the "Flight Mode" capsule collection stands as a testament to the Maison's enduring legacy.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Diesel Opens in Antwerp
In a move that exemplifies its commitment to pushing boundaries, Diesel has announced the grand opening of a stunning new store in Antwerp, Belgium. Situated on the historic street, Schuttershofstratt 5, is this latest addition to Diesel's global retail portfolio as a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of bold identity, individualism, freedom, and irreverence. Under the visionary Creative Direction of Glenn Martens, a Belgian native and graduate of Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Diesel's Antwerp store is more than just a fashion destination—it's a visual feast. The store's design concept, recently launched across Europe, features iconic Diesel red accents and industrial metal billboards. A standout piece is the distressed freestanding billboard, reminiscent of the ones lining the legendary Route 66. The interior is an artistic blend of industrial edge and refined craftsmanship. Walls and floors adorned with artisanal, handmade resin posters provide a unique backdrop to Diesel's collections. The Red Room, a monochromatic chamber dedicated to the denim collection, pays homage to the brand's roots while incorporating modern design elements. Notably, the store introduces an exclusive capsule collection crafted in distressed denim with a silver foil coating. From denim jackets and jeans to long-sleeve T-shirts and metallic denim cuissard boots, Diesel's Antwerp store offers a head-to-toe denim experience. Diesel, founded by Renzo Rosso in 1978, continues to evolve beyond denim mastery, positioning itself as a leader in premium fashion. The Antwerp store marks another milestone in Diesel's journey.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
The New Montblanc Only Watch 2023
On the occasion of its fourth participation in the Only Watch Auction, Montblanc has created the Montblanc Only Watch 2023, a unique 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen model. What makes this watch stand out is the unique way in which it was created, as it features for the first time an innovative middle housing material with captured CO2. Great technological details and environmental care are put into this element, whose CO2 comes from biogas production and mineral waste, and is then combined with ultra-light and durable mixed carbon fibers. Ice is at the center of the watch’s aesthetic concept, exalted by the oxygen-free capsule made of breakable safety glass in which the watch is enclosed, which is reminiscent of a block of ice and needs to be first broken with an ice pick in order to remove the watch. This also allows the owner not to break the safety glass, thus preserving the watch as if in a time capsule, emphasizing once again the great attention and detail that Montblanc puts into its customer journey. The case features a reproduction of Mount Everest, which can be admired by the wearer and changes according to different types of light. The Montblanc Only Watch 2023 is the latest addition to the brand’s Zero Oxygen line, and is a perfect example of technology and beauty.
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
Casio and G-SHOCK Launch the New MR-G
Casio releases in Tokyo the MR-G, a new watch whose design is inspired by the iconic Kabuto Helmet, specially crafted for G-SHOCK 40th anniversary. The G-SHOCK limited edition of the watch is available with only 700 pieces worldwide, and is a new addition to Casio’s MR-G series. The design of the watch is a tribute to the traditional Japanese combat band Ito Odoshi, exactly because of the white band, while the bezel is engraved with a tiger design, which evokes the strong determination of samurai warriors that stay true to their own convictions. The concept and idea behind the watch, is to deliver the ultimate technology and art in toughness-driven watches: indeed, the new MR-G elevates itself as the pinnacle of the G-SHOCK brand, crafted down to the smallest detail and incorporating the newest technologies in terms of watch resistance and metalworking techniques. In addition, Casio superimposed the kabuto helmet in the design of the watch, symbolizing both strength and functional beauty, while the shock-resistant construction of the watch embodies bold determination thanks to the white band featuring a bezel engraved by a master metalsmith, also showcasing a tiger design. Overall, Casio’s new MR-G watch in collaboration with G-SHOCK symbolizes passion and success, resulting in a beautiful commemorative timepiece.
www.casio.com
www.gshock.com
Fashion
CLEO’S MIDNIGHT TALES
"Cleo's Midnight Tales," a collaboration between Breitling and Princess Cleopatra zu Oettingen-Spielberg, took place in Berlin for its second edition. Departing from its inaugural event at Oettingen-Spielberg Castle near Munich, this soirée hosted around 100 distinguished guests at Berlin's Telegraphenamt. The event embodied Breitling's #SquadOnAMission philosophy, uniting creative individuals committed to effecting change and aiming to inspire the brand's growing female clientele. The guest list included notable figures like actresses Janina Uhse and Gizem Emre, musician Elif, models Veronika Heilbrunner and Ronja Furrer, jewelry designer Begüm Khan, and TV presenter Stephanie Brungs. DJ Kungs provided the musical backdrop, and attendees had the opportunity to admire the Breitling "Navitimer 32" from the latest collection. The night continued in the stylish bar within the Telegraphenamt, well-regarded for its award-winning design and its proximity to Museum Island in Berlin-Mitte. DJs Alyssa Cordes and Giannina Haupt ensured the party's energetic atmosphere extended into the late hours. "Cleo's Midnight Tales" underscored Breitling's dedication to celebrating influential female figures and proved to be a resounding success. www.breitling.com
Fashion
H&M x Rabanne Collaboration
On October 2nd, H&M and Rabanne celebrated their upcoming collaboration with a prominent guest list at the legendary Parisian nightclub Silencio. For nearly a decade as Creative Director, Julien Dossena effortlessly channels the brand’s iconic spirit always paying his respects to Paco Rabanne's legacy. The event served as a sneak peek into the Rabanne H&M collection, spanning Womenswear, Menswear, Accessories, and Home Accessories. Set to hit selected stores and HM e-commerce on November 9, 2023, the collection promises a fusion of Rabanne's timeless allure and H&M's accessible style. The evening kicked off with an intimate performance by Swedish pop sensation Robyn, setting the stage for a night of extravagance. Renowned South Korean DJ and producer Peggy Gou kept the energy alive, while the glamorous presence of American singer and actress Cher added star power to the celebration. The ongoing start guest list, including Elle Fanning, Irina Shayk, Ashley Graham, and Jared Leto, showcased the Rabanne H&M collection in all its glory. Julien Dossena's goal is to make people feel liberated in their clothing and as Ann-Sofie Johansson (Head of Design Womenswear and Creative Advisor at H&M) stated “Where better … than in an iconic nightclub?” The Rabanne H&M collaboration promises to bring the hedonistic spirit of the brands, ensuring unforgettable moments and a liberated sense of style.
www.hm.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week - Chanel
Villa Noailles unfolds as the enchanting muse behind Chanel’s SS24 Ready-to-Wear collection. Bathed in the sun's glow near the French Sea, nestled in the hills of Hyères, this architectural gem designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1923 exudes an art de vivre complete with terraced gardens, tiled floors, and serene structures. The essence of Villa Noailles' checkerboard hedges, sunken flower beds, vibrant colours, and geometric patterns gracefully interwine the collection, offering an idyllic sense of freedom. Inspired by the surroundings, these details elegantly make their mark in the clothing through checkerboard embroidery and coral pink and blue tones. Echoing the vibrancy of light and colour, the interplay of contrasting asymmetries, patchworks, and stripes injects a rhythmic energy into the collection, defining its unique concept of elegance and insouciance. Creative Director Virginie Viard paints a picture of an easy-living French vacation—a summer stroll through a Chanel wardrobe that seamlessly blends sophistication with informality, whose expression unfolds in multicoloured tweed dressing gowns, striped terrycloth jackets, neoprene suits, lace-adorned dresses, and trousers enriched with floral motifs. From the start, the collection exudes a relaxed look with loose-fitting co-ords, bathing suits paired with caped beach-blanket cover-ups, and an unexpected twist—flip flops. Layered accessories complement the looks, including sunglasses, strands of pearls worn as necklaces or belts, and gold chains. Balancing freedom and femininity with worldly sophistication, the collection presents a dynamic range of pieces showcasing prints and textures effortlessly mixed and matched. In a nod to the season's tendencies, small yet impactful sheer black elements feature long organza skirts and dresses, inviting endless layering. Chanel's SS24 collection is more than just garments; it is a sun-kissed journey through the gardens of freedom, where elegance meets insouciance in the freshest way possible.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Gucci
At Milan Fashion Week, Gucci presented its SS24 collection titled Ancora, which also marked the debut of the Maison’s new creative director Sabato De Sarno. To celebrate the collection, the brand created and placed installations in major cities all around the world. In Milan, the Ancora collection can be seen on billboards, posters, and even on trams around the Italian city. As the name Ancora, meaning again, suggests, this collection marks Gucci’s return to its origins; the brand, its character, and its history have come full circle, and this collection celebrates Gucci’s origins and its commitment to the future, always maintaining its visionary and distinctive spirit. As a whole, the show, the garments, and the concept behind the collection were an ode to the city of Milan as a place of beauty and carnality. As Creative Director Sabato De Sarno has said, the colors in the collection represent the passion that has always driven the brand, but more than that, they represent the history and the people who have contributed to making Gucci what it is today. It is a history of inclusivity, freedom, euphoria, and fascination with beauty. Gucci’s Ancora collection embodies all these characteristics, and it pays homage to the brand’s past and to its future.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Armani
Armani’s SS24 Women’s collection pays homage to summer as a condition of the spirit. The lightness of thought and echoes of an otherworldly essence imbue the garments and the outfits of the collection. The spirit behind Armani’s clothing for SS24 is playful, feminine, and ethereal. It is a thought picked up along the journey and caught in the air, which materializes in items made with light and breezy materials. A radiance and an all-pervasive breeze are what make this collection unique, through weightless fabrics that are discreetly illuminated by touches of iridescent elements, lightly embroidered and interwoven to create an impalpable sensation. The body and its shapes take center stage, thanks to flowing jackets modeled to the bust, and shirts and crop tops that reveal hints of skin. The trousers flow with the silhouette, and the skirts are long and ample, meant to emphasize each step. These outfits are accompanied by flat shoes and breezy foulards; the bags are in stark contrast with the clothing, minimal yet capacious. The color palette reflects the etherealness of the whole collection with warm beiges, deep blacks, and cool hues that match together perfectly to create a collection that is an ode to feminine etherealness.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Prada
Behind the inspiration for Prada’s SS24 collection presented on September 21st at Milan Fashion Week is a reinterpretation of a handbag design originally conceived by Mario Prada, Miuccia Prada’s grandfather and co-founder of the brand. The whole collection exudes the spirit of Mario Prada, a traveler at heart with a deep intellectual curiosity. Indeed, the brand was developed based on inspiration that he collected while traveling around the world and learning about different cultures; Prada’s garments and accessories are precious items meant to enrich everyday life. In Milan, Mario Prada worked with skilled artisans and craftsmen to develop the products and the designs that would make the Maison famous for years to come. For the September 2023 fashion show, Mario Prada’s handbag design is reinterpreted and reimagined in a collection that reflects the contemporary enthusiasm for Eastern artistic aesthetics. The bag to which the collection owes its inspiration is an evening bag featuring a hand-carved fastening depicting a mythological figure. In the SS24 collection, this style is replicated in nappa leather and re-nylon. Overall, the collection embodies and reflects Prada’s 110-year long history, and is a testament to the Maison’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and design.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Gucci Inaugurates a New Boutique in Munich
Gucci expands its presence in Germany by inaugurating a new boutique in Munich’s Maximilianstrasse 11-15. The space covers over 590 square meters and is built on two floors. The store carries a large selection of men's and women's ready-to-wear collections, including handbags, luggage, shoes, jewelry, beauty and watches. The facade of the store maintains its original heritage looks, while the interior of the store is kept simple and refined. The use of clean linens and a color palette that reflects both the iconic colors of the brand and fits in with the existing environment enhances a subtle charm. The wooden floors in antique oak feature decorative details with a motif that references details from Gucci collections, while the lighter wood boiserie inserts offer a delicate accent to the walls. The store is designed to make customers feel at home, framed with built-in displays reminiscent of a walk-in closet; velvet armchairs and sofas adorn the store, ensuring a comfortable customer experience. Newly designed racks enriched by classic designs accommodate diverse product categories, rendering the store conceptually unique and able to cater to the diverse needs of multiple customers. Overall, Gucci’s new Munich boutique perfectly adapts to the surrounding city, while maintaining the brand’s iconic style.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
G-Star RAW x Sven Marquardt Opens Berlin Art Week
The Dutch denim brand G-Star RAW opens the Berlin Art Week by partnering with photographer and Berlin nightlife icon Sven Marquardt. The exhibition, named “11+1” is composed of 12 portraits representative of Berlin’s iconic nightlife scene. They represent the city’s vibrant club culture, which is perfectly captured thanks to G-Star RAW’s denim, specially leveraged for this project to capture the essence of Berlin’s character. Sven Marquardt’s unique view of Berlin’s zeitgeist is evident in every portrait of the exhibition. The photographer has carefully selected 12 talents that embody the essence of the city through different personalities and fashion styles, really capturing one of the characteristics that make Berlin unique: its endless possibilities for self-expression. To make this project come to life, G-Star RAW has taken inspiration from the individual outfits of each personality that participated in the shooting. Each piece in the collection, which comprises 26 different styles, embodies the brand’s expertise in working with denim and showcases the skills of the G-Star team in crafting denim pieces. The looks in the photo collection have different styles, from avant-garde leather looks to casual ensembles. Overall, Sven Marquardt’s partnership in creating a photo collection with G-Star RAW perfectly captures the unicity of the city of Berlin, establishing itself as an iconic collaboration.
www.g-star.com
Fashion
Zegna x The Elder Statesman Collection
After an exclusive event held in February in Paris, Zegna unveils their new collection in collaboration with the LA-founded luxury lifestyle brand The Elder Statesman, with Spanish-German actor Daniel Brühl as the face of the collection. The launch of the collection was celebrated on September 6th at Maxfield in Los Angeles. The partnership between the two high-end brands is centered around Zegna’s Oasi Cashmere, inaugurating a platform to encounter progressive and responsible cultures and visions, which reiterates Zegna’s commitment to sustainably sourcing Oasi Cashmere fibers, certifying them as 100% traceable by 2024. The two brands share a devotion to craft and material excellence, resulting in a collection that aims to expand horizons to take a new stylistic path forward. Zegna's designs are reimagined in the vibrant colors and patterns that characterize The Elder Statesman. The campaign featuring Daniel Brühl has been filmed at Zegna’s historic Wool Mill, located at the heart of the Oasi Zegna natural territory in the Italian Alps, which fully embodies the brand’s values and commitment to impeccable craftsmanship. This unique partnership enhances the essence of Zegna’s Oasi Cashmere, catering to a new audience and representing an evolution of the Maison’s founding philosophies, centered around sophisticated craftsmanship and uncompromising luxury. The collection is available September 2023 in key Zegna stores globally, in The Elder Statesman’s retail channels, and in selected wholesale partners.
www.zegna.com
www.elder-statesman.com
Fashion
CARTIER MINI BAGS
The artistic vision of Cartier has continuously amazed us through timeless charm for modern women for a long history. Ranging from watches and jewelry to accessories and fragrances, the creative territory of the French Maison Cartier is infinite. Introducing a new micro bag collection, Cartier suggests new proportions for the classic handbag line through a minimalistic and elegant touch. The Cartier mini bags are another form of exceptional artistic expression as well as the core message that speaks to all women. The brand’s iconic identity was distinctively expressed on the three micro bags that come in one hand, featuring the metal logo punctuated with enamel or the resurfaced metal logo C with a panther’s head of Panthère de Cartier collection, perfect for making a statement as well as serving a piece of jewelry. Along with the jeweled clasps, the bag collection features a simple rectangular shape, a curved-edged flip, and an elegant chain strap that lifts the look to be timeless and chic. Also, the strap is available with either a leather or metal chain, giving the wearer multiple ways of styles - either worn on one shoulder or cinched around the waist. As tiny as it can be in Cartier’s collection, these small bags are both portable and casual, giving them a touch of lightness. Additionally, the fabric comes in either soft or hard-grained leather, depending on the model whose color ranges from black, cherry-red, or pale pink. Three different designs of the mini bags are all unique yet faithful to Maison’s emblematic codes. www.cartier.com
Fashion
Hublot Sponsors the Polo Gold Cup in Gstaad.
Gstaad hosts the Polo Gold Cup from the 17th to the 20th of August, 2023. Hublot has been collaborating with the city of Gstaad to organize this event since 2006, making this partnership fruitful and everlasting. This partnership emphasizes Hublot’s friendship with Pierre Genecand, the director of Gstaad Polo and the Gold Cup. Hublot’s history of precision and synchronicity pairs perfectly with the values of polo and those of the city of Gstaad. For four days, the Saanen Airfield, featuring a breathtaking panorama, was transformed into a polo field for the most important tournament of the summer. The Hublot Team, composed of highly skilled players, has also participated in the competition. The beautiful location of Gstaad is distinctive because of its panoramic views and mountain scenery, making it the perfect spot to represent the unique character of Hublot. The collaboration between Hublot and the Gstaad Polo Cup was made possible by partnerships and ambassadors representing the brand’s commitment to bringing watchmaking to the highest possible quality. Hublot was the official timekeeper of the Gstaad Polo Gold Cup, an iconic collaboration between the watchmaking brand and the prestigious sporting event.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
100 Years of Colmar
Colmar, the Italian outerwear brand from Monza, celebrates its 100th anniversary with the FW23/24 Colmar Originals collection. Colmar, which has kept true to its brand identity throughout its history, for this collection, showcases an evolution in fabrics and colors, experimenting with new textures and palettes. The brand has always been a pioneer in the employment of high-tech materials and, since 1950, has been collaborating with professional athletes to enhance its research. The new fabrics offer the possibility to meet the functional needs of every customer, always ensuring the best quality of the garment. Because the concept of seasonality plays such an essential role within Colmar, the FW23/24 collection is structured into three main themes: Entry Season, Cold Season and Frozen Season. The color chart is modern and adapted to the current fashion with brighter hues like red and yellow without disregarding the more classic, basic shades such as cream, white and beige. The color palette has an important place in this collection, as each seasonal concept is expressed in a specific color that distinguishes it from the others, thus adding an extra layer of meaning to the collection. The brand has evolved with the times, and sustainability has come to play a central role in Colmar’s ethics. The brand crafts its garments with sustainable materials that are recycled and biodegradable, thus reducing the impact on the environment.
www.colmar.com
Fashion
Skincare brand MUTI celebrates National Simplicity Day
Embracing the beauty of simplicity, the German minimalistic skincare brand MUTI celebrates the day of simplicity with great joy, which falls on July 12. National Simplicity Day serves as a gentle reminder to take a step back from the muddled world of contemporary life and adopt a minimalistic attitude. As the brand says, the day is also MUTI’s birthday because it reflects its core philosophy, skincare minimalism, suggesting minimal beauty essential for those who love simplicity. MUTI was founded in 2014 in Munich based on its simplicity philosophy. Modern. Unique. True. Intelligent. Those are what MUTI stands for and aims to achieve. The brand focuses its products on the essentials, simplifying the day-to-day skincare routine without making any compromises. The brand pursues the skincare minimalism that differentiates itself through its products, ingredients, application, and design. The brand provides a few essential products that are so well thought out, and perfectly complementary to each other. Its beauty essentials are available regardless of gender, skin type, and skin need. Its Ingredients are few yet effective and high-quality, while its design is sophisticatedly timeless. All these elements are designed to simplify your skincare routine that reflects its philosophy "True Beauty. Made Simple." In particular, MUTI’s products are clean, vegan, and fragrance-free and do not contain harmful ingredients such as silicones, mineral oils, parabens, paraffin, PEGs, microplastics, essential oils, and drying alcohols. The minimalist product range includes the CLEAN, FACE, and ADD lines, with a range of highly effective serums as well as a Line of sun protection products, SUN.
www.muti.de
Fashion
A New Diesel Store Opens its Doors in Paris
Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world, is the location of the new Diesel store, which opened its doors at number 223 on July 13th, 2023. The store has been conceptually designed to fit into the context of the French fashion capital, integrating it with the ethos that distinguishes Diesel as a brand based on boldness, individualism, and freedom. The space was designed under the audacious supervision of Glenn Martens, Diesel’s Creative Director. Red and industrial metal billboards aesthetically define the store, representing a powerful interpretation of Diesel’s recently launched retail design concept. The billboards placed all around the store recall the brand’s vintage advertisements through an aesthetic that reminds of the iconic Route 66. The road concept is also present in the walls covered in riveted raw steel panels. The store offers the visitor an immersive experience by dedicating an entire room to the exposition of the 1DR bags and capsules, where peel-off billboards create an atmosphere of nostalgia. Diesel’s Denim Collection, the signature feature of the brand, also has a room dedicated to it, with red-lacquered walls and a staircase that leads to a second floor with an exposed ceiling designed to evoke the atmosphere of a studio exposing men and women ready-to-wear collections. The new Diesel Paris store is the ultimate frontier in the brand’s conceptual design, made to capture the visitor through powerful visual language.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Resort Store x Kampen
Louis Vuitton Resort Store x Kampen Maison Louis Vuitton opens a resort pop-up on the North Sea island of Sylt, Kampen in Germany. Launched on July 1st, the pop-up store showcases the Maison Louis Vuitton women’s Summer Capsule collection, “LV By The Pool”, which consists of ready-to-wear, accessories, bags, and shoes, inspired by the beauty of the island known for long beaches, the old Frisian architecture with its thatched roof houses in Sylt. Enhanced with North German serenity, this collection offers summer vacation essentials that are both casual and luxurious, featuring a wide range of accessories such as silk scarves, sunglasses, and jewelry as well as summer dresses, beachwear, and swimwear. The color palette mainly adopts ocean blue, white, and beige which invites you to dive into the summer vibe and travel to the peaceful island of Kampen. Visitors not only can experience a unique ambiance at the store but also see the exclusive Neverfull handbag specially designed for the collection, featuring the signature Monogram of the brand in various colors as well as the imprint of Sylt in the center of the bag. In addition to the ready-to-wear, the collection provides towels and cushions that feature multiple patterns and graphic designs that embody the brand's aesthetics. The new Louis Vuitton Resort Store on Sylt will be available until September 2, 2023.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Dior Launches its SPA at Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina
The partnership between Dior and Belmond Hotels culminates in the opening of the “Le Jardin des Rêves Dior” Spa at the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily, to celebrate the 150 anniversary of the property. The hotel has hosted countless literary and artistic figures over the years in this splendid location with views of Mount Etna. The collaboration between Dior and the luxury hospitality brand unveils a new wellness experience thanks to the two Dior treehouse treatment cabins offering guests exclusive skincare treatments. The garden of Timeo, designed by an English gardener and wildlife conservator Florence Trevelyan at the end of the XIX century, is the perfect majestic location for fostering a spirit of inspiration and relaxation. The entrance to the treehouse cabins is adorned with curtains with the Maison's iconic Toile de Jouy; the same pattern is replicated on the wallpaper inside the cabins. The interior design is intimate and refined, blending seamlessly with the surrounding gardens. The cabins have been designed by Thirtyone Design + Management to offer the guests privacy and serenity during their treatments. The signature treatments are created drawing from the expertise of Dior skincare, targeted towards the blossoming of senses during the summer. Beauty-enhancing treatments using the Dior Prestige product line are also available, targeted at regenerating aging skin. The pop-up spa will remain open between June and October 2023.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Kaldewei wins the Best Award for the Key Piece Meisterstück Oyo Duo
The German brand’s Luxstainability® concept combines design and sustainability in bathroom architecture, resulting in innovative luxury products. Because of this concept, the brand has been awarded various international recognitions. The egg shape design of the Meisterstück Oyo Duo freestanding bathtub designed by Stefan Diez has been awarded the prestigious German Design Award of 2023 and, shortly after its launch, has become one of the brand’s best-selling products. The Oyo Duo is a double-walled bathtub that guarantees durability and displays 100 percent circularity. The bathtub has now been recognized internationally as well, winning the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award. The iF International Forum Design, the world’s oldest independent design institution, has said about the Oyo Duo that “There is no comparable product made from this material.” The Meisterstück is inspired by Japanese porcelain manufacture and is made of fully recyclable steel enamel. The designer has combined the two main elements at the core of Kaldewei, sustainability and resource conservation, in a sculpture that integrates harmoniously with the bathroom. This piece again confirms Kaldewei’s leading position in the international design sphere. The use of recycled materials and the central place of sustainability in creating this design bathtub make the piece more impressive.
www.kaldewei.com
Fashion
The New Maserati Tridente Membership Programme
On June 28, 2023, in its hometown of Modena, Maserati presents Tridente, its new exclusive membership program, which takes inspiration from the brand’s signature style based on Italian luxury. The program will be launched first in Italy and the rest of the world in the second half of 2023. Tridente is the first membership program by Maserati, and it aims to provide all brand fans with a tailored experience focused on exclusive content; indeed, the only condition to access the program is to be a loyal fan of the sportscar brand. The Tridente app is at the core of the membership program, combining five main elements: editorial storytelling, Maserati exclusives, cultural encounters, curated driving experiences, and international events. There are three tiers to the program. Blue, Platinum, and Diamond. The Blu tier is for all fans of the brand and grants access to previews of new collections. The Platinum tier is for those owning a Maserati car, and it comes with perks such as exclusive cultural experiences and personalized gadgets. Finally, the exclusive Diamond tier is accessible only to those possessing the Supercar Project24 or a GT2 race car; Diamond members gain access to an array of luxury experiences, for instance, a private consultation to customize their sportscar. Maserati’s aim through Tridente is to continue its legacy of luxury and exclusivity, as well as offer its customers an immersive experience in the history and personality of the brand.
www.maserati.com
Fashion
Chase The Thrill
The mysterious creative Pharrell Williams’s first campaign for the luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton elegantly debuted with a collaboration with the beloved singer and actress Rihanna. Williams combines his contemporary vision for the future of the Maison with the new Speedy: an adaptation of the emblematic Speedy bag. The campaign represents the union of two everyday icons: a luxury bag founded in codes of reality, embodied by an artist of universal human appeal.
The Speedy Bag, the first bag Williams owned, is met with the cosmopolitan nucleus that inspired Pharrell Williams’ early education in luxury: New York City and everything that saturates every borough of the lively city with a particular essence and aura that permeates the luxury fashion world. the new Speedy conjures through the inimitable savoir-faire of the Maison a visual language evocative of the codes and stylistic attitude of Canal Street. It is an everyday icon conceived for every walk of life.
Williams’s construction of the campaign, including the imagery that accompanies it was planned to the tiniest details. Shining the spotlight on a pregnant Rihanna, the campaign comments on the passing of time, creation, and re-imagination. The temporal cycle of birth, life, and death finds solid footing in the transformed silhouette of the new Speedy– imbued with the singular energy of the old Speedy that drew Williams in the first place.
Created by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1930, the classic Speedy leather travel bag – originally known as the Express – was borne out of the era’s infatuation with speed and cars. The design catapulted it into icon status. For nearly a century, the Speedy has been the subject of numerous artistic interpretations and remains an emblem of Louis Vuitton, now with a baby sister that is even more ambitious.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week - Ralph Lauren
During Milan Fashion Week, Ralph Lauren presented its SS24 Purple Label collection. The event held at The Bar Ralph Lauren, and made in collaboration with Esquire, was an intimate dinner for close friends of the brand, such as Chris Pine and Damson Idris. The collection presented has as its central focus the Purple Label’s European craftsmanship mixed with American design. But this time, the clothes are inspired by the Mediterranean summer and the romance that comes with it. Indeed, Purple Label’s collections are titled Ralph’s Dolce Vita to recall the timeless elegance and glamour of old villas. The clothes honor Maison’s iconic high artisanship while at the same time presenting fresh colors and fabrics. The lightweight fabrics such as linen are combined with lush textures to ensure comfort and wearability; the eveningwear is characterized by sleek silhouettes, which, once again, are reminiscent of the brand’s enduring items and classic style. The color palette is quite varied, from classic linen shirts to colorful swimwear that presents a tropical pattern. The SS24 collection is a continuation of the Purple Label’s classic American style while being inspired by the Mediterranean summer.
www.ralphlauren.com
Fashion
Welcome Back to The Savoy
For Gucci, the luggage has always represented more than just a carrier of personal belongings. The luggage is the creative spark that started it all. Back at the turn of the century, the fine leather suitcases accompanying the international jet set were the inspiration for Guccio Gucci, at the time a porter at The Savoy Hotel in London. He had but a simple vision to connect the suitcases he encountered there with the incomparable leather craftsmanship from his home in Florence. Over 100 years later, Gucci luggage is constantly being reimagined from design and structure to color and material treatments. Today the Gucci Valigeria, the House’s iconic, extensive travel collection, includes an array of trolleys, hard and soft suitcases, duffle bags, trunks, hat boxes, and beauty cases.
In the Summer of 2023, the Gucci Valigeria campaign grants us the opportunity to time travel back to where it all began. The second chapter of the campaign stars Gucci’s Global Brand Ambassador, Jungjae Lee, with emblematic designs in hand, venturing through the historic hotel from the House’s origin story. The imagery features backdrops in The Savoy’s marquee and their flagship Royal Suite by Gucci, decorated especially with pieces from the Gucci Décor collection, and showcases the heritage-infused Savoy line and the new Gucci Porter selection in collaboration with FPM Milano. The campaign presents the consistent narrative between Gucci’s innovative and forward-thinking present and its groundbreaking, unforgettable past.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Collaboration launch between Marsèll and Diomene by Damir Doma
The Italian brand Marsèll has footwear as the focal point in its pursuit of defying the boundaries of tradition while simultaneously using traditional high-quality Italian manufacturers for their production. Operating with a similar framework, the younger clothing brand by Damir Doma has as its core eliminating the superfluous, producing timeless pieces of clothing with their signature element of floral embroidery. This powerful detail works well in distinguishing the brand.
Through a deconstructive process, the item that emerges from this collaboration is a malleable piece in the hands of the user, which is placed at the heart of the creative process. By marrying Marsèll's focus on materials and innovative techniques and the simplicity of Diomene's clothing, the result is a timeless collection adaptable to human emotions, the element at the collection's core. Two of Marsèll's shoe models are coupled with Diomene's signature floral embroidery. The footwear resulting from this collaboration now accessorizes Damir Doma's third collection, once again reiterating the connection between Marséll's timeless footwear and Diomene's simple clothing items, putting the individual user's experience of the footwear and clothing at the heart of the experience.
www.marsell.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Gucci
On the occasion of its SS24 men’s collection during Milan Fashion Week, Gucci took the opportunity to celebrate 70 years of the iconic Gucci Horsebit loafer with a multi-faceted, expansive showcase at Spazio Maiocchi. First conceived by Aldo Gucci in 1953, the Horsebit – a miniature of the metal clamp of a horse’s bridle – has become a signifier of the community embodied by Gucci. The casual but elegant Horsebit loafer came to signalize a transitional period on the way to a more liberal mentality toward conventional dress codes, as the loafer was adopted by a great variety of individuals over time.
Titled Gucci Horsebeat Society, the celebratory exhibition was shaped by Spazio Maiocchi’s Creative Director and curator Alessio Ascari into a multi-disciplinary experience: enabling a full immersion into the iconography of the Horsebit Loafer through transformative reinterpretations that featured ten international artists, designers, and creatives. Inspired by the equestrian roots of the Horsebit, the Gucci Horsebeat Society re-imagines the tradition of the country club in a contemporary space fused with the spirit of artistic counterculture – a concept which materializes in a multi-dimensional ‘house’.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
L'Art de la Table
Mealtime is about more than just the food. It is complete with memories with friends and family around the table, an appreciation for the love and time devoted during preparation, and time to relax and reenergize from the day’s activities. All of this centered around the table setting. This is the focus of Loro Piana’s latest décor collection. The “L'Art de la Table” collection celebrates the every day, quintessentially Italian table. In the perfect balance between elegance and functionality, tradition and creativity, the collection achieves simultaneous tastefulness and timelessness.
Cups, plates, and bowls of varying sizes are handmade in Italy in the prized bone porcelain – each piece takes three days to make. The finest and sturdiest materials, like cotton, linen, and polypropylene make the fabric accessories such as placemats, napkins, and runners suitable for outdoor locations. All the products creatively complement each other, sharing the distinctive Loro Piana multicolored stripe in caraway and blue on a white or beige background inspired by Maison’s “The Suitcase Stripe” from the 1970s to 1990s.
The vases and glasses for water, wine, and cocktails are an exemplary display of handcraftsmanship guaranteed by six generations of artisanal know-how. Crafted from hand-blown and beveled Murano glass, their simple, impossibly fine parallel lines and opaline reflections have the appearance and feel of velvety needlecord fabric.
With a touch of Loro Piana’s refined style and savoir-faire and the Italian traditions of exquisite artistry and craftsmanship, L’Art de la Table complements the art of conviviality. The exclusive tableware collection is available in select Loro Piana boutiques, pop-ups, and the Loro Piana e-commerce website.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Sailing into Summer
Inspired by the wide and endless world of seafaring, Etro’s Vela Bag is an elegant and refined handbag. The first bag designed by Etro’s new Creative Director Marco De Vincenzo, it is crafted from luxurious and smooth calfskin leather. Taking the sharp silhouette of a sail its dynamic contours mould into a strong, rounded body as if by the winds of the sea themselves. The bag now sees a line extension with the Mini Vela Bag. The new, smaller version launched on the 7th of June, just in time for the turn of the season.
The Mini Vela’s bold, minimalist design follows the success of the original Vela. The innovative flexible V-shaped closure is finished with the iconic intricate chain detail and a medallion engraved with the Etro logo and Pegaso. The new bag is launched with a maximalist twist, released in an array of candy pop colors such as playful shades of pink, orange, sky blue, and lime green for an energizing, the 90s, and Kidcore culture-inspired addition sure to brighten up the summer wardrobe. An adaptable strap makes the bag perfect to be worn as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
The Mini Vela Bag is available on the Etro website, in Etro stores, and selected retailers worldwide.
www.etro.com
Fashion
The Perfect Companions for your Adventures
Inspired by a fearless creature, the Canadian luxury outerwear brand Moose Knuckles manifests an irreverent spirit and energy, alongside an unabating commitment to product design and technical expertise. Within the brand lies the story of its Canadians founders, whose family heritage traces back 100 years in the tailored and parka manufacturing business. For its SS23 collection, Moose Knuckles introduces new Bunny styles and the Air Down category: new pieces that are destined to become our essential companions during the transitional weather periods. Moose Knuckles’ bestseller hoodie, as well as the combination of a water-resistant jacket and a silky-soft faux fur hoodie guarantee coziness and protection with style. The new Bunny styles are some of the most versatile products ever created by the Canadian luxury brand, apparent in the fully reversible styles and the eye-catching color palette made of bold metallics and natural hues. The brand keeps up with its goal to craft resilient garments for the most unforgiving conditions with the new Air Down products, engineered to feel weightless for ultimate comfort. Crafted with the latest technology in lightweight layering, a recycled shell that repeals wind and moisture, and a RDS-certified 800 fill power for warmth and comfort. Tested to express their highest potential during every outdoor adventure, the new Bunny and Air Down garments are available in new colorways and with the brand’s signature monogram pattern for women, men, and kids.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
For the Young Ones
C.P. Company and Atlanta Group have come together to collaborate and create a high-fashion collection exclusive to youth under 16. The C.P. Company Undersixteen line reimagines what fashion means to a younger generation, and allows for young individuals to express themselves as freely as their older counterparts in the world around them. The product will be the result of Altana Group's experience in managing kids and baby lines, combined with the know-how of the original Italian sportswear brand which since 1971 has perfectly combined tradition, innovation, and performance. The garments are imbued with a youthful energy that is observed through the funky detailing such as the zip-ups with a full zipper connecting the body and the hood to create a playful silhouette and the accompanying built-in goggles, integrating a futuristic essence to the swag of the young ones.
Lorenzo Osti, President of C.P. Company relays appreciation and satisfaction in the press release announcing the collection: “It is a real honor and privilege to start this journey with the Altana Group, of which I was able to admire the exceptional product quality, production capacity, and ethical and responsible corporate footprint. I'm sure they will be excellent partners for spreading the brand to our younger customers".
Pioneering the role of youth in the dynamic world of fashion, this collaboration subjects a generally forgotten demographic and does it with exquisite care, style, and eternal funk.
www.cpcompany.com
www.atlantagroup.com
Fashion
Finché c’è Fiato, c’è Vita
The soft wind blew heads of hair to the rhythm of the flowing water of Lake Maggiore. The island of Isola Bella has harbored the legends of the Borromeo family for centuries– a story adorned with the gift of time and life. The Louis Vuitton 2024 Cruise Collection visits and reimagines the scenery of the island adorned with a glamorous palace covered by mysterious gardens imbued with omnipresent infinity.
Resembling an artistic botanical Cruise, the garments allude to several different elements present in their surroundings. Interpretations of tight tops made from wetsuit material paired with flowy capes with adornments that resemble the fins of an extraterrestrial fish. Elegance and glamour are threaded into the collection with a celebrated notion of play. Uncommon garment pairings and surprising silhouettes come together as a grand eclectic botanical garden.
The end of the Cruise is marked by the key looks of the collection. Dresses that transform their wearer into a mermaid, a swan– the contrast between the light and heavy materials used to construct the dresses provide the juxtaposed balance of facticity and transcendence that marks life but specifically the natural life. A sage green dress, resembling the motion and attitude of algae moves as though it speaks its own language with the world around it. The details embellishing the thin and elegant silhouette transform it from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Air flows and moves within the garment, whispering along to the rhythmic lullabies of the Isola Bella.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Feminine Wears the Pants
Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Creative Director of Dior, found inspiration in the beautiful landscape and culture of Mexico whilst designing the Dior Cruise 2024 collection. This “Place of the soul”, will forever be haunted by the iconic energy and essence of Frida Kahlo, the legendary and figuratively forever immortal Mexican artist. Now remembered, Kahlo is a woman who transcended her form and physicality through her clothes, which became representation, proclamation, protest, and affirmation.
The garments showcased in the collection reflect the androgynous energy of Kahlo and pay homage to her clothing choices, all imbued with deep meaning regarding to the place of women in the patriarchal societal power regime. Suits thus pay tribute to her style while, in counterpoint, echoing the Tehuana custom, full skirts are worn with a traditional tunic: the huipil. A pink dress reminiscent of the one worn by Frida Kahlo in one of her self-portraits is featured. However, through heavy use of the binary colors black and white, the details of the garments shine, and the looks become a personality that the models embody and pay their respects to. The craftsmanship pays respect to the local artisans, their expertise shines with original embroideries, and co-creations crafted with their ateliers, notably adorning dresses, and shirts.
Chiuri completely immersed herself and her mind in the culture and beauty of Mexico and dedicated her talents to creating a collection that purely reflects a vital feminine experience in history closely intertwined with the oscillations of nature.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Color Me Bright
Revolutionizing leather craftsmanship since 1927– the high-fashion Italian brand Furla unveils a new multi-media advertising campaign exhibiting the elusive and highly awaited Pre-Fall 23 collection. “Furla Colors”, starring the sophisticated and elegant world-famous supermodel Irina Shayk, encapsulates the entire essence and heart of Furla. Shayk is seen situated between the transcendent shots of Koto Bolofo and Paolo Zambaldi strengthened by the liveliness of the colors compromising the collection and the minimalist and almost-surreal set decorated with blocks and plain surroundings to reflect Furla’s timeless dedication to design and architecture.
Color and its full essence are at the forefront of this collection. Iconic and widely-loved signature Furla bags have been reimagined- featuring new hues, new shapes, and new materials. Now, Furla’s Opportunity, Metropolis, and Unica are available with changes that bring a different breath of air to the classic and timeless silhouettes of the bags. Most importantly, the collection is deeply imbued with the brand’s DNA– the use of monogram canvas and precious leathers, an oscillation between squared profiles, and rounded lines. Furla, women’s most loyal companion, and confidante, continues to reinvent and reimagine the role and character of luxury leather goods in the lives of women for every and any occasion.
www.furla.com
Fashion
Florence Pugh is Valentino’s Latest DI.VA.
Florence Pugh is “known for her authenticity, vulnerability and fearless self-expression, both on-camera and off”, making her the perfect new Valentino DI.VA.
Florence is a talented actress and activist with an eclectic personality. She carries the value of authenticity into all her work, including Valentino's latest advertising campaign directed by Steven Meisel.
She is unafraid of being unapologetically herself, embracing non-conformity and revealing herself in a fierce and carefree fashion. Florence enters the Valentino world and brings their one-of-a-kind creations to life with the full range of emotions. She fully embodies the DI.fferent VA.lues code, having already worn Valentino on the red carpet numerous times.
She expresses the uniquely Florence Pugh "encyclopedia of feelings", with an exciting, and unexpected facial expression for each shot paired with the Rockstud handbag, heels and ballerinas. The campaign celebrates the creation of its latest edition, the Rockstud23, adorned with pyramid-shaped studs in vibrant pink and mirror silver.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
The Ultimate Denim Experience with Wrangler & Lee
Lee® and Wrangler® Jeans joined forces to launch their new, dual-branded denim store in Amsterdam, offering consumers the ultimate denim experience. “Europe continues to be a key market for expansion for the Lee and Wrangler brands. The new Lee and Wrangler dual-branded stores will create a powerful platform for our iconic denim brands to excite and engage our growing European consumer base,” said Chris Waldeck – Lee’s EVP, Co-Chief Operating Officer, and Global Brand President. The underlying concept is an immersive experience: not only with both brands’ products showcased in the curated retail environment, highlighting the brands’ unique characteristics and iconic heritages, but also with the brands’ commitment to creating an unmatched denim destination. On April 20th, 2023, Wrangler and Lee kicked off the Amsterdam store opening with a house party. At the store, the consumer’s journey begins in the space’s main area – where jeans from both brands are merchandized by gender and fit categories – and continues towards a specialized denim room – with a wide variety of denim on a seven-shelf stack. To underline the brands’ distinct personalities, heritage materials and imagery are displayed throughout the store: featuring a capsule area for the premium Lee 101 range, as well as red and indigo blues in the visuals to evoke the spirit of Wrangler. “In the coming months,” Waldeck remarks, “you can expect to see additional Lee and Wrangler stores in top retail destinations across Europe as we continue to introduce our brands’ iconic designs and unrivaled denim heritage to new audiences.”
www.wrangler.com
www.lee.com
Fashion
Summer Months with Moncler
At the heart of Moncler is the dedication to sharing warmth through combined style and constant technological research. For the brand's SS23 collection, the brand's unique yet timeless DNA is effortlessly reimagined for warmer days. Their global summer campaign celebrates the brand's exceptional craftsmanship of year-round protection and performance.
Thierry Le Goués shot the latest campaign, taking an unexpected aesthetic direction that casts a refined yet dramatic statement true to the essence of the brand. His stylized shots feature the SS23 collection with stark angles in a mostly monochrome chiaroscuro. He captures the dynamic actuality of the summer, exemplifying Moncler’s exceptional performance even in the unexpected twists of weather.
Not every summer is easy breezy, but Moncler’s lightweight puffers and transitional layers are the antidote to even the most extreme demands of nature and city life alike. The designs offer a play between silken and matt textures, in jackets and tactile knitwear alongside warm-weather must-haves like swimwear and accessories. Offering an elegant solution for every day, the collection spans a selection of sleek black jackets as well as styles in brighter and lighter colors to welcome the sunnier days. Moncler’s latest collection is available in select boutiques and on the brand’s website.
www.moncler.com
Fashion
Prada Frames 2023: Materials in Flux
Following the success of On Forest for Prada Frames 2022, this year’s multidisciplinary symposium returns to Milan with a new theme, Materials in Flux. The event took place at Teatro Filodrammatici, one of Milan’s oldest theaters. The set-up was complemented by a selection of furnishings and lamps by the Italian brand Azucena – designed by architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni starting from the late 1940s. Prada seeks to stimulate a reflection that has nourished the brand’s practice for some time now: how the use of innovative recycled materials bestows opportunities for low-impact production and original creativity. Curated by Formafantasma, Materials in Flux explores the concept of waste, and analyzes as well as breaks down the intricate relationship between materials and ecosystems. The symposium departs from British anthropologist Tim Ingold’s research, who initiated the first session of the event, transpiring on April 17th from 11am to 12:30pm. Ingold introduces the notion of waste as matter in constant transformation: he views materials as interconnected, as having a relational process through which they become engaged with a perpetually changing web of life. His introduction is followed up by speakers Anna Anguissola, Hans Ulrich Obrist, and Eduardo Kohn. On the same day, from 15:00pm to 16:30pm, speakers Justin McGuirk, Patrick O’Hare, Josh Lepawsky, Elizabeth Povinelli, and Elvira Dyangani Ose investigate the dynamics that regulate waste infrastructure and their value systems during the second session. Together, they create a new, multidisciplinary reality. On April 18th, 2023, the complete recordings of both sessions will be available on Prada’s website.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta and Gaetano Pesce’s "Vieni a Vedere"
"Vieni a Vedere", meaning Come and See, is an invitation into the design world of the future, commissioned and presented by Bottega Veneta. The brand’s Montenapoleone store was transformed by Humanist architect-designer-artist Gaetano Pesce into ‘a grotto’, an extension of his artwork that constituted the show space for Bottega Veneta’s SS23 fashion show. Upon entering, visitors are immersed in a resin and fabric installation, and are set on a unique path of discovery. Within the installation await the exclusive artist editions of two Bottega Veneta handbags – "My Dear Mountains" and "My Dear Prairies".
Pesce is a true multidisciplinarian with numerous public and private works realized globally spanning the fields of architecture, town-planning, interior design, industrial design, and exhibition design. At the core of all his works is an unapologetic commitment to experimentation and refusal of repetition. He designed his first bag with an optimistic, figurative, and personal approach, telling the story of his upbringing near the mountains of Este, Italy, and his life now in the prairies of America.
The expert handcrafting of Bottega Veneta’s leather workers and artisans breathed life into Pesce's vision. The brand’s signature Intrecciato is redefined according to his vibrant and joyful sketches. To resemble Pesce’s watercolor renderings of the mountains, the Nappa leather of each "My Dear Mountains" bag is individually painted with an airbrush technique. A meticulous crochet technique combining seven shades of the green calf and lamb leathers fabricates thick, whirling grass on the "My Dear Prairies" bag.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Art
Fondazione Prada's Tribute to Dara Birnbaum
Fondazione Prada honors the work of American artist Dara Birnbaum with its new, extensive survey exhibition, curated by Barbara London with Valentino Catricalà and Eva Fabbris. The exhibition will be on display at the Osservatorio, Fondazione Prada’s center of artistic experimentation and research that strongly resonates with the artist, who constantly challenges the percepts of art and mass media. The exhibition offers multiple angles from which to understand Birnbaum’s career: an insight into the artist’s wide range of media languages and her artistic exploration of diverse themes, which shape the exposition into a space of deep reflection. In Milan, one of Birnbaum’s best-known works, Technology/Transformation: Wonder Woman (1978-79), provides a first glance into her examination of gender biases across different media platforms. This video work highlights how, in an industry dominated by men, women’s representations alternate between being heroic or trivializing. Also included is Quiet Disaster (1999), three enlarged anime images portraying characters’ diverse facial expressions as a reaction to danger, staged on circular Plexiglas discs using Duratrans prints. Single-channel videos, such as Chaired Anxieties: Abandoned (1975), Pop-Pop Video (Kojak/Wang) (1980) and Fire! Hendrix (1982), are coupled together and comprised within the exhibition, as well as sound works, photographs and multichannel installations, such as Operations: December 16-17-18 (1998) and Journey: Shadow of the American Dream (2022).
Resulting from a partnership with the School of Digital Arts in Manchester, Dara Birnbaum will be on display from April 13th to September 25th, 2023 at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
Louis Vuitton’s Fashion Eye: Seoul and Texas
At the heart and soul of Louis Vuitton is a passion for travel, exemplified in the Maison’s series of photography books titled “Fashion Eye”. Each book represents an exploration of a country, region, city, or place through the unique lens of an emerging or a legendary fashion photographer. This spring, Louis Vuitton sets off on a new adventure, exploring Seoul and Texas in two new titles added to the series.
Dutch photographer Sarah van Rij captures the intimacy and mystery in even the most mundane scenes of everyday life in Seoul. The delicacies of every moment, from reflections to shadows, faces, silhouettes, and gestures, are all transformed by her sensitive gaze. Her visual language accentuates depth and perspective, with a signature poetic use of chiaroscuro and saturated hues that capture the vitality of life in the city.
Sean Thomas, an American Photographer, brings together the iconic, the legendary, and the less familiar scenes of life in Texas. His pages are filled with vibrant scenes and stories from across the state. With his glimpse into the way of life on the American frontier, you can almost hear the country music and the march of cowboy boots.
“Fashion Eye” is a tailor-made series, with the editorial process behind each book uniquely suited to the work of the photographer so the images are shared in their optimal form. The large format photographs are paired with written works that are personal to the photographer, such as biographical information, an interview, or a critical essay.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Palm Angels Sets Foot in Seoul
The Italian brand Palm Angels accelerates its global expansion with the opening of the brand’s first boutique in Seoul, opened in partnership with Forward Global Fashion Co., Ltd. a leading company in the fashion industry.
The classic taste of Milan touches down on the lively streets of Seoul adorned with the brutalist aesthetic of various buildings in Los Angeles, where the soul of Palm Angels resides. The new store, located at 18-2, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, a well-known luxury shopping destination of the Korean capital, celebrates Palm Angel’s essence– characterized by a bold and youthful desire to express and surprise. A full-height window playfully displays the store’s pink concrete walls, light-whitened cedar wood central counter, and grid ceiling beams– an outside glance, quick and sly, is enough to be entranced by the aesthetic dance between the industrial and the chic.
The boutique design is characterized by geometric lines set in a warm atmosphere where the displays are outlined to highlight the brand collections. The minimal and powerful essence of the shop, narrated by the quiet harmonies of metal and marble, is disrupted by the animated liveliness of baby pink color. Francesco Ragazzi, the brand Founder and Creative Director, affirms that the “store tells the whole Palm Angels story as it perfectly embodies the emotions, inspirations, and values of the brand”. Developed by the Palm Angels internal architects’ team in close collaboration with Ragazzi, the new Palm Angels store is a penultimate representation of the high-fashion streetwear brand.
www.palmangels.com
Fashion
W&W: Celebrating Montblanc's Heritage
This year, as every year, Montblanc celebrates its 165 years of watch-making heritage at the Watches & Wonders fair. Upholding its connection to mountains, Montblanc presented its 2023 novelties in an enchanting booth inspired by the Swiss Alps’ great glaciers – a booth that combines the Maison’s rich expertise and Marie De La Ville Baugé’s artworks.
Montblanc’s new 8000 Capsule collection places the world’s 14 highest peaks in the spotlight alongside the brave individuals who challenged themselves to climb them. Four models join Montblanc’s Zero Oxygen timepieces. The 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 oxygen The 8000 Limited Edition 290 is perfect for harsh conditions as the zero oxygen inside the 44 mm titanium case prevents fogging and oxidization. The 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date editions are not mere watches but diving instruments that present a new gray glacier pattern dial, interchangeable and adjustable straps, and a water resistance of 300m. The 1858 Iced Sea Limited Edition Coffret collection includes last year’s green and blue watch editions and this year’s gray edition presented in a curated chest that resembles the rock of the Mont Blanc mountain. The limited-edition Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph, with a white gold fluted bezel, comes in a distressed steel finish achieved by treating the 43 mm stainless steel case with a black coating. Lastly, the Unveiled Timekeeper Minerva puzzles us with its bezel-activated chronograph function that celebrates Montblanc’s 100th anniversary since its first wristwatch chronograph movement.
Since April 1st, 2023, the novelties are available in Montblanc boutiques and online.
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
The World of Ralph Lauren Arrives in Miami
In April of 2023, Ralph Lauren welcomes consumers around the globe to its newest luxury concept store in Miami’s iconic Design District. The store is an immersive shopping destination that integrates the brand’s signature vision of timeless luxury with it's goal of implementing digital innovations and interactive experiences.
An assortment of the Men’s Purple Label and Women’s Collection apparel and accessories, alongside one-of-a-kind handbags, and accessories exclusive to the Design District location will be available in the store. Additionally, interactive digital screens throughout the store unlock access to all the Ralph Lauren products available across North America and personalize the shopping experience with options to book styling appointments and more. This will be the first of Ralph Lauren’s locations to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Polygon (MATIC), thanks to a partnership with BitPay.
Drawing inspiration from the contemporary yachts and elegant waterfront residencies outside its doors, the store features a sleek, crisp, and modern design. From warm teakwood to blond mahogany and black ebonized detailing, the space embodies the brand's devotion to effortless sophistication. Furniture from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection and carefully curated artworks fill the space, inviting local and touristic shoppers alike.
In late April, the world of Ralph Lauren comes to life to celebrate the stores opening. Guests are invited to a three-day exclusive and fully immersive experience at a water-front private estate in North Miami.
www.ralphlauren.com
Fashion
The New Horsebit Story
Gucci’s new The Horsebit 1955 campaign, shot by Mert&Marcus, features Halle Bailey, Hanni, and Julia Garner – three exceptional women who expertly create meaningful spaces within the realms of their respective crafts.
The campaign, characterized by a dashing use of primary colors and simple angles, is formed around the essence of the three powerful women featured. The artists, singer-songwriter actress Halle Bailey, NewJeans member and Global Brand Ambassador Hanni, and critically-acclaimed award-winning actress Julia Garner, exude a powerful adjacent to the one The Horsebit 1955 is imbued with. The Horsebit 1955 shines next to the strong and distinctive silhouettes of the artists who make the bag their own. Through smooth clips and meticulous attention to detail, the campaign masterfully highlights the archival-inspired bag.
Gucci’s Horsebit 1955 Bag pays homage to an archival design- recreating the lines and forms introduced over six decades ago. The accessory is adorned with iconic details reconceived with a modern perspective and especially highlights a part of Gucci’s genetic code: the Horsebit. The double ring and bar design- borrowed from the elusive equestrian world is considered to be one of the most distinctive elements among the House symbols. The classic silhouette of the flap shoulder bag is elevated by the ephemeral feeling of textured black leather and the support of a fashionably adjustable shoulder strap. The Horsebit 1955 gives each person the agency to exude the House’s unique spirit in any way they desire.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
W&W Hublot: Taking Risks and Pushing Boundaries
One thing is certain with Hublot’s latest creations: the brand knows exactly what it is doing and who it is doing it for. Described as a continuation of Hublot’s 2022 creative vision, the new releases call attention to the fact that taking risks and pushing boundaries will never cease to be a part of the brand’s DNA. Hublot’s newest collection of masterpieces signifies a turning point in the history of MP. The MP-13, with a 4-day-long power reserve and a 44 mm case, presents, for the first time, a rare combination in a single watch: the double-axis tourbillion is paired with the double retrograde display. Showing off its expertise in using state-of-the-art technology, Hublot’s new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon watch is seemingly both lightweight and robust at once. Following last year’s success of its new square design, Hublot debuted three new variations, in sapphire and ceramic, of the Square Bang Unico watch at Watches & Wonders 2023. Continuing to celebrate the unique square design, eight new models are now also available in white gold, titanium and king gold, with diamond settings in four variants. Mixing Richard Orlinski’s sculpturing and Hublot’s watchmaking skills, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium is one for the art and extreme precision lovers. In collaboration with Takashi Murakami, 12 unique watches, arranged in a perfect color gradient, can be purchased alongside their corresponding NFTs. This combination of digital art and haute horlogerie is just one more example of Hublot’s capacity to innovate.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
W&W Cartier: Unlimited Time, Infinite Creativity
Cartier’s unconventional chronoception: time is cyclical, rather than linear. Cartier’s new watch collections, presented at Watches & Wonders 2023, continue to uphold the Maison’s paradigmatic trademark: its engagement in an endless process of transformation and reinvention. This time, transformation materializes through the prism of creativity, as the watches – full of form and character – are revisited for the new collections.
This year, like every year, a new watch enters the Cartier Privé collection. The Tank Normale is revealed in honor of one of Cartier’s most remarkable creations, the very first Tank watch created in 1917. The new Tank Américaine watch – with a finer, more acrobatic line and an adjustable strap – borrows its purity and curved case from the Tank Cintrée watch. The iconic Santos-Dumont watch is elevated to carry on the legacy of Cartier, maintaining the elegance of the original model while featuring a gold or steel case, visible screws, a beaded crown and blue cabochon. Following a pattern of continuity, a rather exceptional capacity to only resemble itself characterizes the new Baignoire watch. This version is not merely a watch but also a piece of jewelry. A feature also found in the Clash [Un]limited watch, whose geometry is constant and true to the Maison’s style. Cartier’s iconic panther magnetizes the company’s latest jewelry watch. Equipped with an ingenious system and no visible hinges, the model perfectly hugs the wearer’s wrist. Cartier’s today looks to tomorrow: watches that make their mark in the present and in the perpetually evolving future.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Plaster Parkas and Pants
Ten C presents a collection SS23 inspired by plaster. From its opaque, dusty colors and cracking prints with a blurred pixelated effect, this range exemplifies the brand's values for well-crafted clothing that can last a lifetime.
The SS23 collection takes various shades of gray as a starting point, using a unique dyeing technique that infuses color while allowing the garments to maintain a dusty, light patina. This way, grayish-teal blends with all its lighter nuances and deep burgundy fades into chalky mauve, and dusty or peachy pinks. The fabrics are printed to imitate cracks on plaster walls, reimagined with a modern graphic twist with a blurred pixel effect. The unique color effects are broken up by details in total black.
Ten C continues its tradition of hybridization of materials, highlighting the textures of different fabrics such as its staple Original Japanese Jersey. Classic pieces meet new styles, such as the Freezer, the Marine Anorak, and the Rider Parka in a 9oz range of OJJ. The Ten C philosophy of crafting high-performance, hard-wearing clothing is taken to new heights, updating materials such as the Crinkle Rip-Stop Nylon and introducing the new remarkable shine of Silver Laminated Nylon and peach skin Cotton/Nylon in bottoms that span the range of lengths.
Within the collection is a mini capsule that teases the FW23 collection: two transformable down jackets with detachable sleeves with a selection of colors.
www.tenc.com
Fashion
A New Step in Fur
Devohome is an Ukranian-based company that produces healthy and natural hemp textiles without the use of pesticides. Hemp fur – the brand’s plant-based fur that can be substituted for animal and synthetic fur is now being celebrated worldwide.
The brand’s Hemp Fur Coat won the Green Product Award 2023 in the Category of Fashion. Since 2013, the international Green Product Award has been celebrating products displaying a future-oriented design, innovation, and sustainability. The Hemp Fur Coat is evidence of the unnecessary nature of animal farming for textiles.
Devehome’s hemp fur was created in 2018 and was patented in 2021, a pioneer in sustainable design in high fashion. The appearance is as charming as animal or synthetic fur, and the ethical advantages imbue the fur with a charm that cannot be imitated. The Hemp Fur Coat, large and welcoming is lined with the brand’s Hemp Fur, ensuring warmth and comfort, and additionally, the external black fabric of the coat traps more heat and adds a chic touch to any outfit worn to bear the cold weather.
The biodegradable hemp fur is 100% natural and biodegradable, vegan, antibacterial, and antifungal, warms up to 30 degrees, and absorbs moisture. These incredible qualities intensely enhance the masterful design and craftsmanship of Devohome. The industrial production of hemp fur is growing, and Devohome is persistently integrating its sustainable substitute into the textile industry to help make permanent changes and start a new wave of garment production that protects our environment.
www.devohome.com
Fashion
A Tease of H&M and Mugler’s Capsule Collection
After a long wait and much anticipation, H&M has announced that its next capsule collection collaboration will be with none other than the House of Mugler.
Mugler has always pioneered as a breaker of fashion’s rules. Since its founding by the late Manfred Thierry Mugler in 1973, their glamorous and daring designs have always centered around themes of body positivity, gender fluidity, transformation, and self-awareness. Casey Cadwallader and Ann-Sophie Johansson, the Creative Directors of Mugler and H&M respectively, design the next chapter in the House’s story, welcoming a greater audience into the Mugler fantasy.
Cadwallader pays tribute to the history of the house, with bodysuits and finished denims that represent their most iconic pieces. Designs with broad shoulders and narrow waists are an ode to the natural curves and shapes of the body, as Mugler’s silhouettes have always been. This ties in with his own contemporary pieces, such as his signature second skin and transparent catsuits. In addition, a special limited-edition range of recreations from Mugler’s 80’s and 90’s archives awaits within the collection, allowing the global fanbase to own pieces of the brand’s heritage.
Teasing the groundbreaking collection, H&M and Mugler have released a music video directed by Torso featuring a group of rising stars with their own rendition of Stardust's 1998 dance hit 'Music Sounds Better With You'. The full collection is yet to be revealed but be sure to save the date as it is bound to fly off the shelves. Menswear, womenswear, and accessories will be available in select stores and online from May 11, 2023.
www.hm.com
www.mugler.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent's New Kate Chain Bag
The Kate bag was first introduced by Saint Laurent in 2010 and has since become one of their most iconic accessories. Equally elegant and it is easy-to-wear, the bag is a practical and distinguished addition to any day or evening look. Its timeless rectangular form is finished with a flap structure that closes securely by means of a magnetic snap. One of its most distinctive elements is the jewel chain that allows for a crossbody style, a short shoulder porté, or can be tucked away to transform the bag into a glamorous clutch. Front and center, the bag is embellished with the signature YSL logo designed in 1961 by graphic designer Adolphe Mouron Cassandre’s.
Saint Laurent’s SS23 Collection welcomes a new edition of the Small Kate Chain Bag.
In its latest interpretation, the bag is given a two tone, two material treatment. A glossy spazzolato leather makes up the outer frame in a luxurious “black veau brilliant”. The center of the bag is crafted from a contrasting lambskin in “off white nappa”. The design is adorned with the Cassandre logo in a light bronze-toned metal finish that matches its chain strap. The new edition of the Small Kate Chain Bag embodies Saint Laurent’s commitment to bringing together quality and practicality with a timeless and sensual aesthetic.
www.saintlaurent.com
Fashion
A Bold Step Forward
Inspired by climbing and the demands of nature that thread into expeditions in nature, HUGO’s new sneaker HU-GO1ST demands attention. Since the incorporation of footwear into the HUGO BOSS Group productions in 2004, HUGO has continually pushed the boundaries of modern footwear.
The HU-GO1ST, the brand’s freshest shoe silhouette to date, is designed for individuals who strive to take bold steps forward. The curved and chunky but sleek sneaker creatively embellish the feet and provide practicality and support. A lacing system inspired by hiking gear with reflective accents and triangular eyelets for easy adjustment allows for the sneaker to slip on and off of feet in a simple breath. The essence of hiking is further observed in the outsoles of the HU-GO1ST, the incorporation of a pattern of raised triangular shapes in different sizes significantly increase the grip of each step taken. Elements inspired by hiking and the breathable materials elevate the HU-GO1ST – this sneaker doesn’t only look good, it’s a dependable shoe made to be worn anytime from a morning stroll to an evening boogie.
The essence of HUGO and the brand’s continuous advocacy of self-expression pierces through the sneaker’s expert craftsmanship and design, as well as the bold and fun colorways. The launch of the HU-GO1ST will be accompanied by an online sneaker hunt, encouraging fans to integrate the sneaker into the digital sphere. A Snapchat filter will allow for people to virtually try on the shoe and feel its undeniable swag.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Bulgari’s Serpent Morphs through the Kaleidoscope of FW2023
Bulgari’s FW23 Leather Goods and Accessories collection is an invitation into an entrancing world of color and light. Layers of richness and shining reflections are ready to be uncovered in KALEIDOSCOPIA. Iconic designs and exciting details epitomize the Maison’s eclectic spirit and joyful creativity.
Adorned with the exalting force of Bulgari’s vibrant gemstones, Serpenti is unleashed with three deliveries of Leather Goods. "Joyful Spring" comes in March of 2023, with the optimism and power of bright colors and new material treatments. The legendary icon features proudly in the new Serpenti Forever Bay and the 75th Anniversary edition of the Serpenti Forever Top Handle bag. A wider array of Bulgari’s snake family is awakened in May 2023 with "Vibrant Summer". From the Serpentine Vertical Tote to the Serpentine Pouch and the Serpentine Forever East-West, shimmering silver reflects an illuminating modern gleam on the Roman Jeweler’s DNA. Coiled Torchon and Patch Denim come into play, elevating causal textures to an effortless and joyful elegance. In August 2023, the second delivery will be available. "Eclectic Fall" unleashes the snake in ultraluxe Python and Karung Skins and a crystal cascade.
The “little jewels” of the collection are Bulgari’s textiles, uniting gem-colors and a modern aesthetic to the integral themes of the Maison’s philosophy. Bulgari’s eclectic and future-oriented spirit is seen in the new styles of FW23 Eyewear. Details inspired by the aesthetic codes of jewelry bring a captivating and contemporary charm to the shapes of familiar and brand-new frames.
www.bulgari.com
Art
Rwandan Daughters – A call for hope by Olaf Heine
According to photographer Olaf Heine: "Our future should not be dictated by our past." Nevertheless, he felt compelled to shed light on a historical tragedy whose repercussions continue to reverberate: the Rwandan Genocide.
In the harrowing span of 100 days in 1994, approximately one million lives were lost, with around 250,000 women enduring the horrors of rape, trauma, and subsequent marginalization.
As it is so difficult to stand out after a trauma, their daughters strive each day to aid in their recovery and amplify their voices. With remarkable courage and optimism, they endeavor to dismantle the stigma surrounding their mothers, aunts, and sisters.
Rwandan Daughters stands as a poignant tribute to these resilient women and the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters united in the fight against injustice. Many of these daughters are reminders of their mothers' trauma, yet they stand together in pursuit of peace and remembrance. Their bravery is a beacon of inspiration, and their struggle demands acknowledgment.
Between 2017 and 2019, Olaf Heine captured the essence of these women and their ongoing battle, crafting a tribute that honors Rwandan mothers and daughters—a poignant narrative of a tragedy that has scarred a nation and its subsequent generations.
This project encapsulates themes of memory, respect, love, and sorrow, but above all, it serves as a testament to hope. By showcasing the magnitude of the tragedy and the resilience of those who strive for peace and the restoration of their lives, Olaf Heine sends a powerful message of hope: that even in the darkest of times, those who champion a just cause will be heard and will effect change.
After the publication of his book, "Rwandan Daughters," Olaf Heine unveils an exhibition of his project at the Kunsthalle Rostock Museum, running from March 17th to May 20th, 2024.
www.olaheine.com & www.kunsthallerostock.deFashion
Inspiring Future Generations of Women
A reflexive perspective, an attention to history, a rebellious femininity and powerful icons – all this can be found in Maria Grazia Chiuri’s reinterpretation of the 1950s for Dior’s FW 23/24 ready-to-wear-line. This Creative Director treats each and every collection as a site of opportunity and further reflection – the meaning and possibilities of clothing, in its relationship to fashion and the body, are not assumed.
An intricate awareness of the brand’s history and a homage to three extraordinary women directs the creation of deeply emotional pieces. The three icons in question – Catherine Dior, Edith Piaf and Juliette Gréco – contradicted the dominant mindset during the post-war. They shared an unconventional spirit to resist feminine stereotypes – a spirit that heavily influenced their choices and lifestyle. Following the path of these nonconforming figures, this Dior collection is the very signature of noncomplying femininity. Primary colors, such as ruby, emerald, topaz yellow and blue, are in the spotlight. Detailing the pieces is a touch of light introduced through embroidery. The floral motifs chosen by Monsieur Dior have been re-examined: an abstract effect is obtained as mottled fabric is interwoven with a metallic thread – the fabric seems to come to life, contours disappear. Delicately nuanced tartan fabrics set apart coats, jackets and straight skirts. Poplin also shimmers with metallic thread. This collection is not only an inspiration for future generations of women but also an embodiment of ways of being, living, and approaching this world. A symbol of change and growth. A combination of past, present and future.
www.dior.com
Fashion
PFW - CHANEL FW23/24
CHANEL’s camellias brought love and adoration to Paris Fashion Week. Virginie Viard - Karl Lagerfeld’s former first assistant and successor - stayed true to the femininity and decorativeness at the core of CHANEL’s aesthetic whilst adding her creative charm to the garments. The camellia is historically significant for the luxury brand. In 1923, Coco Chanel pinned one of the winter flowers to a dress for the first time. As desired by Viard, the collection is tastefully elegant and dynamic. The camellia motif is the central thread that ties in this creative dance between the traditional elegance of CHANEL and Viard’s eccentric touches. The brand’s FW23/24 collection highlights the artist in women and breaks convention whilst doing so. Floral coats, peak lapels, and jackets traditionally tailored for men - the CHANEL artist is a woman who does not conform. The brand’s rebellion against conventions of traditional tailoring is embedded into the collection. CHANEL’s subtle rebellion is accompanied by authentic materials, comfortable silhouettes, and an indisputable English essence. The showcase, constructed around two grandiose camellia sculptures, is as dynamic as the winter flower. With slight touches from the ‘60s and ‘70s - asymmetrical cuts, light materials, and open backs pervade the collection with an essence of movement observed in nature. Motifs of the winter flower are seen in almost every garment- prints, sculptural elements, and accessories. The repeated display of the motif fabricates an elegant cohesivity that only strengthens the impact of individual garments.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
PFW - Paul Smith FW23 - Abstract Prints, Tactile Fabrics and Elegant Silhouettes
Presenting its FW23 women’s collection in Paris, Paul Smith is once again recognized for its creativity, curiosity and playful touch. Inspired by modernist architecture and design, an interplay between prints and fabrics as well as a reinvention of traditional tailoring and eveningwear become the blueprint for this collection. Black, gray and white serve as a base on which glimpses of cobalt blue and powder pink along with warmer burgundy and mauve tones can stand out. The center of attention, however, is on abstract prints, textile fabrics and an elegant silhouette. Antique interior and upholstery textiles guide the composition of the design’s prints. The ‘Big Flower’ is superimposed on traditional overcoats and suiting, whereas a floor-length dress carries the ‘Botanical Collage’. Denim, satin, shearling and suede – among others – showcase the use of new and richer fabrics. Other unexpected elements, button detailing and an extra-long scarf, and a revision of gender dressing standards also enter the stage. Traditional menswear codes, as for instance shirting stripes and classic tailoring, are subverted and juxtaposed with a feminine sensibility and silhouette. The tuxedo, a garment commonly associated with masculinity, is taken apart into a cropped tuxedo jacket and skirt. Nipped waists, high-waisted asymmetric trousers and a new hourglass-shaped jacket with strong shoulders embrace the female form. The FW23 Mulberry x Paul Smith bag collection is also included. Mulberry’s classic messenger bag, the Anthony, is reworked using Paul Smith’s Signature Stripe webbing straps. This collection clearly follows Paul Smith’s guiding principle: “you can find inspiration in everything”.
www.paulsmith.com
Art
EX POST FACTO
The new exhibition ALICE SPRINGS. RETROSPECTIVE will open on June 2nd 2023 at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin. In celebration of June Newton’s, aka Alice Springs, 100th Birthday, over 200 photographs will be displayed. This is hardly the first time we encounter her work. However, for the first time, this exhibition will introduce her never-before-seen work as vintage or exhibition prints, resulting from in-depth research into the foundation’s archives and following the acquisition of new holdings from Newton’s apartment in Monaco.
In 1970, due to her husband’s illness, June Newton found impromptu success after taking over an advertisement shoot for the French cigarette brand Gitanes. Known for her all-embracing portraiture, June’s talent to depict idiosyncrasy adds a multidimensional element to her subjects – including fellow photographers and celebrities, such as Nicole Kidman, Richard Avedon, and Vivienne Westwood. Blending curiosity and compassion, she produces intimate, cliché free portraits which reveal her subject’s essence, as they look into her 35 mm lens with proud poses, natural self-confidence and shy glances. Shots were usually carried out in public spaces or at the protagonists’ houses, making natural light a dominant feature of her work. In addition, this rare exhibition incorporates some of Helmut Newton’s pictures of his wife and select self-portraits, as well as a curated excerpt from the couple’s legendary collaborative project.
The exhibition highlights the continuous intersection of the couple’s work, as they now meet again in Berlin. ALICE SPRINGS. RETROSPECTIVE will be on display from June 3rd until November 19th of 2023.
helmut-newton-foundation.org
Fashion
MFW - Dolce & Gabbana’s Sensuale - FW23
Sensuality, a concept far removed from sex appeal- is intimately connected to a woman’s ephemeral nature and feminine charisma. Dolce & Gabbana’s FW23 collection titled Sensuale explores the depths of feminine sensuality and aims to aesthetically display a new dimension of it. The collection highlights the ever-changing and dynamic nature of women through the extensive use of tulle, lace, and chiffon. From garments that are tailored and cut to display lace, garments that are entirely made of tulle, to garments that entirely hide the model’s physique- Dolce & Gabbana marries Italian glamor and meticulous craftsmanship to highlight the natural, inherent feminine charisma. The cohesive and bold color schema grants attention to the tailoring of garments, and accessories. The contrasts between the use of fluid and structured material, and form-fitting and oversized silhouettes signify the diversity of the sensuality. Dolce & Gabbana’s FW23 Sensuale collection explores the corners of feminine sensuality to tell the world that “beauty is not enough to be sensual, but charisma is essential”.
www.dolcegabbana.com
Fashion
MFW - PRADA FW23 - The Beauty of the Forgotten Everyday
Debuting during Milan Fashion Week, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented their ready-to-wear-line, Taking Care, for Prada’s women’s FW23 collection. This season, the Italian luxury house celebrates the ceaseless yet remarkable everyday life. The collection is a reflection on fashion’s role within a broader cultural sense – an elicitation to rediscover and reconceptualize reality and the ideas of beauty within it. Considering the state of affairs over the past few years, including the devastating war in Ukraine and the coronavirus pandemic, the chosen theme points to the world’s necessity for care and kindness. Individuals who exercise care on a daily basis are at the heart of the collection. Garments with representational power become symbols of that care: nurse-inspired uniforms honor the hard work and determination needed for healing practices. An emphasis on protection materializes on different levels. Skirts with down padding protect and keep the body warm, and leather is transformed into protective armor. An interplay between the ordinary and extraordinary showcases Prada’s mastery to design pieces for any and every occasion. Wedding dresses, strong romantic symbols, become the new quotidian dress as they are taken apart into skirts and sweaters. The notion of transformation further expands into the space of the Deposito of the Fondazione Prada. The moving ceiling amplifies the room – as darkness gradually disappears, it unveils pillars decorated with aromatic flowers. It is rather exceptional how care is simultaneously the underlying ingredient of the pieces’ composition as well as what they inspire to give rise to.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Burberry FW23
The British fashion designer Daniel Lee presented his first collection for Burberry in London. Prior to the showcase of the charismatic collection, the brand presented a redesign and introduced the 120-year-old Equestrian Knight Design motif completed with the Latin phrase “Prorsum” - translated as forwards. This redesign was disclosed as Lee’s first creative expression under the brand - efficiently establishing his position as Creative Director and stepping away from the previous direction of Lee’s predecessor Riccardo Tisci.
The collection reinforces the brand’s historical connection with outdoor exploration through garments that hide the models - but accentuates their form and aura through deep elementary colors features in monochromatic sets and experimental silhouettes.
Several elements such as the argyle and Aran patterns, Equestrian Knight Design, and the English Rose were highlighted through the garments. As seen in the 51st look - deep colors that are sewn into the narrative of the colder months such as dark purple, supplemented by its complementary partner yellow, are utilized to create a medium for the respective pattern of the garment to produce a high-fashion camouflage adjacent visuality. The use of purple continues through the silhouette - an extravagantly large lavender ushanka, plum rubber rain boots, and a violet satchel that balances the optics of the silhouette with a cross-body handle.
Burberry once again successfully blends practicality with elegant aesthetics producing an eye-catching collection schematized using color in a space designed by Lee that fosters the protective nature of the brand’s garments against the harsh elements of the cold.
www.burberry.com
Fashion
Insight into the Future
When historic Florentine house Ferragamo tapped Maximilian Davis as its new Creative Director and successor of Paul Andrews in March 2022, the house’s CEO Marco Gobetti said, “[Davis] will write a new, exciting chapter for this house built on a heritage of creativity, craftsmanship, sophistication, and outstanding human values.” Despite his young age, Davis is by no means unknown having risen to fame as part of the renowned fashion incubator Fashion East. It became evident that one could expect a new Ferragamo with the most exciting, new talents taking over the creative reigns. Having made his highly-anticipated debut with the SS23 collection, Ferragamo has now released its first campaign under Davis shot by Rafael Pavarotti. It is a boldly sensual reflection of Davis’ vision featuring a diverse cast of personalities, each with its own distinct confidence. In their diversity, they become the perfect reflection of the Ferragamo attitude and independence. Against a dramatic backdrop in the vibrant signature Ferragamo red, the collection with all its details stands in sharp focus. Its elegant and contemporary character is perfectly mirrored in the imagery visually standing out against the monochrome background. The imagery is a crystallization of the new dawn for the house, rooted in its rich Italian history, yet with a direct vision for the future.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Positive Changemaker
Over the past years, we were able to observe a big shift in consumer behavior, especially when it comes to how consumers are engaging and buying fashion products. It’s no longer just about the product, consumers are looking for more depth, they are showing an increased awareness about all the different aspects of the brand. Of course, brands have recognized this trend and have started to take responsibility in regard to their environmental and social impact, becoming positive changemakers. In this regard, Ralph Lauren has always been a pioneer, having been a leader for over two decades in the fight against cancer most notably through their Pink Pony Initiative, a global and year-long philanthropic program which was founded in 2000. A cornerstone program of the company, it is deeply rooted in Ralph Lauren’s DNA, raising awareness and generating attention whilst also aiming to reduce disparities in cancer care and prevention. Through this initiative, Ralph Lauren has partnered up with some of the leading research institutions such as the German Cancer Research Center. Within this context, Ralph Lauren is therefore launching a new special edition of its Wellington Bag. With the bag being a modern reflection of Ralph Lauren’s equestrian heritage, this special edition is completely crafted in pink suede in reference to the Pink Pony Initiative. With each sale of this new special edition pink suede Wellington Bag Ralph Lauren is donating parts of the proceeds in order to support research, screening, early diagnosis, treatment, education and patient navigation.
www.ralphlauren.com
Fashion
Sabato De Sarno Appointed as GUCCI's New Creative Director
End of November, Kering announced that the house of Gucci and Alessandro Michele, the Creative Director at its helm, would part ways after an extraordinary seven-year run which has seen the Italian house return to its rightful place as one of the most iconic and influential luxury houses in the limelight of international attention. Ending months of speculation about who would take over, Gucci has now announced that Sabato De Sarno will assume the role of Creative Director with his debut collection expected at the Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September later this year. Following the announcement, De Sarno expressed that he was “touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.” Born and raised in Naples, De Sarno himself was relatively unknown to the wider fashion world prior to this announcement having worked primarily behind the scenes. His own journey in fashion started in 2005 with Prada, before moving to Dolce & Gabbana, followed by a 13-year tenure at Valentino. Throughout the years, he held positions of increasing responsibility, helping the brand to evolve into one of the most influential houses of today. It’s this vast and valuable experience that will help Gucci open an exciting, new chapter whilst bringing a singular and contemporary perspective to modern luxury.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
CHANEL's Circus
One watching the CHANEL SS23 Couture Show might be forgiven for thinking that they had accidentally stumbled upon a high-fashion live edition of The Greatest Showman. Striking a rather playful tone amid the oft more serious, thought-provoking shows that make up Paris Couture Fashion Week, CHANEL creative director Virginie Viard took things in a different direction. A set comprising a wooden menagerie of zoo animals formed the backdrop to the debut of Viard’s latest work for the House, a parade of youthful and refreshing looks.
Like any good ringmaster, the models of CHANEL came out in top hats and bow ties (many of them, at least), as well as white leather gloves or white cross-laced boots bearing CHANEL’s signature black-tip toes. The circus imagery did not just stop at sets and accessories, however, finding its way even into the dove-detail embroidery in the final look, or the tiny embossed animals down the front of the second look.
Much of the collection was classic CHANEL – think tweeds, day suits and coat dresses. Some silhouettes drew inspiration directly from the theme, such as the majorette-style miniskirts. Viard is a self–proclaimed ‘modern wardrobe for real women’ kind of designer, so despite creating a couture line with a circus-fantasy theme, Viard has succeeded in a line that is simultaneously original, yet also undeniably wearable. HZ
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Color and comfort
Utility meets euphoria – this is what springs to mind when looking at the new collaboration collection between Carhartt WIP and Marni for Spring/Summer 2023. Carhartt WIP’s legacy as a workwear-turned-global-sensation is well-known and well-documented. With a uniquely utilitarian appeal, the brand has captivated young and old alike and gained significant attention in the fashion industry, despite its humble beginnings producing overalls for railroad workers in the early 20th century.
Carhartt’s latest partner, Marni, tracks a similar success story as a relative outlier in the fashion world. Hailing from Milan, the brand presents somewhat of an antithesis to the splashy and extravagant or, on the other end of the spectrum, more classic sartorial styles that are often associated with Italian fashion houses. A look through the brand’s archives reveals a penchant for slouchier silhouettes, and more importantly, a prolific use of playful patterning.
Bringing together the light-hearted and colorful palettes of Marni and the utilitarian silhouettes most associated with Carhartt, the Marni x Carhartt WIP Spring/Summer Collection 2023 will bring a refreshing splash of color and style to any wardrobe. HZ
www.marni.com
Fashion
Tod's Chinese New Year Limited Edition
Tod's, the esteemed Italian luxury brand, welcomes the Chinese New Year 2024 with an exclusive limited-edition collection, drawing inspiration from the Chinese zodiac element of the dragon. The assortment celebrates the spirit of the annual festivities, offering unique accessories that seamlessly blend tradition with modern style. At the core of this collection are three distinct shoe styles: the iconic Gommino Bubble, the latest sneaker, and rubber sole loafers. Each pair is adorned with a captivating double dragon pattern and Tod's logo on the inner soles, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and design. The limited edition collection extends beyond footwear to accessories like a leather and fabric shopping bag, where the double dragon motif continues to make a statement on an internal leather pouch. Tod's limited-edition collection beautifully captures the essence of the Chinese New Year, fusing traditional symbolism with contemporary Italian elegance. This release is an exquisite celebration of the dragon, providing a stylish pathway into the promise of renewal and rejuvenation that accompanies the advent of the changing seasons.
www.tods.com
Fashion
In The Skies
Circling above Milan at an unknown altitude, the models of Emporio Armani’s Milan Fashion Week show glided gracefully over the runway like the brand’s characteristic eagle. In fact, the models and looks they were donning were no more elevated than the rest of Milan, yet the optical illusion provided by the floor of the showroom – a military style birds-eye map of Milan – together with the old-fashioned pilot accessories, worked together to vividly simulate the theme of aviation that spanned the entire collection and show.
In keeping with the nostalgia for the early days of flight, the entire collection acted as a tribute to the revered figure of the 1930s aviator (an assuredly widespread male fantasy). Sophisticated and adventurous, an explorer by nature; the gentleman in the skies requires (at least as much so as the gentleman on the ground) a suitable attire, that is at once as sophisticated as he himself, yet also accommodating in his sportive ventures. In this pursuit, the Emporio Armani FW23 collection presents the perfect wardrobe companion for such a man. Soft, high-impact materials, designed in the classic sartorial gentlemen’s styles such as Houndstooth and Prince of Wales checks, take shape in varied silhouettes – trench coats, double-breasted pea coats, cropped trousers, and more. Accessories help to enhance this effect: combat boots, aviator shades, vintage-style bomber jackets, to name just a few. Adding extra points in the categories of both Timelessness and Elegance is the color palette, made up of beiges, grays and caramels in the former part of the collection, with occasional splashes of color in the latter half. HZ
www.armani.com
Fashion
ZEGNA’S OASI
THE OASI OF CASHMERE, ZEGNA’s new winter collection 2023, showcases a thorough dedication to the central fabric distinguishing this collection from those prior. “Matter matters” – a central tenet to the collection – encapsulates ZEGNA’s belief that innovation in clothes making begins with fibers, and the treatment thereof throughout the design and production process. From the inception, to the weaving, to the handling, ZEGNA’s sartorial codes of conduct show a great dedication to the art of textiles. Named partially after the Oasi Zegna, the historic home of the brand, the collection reflects the values that have accompanied its makers for many years. The Oasi Zegna is a nature park in the heart of the Piedmont region of Italy, which has garnered much praise for its part in preserving the nature of the area, and even won the prestigious Biodiversity Conservation Award at the Sustainable Fashion Awards 2022. The brand remains faithful to its sustainability principles, with the new Oasi Cashmere collection acting as a central component in ZEGNA’s Road to Traceability, its commitment to certify all the fibers used as fully traceable by 2024. HZ
www.zegna.com
Fashion
LOIS // OSLO
“Casual chic” is perhaps the best way you could describe the new FW23 collection by Lois Jeans, inspired by 1980s New Yorker street style. Sub-themes of Groovy Chic and Preppy Chic also ran throughout the collection, lending the collection a certain versatility.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Oslo Opera House, the unveiling of the collection was accompanied by dramatic live music and ballet dancing, creating a formidable experience for the guests in attendance. The Opera House is an architectural marvel; designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, it unfolds neatly into the cityscape thanks to its low-slung form. Music played a central role in the event as well: the full show was accompanied by an orchestra of 22 Norwegian music students, to the tune of the celebrated Boléro by Maurice Ravel. Due to its grand yet sleekly elegant interior, the opera house was the perfect venue for the convergence between fashion, dance and music that took form through the Lois Jeans FW23 show.
In the words of Creative Director Arthur van Rongen: “In this show, everything for me came together; my favorite classical piece of music in one of the most beautiful buildings of the world, my favorite ballerina in the world in one of the most beautiful countries of the world. For this show. I’ve really listened to my dreams, and together with my team we made it happen and with our audience it felt for 30 minutes we were all together in a bubble of love. This is what fashion should be like for me.” HZ
www.loisjeanstore.com
Fashion
LV & Ski
Ski, slopes and sun. What better way is there to spend a winter season? For those lucky enough to make it to the mountains this year, Louis Vuitton’s new LV Ski Collection comes like a belated Christmas present. Sporting everything from snowsuits to furry hats to ski boots, the collection has an item for every occasion, whether that be racing down the slopes or having the odd drink or two at the après ski. Puffer jackets made of genuine goose down padding and recycled nylon fabric will keep you warm in the cooler climates; technical nylon and waterproof stretch gabardine will allow for optimal movement while bracing you against the cold. Louis Vuitton also commemorates the winter season with a remixed version of the famous LV logo, giving rise to a reworked version of the Snowflake motif alongside the LV Flocon logo.
In a nod to traditional nomadic architecture, Louis Vuitton has also opened a new pop-up in the famous Alpine town of St. Moritz in the shape of a yurt. The structure is emblazoned on the outside walls and throughout the interior with the familiar LV logos and patterns, and houses a cozy yet sophisticated vibe, complete with plush sofas and a fireplace in the middle.
The Louis Vuitton Yurt Pop-Up is open from December 16th until April 10th on Via Maistra in St. Moritz. HZ
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
Simplicity, clarity and logic
Going back three generations, the family-run Carl Hansen & Søn has been committed to passionate craftsmanship. With the aim of preserving Danish design classics as well as representing influential contemporary designers, the company seeks to gather the best and most iconic modern furniture designs under one roof. The brand’s partnerships with designers are premised on a shared respect for thoughtful design and production, holding at the core the Danish Modern principles of simplicity, functionality and craftsmanship.
These values continue to guide designers of the brand today, as for example in the most recent AH Outdoor Series, designed and developed by the late Alfred Homann. Born in 1948, Homann was an esteemed architect and designer, having won multiple awards for his work before his death in 2022. The founding of his own studio in 1978 in Copenhagen at just 30 years old saw Homann develop his own personal style, with a particular taste for simplicity, clarity and logic. The Outdoor Series, released in time for the new year, reflects Homann’s personal style and pays homage to his keen eye for detail and sense of soft shapes that pervade the collection. Eleven pieces carved out of untreated teak comprise the series, each meticulously polished by hand by the seasoned craftsmen at Carl Hansen & Søn. HZ
www.carlhansen.com
Fashion
Stone Island SS023
The brand Stone Island cherishes a culture of research, experimentation and usability. With its sharp focus on textile research and design innovation it continues to push the bounds of fashion production. It is a project based on fashion beyond mere aesthetics, taking as its observatory the study of workwear for the sake of understanding the functionality and evolution of clothes. The DNA of the brand lies in scientific innovation and investigation, as it seeks to transform and reinvent the make-up of fibres and fabrics, as well as of dyeing processes.
The Stone Island Spring Summer ‘023 collection is yet another stitch in this pattern, representing state-of-the-art fabric and garment dyeing technology, in terms that will set the average layperson’s head spinning. In terms of styling, the collection explores the world of 1980s youth subcultures, with a vibrant palette of colors – magenta, yellow, orange, sienna, green – that ensure a visual blast to the past. Despite the technological innovation and fashion focus of this new line, the brand remains true to its essence: keeping functionality at the very heart of the collection. HZ
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
ETRO Christmas Capsule Collection
ETRO – Milanese fashion house, family business, and connoisseur of textiles – celebrates the oncoming festival season with Marco De Vincenzo’s latest SS23 Collection, “Step into the Holidays.” De Vincenzo, a veteran of the Milan fashion scene, was named Creative Director of ETRO, the over 50-year-old brand, a mere few months ago.
Presented in Milan during Fashion Week this last September, the ready-to-wear selection includes bags, shoes, accessories and jewelry, and features two of the brand’s most characteristic visual codes: the arnica motif and the colored stripes. ETRO’s visual brand identity is strongly associated with the paisley design, popularized in the early 1970s, but representing an ancient decorative symbol born in Mesopotamia.
The campaign images look like the scene from a retro-futuristic dream, shimmering and surrealistic against the night sky. Appealing to the imagination, the campaign reintroduces us to some of ETRO’s more iconic designs, as well as introducing us to some newer and more eclectic designs, including the new Love Trotter shopping bag with 3D Pegasus embroidery, a gold metal apple jewel bag and Aladdin’s clogs.
The Step into the Holidays preview will be available exclusively from November 28th on NET-A- PORTER, etro.com and in a selection of Etro boutiques worldwide. HZ
www.etro.com
Fashion
Armani in the Alps
St. Moritz – luxury ski resort town and host to not one, but two, historic Winter Olympics – played host yesterday to another major event, the Giorgio Armani Neve Autumn/Winter 2022/23 show. Held against the backdrop of the Olympia Stadium one one side, and a 360 degree panorama of the glorious Swiss Alps, the Giorgio Armani Neve event drew a throng of over 300 gracious guests.
“Neve”, Italian for snow, is the name of Armani’s elusive skiwear collection, launched only a few years ago, in response to a growing demand for high-fashion skiwear. Armani is certainly not alone in answering to this call – by now, droves of fashion brands are ambling into the style-meets-ski arena – however “what makes Neve different is the balance of performance and style, and the span of the offer, which is dedicated both to skiing and après ski,” according to the namesake founder/designer Giorgio Armani himself.
Armani is leading by example as a major fashion label. Together with the Swiss Tourist Board, the Armani Group worked to organize a show with minimal environmental impact throughout the entire affair, avoiding single-use plastic and food waste, as well as ensuring the reuse and recycling of materials. The brand is also committed to offset all event-related emissions through nature-based solutions, including making a sizable donation to “MortAlive,” a Swiss organization working to protect glaciers all over the world. HZ
www.armani.com
Fashion
Eastpak x Super Mario
It’s-a-me, Mario! Nintendo’s poster boy, one of the most well-known and loved characters on video game screens, is coming back to schools and offices. Since the early 1980s, Mario has been delighting people all over the world in his quest to save Princess Toad and the Kingdom from Bowser and the Koopa Troopa, the clan of evil turtles known for their black magic.
Out of his familiar native Mushroom Kingdom, Mario now comes riding back in on what is surely another familiar household name, the Eastpak. The brand is well known for its functional, stylish and timeless luggage, accompanying millions to school and work every day. “Built to resist”, Eastpak products come with a thirty-year warranty as another guarantee of the durability and robustness of the product, thus reducing waste and promoting more sustainable patterns of purchasing.
Across multiple products, from Padded Pak’r backpacks to Eastpak’s Springer bum bags, pencil cases, suitcases and lunchboxes, a sense of childhood is woven into the exteriors, with familiar Super Mario motifs embossed and embroidered in. The collaboration is rife with imagination and nostalgia, bringing a little bit of that early 90s feel to everyday life. HZ
www.eastpak.com
Fashion
CHANEL IN DAKAR
Dakar, the Senegalese capital and westernmost city on the African mainland, was host this season to the CHANEL 2022/23 Métiers D’Art Show. It represented a significant moment in fashion, as the first fashion show by a European luxury brand in sub-Saharan Africa. The show took place a week after Dakar had hosted the 20th edition of Dakar Fashion Week, Africa’s longest-running fashion event. Preceded by “real dialogues, nourished over the long term,” the show was intended as a celebration of the vibrant local culture. The collection and show come as the results of multiple creative encounters with artists, choreographers, directors, musicians and writers from the local scene. This collaboration was evident in the show itself, featuring performances by special guests such as local singer Obree Daman and dancers from the local École des Sables dance school.
During the creative process, CHANEL Creative Director Virginie Viard drew heavy inspiration from the 1970s – a time of freedom, revolution and enormous energy – with heavy tweeds, warm color palettes, flared trousers and platform shoes forming integral elements of the collection. The collection also emulates this iconic chapter in fashion history with precise details, such as plant motifs, sequins, sparkling pendants and geometric motifs.
A four-part short-film series published on the Chanel website and directed by the students of the Kourtrajmé film schools, tracks the story behind the 2022/23 Métiers d’art CHANEL – DAKAR collection and show. HZ
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Dior in the Dunes
Emerging from a desert landscape, the formidable silhouettes of the pyramids crowning the background, the models of Dior take to the stage. Set against the Great Pyramid of Giza, a relic of over four millennia of human history, the Dior Men’s Fall Show 2023 was a nod to the past as well as a look to the future, a symbolic gesture to the House’s 75th birthday. The contrast between the ancient site and the retro-futurism of the designs bore witness to this unification of past and future.
Aptly titled “Guided by the Stars”, the collection draws on a fascination with technology and sci-fi themes. Artistic director Kim Jones conceived a lineup that played with patent astronomical references, even collaborating with NASA on some designs that used telescope images for print galaxies. Complementing the background, desert hues such as white, gray and sand stood out in particular, with occasional splashes of yellow and orange. Accessories like stormtrooper helmets and racer-style sunglasses completed the theme, creating looks reminiscent of David Lynch’s 1987 adaption of “Dune.” A fusion of elegant tailoring and futuristic design permeates the collection, with kilt-like overlays often hung to one side over sharp tailored trousers. Thick neck scarves, sheer fabrics and capes helped to complete the Dune-like aesthetic.
Using a range of techniques, Kim Jones managed to create a collection that was at once futuristic and utilitarian, explorative and celestial. With 75 looks to commemorate 75 years of Dior, the new Men’s collection celebrates past, present and future. HZ
www.dior.com
Art
At the Intersection of Champagne and Art
Ruinart’s relationship with art is inscribed in its history. The historic link was forged in the late 19th century when the French Maison showed audacity and modernity with its first advertisement created by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. Ever since then, Ruinart has maintained these close ties to the world of art and the artists, who have reinterpreted its universe time and time again. In line with this continued commitment to not only creating excellent champagne but also artistic expression, Ruinart has partnered up with German-Dutch artist BD Graft for PAN Amsterdam. For this collaboration, the artist created 20 limited edition magnums which were not only exhibited but also auctioned off with all the proceeds having gone to the World Wildlife Fund. As Ruinart stated, “Nature loss and climate change affect all life on earth. To stop this, we need more nature. WWF will use the proceeds to secure forests worldwide. This fits in perfectly with the sustainability objectives that Maison Ruinart has set itself.” For each of the limited edition bottles, the 100% biodegradable “second skin” featured unique designs, numbering and a signature of this special artist. BD Graft has found success through his simple, yet recognizable visual language with nature and the human condition being central aspects of his work. Displayed at the Ruinart Lounge, in the middle of the art fair, each of the bottles was the embodiment of the iconic Maison, combining the art of champagne making with the artistic expression of a chosen artist.
www.ruinart.com
Fashion
Furla Cruise 2023 Collection
Founded in 1927 by Aldo Furlanetto in Bologna, the brand Furla has long been hailed as an industry leader in its craft. Drawing on its long-standing expertise, the Italian brand strives to create pieces made from a sense of beauty and quality, reaching at the same time for new heights in design innovation and creativity. With its atelier based in Tuscany, the brand stays true to its DNA of producing goods of traditional Italian craftsmanship. Furla stands for optimism, bringing a sense of colorful and cheerful creativity into each creation.
True to form, colors and youthful playfulness make up Furla’s Cruise collection 2023. Furla paints the picture of a woman – “curious, enthusiastic, creative: a woman who is not afraid to experiment.” Its newest collection of handbags is designed to equip this modern woman. Available in both bold and vibrant as well as neutral and classic colors, the Furla handbags are readily wearable for any occasion. Soft and geometric shapes can be found throughout, creating a visually versatile range of purses and bags.
www.furla.com
Art
The Swingin' Sixties
The Italian design brand Brionvega is announcing the release of PRIMO, a faithful reproduction of the original RR126 Radio, 55 years on from the release of the original model. The radio-phonograph was designed by brothers Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and Achille Castiglioni in 1964 and eventually became an iconic example of 1960s design movements – examples of it are today on exhibition at places like the MoMA in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Milan Triennale. Coveted by design and vintage lovers alike, the time-honored piece has come to represent a relic of the past, embodying a nostalgia for Italian industrial design and the age of the 1960s. The PRIMO radio-phonograph (product code rr-226 NOCE CANALETTO) brings this past treasure into the modern age. It stays true to its predecessor in many ways, from design and materials to production and manufacturing. Wooden panels sanded with sandpaper, the handcrafted frame made by sand casting, hand-painted frame holes, silk skin print – all elements that, then as now, reflect a high degree of mastery and craftsmanship. The rebirth of the cult object comes in only 100 pieces of the PRIMO radio-phonograph, available in-store in limited edition. HZ
www.brionvega.it
Fashion
A Lesson in Victory
A single photograph, a chessboard, and the two reigning football champions of our generation. A photograph taken by legend Annie Leibovitz has rocked the world in the new Louis Vuitton brand campaign featuring none other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The campaign, entitled “Victory is a State of Mind” shows the two football legends consumed in a game of chess improvised out of and played on top of a Louis Vuitton Damier attaché case. It follows on from an earlier campaign, shot also by Annie Leibovitz for Louis Vuitton that similarly featured the football hall of fame greats Pele, Maradona and Zinedine Zidane, poring over a game of foosball in a dusty bar in Madrid, LV baggage sitting idly by in a corner or draped over a chair. “Three exceptional journeys. One historic game.” – the name of the former campaign.
Louis Vuitton once again shows an exceptional feat of marketing, capturing the hearts and minds of football fans across the world with its image of these two icons enthralled in a game that is, like football, as old as time. The game in fact mimics an iconic match between Chess Grandmasters Magnus Charlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, played at Norway Chess in 2017. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022, it is certain that the eyes of the world will be locked upon these two stars, as they enter into what it is to become both of their final World Cups. An historic moment for the world of sports and popular culture, for which Louis Vuitton has secured itself a place amongst these two victors. HZ
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Cool in the Cold
The FW collection 22/23 represents a second collaboration between Canadian luxury outwear brand Moose Knuckles and American fashion label ECKHAUS LATTA. The collection brings Moose Knuckles’ specialization in innovating and engineering to create high-quality outerwear together with Eckhaus Latta’s cutting-edge design. “Fearless yet functional fashion” is the purpose behind this collaboration, according to Moose Knuckles’ Chief Marketing Officer Ayal Twik. As one of the world’s leading producers of luxury outerwear, Moose Knuckles has garnered over 100 years of experience in the business of creating “resilient garments for the most unforgiving conditions”. The brand specializes in product design and technical expertise, invoking special knowledge of fabrics and fashion engineering in order to produce the highest quality outerwear.
ECKHAUS LATTA is an American fashion label established in 2011; the brainchild of Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta, who met during their studies at the Rhode Island School of Design. At the time, the two founders were studying Sculpture and Textile Design respectively. This intersection between art, design, and fashion remains a core tenet of the brand even today, which regularly participates in art installations and exhibitions with projects, videos, and collections – exhibiting for example at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2018. The designs, at times grunge and edgy, sometimes colorful, are unfailingly inventive. A partnership of “artistic and technical exploration” has resulted in a revisiting of some of Moose Knuckles’ core styles, reinterpreted by ECKHAUS LATTA to offer a more contemporary look using oversized, exaggerated proportions. Moose Knuckles’ technological mastery is most evident in the puffers – filled with RDS-certified down but designed in hyper-light form for better mobility. The accompanying campaign was shot by Mary Manning and styled by Matt Holmes, under the artistic direction of Eric Wrenn. HZ
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Belvedere: New Global Campaign
Belvedere, the world’s first super premium vodka, is a Polish rye vodka, which receives its name from the Belweder, the Polish presidential palace in Warsaw. Representing 600 years of Polish vodka-making tradition, the production processes adhere to the traditional regulations, using only Polska rye, purified water, and a distillation process by fire, without any additional additives. For its newest campaign brings together a stellar community of creatives inspired by pure emotion captured by a moment of feeling gloriously free. In this spirit, Award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi, photographer Juergen Teller and choreographer JaQuel Knight create exciting visuals, a perfect mise-en-scene for the campaign’s face, Daniel Craig. Through Waititi’s unique lens, we get to follow Daniel Craig in picturesque Paris, making his way through the luxurious Cheval Blanc Paris arriving at a spectacular suite, and dancing his way to the Belvedere bar, where he takes an ice-cold sip before we hear the director yelling cut and giving instructions to take it from the top. It’s a unique take that brings together the choreographed mise-en-scene as well as snapshots of how life might look like when the cameras are not rolling. This coming together of an inventive and gifted group of provocateurs, each with a taste for the unconventional results in the captivating yet unique campaign, a nod to Belvedere’s longstanding beliefs of self-expression, authenticity, and style.
www.belvederevodka.com
Fashion
Tommy Jeans x Martine Rose
Tommy Hilfiger is teaming up with British designer Martine Rose to launch the gender-inclusive capsule collection “Tommy Jeans x Martine Rose”. Fusing the DNA of brands, the 35-piece collection takes archival icons from Tommy Hilfiger and reinterprets them through Martine Rose’s unique lens, highlighting the British designer’s trademark out-of-the-box and experimental approach. The collection itself is defined by an elevated streetwear aesthetic with ironic touches expressed through powerful play of color and graphics which can be seen on garments characterized by exaggerated proportions in a typical Martine Rose style. A fan of the brand herself, Rose comments that, “Tommy Hilfiger has always been a brand that I’ve drawn inspiration from, so this partnership was such a natural and organic marriage.” The collection’s imagery was shot in Miami by renowned photographer Buck Ellison attempting to redefine traditional Americana by showing a diverse couple in a classic setting. Martine Rose’s aesthetic is mirrored in the campaign’s imagery which brings the spirit of Americana into the 21st century, highlighting the beautifully diverse spirit of modern America.
The collection will be available on November 7th, 2022 at select Tommy Jeans stores and online.
www.tommy.com
Art
Ninth Edition of the Max Mara Art Prize For Women
In 2005, Max Mara and Whitechapel Gallery brought the Max Mara Art Prize for Women into being. This biannual award, aiming to promote and support artists, identifying as women, hence enabling them to develop their potential with the gift of time and space, is the only one of its kind and awards its winner a six-month Italian residency tailored to fit the artist’s needs to realize her winning proposal. During this residency, organized by Collezione Maramotti, the winning artist will have the opportunity to realize an ambitious new project which will then be presented in a major solo exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in London and at Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia, which will then acquire it. As Bina von Stauffenberg, chair of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women jury, states, “It could not be more urgent or relevant to ensure that women artists are championed, and heard on the world stage. For more than a decade, this unique prize has successfully enabled women-identifying artists at different stages of their careers to develop their potential in extraordinary ways.” In late October, the eighth edition’s winner Emma Talbot’s exhibition The Age/L’Età was presented in Reggio Emilia after having been revealed earlier this summer at Whitechapel Gallery in London. On this special occasion the five shortlisted finalists, Rebecca Bellantoni, Bhajan Hunjan, Onyeka Igwe, Zinzi Minott and Dominique White, for the ninth edition have also been announced. Rebecca Bellantoni is an artist who currently engages in research looking at the city and its multiple worlds in relation to the psyche, soul and body of the city dweller. She realizes this through her wide-ranging practice encompassing moving image, installation, performance, photography, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, sound-text and ceramics. Bhajan Hunjan is a trained painter and printmaker closely associated with the Black British Art Movement. Through her practice defined by a very individual visual language of free-floating lines, symbolic colors and shapes, repetition and script motifs, she is encouraging the viewers to reflect on social, spiritual and emotional environments. Onyeka Igwe is an artist and researcher who engages with the question “how do we live together?” in her practice. Particular interest is given to how spatial, sensorial and non-canonical ways of knowing can provide answers to these questions, resulting in “figure-of-eights” drawing upon archives, narration and text to expose a multiplicity of narratives. Zinzi Minott’s practice is focused on the relationship between dance, bodies and politics and how dance can be perceived through the prisms of race, queer culture, gender and class. She is especially interested in the Black female body and Caribbean stories, such as the Atlantic Slave Trade and the migration of the Windrush Generation. Dominique White’s practice is weaving together the theories of Black Subjectivity, Afro-pessimism and Hydrachy with the nautical myths of Black Diaspora into a term she defines as the Shipwreck(ed) in relation to “a Black future that hasn’t yet happened but must.”
www.maxmara.it
www.collezionemaramotti.org
www.whitechapelgallery.org
Art
Saint Laurent Rive Droite invites artist Elladj Lincy Deloumeaux
Marking Art Basel Paris +, the Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles present a series of specially commissioned artworks created by the artist Elladj Lincy Deloumeaux. The Paris-based artist investigates the relationship between people and ideas, which he addresses in an open and vibrant way in his artworks. With a particular focus on Afro-Caribbean images, he emphasizes aspects of everyday life, mythologies, iconography, beliefs, and religious heritage. His art evokes a dual identity by incorporating found or familiar objects into still life and painting series.
The exhibition was organized in partnership with the Cécile Fakhoury gallery, which has been based in Abidjan since 2012 and in Dakar and Paris since 2018. In order to achieve the goal of promoting contemporary art across the African continent, Cécile Fakhoury is developing a perennial infrastructure thus creating and establishing awareness, creativity, and diversity. The gallery unites artists whose artworks use barrier-breaking language while rejecting geographic stigmatization.
The exhibition includes about thirty artworks, which will be displayed in Paris, and two large artworks in Los Angeles: Antan Lontan and Au bord du ruisseau. JW
www.cecilefakhoury.com
www.ysl.com
Fashion
The Palace Gucci Collection
Italian luxury and London streetwear melt together as Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele invites Palace Skateboards to an astonishing collaboration. Although the two brands appear to be opposites at first glance, the Palace Gucci Collection discovers their common ground of approaches, obsessions, and meanings. The designs focus on modern street culture as they unite the creative universes of both Palace and Gucci, captured in surreal imagery accompanying the collection. The film by Max Siedentopf connects the two different realities, thus encouraging viewers to discover their own anomalous affinities.
The collection includes accessories and clothing for all genders, that is Palace presents for the first time women’s ready-to-wear designs. Alongside Gucci icons, such as the Horsebit loafer, Palace’s staples are represented as well, meaning soccer tees, denims, and tracksuits. Within the collection, Gucci’s heritage gets revamped, as for instance, the legendary monogram canvas incorporates a Palace ‘P’ while duffles appear reshaped in a pyramidal form. The fusion of the diverse aesthetics culminates in the logo, which merges Gucci’s double-G with Palace’s Tri-Ferg.
The result is an inspiring collection of high-end streetwear, which bears the signature of two modern and acclaimed brands that have discovered new sides of themselves together. JW
www.gucci.com
www.palaceskateboards.com
Fashion
Alexander McQueen presents SS23
During an exceptional fashion show amid the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, Alexander McQueen introduced its Spring Summer collection 2023. Within the collection, Alexander McQueen’s creative director Sarah Burton explored the search for humanity as well as human connection. “The eye is a symbol of that humanity, a register of emotion, an expression of uniqueness.”, she says. The clothing items in the collection are designated to have an empowering effect on their wearers, which is why the designs focus on cut, drape, and bold silhouettes. In order to create the magnificent pieces, Sarah Burton gathered inspiration from the Dutch Painter Hieronymus Bosch, whose works are attached to the late Gothic as well as the Renaissance. The creative director was deeply fascinated by the dark yet beautiful paintings, from which she took on some elements for the collection.
High-profile models such as Naomi Campbell walked the circular runway, presenting black leather pieces, white mesh bodysuits, trenchcoats, cropped tailored jackets, and many more extraordinary garments in a rich color palette. In front of internationally renowned celebrities, including Janet Jackson, Sheila Atim, and Christopher Kane, they put together a magical show, perfectly staging the elegant clothing items. JW
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
Hublot and Shepard Fairey present a harmonious watch design
Cooperated for the first time in 2018, Hublot and Shepard Fairey now return with a fascinating collaboration, exclusively available in North America. As the internationally renowned street art artist aligns with Hublot’s spirit of crossing boundaries and setting new limits, the collaboration came naturally to both of them. In various fields, the artistic all-round talent and founder of the fashion brand OBEY Clothing was able to achieve success. He gained particular notoriety for his poster Obama Hope from 2008 or the large-scale installation Earth Crisis from 2015, the first-ever installation to be seen on the Eiffeltower.
To follow up on the last collaboration between Shepard Fairey and the Swiss luxury watch brand from 2020, they choose again a model from the Classic Fusion-Collection. This time, Shepard embellishes it with a mandala, to which the watch’s elements are attached. Distinguished by its all-black design, it consists of a chronograph movement, a ceramic case, and Hublot's classic black rubber strap as well as sapphire glass that covers the bottom of the case. The mandala, the core of the outstanding design and significant to Fairey’s work, exudes harmony, as it connects the artistic skills of the two exceptional cooperation partners. JW
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Gucci presents Valigeria imagery with Ryan Gosling
For the Gucci Savoy collection, creative director Alessandro Michele and photographer Glen Luchford created an imagery which takes us into a reality-adjacent dream of a present built on the possibilities of the imagination and of an encounter. Featuring actor, screenwriter, director and musician Ryan Gosling, the collection’s images and video follow him and the exceptional Gucci suitcases on a journey to surprising places and fantastical worlds, which are first and foremost mental places, as Michele explains.
The narrative depicted is not unfamiliar to the maison’s history: At the beginning of the 20th century Gucci’s founder Guccio Gucci left Italy when he was seventeen years old and started working at The Savoy hotel in London. Getting a taste of the magical world of travel, which back then was synonymous with discovery, discussion and cultural exchange, the young Florentine transferred this experience of the unexpected into his work, that is his first suitcases. Honoring this first part of Gucci’s rich history, the trolleys, hard and soft suitcases, duffle bags, trunks, hat boxes and beauty cases of the Savoy collection get to tell the a story of possibilities in the Gucci Valigeria imagery, as they are more than containers, but repositories of dreams. JW
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Stone Island launches exclusive pieces for its 40th anniversary
This year marks a special anniversary for the Italian fashion brand Stone Island. 40 years ago, the international and avant-gardistic label was founded, presenting streetwear, fashion, and luxury in a unique mix from the beginning. First worn and acclaimed by the Milanese paninari, a subculture of the 80s, Stone Island soon found its way to fashion lovers all around the world. To celebrate this significant anniversary, the brand launched a series of garments within the Autumn Winter 2022 2023 collection. For the core of this special collection, the brand chose to revamp the iconic 982 Tela Stella Cape. Distinguished by a new choice of fabric, it is composed of two materials. The outer one references a fabric from the Stone Island archives and is called MICROFELT WITH RIPSTOP COVER. Protecting the outside due to a translucent polyurethane cover with a ripstop motif, it consists of a very light non-woven fabric made out of compact nylon fibers, creating a paper-like effect. The fabric that lies underneath is crafted in woolen cloth. An additional anorak is fabricated in the same materials as it further incorporates the PrimaLoft Silver padding, which is an exclusive 100% recycled blend. The exceptional materials used for these garments mirror Stone Island’s demand for itself to provide high-quality, which it consistently followed for the past 40 years. JW
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles teams up with Post Malone
Over one year ago, Canadian luxury outerwear label Moose Knuckles and Global superstar Post Malone started working on an exciting collaboration behind closed curtains. Now, the 10-piece gender-neutral capsule collection is finally out. As someone experimental who expresses himself through his inventive style, Post Malone seems to fit perfectly with the rebellious spirit of Moose Knuckles. He explains: “This partnership with Moose Knuckles felt super organic from the beginning. The collection is about celebrating and doing things your own way based on your natural instincts.” Composed of iconic Moose Knuckles silhouettes, the collection includes amongst others the 3Q jacket reworked in Realtree camouflage print in black and customized golden yellow. Furthermore, the collection is characterized by further customized design details such as all-black metal hardware, zippers, and a special edition logo on the above-mentioned 3Q jacket. Beyond that, the insulating “Bunny” hoodie in black sherpa, equipped with a detachable lamb shearling hood is featured in the collection alongside a matching sherpa jacket and jogger. In terms of accessories, the collaboration offers a sherpa baseball cap adorned with a new logo patch. For the first time in a collaboration, Moose Knuckles will also include the 3Q for children, providing the whole family with the eye-catching collection. JW
www.mooseknuckles.com
Fashion
ICEBERG presents its Fall Winter 22-23 collection Back in Black!
ICEBERG’s new Fall Winter 2022-2023 collection for men and women welcomes the cold seasons of the year in its unprecedented black aesthetic. Designed by the brand’s creative director James Long, the collection embodies his vision of “traveling without moving and being present and visible without being physically there”. Portraying the Italian chill, a lot of the garments link traditional dress codes with outerwear thus making them more suitable for fall and winter.
The collection stands out with unique clothing items, such as heavy leather jackets and elegant jumpsuits, combining exciting cut variations in their catchy appearance. One of the highlights of the ICEBERG Fall Winter 2022-2023 collection is the eco-leather embellished jacket for women, which features a lurex entwined furry collar alongside crystals, rounded studs, and Iceberg logo engraved buttons. Exuding to the spirit of the brand, its name ICEBERG is spelt out on both sleeves with rounded gunmetal studs. Also in terms of accessories, James Long delights with his new creations. The Black Square Base Heeled Boots are particularly striking and essential to every woman’s wardrobe. Defined by clean and elegant lines, these pointed-toe boots have an exceptional stiletto heel with a square base. JW
www.iceberg.com
Fashion
Bulgari presents the SS23 Leather Goods & Accessories collection at MFW
Bulgari presented its new Spring Summer 2023 Leather Goods & Accessories collection during Milan Fashion Week. In its Milanese home, the enchanting Bulgari Hotel the renowned jeweler set up a showroom and furthermore hosted an evening event there. Under the title “Shades of Wonder”, Bulgari showcased a world of vibrant nuances, testifying to the brand’s captivating creativity and unrivaled mastery. More than 400 members of the international press joined the showroom to explore the new Spring Summer 2023 collection which is defined by intense colors inspired by the most precious gems.
These colors and gems were mirrored by the garden of the Bulgari Hotel at sunset, which lit up thanks to the light installation “PRECIOUS SHADES” by Studio Mandalaki. The special optical bodies of the Halo Edition lights appeared just like the rare stones incorporated in Bulgari’s fine jewelry, creating a unique and magical atmosphere in the midst of the buzzing city of Milan. It thus evoked a both visual and sensory experience which is liked to the concepts of the new collection. JW
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Prada’s SS23 shifts between realities
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons showcased a sequence of realities for the Prada Spring/Summer 2023 womenswear collection, titled Touch Of Crude, and presented during Milan Fashion Week. The collection investigates the contrast between delicacy and roughness, shifting between different visions and alternate realities. Some of the garments mirror the show space, a black panopticon, as they are made of a paper-based fabric, torn against the body. Intentional rifts, twists, creases, and folds define and shape many of the collection’s pieces as they depict traces of human life and memories of beauty. It is this rawness that evokes fragility, reflecting humanity as reality.
Day and evening clothes alternate and blur the lines between distinct realities, fusing opera coats with leather jackets and intimate loungewear with outwear. Continuing with accessories, Prada presents reinterpretations of classic Prada handbag silhouettes in an antique nappa and with patinated, pressed, and wrinkled surfaces.
For the fashion show Film director, Nicolas Winding Refn presented fragments of his short films through raw apertures punched through the décor, giving the audience the opportunity to look into a different reality, remaining in the context of the Touch of Crude collection. JW
www.prada.com
Fashion
FENDI SS 23 goes back to the 2000’s
For Fendi’s Spring/ Summer 2023 collection, presented during Milan Fashion Week, Kim Jones dived into the brand’s prestigious history. That is, he freshly approached previous collections and gathered inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld’s work for Fendi. He explains: “It’s about continuity. I am interested in looking at things that Karl has done, and seeing, how we can develop them - both visually and technically.” In the course of this, the designer reimagined a floral print of the Fendi archives as well as a logo from the year 2000.
The garments are reminiscent of the time around the turn of the millennium as they link minimalist ease with pop-infused eclecticism. Both effortless and refined are the floating layers of technical organza as well as the nylon jersey adorned with lacquered embroidery. While the collection is kept in neutral tones, Jones added bold pops of colors in vibrant pink, blue and green. Furthermore, the fabrics which include cashmere, fur, and leather appear lighter than ever before, layered with technical fabrics. In terms of accessories, Fendi presents a Peekaboo in a revamped variation. Sliced in half, revealing the mechanisms of the bag, it becomes the key accessory of the new season. JW
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Stone Island presents the Shadow Project
For the cold seasons of the year, Stone Island presents the Shadow Project Fall Winter ‘022 ‘023. Adapting to the needs of winter, the collection focuses its features on a more functional aspect. As the designs are divided into two chapters, the Shadow Project celebrates the traditional value of truthfulness. In this sense, the collection also testifies to the fact that Stone Island is eager to innovate and venture into unfamiliar territories while remaining truthful to the brand’s core.
The garments are distinguished by their choice of material, which reflects the thought process and the honest idea behind the project. As Stone Island decided on seasonal fabrics, which can be described as rough, unpretentious, and industrial, it paid extra attention to the functionality, warmth, and comfort of the clothing items. The color palette is distinguished by neutral shades which emphasize the special feel of the materials. The two chapters mentioned above differentiate in their color spaces. Hence, chapter two presents clothing characterized by a spectrum of reds, from rustic orange to warm berry. All in all, this results in a coherent overall picture of appealing and high-quality pieces that fit perfectly into the upcoming season. JW
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Uncut Gem
Raw sex appeal and lingering subtlety. The cologne which Frédéric Malle created in collaboration with the perfume legend Maurice Roucel exudes a unique and warm charm. Uncut Gem is the name of the beautiful and irresistible scent, which reinvents the idea of a masculine perfume. It took Frédéric Malle five years to persuade Maurice Roucel to work with him on this chic scent, which revolves around the renowned perfumer himself. Echoing his uncompromising, bold character as well as his technical brilliance, Uncut Gem depicts a very personal, even autobiographical cologne. “He seems rough around the edges at first glance,” says Malle, “but it’s a deliberate choice! He’s a force: incredibly refined intellectually and filled with humor and love of people. I’m not the only one who thought that he smelled good, but I am the only one he’d work with to evolve the scent from a rough sketch into something refined” As one of his first collaborations, Frédéric Malle offered total creative freedom to Roucel while remaining an overarching sensibility.
Notes of ginger, bergamot, mandarin, angelica root, and nutmeg top off the core of the perfume, which is composed of a leathery accord, vetiver, frankincense as well as amber, resulting in a straightforward and enigmatic perfume. JW
www.fredericmalle.com
Art
Unseen celebrates its 10th edition
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the international photography fair Unseen is returning to Amsterdam. For this special occasion, 70 galleries, 65 publishers, and 12 special projects gather on the Westergasterrein in the Dutch capital. Creating an epicenter of the international world of photography, the event is defined by its intimate atmosphere and its high quality. The group of participants is composed of long-standing Dutch galleries such as Galerie Ron Mandos which presents photographs of Erwin Olaf and newcomers like Bitforms Gallery which specializes in digital art. International contributions are also made by the Indian gallery Nature Morte and the Robert Morat Galerie from Berlin. This year, Unseen presents for the first time NFTs, as it explores the innovative offering of the digital art world. Investigating the boundaries of the photographic medium, the prestigious fair also shows works of various artists in the exhibition UNBOUND. The Book Market showcases photography and art books of independent and international publishers, featuring a new Book Award in collaboration with GOST Books. Director Roderick van der Lee explains: "This year we have worked closely with several galleries to present this 10th edition of Unseen, making another global reflection of the latest developments in art photography, which has worked out very well. With 70 galleries from 16 countries, including the US, Mexico, Morocco, India, Iran, and South Africa, this edition (presents) an inspiring picture of the direction in which the art form is moving.”
The photography fair Unseen will take place from the 15th to the 18th of September, 2022 at Westergas in Amsterdam. JW
ERWIN OLAF
Kleines Requiem VI, 2022
Courtesy of the artist and Galerie Ron Mandos
www.unseenamsterdam.com
Cinema
Cartier returns as the official partner of the Venice Film Festival
For the second year in a row, the French Maison Cartier returned as the official partner for the 79th Venice Film Festival “Biennale Cinema 2022”. This partnership, which started in the year 2021, manifests Cartier’s deep passion for art, in particular film. As part of its initiative, Cartier presented the “Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker Award”, which went to film director, writer, and producer Walter Hill. His new movie Dead For A Dollar, starring Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, Rachel Brosnahan, and Benjamin Bratt premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Furthermore, Cartier is hosting the “Cartier Art Dialogues”, two master classes that highlight the interaction between film and music. Promoting art and culture is deeply rooted in the French Maison's history as Cartier pieces are featured in a variety of world-famous films and can be seen on red carpets around the world, worn by icons such as Grace Kelly and Josette Day. For this reason, Cartier decided to organize an exhibition, showcasing jewels from the Cartier Collection, during the Biennale. Beyond the borders of the Festival, Cartier also engages in other projects in Venice to not only preserve the cultural heritage of the glorious city but also to support the ongoing development of its cultural life. Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Arnaud Carrez explains: "Dialogues with the art world have always been a source of creative inspiration for the Maison. (...) Our collaboration with the Mostra is a new opportunity to bridge between all the artistic disciplines that are close to our hearts". JW
www.labiennale.org
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Neo.Fashion. promotes young designers at Berlin Fashion Week
Neo.Fashion. returned to Berlin Fashion Week this season for its 6th edition, promoting aspiring talents and fashion designers. As a hybrid event, Neo. Fashion. presented shows as well as a showroom at Reinbeckhallen in Berlin. In the course of the event, graduate shows took place, in which ten universities presented designs of their most promising students. In this context, over 80 graduates got the chance to show their garments to a larger audience. This also included the digital Graduate Show, which introduced 12 graduates of the National University of Technology and Design Kiev, showing ongoing support for Ukrainian fashion designers while the country remains at war with Russia. Once again the Neo.Fashion. Awards have been given to the best German fashion design graduates as part of the Best Graduates Show. One of the lucky winners is Nanyi Li, who won in the category Best Sustainability Concept. For this edition, Neo. Fashion. is also launching its new format, titled Aspiring Designers to further support young creatives. The new format includes collective fashion shows, panel talks, and workshops, helping aspiring talents to find an entry into the industry. Stephan Schwarz, Senator of Economic Affairs, Energy and Operation says: “I am very pleased that Neo. Fashion. focuses on young fashion designers and promotes them sustainably. Neo.Fashion. has become an important format at Berlin Fashion Week. We want to use it to support the international visibility of graduates and up-an-coming designers and also underline how important the development of the creative scene in Berlin is to us.” JW
www.neofashion.de
Fashion
MARTAN recycles Hotel textiles
The sustainable brand MARTAN opened Amsterdam Fashion Week in the Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam. The hotel not only served as a location for the event but also as a major inspiration and as the fabric supplier for the collection. MARTAN is known for using luxury hotel textiles, which it transforms into colorful garments.
Built 107 years ago and known as “Het Scheepvaarthuis”, the hotel’s architecture and history are referenced in the collection. For instance, the iconic railing of the hotel inspired a print and the tiling of the floor influenced the design of the earrings. Another pattern is distinguished by the motif of wavy lines which can also be found in the silhouettes of the clothing items, imitating the flow of the oceans. The trenchcoats are a highlight of the collection, defined by their shiny coating. Ranging from soft shades of pink, blue, and camel to bold colors of Green and Fuchsia, the color palette provides an exciting and refreshing contrast. It is almost impossible to tell that these garments are fabricated in old hotel linen. For Fashion Week director Char Li Chung created a story of people traveling to different destinations. Worn by models and actors such as Susan Visser and Joes Brauers, the collection and the fashion show represents the history of the Amrâth, the event's core. JW
www.martan-official.com
Art
Prada exhibits Who the Bær by Simon Fujiwara
First shown at Fondazione Prada’s Milan venue in 2021, the Italian brand now presents the exhibition Who the Bær by Simon Fujiwara at the Prada Aoyama Tokyo. At the center of the exhibition is the cartoon bear Who, a completely undefined personality, who takes on the chaotic journey through a “Whoniverse” of images in order to find and shape their identity. Simon Fujiwara created this character as a mirror of our society, which is obsessed with finding one’s true self. Thus, Fujiwara and Who explore a variety of current topics, ranging from climate change to plastic surgery.
Inspired by fantasy literature, the artist lets Who’s story begin with the question “Who is Who?”, depicted on a collage in the form of a book cover. He continues with a stop frame animation titled “Hello Who?” posing philosophical, authenticity questions to the cartoon bear. The exhibition also includes childlike drawings which show how Who is able to change his identity at any given moment, referring to today’s logic of social media. In this manner, the bear continues his journey of self discovery.
The artwork reveals a paradox of our society as we strive for fantasy and authenticity all at the same time. Reflecting the real world by leading the audience through his fantastical and sometimes disturbing universe is significant to Fujiwara’s body of work.
The exhibition Who The Bær by Simon Fujiwara will be open to the public from October 15th, 2022 to January 30th, 2023 at Prada Aoyama Tokyo. JW
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
SF1OG presents UNTITLED
During Berlin Fashion Week the young label SF1OG presented its latest collection called UNTITLED. In a world of increasing disconnection and artificial realities, fashion designer and founder Rosa M. Dahl wanted to create something that revolves around craftsmanship, referring to material, tools and method. The collection is based on a personal experience from Dahl’s childhood, which inspired the way she approached the collection: When she was growing up, Rosa M. Dahl used to create sculptures together with her father in his studio. Made out of material remnants and found objects, these joint projects taught her the importance of craft, timeinvestement and concept. Within UNTITLED, materiality plays an important role, as it is the source of inspiration and attaches imperfect yet exciting notes to the designs. To complete the outfits presented, SF1OG partnered up with Converse and Sides Step. They supplied the Berlin-based label with various converse styles, such as the Chuck Taylor All Star Terrain.
The fashion show took place at the Feuerle Collection, which used to be a telecommunications bunker during the Second World War. Later it was renovated by British architect John Pawson. The space exhibits contemporary art pieces alongside ancient Asian works, creating a dialogue between different eras and cultures as well as a unique energy. The artworks presented blend in with the fashion collection’s themes of material and contemporary witness. JW
www.sf1og.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Sofia Pashaei at Ballon Rouge
On the occasion of Brussels Gallery Weekend Ballon Rouge is presenting Sofia Pashaei’s first solo exhibition Meaning in the off hours.
The exhibition is showing paintings, which revolve around relationships individuals have with themselves and other people. An important component in the settings portrayed is time. It is depicted in the change of architecture and objects decorating the scene, creating a narrative which then again takes time to fully grasp. Seamlessly and smoothly, the Swedish artist paints interiors and pieces of furniture transitioning in one another, thus a couch can become a bathtub and so on. In these sceneries Pashaei refers to human identities, which can be similarly structured as many dissonant, but woven rooms. Hence, the architecture depicts splitted identities, common for families of immigrants. Nevertheless, a room or a house holds and reveals all parts of the identity of the person living there. In many cases the painter uses the same symbolism in her works, such as a toy-like bird silhouette which represents childhood. Another popular one is the lemon, referring to the saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. Depicted in various ways, the meanings differ from one to the other, for example a halved lemon symbolizes a secret gladly revealed. Touching the heel of a foot or the mouth, the lemon shows the supporting yet inhibiting effect of the changing form of one’s identity.
The exhibition Meaning in the off hours by Sofia Pashaei will be open to the public from September 8th to October 23rd, 2022 at Ballon Rouge in Brussels. JW
SOFIA PASHAEI
The Blue Room, 2022
Oil on linen, 80 x 60 cm
Photo credit: Seppe Lewaut
Courtesy of the artist and Ballon Rouge, Brussels
www.ballonrougecollective.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Xavier Mary at Baronian
As one of the longstanding participants of the Brussels Gallery Weekend, Baronian once again opens an exhibition of contemporary art in the course of the event. This year the gallery shows the works of Belgian artist Xavier Mary (1982). In his solo show Black Hole Sun, the artist investigates the discrepancy between spiritual dimensions and modern society in a conceptual and poetic manner.
His works combine mythological and technological elements, making them seem to be located in the past, the present, and the future at the same time. Reflecting on modern civilization, humankind, and consumer culture, the artist takes a critical stance toward our industrialized world. The inspiration for his exhibits originated from his travels through Southeast Asia, where he experienced both spirituality and highly innovative technology. The ancient architecture and mechanics of the sculptors, as well as the contrast between the vibrant cities and the untouched nature of the jungles, fascinated him deeply. Xavier Mary combined these impressions in his post-industrial sculpture and post-apocalyptic, mythical realism, creating art of absurd cleverness and technological motorized skills.
The exhibition Black Hole Sun by Xavier Mary will be open to the public from September 8th to October 8th, 2022 at Baronian in Brussels. JW
XAVIER MARY
3x Bouddha
Courtesy of the artist and Baronian Brussels
www.baronian.eu
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Andrea Büttner at Jan Mot
In the course of Brussels Gallery Weekend, Andrea Büttner is showing the second part of her exhibition Painted Ceiling and Floor at Jan Mot.
The German artist had previously shown the first part of this exhibition in an art gallery in London in the year of 2019. This time however, the artwork, a painted ceiling, rather resembles a painted grid. Büttner had already shown such a grid in another gallery the previous year. The artist's main focus is to show ceiling painting as the connecting element between architecture and painting. Furthermore, her works are reminiscent of Romanesque chapels, where the ceiling paintings have a special significance for the viewer's experience. Besides the ceiling, the floor of the gallery also becomes a work of art, as it is also painted by Büttner. In doing so the artist wants to entice a change of view from top to bottom since she is particularly interested in this kind of movement as a social and economic condition as well as one part of doing labor.
The exhibition Painted Ceiling and Floor by Andrea Büttner will be open to the public from September 8th to October 29th, 2022 at the gallery Jan Mot in Brussels. JW
ANDREA BÜTTNER
Painted Ceiling and Floor
Vue d’installation Jan Mot in Brussels (detail), 2022
Photo credit: Philippe De Gobert
Courtesy of the artist and Jan Mot, Brussels
www.janmot.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta shows craft in motion
Exchange and teamwork are at the core of the imagery for Bottega Veneta’s Winter 22 collection. Gaining new perspectives on the brand and the collection from one another, creative director Matthieu Blazy brought together a cross-generational cast, composed of different fields, such as photography, cinematography, and modeling. In doing so, the creation of the imagery reflects the tradition and history of the luxury brand, as Blazy puts it himself: “Bottega Veneta was created by a collective of artisans. This is the history and this is how we approached (the project) (...), with many different ways of seeing.” The series consists of 41 still and moving images mainly shot on film. Since the imagery was produced over several weeks, the participating talents were able to form deeper connections, leading to an exciting exchange which then again enriched the outcome of the project. Some of them have never worked in fashion before, others have a long history in it, hence the images link fresh and more experienced approaches to presenting the collection. Exploring the intimate, yet carefully constructed space between the creation and the capture of a moment, the images are distinguished by Blazy’s notion of craft. They portray the true character of the brand, composed of movement and pragmatism as well as high quality and luxury. JW
www.bottegaveneta.com
Art
Johan Tahon exhibits sculptures from another dimension
During his upcoming exhibition RAY, the Belgian artist Johan Tahon offers new insights into his work, which he displays in the gallery Gerhard Hofland. To create his art, Tahon draws inspiration from his own life and environment as well as his subconsciousness. His sculptures seem like creatures from another, superordinate world who have been instructed to deliver messages and truths, while also posing fundamental questions to humanity. An ancient atmosphere builds up around them, making them seem intense and kinetic but also strange as if they do not belong here. Fragile and yet tremendous, the sculptures are defined by their uneven surface, covered in hand-mixed glazes of a glowing palette of blue, white, and silver. Tahon explores the boundaries between the subconscious, our empirical world, and the beyond, resulting in timeless artifacts, distinguished by their deep gravity and vigorous materiality. In his work, he moves closer and closer to a universal essence echoing the human urge to create a larger meaning. The artworks by Johan Tahon involve the audience in a special aura, inviting it to reflect, contemplate and understand or even discover one’s own person.
The exhibition RAY will be open to the public from September 2nd to October 8th, 2022 at the gallery Gerhard Hofland in Amsterdam. JW
www.gerhardhofland.com
Fashion
Borbonese opens boutique in Porto Cervo
After having a pop-up tour in Germany, the Italian bag and accessory brand Borbonese now opens up a new boutique in Porto Cervo for the summer months. In the enchanting town of the Italian island of Sardinia, where the high society of Europe likes to enjoy its vacation, the brand unfolds a new concept, which will later be adopted for further openings. The concept consists of combining elements of a boutique with elements of an art gallery, thus creating a unique retail experience and content conveyor. For this matter, the brand has furnished the selling room with sustainable furniture, which can later be changed in position and composition to display the bags in different ways. As LED videos and neon elements round off the appearance of the store, a real and at the same time virtual experience emerges.
The boutique will present new models from the Fall Winter 2022 collection, including the Epoque and 011, as well as the Strapcycle line of last season, made of a special and completely recycled polyester canvas by using Italian techniques of fishing and weaving. Alessandro Pescara, CEO of Borbonese explains that the brand chose Porto Cervo as the location, as it represents the brand’s most important values, “creativity, digital innovation, sustainability without neglecting the historical heritage of the brand.” JW
www.borbonese.com
Fashion
UNDERCOVER meets Eastpak
For its latest collection, US bag brand Eastpak collaborated with Japanese designer and founder of UNDERCOVER Jun Takahashi. To capture the unique spirit, heritage, and outlook of both brands, the Tokyo-based designer created packs that combine military utility with urban subculture in three highly functional styles. Made from recycled materials in various, bold monochromes and emblazoned with the words “Chaos/ Balance”, the collection gives a unique overall picture.
The UC Padded Doubl’r stands out not only for its striking colors but also due to its high functionality as it is equipped with a padded laptop sleeve, inner and outer zippered pockets, and other smart details. For this piece, Takahashi chose to also create a version in UC Black Denim that deviates from the usual monochromes, used for this collection. The UC Crossbody, which can also be worn around the waist, is characterized by its zippered main compartment, inside stash pocket, and detachable shoulder/ waist strap. Finally, the UC Stand+ makes a great travel companion. It is fabricated from recycled lining, binding, and webbing and comes with a padded laptop sleeve and removable shoulder strap, thus joining the whole collection in its functionality and cool effortlessness. JW
www.eastpak.com
www.undercoverism.com
Fashion
MCM launches new Travia Bags
German luxury brand MCM just launched its new Travia Bag in different designs and colors. Made out of high-quality lamb leather, the bag meets the brand’s high standards of craftsmanship and materiality. Its different models are suitable for everyday life, thus bringing timeless elegance into one’s daily routine. Adorned by the brand’s architecturally inspired logo, depicting the three capital letters MCM in 24 karat gold edged in a ring, the Travia Bag exudes true class.
The series shoulder bag takes the center stage of the launch, alongside its little sister, the Travia crossbody bag, which appears just as noble, whether with a gold chain or a leather strap. The latter version includes a little leather pouch in the same color as the bag. As a complementary accessory, it can carry Airpods or similar-sized valuable items. Furthermore, there are two sizes to choose from, ranging from mini to small.
Each design of the chic leather goods is available in bold pink, classic black, or neutral beige. While setting varying accents, the differently colored and shaped models are united in evoking “Old Hollywood Glam”. Thus, the elegant designs have real potential to become true It-bags. JW
www.mcm.com
Art
"Come Home Again" by Es Devlin highlights London's endangered wildlife
British artist Es Devlin has teamed up with Cartier and the London Wildlife Trust to present a large-scale public artwork in the Tate Modern Garden in central London. “Come home again” draws attention to the 243 most endangered species of London’s Wildlife, including insects, birds, and plants. The illuminated sculpture depicts a sliced open-scale model of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedrale, swarmed with Devlin’s pencil drawing of each of the living creatures. The visitors are invited to participate in the artwork, as QR-Codes within the choral tiers will guide them to more information about London’s wildlife. Thus, the artist aims to motivate the visitors to further engage with the issue presented. Furthermore, London-based Choral groups will accompany the artwork each evening at sunset with an interpretation of Choral Evensong, a kind of sung evening prayer. Devlin combines the singing with the voices and sounds of the species, illustrating London as the interconnected web of species and cultures that it is. In doing so, Devlin wants to build a connection between London’s residents and the non-human inhabitants of the British capital.
Cyrille Vigneron, CEO of Cartier, explains that “Art and creativity are important in order to talk about today’s world in a human and touching way. Coming Home Again represents how we can be inspired by the beauty of the world wherever it may be”.
The exhibition will be open to the public from the 16th to the 25th of September 2022. JW
www.wildlondon.org.uk
www.cartier.com
Fashion
The New Gucci Décor Collection
Over the past years, the world has become aware of the importance of the home, as a space of peace, which should radiate a sense of peace. Not just a place to rest, but a place of comfort in line with one's own taste. In this sense, the new Gucci Décor Collection is providing an eclectic selection of decorative homeware which will offer customers the opportunity to dress their living space with the compelling visual narrative of Gucci’s contemporary romanticism. By introducing new forms of archival floral print and animal totems, this new collection brings the physical and spiritual beauty of nature to the home. Romantic and whimsical, each piece is a unique objet d’art perfect to accentuate one’s living space according to one’s individual taste, keeping in line with the House’s spirit of self-expression. It is a surprising and joyous juxtaposition of hues, patterns and designs, which forge new connections between previous opposites. The campaign envisioned by Alessandro Michele and realized with photographer Max Siedentopf perfectly encapsulates the Gucci Décor items' natural iconography through a mise-en-scène in the pristine setting of a topiary garden. The lighthearted landscape with its lush greens provides the ideal poetic setting from which the natural curiosities seen throughout the collection can faithfully emerge.
The Gucci Décor Collection will be released gradually in select Gucci boutiques across the globe and online.
www.gucci.com
Art
"The Age / L'Età" by Emma Talbot, Winner of the 8th Edition of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women
Since 2005, Max Mara and Whitechapel Gallery have partnered up to award the Max Mara Art Prize for Women. This is a biannual award supporting UK-based female artists who previously have not had a major solo exhibition, with the goal of promoting female artists and providing them with a platform. As part of the prize, each winning artist is awarded a six-month bespoke residency in Italy organized by Collezione Maramotti in order to create new works and evolve as an artist. Emma Talbot was the winner of the 8th edition of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women. Following her win, Talbot spent her six-month residency in Italy researching textile craftsmanship, permaculture, classical mythology and exploring the countless historic sites and institutions. The resulting body of works of this time is entitled “The Age / L’Età”, which is now on display at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. This new body of work explores the topics of representation and ageing, power and governance, and attitudes towards nature. It is a mixture of different mediums and materials, combining animation, free-hanging painted silk panels, three-dimensional work and drawings. Talbot taught herself animation during the lockdown and the resulting 12-chapter animation is a central part of her exhibition. Inspired by the Twelve Labors of Hercules, her protagonist also has to overcome a series of trials. But different to Hercules, who employed methods of destruction, theft, deceit and murder to overcome his obstacles, her protagonist finds solutions inspired by the 12 principles of permaculture, a practice of living sustainably and ethically with the land.
The exhibition “The Age/L’Età” by Emma Talbot was curated by Laura Smith in collaboration with Wells Fray-Smith and Bina von Stauffenberg and is on display at the Whitechapel Gallery in London until September 4th, 2022. Afterwards, the exhibition will travel to Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia from October 23rd 2022 until February 19th, 2023.
www.collezionemaramotti.org
Fashion
HUBLOT LOVES SUMMER
The summer has finally started. With the rising temperatures, many of us are flocking to Europe’s favourite beach resorts to spend a relaxed summer holiday or in search of new summer adventures. Either way, one should never come unprepared without the perfect accessory in the form of a timeless Hublot timepiece. Inspired by three legendary summer destinations, St. Tropez, Capri and Ibiza, to which Hublot also sails with its pop-up boutiques, the Swiss watchmaker now presents three limited editions, made from Hublot ceramic, the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Ceramic Capri Boutique, the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Ceramic Blue Ibiza Boutique and the Big Bang Unico St-Tropez Boutique. Each of these three editions dives into the blues, each shining in a distinct shade of this truly essential and endless versatile colour. Each of these distinct shades of blue reflects the destinations by which these limited edition timepieces were inspired. The Big Bang Unico St-Tropez Boutique, limited to 30 pieces, mirrors the turquoise blue seas and the sky of this seaside citadel echoing the colours of Tahiti and Pampelonne beach. The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Ceramic Blue Ibiza Boutique, limited to 50 pieces, shines in colours that echo the island’s white walls and the deep blue of the horizon from Cala Conta, the contrasting shades underneath the boats moored at Cala Saladeta and the seabed at Cala Xarraca. The last of the three, the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Ceramic Capri Boutique, also limited to 50 pieces, reflect the magic of the turquoise waters of the Grotta Azzurra contrasted with the dark grey of the grotto. Each of these three timepieces evokes the essence of the places which have inspired them, and they represent Hublot’s invitation to rest your feet on dry land, whilst fully admiring the sea.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Cartier announced new Amsterdam Boutique
Cartier is synonymous with luxury with each of its pieces symbolizing the convergence between exceptional craftsmanship and timeless signature. Open-minded and ever curious, its creations reveal beauty wherever it may be found. This philosophy has been realized by the supreme craftsmen and artisans who translate each design into immaculate examples of jewelry, high jewelry or watchmaking. For 45 years, these resulting pieces have charmed residents and visitors of Amsterdam with its first boutique in the famous P.C. Hoofstraat opening in 1994. This winter, Cartier is opening its new boutique at P.C. Hoofstraat 129, an open window to a world of style and timeless design. The design of the boutique is not solely inspired by Cartier’s heritage, but also by the unique atmosphere of the Dutch capital. About this special occasion, Valérie Ahner Boudier, Managing Director Cartier Benelux & Nordics, states, “When the iconic red box arrived in the Netherlands, it created a ripple effect between the people and the unique savoir-faire of the Maison that still echoes through the city today. Cartier’s designs connect people in an unforgettable manner. The new boutique will be an open window to timeless design, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship. A perfect reflection of Cartier’s distinctive blend of traditions and innovation.”
The new Cartier boutique will open this winter at P.C. Hoofstraat 129 in Amsterdam. Until the opening of the new store, the current Cartier boutique will remain open.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Stone Island Prototype Research_Series 06_Dévoré with Kevlar Core
Stone Island has long been amongst the most innovative and forward-thinking brands when it comes to textile research. From its beginnings, the brand has positioned itself as a symbol of extreme research of fibres and textiles utilized in innovative designs, gaining a loyal following throughout the decades. With the Prototype Research Series, Stone Island now offers the opportunity to acquire pieces that feature fabrics or treatments born from research and experimentation processes that have not yet been industrialized. Only available in very limited numbers, this series represents and embodies the cutting-edge research for which Stone Island has gained prominence. For the sixth edition of the Prototype Research Series, the brand now offers its Short Fishtail Parka in Dévoré With Kevlar Core, a fabric resulting from the close collaboration between R&D and the Stone Island research and experimentation department. For this piece, a fine Kevlar yarn is covered in cotton, which is, in turn, disintegrated through the dévoré printing technique, revealing an all-over pattern in a Kevlar characteristic yellow color, resembling a technical lace. These are then treated with resin to add texture and strengthen the fibres.
The Series 06_Dévoré with Kevlar Core will be exclusively available on their website starting June 12th, 2022.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
CHANEL Haute Couture FW2022/23
For Virginie Viard, the FW 2022/23 Haute Couture collection was a continuation of the previous show, a fact underlined by artist Xavier Veilhan returning to collaborate with the French Maison for the second time in a row. This time, he is also joined by Sébastien Tellier and Charlotte Casiraghi. Throughout the show, one could see the instantly recognizable and familiar CHANEL elements such as the tweed or the suiting, and one could feel the influence of her two predecessors. Yet, Viard achieved to make the collection her own, taking references and inspiration from the works of Mademoiselle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld as a starting point to transform the pieces through her own vision. By working together closely with extraordinary makers and textile designers, this collection is defined by its interplay of textures, the masterful use of different materials and the gentle flow of perfect pleats which move just beautifully as they are elegant. Each piece bears witness and is an ode to the extraordinary savoir-faire of the CHANEL ateliers, the skilful hands of the craftspeople who mastered their craft, as well as the fournisseurs who supply the French Maison with the textiles, accessories and embellishments of unparalleled quality.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton announces newest House Ambassador: Cate Blanchett
Louis Vuitton already has an impressive roster of brand ambassadors from all over the world, covering all different fields, ranging from the worlds of sports to cinema and entertainment. Now, yet another big name is announced as the French Maison’s newest house ambassador, iconic actress Cate Blanchette. For this reason, the Australian actress is captured by Sølve Sundsbø, featuring Louis Vuitton’s latest High Jewellery collection, Spirit, in an expressive and enchanting series of portraits. Cate Blanchette, synonymous with elegance and charm, is not only a perfect match for Francesca Amfitheatrof’s creations, as she is an effortless embodiment of the collection’s themes of liberty, fantasy, grace, radiance and destiny, but she is also a personification of the timeless and modern Louis Vuitton woman. As Blanchett puts it herself, “I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to collaborate with Louis Vuitton - a truly iconic House with an enormous cultural reach. To wear the magnificent pieces created by Francesca Amfitheatrof is a bedazzling pleasure, and Nicolas Ghesquiere, as ever, amazes and inspires me.”
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Versace Resort 2023 Collection
Versace Resort 2023 Collection exudes fresh young energy. Designed to address the new generation, it combines a rebellious spirit with clubby acid florals. In a game of contrasts, hard and soft, masculine and feminine, formal and playful, the collection shows Versace’s true essence. The Italian brand has presented a series of new outfits where clothes are paired in unusual ways. Floral chiffon dresses with 3D flower embroidery and jersey tops in Versace logo print are juxtaposed under biker-inspired dresses and jackets, as well as ultra-square shouldered tailoring is layered over sportswear pieces. Then, the collection continues featuring pinstripe cargo pants and studded washed-denim jeans in a wide-leg cut, evening dresses in nocturnal neon colors, and knitwear and leggings with cutaways in a diamond motif. For accessories, Versace introduced new sunglasses, pumps, sling-backs, and kitten heels studded in metal, together with La Medusa bags made punk in all-over tonal point finishes. Studs, metallic neon iteration with 3D floral embroidery, and pop colors embellished the whole Resort 2023 Collection. VB
www.versace.com
Fashion
Cartier: Beautés du Monde
Celebrating Cartier’s new High Jewelry collection Beautés du Monde, an exceptional reception took place in Madrid at the prestigious Palacio de Liria. Its added rich history and splendor make this the perfect location for the various interpretations of beauty created for the new collection. The unforgettable event was attended by many friends of the Maison. Following a visit to the property, the guests attended the Haute Couture show of the Maison Alvarno, created by the designers Arnaud Maillard and Alvaro Castejon. The Beautés du Monde collection captures the essence of an aquatic flower. Each piece is articulated to form a bright architecture like the back of a stained-glass window. The “Recif” necklace has a distinctive chromatic contrast, enhanced by a twisting movement given to emerald and coral beads. The “Water Aspis” depicts a hypnotic snake whose beauty and incredible flexibility have been enhanced through this new interpretation. Also featured, is the “Rituel”, paying tribute to the beauty of embellishments, and more precisely to the traditions behind Mesoamerican jewelry. Overall, each piece contributes to a captivation of beauty through a spectrum of colors, shapes, and evocative materials, inspiring and transporting us into a new dimension. GH
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Brioni SS23
The Brioni SS23 collection reflects the aura of the nonchalance of Rome, captured in uncontrived shapes, in the softness of tailoring that suggests a relaxed way with formality. The soft and light materials are perfect for summer, in painterly colors. With a suit, trench coat, small-collared blouson, and field jacket, each piece is sartorially made, with an effortless finish. Garments are made to fit an array of occasions, from spontaneous to leisure, always with an urban, dignified feel, embellished with round-toe loafers and leather sandals. A seersucker is worn with a matching shirt and no necktie. The materials consist of washed silk, seersucker, extremely light wools, and linen, light knit for the underpinnings, and textured knitwear meant as outerwear. The colors depict the image of Rome, with rich and muted tones, dense and bright, inspired by the city’s artistic and natural heritage. There is an array of cognac brown, earth, yellow, blue, grey, black, and white along with accents of pink, orange, and baby blue in the suits defined throughout the collection. Eveningwear in the collection is inspired by the Brioni archives, with creativity expressed through couture fabrics and unexpected colors. Overall, each garment is made to accompany life, in the long run, seeking eternal beauty. GH
www.brioni.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani Men’s SS23 Fashion Show
Lightweight fabrics, easy silhouettes, and a carefree mood define Armani SS23 Menswear Collection. An ode to summer timeless elegance. Held at the intimate Via Borgonuovo basement space under his HQ and alongside his own house, Giorgio Armani revealed a fashion show that brought us on a journey through the desert dunes. Images of sand ridged by the wind, projected on the background, have accompanied the models who walked down the runway in pajama-like suits and shirts with extra long tails. The pale colors, white, sand, and dabs of black, as well as subtle textures, were outstanding. Then, watery blues and navy followed in the collection, exalted in seersucker, linen, and washed and necktie silks. In the end, derby sandals with cut-out uppers, velcro-fastened espadrilles, and loafers completed the looks, replacing the classical sneakers with a renowned touch of lightness and boldness. VB
www.armani.com
Fashion
Polo Ralph Lauren Unveils New Uniforms for Wimbledon 2022
Polo Ralph Lauren has unveiled the new 2022 uniforms for all Wimbledon on-court officials, including chair umpires, line umpires, ball boys, and girls. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Centre Court in its current location on Church Road, Wimbledon, the brand designed a collection that combines the heritage of Polo Ralph Lauren with modern fabrications and silhouettes, focusing on the use of more sustainable materials. Inspired by the elevated sense of style that spectators bring to The Championships, Polo Ralph Lauren designed a belted back sportscoat lined with a commemorative Ralph Lauren-designed signature Wimbledon print and paired with a wide Bengal stripe shirt, trouser, or white skirt with pearl button closure, specifically for umpires. Line umpire uniforms, instead, are refreshed with navy cardigans featuring a white and Wimbledon green striped cuff. Then, for ball boys and girls, the brand presented the iconic Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt reinterpreted in a navy blue and white wide stripe in recycled material. The result is exclusive garments that emphasize comfort, breathability, moisture management, and ever-present craftsmanship, alongside contributing to have to positive social and environmental impact. VB
www.ralphlauren.com
Fashion
CD 1947 Capsule Collection
Dior has unveiled the CD 1947 Capsule Collection, a dialogue between Kim Jones and the legacy of Christian Dior. The line features a new “Christian Dior” signature connected with “1947,” the year of the first Dior défilé. It presents some iconic classics of the Maison as the Dior Saddle Bag in typical Dior Grey grained leather, introducing, at the same time, a great novelty: an exclusive collaboration with Birkenstock. Dior’s Creative Director has chosen to reinterpret two signature silhouettes of the German shoe manufacturer, the Tokio Mule and Milano Sandal, taking inspiration from Christian Dior’s love of gardening. Celebrating this influence, the two silhouettes mix functionality, and elegance in tribute to the couturier. The mule and sandal also arrive in a variety of finishes, including black nubuck calfskin, grey felted wool, and, for the Tokio Mule, a “Greige” nubuck calfskin. The CD 1947 Capsule Collection is available on Dior’s website. VB
www.dior.com
Fashion
adidas x Gucci Pop-Ups
Gucci has announced the arrival of a brand new series of Gucci Pop-Ups, with the initiative of connecting and engaging with clients across the world and their surrounding communities. The pop-ups will showcase a variety of products in an immersive, dedicated environment which reflects Gucci’s unconventional approach to luxury fashion. Another exciting factor is the pop-up debuts in Alsterhaus in Hamburg. adidas x Gucci merges the emblems of each house to create iconic tailored streetwear creations. Expanding from the initial adidas x Gucci lookbook, the collection involves a spectrum of sport-inspired pieces, distinguished by the same retro aesthetics of the show. With the heritage of both brands encoded in a trio of lines, a fixation of stripes plays out across ready-to-wear and accessories including Gucci’s own take on the famous adidas Gazelle sneaker. The kaleidoscope aesthetics of the collection are reflected in the creativity of the Pop-Ups dedicated to it. The space is defined by a perimeter of illuminated pointed arches complemented with vintage-inspired furniture. Elements featured are coated in the energetic retro print taken from the collection, combining the GG monogram with the sportswear brand Trefoil, amplifying the two legacies. GH
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Hortus Deliciarum: The New Gucci High Jewelry Collection
Creative Director Alessandro Michele has unveiled the third act of Hortus Deliciarum, the Gucci High Jewelry collection. A fantastical journey more than just a simple collection, it presents unique pieces that seem suspended in time and space. Inspired by an imaginary Grand Tour, the jewelry reflects an ethical and aesthetic value by bringing together different cultures and restoring the splendor of rarities existing side by side. Alessandro Michele himself becomes the traveler of this voyage, telling us a story through the new Gucci creation, a story that is divided into five chapters. The first theme develops the idea of the Grand Tour, a journey of indefinite duration undertaken by European nobles and intellectuals from the eighteenth century onwards. Rome was the ultimate destination and so the starting point of this third Gucci High Jewelry collection. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, and gold pendants featuring red and pink spinel, blue topaz, and colored diamonds evoke the historicity of the typical Roman landscapes. From the Eternal City, the journey continues in the India of the Maharajah between the magnificence of the royal palaces and the lush nature of the gardens. Red is the color that characterizes this chapter: rubellite, imperial topaz, yellow beryl, tourmaline, and garnet adorn the jewels embodying the hypnotic quality of twilight. The third theme pays homage to the mythological origins and symbolism of the pearl, a gem born from the foam of the sea and solidified on Aphrodite’s skin. Alessandro Michele’s travel diary dedicated the last pages to the New World when Modernism abounded and skyscrapers soared into the sky. These necklaces and bracelets come in geometric shapes in chains with asymmetrical, flexible modules. To complete the collection are pieces in psychedelic colors evoking the pop culture, free self-expression, and the desire to discover foreign worlds typical of the 1970s. VB
www.gucci.com
Fashion
The Power of Love: Pomellato Speaks up for Pride Month
Pomellato has extended its support to the LGBTQIA+ community, with the inspiring “I Am Here” video. The black and white video features key celebrity members of the community and allies talking to the camera as they explore profound questions surrounding the nature of love, freedom, tolerance, the meaning of pride, and the need for change. In 2017, the Italian jeweler launched the Pomellato for Women program, advocating for gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity. Now extending its support to the wider community, Pomellato once again recognizes the importance of leveraging its visibility to bring meaningful conversations to the table. The lineup of individuals showing their support includes Italian actor Alessandro Gassmann, activists Lea T and Sibel K, and Kasia Smutniak, alongside many more members and allies. Pomellato’s CEO Sabina Belli and Creative Director Vincenzo Castaldo also appear on camera, adding their voices to this message joined by celebrities and activists that have opened their hearts. GH
www.pomellato.com
Fashion
Marni opens the doors of the new Milan flagship store
At the very heart of Milan’s shopping district, via Montenapoleone 26, Marni has opened its new store during Salone del Mobile. The vibrant and modern atmosphere of the new boutique engages visitors in a sensorial path that allows for discovery, pleasure, and culture. The store is the perfect merge of fashion design, interior design, and creativity, due to the collaboration between Creative Director Francesco Risso and the in-house architecture team. The all-over, blue-toned carpeted floors are juxtaposed with reflective walls clad in beveled silver mirror ceramic tiles, creating a contrast between solidity and refraction, and between the imposing presence of color and the elusive immateriality of a mirror. The mirrored effect creates an engaging system of visual multiplications that emphasize the interplay of clarity and boldness. The modular layout is truly a vessel for creativity. Accessible from the second of three floors, this incubator-like structure appears from the outside like a mobile home and will periodically be offered to different talents as a creative studio. This reaffirms Marni’s tendency of being a creative playground that holds a constant dialogue with art. GH
www.marni.com
Fashion
Christian Louboutin Introduces GREEKABA, A Modern-Day Odyssey
Christian Louboutin takes us on another adventure around the world. This year’s destination is the Mediterranean, in particular Greece, a land that boasts ancient history, myths, and legends. The new GREEKABA capsule collection, presented by the French Maison, represents this journey from Athens to the Cyclades, a modern-day Odyssey inspired by the countryside and the sea. Made in collaboration with multimedia artist Konstantin Kakanias, the pieces feature his illustrated alter ego, the stylish Miss Tependris, in the role of Christian Louboutin’s personal tour guide of the Greek islands. The new collaboration between the two combines their mutual love of travel with the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Kakanias’ native Greece, along with the duo’s playful sense of humor, which the artist regards as an important means of expression. Each item is unique, depicting different scenes that tell a story: Christian offering his host, Miss Tependris pair of custom Christian Louboutin shoes, or they raising their glasses to toast Christian’s arrival. The sketches are designed on a smooth leather base with motifs that evoke the friezes of Antiquity in warm earthy tones. The GREEKABA bags, inspired by the land, are finished to the finest detail, from the lining inside the bag crafted with a new and vivid LOUBIEYE print which reimagines the traditional “blue eye,” to the handles made of satin and metal pearls that bring a sophisticated touch. Then, Maison’s signature Caraspikes in a matte white makeover, recalling the columns of Ancient Greek temples, embellish the final look. To complete the land theme, are the cabas also available in a smaller bucket style, a CARASKY version, and a new LOUBIPHORE silhouette. At this point, leaving the mainland towards the islands, the sea becomes the new protagonist. The color palette assumes blue and white tones typical of Greece, while the detailed embroideries on each panel take their inspiration from traditional Greek folk art. The sea GREEKABA bags also feature the one-of-a-kind LOUBI ODISSEY print, which depicts our two heroes, Christian and his friend Miss Tependris sailing through the Mediterranean Sea to discover its wonders. In addition, Christian Louboutin launched a capsule collection of men’s and women’s shoes and accessories to match the GREEKABA offer. As with all the previous cabas percentage of the proceeds will be donated. This year’s contribution will go to Together For Children, a Greek non-profit providing help and support to children and young adults with disabilities and their families in need. VB
www.christianlouboutin.com
Art
Versace Home Takes The Stage at Milan Design Week 2022
The opulence of the Versace world is embodied in a new installation held at Palazzo della Permanente during the Milan Design Week. For this occasion, Donatella Versace worked with architects and designers Roberto Palomba and Ludovica Serafini to give life to a dreamlike scenario where art and design merge together. In this space, Versace's comprehensive home collection and all-new outdoor line take center stage. Contemporary seduction is the key. The red color is spread all around: across fabrics, leathers, precious silks, jacquards, and throughout the display. The La Greca motif is extended into the interior decor with an almost architectural three-dimensionality. Then in terms of collections, Versace presented the La Medusa collection composed of a sofa, a Trono armchair, and an upholstered bed covered in an all-new vinyl material. These pieces mix a youthful design with beautifully detailed stitching. The Stiletto collection introduces new objects in white, beige, and brown, and the Stiletto Outdoor collection features a three-dimensional weave of fabric straps coordinated with large, cozy cushions. This line is exhibited in the Secret Garden of the palace. VB
www.versace.com
Art
Stella McCartney Launches The Second Installation of “Future of Fashion” at Salone del Mobile
Stella McCartney has announced the second edition of the “Future of Fashion: An innovation conversation with Stella McCartney” exhibition launching during the 60th annual Salone del Mobile. The installation will display from 7 to 12 June at the historic Porta Nuova in Milan. Future of Fashion aims to invite the world to discover the limitless possibilities of material innovation for creating a more nature-positive market. This year, to keep inspiring people to undertake future actions, Stella McCartney has presented an exhibition that combines cutting-edge fashion and design in partnership with Bank of America, as well as first-ever interiors collaborations with B&B Italia and heritage British wallpaper house Cole & Son. With the Italian furniture maker, the British luxury fashion house reimagined the iconic Le Bambole armchair, an iconic piece originally designed by Mario Bellini in 1972 and now produced by B&B Italia using sustainable techniques and circular composition. Instead, Stella McCartney x Cole & Son Wallpaper presents a revival of the Summer 2022 hand-drawn Fungi Forest toile de Jouy print. The graphic has been reworked as burgundy and navy wallpapers by Cole & Son with renewable fibers and introducing a manufacturing process that uses 30% fewer greenhouse gases. All display materials will be recycled for future events to limit environmental effects. In addition, Future of Fashion will offer its guests the possibility to explore curated items by Stella McCartney as the Frayme Mylo bag, the first-ever luxury bag crafted from mycelium created in partnership with Bolt Threads. VB
www.stellamccartney.com
Art
Armani Casa 2022 Collection
In the brutalist spaces of Armani Silos, Giorgio Armani has set up a unique installation to present the new Armani Casa 2022 Collection. The Italian brand has designed furniture and accessories that combine design research, material richness, subtle multiculturalism, and a distinct sense of rarefaction for the Salone del Mobile 2022. The exhibition is structured into eight themes that correspond to eight different environments. Each piece is set in context with the inspiration from which it originated in a way that visitors can feel and imagine the creative journey that leads from the starting point to the finished piece of furniture. Starting with the water: this section is characterized by a calm and peaceful ambiance, with natural references and 1930s and 1940s elegance that give life to the MORFEO bed and other unique objects. The space devoted to China presents a powerful contrast between red, the color of joy and good fortune, and non-color. Here, the JYLIA chairs in lacquered wood create a symbolic four-lobed figure within an environment entirely clad in black. Then, a third room dedicated to nature, travel, and discovery, exhibits the painting of a tiger, the feline that dominates the current year in the Chinese zodiac. In this space, the RENOIR sofa covered in the SAO PAULO fabric is the main protagonist. In the end, there is the sailing ship ensemble, which includes the PASCAL armchair and the SPACE table, both inspired by early twentieth-century ocean liners. In addition, accessories such as a wool blanket with matching cushion, thermos flask, and croquet mallets, among many others, complete the proposal. VB
www.armani.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton’s FW22 Spin-Off Show in Bangkok
Louis Vuitton’s FW22 Spin-Off Show has landed in Bangkok, Thailand, unveiling nine unseen looks from the original collection. In honor of Virgil Abloh’s legacy, the decision to showcase the collection in a second location is based on Abloh’s focus on circularity, a central theme in his practice, alongside other key topics such as the coming-of-age premise, the global perspective, and the cycle of creativity. Just like the first presentation in January, the Creative Director framed the show in childlike whimsy, a Louis Dreamhouse, displaying the wonder that exists within boyhood. Opening the show was a cinematic prelude by director Sivaroj Kongsakul portraying the Boyhood Ideology® key to the philosophy of Virgil Abloh. Based on the filmmaker’s childhood memories, the story follows the early experience of an 11-year-old boy in rural Thailand, illustrating Abloh’s belief in a global youth. “We might go to India or Kansas or Cuba, but wherever we go the focus is youth: the stage in your life before you’ve been taught or programmed to do, think, or wear certain things. And in that study, you realize that teenagers on opposite sides of the world are dealing with the same things. It reflects the fact that, fundamentally, we are all one.” VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
La Vacanza 2022 Campaign
Summer means freedom, sea, sun, and vacations, exactly what Versace portrays in the new La Vacanza 2022 Campaign. Starring model and actress Iris Law, the images depict a group beach holiday with unapologetic flair and energetic fun in the Very Versace style. Barocco print bikinis, silk shirts, and swimming trunks, together with silk scarves tied around the La Medusa basket bag, are bold, seductive, and joyful items that will make your summer days exciting and vibrant. Wide canvas tote bags featuring the Versace logo and Medusa plaque are the perfect styles for the beach, as well as the new colorful sandals made both for men and women. In addition, new leather footwear with light rubber soles and golden Medusa Biggie medallion hardware, along with the innovative Medusa Dimension sliders crafted from molded super-lightweight rubber with swirling Baroque flourishes, are added to Versace's repertoire. Captured by photographer Camille Summers-Valli, the campaign results in a series of searingly bright and fiery images celebrating the most anticipated season of the year. VB
www.versace.com
Fashion
Pomellato: Nudo Solitaire
Since 2001, the Nudo ring has been a pioneer in the jewelry industry. This simple yet game-changing silhouette of the Nudo was Pomellatto’s unique take on the omnipresent diamond engagement ring. Made to be stacked, women quickly fell in love with the Nudo, starting a twenty-year journey of continued success and a rainbow of color gemstone options. Now, twenty-one years on, the Nudo Solitaire has been born, unmistakably Nudo, but in a new sparkling white guise. This is Pomellato’s singular vision of the diamond ring. This piece could be an unconventional engagement ring or could be fitting as a glamorous right-hand ring. The ring features a 0.5-carat central diamond, surrounded by more than 60 diamonds for a dazzling effect maintaining the iconic shape of the Nudo gemstone cut. Seamlessly giving way to a glittering pavé, the diamonds are perfectly set into a smooth halo around the central diamond. The opulence of this new Nudo design is further highlighted by the shank being set with a row of diamonds that taper down the side of the ring. The ring is made in Fairmined white gold, a certified source of gold direct from artisanal mines in South America, and the diamonds are sourced from certified suppliers. The Nudo Solitaire overall confirms the enduring success of the original concept that continues to be Pomellato’s signature design. GH
www.pomellato.com
Fashion
Fendi announces the opening of its new Mykonos Boutique
As the peak of summer is fast approaching, Fendi has announced its opening of a new boutique on the sunny Greek island of Mykonos. Located inside the Nammos Village, the unit is the brand’s first store in Greece, making this upscale shopping destination the perfect location. Inspired by Mediterranean culture and local architecture, the 90 square meter store is installed in a two-level white building, with sunlight filtering inside through elongated windows. The boutique welcomes the entire FENDI universe, with all categories from the womenswear and menswear lines. The look and feel across the spaces are chic and elegant, combining natural elements such as oak wood flooring with light blue resin inserts. Raffia wallpaper and elements nodding to a marine theme define the fitting rooms, while the furniture includes bespoke pieces in travertine mixed with wood, rattan, and bamboo pieces. Two terraces are designed to give continuity to the indoor feel. A special rendition of the Fendi Peekaboo ISeeU medium bag will be offered as an exclusive for Europe in the Mykonos boutique. Available in white croco, with white leather lining featuring a shiny finishing together with a Pequin motif wooden handle and palladium accessories. GH
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Stone Island and C2C Festival Celebrate Indipendent Contemporary Music
As part of Stone Island Sound, a curatorial project that supports independent artistic production, the Italian clothing brand partnered with the C2C Festival to celebrate contemporary music. The project aims to create a global sound map of avant-garde and new pop. This year, STONE ISLAND PRESENTS event took place in Berlin at Wilhelm Hallen, the former Winkelhof iron foundry, now transformed into a vast post-industrial space famous among the local creative community. On May 19th, 2022, a lineup of artists performed on the stage: Bill Kouligas, the founder and artistic director of PAN, Beatrice Dillon, who was declared “the most thrilling new voice in British electronic music” by The Guardian, and the Canadian group, Pelada. Then, the duo composed of Chris Vargas and Tobias Rochman made its appearance, followed by the unique performance by Warp Records Italian experimental musician and visual artist Lorenzo Senni. To close the event were Skee Mask AKA Bryan Müller and Kenyan artist KMRU. The result was multicolored chaos of genres to promote cultural independence and quality productions. VB
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
The Navitimer Cosmonaute: The Original “First Wristwatch in Space”
60 years after its journey to space, the mythic Navitimer Cosmonaute is once again set to lift off in a new release that pays tribute to the historic mission. Marking the occasion, Breitling is offering the first-ever public viewing of the original Cosmonaute, revealing the watch’s incredible story. 362 pieces of the tribute piece are available, recognizing both the spacecraft’s circumnavigations of the Earth, and the year the mission made history, marking a crucial step in crewed spaceflight. At first glance, the new Cosmonaute is very similar in appearance to the original, made timeless with an all-black dial and black alligator strap or seven-row stainless-steel bracelet. This time, the elegantly proportioned 41mm watch is packed with new features, including a platinum bezel that makes the edition even more of a collector’s piece. Whilst honoring the aesthetics of the original Cosmonaute, subtle updates work almost imperceptibly to give it its modern retro appeal. As a final tribute, the case back is engraved with the date of Carpenter’s mission, “ONE OF 362”, and the phrase “First Swiss wristwatch in space”. GH
www.breitling.com
Fashion
Balenciaga Spring 23 Fashion Show
Taking place in New York, on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Balenciaga’s Fashion Show unlocks a new chapter in the brand’s history by presenting a collection that is a mix of ready-to-wear, eveningwear, and Balenciaga x adidas. The models walked down the runway covered in black fetish bodysuits as obscure identities. Over this latex layer, they wore Demna Gvasalia’s creations which spanned from suiting, separates, and outerwear featuring bold silhouettes and precise tailoring with minimalist construction techniques. The collection also presented extra-formal clothing such as bodycon gowns, reconstructed tuxedos, floor-length silk trenches with trains, and the collaboration between Balenciaga and adidas. This line included a wide range of products from garments, shoes, and bags to jewelry and accessories embroidered with the adidas’ trefoil motif and Balenciaga logo reinterpreting Balenciaga’s creative language. In addition, the Spring 23 Collection includes the oversized, padded XL Pump, thick steroid boots, and the Stage Shoe featuring a heel-less sock pump on a flat platform connected only to its toe. VB
www.balenciaga.com
Fashion
Dior Maison Presents The Aquarius Collection
Approaching the summer season, Dior Maison has unveiled a new tableware collection dedicated to the fascinating underwater world. Sea creatures of all colors and shapes are hand-embroidered on white linen napkins and painted as frescos on ceramic plates. A golden fish, made of glass, seems to float inside a carafe, while a bigger specimen in luminous shades of blue and green serves as a centerpiece. The Aquarius Collection, as the previous one realized by Pierre Yovanovitch and inspired by places dear to Christian Dior in the south of France, celebrates a special site loved by him. Designed by Art Director Cordelia de Castellane, the new pieces are a poetic reference to the river that flows past the mill at Monsieur Dior's country home in Milly-la-Forêt. A haven of peace where Christian Dior found refuge, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris. VB
www.dior.com
Art
Gerhard Hofland Presents New Work by Johan Tahon, Michael Kirkham and Ralf Kokke
On the occasion of Art Rotterdam 2022, Galerie Gerhard Hofland presents new works by Johan Tahon as well as those of Michael Kirkham and Ralf Kokke. The Belgian artist studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent and went undiscovered for several years until 1995, when Jan Hoet, the then-director of the SMAK, invited him to participate in the museum's new building's opening exhibition. Johan Tahon's works are a tangible and visual representation of his youth; his difficult situation at home forced him to reflect on the fundamental questions of life, bringing him to create masterpieces that border craft and invocation, hunger, and higher-calling. His sculptures combine different materials such as plaster, ceramics, and bronze. Their surface is turbulent, drenched in hand-mixed glazes of celestial blues, ancient whites, and more recently, silvers rendering the work both ethereal and aglow. In addition, fundamental parts of Johan Tahon’s art are collaborations, such as those with Lee Ronaldo of Sonic youth, Belgian Poet Peter Velhelst and Till Lindemann of Rammstein. The art fair will take place at Van Nelle Fabriek in Rotterdam from May 19 to 22. VB
www.artrotterdam.com
www.gerhardhofland.com
Fashion
Dior Men Spring ‘23: “California Couture”
“California Couture” not only refers to Christian Dior’s time spent on the West Coast, and the influence America had on the growth of his business but also to the region’s rise in importance in today’s fashion landscape. This resort collection was presented on an ocean-blue runway with two cresting waves for set pieces. Here, a merging of art and life took place, of art and fashion’s role in the artistic direction of the not-so-everyday silhouettes emerge. Cleverly, the collection captured perfection and subversion, tempered with a sincere appreciation of everything. Guest designer Eli Russell Linnetz, described the collection as “a coming together of chaos and perfectionism”, seen through the everyday sensibility that belies the precision of tailoring and mastery of fabric in the atelier. There is inside-out tailoring in Christian Dior’s classic gray, which is also a nod to Kim Jones’ first collection for the house. Kim Jones discussed that when designing this, “it was both familiar and revelatory; reaffirming why we both dreamed about working in fashion in the first place”. The collection pays homage to both designer's biographies, as well as infusing the Maison’s classic motifs writ larger than life. Repeated throughout is a quilting made from satin and leather on skate sneakers and the unraveling of crystal-encrusted trousers. The Dior Saddle bag is rendered in tinsel as well as molded gold metal with a skater-boy chain handle, and the sunglasses are named after Linnetz’s dog Lucky. GH
www.dior.com
Art
The Mondriaan Fund Presents The Exhibition Prospects During Art Rotterdam
Lovers of contemporary art can once again discover the work of emerging and established artists at Art Rotterdam 2022. This year's exhibition features some unique novelties, from outdoor installations to new projections and the expansion of “Prospects,” the Mondriaan Fund's exhibition. It is the 10th consecutive year that the public fund for visual art and cultural heritage in the Netherlands presents this kind of exhibition showing the work of 88 artists from 19 to 22 May 2022, helping them to kick start their careers thanks to a financial contribution. This time, the exhibition, curated by Johan Gustavsson in collaboration with junior curator Gabija Seiliute, is also on display in the Expedition Building, directly opposite the entrance to Art Rotterdam. Among the work of hundreds of artists from all over the world, the one who particularly stands out is Tarona with her artwork “Pivot.” It is an 11 minutes video that takes a closer look at Black performances in white spaces. Conceived as a contemporary interpretation of the famous "Serpentine Dance" (1899) by the Lumière brothers, the artwork shows a Black performer who resists the expectations of a white audience while dancing expressively in a striking golden dress that almost becomes a character in its own right. The video was made in collaboration with Chanel Vyent, Qianwei Tong, Sam van Eenbergen, Ivan Hidayat, Imane Saksou, Gaea Studio, and de Makeover Factory en Captcha!. VB
www.artrotterdam.com
Fashion
Versace by Fendi, Fendi by Versace
Not just a collaboration, but described by Kim Jones as “a swap, […] done out of friendship”, the output of Donatella Versace, Silvia Venturini Fendi, and Kim Jones is arguably a pinnacle of fashion collaborations. Named Fendace, the collaboration pays homage to the return to the nightclub. This reimagines classic silhouettes from both houses. Featuring the Versace chain mail and a Medusa motif on a nano Fendi baguette bag, as well as slick Fendi dresses that are stitched together with Versace safety pins. The collection takes on a more is more approach, where print and color is loud and emotive, and fun logoism is embraced. Further enhancing the garments are embellishments that gleam across gem-studded accessories and jewelry that combine the two houses' iconic brand codes. A unique moment in fashion, where the Fendi FF logo meets Versace’s Medusa, the collaboration is a clear statement of the collection’s intent to create authentic designs with respect for each fashion house at its core. This collection launched on May 12th through a series of global pop-ups at events that encapsulate the decadence of the Fendace experience. GH
www.versace.com
www.fendi.com
Fashion
BE YOUR CHANGE
Brunello Cucinelli started the #BeYourChange project in order to use its voice to touch on important issues such as hope, courage and the future. By joining forces with various personalities, the house’s message of trust and reflection for the new generations on how change always starts with people, is echoed. For the fifth series of the project, Brunello Cucinelli teams up with Ramla Ali, the first female boxer representing Somalia at the Tokyo Olympics. Her path to success was not predestined, on the contrary Ali had to overcome multiple obstacles, such as fleeing the ongoing civil conflict in her home country. In this edition, Ali talks about her personal story and how boxing has helped her to find a voice, to grow as a person and to stand up to prejudice, fear and insecurity. A successful athlete and activist, Ali now shares the empowering lessons she took from boxing with other women. In 2018, she founded the Ramla Ali Sisters Club, a weekly, free boxing session for women in London aiming to provide a safe space without discrimination. Through the #BeYourChange project, Ramla Ali uses her voice inviting everybody who wants to listen to pursue your dreams with courage. FM
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
Applications open for Cartier Women’s Initiative 2023
Cartier is once again seeking to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs through its Women’s Initiative program. This provides female changemakers with financial, social, and human capital support to grow their business and build their leadership skills. Launched in 2006, Cartier Women’s Initiative has supported 262 female entrepreneurs to support their businesses that are all driven to solve the most pressing global challenges. Since its 15th anniversary on International Women’s Day, the program has been looking for ways to extend opportunities to more entrepreneurs around the world and ensure the program evolves alongside new developments in its global ecosystem. Because of this, for its 2023 edition, the program is expanding with the creation of new Regional and Thematic Awards. The Regional Awards will be expanded to two new regional categories: Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. This is to increase the impact of the program and refine its support to different regions. Three fellows will be selected from each of the nine regions. In addition to the Science and Technology Pioneer award launched in 2021, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award will be created to encourage entrepreneurial solutions designed to close gaps in access, outcome, or opportunities that have been underrepresented or unserved. Based on being around inclusivity, this pilot award is open to all genders, three fellows will be selected for each of these two thematic awards. Impact entrepreneurs across the globe can apply from May 16th, 2022, until June 30th, 2022 for these awards. The top three applicants for each award will be announced in April 2023, and the awardees will be selected by the jury during the Cartier Women’s Initiative awards ceremony in May 2023. The first-place awardee will take home $100,000 in grants, while the second and third places will respectfully receive $60,000 and $30,000. Finally, the 33 awardees will all benefit from tailored mentoring and coaching, media visibility, networking opportunities, and the in-person INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program and Executive Education program. GH
www.cartier.com
www.insead.edu
Fashion
La Grande Dame 2012 x Yayoi Kusama
Today, the destinies of Veuve Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama have converged in an unparalleled collaboration. The Champagne house based in Reims has unveiled the new La Grande Dame 2012 Edition, an artistically decorated magnum bottle supplemented by an exceptional object reminiscent of a flower created by the Japanese artist. Entitled "My Heart that Blooms in the Darkness of the Night," this unique and colorful work of art is a symbol of love and optimism. Yayoi Kusama is one of the most successful contemporary artists, becoming famous for her signature polka dots. A signature pattern that she reworked for this special occasion to symbolize the perlage of the champagne. This collaboration is not the first time they have met. It all started in 2006 when the artist created a portrait of Madame Clicquot covered in red polka dots for a charity auction in Tokyo. But this time, their partnership reaches a new sparkling, daring, and optimistic climax. L'Objet d'Art that wraps La Grande Dame 2012 Magnum, with happiness and vibrancy, celebrates the joie de vivre. In addition, Yayoi Kusama designed La Grande Dame 2012 Limited Edition (0.75l) which will be available from June. While the "My Heart that Blooms in the Darkness of the Night" artwork is available exclusively on request through Moët Hennessy Private Sales. VB
www.veuveclicquot.com
Fashion
So-Hee Han Joins OMEGA
So-Hee Han has joined the OMEGA universe of female talent, which already includes Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, and Kaia Gerber, amongst many other celebrities. The South Korean actress, born in 1994, began her career as a supporting character in several TV series, “Money Flower” (2017) and “100 Days My Prince” (2018), to name a few. Then, she quickly took up leading roles in the JTBC series “The World of the Married” (2020), where she played a villainous yet charming character, and in the Netflix-produced feature “My Name” (2021). In the future, she will also appear in the drama “Gyeongseong Creature.” Today, So-Hee Han, with her charisma and captivating presence, has become a member of OMEGA’s ambassador family, stepping out in front of the camera wearing the most elegant watches. She is a rising star in the world of entertainment, and her talent and acting skills are inspiring, the reason why the Swiss watch manufacturer has chosen her to be the new face of the brand. So-Hee Han embodies many of the qualities and values that OMEGA stands for. VB
www.omega.com
Fashion
The Armani Group Opens The First A|X Armani Exchange Store in Berlin
Following the openings in Milan and Amsterdam, and to strengthen its presence in Europe, A|X Armani Exchange lands in Berlin at Kurfürstendamm 29, one of the most visited streets in the German capital. The new store is set inside a historical building from the 19th century. Here, past and present are merged in a unique architecture characterized by a wide, double-height central window displaying the large, illuminated letters A and X, the brand trademark. Extending over two floors, the A|X Armani Exchange store has been built according to the already existing design of the stores opened in the other European cities. Customers can visit the men's clothing, accessories, eyewear, and watches area on the ground floor, while the women's collection is on the first floor. The interiors are developed by Giorgio Armani in collaboration with his team of architects, in the name of sustainability. The materials involved are removable, reusable, and recyclable, the lighting system uses the latest generation LED technology to minimize waste, and the walls are made in natural oak slats to provide support systems and a minimal style that contrasts with the original structure that has been preserved. In addition, the shopping experience is even more unique thanks to videowalls, Smart Checkout, and POS mobility for smoother payment. VB
www.armaniexchange.com
Fashion
Luxury Essential
Moose Knuckles Canada has unveiled its new Luxury Essential styles from the SS22 Collection. The Canadian brand, known worldwide for crafting resilient garments for the most unforgiving conditions, from the tundra to the city, has designed new pieces exclusively for the summer season, addressing everyone's need to stay and look cool. The Luxury Essentials line presents familiar outerwear and sportswear morphed into more relaxed silhouettes to maximize airflow and minimize restriction to movements. In this way, Moose Knuckles offers a luxurious yet casual attire consisting of coordinated sets and matchable pieces made of french terry 360 sustainable cotton blend. For women, the brand created four different looks that include the Dunes Trucker Jacket, Bayside Hoodie, Malibu Pants, and Sonoma Shorts, while for men, it realized a range of products such as the Wabasso Pullover, Wabasso Jogger, Siesta Key Hoodie, Greyfield Pullover and many others, that express the same irreverent spirit and energy typical of the Canadian brand. VB
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
A Watch For Champions
Hublot, in partnership with UEFA Champions League has created a new, exclusive edition of the Big Bang Unico: a watch made to capture the greatest soccer moments. The Swiss watchmaker started its collaboration with the world's greatest club competition on the occasion of the UEFA EURO in 2008, and since then, it has been part of unforgettable moments. In 2015, the brand was appointed as the official timekeeper and watch brand of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, as well as the official supplier of referees' timepieces. Then, in 2018 Hublot became a partner of the UEFA Europa Conference League, and in 2019 joined the UEFA Women's Champions League. In football competitions, dynamism and time are key factors, and Hublot is the ideal partner for measuring time with extreme precision. This year, to celebrate seven years of collaboration, the Swiss brand has decided to present a new 100-piece limited edition Big Bang Unico made of glass-bead blasted ceramic, wrapped in the iconic UEFA Champions League blue. The new timepiece also features the Hublot Manufacture Unico 2 chronograph movement, a highly complicated, innovative movement that will measure the decisive moments on the pitch. VB
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Dior Fall 2022 in Seoul
Dior and Ewha Womans University in Seoul have joined hands to celebrate youth, education, and hope. Here, the Maison presented its FW22 collection that represented visual poetry, a dialogue between the history of Dior and the ever-changing constellation that is the contemporary world. The transmission of savoir-faire, education, and sisterhood have always been fundamental values at the heart of Dior culture. Thus, these shared values with Ewha Womans University make it the perfect setting for launching the collection surrounding the symbol of a new sisterhood, with the motto L’union fait la force (strength through unity). To add more celebration in Korea, Dior will also be hosting a one-of-a-kind concept store in Seongsu-dong, a former industrial zone that is now one of the trendiest and most innovative neighborhoods in Seoul. Maria Grazia Chiuri became interested in school outfits and, above all, in the way students dust off, revamp, and update the tropes of these garments, personalizing with distinctive details, verging on punk overtones, before venturing through urban landscapes in search of spaces of freedom. The collection is composed of pleated skirts, black and white, kilts; jackets that borrow from men’s wardrobe, rethinking the iconic Bar jacket; men’s long coats and ultra-short skirts; biker shorts matched with white blouses and black ties. Elsewhere, 3D embroidery reveals itself through knitwear, while a fantastic, pixelated zodiac is rendered in the style of a video game. By continuing to uphold its social responsibilities, Dior is also offering a supportive and comprehensive CSR program at Ewha Womans University, providing students with a scholarship, a Women@Dior Internship Program, Retail Management Training Program, and masterclasses from the Maison’s leaders, giving students a platform to express their personality and opinions openly and creatively. This reflects the show's presentation of looks that overall evoke the concepts of involvement, communication, and sharing. GH
www.dior.com
Fashion
Saul Nash Wins International Woolmark Prize 2022
The expert jury of the International Woolmark Prize 2022, including Ben Gorham, Carine Roitfeld, Edward Enninful OBE, Ibrahim Kamara, Naomi Campbell, Pieter Mulier, and many others, has announced Saul Nash as the winner of this year's edition. MMUSOMAXWELL received the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. The 2022 event, in partnership with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, celebrated the art of play: the immersive final exhibition in London was inspired by Isamu Noguchi's sculptural playscapes, offering the possibility to physically and socially interact. The seven finalists, each of which presented a collection that explored textiles, design, and responsible business practices to drive change and innovation for a cleaner, brighter future, had the chance to showcase their creations surrounded by colorful and architectural displays. The winner, London-based designer Saul Nash, crafted a collection using deadstock, recycled membranes, and zero-waste technology to push the boundaries of sustainable design. The whole features a modern use of Merino wool, building a link between active solutions and more formal requirements. VB
www.woolmarkprize.com
Art
düsseldorf photo+ Biennale for Visual and Sonic Media
Over 50 exhibitions and events, participating institutions, galleries, and satellite venues of the Düsseldorf art scene will partake in the second exhibition of düsseldorf photo+ Biennale for Visual and Sonic Media. Taking place on May 13th, the exhibitions will shed light on current themes and challenges in the field of photography and time-based media. Within the exhibitions, not only are there works and installations by numerous national and international artists, but düsseldorf photo+ also invigorates the city’s own established art and photography scene. The main exhibition titled “Think We Must”, curated by Pola Sieverding and Asya Yaghumurian, forms the thematic focal point of the Biennale and will open on May 12th at the Akademie-Galerie. This group exhibition explores how thinking with photographic images can constitute and alter reality, history, and social discourse. Also featured, in the K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, will be the exhibition titled “Shifting Dialogues. Photography from the Walther Collection” with images from Africa and the African diaspora. Angelo Novi will present the symbiotic relationship between film and photography, viewed alongside Astrid Busch at Rupert Pfab. An extensive supporting program consisting of panels, lectures, talks, and workshops and a twelve-part podcast series for its entire duration. The exhibitions will be available from May 13th-June 19th across selected Düsseldorf galleries, fringe spaces, museums, and foundations. GH
www.duesseldorfphotoplus.de
Fashion
Paul Smith and Ahluwalia unite for a capsule collection
Supported by the Paul Smith Foundation, &PaulSmith has launched its inaugural collaboration and mentorship program, with an innovative capsule collection in partnership with the celebrated London-based menswear brand Ahluwalia, founded by Priya Ahluwalia. &PaulSmith tends to offer a fresh and authentic approach when creating partnerships to mentor and nurture the next generation of emerging and untapped talented designers. The 11-piece limited-edition Ahluwalia &PaulSmith collection is spurred by the designer’s shared passion for creativity, innovation, and sustainability. Paul Smith has said that “While our styles may appear different at first glance, we're coming at it from the same place: a real conviction that clothes should be a source of joy”. Distinctive codes and signatures from each designer are combined here, from Paul Smith’s check fabrics and Ahluwalia’s seaming and paneling techniques, creating a rich collage-like effect. Inspiration is drawn from a variety of instances, such as Priya’s personal archive of photographs taken in Nigeria and India, and Paul’s collection of cycling records. With the shared interest of sustainability in mind, the collection utilizes surplus Paul Smith fabrics found in the brand’s archives, as well as sustainable alternatives where new cloths were developed. Premium fabrics and finishes elevate the traditionally relaxed silhouettes and a purposeful meshing together of graphic influences, merging branding from both houses to one incorporated logo dedicated to the project, This collection is available on both brands’ websites, in selected Paul Smith shops, and exclusively at SSENSE. GH
paulsmith.com
ahluwalia.world
Fashion
LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF: The New Silver Lockit Bracelets by Virgil Abloh
Louis Vuitton has launched a new collection of Silver Lockit bracelets designed by Virgil Abloh, carrying forward solid cooperation with UNICEF. This year the Creative Director of the French Maison, who passed away last November, created a collection including bracelets and pendants that recall his first Silver Lockit collaboration but with new colors and materials. The LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF partnership started six years ago to help bring vulnerable children life-saving support in humanitarian situations, assisting the international organization in responding quickly to emergencies or disasters worldwide. Since 2016, to support this initiative, Louis Vuitton has annually presented new versions of the Silver Lockit bracelet to raise money to donate to UNICEF. Given the success of these sales, the brand let Virgil Abloh reinterpret these items with his stylistic signature bringing a breath of fresh air to the collection. The Men’s Artistic Director added a bold chain linked to a thicker cord, a silver padlock, and a Louis Vuitton charm that in the current collection come in natural and black titanium and are combined with neon yellow, rainbow, or black cord bracelets. VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Virgil Abloh and Mercedes-Maybach Create The Ultimate Legacy Car
Mercedes–Maybach and Virgil Abloh have presented the ultimate legacy car. The project MAYBACH, born from the creative cooperation between the luxury car manufacturer and the late polymath artist, architect, creative director, and fashion designer Virgil Abloh, has come to an end, unveiling its last chapter. The new vehicle, which was finalized before Abloh's untimely passing in November, represents the symbiosis between innovative design and ultimate craftsmanship, setting the new boundaries of luxury experiences. The Maybach by Virgil Abloh is a fully equipped Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680, a one-of-a-kind model from exterior to interior, designed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Group AG Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener. The vehicle exterior, presented in a two-tone color scheme developed for Project MAYBACH, features the upper half of the car lacquered in a glossy obsidian black and the lower section, side flanks, and custom forged rims painted in a sand hue. While not to be outdone, is the vehicle's interior crafted with an identical two-tone color scheme and a special Mercedes-Maybach and Virgil Abloh logo inscribed on the center console panel. In addition, the limited-edition S-Class features ultimate cutting-edge technologies such as a bespoke user interface. The result is a car that creates a truly exceptional customer experience, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. The launch of the limited-edition bespoke S-Class coincides with the release of a capsule collection designed by Virgil Abloh and in collaboration with Off-White, which includes sand-colored t-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, and racing gloves refined with a black spray effect. VB
www.mercedes-benz.com
Art
MOLOCH: The New Solo Exhibition by Martin Eder
The artist organization Augsburg Die Ecke e.V. in collaboration with the Kunstsammlungen und Museen Augsburg present MOLOCH, a solo exhibition by Berlin-based artist Martin Eder. Held at H1 – Zentrum für Gegenwartskunst im Glaspalast Augsburg until June 12, 2022, the exhibition will display over 50 works, spanning over a decade of Eder's career. Since the beginning of his career, Martin Eder has always explored the illusory possibilities of painting and their meaning. His art does not want to answer questions but to provoke: the sentimental, the filthy, and the sublime are the core elements of his works that break the generally accepted notions of what fine art should be, undermining conventional hierarchies of images and subjects. Eder’s oil paintings reveal surreal encounters, cute kittens, and cuddly puppies juxtaposed with candid nudes in a combination of beauty and ugliness. The artist explores the uncanny, all that is strange and mysterious in this world. The exhibition, made possible by the support of various German and European art collectors, is paired with the release of a catalog on May 21, 2022, and the presentation of three motifs selected by the artist and produced in a limited edition of 25 pieces. VB
www.martineder.com
www.kunstsammlungen-museen.augsburg.de
Fashion
Alanui x Suicoke SS22
Tropical vibes through the vibrant colors of the Alanui island make us yearn for the summer season. This call has been answered, with the third chapter of the collaboration of Alanui with Japanese footwear brand Suicoke, an embodiment of what we need this season. The perfect blend of Alanui’s signature bandana graphics with the unisex Suicoke Moto Fringed slippers presents us with cool and eye-catching styles, perfect for the sun. The footwear is characterized by the iconic bandana pattern and embellished with multicolor fringes that feature recycled plastic beads. These come in a wide range of exciting colors: ocean turquoise, bright orange, yellow lime, and military green, fitting to the theme. The newest addition to the collaboration is a brand new laced-up sandal. This is an Alanui twist to the Suicoke GUT Sandal, presented in black, military green, and sugar brown. Timeless and emblematic, the silhouette features a chunky rubber sole and tassels, embellished with multicolor recycled plastic beads, seashells, and the iconic Saint Cristopher medal. The collection is available now online at Alanui, right on time for the alluring summer. GH
www.alanui.it
Fashion
Hublot: Art of Fusion
For the first time, Hublot is being represented at the Watches and Wonder fair in Geneva. Proudly presented, are the four novelties that underline the house’s masterful “Art of Fusion”:
The Hublot Big Bang Integral Ceramic is displayed in its integral element. Made integral by the monobloc architecture, with a bracelet integrated into the case, monomaterial made from ceramic, and four new monochrome colorways: blue indigo, sky blue, sand beige, and jungle green. Each model is available with a limited edition of 250 pieces. The piece is equipped with a slimmer design, new architecture, easier assembly, and enhanced legibility and functionality.
The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire is a new frontier for the art of sapphire. This new, powerful, expressive, and precise shade of purple shows the subtle alchemy that has gone into extensive research and development. The complex design made from the disruptive sapphire material reaffirms the brand’s Motto: to be first, unique, and different. What truly separates this watch from the rest is that when wearings its Tourbillon next to the skin, there is a sensation of a completely translucent case that reveals every detail.
Five years of collaboration between Hublot and Orlinski has led to now, where they have unveiled the missing link of the shared collection: a series of watches adorned with a new metallic bracelet using the facets of the French artist’s famous sculptures. Suited to all wrists and all genders, four versions of the watch are cleverly made by fitting the Classic Fusion Orlinski Bracelet with a new integrated metallic bracelet. Like a jeweled piece of art, the architecture is beveled and faceted in titanium and composed of 83 parts.
Inspired by the brand’s iconic Big Bang, Hublot is introducing its own interpretation of the square watch, new geometry for the watchmaker. This adds a new pillar, “The Shaped Collection” to sit alongside the Spirit of the Big Bang. Unlike other brands, Hublot has taken the approach of hiding non of its movement. The chronograph has a column wheel visible at 6 o’clock, while its bicompax display dispenses with a dial, to reveal its secret inner workings. A collector’s edition of this model is also available in all black, limited to a minuscule 250 copies. This is a rare design for those who prefer to take the path less traveled. GH
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Opens in Seoul
The contemporary Italian restaurant Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura has landed in Seoul. The third venue outside Italy, after Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and Gucci Namiki in Ginza is located on the top floor of the Gucci Goak flagship store in the district of Itaewon and has already opened bookings on its website. Mixing creativity, elegance, playfulness, and sensuality with traditional Italian cuisine, Gucci Osteria Seoul offers a unique dining experience that incorporates the diversity and identity of its location. The menu, developed by internationally acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura, Karime Lopez, Davide Cardellini, and Seoul Executive Chef Hyungkyu Jun, is a fusion of Italian and Korean cultures, juxtaposing signature dishes such as Tortellini with Parmigiano Reggiano Cream with new seasonal Korean-inspired creations. The restaurant is ready to welcome its guests and serve lunch, dinner, and Italian aperitivo. The experience is made even more exclusive thanks to the interior design inspired by the original Florence outpost, with references to the Italian Renaissance and the eclectic mix of aesthetics embraced by Gucci. The Gucci Osteria Seoul da Massimo Bottura evokes the atmosphere of a winter garden with a color palette composed of vibrant greens spread from the bar patio doors to the velvet chairs. VB
www.gucciosteria.com
Art
TEFAF Maastricht 2022
After two years of absence due to Covid-19, TEFAF The European Fine Art Foundation will return to Maastricht in June 2022, hosting the next installation of TEFAF Maastricht. Established in 1988, TEFAF Maastricht is known worldwide as the world's premier fair for fine art, antiques, and design. It exhibits modern and contemporary art, photography, jewelry, 20th-century design, and works on paper, along with the traditional categories of Old Master paintings and classical antiquities, covering over 7,000 years of art history. TEFAF Maastricht brings together 275 art dealers from more than 20 countries, checking the quality, authenticity, and condition of the works of art and following rigorous vetting standards to create an atmosphere in which exhibitors can sell and buyers can buy art pieces with confidence. This year TEFAF Maastricht will take place from 24th to 30th of June. Tickets will be available on the TEFAF website. VB
www.tefaf.com
Fashion
Dior Maison Presents The Midi Collection By Pierre Yovanovitch
Dior Maison has presented the MIDI Collection designed by Paris-based interior architect Pierre Yovanovitch: a set of fifteen objects that evokes the meeting point of two stories rooted in the south of France. On the one hand, the story of the Château de la Colle Noire, a property that Christian Dior acquired in the 50s in the village of Montauroux, and on the other hand, the Château de Fabrègues. Like Christian Dior, who often stayed in the Callian plain, Pierre Yovanovitch is a child of the south, born in Nice and attached to its territory. A deep bond that the designer has shown through the collection. Named MIDI, a term for the south of France, the collection is “simple, solid and noble,” in tune with the words of Christian Dior defining his residence at the Colle Noire. Pure and functional, MIDI highlights traditional woodwork techniques, assemblages of local and sustainable materials selected for their beauty and timelessness, and hand-blown glass. This project realized with Pierre Yovanovitch is part of a long tradition of collaborations between Dior Maison and the greatest names in contemporary design. VB
www.dior.com
Fashion
Hogan Enters The Metaverse
Hogan has teamed up with Exclusible and Boson Protocol for the first Metaverse Fashion Week in Decentraland. Exclusible, the fast-growing marketplace for luxury NFTs and Italian luxury House Hogan will debut the brand’s first NFT drop at a special “Hogan-X” afterparty on March 26th. The event will present the first-ever dance competition in the virtual world, with prizes consisting of POAPs, pre-sale NFT spots, and exclusive NFTs, and will be hosted by acclaimed Dj superstar Bob Sinclair. The “Hogan Untraditional NFT Collection” lets Hogan takes a stand from traditional to untraditional, from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. It is an edgy and immersive collection that celebrates the re-edition of the brand’s first-ever sneaker. This item, conceived as a white canvas, is reinterpreted, without any creative limitations, by several artists such as Silvio Rondelli, Yoann De Geetere, Linear, Vincent Ghiotti, and Finn Berenbroek. It is an innovative approach that sets the standard in how the ethos of the Web 3.0 community should be celebrated, cherished, and communicated. After the “Hogan-X” afterparty premiere, the NFTs artists series will be available for sale to the public on April 3rd, 2022, on Exclusible’s website. In addition, a virtual pop-up store in partnership with Boson Protocol, a metaverse marketplace for buying luxury and exclusive physical products as NFTs, will be located in Decentraland. VB
www.hogan.com
Fashion
Hublot Campaign with Kylian Mbappé
Footballer Kylian Mbappé is the new face of Hublot’s latest campaign. He is the perfect fit for the brand based on his shared values with Creative Director Ezra Petronio of having long-standing respect for creativity, work, integrity, and the quest for perfection. Kylian Mbappé is considered one of the world’s best footballers, his sporting intelligence, spirit, and dedication are perfectly captured in the watch collection. He has stated that “I love simplicity and the beauty of lasting things that have a soul”. The brand has discussed that the intensity of his direct gaze and his openness that the internationally-acclaimed photographer chose to focus for the new campaign. Ezra Petronio has said, “what fascinates me about Kylian - apart from his creativity and the perfection of his art - is his passion, his intelligence, and the inner strength that drives him”. This aesthetic is captured well in the campaign images as well as Hublot’s tendencies of consistently being ahead of the curve with a highly visionary future. GH
Fashion
Versace Jeans Couture SS22 Campaign
The Versace Jeans Couture SS22 Campaign reinterprets the coming-of-age story reflecting the new season collection’s mood of youthful experimentation and possibility. Versace Jeans Couture presented for the SS22 season a Women’s collection made of romantic and sensual silhouettes with a contemporary twist: printed jackets paired with matching skorts and skirts, twin sets and slip dresses reimagined with ruffled flounces; and chunky footwear to add a contrasting street edge to soft, pastel, and floral ensembles. While, for men, the Italian brand presented a range of clothing with a sportier attitude influenced by the American culture. The collections convey a young and carefree outlook that has been reinterpreted in a series of images by Finnish photographer Osma Harvilahti for the new Versace Jeans Couture campaign. Through his playful and colorful style, Harvilahti tells an optimistic story of youth, portraying the models full of joy and spontaneity as they fool around and reclaim their suburban environment. The images focus on the intensity, purity, and uncontrolled emotion of young adulthood echoing through the collection’s eruption of clashing prints and color, with looks that feel haphazardly put together reflecting the young cast’s embrace of life in its myriad forms. VB
www.versace.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger: “Make Your Move” Brand Campaign
“For me, fashion has always been about celebrating individuality and self-expression”, says Tommy Hilfiger when describing the brand’s new “Make Your Move” campaign. This features Grammy-winning, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated performer Antony Ramos. The campaign is a vibrant clash of modern prep styles from the Spring 2022 Tommy Hilfiger collection with Anthony’s world of music and pop culture, resulting in a fresh take on iconic pieces. The campaign has been launched online and in select Tommy Hilfiger flagship stores. Storefronts will feature a QR code that activates augmented reality mannequins on Instagram. These will showcase dance moves and encourage fans to take photos with them to share on social channels. Elevating this campaign to a different dimension, a #MoveWithTommy TikTok activation will take place in April. Here, users can give their interpretation of Modern Prep to the “Stand Up” soundtrack by Grammy-nominated American rapper Ludacris. This song will be featured on all video assets with sound throughout the Spring campaign, as well as on dedicated social activations and across the brand’s digital advertising platforms. Hilfiger has described this as the brand “embracing the best of modern technology to bring this message to our fans around the world, and I’m excited to invite them to Make Your Move”. Anthony Ramos showcases modern prep styles in new silhouettes, including the double pleated chino as well as fresh patterns as seen in the mixed striped icon sweater, all with an understated collegiate code. The campaign further features a diverse cast of talents and a select mix of dancers. The Spring 2022 Tommy Hilfiger collection celebrates stylistic self-expression with key pieces in both the men’s and women’s collections. Building on the brand’s mission to waste nothing and welcome all, the collection is made using more sustainable methods and materials, and is now available online and in Tommy Hilfiger stores worldwide. GH
www.tommy.com
Fashion
The Next Era
The Dior FW22 Collection is suspended between present and future, beating to the rhythm of simultaneity and synchronicity, in tune with the times. Surrounded by a gallery of paintings created by Italian artist Mariella Bettineschi, the show has brought on stage Maria Grazia Chiuri’s concept of (re)constructing a performative relationship between the body and the garment in a succession of operations associating forms, savoir-faire, materials, and futuristic technologies. Titled “The Next Era,” this art installation is composed of large-scale portraits of women from the history of painting from the 16th to the 19th Century, that with their cut-up, stacked eyes question the judgment that has conditioned women past and present. Dior’s Creative Director has presented a hybrid collection that opens up unsuspected creativity through the use of embroidery, which adorns technical knitwear, waterproof materials, nylon, and cashmere. In addition, Maria Grazia Chiuri revisited heritage to conceive the lines of tomorrow, reinterpreting the iconic Bar jacket. The original structure has turned into a system that manages the body humidity and warms it up using novel techniques created in the D-Air lab laboratories, while a bodysuit keeps the temperature constant. VB
www.dior.com
Fashion
Exclusives by G-Star RAW: Innovative designs meet elevated constructions
Exclusives by G-Star RAW encapsulates the limitless creativity of the brand. Inspired by the Dakar Rally, the designs are expressed without restraint whilst employing the G-Star DNA in its purest, most extrovert form. Rising Berlin-based talent, Langston Uibel is featured in the recent campaign shoot for the brand. Features within the garments mimic those of the hard-wearing “Enduro” equipment, developed solely for the demanding racing environment. Bold and complex, the garments each include surprising elements such as reversible features and unusual silhouettes, coinciding with an ease of wearability. The palette is inspired by desert tones, ready for the Spring season. Another inspiration from the collection is drawn from Japanese workwear, which originates from the Japanese military uniform. The design team experimented with denim-focused garments to create elevated and refined styles with a considered, conceptual twist. Aspects taken from these uncompromising and unique garments include a wider leg with an abruptly narrower fit at the calf. Superior construction techniques, premium fabrics, and hybrid design features aim to encapsulate the stories behind each piece in the collection. Each piece with slight inspiration from the G-star RAW archive, the collection consists of a high fashion trench coat, a 72H lifesuit, washed leather jacket, lifevest shirt, bomber jacket, and cropped jeans. The Exclusives by G-Star RAW became available in selected stores and online from February 17th, 2022. GH
www.g-star.com
Fashion
LOEWE x On
LOEWE has announced a collaboration with performance brand On with a limited-edition capsule collection of shoes and apparel designed for modern adventure. The designs reimagine long-established craft skills, combining a focus on sustainability with an emphasis on applying the handmade to technical pieces. In the collection are LOEWE editions of On’s iconic Cloudventure and Cloudrock performance shoes for both men and women. This outdoor footwear is available in five colorways with six ready to wear pieces for women, and seven for men, each built with a unique blend of performance properties and key On features - weather adaptable Running Pants, a moisture-wicking Waterproof Anorak, temperature regulating Performance-T t-shirts, and a unisex customizable insulation three-layer Parka. Each of the ready-to-wear pieces is available in two colorways for each gender: an organic palette of khaki, blue, and orange that takes inspiration from nature, applied, applied in gradient effects that suggest prolonged exposure to the elements en plein air. Alongside the Japanese sashiko-inspired needlework print that resembles a starry night, these effects are the result of a meticulous technical process to craft the perfect color and pattern. The finishing process is carried out by hand, ensuring that the printed gradients match across all components of each item. Similarly, the marble effect soles are processed individually and manually, making each shoe unique. There is extensive use of recycled polyester for production to be responsible. The collection launched on March 9th online and in selected LOEWE stores on March 10th. GH
www.loewe.com
www.on-running.com
Fashion
Valentino Pink PP
Creative Director for Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli has conceived the brand’s new collection following the experimental urge of a radical gesture. The entire collection is based around a single hue of vibrant pink, this maximizes the expressive possibilities in what would originally seem like a lack of possibilities. The distinctive shade by Piccioli is being collaborated with Pantone Color Institute to create a unique identity that is individual and unrepeatable in itself. A variety of bodies, attitudes, and physicalities are enhanced by the monochromatic palette, bringing the vision to life. The accumulation of pink elements is produced with the aim of eliminating the visual shock to bring out the unique character of the individuals. The signs that shape the figures into a silhouette, the textures give the garments consistency, and the decorations are part of the construction. Large volumes are sculpted on the body by geometric tucks that highlight the gesture of tightening, sensual s-shaped lines, very short hemlines, and cinched waists. Also featured throughout, are bows, ruffles, petals, lace, and embroideries. The shoes throughout, stand on massive platforms in the same shade of pink. The pink-out is an experimental yet deeply human gesture that enhances individuality, capturing values and feelings. GH
www.valentino.com
Fashion
032C WORKSHOP X SNIPES
SNIPES and 032c WORKSHOP just launched their exclusive capsule collection titled BREAKING BARRIERS. With it, both brands showcase their distinct take on streetwear, and influential creators and VIPs from the realms of fashion, street style, and arts flocked to 032c WORKSHOP’s pop-up shop in Berlin for a sneak peek. TJ TurnUp, rappers Ufo361, and ASAP Nast, as well as celebrity stylist Bloody Osiris, were among the illustrious crowd. In 2016, 032c WORKSHOP started out as the merchandise extension of the eponymous Berlin-based magazine and has since gained a cult following in its own right, with drops generally being sold out in a heartbeat. And this unisex streetwear collection goes to show how perfectly their creative approach vibes with SNIPES. Having been started in 1998 in Germany, SNIPES has since evolved into a true household name in the realms of streetwear and sneakers having expanded widely into different European markets and the United States. Together, they have also added graffiti icon MODE2 to the roster, who contributed graphic elements to the designs. The result of the creative hive mind? An intersection of high fashion and authentic style influences directly from the streets. BREAKING BARRIERS features understated, contemporary streetwear essentials from accessories such as laces, socks, and bags to track pants, shirts, and jackets with impeccable details. The muted color palette of greys and black with some pops of bright green provides the perfect canvas for logo prints and MODE2’s intricate artworks.
032c WORKSHOP x SNIPES limited BREAKING BARRIERS collection will drop on March 5, 2022, in 8 select SNIPES stores across Europe and online.
www.snipes.com
Fashion
Marni's Objects of Affection
For the FW22 Season, Marni presented a collection about courage, time, and feelings condensed into objects of affection that are kept, cherished, and mended. These objects are like an identity card for the show protagonists: talismans to which their courage is attached. Marni, the Italian luxury fashion house with a history of humanist values combined with an experimental approach to materials and colors, is a state of mind, a playful spirit more than a brand. It is an expression of quirky elegance with an avant-garde attitude that holds a constant dialogue with the world of art. With the FW22 collection, Marni wanted to tell a story where objects were part of the plot. Objects inspired by tradition, mended objects, objects that seemed stolen from a museum, all jumbled together. While models shared the same wardrobe, each one of them was wearing clothes in their way and mixing them with their items of affection. They walked down the runway in big coats, shredded dresses and trousers, shrunken jackets, and outsized jumpers with sleeves dangling to the floor. To complete the collection, sartorial suits completely handmade by Attolini captured the emotion of tradition in the touch of the hand, defying mechanical reproduction. Old things become new, assembled with courage and affection. VB
www.marni.com
Fashion
Walk of Fame
Missoni, the brand that stands for zigzags, presented its FW22 Collection during Milan Fashion Week: a unique show that portrayed an array of celebrities walking down the runway. Founded in 1953, the Italian brand is a synonym of impeccable knitwear, refined tones, and meticulous details that, for this season, are reinvented through clothes with imperfections and cuts, adding a patina of fondness as if telling a long story. The FW22 Collection pays homage to the inner strength that pushes someone out of their comfort zone. It features feminine and masculine shapes combined, while light, bright, opaque, soft, metallic, and shiny materials complete the whole. An unexpected lifestyle enters the wardrobe given by a unique mash-up. This new lifestyle is, then, interpreted by different women and bodies. Missoni wanted to represent a strong and sweet woman, assertive and private, alternating between melodic and rock in the rhythm of a heartbeat. Celebrities such as model and actress Elisa Sednaoui, wearing a zebra motif maxi cape and a cream utility leather jumpsuit, appeared on the catwalk. But also Italian actress Greta Ferro, with a black and white geometric pattern knit with ultra baggy alpaca work pants, American actress and producer Marsai Martin, and French surfer Victoria Vergara took part at the fashion show. Not to mention top model Eva Herzigova, who wore a multicolor skin-tight knitted dress with a metallic coating. In addition, leading names of the Italian and international scene appeared on Missoni’s guest list. Mia Regan, Maria Sole Pollio, Veronica Yoko, and Lorenzo Viotti, among many others, attended the FW22 Show. VB
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Blooms With Furla
During Milan Fashion Week, Furla launched the Bloom Bag, a new item that marks an important step towards a greener future. With a long craftsmanship tradition linked to a stylish design, Furla is a one-of-a-kind brand that has always preserved its traditional roots while keeping up with the times. In fact, for this season, the Italian House, according to current trends and to do a step towards the environment, decided to embrace new sustainable materials and technologies. Furla presented The Bloom Bag 1927 crafted with a unique paper whose main component is FSC® certified wood pulp. The result is a product made of organic substances, biodegradable under controlled composting conditions, and free of petroleum-derived elements. The Bloom Bag is a revolutionary accessory that recalls the ancient Japanese art of folding paper. It is flexible, supple, and light, just like an origami flower, and it expresses the beauty of craftsmanship and Italian style. Complex in its simplicity, beautiful and functional, the handbag becomes a precious product celebrating change, joy, and blooms. VB
www.furla.com
Fashion
Loro Piana Modern Icons: Seaside Walk and Summer Walk
For SS22, luxury Italian house Loro Piana has relaunched its iconic footwear in the modern evolution of classic espadrilles: Summer Walk and Seaside Walk. The shoes are designed for summers spent outdoors, sailing, at the seaside, or in town. They have a sporty, casual spirit while also excluding the natural sophistication that has always been synonymous with the brand. Summer Walk was inspired by the classic boat shoe, but over the years has become an emblem of a comfortable, dynamic, and versatile wardrobe. There is a space on the heel for engraving the wearer’s name, a practice originated for sailing enthusiasts to recognize the pair. The shoe has technical elements exclusive to the brand for better stability and traction, such as hand-stitched seams with the waxed thread of shoemaking tradition, and Loro Piana’s signature white sole. The Seaside Walk espadrille is perfect in its simplicity. Available in soft, lined suede or Wish® wool knit, it is made with superior materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and the innate class that makes the house so unique. Both the Summer Walk and Seaside Walk are available in an array of neutral and bright tones, perfect for the summer wardrobe. GH
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Lacoste SS22
Lacoste continues to be a pillar of French sportswear, with its SS22 campaign celebrating a modern shift towards the perception of classic sports references. The collection features new variations of the brand’s signature patchwork tennis shirt in their classic shades of green, dark blue, taupe, black, and optically white. This is reworked on knitwear, where close-fitting, striped rib dresses and matching ensembles are a new variation. The classic Lacoste polo is reimagined on a printed mesh. On top of this, there is a new color selection that emphasizes warm, bright tones such as scarlet, emerald, burgundy orange, and neon yellow. Breathable and ventilating clothing features logo mesh decals and ventilating inserts in cycling jerseys, track shorts, and basketball jerseys, while ergonomic perforations have been manually laser cut in neoprene baseball jackets. Soft parachute fabrics and glossy finishes accentuate the playful transparency along with the outerwear featuring rubber-embossed brand logos zip-and-drawstring anoraks that evoke the feeling of being indispensable and lusting after speed. Trendy accessories perfectly embellish the look, ranging from molded leaf slippers and Jacquard weaved knee socks to tinted sunglasses with neoprene cords, bottle holders, and cross-body messenger bags with buckles. The collection is a true reflection of Louise Trotter’s fascinations within the codes and culture surrounding sports, merging sportswear and everyday outfits closer together, these blur the lines between sports clichés and streetwear. GH
www.lacoste.com
Fashion
MiuMiu Workout
MiuMiu has introduced a capsule collection of sports accessories to facilitate a search for inner balance and outer strength. Born from the independent and unconventional spirit of Miuccia Prada, MiuMiu illustrates the most rebellious and seductive core of contemporary femininity. It is a youthful and playful brand that, this year, decided to embrace women’s sporting spirit launching a line of yoga mats and bricks, drawstring gym pouches, boxing gloves, and water bottles. Each item is adorned with the instantly recognizable MiuMiu logo and made functional thanks to adjustable webbed straps for cross-body or over-the-shoulder carrying. While the color palette of soft pink and classic black combined with white stripe detailing revokes MiuMiu’s naïf energy and iridescent subversion. The capsule collection is an emblem of empowered femininity and belonging to a community of like-minded, free-spirited souls. MiuMiu Workout is already available at selected Miu Miu stores worldwide and on the brand’s website. VB
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Dior SS22
Maison Dior have launched their SS22 campaign, inspired by the colorful questioning of the role of play in our lives, it is the perfect shift towards spring that we need. The technicolor versatility within the collection is an ode to the work of Anna Paparatti, designed by the house’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Set against a monochromatic zebra crossing-esque background, playfully infiltrated with bursts of color, the campaign’s color-block aesthetic is able to capture the eye with ease. Photographer Brigitte Niedermair brings the campaign to life in the same hyperkinetic chromatic spirit. In the collection, models are draped in cubic silhouettes and 3D embroidered cuts similar to the ready-to-wear collection shown in Paris in 2021. The campaign also revisits some of the brand’s celebrated accessories, including the miniature Lady Dior Bag and the classic MissDior sunglasses that complete these magnetic silhouettes with their 50s allure. The energising campaign video is illuminated by a flash of lazers in the same block color palette of the garments. The joyous undertones of the campaign makes Dior stand out yet again, continue to revolutionize the women’s fashion industry. GH
www.dior.com
Fashion
Armand Basi - Project 01: No Gender Tailoring
Armand Basi has been relaunched their eponymous label under the creative direction of Eva Basi, granddaughter of brand's founder. Armand Basi was one of the benchmarks of 80s Spanish designer fashion, parading on international catwalks with its first store in London. The revamp named “Project 01: No Gender Tailoring” has been designed by Joan Ros, a designer specialising in tailoring. Ros’ imaginary is shaped by his family origins, the countryside of tailoring, as well as the British aesthetic. The collection turns the concept of traditional tailoring on its head with British youth counter-culture styles as inspiration, eradicating gender and season. The rebellious tone throughout the collection is based on the diplomatic line representing tradition in clothing, but applied to the garments that come from counter culture. The collection features various visual games, such as silky-looking cottons, tailoring with zip-fastenings, and knitwear that looks destroyed but with an exquisite technique. Accessories with the capsule collection also presents us with somewhat an illusion; from a distance they seem to have come from an alternative setting, but close up we can see that they’re watch chains. The collection also advocates up-cycling, as most of the fabrics have been recovered from the surpluses of fashion companies.GH
www.armandbasi.com
Fashion
A Lock To Celebrate Love
DoDo celebrates San Valentine’s Day 2022 by launching a new bracelet and necklace embellished with a lock, a universal symbol representing any kind of attachment and bond. Known to offer high-end jewelry to a broader unisex audience combining playful aesthetics and expressing a personal message, DoDo, for this special occasion, decided to celebrate love in all its forms creating a new charm in the shape of a lock. It is a commonly used object that throughout its history has always been loaded with meanings that have transformed it into a powerful motif without labels. The new DoDo Lock, available in rose silver or silver, has been redesigned with soft volumes and rounded shapes by skilled master craftsmen. The result is a unique jewel with an enameled keyhole on the front, vertical engravings, and a screw-shaped decoration on the base, an appropriate gift for every type of relationship.
www.dodo.it
Fashion
Cole Sprouse x Versace 2022
Versace have launched their new 2022 capsule collection, with Cole Sprouse taking centre stage as the perfect embodiment of the Versace name, branded as the epitome of eloquent, expressive masculinity. Captured by internationally renowned photographer Steven Klein, the campaign imagery was taken through a hand-held camera to fully capture Sprouse’s movement, charisma, and innate star power. Featured in the collection are the VE2242 Medusa Focus sunglasses. The perfect symbol of Versace’s bold, striking aesthetic, the metal navigator frames feature multiple of the house’s iconic features, including the Greek Key and brand logo at the temples. The model is available with light grey lenses and a black mirror effect, completed with a small, embossed Medusa on the frame, a staple to the brand. Another feature are the VE2243 Medusa Mesmerize, glamorous sunglasses with a futuristic look, featuring a wrap-around metal mask frame and clip-on details along the profile of the lenses, adding a magnetic vibe to the model presented. Completing the collection with a more sophisticated profile, are the VE1279 Medusa Dream. This optical model epitomizes the urban chic cosmopolitan spirit. Repeated throughout the collection is the Versace logo engraved on the temples for a luxurious finish and contemporary appeal.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Push Your Limits
For 2022 The North Face presented the latest generation of the NSE collection. With iconic graphics, eye-catching colors, and wearable pieces, the brand created timeless garments designed to push the limits in any environment. The NSE line celebrates individuality with a fresh and culturally influenced design, combining the mountain roots of the brand with an urban style that stands out in both women's and men's collections. Realized in bold colors, both of them feature iconic pieces such as the Safety Green Phlego DryVent Jacket, the Polar Fleece, and the Graphic Tee for the male wardrobe, and The Phlego Synth Jacket in Brilliant Coral for women. This piece is the highlight of the NSE collection. A line that stays true to The North Face’s DNA, inspiring individuals to strive for something more, to wonder why, to be themselves, and to go their own way. The NSE collection will be available from February 8th, 2022 on the brand website and in selected The North Face stores.
www.thenorthface.nl
Fashion
Marsèll’s Uniform
Marsèll SS22 Collection renovates an iconic shoe design with a new ultra-light sole, while also launching a partnership with GRASSI 10000, a workwear brand that explores the concept of modern uniforms. For this season, Marsèll, an artisan business devoted to the study and exploration of forms, has chosen to transform the iconic style and trademark of the brand, the Gommello, into a shoe of extraordinary lightness thanks to new research on the rubber soles. Entitled Gommellone, this modern take comes in Chelsea and Derby styles and over ten different colors. The Gommellone then became the protagonist of the collaboration between Marsèll and Grassi 10000. The company restyled it with a made-in-Italy uniform consisting of a jacket, pants, coat, and Bermuda made of peached cotton in blue or green. The garments, shot by photographer Jonathan Frantini, are an extension of the workwear concept: essential lines and high-quality materials that give rise to a new formal urban style that fits into any daily environment.
www.marsell.it
Fashion
Gregoris Pyrpylis is the Creative Director for Hermès Beauty
Greek make-up artist Gregoris Pyrpylis has been appointed as the new creative director for Hermès Beauty. He is described by Agnès de Villers, President of Hermès Parfum & Beauté, as “an expert in colors, textures, and gestures that express and elevate beauty”. The make-up artist has embraced the aims of Hermès that “seek to provide its community with an experience, a journey, during which each personality can be expressed, each form of beauty revealed”. The Hermès Beauty métier launched in March 2020, starting with Rouge Hermès lipsticks, and has since been expanded with Rose Hermès blush line and Les Maines Hermès nail varnishes. Pyrpylis will be the driving force for the development of these collections. Pyrpylis has announced “it is a great joy to be able to create, spread, and share this common vision of beauty as creative director for Hermès Beauty”.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Valentino Anatomy of Couture
The Haute Couture SS22 Collection by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli has been imaged as a quest for beauty that welcomes all of its manifestations, ending in a performance that transcends age, background, and shape. Haute Couture has always been a chase for perfection expressed through the body of the house model, on which everything is conceived and built. As the body of women and their beauty canons are changing over time, Pierpaolo Piccioli felt the urgency to adapt, to rethink the rituals and processes behind couture. The Valentino Anatomy of Couture collection has therefore not been imagined on an idealized body, but on a variety of women of different physiques and ages, a true reflection of the richness and diversity of the contemporary world promoting an idea of beauty that is not absolute, but embraces a more democratic spirit . The collection was built as a composite harmony of physical types and clothes that dress them. Studied through a long process, both scientific and poetic in a dialogue between who thinks the clothes, who makes them, and who wears them. The silhouettes follow the body or detach from it, while nudity glimmers from extremely short hems, peeping from deep necklines that reveal the torso.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
HUGO BOSS: New Start
HUGO BOSS launched two simultaneous star-studded global campaigns for its brands BOSS and HUGO. This release is the first visual representation of a true 360-degree rebrand. Both BOSS and HUGO now with a new, modern brand identity are focussing on a younger and global audience and a more playful and casual aesthetic. With the branding refresh, HUGO BOSS aims to become a top 100 worldwide brand without losing its original codes of dressing excellence. The new era of HUGO BOSS starts with the release of the BOSS #BEYOUROWNBOSS campaign, their first social campaign, shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Mikael Jannson. The campaign features an all-star cast, from Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber to international TikToker Khaby Lame with whom the brand established a strategic partnership. The launch will be then followed by an impressive digital activation of 200 talents that will post their personal BOSS stories on different social media channels as a concrete means to connect with a new audience. While BOSS is launching #BEYOUROWNBOSS, HUGO is launching the #HOWDOYOUHUGO campaign, activated across different channels. The campaign is covering various artistic fields and features an international cast of celebrities, most notably top model Adut Akech, rapper Big Matthew, SAINt JHN and American dancer Maddie Ziegler, who are act as the faces of the campaign.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
CHANEL Haute Couture SS22
For the Chanel SS22 Haute Couture Show, Creative Director Virginie Viard has invited French contemporary artist Xavier Veilhan to realize the set design of the show. It is the first time that Chanel entrusted a contemporary artist to imagine the staging of the show. Part landscape, part garden, and part open theatre stage, the project combines key topics close to both parties: from the equestrian paths to the principle of lightness and constructivist motifs. The show was opened by Chanel Ambassador Charlotte Casiraghi on horseback, dressed in a black tweed jacket with jeweled buttons, setting the tone for a collection in between the realms of fantasy and reality. The Chanel SS22 Collection expresses an ethereal lightness made of bright and joyful silhouettes set in sharp contrast to the geometric decor. Ethereal dresses float as if suspended while embroidered patterns such as constructivist camellias in black, white, and coral beads pay homage to Gabrielle Chanel in a conversation that crosses time. In addition, Chanel also released a series of short films that feature two personalities close to the French House: musician Sébastien Tellier, who can be seen in one of the graphic compositions, and Charlotte Casiraghi.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto FW22
Going back to the roots, Yohji Yamamoto’s FW22 fashion show took place in his Aoyoma flagship store in Tokyo rather than Paris due to COVID. Five well-known Japanese actors were included in the cast, which emphasized the local character of the show. The collection draws inspiration from Japanese calligraphy and artworks of the Polish painter Zdzislaw Beksinski, known for his distinct version of dystopian surrealism. Much of the collection was inspired by 19th-century menswear. Exposed seams with hanging threads meet tied ascots and waistcoats, resembling the work clothing of a chimney sweep. Yamamoto’s continued fascination for the cult of punk becomes visible in patches of leopards prints on black suits and coats. Romanticizing the image of Edward Scissorhands, the model’s powdered hair signified both ashes and age. Yamamoto’s FW22 collection brings innovation and consistency together. Setting an example of strength and integrity he provides a body of work that draws on wisdom, creativity and rebellion.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Dior Men's FW22
Artistic Director Kim Jones says about the inspiration behind the Dior FW22 menswear collection: “I wanted to look at the archive, at the purity of the beginnings of the house, at its original impulse. We looked at the initial collections and focused on the architecture, taking these elements and transforming them almost instinctively in a masculine way for today, always keeping the joie de vivre at the heart of Christian Dior’s clothing.” Presented in Paris on the Pont Alexandre III, the silhouettes emerge in motion reflecting the colors of the sky and the passage of time during the show for Paris Fashion Week. The looks reflect the movement of time and the continuum of designers who unify the past, present, and future of the House’s legacy. This season is an homage to heritage, a living history paving the way for the future. Fluctuating between masculinity and femininity, the garments blend gender-boundaries in a contemporary manner. During the show, the scent of lily of the valley fills the air, symbolically fusing nature and culture, a connection dear to Dior. For the 75th anniversary of the House, Kim Jones engages in the ultimate conversation and association with Christian Dior himself. Two men’s paths collide, forming a new legacy for Dior.
www.dior.com
Fashion
LOUIS VUITTON FW22 MEN’S COLLECTION BY VIRGIL ABLOH
Virgil Abloh was known to use fashion as a tool for definition and redefinition and to understand the world. For FW22, Louis Vuitton presents Collection 8: In the Grand Scheme of Things by Virgil Abloh. Supported by his seasonal vocabulary – “a liberal definition of terms and explanation of ideas” – the visionary’s eighth collection is rooted in the desire to challenge conventional ways of seeing. The collection’s premise lies in using fashion to decode the biases inherent in human appearance. Abloh’s goal was to change the way we look at each other and treat each other. Virgil Abloh’s creations are deeply rooted in imagination – the everlasting driver of his life's work. It’s what brought him to Louis Vuitton and what leads his legacy at the Maison. The recently deceased Men’s Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton embedded his view of fashion as a social, political and cultural signifier and mediator of change for FW22 like never before. Driven by this conviction, the Louis Dreamhouse™ created by Virgil Abloh serves to convey the themes and messages of the arc he created at Louis Vuitton. It’s an octology that plays out in the tradition of the hero’s journey: the age-old story of the underdog, who is tried and tested and becomes a sensation in the eyes of his spectators.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Paul Smith FW22
Paul Smith delves into the rich world of arthouse cinema for the Men's FW22 collection, highlighting the unique aesthetic techniques of the greatest filmmakers. With intricate textures, a cinematic color palette and otherworldly photographic prints, the collection culminates in a confident new look for the season. Inspirations for the color palettes from sepia and monochromatic films of the 1930s to the 1960s, to the rise of technicolour and the emergence of striking new cinematic techniques. Including icy neutrals, vibrant greens, blues and reds, the collection features a multi-faceted color adventure. Photo prints, a longtime Paul Smith signature, are intriguingly vibrant with an otherworldly quality reminiscent of vintage movie posters and old cinema interiors. The intoxicating Starlet print, inspired by studio headshots of screen stars during Hollywood's golden age, is rendered in three distinct tones meant to reflect the evolution of cinematic styles.
www.paulsmith.com
Fashion
DoDo celebrates the Chinese New Year
Introducing a new tiger pendant design, DoDo celebrates the Chinese New Year 2022. The jewellery piece is a precious miniature tiger that represents the fourth pendant of the Chinese zodiac. DoDo joins the celebrations of the festival with a fine jewellery addition, dedicating the design to another year under the sun in honor of the strong sign of the tiger. The wild cat embodies a powerful, courageous and unpredictable spirit. It loves challenges and adventures, lives to the fullest and evokes strong emotional connotations. Made of 18K gold, the DoDo tiger pendant has a fur to stroke with red lacquer-enamel stripes. The leitmotif of the special collection stands for luck, wealth and love. The artisans of DoDo have created the cat of prey delicately and added a charm that becomes a stylish touch to the emblematic look.
www.dodo.it
Fashion
CHANEL x 2022 César Revelations
For the fifth consecutive year, CHANEL is the Official Partner of the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma for the César Revelations project. This partnership is an opportunity for the House to support the young talents of today and tomorrow, while reaffirming its commitment to creation. It features thirty-two young actors designated by the Revelations, who are set to assist the members of the Academy in the voting process of the categories of Best Emerging Actress and Best Emerging Actor at the next César ceremony, which will take place on Friday 25 February 2022. This year, the César Revelations are brought together in a short film directed by the duo Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai, whose film “LOURDES” was nominated in 2020 for the César Award for Best Documentary Film. Parigot and Zbeida Belhajamor as well as actresses Ludivine Sagnier, Irène Jacob and Mélanie Thierry who are featured in the film were dressed and styled by CHANEL.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Prada FW22: Body of Work
The Prada FW22 Menswear Show at Milan Fashion Week examined the concept of work as a state of reality and an essential component of life in the twenty-first century. Reality disrupts the idyllic fantasy of the aesthetic of the show by utilizing theater and cinema as mirrors of truth. For this season’s breathtaking show by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the Deposito of the Fondazione Prada is reimagined by AMO as a stage for action, a representation of a heightened actuality. The cast of actors includes ten renowned actors: Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Asa Butterfield, Jeff Goldblum, Damson Idris, Kyle MacLachlan, Tom Mercier, Jaden Michael, Louis Partridge, Ashton Sanders, and Filippo Scotti. Recognized personas, which add a sense of reality. The show is an artistic attempt to valorize daily life by weaving elegance and sophistication into its patterns. An interplay that gives the uniform – conventionally associated with work-life – a new meaning, emphasizing the societal value and multi-faceted nature of work. Pragmatic clothing receives a reinvented dignity, creating uniforms of reality, rematerialized in precious leather and silk tech as a mark of respect and value. Pragmatism and elegance collide in the language of sartorial tailoring, a formality that conveys importance.
www.prada.com
Fashion
J.W. Anderson Menswear FW22
Fascinated by the endless possibilities of experiencing masculinity, the J.W. Anderson FW22 menswear show at Milan Fashion Week impresses through its enthusiasm for exploration. Anderson is deeply inspired by the transformative nature of garments and the discovery of their meaning in current times. Playing with the role that sounds play in the hyper-stimulating online media environment, Anderson created menswear tunics with rubber bands and sweaters featuring tube-shaped extensions along the hem, designed to generate a sound through movement. The designer intended to make a reference to the current ASMR and TikTok culture, in which sounds are at the core of expression. Anderson: “A lot of the materials have these odd sounds qualities that are kind of almost sexual… there’s a kind of tension.” A tension that paves the way for creative opportunity filtered through the label’s sense of luxury and beauty.
www.jwanderson.com
Fashion
Brioni FW22: The Allegory of Air
Ever in pursuit of its core purpose, the creation of clothing defined by its timeless beauty and comfort, the Italian house of Brioni has understood that the customer and their demands are changing and realized a need to reflect on the wider world around. A comfortable piece of clothing needs to adapt to a variety of different situations while offering the wearer a maximum amount of comfort, two previously strictly divided menswear universes come together - the formal and the casual. Norbert Strumpf, Brioni Design Director, explores this common ground applying progressive design to artisanal know-how, creating pieces of unmatched lightness conveying unparalleled ease and pleasure for a modern, dynamic wearer. To create substance, despite the minimal weight, textures become paramount. The vision, articulated through unmatched materials and fabrics such as Prince of Wales cashmere and ultrafine 180 wool, stresses the clothes luxurious feel and Brioni’s material expertise. Tailoring is hybridized, suiting is deconstructed, resulting in the workwear suit, an ultralight herringbone field jacket paired with matching trousers and the jogging suit, pairing a half-button rugby shirt and trousers. Our notion of sophistication is changing and our clothing needs to adapt. With this in mind, Brioni seeks to create menswear that empowers its wearer with timeless urban elegance while enjoying ease and comfort. For the first time in its history, the Italian house is expanding its vision to the realm of womenswear, presenting a capsule collection of six looks of pieces developed from the menswear and cut for the female form.
www.brioni.com
Fashion
Zegna FW22: Looking at the world through the Zegna lens
Zegna and their Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori have spent the last few seasons searching for the modern man by asking the very important question “What makes a man?” The modern man is complex, influenced by a myriad of factors and if one thing has become clear, he has outgrown the classic suit, an evolution that has become more and more apparent since 2008. With the FW22 collection, Alessandro Sartori updates the classic suit for a modern man, with this collection representing a bold and fresh new start without the categorical imperatives which have dictated menswear for so long. The collection itself is a perfect example of a new way of tailoring, its traditional codes updated and combined with elements of sportswear, utilitarian and streetwear, as well as new construction techniques utilizing new materials. Highlights of the collection were the deformalized jackets achieving a sharp silhouette without the need for padding, as well as a gabardine jacket featuring one of the most interesting and unusual notch lapel construction whilst also relinquishing the buttons at the split cuff. Overall, the collection was a perfect representation of this modern man, uncategorizable in regards to outdated standards, but an organic coming together of many influences all coming together as one.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
La Rose Dior
Victoire de Castellane was inspired by the different facets of the rose - Monsieur Dior's favorite flower - in La Rose Dior jewellery collection which launched in January 2022. The new Rose Dior Couture collection follows other emblematic collections such as Bois de Rose, Rose Dior Bagatelle or Rose Dior Pré Catalan, completing the universe dedicated to the unique flower. An expression of elegance, which lives on and never fails to impress. “Fortunately, there are flowers,” Monsieur Dior confided in his memoirs, which implies his deep belief in the sensual power and aesthetic of flowers. His fascination for the rose is foregrounded in the new La Rose Dior collection and reiterates his passion for the eternal source of inspiration. Artistic Director of Dior Joaillerie once again adds to the precious garden of collections he has cultivated in the name of the rose and creates a pluralistic story reflecting multi-faceted femininity.
Fashion
Hermès Rouge - SS22 Limited Edition
The new SS22 edition of Rouge Hermès comes across like a bouquet of light. Three shades inspired by an artist’s garden celebrate the harmony between the sky, sun the shimmer of reflecting water on an early spring morning. The trio of color vibrations depict a fresh, magical vibrancy, and a graphic fantasy modelled by light and inspired by vivid flowers. The colors of the tubes, designed by Pierre Hardy, creator of Hermès Beauty objects and creative director of Hermès shoes and jewellery, conclude the lipsticks and make them intriguing objects of desire. A palette that is vibrant, yet harmonic combines the neon radiance of orange, bright green, and red with the more subtle shades of an azure sky, a mirror of water, and a passing mist. The bright bands seem to be reflected in the softer colors, bringing the sense of rediscovered joy and playfulness to an elevated level. The sensory experience is advanced with a signature scent by Christine Nagel, director of creation and olfactory heritage at Hermès, who created a blend of arnica, sandalwood, and candied angelica.
Fashion
In the Mood for Prada
The Prada womenswear SS22 campaign is an exploration of desire and sensuality. It showcases the SS22 collection and explores the relationship between a woman and her clothing. Reflecting the feeling of Prada, the creation by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons merges reality and fantasy through its storytelling. The cast is led by the actor Hunter Schafer and includes models Selena Forrest, Julia Nobis and Lina Zhang, who are captured in the acts of dressing and undressing. Striking details express a sense of closeness and intimacy, which undeniably draw the viewer in. Photographer David Sims creates an authentic, intriguing moment through his photographs which showcase the innate personal relationship people have to their garments – the women’s relationship to Prada wear. The imagery captures and celebrates everyday gestures and the multiply moods of life. A vivid embodiment of the SS22 collection emerges as the campaign evolves through a series of videos and photographic contributions devised by a series of emerging image-makers, each invited on set to interpret the collection, the campaign, and the mood of Prada.
Fashion
Pooch Knuckles
Moose Knuckles introduces its latest collection for pets - Pooch Knuckles. The mini-me style jackets for dogs launched in December 2021during the holiday season. The collection features two dog-wear styles inspired by Moose Knuckles' iconic Stirling Parka. Pooch Knuckles’ functionality is designed to help pet owners to dress their dogs for outdoor activities in the cold winter months. Featuring an opening on the back for the leash, adjustable Velcro closures and J-seams with pockets for dog bags, the parka meets the needs of both the owner and the pet. The collection includes the Pooch Parka and Pooch Parka Gold Series coats, which showcase fur trim and Moose Knuckles' signature metal logo and studs and have a durable, water-resistant and windproof exterior. Available in three size options the Pooch Knuckles pieces are available for four-legged friends of various body shapes and heights. Offering the same high-quality weather-proof combination of style and materiality, Moose Knuckles translates its core design ideals into the world of dog wear. The collection is available at Mooseknucklescanada.com, as well as Moose Knuckles stores in SoHo (New York), Boston, London and Montreal.
Travel
The Incantation
The vision of lush green landscapes, vintage American cars and cheerful people with good spirits, immediately resonates with the image of Cuba. César Martí, Maestro Ronero at Eminente, is an embodiment of the country’s values, its culture and history. Cuban energy and culture are ubiquitous in Martí’s world. Each one of his projects is unique but they all carry the same recognizable signature – a feeling of the joyous and welcoming Cuban atmosphere. Besides preserving the national identity of rum, César Martí’s passion lies in renewing the complexity of the spiritous beverage that is deeply-rooted in the cultural heritage of Cuba. Surrounded by sugar cane fields and influenced by his grandfather, who worked his whole life in the sugar cane industry, his upbringing already predicted his passion for aromas. He fell in love with the art of rum-making resulting in him becoming the youngest Maestro Ronero in the history of Cuba. César Martí can be uncompromisingly identified with a unique talent for masterfully managing to enhance the historical taste of ancient Cuban rum with modern techniques of mixing the complex aguardientes, often referred to as the “soul of Cuba”. His experience and passion made him an expert in creating the latest extraordinary version of rum, called Eminente. In his conversation with ZOO, César Martí talks about his life’s passion, Eminente, and how he wants to revive the image of Cuba beyond its borders.
Jesse Rintoul: Claiming to capture the best of all Cuban regions is a bold statement. Would the other nine Maestros Roneros agree with this or claim their own rums to be superior? Have you received any praise from your competitors at home?
César Martí: When I designed Eminente, I was inspired by the Cuban aguardientes of the late 19th century and took the specific cities that distinguish Cuban rum today in the different regions of the island, Occidental, Central and Oriental as a reference, combining these three styles in a style of its own. Central style conceives a different, intense, complex and full-bodied product with very specific characteristics, exhibiting in its two products a level of complexity and depth, superior for its type and showing in turn the delicacy and aesthetics of the traditional light rum. We, the Cuban rum masters, defend the Cuban rum culture above all else throughout the length and breadth of the island, of which Eminente is a faithful representative. Every design made by any Maestro seeks to satisfy the demands of a market and we all recognize the quality that distinguishes them for the purpose for which they are created. I have received many compliments from the rest of the Cuban rum masters, who recognize that Eminente is a faithful representative of our Cuban rum culture.
JR: The excellence related to being a Maestro Ronero is largely built on experiences and tradition. How did you experience the path to becoming a Maestro Ronero?
CM: Because of my background of chemist studies, my approach to rum is different. I categorize the liquid like an oenologist. And thanks to having grown up in a family that worked with sugar cane, I know the journey from the soil to the bottle like the back of my hand. Simultaneously, I have always liked the idea of being inspired by the Cuban rums of the 19th century, recreating their characteristics by using the modern yet modest methods of our distillery. My path to becoming a Maestro Ronero was different, because both my family background as well as my academics are critical components of my journey.
JR: Made with 70% aged aguardientes, which is the highest amount in all of the Cuban rums, even when the Cuban regulations only require 20%. What made you decide to put so much emphasis on the aguardientes?
CM: With Eminente Reserva 7 years old, new standards are set by being made with 70% of different types of aged aguardientes. With this design I wanted to bring a renewed complexity to Cuban rum, combining the art of natural ageing, the selection of barrels for ageing at each stage and finally, the exquisite selection and multiple blends of aged aguardientes that form part of the final recipe.
Read the full interview in the current ZOO December Issue 73!
www.eminente.com
Fashion
Valentine’s Charm
The high jeweler A.E. Koechert has been founded in 1814 by Emmanuel Pioté and Jacob Heinrich Köchert. Ever since then, the family-owned business has been creating unique jewelry creations in their Viennese parent location – at times for the Austrian emperor himself. Nowadays, the jeweler pursues to treat all his clients as if they were emperors themselves – bringing the felicity of considerate gifts to the customer. Taking the literal translation of the notion “joaillier” into account, which means “the bringer of joy”, A.E. Koechert wholeheartedly stands for creating joy with their designs. Creativity and individuality are an inherent part of their visual language, emphasizing the unconventional, the personal, the valuable and not least the eccentric. Thinking ahead, the jewelers of A.E. Koechert have created a line dedicated to Valentine’s Day – composed of three rings, a necklace and a pair of earrings, the collection exudes a playful charm, toying with the shape of hearts, different tones of pink and the incomparable glistening of gemstones. Made from white gold and with a prominent ruby heart and an infinity-style adornment of diamonds, one of the rings caters to the customer who seeks symbolisms, whereas the other two rings, crafted from gold and with a design that features two opposite facing hearts, offers a more subtle approach to Valentine’s Day’s semiotic interpretations. The necklace and the earrings show a complex style, in which fluid and solid parts of a diamond-studded gold chain intertwine, drawing attention to the circular-shaped rose-colored opals, bright pink rhodolite and vibrant pink sapphires it carries.
www.koechert.com
Fashion
Giuseppe Zanotti’s Cobra Sneaker
During the Milan Fashion Week in September, Giuseppe Zanotti has revealed a new sneaker model – the COBRA. Now, after making its debut on the runway, the sneaker is being launched on a global retail level. Inspired by the snake symbol, which has been featured in Giuseppe Zanotti clothing collections before, the sneaker channels allegories of power and transformation. The body of the low-top sneaker appears to be writhed by a snake, twining in serpentines around the sole and the corpus of the shoe, its head stealthily sitting atop the toe cap. The same pattern – in a 2D version – finds itself on the rubber sole of the sneaker. The sculpted and delicately scaled head is enhanced by a set of crystal eyes, bestowing the COBRA with luxurious grandeur. Giuseppe Zanotti launched four tone-on-tone iterations of the COBRA sneaker, including black and white, as well as pink and red. Presented in a campaign with Atlanta-based rapper Young Thug, the launch of the sneaker nods to the hip-hop scene, placing Giuseppe Zanotti in the epicenter of streetwear culture. Captured by photographer Cam Kirk, the campaign reflects the expressive dynamic and the transformative powers behind hype movements. “Young Thug defies classifications and stereotypes,” says Giuseppe Zanotti, “he has always embraced the eccentric, the unapologetic – not only with his music but also with his fashions. He perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the COBRAS.” Reciprocating the appreciation for one another, Young Thug stated: “For me, Giuseppe is like a chameleon. He’s got the Italian style thing down but knows how to change it up and layer in the unexpected, the street. It’s fire.”
The COBRA sneaker will be available from December 17th 2021 onwards, in US Giuseppe Zanotti boutiques, selected luxury retailers, as well as on giuseppezanotti.com.
www.guiseppezanotti.com
Fashion
Strength through Unity: Dior Fall 2022
Maria Grazia Churri has revealed the looks of the Dior Fall 2022 collection in which she drew inspiration from the women of the Dior Maison, calling to life a collection that tributes empowerment. Overall, the collection expressed the idea of strength through unity, set into the context of fashion by a collection that appears as highly individual interpretations of the same uniform. Many of the looks featured layering, creating depth and personal style. Dungaree dresses layered over white shirts, black ties combined with quilted, fringed ponchos, and tulle skirts balanced with heavy boots reoccurred throughout the collection, making for an aesthetic that merged school attires with mature elements. The color palette exhibited black and white looks, complemented with dark neutral colors as well as recurring shades of yellow. Maria Grazia Churri experimented with pattern mixing, in particular with different kinds of plaids and diamond checks. Knee-length skirts and mid-length sleeves introduced new shapes into the current silhouettes. On a more feminine side, the looks were subtly enhanced with see-through blouses and lingerie tops, featuring sheer materials as a contrast to the strong lines and sharp tailoring. With great attention to detail, the looks show unexpected elements such as open hemlines and asymmetries. Accessory-wise, the collection showed leather woven belts, at times connected to the black ties, creating a harness-like shape, as well as black socks complementing the sturdy boots, given a twist with lacing detail at the top.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Heatwave Incoming
Appearing like a kaleidoscope of form and color, the AGR SS22 collection brings the post-lockdown spirit to life, giving it a vibrant look. The typical technicolor offering of the brand is a response to the collective yearning for freedom, adventure, and pure enjoyment. “London on heat” is how AGR founder Alicia Robinson describes the narrative of this season, which is an assemblage of different sources of inspiration. Drawing on British photographer Martin Parr’s hyper-saturated images of everyday life, the collection channels the spirit and style of the 90s rave culture, showcasing knitwear in imaginative forms and tailor-made psychedelic pieces. Further exploring the realm of bright pop color, the season’s intensive color palette takes inspiration from abstract painter Mark Rothko’s seminal color field paintings. AGR’s signature lime green is accompanied by neons, which are juxtaposed with natural, neutral tones and the use of space-dyed yarns. For textile and form, AGR created new jacquards in collaboration with the Netherlands-based knitwear manufacturer Knitwear Lab, which emulates the appearance of American spray-gun painter Roy Colmer’s spray- and stripe-work. Lastly, referencing Parr’s photography the AGR look book of the season portrays a summery scene, telling a tale of positivity, enthusiasm, and a taste for a bustling future.
www.agrknit.co.u
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Ventures Out Into the Alps
For the first time in its longstanding legacy, Louis Vuitton launches a capsule collection devoted to winter sports. The resulting collection features a complete wardrobe, that leaves no dressing desires unattended – from the slopes to the chalet, from the crisp mornings to the chilly evenings, offering apparel, accessories and shoes. The collection introduces a new LV emblem, namely a snowflake-shaped Flacon logo, that has been exclusively created for the occasion. Alpine landscapes are not only the backdrop where the collection is put to practice but serve as recurring motifs on the textiles themselves. Puffer jackets with feather linings come with matching leggings and pullovers, bringing a poetical, yet futuristic touch to the mountains with metallic finishes and sunset imagery. Sleeveless vests in puffer and fur versions ensure additional layers, whereas a selection of sweaters, shirts and dresses offers garments for the après-ski events. The looks are replenished by a variety of shoes – among the styles are rubber boots in different heights, as well as leather ankle boots for more sophisticated occasions. For the luxury-oriented winter athlete, Louis Vuitton further unveils a limited edition pair of skis, with an aluminium-covered wooden core, bringing the iconic LV monogram to the slopes. To ensure a head-to-toe look, the skis come with a pair of high-tech boots, developed in collaboration with Tecnica. High-performance results are stipulated with Louis Vuitton’s touch of decadency in this debut ski capsule.
The capsule collection is available as of right now in Louis Vuitton stores.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
2022 -The Year Of the Tiger at Piaget
It has been ten years since Piaget launched their first wristwatch dedicated to Chinese traditions. Ever since then, the French horology brand unveils each new anew a watch that pays tribute to the animal of the according year of the Chinese calendar. Beginning in February 2022, the tiger becomes the signum of the Chinese zodiac. Imprinted onto the dial of an Altiplano timepiece, the Tiger edition is limited to 38 pieces, which are meticulously handcrafted by master-enameller Anita Porchet. The tiger finds itself on, a mother-of-pearl colored enamel background that enhances the subtle details and colors of the tiger itself. Using a technique known as cloisonné, that is over 4000 years old, Porchet turned towards the craft of decorative art. The design is carefully transferred onto the surface of the dial, with golden ribbons that create the silhouette of the tiger. The resulting shapes – also called cloisons in French – are then enhanced with enamel pigments that breathe life and depth into the 2d design. The delicacy and strong colors express the majesty and agility of this extraordinary animal. The watchcase is crafted from 18 karat white-gold, set with 78 brilliant cut diamonds and is powered by an ultra-thin, manual-winding clockwork. The dial is complemented by minimalist horology details and reduced to the necessary – two pointers indicating the time – as to leave the limelight to the tiger. The Piaget logo appears to the right, aligned with the adjusting wheel.
www.piaget.com
Fashion
Gucci x The North Face: Opening a Second Chapter of Fashion History
Following the first collaboration in 2021, Gucci teams up once again with The North Face for a ready-to-wear collection. The North Face was founded in 1966 as an answer to the strong demand for proper outdoor clothes for athletes to defy any weather conditions. Today, The North Face belongs to one of the leading outerwear brands with a strong emphasis on function and minimalist key styles. The collaborative collection features variations on insulated bomber jackets and vests, complemented with multi-pocketed backpacks or baseball and bucket hats and worn with hiking boots. In addition to that, The North Face dived into its archives to revive some of the brand’s most iconic 90s designs, including the Nuptse Jacket. The selection takes up signature elements of Gucci, such as the GG monogram with a beige and green base and the colorful 70s inspired Gucci patterns while celebrating the spirit of experimentations through new shapes and pieces influenced by The North Face. As a leading mantra, Gucci and the North face decided on self-discovery and self-expression as the vision of the collection. This mantra resurfaces with various essentials, significantly reminiscent of hiking clothing, equipping the wearer with the perfect attire to set off for a trip to the deep ends of the soul.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Spell on You: The Quintessence of Affection
Louis Vuitton presents its new women’s fragrance Spell on You in a sensual campaign film, starring brand ambassador Lea Seydoux. Louis Vuitton revolutionized the art of traveling in 1854 with his innovative luggage designs, equally elegant and practical. Ever since the luxury Maison continues to embrace its heritage with a strong commitment to high craftsmanship while constantly developing and expanding Louis Vuitton’s assortment and influence. The campaign film puts brand ambassador Lea Seydoux into the limelight and is directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. The French fashion photographer and video director enjoys a distinctive recognition value through his revolutionary photographs and videos that transformed the rock, pop, and fashion industry. The short film showcases an amorous interaction between two people, perfectly portraying the intensity of affection and the sensual play with attraction through different camera angles, set in a romantic garden in soft broad daylight, which emphasizes the built-up impression of a dream. Mondino captures the feeling of an imaginary voyage and escape from reality, which reflects on the history of Louis Vuitton. The sensual and sophisticated feeling created through Lea Seydoux and Mondino perfectly embodies the spirit of Maison’s new fragrance. Louis Vuitton sought out a strong note of honeyed notes from the acacia flower, jasmine sambac, white musk, and peach and is rounded with enduring hints of rose, which profoundly enhances the hypnotic allure surrounding the fragrance.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Prada’s SS22 Show Exhibits Subtle Seduction
Simultaneously presented at the Fondazione Prada in Milan, as well as the Shanghai Bund One Art Museum, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have unveiled the first runway creation of their partnership with the SS22 collection. The looks featured Prada’s signature sharp lines and defined shapes, amplified by cutouts and tailored detailing. Despite the classical shapes, the collection presented itself with a wink, centering around the idea of “Seduction, Stripped Down”, as the collection has been named by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. The center pieces of the SS22 collection are 60’s Mini skirts alluding to the 2000s low waist cuts and provokingly short hemlines. Complemented with visible biker shorts underneath, the skirts illustrated the idea of showing body parts that are usually concealed. The 39 looks – which solely consisted of skirts and dresses – were defined by this meaning-laden piece of clothing that marked the turn of the Women’s rights movement in the second half of the 20th century, as it served as a symbol for women of taking power over the own body. The prominent focus on oversized tops of the last seasons expressed itself in the form of generously cut blazers, nodding to the power-dressing fashions of the 80’s – another crucial point in time of emancipation. Pointed shoes reinforced the confident spirit of the collection, appearing in flat as well as heeled versions. The color palette featured strong and bold shades, including electric purple and bright red, next to seductive black and was accentuated with vibrant green, orange and yellow shades. The luxurious shimmer of Satin weaves appeared throughout the entire collection and delivered an intriguing mix of materials in combination with roughened leather and smooth canvas bindings.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Hublot: Big Bang Unico Arturo Fuente Ceramic
Hublot and the cigar brand Arturo Fuente y Compania, both household names of rich tradition, fuse their exceptional DNA to pay homage to one of the greatest pioneers of the cigar industry— Carlos A. Fuente. Cigars determined Fuente’s life from a very early stage, making 50 cigars before homework as part of the household duties at the Casa Fuente and later on continuing to help his father with his small cigar business. In the late 50s, Carlos A. Fuente took over his family’s legacy, following numerous fires in his factories and misfortunes yet Fuente held tight to his beliefs, which eventually led to one of the most sought-after cigar brands. The Fuente family’s designer Manny Iriarte joined the Hublot team to help create and infuse the unique Big Bang timepiece with the core values of the Dominican cigar company. The timepiece is characterized by Hublot’s strong technical qualities, such as the 72hour batteries, its highly crafted 44mm diameter case, made out of black engraved ceramic, and adorned with a pattern visually reminiscent of a tobacco leaf. The Big Bang timepiece is finished with engraved writing on the back that reads: “Our Father, Our Friend, Our Hero” and sets a prime example for Hublot’s and Fuente’s strive to continuously reinvent the limits of perfection.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Piaget: Celebrating the Bond of Love
The luxury jeweler Piaget is a master in creating diamond-shaped visual symbols of love and is now releasing a series of new engagement rings to celebrate the epitome of love—the particular bond every relationship is aiming for, namely marriage. Georges Edouard Piaget founded the luxury manufacturer in 1874 and ever since the jeweler is synonymous with precision and sophistication, fusing the art of fine jewelry making with its profound watchmaking skills. In the late 50s, Piaget released its ultra-thin Altiplano collection that would later become one of the most distinctive recognition features of the luxury manufacturer. For this special collection, Piaget joined forces with creators, gemmologists, gem setters, and jewelers to combine their strengths and the savoir-faire of 150 years of crafting experience to create an exceptional range of engagement rings. Each ring of the collection is set with diamonds meeting the highest standards of fine jewelry in the world in terms of color, clarity, cut, and carats. As such, the Piaget Possession platinum ring is a playful answer to the traditional engagement ring. Circles set with small diamonds are placed around a big brilliant-cut diamond in the middle. The spinning elements of the ring are meant to be visually reminiscent of ‘‘how love makes your head spin,’’ as is stated by Piaget.
www.piaget.com
Fashion
BALR. X ISHU: Every Story has Two Sides
BALR.‘s joined forces with London-based fashion start-up ISHU to create a collaboration under the theme “Every Story has Two Sides.’’ The Amsterdam-based brand BALR. was founded in 2013 by professional football players with a focus on high-end lifestyle products and fashion. “We all have dreams of becoming a great and successful person. Greatness is not something that happens as a result of a careful selection process. It happens by taking action!’’ is their leading mantra. Demy de Zeeuw, Juul Manders, and Ralph de Geus, the founders of BALR. aim to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams and work tirelessly to turn them into reality. The latest collection is the brand’s answer to the downside of being a well-known public figure and constantly being observed and analyzed. The clothes are equipped with the ability to block out unwanted flashes of paparazzi cameras. The collection ranges from hoodies, capes, and down jackets with an emphasis on versatility and functionality, and worn with sneakers and complemented with differently shaped bags. BALR. used an innovative sunlight technology to distract and distort, and almost every item is imprinted with an eye-catching geometric print in black and white, which is a signature symbol of the fashion start-up ISHU.
www.balr.com
Fashion
AGL Virna Red Pump: Finding Power in Cohesion
AGL was founded by Piero Giusti in 1958. Now, three generations later, the Italian brand is still a family-run company, owned by the sisters Sara, Vera, and Marianna Giusti. Ever since taking over the brand, the trio works closely together on every project and are known for their artistic sensitivity and sophisticated designs “from women for women”. Their latest shoe creation, the VIRNA pump, conveys an important message, as it supports the international day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and spreads. AGL introduces the VIRNA as a pump in a bright red color with a thin elegant heel, made for fierce and confident women. Every shoe visually embodies the brand's deeply anchored identity, the sister's emphasis on craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and exceptional designs. Only this time, the shoe serves a greater purpose than ususal. The proceeds from the purchases of the pump will be donated to CISDA, the international committee in support of Afghan women. The Italian association CISDA was founded on the principles of sharing human values of each person, regardless of their religion, origin, culture, or nationality, and has been promoting solidary initiatives for Afghan women since 1999. The Giusti sisters aim to empower women and advocate for the importance of supporting each other and showing solidarity amongst women, which is visually translated through their collections and in particular the new VIRNA.
www.agl.com
Fashion
Dior Heralds Christmas
Slowly but surely the Christmas season is unfolding in Paris’ shopwindows. As such, Dior has revealed their annual window decorations – this year, the prestigious vitrines of the Avenue Montaigne flagship store are brought to life with scenes of Greek mythology. Paying ode to the eternal beauty of Greece, Dior’s windows recall the bright, flowing and crisp draperies that determined the ambiance of the Dior Cruise Show 2022, which was held at the heart of the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. The white and ecru theme of the collections was highlighted with glistening golden accentuations – an iconic code of the French Maison. In front of the celestial backdrop of the window, a selection of Dior items is exhibited, providing the passerbys with gift inspirations for their loved ones. Herein, Dior’s most iconic bags make an appearance in the windows and according campaign, including the Book Tote, the Caro and the Vibe, in sparkling and festive shades. The star symbol, a recurring talisman in Dior’s designs, enhances many of the items and heralds the approach of the Christmas season. With jewelry being an indispensable item under the tree each year, Dior incorporated a selection of poetical pieces. Scarves adorned with Pietro Ruffo’s sketches, such as the Tarot Arcana and the infamous Around the World motif replenish the selection further. The vitrine and its selection represent a contemporary odyssey that cherishes the pastimes of Dior while making the viewer dream of the celebratory month of December.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Unwrapping the Holiday Season with BOSS
BOSS introduces a new festive campaign together with Chris Hemsworth. Under the name “Unwrapping the Holiday Season”, the campaign celebrates the joy of giving and the special moments inherited by the act of sharing gifts. The campaign shows the American actor unwrapping, unboxing and untying various presents – small ones, big ones, classics as well as unexpected ones. BOSS has translated the suspension and joy of opening presents into their Holiday collection, which looks sport logo-embossed, ribbon-like details. All-over logo patterns and sporty trims feature across many of the items, which are presented in sleek black and festive gold color palettes. The collection ranges from perfectly cut tuxedo and sequin dresses to tracksuits and sweaters, providing a broad variety of items and styles, suitable for the formal as well as the relaxed days of the Holiday season. The collection is further complemented with footwear and fragrances, as well as bodywear and accessories, such as bags and backpacks. The capsule invites the BOSS advocates to experience the Holiday collection through the virtue of giving and sharing joy.
www.boss.com
Fashion
Bulgari x Save The Children
Save the Children is the biggest independent children’s rights organization in the world. It has been established in 1919, with the mission to foster safe environments for children to grow up – in manifold ways. Ten years ago, Bulgari has joined a partnership with the changemaker, and ever since dedicates a collection to their good cause. The Save the Children jewelry collection consists of four pieces, two necklaces, one bracelet as well as a ring. Each of the pieces features the Save the Children signature logo with a black Onyx Stone and a red ruby detail that imitates the logo of Save the Children. The proceeds of the collection are primarily used to create quality educational opportunities for children in need, as well as youth empowerment, emergency responses and poverty prevention – so far, the collection has raised more than $100mio. On the occasion of World Children’s Day on November 20th, Bulgari has launched the campaign #MyWishForYou, which puts its support of Save the Children into the limelight. The campaign, which is presented as a communication initiative is published over Bulgari’s digital and social media channels, serving as a call to action to raise awareness with the namesake hashtag #MyWishForYou. At the center of the digital wave-making is a video that virtually connects children from all over the globe through universal wishes that diverse individuals and Bulgari brand ambassadors have proclaimed for them. Love, hope, support, education, adventure, experiences, strength and ambition are only a few of the wishes to name. With this campaign, Bulgari makes an example of how to combine a legacy as rich as theirs with good deeds and charitable undertakings.
www.bulgari.com
Art
Fondazione Prada, Venice: “Aura I Sul Toccare Le Cose”
“Aura I Sul Toccare Le Cose” which translates into “Aura I On Touching Things” is the title of Virgilio Sieni‘s choreographic project, conceived for Fondazione Prada and realized with Fondazione Archivio Luigi. Located in a former gin distillery dating from 1910 on the southern edge of Milan, the Fondazione Prada was founded to teach and educate about culture through exhibitions, film initiatives, and contemporary philosophy conferences. The “Aura I Sul Toccare Le Cose” project consists of eight choreographic performances, filled with the repetition of gestures, inspired by objects or works of art and executed by professional as well as non-professional dancers. Sieni transformed 13 objects of affection into new and different ways of touching. The performances visually describe the encounter and development of the relationship between cities, places, or villages as well as body and art, all united by the idea of raising awareness on care, observation, and connection. The experience is intensified by the accompanying music composed by Luigi Nono and Claudio Monteverdi. Sieni‘s intention behind the project was to establish a visible dialogue about the manipulative power of sensual and seductive body expressions and gestures. Fondazione Prada acknowledges the undeniable importance of culture and successfully manages to expand knowledge and enrich the process of learning.
www.fondazioneprada.com
Fashion
Molteni&C: Amabilia: Experiencing Milan
“Those who love and know how to appreciate overall beauty leave these dwellings with nostalgia and a desire to come back. Beauty is not absolute unless it creates an emotion,” is how Chiara Mordante, owner of the Palazzo Caminati, refers to the lifestyle project Amabilia, a one-of-a-kind stay experience in the heart of Milan. Molteni&C is an internationally acknowledged furnishing company, which is defined by a unique history, their collaborations with important designers, and the continuous emendation in technology and quality. Four suites have been created and equipped with a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere for the Amabilia project and are named Montenapoleone, Triennale, Scala, and Aperitivo. Through the project, Molteni&C pays tribute and esteems fashion, design, culture, and the Milanese style. The furniture compositions are an embodiment of Milan, reflecting the traditional elegance of the city harmonizing with charming comfort. The suites give space for the iconic Molteni&C furniture collections, such as the D.153.1 and D.151.4 armchairs, designed by Gio Ponti, and small tables Panna Cotta by Ron Gilad as well as interior design concepts of one of the most important names in Italian design— Federico Peri. The luxurious suites are located on the last floor of the Palazzo Caminati, a magnifying building of the 19th century in the city’s heart. The contemporary lifestyle project Amabilia is a love letter to the capital of Lombardy— Milan, equated with sophisticated elegance and Italian craftsmanship excellence.
www.moltenigroup.com
Fashion
ETRO & Harris: Redefining Luxury Fashion
For the FW21 collection, classical ETRO and Harris Reed decided to join forces to create a unique capsule collection of genderless blouses. Designer Harris Reed is known for opening conversation about the power of clothes with his thought-provoking gender-fluid designs. The young designer places an emphasis on sustainability, using deadstock fabrics to reimagine the traditional blouse. ETRO perfectly matches the core identity of Harris Reed, offering a great selection of archival fabrics The capsule collection revolves around the theme of giving archival fabrics a second life. Reed designs his signature blouses, with a voluminous shape, long ties, a bow on the front and in the back, and small details on the sleeves with a Rockstar feel to them. The colorful fabrics used are imprinted with a paisley or floral print. The art of upcycling breaks down the established structures of the luxury industry and ensures a more thoughtful and less harmful way of producing clothes for our planet. Harris Reed and ETRO masterfully manage to fuse their brand DNA, complementing and supplementing each other, resulting in unique creations with a sustainable heart.
www.etro.com
Fashion
AGL SS22: Adele and Camille
Made by women for women – this is the leitmotif that inspires the three AGL sisters who are currently writing the design history of the Italian shoe brand. Together, the trio generates each season afresh collections with unmatched quality and unique styles. In their creative process, each of the women has a specific role, bringing to the table their individual point of view which propel the legacy of AGL. AGL’s collections present a golden thread of femineity and sophistication, incorporating the attributes of grace, strength and contemporality into their creations. The SS22 collection exhibits a joyous and outspoken spirit, with the recurring element of platform soles and chunky heels. The two centerpieces of the collections are two pairs of boots, named Adele and Camille, which have been inspired by the notion of a rose thorn. The designs of the Adele and Camille toy with a see-through effect by using a combination of mesh material and smooth leather. Mixing materials is one of the sisters’ favorites games and results in unusual and unique creations. Always relying on elegance and high-quality materials, bring timeless refinement to even gritty models like the Adele biker boot and the Camille cuissard sandal. Borrowing from the allegory of the rose thorn, the two styles express the opposing ideas of feminine and masculine and delicacy and strengths. The balance evoked by the interplay of delicate mesh and sturdy leather embodies the fascination with contrasts the AGL sisters stipulate in their designs.
www.agl.com
Fashion
O’Neill: With Technical Innovation Against the Cold
Perfectly in time for the seasonal change into cold weather, O’Neill releases a collection of technically innovated winter jackets. O’Neill’s brand logo symbolizes a breaking wave, which represents the origins of the brand in Californian surf wear. The brand was founded in 1952 by Jack O’Neill with the invention of the first wet suit. Ever since, the brand is deemed a pioneer, producing the world’s most high-tech and functional wetsuits up to date. O’Neill continues to push technical boundaries in sportswear with its expanded assortment of winter garments, that aim at minimizing the impact on the planet and improving hyper-functionality. O’Neill’s latest collection features the LM Supersuit Jacket, which embraces the brand’s heritage. The jacket is inspired by the original wetsuit made by Jack O’Neill, refined with a unique function to control the level of air-fill for insulation. Furthermore, the XTRM Mountain Jacket that unites a multitude of unique functions, such as water repellence, detachable snow gaiter, ergonomic paneling system, and recycled REPREVE insulation is introduced in the collection. With the innovative FW 2021 collection of jackets, O’Neill masterfully manages to fuse their heritage with new technical improvements, which allows the wearer to face outdoor environment outbreaks better and longer.
www.oneill.com
Fashion
Zenith: DEFY Extreme Desert
Inspired by the raw and wild beauty of the desert, the Swiss luxury watchmaker launches a special edition of its most triumphant design to date- the DEFY Extreme. For the special project, Zenith and acclaimed nature photographer Kourosh Keynejad join forces to create the release of the unique watch. Accompanying the release of the reimagined DEFY Extreme, the photographer showcases previously unpublished work inspired by the exceptional watch. Keyenjad is best known and admired for his breath-taking pictures, photographed during his travels across the globe and various extreme destinations. The original watch is a unification of precision and high-quality materials. The series of DEFY Extreme models, which are derived from the initial design are all inspired by extreme environments. The DEFY Extreme Desert marks one of the milestones of the DEFY series, as it is the debut watch of the variant models. The luxury brand picks up the theme of the desert in the protection components of the watch crafted from a blue-grey opaque macrocrystalline quartz gemstone, called the falcon’s eye. The falcon lives in the desert and embodies determination and endurance, perfectly matching the luxury watchmaker’s core identity. The main construct of the watch is complemented by a range of different watch straps, such as a sandy beige rubber strap and a titanium bracelet that can be changed easily. Zenith lives up to its high reputation of well-thought-out and excellent designs, resulting in a wearable piece of art.
www.zenith.com
Fashion
Gem Z: The Farthest from Earth We’ve Ever Been
What would an extraterrestrial species think about planet earth and its human population? Together with different innovative artists, Gem Z opens up a theoretical dialogue between humankind and the unknown in space in their current exhibition, called The farthest from earth we’ve ever been. Gem Z is a talent development program, founded by Current Obsession, a magazine and platform to encourage relationships between young artists and support them in terms of creativity and business development. The exhibition is inspired by the two spacecrafts that were sent into space in 1977, each with a copy of the Golden Record on board. The exhibition is inspired by the two spacecrafts, containing a copy of the Golden Record and sent into space in 1977. The Golden Record, an audio-visual disc carried various images and sounds of Earth, such as samples of human speech, musical tracks, and illustrations of the DNA structure. The specific samples were selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on earth. Four decades later the team around Gem Z has tried to develop an imaginery answer to the Golden Record in an installation, fusing design, digital art, and adornment. The mixed-media exhibition is an interesting portrayal of an imagined alien treasure trove crashing on earth and answering to our human kind.
www.current-obsession.com
The exhibition is presented at Het Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam, from October 30th until November 30th 2021.
Fashion
Saint Laurent Rive Droite Halloween Special: A Playful Homage to the Spooky Season
To celebrate the world’s spookiest season, Anthony Vaccarello, the visionary creative director of Saint Laurent, decided to create a special Halloween capsule, available at the infamous Rive Droite retail location. The exceptional boutique Rive Droite is a nod to Rive Gauche, which opened in 1966 as the first ready-to-wear store in a Couturier’s own name. Saint Laurent Rive Droite distinguishes itself from other retail stores, not only because of its remarkable history but the airy interior, defined by the opposites of concrete and glass as well as black and white marble, creating a more accessible and eclectic atmosphere. Vacarello continues to live up to the reputation of the boutique, designing festive jewelry pieces with a playful and youthful approach to the dark side, the hallmark of Halloween. The special collection includes bracelets and necklaces, inspired by the shapes of skulls and crossbones as well as decorative figurines, created in collaboration with the toy company Nanoblock. To round the spooky Halloween experience, a spider projection in 3D by German artist Friedrich Van Schoor will be displayed in the Rive Droite boutique in Paris, as well as in the store in Los Angeles.
www.saintlaurent.com
Fashion
Tommy x Timberland: Fusing Their Exceptional DNA
For a long time, the pieces of Tommy Hilfiger, a pioneer of the classic American collegiate style, have been combined with innovative outdoor specialist Timberland. Now the two brands finally decided to launch their first collaboration, which opens up a creative dialogue. The special collaboration embraces their heritage, drawing parallels between the two major brands in their distinctive role in forming the Zeitgeist of the 90s and discusses the future by fusing their individual brand DNA. Perfectly in time for the upcoming cold season, the collection showcases an original range of winter essentials from apparel, footwear to accessories, such as unisex sporty college jackets, detachable workwear-inspired trousers, and a reimagined version of the iconic Timberland construction boot. The color palette ranges from Hilfiger´s signature bright red and navy blue as well as Timberland´s earthy nuances. The clothes are adorned with a fused logo of the signature Tommy Hilfiger white and red flag as well as the unmistakable Timberland tree. The collection embodies the perfect dialogue between two industry staples, resulting in an exceptional range of deeply anchored Hilfiger classics, induced with a workwear twist by Timberland.
www.tommyhilfiger.com
Fashion
Heron Preston for Calvin Klein: Heron Preston´s Twist on Calvin Kleines Classics
Following a debut collaboration with Heron Preston as a creative consultant, Calvin Klein continues their work with the streetwear pioneer for a follow-up collection. The name of Heron Preston is immediately associated with a clever fusion between fashion and function. The designer has already collaborated with legends such as Kanye West or Virgil Abloh and has become a youth culture icon. The collaboration includes Calvin Klein´s signature pieces, such as long-sleeved crop tops, leggings, and bralettes, which gained a distinctive recognition value for the brand with the captivating and hypersexual Ad campaigns, featuring famous personalities like Kate Moss or Mark Wahlberg in the 90s and revolutionized men’s as well as women’s underwear. Preston brings an over-elaborate simplicity and his signature orange detailing into the collection, enriching Calvin Klein’s timeless classics with a modern twist. The collaboration provides the perfect essentials for the upcoming cold season. As such, the collection includes cozy crewneck sweaters, puffer jackets as well as a few denim pieces. Most notable about the range of clothes are the exquisite and innovative materials used by Preston, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and nylon as well as a waffle thermal fabric. The collection perfectly emphasizes the ability of Calvin Klein´s timeless designs to adapt to cultural changes and new forms of expression, resulting in an exceptional range of purposeful pieces induced with a modern twist by Heron Preston.
www.calvinklein.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Automatic: Diamonds in Soft Tones
Audemars Piguet’s legendary 15452 series has been extended with a white and a rose gold version, both coming along with a captivating interplay of diamonds and colored gemstones. The latest versions of the Royal Oak Automatic, with a diameter of 37mm, come with a subtle satin-finished calfskin strap that completes the watch’s elegant and original aesthetic. The guilloché dial comes in a soft beige and neutral gray. Each bezel is adorned with no less than 40 brilliant-cut stones which have been carefully selected by Audemars Piguet’s specialist to ensure a smooth and harmonious gradation. The stones exhibit exclusive luxury – individually cut and polished to achieve Audemars Piguet’s quality standard of the clearest and sharpest angles, the stones have been set on the bezel by hand. Perfectly aligned, they reflect the light that shines on them, creating visual effects that range from flirtatious red and orange hues for the rose gold version and mellow rose tones for the white gold one. The white and rose gold versions are both crafted from 18karat gold and showcase an impressive amount of 124 diamonds in total, covering the watchcase entirely. The dials exhibit a Grande Tapisserie pattern, which resembles the surface of a checkerboard with a subtle three-dimensional effect, reinforcing the glistening effect of the bedazzled watchcases. The watch hands and numbers on the dial are kept in clear lines and minimalistic design. With its discrete yet playful colors and sparkling stones, the new Royal Oak Automatic exudes femineity and gracefulness with a charming touch.
www.audemarspiguet.com
Fashion
Dior: An Homage to Alber Elbaz
“I like dresses for the night. I like the after-party more than the party. I like the mystery. I like the dream, like fantasy dresses. I think, also, that you make women dream.” That was exactly what Alber Elbaz did. The exceptional designer translated dreams into reality. Elbaz’s clothes will always be a living embodiment and a carrier of the message, to feel good and beautiful about ourselves. As a highlight of this year’s fashion month, the tribute show to honor Alber Elbaz was staged with an exceptional range of designers contributing, from Demna Gvasalia to Maria Grazia Chiuri. The show celebrates Elbaz’s unparalleled sense of innovation and design. The creative director of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri presented an exclusively made, hand-embroidered evening gown, which references the deeply anchored vocabulary of the impressive designer. The dress was hand-painted with colorful and intriguing motifs, resembling the ones Elbaz was so known for. Throughout his career, Elbaz was appointed creative director of many great fashion houses such as Rive Gauche at Yves Saint Laurent and he was also in charge of the revival as well as the modernization of Lanvin. For the tribute show, people from all over the world came together to celebrate love, beauty, and hope, as Alber Elbaz would have wanted since, to quote the designer himself, “The nature of fashion is family”.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Dunhill Rethinks Longevity with the Compendium Parka
In time for the colder season, Dunhill is replenishing its outerwear assortment with the Compendium Parka. The concept around the new parka revolves around timeless design that endures several seasons. The Compendium Parka is inspired by a men’s compact found in the Dunhill’s archives – consisting of utilitarian tools such as a cigarette case, a pocket knife, a lighter and a watch. Drawing inspiration from the multifunctional, timeless spirit this compact exuded, Dunhill centered the Compendium Parka around the notions of versatility and adaptability, which is why the parkas can be worn adjusted to the wearer’s desire. The overcoat can be detached to transform the parka into a jacket, and the lining can be worn together with the parka or on its own. The compromise between the four components offers maximum comfort for the wearer no matter the season’s conditions and is made from fine material supposed to last a lifetime, including eco-conscious, regenerated nylon and a shearling-polyester base. With the creation of the Compendium Parka, Dunhill strives to actively contribute to longevity instead of disposability. Making use of luxurious, yet durable materials, Dunhill unites utility, function and elegance and embodies these notions in one, everlasting, yet constantly changing item.
www.dunhill.com
Fashion
A Story of Success: Louis Vuitton’s Essentials
Elegant leather goods are deeply anchored in the success vocabulary of the traditional fashion house. Since the invention of the Trunk 1854, Louis Vuitton and his successors have been reinventing the Trunks constantly. From a medical kit for Damien Hirst, a helpful essential for Ernest Hemingway to Virgil Abloh’s Mini Soft Trunk with a modern twist and - the trunk is a shapeshifter adaptable to any desired purpose. For the FW21 collection, the French brand re-interprets their everlasting Christopher and Soft Trunk designs. Louis Vuitton first unveiled the Christopher in the FW 2004 collection as a backpack and ever since revived it season for season in a wide range of different versions, always drawing inspiration from the iconic original. This season, the leather goods are available in in the recognizable Monogram pattern Taurillon Gommato and the chess pattern Damier, in black or white with shoulder straps and large opening to ensure easy access to the inside. The reinvented FW21 versions of the bags are centred around the acknowledgement of the need for a bag to serve a multiplicity of uses, for casual or formal occasions. The Christopher and the Soft Trunk are symbols of the traditional French Maison and carry an unmistakable recognition value. No matter which updated version of the trunk or backpack you prefer, it elevates every look and makes it unique as well as prepared for every possible change of plans and venues.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Watches and Wonders: A Look Behind the Scenes of Horology
Watches and Wonders, a collaboration between Mr Porter and Net-A-Porter celebrates the intersection between luxury watches, style and fashion. Launched in spring 2020, the digital platform represents a one-of-a-kind character: tailored directly towards industry instead of retail, the web destination has become a dynamic hub for leading retailers, journalists and VIP guests. With their new Watches and Wonders campaign, the two renowned online retail spaces Net-A-Porter and their men’s fashion counterpart Mr Porter, once again pay a special tribute to fine watchmaking. Globally orientated and coming along with a series of physical events and its own digital platform, the campaign is a hallmark of showcasing the art behind fine watchmaking, offering professional insiders as well as the public eye a glimpse behind the scenes. Currently, the platform features insight on the Salon 2022, which unites more than 40 horology houses in an extensive exhibition in Geneva. As one of the first digital destinations to provide unparalleled access to the newest novelties and iconic pieces of the watch industry, the new campaign showcases no less than 30 timepieces, including the top-tier watchmaking names Cartier, Hermès, H.Mose & Cie, IWC Schaffhausen as well as Piaget. Watches and Wonders fosters inspiration, education and marvels at the countless wonders behind the craft of horology.
www.watchesandwonders.com
Fashion
Dior SS22
“I have always thought that it’s pointless for artists to speak about their own work. It’s the artwork itself that must speak to people. Certainly, it’s the work that has spoken indeed. (…) It was a natural talent of mine, but it all remained primarily in the background. I always say I have painted a great deal, I exhibited very little and sold nothing [Laugh]” Anna Paparatti is of the most iconic and vivid figures of the 60s in Rome. She was at the centre of that atmosphere of freedom against any preconceived codes and dogmas surrounding the art world, using the theme of “game” and playfulness beyond reality, where art becomes life and vice versa. Conceived through her "absurdist" spirit reflecting the philosophy of her work, Paparatti designed the show space starting from bits of her paintings. here as a gigantic Game of Goose, models move at beat of Italian band “il Quadro di Troisi” live performance. On January 27th, 1961, L'Aurore wrote about Marc Bohan’s tenure as Creative Director of the House and his Slim Look: "It completely changes fashion, just as the New Look did in 1947." Maria Grazia Chiuri pays homage to the visionary spirit of Marc Bohan’s Slim Look collection and the richness of the 1960s. The silhouettes reveal cuts and graphic effects with color blocking, evoking the painting by Paparatti. The materials and various motifs recall the legendary Roman nightclub, the Piper Club, a unique place for expression at the crossroads of art and design. Sequins, vivid prints, transparencies: Maria Grazia Chiuri dives into women’s freedom once again, and into what means to be a woman today, where several facets of personal expression comes together through the intrinsic desire to be real.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Marni SS22: Connected
For the Marni SS22 collection, it was Francesco Risso’s mission to show us this season that we are all one team, sometimes disconnected but always reconnecting. To pursue this idea of connection, he invited all of the guests who were going to attend the fashion show for a personal fitting. The event fostered a collective trying on, asking for advice and selecting a look to wear to the show. Resulting from this collective fitting, the spectators blended in perfectly with the performers on the runway. The collection features sliced-up asymmetrical dresses in black and blue, oversized sweaters, bandeau tops and bell bottom trousers. Especially noticeable are the stripes, vertical, horizontal or diagonal, stretching over almost every garment and the flower applications, Daisies to be exact, cut out and reassembled into skirts, oversized tops and cotton, flowing pyjama sets made from crisp cotton. During the show a performer appeared on stage reading a poem, called ´´Wear we are´´ touching upon whether covered in layers of fabric or revealed in short skirts, each individual is ready to connect. Risso has once again shown in his own visionary way how fashion serves as a means of expression and communication.
www.marni.com
Fashion
ENG Concept Store: #StopAsianHate
Being one of the leading fashion retailers with a customer group of Gen-Z luxury consumers, the Shanghai concept store ENG bridges the gap between retail and entertainment. Through an experience-driven, highly conceptual shopping experience, the famous store attracts the fashion-forward crowd of the metropole. For their latest project, the label has made it their aim to raise awareness about the increase of hate crimes against Asians. Showing severe percentages already before the pandemics, hate crimes against Asians have almost doubled. The project is tailored towards the global #StopAsianHate campaign and came to life with international and Chinese brands creating t-shirts, whose full retail proceeds are donated to the Stop East and South-East Asian Hate Campaign. The campaign’s mission is to condemn hate by creating lasting social change, whereas the fund is used to support organizations uplifting and empowering Asian communities. ENG’s campaign is brought to the public eye with an extensive campaign, including a multitude of praised fashion industry personas, such as Leslie Zhang, one of China’s most prolific fashion photographers and several others, who all gave their passion, experience and time freely in order to support this urgent cause. The campaign is replenished by a trilogy of podcasts with Susie Lau and Asian creatives, in which matters of prejudice and bias are reflected upon. In particular, the episodes touch upon the barriers in the Western educational system, that young Asian creatives are confronted with.
The designed t-shirts as well as the podcast are accessible online at ENG. Donations for the GoFundMe campaign can be made through the link below.
www.engconcept.com
www.gofundme.com/f/support-esea-community
Fashion
MCM: Urban Luxury Commute
MCM’s current collaboration with Urwahn elevates ordinary city commutes to a luxurious cruise. Taking inspiration from the metropolitan dynamic of Munich in the 1970s, the two brands have created an E-bike that unites their expertise and design language in a future-oriented way. "We wanted to develop a collaboration that celebrates the essence of moving from the past into the future. URWAHN is a thoroughly German company known for its high-quality engineering, making it the perfect partner with which to celebrate our 45th anniversary," is how Dirk Schönberger, chief creative officer, describes MCM's initial vision behind the collaboration. Whereas this collaboration marked a step into unknown waters for MCM, the outcome sets a high for successfully combining urban mobility with a luxurious lifestyle. A 3D-printed frame, entirely coated in copper and adorned with the iconic Visetos Monogram - that is unmistakably associated with MCM - exudes an opulent aesthetic. Logo-embossed brass framings and reflective MCM emblems plastered over the rims make for an impressive, lasting brand impression. The E-bikes are hand-built in the German town Magdeburg at one of Urwahn’s factories and are the result of detail-oriented design and professional execution. The attention to detail goes beyond the bike itself. MCM also took the riders’ needs into consideration and conceived a special-edition Urban Bottle with 24Bottles. Only available with the MCM x URWAHN E-Bike, this lightweight water bottle sports the brand’s iconic logo and color and with its glamorous Chrome Finish reflecting the light, it isn’t just a great alternative to plastic bottles, but also adds a gorgeous touch.
From September 22nd onwards, 10 of the bikes will be presented in selected MCM stores worldwide.
The e-bike, limited to 40 pieces, will be available online from October 1st.
www.mcmworldwide.com
www.urwahnbikes.com
www.24bottles.com
Fashion
Jil Sander SS22: New Awakenings
“Far from perfect, we can always look forward, with as little filter as possible. We are plural, nocturnal, and luminous; feminine, masculine, vulnerable and strong; and we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. We are in motion.” This is the mantra from which Lucie and Luke Meier derived their creativity for the SS22 collection for Jil Sander. In the spirit of new awakenings, the collection invites to reopen one’s eyes to oneself and one’s surroundings. The collection’s looks excel at balancing sensitivity with power and are a paragon for looks that look strong yet feel light. The prominent silhouette of the SS22 collection is wide and flowy, yet structured; achieved by tailored garments made from delicate fabric. Oversized blazers are combined with clean palazzo trousers, voluminous straight-cut coats layered over slit skirts and long figure-flattering dresses balanced with loose overshirts. Designed with fabric combinations such as cotton, chenille, shimmery silks and matte wool, the looks offer an intriguing mix of material while remaining neutral and wearable through their muted color palette of discrete cream shades, classic earth tones, and pastels such as pale peach, light green and sky blue. The subtle color accentuations lend a soft-spoken touch to the rectilinear, sharp lines of the looks, expressing how subtlety and authority co-exist in Jil Sander’s designs.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
Doucal FW21/22: Urban Outdoors
With the recent eruption of outdoor interests, the world of womenswear has been opened to new spheres. With true Italian craftsmanship, Doucal has taken inspiration from this development, presenting their FW21/22 collection with ghillie lacing, fine textiles and material inserts on functional footwear shapes. Timeless styles and considerate details are prompts that attract the educated, selective customer of these days. Doucal translates these variables into their design, in particular with three of their shoe models. For the FW collection, Doucal has put a spin on their classic Chelsea boot from the previous collection by focusing on an aerodynamic shape, giving the well-established boot a more athletic touch. Shiny leather combined with a rubber sole creates a trans-seasonal mood that delivers durability. Similarly, the loafers of the Italian brand combine tradition with comfort through a rubber sole. Doucal’s sneaker models have been elevated with fabric elements, such as wool and feature neutral color blocking that makes them suitable for city looks. Additionally, the collection premieres an ankle boot with a flared heel that picks up the material mix of the collection. The men’s collection ventures out into a more athletic approach; presenting ultra-light soles, technical details and rubberized inserts. Previous models, such as the Kobe and Andrew, are reborn with new color palettes, nylon waterproof patches and wax treatments while offering a range from walking shoes, boots to monk shoes and loafers.
www.doucal.com
Art
ULAY Foundation Project Space: The Metamorphosis of the Body
The Ulay Foundation has opened its doors to a new exhibition launched under the name Body Ecstatic Body Eclectic Body Eccentric. The exhibition investigates the notion of the body through a variety of media such as moving images, photography as well as performance. The exhibitions features artistic positions concerning the body from the 1970s to recent days, which makes for an intriguing insight into the influence of the digital and post-digital realms that have shaped our perception of bodies immensely. Touching upon current topics with political value, Body Ecstatic Body Eclectic Body Eccentric thematizes traditional conceptions of gender and sexuality, self-presentation and the female narrative of the fight for social justice. In this sense, the exhibition proposes insight into what the body desires these days, how they metamorphose and adapt to societal pressure and consequently how the body can break free from the limitations that are postmarked upon them by certain standards. Particularly focusing on the woman’s body in these scenarios and considering the recent developments of the pandemic too, the exhibition unveils how economic, political and reproductive rights are under attack worldwide.
Body Ecstatic Body Eclectic Body Eccentric, curated by Hana Ostan Ozbolt, is on show at the ULAY Foundation Project Space in Ljubljana until October 29th 2021.
www.ulayfoundation.org
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger FW 21 Pass the Mic
Voices speak volumes and every voice has the power to affect and change the world. It is this positive affirmation that laid the ground stones of Tommy Hilfiger’s current FW 21 campaign called Pass the Mic. The campaign features international voices of the entertainment industry from the United States, Korea and Nigeria. Together with these ambassadors, Tommy Hilfiger aims to create a global interface of discussion, where consumers can express their visions and inspirations to create change. Yara Shahidi, Anthony Ramos, Jack Harlow, Wizkid, Kim Soo-Hyun and DJ Cassidy call their followers to action in five portrait videos, revolving around their personal mantras. Empowering phrases such as “I am the I in light. I am the reason the future is so bright”, “How many tried? And you still rise.” and “Pass the mic and share your light. Every person, every voice can change the world. So what do you have to say?” invoke the audience to engage and answer to the campaign videos on social media. This call to action accompanies the FW 21 collection, which propels Tommy Hilfiger’s mission towards diversity and sustainability. Collecting answers to questions on what inspires one to make a difference, what would one say if the world was listening and what drives one towards the future, the Pass the Mic aims to give the audience a platform where engaging conversation erupts.
www.tommyhilfiger.com
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: K60
In line with the Gallery Weekend *Discoveries purpose to represent a platform for upcoming artists, the event aims to foster connections between the participating galleries, curators and subsequently artists as well. This year, the second edition of the K60 exhibition brings together eight Berlin galleries – Alexander Ievy, ChertLüdde, HUA International Klemm’s, KOW, Kraua-Tuskany Zeidler, Plan B and PSM. The eight galleries present a plethora of artworks from various artists, including conventional mediums like sculptures and paintings, as well as more contemporary takes on art through videos, installations and photography. The exhibition stretches over two floors in the industrial setting of the Wilhelm Hallen, whose architectural characteristics make for an excellent exhibition space. The artworks are placed alongside the raw concrete walls, hung from the iron frameworks of the high ceilings and integrated into the pillars and braces of the former iron foundry. The vast space allows the individual art works to unfold on their own, honoring the research and creativity of each individual, while contributing to a unique undertaking that emphasizes the art scene as an entity and delivers a diverse and manifold art experience to the audience. The joined exhibition and the vast location invite to articulate a dialogue, not only between the artworks themselves but also between the visitors – highlighting the common threads that link the artworks and their audience together.
The K60 exhibition is open to public at Wilhelm Hallen, Berlin, until September 18th 2021.
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Fashion
Montblanc UltraBlack: Style Meets Statement
It is the first time that Montblanc is launching a collection that extends across all the house’s selections, from pens and notebooks to watches and bags. As one can already conclude from the name, Montblanc UltraBlack, the collection is an ode to the ultimate colour. The colour black is not only the favourite of many designers, but it is also one of the only colours to never go out of style. All the pieces offered as part of this special collection are defined by their simplicity and the timeless elegance of their design, a perfect match for the subtle yet powerful nature of the colour black. To celebrate this special launch, the luxury Maison invited special guests and friends of the brand, amongst whom actor Kingsley Ben-Adir and DJ Peggy Gou, to the Feuerle Collection in Berlin. The minimalist gallery, located in an imposing concrete structure, opened its doors exclusively for the special mise-en-scene of the new collection. The VIP guests were first welcomed by Montblanc’s CEO Nicolas Baretzki, followed by a formal dinner during which they were able to enjoy a performance of Alessandro Ristori and the Portofinos. Expertly crafted and consciously curated, the UltraBlack collection fits the daily needs and mentality of all those, who are dedicated to setting an example that we all have our own individual paths to success.
The Montblanc UltraBlack collection will be available in the Montblanc boutiques as well as online from September 2021 onwards.
www.montblanc.com
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries in Berlin
Extending the annual event of Berlin Gallery Weekend, the melting pot capital is hosting a special offshoot of the art event that focuses in particular on up and coming talents of the art scene. For three days, the city turns into a hub of artistry, showcasing the work of young creatives in all their manifoldness. Named Gallery Weekend *Discoveries the event invites to explore the plethora of artworks, ranging from paintings to sculptures, to installations. The exhibitions feature a variety of topics revolving around current matters, personal views and the latest developments. Prior to the opening for the public four authors have visited the sites and derived and put to paper four tours that provide support for visitors who do not know their way around Berlin. The tours are divided into Berlin’s districts, from Mitte & Wedding, Kreuzberg, Charlottenburg to Schöneberg. The routes are accessible in written form on the Berlin Gallery Weekend website, where visitors can get a first glimpse on what awaits them during their time without giving away the details that can be discovered on the tours. Besides the individual and duo exhibitions, the Gallery Weekend *Discoveries have curated the group exhibition K60 with a combination of eight renowned galleries set up in the industrial location of the Wilhelm-Hallen.
The Gallery Weekend *Discoveries are open to public from September 16th to September 18th 2021.
www.galleryweekendberlin.de
Art
Audemars Piguet Contemporary: Aleksandra Domanovic
Following collaborations with Cao Fei and Ryoji Ikeda, Audemars Piguet Contemporary has brought to life a collaboration with Aleksandra Domanovic. The Berlin-based artist translates the history and latest innovation of technology into her ambiguous body of work while incorporating social and political commentary stemming from her upbringing in Yugoslavia. Re-evaluating and unravelling the role of women in science and specifically in technology, she touches upon current questions and shifts of society and the influence of technological advancement at large. The core of her work revolves around a unique understanding of the ever-present digitization happening in current times. Precisely this thematization of current and future-oriented matters is what Denis Pernet, Art Curator of Audemars Piguet Contemporary, mentions as their motivation to work with Aleksandra: “We are delighted to support her in the development of this new body of work that will contribute to the wider contemporary art discourse and raise questions about our future.” Aleksandra’s new body of work Becoming Another (2021) is a site-specific installation presented at the former print house of Der Tagesspiegel in Berlin. The installation exhausts the impressive dimensions of the site, portraying the tension between sight and perception through the intertwining of dynamic LED fan displays and the visuals they project onto the corporeal space.
Aleksandra Domanovic’s Becoming Another (2021) commissioned by Audemars Piguet Contemporary, will be presented during the Gallery Weekend *Discoveries in Berlin at the former print house of Der Tagesspiegel at Potsdamer Straße and will be on display for the public from September 17th 2021 until October 10th 2021.
www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/about/ audemars-piguet-contemporary.html
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend: You Left Me My Lips, and They Shape Words, Even in Silence
How can one make visible what lies in the interstices of the dominant language? Brussel-based artist Hamza Halloubi cherishes the concept of silent discourse in his exhibition You left me my lips and they shape words, even in silence. This body of work showcases a trio of videos touching upon identities and stories of the Maghreb region. Halloubi, who himself was born in Morocco, hereby utilizes the Western gaze, portraying the protagonists and sceneries in a raw and authentic manner. The vivid camera work is a reference to the phenomenon of looking and being looked at in public spaces, whereas the absence of sound and dialogue amplifies the discourse that silence may create. The three videos adopt different interpretations of the power dynamics between the West and the Middle East. Writing Back, one of the videos on show introduces a Moroccan woman through the distorted, exotified lens that the Western world postmarks upon her. The video addresses shadow and silence as a deflection mechanism of the Orientalist gaze. Halloubi incorporates the element of cultural loss and the relation between meaning and origin in Messing Encounters, in which he establishes a wordless dialogue between an African immigrant and a Congolese statue expatriated to a Western museum. Lastly, Begaiements toys with the parallels of creative investment and revolt against oppression by intercutting images of Jason Pollock's paintings and the Arab spring. The videography is presented alongside abstract paintings that feature writings and video stills.
You left me my lips, and they shape words, even in silence is exhibited at Argos, Brussels, from October 9th - December 12th 2021.
www.argosarts.org
www.hamzahalloubi.com
Art
Brusssels Gallery Weekend: Metamorphosis
The duo exhibition Metamorphosis features sculptures of Benoît Huot and works on paper of Indian artist Rithika Merchant. The core of the show builds upon myth and magic in the animal kingdom. Animism, the belief that innumerable spiritual beings interfere with human affairs, plays a role in both of their works. While Huot expresses a darker side of this phenomenon with bedazzled animal heads and torsos, Merchant creates a light-hearted, enchanted version of mysticism in her drawings. Huot’s sculptures resemble bewitched creatures that remind of baroque trophies or voodoo dolls. To achieve this mysterious impression, the French artist adorns stuffed animals and furniture with textiles, gemstones, mirrors and embroidery. The association with voodoo dolls is not far and is further reinforced by the saturated color choices – flaming red, vivid orange as well as pulsing green and black reoccur on the animal corpora. In contrast to the bewitched attributes of Huot’s sculptures, Merchant’s drawings revolve around the serenity of nature. Organic shapes and earthy colors compliment the magical stories. With her work, merchant explores how myths, and legends shape cultures and religions. With watercolor and cut paperwork as her main medium, she leads the attention away from the drawings themselves and sends the observer off into a world determined by individual symbolism. Influenced by botanical prints and folk art from the 17th century, Merchant aims to convey the cultural legacy of storytelling and create a body of work that visually connects the observer to their collective pasts.
Metamorphosis is exhibited at Galerie DYS, Brussels from September 9th - October 10th 2021.
www.galeriedys.com
www.benoithuot.fr
www.rithikamerchant.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend: Post-Truth and Meditative Textures
Nino Mier Gallery is making its debut at the Brussel Gallery Weekend with the LA-based artist Dashiell Manley. Manley’s works are characterized by a unique sculpting technique that creates a textured surface in which oil paint fans out in shell-like patterns, distantly reminding of psychedelic visions. The alternating surface of his paintings and the use of vibrant color palettes lend his works an unexpectedly soothing, harmonious character. The creation of these meditative works stems from the personal development of the artist. Prior to finding emotionality and tranquility in his works, Manley was known for the subtle language of satire. In his early years, he converted political print media, such as newspaper front pages or cartoons into abstract, distorted versions on canvas. Depicting the news as a blurry mess conveyed the decay of media outlets in times of careless and unquestioned news consumption. Commenting on the role of the media in a post-truth era through his art, were the leading steps of artistic transition for Manley. After the process of visualizing post-truth matters, in which emotion and personal beliefs rule over reliable sources and facts, Manley sought for an equilibrium that would combat the frustration and critique he had visualized for years. Hence, as an artistic reprieve, the artist switched to a more meditative practise, ruled by open gestures and movements. Despite the complete reversal of the motivation behind Manley’s pieces, they show a distinct visual language making use of pastel colors and large-scale patterns.
Dashiell Manley’s art is exhibited at Nino Mier Gallery, Brussels, from September 9th - October 9th 2021.
www.miergallery.com
Fashion
Swarovski Wonderlab Collection II
A world where magic and science meet, a world full of wonder – from muses of the Bohemian movement to design aesthetics taken from the Swarovski’s Austrian heritage, the second collection of Wonderlab enrichens the timeline of the jewelry brand by a modern twist. Each crystal item of the collection represents a microcosm of an individual world in which the magic of Swarovski jewelry unfolds in manifold ways. The collection exhibits an interplay of colors, textures and cuts that symbolize self-expression in all its various ways – classic, punk, sweet, striking and every nuance in between. Aligned with this expressive nature, the collection is launched with a campaign that represents the opposite of archetypes in all their authenticity. The Wonderlab Collection II cherishes the success of the preceding Collection I; paying tribute to the families of the original collection with evolved takes such as unisex approaches, new forms and colors. Besides, the Wonderlab Collection II presents a quartet of new design families: Abunda embodies technical marvel, exploring architectural elements, focusing on the prowess of craftsmanship. Dextera exemplifies geometric embellishment, parading crystals precisely composed around metal frames that radiate a “mathemagical” fusion. Imber replenishes the Wonderlab themes by a softly sensory experience, with crystals that create a cascading illusion, inspired by the classic Swarovski chains. Lastly, Stella features dark and dreamy star-shaped pieces that play with proportion and lets starlets and stargazers dream of alternate realms.
The Wonderlab Collection II is available from September 7th in-stores as well as online.
www.swarovski.com
Fashion
Galop d’Hermès: Equestrian Anecdotes
The Galop d'Hermès watch, created in 2019, exemplifies a thoughtful creative process. The watch revisits the Maison’s equestrian codes with its watchcases that is inspired by the shape of stirrups. The Galop d'Hermès was born from the detailed observation of Californian designer Ini Archibong, who immersed himself into the archives of Hermès creations. Bridoons, stirrups, bridles, harnesses - with his streamlined and balanced style, Archibong merges avant-garde interpretations of these design anecdotes with the beknown functional simplicity of Hermès objects. Now, Hermès relaunches the classic piece in a smaller format. Closely linked to the House's watchmaking repertoire, the Galop d'Hermès is a piece that combines the practicality of a watch with the delicacy of jewelry. The new “Petits Modèles” are available in rose gold, plain steel and in a steel bedazzled with no less than 134 diamonds. The case’s soft angles close around a wide-open dial, punctuated by Arabic numerals of different sizes. Enlarged on the lower part of the display, they convey movement and a shift in perspective. The progressive typography, finely highlighted in anthracite, stands out against a sandblasted background, while the hands hover over a smooth opalescent surface. A final nod to the world of horses, the number 8 forms an inverted stirrup. A calfskin or alligator strap, made in the Hermès Horloger workshops, extends the aerodynamic and futuristic lines of this creation.
www.hermès.com
Fashion
Hublot x Big Bang DJ Snake
DJ Snake’s career is of dazzling and multifaceted character. With over a billion streams on Spotify and numerous awards including Billboard and MTV ones, the French musician is a kind of its own. Celebrated by fans for his creations since 2013 with hits like “Lean on” with Major Lazer and “Let me love you” with Justin Bieber, DJ Snake is a factor to be reckoned with when it comes to electronic music all over the globe. Since 2018, the DJ is an ambassador for the Swiss horology pioneer Hublot. For their latest project, the DJ’s creative design ideas and Hublot’s technical know-how have joined forces. Resulting from the collaboration, the Big Band DJ Sake has been created, a watch that boldly expresses the musician's character while demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can be turned into modern, avant-garde and outspoken watch-making. The DJ sums up the thought process behind the design: “ To be able to wear – and also offer my fans – a watch which reflects my personality is something that has been very important to me since the start of my partnership with Hublot. I am delighted to have been able to combine my inspiration with the expertise of the fantastic watchmakers and technicians at this Swiss brand.” The Big Bang DJ Snake watch features an iridescent shine emerging from countless light hues of electric blue and pulsing purple colors. Made possible by a special manufacturing process, the color accents change depending on light and angles. A distinctive detail of the Big Bang DJ Snake is the prominent notches on the side of the watchcase. Limited to 100 pieces, this special creation comes with a color coordinated as well as a black strap that offers an individual choice to its wearer.
www.hublot.com
www.djsnake.com
Fashion
Zegna FW21 Collection #WHATMAKESAMAN
In the recent years, the conventional term of masculinity has undergone a transformation. Masculinity slowly but surely breaks free from its iron cast. At Zegna, the notion of masculinity, and the derived question of what it means to be a man is at the heart of the design process. For the FW21 collection, Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori retailors the modern man: “The way that modern men dress, their needs and habits have been changing considerably over the past year. Customers are looking for a different style as they turn to more fluid silhouettes and multifunctional yet comfortable outfits. This is the perfect time to rethink what is possible, to reconsider what really matters and to rebalance style while we are called to answer to changing times. A new aesthetic is needed: fluid, ageless, adaptable, where comfort matches perfectly with style.” Thus, the collection presents The New Jacket, an alternative version to Zegna’s iconic overshirt, which can be worn as a blazer or a jacket – indoors, outdoors, casual and formal all in one. The #WHATMAKESAMAN campaign features diverse modern voices, including two models, a dancer, a fashion buyer and a photographer. Although all individual and in their own way, they collectively stand for the reconsideration of the limits of modern masculinity and the reaffirmation of values instead of internalised dogmas.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Guess F21: Originals and Kit Program
Just in time with the beginning of a new academic year, GUESS launches their F21 collection. The collection entails an Originals capsule and an Originals Kit Program. For the Originals capsule, GUESS took inspiration from the back-to-school season and created looks taking cues from classic campus attire. Authentic vintage pieces from the 90’s have been developed into revamped pieces featuring athletic silhouettes like cardigans, varsity jackets and jerseys. The campus sports elements are enhanced by classic collegiate graphics, such as regimental stripes, plaids and chenille/ varsity patches. The capsule parades modern prep vibes that take the wearer back to the 90s school spirits. The Originals Kit Program focuses on seasonal color ways, presenting refreshing takes on every-day pieces. As such, the program introduces light twill and woven pants and denim pieces next to chambray shirts and pocket tees. The women’s collection presents ribbed tanks, bodysuits and biker shorts, referring back to the athletic appearance of the Originals capsule.
The GUESS Originals capsule and the GUESS Originals Kit Program is available from now on in selected GUESS retail stores, as well as online.
www.guess.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles: Pre-Fall 2021
Celebrated luxury outerwear brand based out of Montreal, Moose Knuckles, has unleashed an expansion of its SS21 collection; with a focus on mobility, the “all-weather” Pre-Fall collection is versatile and made from technical fabrics to withstand even the harshest conditions. The coalescence of form and function are evidenced in the Active Flex line, with premium down fill and stretchy shell fabrics which accumulate and retain heat. The Softshell line in the Moose Knuckles Pre-Fall collection is made from a recycled, lightweight, high density nylon shell and fill which includes the Sheep Creek Vest, Outbank Jacket and the Kleskun Jacket.
The women’s rainwear is engineered for fashion and utilitarian purposes; the West River Parka and Toney Jacket feature heat sealed seams for a cozy and continuously dry fit. In addition to rainwear and the softshell line, the Moose Knuckles Pre-Fall collection also features sportswear. The sportswear line offers up a colorful and varied assortment which includes the Stereogram Zip-Up, Baril Lake Pants, Alice Creek Hoodie; and a whole range of men’s and women’s tracksuits, hoodies and tees. Whatever your plans are, Moose Knuckles ushers in this collection as a reassurance that the weather will never impede or impose on those plans.
Fashion
Saint Laurent Rive Droite: Salt and Sun
Saint Laurent Rive Droite, the creative retail concept and cultural destination of curated specialty items from Anthony Vaccarello, embraces the spirit of the summer with its ‘Salt and Sun’ collection of beach-ready apparel and accessories.
Rive Droite ‘Salt and Sun’ features a special collaboration with K-Way, founded in Paris in 1965 and the maker of superior waterproof jackets, to produce a limited edition jacket embellished with a mystic all-over sunset print. Leopard Fatboy pillows, Saint Laurent surfboards and extra lifestyle items in the collection will be added to the boutique stores in Paris and Los Angeles. Rive Droite continues to expand on the core DNA of Saint Laurent with amusing and chic items; its exclusive assortment of limited editions, vintage items, music, photography and art are now joined by the ‘Salt and Sun’ collection.
Salt and Sun items will be available exclusively in-store at Saint Laurent Rive Droite 213, rue saint Honoré 75001, Paris, and 469 Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles.
Fashion
Rotate SS22 x Marsèll
The pandemic, which has held a grip over this world for over a year and a half, is not yet over, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have largely worked from home, going to bars, restaurants and clubs was impossible and our wardrobes started to reflect this as we gladly exchanged jeans for sweatpants. Now that the world might be reopening, it is time to bring the focus back on statement dresses, to revive the everyday glamour. For this reason, ROTATE’s Creative Directors Thora Valdimarsdottir and Jeanette Madsen drew inspiration from the 90s sitcom style icon Frane Fine for SS22, a collection that makes us fall in love with the glam of the 90s, infused with a touch of 70s disco. The collection was presented during Copenhagen Fashion Week in a fast-paced show during which the models emerged from vintage sports cars parked on the runway. The delicately feminine garments were contrasted with the raw masculine energy of the cars, an embodiment of the brand’s signature high-octane cool. Short hemlines and sequins fused with masculine elements such as denim and sharp tailoring defined the collection with the looks being finished with Marsèll’s most iconic footwear creations. Whether it was the Micarro ankle boots the Carretta beatles or the Zuccone, the styles selected embodied the essence of the Italian footwear brands with their gender-neutral aesthetic, utilitarian edge and their penchant for oversized soles.
www.rotate.com
www.marsell.it
Fashion
Longchamp launches The Pliage Green
Longchamp introduces a recycled version of The Pliage and exemplifies the French brand’s commitment to sustainability. The iconic bag appeals to the loyalty of wearers with its longevity and sturdiness, which is why Longchamp pursued durability and quality as fundamental considerations in the development process of The Pliage Green. Offering the characteristics of the bag – waterproof, washable, foldable – and an almost identical look and feel has been the pivot point of the endeavor to go green. The signature nylon body remains as a fabric choice, with the distinctive difference that The Pliage Green’s material is made from recycled nylon gathered from various sources including fishing nets, nylon stockings and offcuts from the textile production process. The canvas woven from these materials meets the Global Recycled Standard certification. A PVC coating supports the canvas from the inside, to provide maximum duration. The leather detailing is made from by-product leather to ensure a minimal environmental impact. The Pliage Green is distinguishable from the classic version by subtle details, such as color-coordinated leather closures and green-tinted leather ears on the side of the zipper. The signature emblem of the house, a racehorse, is embroidered on the front of The Pliage Green. The eco-version of Longchamp’s most iconic bag is manufactured in four colors inspired by nature and available in an array of silhouettes.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
Net-A-Porter expands Net Sustain Platform
Net Sustain, the British online shop’s segment focused on consciously crafted fashion, presents itself with an updated user experience. In the wake of the expansion, a series of new fashion brands have been adopted. With the values of consciousness and circularity in mind, the labels were carefully chosen by taking into account human, animal and environmental welfare within the label’s production and distribution chains. Each label has to excel in at least one of nine product attributes, namely considered materials, ingredients and overall process, waste reduction, local production craftsmanship and community, animal welfare, vegan and design for circularity. The latter is a newly added category that aims to actively contribute to a shift in throwaway culture and waste caused by textile disposal. Next to the increased number of labels, Net Sustain newest edit features an enhanced customer journey. This journey comes to terms in a dynamic shopping experience that offers post-purchase solutions. A personalized digital ID enables customers to track the life cycle of selected garments. Transparency is a key element of turning over the relation between fashion, industry, retail and customer experience which is why Net Sustain’s digital ID provides information on Care & Repair partners, promoting longevity and appreciation for purchased garments.
www.net-a-porter.com
Art
Louis Vuitton Travel Book Series: An Extraterrestrial Journey to Mars
Illustrated by François Schuiten and written by Sylvain Tesson, the latest volume of Louis Vuitton’s travel book series presents itself in a true Sci-Fi manner. Two protagonists, referred to as contemporary versions of Adam and Eve, embark on a journey to Mars to fathom the red planet’s suitability for the preservation of the human species. The panoramic format of the book enables the observer to experience a 180°-imagination of what life on Mars looks like. To grasp an accurate idea of the landscapes, Schuiten meticulously studied satellite imagery and photos taken by spaces probes. In his endeavor to accurately bring the structures and surfaces onto paper, he focused on geographical and geological nuances of canyons, mineral spikes, ice clouds and eddies of dust. To emphasize how settling on other planets lies in a not so distant future, Schuiten focused on making the illustrations as real as possible. Sfumato, a way of layering oil paint that creates blurry, soft lines is one of the techniques he relied on to create a serene yet eerie feel. During the process, Schuiten kept asking himself how the pristineness of Mars could be preserved “when the colonization of Mars had become the challenge of the century for space explorers”. Tesson, who transformed the illustrations into a readable story, captured this balancing act between utopia and dystopia that Schuiten had visualized in his drawings.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
24Bottles x DIOR
One of the biggest causes of global pollution is the amount of single-use plastics we use daily. Especially plastic packaging, like plastic bottles, contributes hugely to the massive plastic pollution of our oceans. For this reason, Giovanni Randazzo and Matteo Melotti came up with the concept behind 24bottles. The concept behind the brand is to offer a functional, convenient and elegant way to cover one of humanity’s fundamental needs, hydration. As they describe it themselves, “We think that good aesthetics can be a lever to convince people adopting healthy behaviors and lifestyles.” This summer, the Italian brand partners up with the DIOR to create a special design of their Clima Bottle for the Dior Beachwear Capsule collection. The functional and reusable bottle is made from stainless steel and insulated its content for 12-24 hours. Its functional nature is paired with Dior’s designs resulting in a bottle that is created by laser-engraving the French Maison’s monogrammed patterns. For the extra touch, this special edition bottle features a sleek, high-gloss, palladium-like mirror finish and comes with a matching Dior bottle holder. This allows the user to wear it crossbody just as easily as in a bag, making it a timeless and useful accessory for both men and women.
www.24bottles.com
www.dior.com
Fashion
TommyXIndya
Over the last years, it has become clear that our world finds itself once again at an important crossroads. On the one hand, the messages of tolerance and equality, as well as the support for minority groups, have seemingly never resonated with more people, but at the same time, we are facing a wave of right-wing populism and racism sweeping the globe. Tommy Hilfiger takes a conscious stance in support of equal representation through its People’s Place Program. It is a three-pillared platform with the mission of advancing representation and furthering inclusivity in all areas of fashion and beyond. As Tommy Hilfiger has put it himself, “Great style knows no boundaries, and this has always driven my dream to create fashion for all.” For this reason, the brand has partnered up with actor and activist Indya Moore with the resulting capsule collection TommyXIndya being a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the global community. It features a range of size-inclusive and non-gendered pieces, which seek to empower those who want to express themselves without any limitations. Every piece is a re-interpretation of a classic Tommy Hilfiger staple, adapted to fit and respect multiple gender expressions. The pieces are adaptable, aiming to fit everybody whilst encouraging continuous self-expression, fluidity and exploration. As Indya Morre has put it herself, “ It breaks a cycle and sets a new standard across the industry. Too many people are made to feel that something is wrong with them just for being themselves. It means everything to me to know that with our capsule, no one is made to feel wrong or different or broken. Everyone works perfectly for this collection, no matter who they are.” Tommy’s commitment to the cause goes beyond the collection itself but also seeks to promote creative talent from underrepresented BIPOC communities in front and behind the cameras. Myles Loftin lensed the campaign in Moore’s hometown and beside themselves, it features four groundbreaking activists, who all have stood up for LGBTQIA+ rights as well as equal representation for people of color.
The TommyXIndya capsule collection will be available online and in select Tommy Hilfiger retail locations across Europe, North America and Mexico from July 20th, 2021.
www.tommy.com
Fashion
The Heart of Fendi Revitalised anew
It was announced in September 2020, that designer Kim Jones would be joining Fendi. The British designer would be in charge of the Roman house’s couture and womenswear lines and therefore complete Fendi’s trifecta of Artistic Directors next to Silvia Venturini Fendi, who is responsible for accessories and menswear and Delfina Delettrez Fendi overseeing the jewelry. His debut collection was then unveiled to the world in February 2021. The starting point as expressed by Jones himself was to create “clothes that women want to buy” and he sees this as the key aspect of his work. With his collection, Jones delved deep into some of the stories most meaningful to the Roman house, paying homage to the many people who have previously shaped it, while at the same time starting the process of leaving his own mark on the narrative. It’s the historic and extraordinary Italian elegance from a fresh and new perspective. It’s the turning of a page at Fendi, the emergence of a new visual language, which looks toward the future without forgetting about its deeply rooted traditions. It’s the heart of Fendi revitalised anew. The campaign for the collection was photographed by Craig McDean against the backdrop of Fendi’s historic headquarter, the Palazzo della Civilita Italiana, and it visually mirrors the merging of classicism and modernity of the clothing conceived through Jones’ new vision.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Les Extraits
Louis Vuitton’s newest Les Extraits Collections is the coming together of two geniuses in their respective fields, Maître Parfumeur Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and architect Frank Gehry. It is the first time that Gehry conceived a perfume bottle. His design is defined by the harmony between line and curve, the tension that gives form to beauty. Each flacon comes topped with a 3-D, sculptural work in silver, which is reminiscent of the wind moving and swirling through silver fabric. The fragrances themselves, entitled Dancing Blossom, Cosmic Cloud, Rhapsody, Symphony and Stellar Times, reflect the spirit of travel that Louis Vuitton has celebrated since its foundation. Through this collection we are taken further, to new horizons, a garden of waves, a golden temple floating beyond time enveloped in a halo of olfactory sensations. The five compositions center on materiality and the perpetual metamorphosis of nature. These scents are liberated, embracing the breath of life by being condensed into an Extrait, allowing them to blossom freely, without any constraint. As Cavallier Belletrud puts it himself, “I wanted to venture where no one goes anymore. To reinvent the notion of an Extrait in a contemporary way. To bring in light, expand matter, and lighten things up. I wanted to deconstruct the very architecture of perfume. That’s how Les Extraits Collection was born: five perfumes with no top, heart or base notes, in order to reveal the quintessence of each olfactory family.”
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Dior Haute Couture FW2021/22
The world is re-awakening from a 16-month slumber. After months of ever-changing rules and regulations, the world finally seems to be reopening and for the first time in three seasons ,people were allowed to see the Dior Haute Couture collection in person. People stand at the heart of haute couture, not solely the people who came to be astonished by the garments, but all the skilled craftsmen and seamstresses, the whole unseen chain of people without whom the practice of haute couture could not exist. In this collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri focuses of daywear, top-to-toe silhouettes of grey tweeds, camel cashmere recalling long nature walks, which we have all become so familiar within the last year and a half, but the real meaning is woven into the garments themselves. Chiuri celebrates hand-loomed tweeds, the stitch-work carried out by embroiderers and silk manufacturers. Everybody is interconnected and Chiuri sees it as part of her responsibility to weave together the threats of social responsibility and to support all the hard-hit manufacturers and craftsmen who have become indispensable for haute couture. The collection’s backdrop was French artist Éva Jospin’s impressive Chambre de Soie, a continuous conceptual landscape mural, with every one of the minute stitches made by the Indian embroidery school that Chiuri encouraged Dior to support over the last few years. It is the responsibility of every single one of us to reveal what one does not see; especially now in a world that, re-emerging from a forced stop, will find itself undergoing profound change.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Hermès Mens SS22
The Hermès Men’s SS22 collection is about a sense of lightness, relaxation and freedom. It is a response to our need for wider perspectives, for the great outdoors. It is an invention and reinvention of a wardrobe in which different fabrics are interwoven, and where technical innovation finds inspiration in craftwork legacy. Depth and fantasy: a duality of spirit shaking up appearances. Paper becomes fabric, Toilbright and a cotton cover fuse together, leather is enlivened with bursts of colour and stitching graphics. Forms in trompe-l’œil: overshirts, double jacket-cardigans, coats and parkas in two materials.This hybrid approach ushers in a renewed elegance synonymous with energized and flexible shapes: the seemingly casual style belies a structured sophistication to the night as it fades in from the day. Innovation and precision, a dialogue with legacy patterns devoured, blurred, perforated and otherwise transformed by modern techniques.A harmonious play on contrasts accentuate the colours. Celadon-green, algae, chocolate, and carbon hues blend with the softness of faded rose, stone-grey and raw-silk. A bright, soft sweater, a daisy pattern and large Bermuda shorts embody this liberated relaxation.Suffused with optimism and energy, this creative collection is bursting with the vitality of a world reclaimed.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Rick Owens SS22
The Rick Owens show SS22 will be the fourth and last to happen at Venezia’s Lido Beach, where Owens himself lives half the year and where his team could join me from our factory a short drive away. He describes these live shows in front of the beach as a “retreat, not a defeat” as an intimate alternative to the usual shows. This year’s collection embraces hedonism in a soft, grateful way - reflecting this new period of contradictively trying to mix glam with responsibility and thoughtfulness. The shapes and fabrics he calls “white-magic-houses-of-the-holy-stairway-to-heaven” worn by hippies wear baggy, dragging flares over platforms, with eco-cotton disco bodysuit, under transparent shirts, or transparently tailored monster-shouldered blazers and coats. This time around, Owens aimed to expose the clothing technology and his pieces’ interior processes and structures since he is so comfortable with his expertise in tailoring crew. Therefore, he sliced into the coats and jackets, ripping off sleeves, deepening armholes, cutting away fronts and backs, and rendering everything in undyed cotton organdies and undyed silk chiffons that expose the complexity of the structural interlinings beneath. The brutalist chokers combined with the extravagant looks are from an ongoing jewelry collection produced by Goossens, the Maison that once created jewelry for Coco Chanel, Cristobal Balenciaga, and Madame Grès in the 50s. The original Rick Owens feel and look takes on a lighter shade for the summer collection.
www.rickowens.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Mens SS22
This season Yohji Yamamoto presents his SS22 collection in collaboration with Japanese photographer TAKAY, who poetically shows models, a documentary of Yohji’s vision. The 18 minutes video is a journey of 28 looks accompanied by Yohji’s voice and songs. The SS22 collection follows Yohji Yamamoto’s DNA by using deconstructed and oversized shapes, very light fabrics as linen, silk, and light cotton. Included in the collection are revisited trench coats, which suggest light and airy clothes, easy to wear for warm summer. He also looked back into his archives of the SS86 collection to create black and beige hybrid looks. Heavy sneakers, flower prints, and eye drawings are embellishing the collection. Through his collection Yohji Yamamoto wants to represent all human beings, mixing all social categories. The final costume silhouettes, printed with real newspapers from the latest months, are a testimony of the current world. Yohji Yamamoto’sYamamoto’s collection is an expression of his feelings and anger in a poetic way and shares his vision of people in the streets. It’s a statement about today’s world.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
DIESEL SS22
Creative Director Glenn Martens presents DIESEL’s SS22 collection, and the season marks a milestone for the company: Martens’ first collection for the brand. The SS22 collection was presented as a short film. The short film is a collaboration with artist and director Frank Lebon, with a soundtrack by British musician Leon Vynehall and takes a close look at four areas of DIESEL’s evolving brave new world, seen through the creative prism of Glenn Martens. We follow the protagonist through a familiar yet slightly offbeat environment. It starts in the living room at a party. Confused and dazed, she wants to leave the room and walks toward the elevator, where the DIESEL heritage and Martens’ aesthetic are tailor-made. The short trip ends in a strange room, bathed in deep red light. Martens made sure to reinterpret the brand’s history on blazers, shirts, and jeans: Laser prints depict layers of fabric and seams as a trompe l’oeil effect. Throughout the story, Martens’ focal points - denim, womenswear, menswear, and experimentalism - are showcased. Together they result in something new: electrifying, extraordinary, and individual. The Martens concept is a contemporary interpretation of DIESEL’s bold and ironic perspective. Defining themes include a cross-gender approach, a heritage component, and the newly introduced DIESEL LIBRARY.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
FENDI Mens SS22
Ponderings on “watching the world from above” have inspired the FENDI Men’s SS22 collection, which forms a rich interplay of lightness and ease with a sharp focus on the future of luxury. A soft yet juxtaposed palette echoes spring flora and the transient skies of lemon and lime, ice blue, lavender, pistachio, and peony against mineral shades of travertine, chalk, graphite, and slate. The show was held in a location vital to FENDI’s history, inside the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, at the FENDI headquarters. The view illuminates a 360° vista towards the seven hills of Rome, the Apennine mountains, and glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea. Taken from the FENDI archives, an illustrated map of Rome becomes FENDI Land, a cartographic drawing of the city where the Palazzo Fendi springs up at its center, and the Tiber river flows through a labyrinth of buildings and streets adorned here and there with freehand FF logos. Distortion of scale plays a significant role in the collection, creating new tailoring volumes in the form of a summer suit, which is cropped at the torso, split with nylon organza, and peak lapel linen blazers are fitted with pen pockets and earpods compartments. The accessory collections additionally embody a playful escape from reality by reinterpreting everyday objects with high-end craftsmanship. From swimming goggles and caps in collaboration with ARENA, ping-pong racket bags to the Baguette bag, shrunk as a jewelry pouch on a fine waist chain, this collection sets a new precedent for the future luxury. An electronic composition by Alessandro Cortini accompanies the show.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Dior Cruise 22
A series of photographs of one of Monsieur Dior’s haute couture lines, taken near the iconic Parthenon in 1951, inspired Maria Grazia Chiuri to create the Dior Cruise 2022 collection. The show, set in the Stadium Panathinaiko in Athens, also drew inspiration from Giorgio De Chirico, a pioneer of surrealism who drew on poignant memories of Greece to paint magical places suspended in the silent contrast of light and shadow. The looks, clearly reminiscent of marble and ancient statues, the tunic plays a central role in the collection. Combing ethereal looks with comfortable footwear such as sneakers or plateau boots, Chiuri seems to have reinvented the antique with the modern. The designer also paid homage to Marlene Dietrich’s white suit and Björk’s iconic swan dress. Ongoing travel difficulties meant that her show was primarily attended by local press and clients - treated to a heavenly performance by the Greek-American singer Ioanna Gika.
www.dior.com
Fashion
“NOT IN PARIS” LONGCHAMP x HIGHSNOBIETY
Digital media and cultural platform Highsnobiety is collaborating with Longchamp for the third edition of their “Not In Paris” exhibition series, coinciding with Paris Men’s Fashion Week. Highsnobiety first unveiled “Not In Paris” in June 2020 with the aim of distilling the experience of Fashion Week into a multimedia hub of online content showcasing art, fashion, music and design, and making it accessible to a culturally curious global community. The Longchamp-Highsnobiety collaboration features the iconic Le Pliage® travel bag in 100% recycled polyester canvas, which is principally made from recovered plastic bottles. “Paris” is emblazoned with a sublimation printing process in green college-style lettering on the white canvas, with “Not In” embroidered in black italic script on it. A fluorescent green zip pull and black Russian leather on the flap, handles and shoulder strap complete the exclusive design. The “Not In Paris” exhibition and collaborative products – exclusively available at Highsnobiety Shop - launch on 16 June 2021 on www.highsnobiety.com. For the first time, “Not In Paris” will also actually be present in the French capital via a pop-up souvenir shop at 198 rue de Rivoli, adjacent to the Louvre and Tuileries gardens. Open to the public from 19 to 26 June, it will present the full array of collaborative products along with a special programme of events. www.longchamp.com www.highsnobiety.com
Fashion
Marsèll x Suicoke
The Japanese cult brand Suicoke and Marsèll, the distinctive Italian brand specialising in the production of handmade leather accessories, have collaborated for the first time; releasing a a limited collection of 1,000 pieces that will be available from the 15th of June. The model will be genderless and it will be available in five different colourways. Founded in 2006, Suicoke had incongruous beginnings, producing small accessories and hand-painted Russian dolls prior to their transition into footwear. Marsèll was founded in 2001 as the expression of a new craft culture. Shoes are the focus of a line of research devoted to pushing the boundaries of tradition, within the counterculture deconstruction movement. Now the first Suicoke Made in Italy created by Marsèll rose to the challenge of developing its own version of the iconic sandal by Japanese brand Suicoke. The idea behind the project was to create a shoe that reflects the fusion between Japanese culture and Italian craftsmanship. The key concepts underpinning the creative process are respect, reuse, transform and enhance. The result is an entirely leather sandal mounted onto a serrated rubber sole with a square toe. The sole is made from recycled material. Marsèll and Suicoke are united in their drive to create everyday footwear for creative environments, with a focus on the style that has redefined the boundaries of the contemporary aesthetic statement in the last decade.
www.suicoke.com
Fashion
Dior Vespa
the Vespa 946 Christian Dior, an ode to freedom and elegance, is presented in images captured by Pamela Hanson in Mexico City. This new model, redesigned by Maria Grazia Chiuri, is distinguished by its steel monocoque architecture and subtle, graphic lines that pay homage to the heritage of both Houses. In the spirit of escape, this series is an invitation to dreams and savor the dolce vita. As an ultimate getaway new experience, a new lens available on Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram offer an opportunity to discover this exclusive scooter in three dimensions or to virtually try on the Dior Oblique-embellished helmet.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Cartier Women’s Initiative 2021: 8 laureates
For its 2021 edition, the Cartier Women’s Initiative program aims to explore how to create and sustain the ripple effect ignited by these women changemakers, thus paving the way for a better world for future generations. The names of the eight laureates of the Cartier Women’s Initiative were announced during a digital ceremony, which concluded three days of virtual gathering. Hosted by Cyrille Vigneron, Cartier President and CEO, the virtual gathering brought together a diverse group of global thinkers and doers ranging from prominent leaders such as entrepreneur and author Jacqueline Novogratz, award-winning journalist, author, and founder of Shriver Media and The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Maria Shriver or scholar Nassim Nicholas Talebto friends of Cartier such as actor, producer and change agent Yara Shahidi, to collectively discuss the challenges of our time and to shine a light on the opportunities they provide to foster anti fragility, build new alliances and uplift women impact entrepreneurs. The winners of the 2021 edition all share an unwavering commitment to generating positive change in the world by answering to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of promoting good health & well-being, reducing inequalities and encouraging climate actions as well as responsible consumption and production.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
RETRO ARTSY by Westwing Collection
Westwing’s latest collection, 'Retro Artsy by Westwing Collection' is made up of in-house designed collection pieces combined with timeless design and retro vibes. Cozy flair from the 1960s meets simple, elegant shapes."With our Retro Artsy collection, we want to create a home where you can easily relax and feel happy. Retro-inspired elements go hand in hand with simple abstract patterns and colorful objects to set highlights. There is a calm atmosphere - Modern art, splashes of color and a mix of materials bring joy to everyday life. " so Ale Tobler, creative director of the Westwing Collection. The collection is characterized by expressive pieces of furniture and artistically designed decorative accessories. Soft color schemes of cream-colored and natural stone gray in a mixture of terracotta tones and black meet different material optics such as trendy travertine and dark wood.
www.westwingnow.de
Fashion
Shared Passion - Dockers New Brand Ambassadors
Since its foundation, one of Docker’s fundamental pillars was sustainability. A part of its DNA, which has certainly played a role in its California Cool image. Within this strategy, there is a special importance put on the subject of water. The garment industry especially has been heavily criticized for countless production processes which not only exhaust massive amounts of water, but also contribute to the industry being one of the most polluting industries worldwide. At Dockers, they have reduced their water consumption for dyeing and production processes by 73% on their whole range. Additionally, since 2020, they partnered up with surfer and activist Jon Rose in order to help fight the global water crisis. The first brand ambassador, Dockers is now proud to present four new faces, ambassadors who share this environmental engagement, the passion and lifestyle. The first is Kepa Acero, a Basque surfer and world traveller, who is dedicated to exploring the oceans and looking for ways to protect the environment and the local communities which are so dependent on it. Together with Dockers, they have started #DockersW4W, a social media challenge through which the brand has pledged to donate water filters to provide access to clean water to communities all over the planet. The second new ambassador to join the Dockers family is Deniz Roprak, a surfer and entrepreneur. In 2018, he started Mellow Sri Lanka, an environmentally-friendly co-living, which has the goal to make people aware about the resources we receive from nature and the importance of protecting it in order to enjoy all its many gifts. Joan Duru is the third new ambassador. Having started surfing at the age of 7 and now considered one of the greatest surfers of his generation, he has seen with his own eyes in many places all over the world, how the pollution is damaging our oceans and the absolute need for action right now. Last but not least to join the Dockers family is Maud Le Car. Born on Saint Martin, she has always been in close proximity to the sea. In order to protect the oceans, she has founded Save La Mermaid, an organisation with the goal of finding viable alternatives to plastic, whilst organizing clean-ups and educating the public on the issue of plastic pollution in order to continue to be able to enjoy the beauty of the oceans.
www.dockers.com
Fashion
CHANEL in Saint Tropez
CHANEL is back at its seasonal boutique in Saint-Tropez in time for the summer. In the heart of the village, La Mistralée, has been given a new décor inspired by the House and the latest collections designed by Virginie Viard. All the elegance of a private property in the South of France is displayed from the hallway through to the veranda, from the salons out to the garden via the pool house. In each room of the boutique, reorganised to resemble a villa, the beige and white terrazzo floor is enhanced by a black marble frieze. The white walls are decorated with frames. Console tables and a bookcase furnish the hallway and present the sunglasses, as well as a selection of perfumes and beauty products. Clients will discover other silhouettes from the collection out in the veranda. In the middle of the space, a "bag bar" presents the season's newest creations, while showcases display a range of CHANEL Jewelry with the COCO CRUSH collection, and watch designs including the J12, BOY·FRIEND, CODE COCO and PREMIÈRE. The outside of the boutique offers an invitation to relax in the sun on loungers and armchairs by the swimming pool or on the terrace by the pool house. In a graphic décor, the latter will be home to the shoes of the season and the CHANEL COCO BEACH 2021 collection, a Ready-to-Wear line dedicated to the beach that focuses this year on floral motifs intertwined with camellias and the double C.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Eyewear Campaign
Louis Vuitton invited three international, independent, and contemporary talents to portray its new sunglasses collection and embody the many facets of the woman. Belgian-Congolese singer-songwriter Lous & the Yakuza wears both a square design with precise, strong angles, as well as a more classic offering, American actor Chloë Grace Moretz embraces a timeless chic model, while South Korean singer-songwriter Somi sports couture sunglasses with their finely crafted jewellery-style temples. Bright days are ahead with the new sunglasses collection from Louis Vuitton, blending design and savoir-faire, innovation and tradition. Boasting exceptional quality and contemporary lines to accent any look, the collection adorns any face, setting it off to perfection.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
CHANEL Eyewear FW21
The CHANEL Fall 2021 Eyewear collection tells three stories that combine modernity and refinement, technicality and savoir-faire, casual elegance and a couture spirit. For this new collection, CHANEL presents three minimalist pairs of sunglasses with a masculine/feminine spirit: a cat eye, an aviator and a round frame in gold, silver, ruthenium or matt black metal. The purity of these designs is enhanced by metal inserts integrated into the glass, emphasising the curve of the cat eye and aviator frames and drawing two double Cs on the round design. A technical innovation, imperceptible to the touch, which subtly enhances the brown, light grey and anthracite tinted lenses. Introduced with the Spring-Summer 2021 collection, CHANEL continues its sequin theme this fall on three sunglasses and two opticals. A very feminine, large hexagonal frame in black or tortoiseshell acetate with a double C is embellished with micro-sequins. This sophisticated, textured material, shimmering or matt depending on the version, is also used on the top and the temples of sunglasses with a round or an oversized square frame, both in metal. The sparkle of the sequins reflects in the grey, green, brown or amber lenses. Two optical designs complete this line. In harmony with the colours of the frames, micro-sequins adorn the temples of a hexagonal shape in gold, matt black or ruthenium metal, and a graphic square in black, grey tortoiseshell or brown acetate. Certain versions of these opticals come with UV and blue light blocking lenses. The CHANEL Fall 2021 Eyewear collection will be available in boutiques from June 2021.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Sensory Manipulation
Ben Storms is a Belgian designer and craftsman whose work challenges sensory manipulation in terms of materials. By using state-of-the-art techniques, he transforms his sculptures into captivating shapes that defy the viewers’ expectations. His talent comprises working with many different elements as he is equally a stonemason, sculptor, and woodworker. His practice connects traditional techniques with high-tech processes to create unique pieces of furniture with a sculptural character, noting that, “In my practice as a designer, I push materials to their boundaries, often questioning common notions. Does marble always have to look heavy? Can steel look soft? By creating shapes that verge on the impossible, I confuse the viewers, make them lose their balance briefly, and stimulate them to look at familiar materials with a fresh eye.” The result is pieces like the Ex Hale, a marble table that mimics the shape of a monumental cushion. Its counterpart, In Hale is an enormous coffee table consisting of a massive marble piece that floats on a metal cushion. The artist developed the idea for the table while looking at a piece of marble that was considered leftover. By inflating sheet metal, he creates a three-dimensional cushion for the precious marble, which feels like it defies gravity. The marble used for his designs is carefully selected in quarries all over Europe. The marble is mainly left alone to show its natural beauty, only polished in certain places but overall left rough and unpolished on the lower side of the piece. The In Hale Wallpiece, two metal sheets, blown up in a cushion shape and scanned in 3D, after which a CNC machine mills the same form from a block of marble, demonstrates the multilateral talent of Storms. Through his vision, hard becomes soft, and sturdy becomes delicate.
www.benstorms.be
Fashion
Where the Water Flows
The latest Jil Sander SS21 campaign is an expression of pure haze. The idea of flowing, natural water is almost tangible in its visuals. It gives every image a sense of endless place and a dreamy dimension. Set in Biarritz, France on the Atlantic coast by the ocean and in the ocean, the SS21 collection is presented in a natural, comfortable and calm atmosphere. The tactile lighting aesthetically blurs the imagery and merges the bodies, the water and the background. The imagery provides a contrast to dense city life and leaves the viewer appreciating the vastness and emptiness of the landscape captured from dawn to sunset. The photographs were taken by Tim Elkaïm, in aw of days and nights spent ruminating and relaxing by the sea. The JIL SANDER SS21 collection including swimsuits, a windbreaker, shorts, hoodies, knitwear and blankets is artfully accentuated by the storytelling of the campaign. A pure illustration of ease. Jil Sander+ seasonally adds to the world of Jil Sander a series of garments made for life in nature, for both men and women; often unisex. The Jil Sander creative direction duo Lucie and Luke Meier skillfully blends the sense of comfort and design of their Jil Sander with honest, authentic items.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
Levis x MIU MIU
Miu Miu is continuing it’s “Upcycled by Miu Miu” project with a collaboration with Levi’s. Using vintage iconic 501 trousers/short and trucker jacket, Miu Miu is going to exclusively customize 1000 pieces for a worldwide distribution, by adding special embroideries and patches. Putting an iconic twist on the classic jeans brand’s identity, Miu Miu creates a new visual language while adding their part to a sustainable future.
www.levis.com
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Art-à-Porter
The Denim Culture capsule collection by Sportmax is a project entirely dedicated to jeanswear. The unique project is based on cooperation with various artists from the worlds of music, fashion and, art. In its fifth edition, Denim Culture by Sportmax reiterates its collaborative nature by working with the renowned Italian photographer Franco Fontana. The virtuous photographer transforms eight of his most impactful works into wearable photographs for the Denim Culture project. The images were reproduced and printed onto various denim garments and a series of t-shirts, creating the experience of observing a piece of art expertly positioned on clothing. The wearer thus has the pleasure of not only wearing this work of art but also becoming a living and moving canvas of art-à-porter, in the true spirit of Fontana, who said: “Creativity does not illustrate, it actually interprets life.” The SS21 Sportmax lineup was inspired by Fontana’s creative outlook and includes oversized, voluminous trousers, figure-embracing dresses, as well as tops and bustiers with necklines that enhance the simplicity of nude skin. Fontana’s images animate the collection, in an all-over print that adorns various Sportmax pieces. Shirts are also fashioned in a similar way roomy proportions and collars, decorated photographic prints. The color palette merges light blue tones and makes reference to the hues of Fontana’s signature works - famous for their swathes of red, sage, emerald green, turquoise and, yellow.
www.sportmax.com
Fashion
Limited Edition
Iris von Arnim presents the RE EDITION collection, made exclusively from waste fabrics and yarns. During the production process of the RE EDITION collection, the brand makes sure no thread is thrown away, with all leftovers being kept and recycled in order to ensure no new waste is created. Sustainability is at the very core of the 40-year-old company’s values and has been integrated thoroughly, with guaranteed fair production and short transport routes. Since 2019, the entire company has been actively practicing CO2-neutrality. RE EDITION is the logical continuation of the sustainable practice and marks the brand’s most environmentally friendly line to date. Iris van Armin’s bestsellers have been reissued with RE EDITION, made from leftover yarn in limited quantities and colors. The name RE EDITION is derived from the main elements of this line “Reuse, Reduce and Recycle,” and thus reflects the environmentally friendly production cycle. A limited number of pieces are available in every color, and style combination. The first launch consists of six models “Re-Nicolas,” “Re-Cayo,” “Re-Gemma,” “Re-Sara,” “Re-Sardinia,” and “Re-Surani,” which are available in neutral and timeless colors such as black, mud, pearl, and flannel, and bright colors such as pink, nile, and amber.
www.irisvonarnim.com
Fashion
Versace Greca Sneaker
Versace launches the Greca Sneaker for their SS21 Collection. The new signature item is inspired by the iconic and geometric Greca pattern and comes in a high top and low top version. The silhouette is clean and classic yet elevated by the outer sole, which features a continuous debossed Greca detail while having a hidden Medusa feature and tonal logo. High-top styles feature an appliquéd Medusa badge at the ankle, while the low tops version has a small logo accent at the heel counter and tongue. The upper is made from smooth leather or canvas and features color ranges from classic black and white to vibrant blue, red, purple, and pink. Versace’s iconic Barocco print is also an option. Seasonal styles include the sea-themed 'Trésor de la Mer' print and a Versace.com exclusive style in a colorful Medusa Amplified pattern.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Gallery Weekend Berlin: Dries van Noten at Andreas Murkudis
“A PERFECT MOMENT, Captured” is the name of the collaboration of Andreas Murkudis and Dries Van Noten for Berlin Gallery Weekend 2021. This collaboration comprises a photographic installation using the full height of the store’s 10-meter-high windows and a specially dedicated temporary space within the store that houses Dries Van Noten’s designs. The photographic installation faces out onto the courtyard, just off Potsdamer Strasse, to engage with visitors who may not enter the shop due to the current covid restrictions. ANDREAS MURKUDIS is pleased to invite you to experience the Dries Van Noten collection for Spring/ Summer 2021 at our ephemeral Store 81. An exceptional installation was created as a framework to portray all of the layers the collection holds this season. The 10-meter-high windows of the store’s old printing hall display large-scale photographs by Viviane Sassen for Dries Van Noten. These images capture garments of the collection shot within projections of the visionary films of New Zealand artist Len Lye – a pioneer who played an important role in harnessing motion in art. Filmed in the 1920s to 1940s, with colour painted and motives scratched onto the celluloid, the films were precursors of the psychedelia that would follow only forty years later. Motifs from his work are carried through to the prints for the designer’s SS21 collections for women and men. A temporary interior exhibition area is dedicated to the collaboration and provides an extraordinary aesthetic framework of assembled and layered images and fabrics. BOCCI, a bouquet of light created to react to and reflect the colors and reflections of this space, unfolds to mark the room.
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Fashion
24 Bottles
The sustainable design brand born in 2013, the leading Italian brand of the fashion hydration industry, 24Bottles shares its Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help people thanking their with a stylish option while being respectful to our Mother Earth. 24Bottles can be personalized – from color to pattern and can be even engraved to help create a unique Mother’s day gift that values sustainability. The 24Bottles are special for its original shape, quality and design as well as function. 24Bottles are designed with functionality in mind; the bottles are insulated, extra lightweight and some models can hold even coffee and tea. It was born from the search for the most comfortable and functional solution to satisfy the need to hydrate in a healthy, elegant and ecological way. Choosing 24Bottles means taking care of yourself, your well-being and that of the planet. The company is B Corp® certified and has also embarked on an ambitious program to achieve Carbon Neutrality. The aim is to completely offset its carbon footprint by supporting international reforestation projects,rural communities and green projects.
www.24bottles.com
Art
Gallery Weekend Berlin
Every year during springtime, around 50 galleries open their exhibitions by young and established artists and welcome numerous visitors from all over the world to Berlin. Gallery Weekend Berlin was founded in 2005 as a private initiative by Berlin galleries and soon became one of the highlights of the international art calendar. The weekend celebrates galleries and artists within this unique format providing high-caliber exhibitions and an unparalleled experience of Berlin. Gallery Weekend Live Tours guide you via Zoom through all participating galleries on May 1 and 2. Pre-registration is not required. The live Tours will be held mainly in German. Additionally, the participating galleries of Gallery Weekend will open their exhibitions next week on May 1st and 2nd. Currently, in-person gallery visits are possible via appointment booking and with a same-day Corona test. Visitors are required to wear a FFP2 mask when visiting the galleries. You can take advantage of our digital offerings. Films of all exhibitions will be viewable on Instagram from 1 May.
Opening Hours Gallery Weekend 2021
Saturday, 1 May | 12 noon – 7 pm
Sunday, 2 May | 12 noon – 7 pm
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Fashion
Cartier Women’s Initiative 2021
Cartier announces the 24 fellows for the 2021 edition of the Cartier Women’s Initiative. With the announcement of the 2021 Cartier Women’s Initiative fellows, Cartier is reaffirming its commitments to women impact entrepreneurs leveraging business as a force for good. Starting in 2006, the Cartier Women’s Initiative has supported endless women to reach their full potential by highlighting their achievements and providing them with financial, human, and social capital to support and grow their businesses. Since 06, the campaign has helped over 260 female entrepreneurs from 59 countries and has awarded over 4 million US dollars to support their businesses. This year, to further increase its impact and relevance, the program has launched the Science & Technology Pioneer Award. In addition to the seven existing Regional Awards, three more women impact entrepreneurs at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation will be recognized. Open to women entrepreneurs from any country and sector; this award will highlight disruptive solutions built around unique, protected, or hard-to-reproduce technological or scientific advances. Twenty-four fellows are selected amongst 876 applicants hailing from 142 countries. For the first time, the Cartier Women’s Initiative has recognized women impact entrepreneurs from Mali, Iraq, and Myanmar. These fellows represent the top 3 businesses for each of the 7 Regional Awards and for the Science & Technology Pioneer Award. In these unprecedented times, Cartier considers it its duty to protect its teams, partners, and program participants; this is why the eight laureates will be announced on May 26th, 2021, during a virtual ceremony, which will close a digital awards week on the theme of the Ripple Effect.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Kaldewei receives iF Design Award 2021
The MING washbasin bowl made of Kaldewei steel-emaille material impresses with its slender silhouette and a flawlessly glazed surface. Kaldewei has now been awarded the prestigious iF Design Award 2021 for the MING basin’s trend-setting and high-quality design. The premium manufacturer was able to convince the jury of the design award with a distinctive product profile, which uniquely combines tradition and modernity with absolute material quality. Kaldewei's exquisite MING bowl captivates with elegant lines, extensive depth and a delicate rim. Its traditional contours are inspired by Chinese Ming vases and made of steel-emaille. This material is hundred percent recyclable and therefore particularly sustainable. Whether for a classically simple bathroom or experimental locations, the elegance of MING with its convex curved silhouette leaves room for visions that turn any space into a sensual retreat. Displaying an easy-to-clean finish, the Kaldewei Perl effect, is standard on all MING bowls.
Fashion
RIMOWA x Masumi Ishiuda
On the occasion of the cherry blossom season, RIMOWA publishes wonderful mood images by photographer Masumi Ishiuda. The used RIMOWA products, the Personal Poly, the Hybrid Cabin or the small backpack visually fit with the colors of the spring season. RIMOWA is a global leader in premium luggage. Since 1898, it has placed quality and innovation at its core to create functional tools for a lifetime of movement. In 1937, RIMOWA introduced aviation-inspired aluminium into the manufacture of its suitcases, an idea that revolutionised the industry and resulted in their iconic grooved aluminium design. In 2000, it pioneered again with the debut of the world's first polycarbonate suitcase. In 2017, RIMOWA joined LVMH; three years later, it launched Never Still, a collection of bags for daily use that heralded its evolution into a cult mobility brand. Designed and engineered in Germany, RIMOWA combines a legacy of craftsmanship with the rigours of modern technology.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Rosa rosae rosae
by Manuela Martorelli
“There is an analogy of material between powder and silk. They offer the same delicacy, the same softness, the same radiance. This inspiration is further reflected on the surface of the powder, which is textured like the fine rib of silk twill.” Jérôme Touron, Creative Director of Hermès Beauty describes the intrinsic analogies between silk and the new addition to the Maison’s Beauty collection: a compact powder blush composed of key scent created by Hermès nose Christine Nagel in the same vein as Rouge Hermès that reveals notes of arnica and sandalwood and subtle hints of green tea. Rose Hermès Silky Blush unfolds in a swathe of light. From dawn dew chromatic hues to tones of warm sand: pink zephyr, a pink halo, the rose of freshly heart warmed cheeks, so candid and oh so French. Its velvety texture and formula with vitamin E providing antioxidant properties, and combining a perfect finish with buildable coverage, from the most natural to the most sophisticated. A beauty ritual, enhanced by the exceptional case designed by Pierre Hardy, Creative Director of Hermès shoes and jewelry: a disc of white and gold light in satin-finish perm brass, marked with the concave ex-libris created by Émile Hermès in 1923. Following Rouge Hermès, it’s a sustainable object, refilled by simply removing and replacing the powder pan in one gesture. “Design is where necessity meets fantasy. Objects must come to life through a creative approach that pushes them further, transcending their utility”, Pierre Hardy, explains how the very essence of Hermès, the air that it breathes, the Maison’s lifeblood is naturally embodied by Hermès Beauty, with a simple gesture, never loud but nevertheless full of personality.
Fashion
GLENN MARTENS DEBUT AT MILAN FASHION WEEK
Since his appointment as Creative Director for Paris-based label Y/Project, Glenn Martens’ creations have been a constant at Paris Fashion Week. This year, the Belgian Designer embarks on yet another creative journey, premiering his debut for DIESEL during Milan’s menswear programming. Coincidentally, this will also mark DIESEL’s debut on the Milan Fashion Week calendar. After having created a denim collection with the brand in 2018, we will now get a first look on how Martens has incorporated his vision across the brand’s entire range of product categories. The show is a major step of Martens’ role in overseeing the brand’s creative identity, design and communications.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Giuseppe Zanotti AMIRA
Giuseppe Zanotti, an Italian luxury footwear and fashion designer known for his sculptural, jeweled heels and fashion forward sneakers, presents AMIRA, a reinterpretation of the first iconic version first presented in 2005. The striking metallic sandal features an array of intricate chains composed of ornamental jewels, crystals and beadwork. Every tiny ornament of the Amira is applied by hand, rendering each pair one-of-a-kind. Amira once again proves that iconic style transcends time and place. To celebrate the launch of the Amira, the fashion House is collaborating with activist Laetitia Ky, who is known for her intricate hair sculptures. The artist will create a new piece around the jeweled sandal. The AMIRA sandals will be available beginning March 30 in Giuseppe Zanotti boutiques, on giuseppezanotti.com and in select luxury stores globally. A third Icons drop is slated for June 2021.
www.giuseppezanotti.com
Fashion
TOMMY x PATTA
Tommy Hilfiger comes together with Amsterdam-based streetwear brand Patta to release a PATTAxTOMMY capsule collection that captures the strength and influence of the African diaspora movement with the message “unity is strength, division is weakness.” The two brands share the value of openness and their commitment to fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and community. Collaborating for the first time, Patta and Tommy Hilfiger centered the PATTAxTOMMY capsule around the Pan-African Flag, Black unity, and community, channeling a sense of interconnected histories, present times, and the future that lies ahead. To celebrate this, the iconic white, red and blue TOMMY colors have been replaced by the traditional Pan-African colors of deep red, black, green, and yellow, putting African culture and community self-actualization front and center in this capsule. The video campaign was captured in Lagos, Nigeria, by Nigerian filmmaker Dafe Oboro through his short film, “Two Become One,” with campaign photography by Moroccan visual artist Hassan Hajjaj. To further underline the collection’s message, Patta has produced “Katibo Yeye,” a documentary directed by award-winning Dutch film director Frank Zichem.
The film follows Clarence Breeveld, a Suriname-born man living in the Netherlands, as he attempts to trace the shipping route from Ghana to Suriname traveled by his enslaved ancestors, visiting locations where slave trading took place. As part of this partnership, Tommy Hilfiger and Patta will donate to The Black Archives from Amsterdam, Sistah Space from London, and The Good Neighborhood Collective from Milan –each chosen for their dedication to celebrating Afro-descendants and uplifting their voices.
The PATTAxTOMMY range will be available via the Patta retail network globally beginning Friday, April 9, 2021, at 1 PM CEST, and via selected wholesale partners starting April 16, 2021.
www.pattaxtommy.com
Fashion
BOSS x Russel Athletics
BOSS teams up with Russel Athletic to create a new capsule collection, uniting expert tailoring with the American icon's sportswear know-how. The new collaboration presents bold, off-court classics that combine relaxed fits, sporty details, and a retro-inspired colour palette for the next generation of men and women. To encapture the meeting place of two legendary sportswear and tailoring brands, the new campaign was filmed by renowned photographer Joshua Kissi and created in partnership with agency and publisher Highsnobiety. The campaign, which was digitally launched on all social media channels of BOSS celebrates team spirit, individual talent, and the power in lifting each other up. Part of the campaign is an all-star cast including Bella Hadid, Ashley Graham, Keith Powers, Lucky B Smith, and Taylor Hill bringing their winning energy to the bold, new capsule collection. Capturing this meeting place of sportswear and tailoring, the new campaign was lensed by renowned photographer Joshua Kissi and created in partnership with agency and publisher Highsnobiety. Russell Athletic is a legedary sportswear brand, its invention of the sweatshirt being a breakthrough moment for them all the way back in 1926. Fast forward to today, and this collaboration reimagines the American icon’s styles through the ages, with a BOSS lens. Think new elevated materials, inventive mixes of athletic wear and tailoring, or the BOSS suit, taken in a sportier direction than ever before.
www.boss.com
Fashion
On The Beach - Louis Vuitton
Maison Louis Vuitton continues its emotional journey with the launch of the latest Cologne - a special symbiosis of the lightness of citrus notes and the magical richness of flowers. The new perfume On The Beach by Louis Vuitton interprets the infamous journey along the US West Coast in a summery scent dedicated to the warm and sunny season. It tells the story of the freshness and ease of the coast and the desire for freedom. On The Beach - the latest creation by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, Maître Parfumeur of Louis Vuitton - is an olfactory surprise consisting of emotions reminiscent of a day at the beach. It evokes memories of the warming rays of the sun, the sound of breaking waves and the feeling of sand on the skin. The elaborate composition is a mix of fresh lemon from Japan, orange blossom filled with sun, thyme, rosemary and pink pepper. The lively scent brings the ambience of the West Coast – a territory that is passionate and wildly creative – to life, while combining the spontaneity of the colognes with the sophistication of perfumes.
Fashion
Ninamounah FW21 – Seduce Me
Ninamounah presents her first Paris Fashion Week participation, an audiovisual piece in runway show format called "Seduce Me." The Amsterdam-based brand - named after its Creative Director Ninamounah Langstraat – received the inspiration for the show from the natural world, taking biology as the starting point for the conception of the ideas that help shape the pieces in the collection. "Seduce Me" explores hypnotizing mating rituals, stimulating the viewers' animalistic side and translating the aesthetics of these complex animal behaviors into garments with a various and rich range of silhouettes, textures, and movements. Even the models move slightly feral as they were filmed walking backward and reversing the content, leaving the viewer hypnotized and at unease at first sight. The collection feature exaggerated cuts and oversized tailoring, which takes inspiration from the sexual mimicry of the animal kingdom.
Contrasting the suppleness of velvet and the discomfort of vinyl tells the story of seduction: both romantic and aggressive. The velvety antlers of male deers are the perfect paradigm seen in nature. The deception of sensuality and violence in nature, as seen in snake trails (a sign of either mating or conflict), translates into the hypnotic, undulating seams in the recurring garments. The urgency of red punctuates the neutral palette as a semiotic conversation between the aggressiveness and seduction it represents in both nature and the human-made world. The neutral palette is a reflection of the unarmed state and the innocence of living beings before they are ruthlessly hunted down. For the collection, Ninamounah collaborates with artist Stef Van Looveren, with whom the brand has developed a revisited line of accessories starring their already signature bags depicting human male and female gonads in a wide range of colors, from bubblegum pink to metallic gold.
www.ninamounah.com
Fashion
Thom Browne FW21
For the FW 21 collection, Thom Browne continues his collaboration with director Carissa Gallo. In the short film, Lindsey Vonn - an American former World Cup alpine ski racer on the US Ski Team- introduces Thom Browne’s collection by walking through a snowy wonderland filled with an audience of animated stick figures watching her pass by - in the only colorful piece of the collection, a button back off-shoulder lapel dress with an oversized drape in gold lame over an oversized tailcoat gown with drawstrings and backpack straps in gold lame. The visual story unveils as Lindsey Vonn sees the stick figures off and boards a helicopter. From there, she skis along the models wearing the intricate design pieces, wearing lace-covered fencing masks. For FW 21, Thom Browne is crossing boundaries, creating menswear for women and womenswear for men. The silhouette is a juxtaposed mix between formal and sportswear. He continued to challenge and modernize today’s connotation of the suit.
www.thombrowne.com
Fashion
Isabel Marant FW21
The Isabel Marant FW21 collection is inspired by visions of the past, as well as projections into the future and translates this liminality into the silhouettes, colors and prints of the designs. The folk and libertarian spirit of the 60s, as expressed by Jimmy Hendrix or Janis Joplin, clashes with the techno impulse of the Gabber scene, a subculture that was arised in the 90s. Psychedelic multicolor floral patterns are combined with an electric blue iridescent vinyl fabric, while Texan boots are worn with oversized sportswear-inspired pieces. The collection tells the story of a journey across genres and eras that evokes memories and nostalgia through pieces like guipure tops and dresses, shearling boleros and embellished belts. The contrasting effect of the raw materials and precious details give the designs a versatile character - from day to night, masculine and feminine together at the same time. In the context of Paris Fashion week, a video shot in the outskirts of Paris along the bold volutes of an open-air building serves as an introduction to the Isabel Marant FW21 collection. The chosen soundtrack by Gabber Eleganza is an exploratory fusion of folk tones and techno rhythms, which sets the vibrant dynamic for the video. In symbiosis with the impressive concrete walls of the setting, the music is an ode to long-lost parties.
Fashion
Longchamp FW21
Longchamp creative director Sophie Delafontaine’s main inspiration for the Longchamp FW21 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week was the iconic Longchamp racehorse logo and the work of the French 20th-century interior designer Pierre Paulin. The designer is known to have revolutionized Parisian apartments at the time with his creative outlook. The galloping Longchamp racehorse was drawn by Turenne Chevallereau and is the emblematic expression of the label’s dynamism and art de vivre. This equestrian reference served as the basis for the choice of location for the show: Paris’ renowned Battesti riding hall, known for its imposing glass and iron roof, that was engineered by Gustave Eiffel. The Pierre Paulin influence becomes visible in the collection’s silhouettes, citing his innovative approach to line, function, color and material in combination with the creative spirit of Longchamp. Thus, many of the looks follow a sensual, enveloping form language, drawing on the curvaceous design of a Paulin sofa. Quilting and layering are prominent themes in the collection that features a variety of sleeveless, padded gilets in soft lambskin, cashmere crop tops layered with denim shirts, as well as 70s-style wool ribbed turtleneck sweaters worn underneath shirts, suits and dresses. Opened by Mica Arganaraz in a black safari jacket belted over a red skinny-rib sweater and short white shorts, the reoccurring themes for the collection became visible. Both the color palette and the proportions are at once equestrian and quintessentially Parisian. The warm feel of the collection extends to this season’s bags: The iconic Le Pilage bag is reinterpreted in padded, quilted lambskin, both in its classic shape and as a huggable drawstring backpack.
Fashion
Valentino FW21 - ACT
For Valentino’s most recent collection, FW21 ready-to-wear, Pierpaolo Piccioli worked with the topic of punk in a more muted color palette of black and white with pops of gold. Having historically shown on the Paris show, Valentino presented their first co-ed FW21 collection at Milan Fashion Week. One year after the lockdown swept Italy, shuttering performing arts spaces and much of the cultural life in their wake, Pierpaolo Piccioli reopened Milan’s Piccolo Teatro for one night only to stage a 66-look-show by the name Valentino ACT. “The fact that we decided to have it reopened, albeit just temporarily, it was a sort of a punk act,” he said at a press conference held in the darkness of the auditorium.
“What we missed in the pandemic was above all the sense of sharing and of communality that culture gives us—not so much pasta and pizza.” A spotlight illuminated the models in the otherwise dark theater as Cosima sang live accompanied by a string quartet. Pleated A-line mini skirts, pointed collar white shirts, turtlenecks, and swingy cape coats, paired with sturdy boots covered in rubber petals and macro studs to bring the 60s back to life in modern times. A daywear assortment of beautifully cut short wool capes was the collection’s pivot, worn with bare legs and elegant stilettos “for sensuality,” as Piccioli underlined. “It’s the radical act of having the strength to be who you are; that’s what I mean by romanticism today. It’s a subjective, almost anarchic gesture, assertive of one’s own identity—exactly like punk.”, he concludes.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani FW21
Giorgio Armani’s FW21 collection portrays an analysis of the psychology of dressing. It displays and explores the natural nuances and passages of dress in an organic and simple, yet complex way. Engaging with the idea of complexity in simplicity, Armani presents a structured wardrobe, that simultaneously evokes images of leger everyday wear and glamorous evening wear, bounded together by an overall sophisticated form language. The collection is an assembly of clothing that can be individually combined and mixed and matched. It is made to inspire the wearer and augment uninhibited self-expression. A hint of eclecticism is conveyed through new volumes and applications: Jackets are soft and flowing like shirts, coats are versatile and enveloping, sweaters adhere to the body and are accentuated by geometric patterns. Deep blues and blacks and natural hues alongside flashes of leather, brightened by velvet make up the key colors of the garments. The geometric patchworks of velvet and wool enmeshed on the designs alternate with brightly colored floral patterns and make each piece unique. Armani once again expresses the aesthetic ease the house’s designs are known for, in a nonchalant, nocturnal and precise manner, drawing on a sense of linearity and focusing on enhancing the wearer’s personality.
www.giorgioarmani.com
Fashion
Missoni FW21
Missoni’s FW21 collection is Angela Missoni’s ode to today’s women, dynamic and with effortless attitude, bringing a breath of freshness into the Missoni world. The more relaxed attitude to dressing that has become so much more important over the last year is blended with sport accents creating a collection that leaves its wearer total freedom to express themselves. A versatile collection allowing the wearer to mix and match according to the different needs of the modern, urban lifestyle. Despite the more relaxed nature, the collection strikes the perfect balance between elegance, sophisticated style without any constrictions. Knitted coats and trenches embellished with jewel-like resin embellishments reveal the silhouettes, sweatshirts and ponchos juxtaposed with culottes or slightly flared pants. The versatility of the collection is also epitomized in the choice of materials with wool or cashmere caftans combining languid elegance and practicality. The color palette of the collection is dedicated to solid tones, enriched with textures and details. It ranges from soft tones of warm shades of terracotta, cognac and beige to cold hues of gray and teal juxtaposed with bright pops of pink, yellow, orange and turquoise, as well as elegant black and white combinations.
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo F-Heel
The story of the F-shape heel is a very personal one for Salvatore Ferragamo. The idea for this counter-intuitive design stems from observing the curved stern of the ocean liner on which the founder steamed home to Italy from his days as shoemaker to Hollywood’s greatest stars in the US. The F-heel defies the eye’s perception of gravity, which leaves the foot seemingly suspended in space. Its uniqueness makes it one of Salvatore Ferragamo’s greatest inventions.
The 2021 F-heel is the modern sequel to Ferragamo’s timeless classic that adds new layers of sustainability and technical innovation to his original. The 2021 F-heel shoe shares the original’s curved heel shape that ingeniously appears to leave the wearer’s foot walking on air. It is crafted from leather, which takes its name after its origin, Napa California, in three vibrant colorways: Hedren green, Technicolor yellow, and black ornated with iridescent beads. Named after the classic ‘F’ in Ferragamo’s cursive signature, this 2021 update is also keeping up with Salvatore’s commitment to innovation. Each fabrication is entirely monotone, which is a first for the model; the upper, lining, and sole edge and the sole and rubber heel lift are presented in seamless nappa Technicolor hues or black.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
COLMAR A.G.E. x MORTEZA VASEGHI
Colmar’s innovation-focused label A.G.E. (Advanced Garment Exploration) was initiated by the Italian outerwear brand three years ago with the experimental goal to collaborate with international artists and designers. A.G.E. stands for modern, contemporary design and reinvention of Colmar’s designs, which are historically rooted in ski-wear. For the third collection of A.G.E., which is an essential part of the FW21/22 collection, Colmar works with the internationally renowned designer Morteza Vaseghi. Mostly known as the co-founder of the magazines Recens Paper and Wallet along with Elis Olsen, Vaseghi transfers his fascination for printed pages in magazines to the design of clothing for the human body. As the Creative Director for Colmar’s newest A.G.E. collection Vaseghi introduces organic, futuristic forms that express his progressive ideas of unifying human beings with nature, reconnecting the idea of modernity with the natural environment in the context of fashion.
Fashion
Ferragamo reinvents the Gancini-monogram
Salvatore Ferragamo presents Gancini Iconic, the newest version of its characteristic Ferragamo Gancini-monogram. The pattern is featured in the design of shoes, bags, leather goods, silk and ready-made clothing of Ferragamo’s pre-spring 2021 season as a continuation of the legacy of the signature monogram. Salvatore Ferragamo was first inspired by the gancini, which resembles hooks used on doors, walls or equestrian saddles, back in the 70s, discovering them on the ironwork of gates of his headquarter at the Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence. Since then, the brand’s Creative Direction has made efforts to constantly reinvent and reemphasize the house monogram. Ferragamo reinterprets its classic brand identity with the introduction of the Gancini Iconic, highlighting the brand’s core values: quality, heritage, strength and togetherness.
Fashion
VERSACE x La Medusa Bag
VERSACE introduces its latest accessoire line in the name of the brand’s ultimate muse: Medusa. The ancient Greek icon of beauty and desire as a historic example of unapologetic attitude and fearless self-belief continues to enduringly guide the spirit of VERSACE’s designs. Embracing this, each La Medusa handbag is adorned with the classic Medusa-head plaque, a replica of the plaque that was discovered on the doors of VERSACE’s first headquarters in Milan. These VERSACE trademarks are combined with a bold, bright color scheme exuding positivity and lightness with an emphasis on the shade DV Blue. Donatella Versace worked to create the perfect shade of blue, inspired by nature and designed to bring happiness to the wearer. ‘Blue is my favorite color because for me it represents freedom’, the Chief Creative Officer says and expresses through the new Medusa bag in DV Blue. Moreover, all handbags of the collection are made in Italy from premium leather, which is selected to create a slouchy and unstructured finish. The texture-color combination gives the Medusa Bag a modern and youthful feel, which makes an ideal accesoire for the contemporary woman.
Fashion
Dior Spring SS21 Campaign
Dior presents its Spring-Summer 2021 read-to-wear looks by Maria Grazia Chiuri, which are revealed in a series of striking photographs. The campaign celebrates creation in all its forms, from Virginia Woolf’s feminist essays to militant collages by Lucia Marcucci that enhanced the show’s staging. The collection is captured in a campaign reflecting the unique power of a painting. The photo series highlights silhouettes with an almost sacred aura of mystery as if they were subjects of paintings punctuated with shimmering shades of blue, red, and gold.
Eline Kechicheva captured the series, and the images reinvent the Dior visual language by combining precious embroideries with paisley motifs and floral designs that blossom on dresses and trousers, as well as the essential Dior BookTote. Light, fluid pieces take on the deep blue of denim. Simultaneously, the revisited men’s shirt is combined with the Dior Palto jacket, freeing movement with grace and elegance alongside the irresistible Dior Caro bag. The campaign reveals virtuoso compositions, an homage to the savior-faire of couture.
www.dior.com
Art
Beuys Bleibt / Beuys - A Close Up
Joseph Beuys (1921–1986), widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century, would have celebrated his 100th birthday on May 12th, 2021. In honor of his centenary German photographer Michael Ruetz has published the book “Beuys bleibt / Beuys – A Close Up” in January of 2021, which sheds new light on the many myths surrounding the late artist. Michale Ruetz started photographing Beuys in the late 70s after getting to know him through mutual friends.
Not initially intended for publication, the photographer’s detailed observation is more intimate and spontaneous. His goal was to “explore the actual person behind the all too familiar figure of Beuys.” Since Beuys has been photographed extensively in his time, the spontaneity of Ruetz has is a more detailed photographic tribute than ever existed before. Most prevalent in this tribute is the insight behind the artist’s professional façade and exploration of the fascinating inner life of Joseph Beuys.
“In Dialogue with Joseph Beuys” is on show at Galerie van der Grinten, Cologne, from January 23rd - March 23rd, 2021. “Beuys bleibt / Beuys – A Close Up” is out now and will be presented at Akademie der Künste, Berlin, on May 12th 2021.
Michael Ruetz Joseph Beuys Düsseldorf, Frühjahr 1971 © Michael Ruetz courtesy Michael Ruetz / Akademie der Künste, Berlin / Agentur FOCUS
Fashion
Michel Kors: The Eye Has to Travel SS21 Campaign
Michael Kors announces its latest campaign, "The Eye Has To Travel," starring Bella Hadid, Mayowa Nicholas, Heejung Parkand and Salomon Diazin; a short film by famed music video director Matty Peacock. The stills were shot by New York photographer Jason Kim. Borrowing the words from the legendary Diana Vreeland, the video-based campaign for MICHAEL Michael Kors and Michael Kors Mens focuses on the aspects experienced usually through travel like adventure, exploration, and perspective. During the campaign, the viewer rediscovers New Yorks's most well-known sights through the daydreams of jet setter Bella Hadid. The campaign aims to discover how we can experience travel perks without the travel aspect and imagine new possibilities to decompress. The eye has to travel means redirecting the perspective one has on their home base and find new inspiration in the known. The MICHAEL Michael Kors Spring 2021 looks are a blend of on-the-go cool with city polish. The Signature MK logo is featured, as well as fresh colorways of the iconic SOHO chain bag. The Michael Kors Men's collection offers the city-sleek polish look with sporty separates, striped Signature logo accessories, and luxe sunglasses.
www.michaelkors.com
Fashion
Prada Symbol Pop-Ups for SS21
Prada presents Prada Symbols, a series of pop up stores dedicated to the women’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection. The pop-up concept entails glass structures decorated with the iconic Prada triangle logo and adorned with white and gold checkered flooring. Transparent displays and mannequins are in line with the collection’s overall look, which also heavily featured the super-sized Prada Symbol triangle. This collection marks the first time Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons working together, which the industry welcomed with delight. It includes the Prada Cleo bag and prints by artist Peter De Potter. The new Prada collection entails long, narrow ’90s trousers styled tone in tone with long sleeveless shorts that feature the fashion houses’ iconic symbol, kitten heels in vibrant colors, and long skirts.
The Prada Symbol pop up stores are located at Macau Four Season, from January 22nd – March 31st Paris Galeries Lafayette, from January 26th – February 23rd Hong Kong IFC, from January 28th – March 14th Busan Shinsegae Centum, from January 29th – February 21st Beijing SKP, from February 3rd - February 23rd Tokyo Isetan Woman, from February 10th – February 23rd Tokyo Isetan Man, from February 17th – March 2nd
www.prada.com
Fashion
Roger Dubois x Pirelli: Excalibur Iconic Collection
Excess and extravagance are what Roger Dubois embodies. The luxurious watchmaker brand has collaborated with Pirelli, the expert on tires for the daring Excalibur Iconic collection, a limited-edition collection of just 88 watches each for the black or white Excalibur Spider models; and 28 for the Excalibur Spider Pirelli. Engineers and watchmakers of the highest expertise have collaborated to create unique timepieces featuring rubber inlays from certified Pirelli winning tires.
Manufactured in the heart of Geneva, the new collection fuses traditional watchmaking with state-of-the-art-technology. Color schemes range from rose gold with white accents to titanium total black to sporty red and black. All watches can be worn with interchangeable straps of either winning motorsport tire rubber or calf leather. The straps all entail the profile of a Pirelli Cinturato intermediate tire on the inside. Roger Dubois promises adrenaline and thrill by reinventing the Hyper Horology game to the exclusive tribe who look for off-the-radar experiences with the Excalibur Iconic collection. The exclusivity of the collection will allow only a lucky few to come in contact with the collaboration of a lifetime.
www.rogerdubuis.com
Fashion
MIU MIU - MIND MAPPING
Starring Allison Katz, Caren Jepkemei, Chloé, Emma Corrin, Kelsey Lu and Topsy the short film MIND MAPPING directed by Ben Northover brings the MIU MIU SS21 campaign to life. The film between documentary and fiction celebrates nonconformist and idiosyncratic female individuality through its cast and artistic language. Northover envisions the protagonists as ‘windows into the worlds of the multitude of MIU MIU women – maps of their minds.’ The extraordinary women, placed within an ordinary domestic setting embody eccentric characters confronting each other in a loose interpretation of the Game of Contraries, voicing trains of thought representative of their innate individuality. Spontaneous, intriguing word associations in combination with enigmatic styling and visual effects leave the viewer in humble engagement. MIU MIU’s new campaign creates a set of sequences simultaneously mirroring diversity and unity, literally mapping the protagonist’s thoughts through verbal and visual storytelling.
www.miumiu.com
Art
Jonathan Meese x TVLG_Chamber
Tim Van Laere Gallery inaugurates an additional exhibition space featuring a series of ceramic masks by Jonathan Meese. The artist combines elements of painting and sculpture, in line with the creative, grotesque expressiveness he is known for, in his new exhibition. The dynamic, performative aesthetics of the ceramic and bronze masks illustrate the antagonistic relationship between good and evil, inspired by ancient times, history, and contemporary popular culture in form and color. Meese’s artistic language represents the experimental outlook of the new TVLG_Chamber that is set to co-exist with the main exhibition area of the renowned Antwerp gallery. The exhibition, titled ERZCERAMICS DE LARGE (ABER BITTE MIT SAHNE), will be displayed from February 4th to March 6th, 2021 at Tim Van Laere Gallery, Antwerp.
www.timvanlaeregallery.com
JONATHAN MEESE, ZARDOZ SCHREIT DICH!, 2020. Ceramic, 32,5 x 31 x 7 cm. Courtesy Tim Van Laere Gallery, Antwerp
Fashion
GmbH Men’s Fall 21: ‘Welt am Draht’
In the precarious reality of the modern age that many people find themselves in, the idea of all life as a simulation is an all too appropriate analogy for the Fall 21 collection by GmbH. The film, directed by Matt Lambert alongside director of photography Chris Aoun, with the Creative Directors Benjamin A. Huseby and Serhat Isik, displays a wide range of shapes and silhouettes for contemporary menswear.
As part of Reference Festival, Berlin Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, German brand GmbH has premiered its film for its Fall 21 collection on each respective online platform simultaneously. The collection’s name is owed to the Rainer Werner Fassbinder sci-fi epic, ‘Welt am Draht’ or ‘World on a Wire’ created originally as a German television series in 1973.
Of the collection, Benjamin A. Huseby remarks “we started by building a men’s collection with silhouettes and techniques that refer to mid-century couture. We wanted to create clothes of dreams, rather than the mundane pragmatism of our everyday lives. An escape from the banality of our realities.”
Supported by Reference Festival, Senate Berlin, Paris Fashion Week and recent GmbH collaborator, ASICS, the brand is informed by prophetic moments in history that boldly gazed into the future as its present-day looking glass for the GmbH Fall 21 collection.
Fashion
CHANEL Haute Couture SS21
Photographed by Dutch photographer and filmmaker, Anton Corbijn, at the Salons at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris, CHANEL debuted its Haute Couture SS21 collection. The covid-safe event closed to the public, hosted by Creative Director, Virginie Viard, the collection was wedding-themed with an abundance of white petals and flowers, fairy lights and a bride atop a white horse.
The collection is reminiscent of a wedding one might see in a small town where people remain close and dress with a more relaxed and personable sensibility. With silver embroidery and lace details, ivory satin along with a big veil. The Grand Palais was dressed with rustic arches adorned with flowers, to take the form of a modest chapel setting created by renowned decorator Jacques Grange.
Sincere and fond memories of the late Karl Lagerfeld were shared by ambassadors, models and celebrity guests including Penélope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Lily-Rose Depp with her mother, Vanessa Paradis, Joana Preiss, Izia Higelin and Alma Jodorowsky. All guests were seated at a safe distance as well as being tested for the virus prior to entering. Documented by a drone and varied camera set-ups, Corbijn also put together a lovingly made photo-book as a keepsake.
During a time when an embrace or a gathering is a contentious and divisive issue, the SS21 Haute Couture theme echoed the better nature in mankind which many hope to return to. Gathering to celebrate that which is just and caring and good, like the union of two souls. A love that is felt deeply expressed through fashion, an alignment with CHANEL at its core with nods to Karl Lagerfeld, distinctive and life-affirming in Virginie Viard’s joyful creations.
Fashion
LOEWE Men's FW21/22
With his FW21 Menswear collection, LOEWE’s Creative Director Jonathan Anderson pays homage to artist Joe Brainard. As Anderson explains himself, ‘I have been drawn to Joe Brainard’s body of work, especially his collages and his ability to create from everyday things. As an artist, writer, illustrator and poet, he developed his ideas and actions outside of convention and category. His work possesses a lightness and immediacy that I find very much in keeping with the present, and indeed with any moment.’ The collection which he delivers is characterized by its light spirit, realised through clean silhouettes and precise cuts. Some of Brainard’s works are revived as prints, but most notably, Anderson makes use of one the artist’s favourite methods of working, collage. With his approach, Anderson revived iconic subcultures in an eclectic assemblage of iconic elements and tropes borrowed from subcultures ranging from mods to grunge. Artworks are printed bluntly onto the front and lapels of blazers. Leather bandage trousers, cardigans with culottes, extra baggy trousers, just to name a few, make each look a thoughtful and masterfully executed collage.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Isabel Marant Men's FW21
In the cloakroom of Isabel Marant, a rebellious and dynamic mob of larrikins debut vintage sportswear inspired pieces from the beloved French designer’s FW21 collection. With a video directed by Laure Atanasyan presents a mix of formal staples reinterpreted to prioritize comfort and ease of wear as an adaptation to the zeitgeist.
With a range of fabrics and technique, the striped knitted polo shirts, the polar fleece hoodie and a technical windbreaker jacket are examples of classic fall winter clothing. To further bridge the divide between inside and out, a wool suit jacket worn with sweatpants, conveying a message of comfort as its own form of luxury.
The colors, almost grunge in appearance, are made soft on the eye with the use of neutral fabrics. Shearling takes the form of a teddy with an initial lettering and a hooded jacket. The Isabel Marant Men’s FW21collection is an idea for the modern man; dynamic, comfortable and essential wardrobe items paired for today’s world, sporty and formal in appearance.
Fashion
Dries Van Noten Men’s FW21/22
To make new what is old and cherished, time-honored and treasured elements of the Dries Van Noten wardrobe are reinterpreted for Paris Fashion Week. Clothing designed to evoke purpose in the wearer, while also revealing a tenderness or emotional depth. In a blend of sportswear and formalwear, Belgian tailor, Dries Van Noten, after opening a new store in Los Angeles last year, debuts a new take on modern menswear for its FW21/22 Men’s collection.
An abstract purity about the line and shape of each garment rings true to Dries Van Noten’s brand DNA, finding joy in the unassuming by way of soft and sharp contrasts. Cropped and elongated elements, trousers ranging from drainpipe skinny to relaxed and loose-fitting, along with pleated high waist trousers paired with oversized car coats display a dedication to versatility and expression in modern menswear.
Colors from petrol to lemon display the spectrum of earthy and warm colors such as alkaline, dusty pink, coffee, ochre, anthracite and cement. Along with traditional tie motifs, zodiac signs and classic shirt stripes, the collection is filled with skilful embroidery, patterns and prints. The collection also features a range of accessories which include a monogrammed metal ring, leather pouches, bucket hats in padded nylon as well as high-tech moccasins and knit legwarmers.
The garments are designed with both formal and casual settings in mind, the blurring of the two in recent times and ‘dressing for our days’ is noted as a muse for Dries Van Noten Men’s FW21/22 collection.
Fashion
HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE FW21
HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE premiered its FW21 collection titled ‘Never Change, Ever Change’. A title which captures the essence of the collection perfectly. This collection embodies the brand’s intent to evolve, to capture the spirit of our times and to respond to our ever-changing lifestyles through design. At the same time, HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE stays true to its roots, from design language to production. Classic and conventional pieces are re-interpreted through a modern perspective and infused with original ideas and technology, building a selection of new basics of the brand. The collection itself was an interesting mixture of the classics pleats and subtle novelties, which sometimes remained hidden from the viewer’s eyes. It was the first collection, which featured a series produced 100% from recycled polyester fabric or a new fabric woven from yarn-dyed polyester threads, resulting in a materials that is warm like wool, but at the same time much lighter in weight and wrinkle-resistant. In their video presentation, the process of pleating the garments were central, offering an insight into the processes needed to create the very unique signature garments from HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE.
www.isseymiyake.com
Fashion
Iceberg FW21/22
With his new FW21/22 collection for Iceberg, Creative Director James Long channels a carefree eccentricity reminiscent of 90s Brit Pop, underground rap and acid rock scenes to create a new identity for both men and women alike. The collection re-interprets luxury sportswear and elevates it through details such as 3D quilting and jacquard as well as ironically placed zips. The more sporty aesthetic pays homage to the 90s raver silhouettes. Traditional codes of the ever-evolving athletic leisure wear is not rejected, but enhanced through more soft and feminine touches and the introduction of luxury knit. This is also reflected in the color palette of the collection. For the women’s collection, muted tones of primrose, egg-shell and grey are juxtaposed with acid pink, energizing the selection, whereas the men’s collection is amped up through utilitarian details and the contrast between tech and knit textures. In typical fashion, Iceberg once more showcases its affinity for incorporating pop icons, with Peanut cartoon characters Snoopy and Woodstock portrayed on some of the sweaters. The FW21/22 collection is the coming together of luxury sportswear and the innovative Italian knitwear, which Iceberg is so famous and celebrated for.
www.iceberg.com
Fashion
Church's Men's FW21
‘The Auction’, a short film that conveys the elegance and style of the new Church’s Men’s FW21 collection. The luxury English footwear company sets its new film in a British auction house decorated with antiques and fine art. Colors of rich mahogany and the craftsmanship commonly found in objet d’art that find their way to auction is mirrored by the level of care and quality that goes into the new FW21 collection from Church’s. The new ‘Gillingham’ shoe takes note of a growing trend of square toes while shoes like the iconic ‘Chelsea’ boot and the ‘Amberly’ shoe feature a rounder toe.
The British fondness for fine brushed leather and reliable, quality materials resonates with this collection. Church’s is famous for its British heritage, the same heritage present in the new military-inspired ‘Gray’ boot and the brand’s acclaimed ‘Ryder’ desert boot, which arrives this season in a polished binder leather. Classic styles are complimented with new sneakers, a more casual fit in lace-up and high-top shapes which feature chunky rubber soles and the Church’s logo screen-printed onto the counter of the sneaker.
The Church’s FW21 Men’s collection will be available in stores and online from July 2021.
Fashion
Ermenegildo Zegna XXX FW21
As expressed by Zegna’s Creative Director Alessandro Sartori himself, ‘We are all experiencing a new reality concerned with new needs, which lead us to previously unseen lifestyles and attitudes.’ Our world is constantly evolving and has changed even more drastically throughout the last year. Since taking the reigns at the Italian house, Sartori’s has moved Zegna away from the utter formality, redefining the style. For this season, Zegna has decided to (Re)set, to (Re)interpret their roots and to (Re)tailor the modern man. Its fluid shapes and the comfortable and adaptable nature of the garments define the collection. Comfort and formality, indoors and outdoors are blended; archetypal items get new functions in a switch of forms, weights and materials. The idea of formality is injected with notions of coziness and comfort, whether it be the easy of track pants or of the robe de chambre. Most notably we see the classic suit reimagined, not as a uniform, but as a garment that allows its wearer to be himself.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli: FW21/22
After years of research and development, Brunello Cucinelli has launched a collection of menswear for Fall Winter 21/22. The collection is the synthesis of yesterday and tomorrow. Finding a balance between the past and a prominent vision of tomorrow’s look, the collection keeps ideals of moderation and simplicity with neutral colors making the foundation on which to build. Mid and dark colors are diffused in the knitwear hydrangea violets, bonfire reds, bordeaux, blueberry and variants of green like sage and mint. Aside from classic coats, this FW21/22 by Brunello Cucinelli is made up of down jackets and outerwear in different lengths and weights to remain true to modern menswear in the colder months.
Knitwear rests at the forefront of comfort, items of reassuring clothing we all reach for in winter’s cold embrace; knitwear features prominently in this collection adding something unexpected and special to down jackets. Time honored textures of stockinette stitch and English rib are enriched by chiné and vanisé techniques, a proud pairing of workmanship and nuance.
Supple leathers and shearling complimented by discrete patterns displayed on the men’s outwear provide something beyond reproach during the rainy seasons. In addition to lightweight, handcrafted leather accessories, formal footwear displays the attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship at Brunello Cucinelli. This same craftsmanship is applied to a range of sneakers made from lightweight and natural materials that add versatility to each look.
Somewhere between the sartorial approach and taking cues from new stimuli of modern fabrics elegance is given a presence in the everyday. Brunello Cucinelli designs for the present moment, newer than yesterday, classic enough for every tomorrow.
Marcel Dzama: 'The Moon is Following Me'
Tim Van Laere Gallery, Antwerp, will host Canadian born and New York-based artist Marcel Dzama’s first solo show; a celebration of the post-Trump era. Expressive and bursting with color, the show is titled ‘The Moon is Following Me’ drawing from folk-tales, art-history and displays contemporary flourishes. Dzama’s artworks honor childhood fantasies and the strength and resolve of the imagination.
With ballet costumes by Francis Picabia or Oskar Schlemmer to invite viewers into this dream-like world as well as more direct nods to the work of Francisco Goya, Joseph Beuys and Marcel Duchamp. Of his art, Dzama says “I usually either do political drawing or I go for this kind of vacation feeling. Almost idyllic. A lot of them are based on photographs taken of my son and wife on vacation.”
The artist is known for responding to current events through his art. Dzama has painted the late United States Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, over a watercolor impression of Donald Trump swinging a golf club. The canvas used for this work was simply a front page of the New York Times, in keeping with the contemporary and newsworthy nature of his subjects. In addition to this Marcel Dzama’s drawing of a tiny owl found inside the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree will be included in his solo exhibition at Tim Van Laere Gallery.
Stating that “because the Trump years were so traumatizing” that the series of artworks had to have more hopeful themes, in an effort to rekindle a collective sense of whimsy.
‘The Moon is Following Me’ will run from January 21st to March 6th at Tim Van Laere Gallery, Antwerp.
Quotes taken from an interview with Marcel Dzama by Manuela Martorelli, published in ZOO Magazine Issue #69.
www.timvanlaeregallery.com
DIOR: The Caro Bag
As part of its Cruise 2021 collection, DIOR will release a newly designed bag.The Caro bag takes its name after Christian Dior’s remarkable younger sister, Catherine Dior, who was fondly referred to by family and those that knew her well as ‘Caro’.
Passion, grace and unyielding courage in the face of atrocities, violence and cruelty; Catherine Dior lived a life of great service to France. As a highly decorated member of the French Resistance during World War II, Catherine endured a great deal of pain in her lifetime; she was made a political prisoner of war, she was deported, she was tortured for information that she never relinquished, surviving the Nazi gulag and the most horrific of circumstances.
Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Dior Caro bag is available in sky blue, black, mint green and blue as well as smaller versions in raw denim, Tie & Dior and shearling. The bag is made with a precious chain that brandishes links detailed with the “CD” signature to echo the clasp. In addition to its chain, the precious soft leather bag proudly displays the house’s emblematic cannage motif.
The Caro bag is not simply an accessory to the Cruise 2021 collection, it is an example of the luxury French maison honoring its family heritage, a reminder to hold fast to your courage, hold fast to the belief of what is good in others, a reminder that against a tide of hate; love will overcome.
The Caro bag, a heartfelt expression of heritage Dior style, is now available online and in stores.
Fashion
CDG3 x Better Gift Shop
In the third edition of the collaborative partnership between CDG3 and Better Gift Shop, Amanda Mescudi and Taj Williams roam the dusk-lit streets of Los Angeles with a lackadaisical and adventurous aura about them. The Gregory Shimanda collaboration features an exclusive hoodie and T-shirt, relaxed and youthful style with distinctive qualities of both Comme Des Garçon and Toronto-based retailer, Better Gift Shop. In previous years visual artist Gregory Shimanda has had joint exhibitions in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oakland California and has been a rising creative of the San Francisco Bay Area. The collection, styled by Monica Rojas, features the artist Panda Sex and is photographed by Chandler Kennedy.
www.cdgcdgcdg.com
www.bettergiftshop.com
Fashion
Upcycled MiuMiu
Nearly thirty years and many great strides in fashion since Miu Miu was founded by Miuccia Prada, the iconic brand is debuting its ‘Upcycled by Miu Miu’ collection. A special collection of vintage dresses has been given new life, once loved and soon to be loved again as Miu Miu garments. Each piece is unique and entirely one-of-one, adorned with signature Miu Miu embroideries and embellishments. The limited run of 80 upcycled dresses will be available in nine cities at Miu Miu boutiques worldwide. These cities that the ‘Upcycled by Miu Miu’ line can be found in are Milan, Paris, London, Tokyo, Moscow, Hong Kong, Shanghai and St. Moritz. Each item has been carefully reworked and renewed by the designers at Miu Miu, a dress from the ‘Upcycled by Miu Miu’ collection that is found in one city will never be found in another city. For example, item 26/80 is a 1970s silver and gold knitted cocktail dress customised with all-over diamanté embellishment, a crystal neckline and rose peach silk gazar bow detail; available at Miu Miu Paris, while item 14/80 is a 1960s short belted dress in white silk crepe with one-sided pleats on the front, customised with white and emerald green crystal embroidery and all-over diamanté embellishment; available only at Miu Miu Tokyo. Each dress is lovingly restored by hand and re-imagined through the Miu Miu lens to ensure they are loved once more and maintain continuity with the brand’s oeuvre.
www.miumiu.com
Art
Thonet Barstool Collection
Thonet has built its name to be synonymous with a longstanding history of designing furniture that displays one foot in tradition and another striding boldly into the future; a design journey that was conceived at the hands of master carpenter, Michael Thonet, out of a small workshop in Boppard on the River Rhine in 1819; with Chair No. 14 or, as we know it today, the Vienna coffee house chair. The furniture maker continues its legacy with two new iterations of the barstool; the S 32 VH Barstool and the S 32 VHT low barstool. The S 32 tubular-steel cantilever chair made by Marcel Breuer in the ‘20s during the Bauhaus era offers an insight into the design cues for these comfortable and new barstools. The distinctive Viennese canework and Thonet bentwood elements exist in stylistic contrast to the sleek tubular steel lines and lightweight nature of the furniture. The furnishings are visually very reduced and made to be subtle so as to suit a broader range of environments from reception areas to kitchen breakfast bars in the home or trendy metropolitain bars and restaurants. Easily adjustable and transported, the S 32 VH Barstool is designed in response to the growing trend of standing tables and counters both in workplaces and the home. The new barstools versatility and timeless style follows on from Thonet’s earlier adaptation of Marcel Breuer’s S 64 tubular steel cantilever chair, in which Thonet designed a height-adjustable swivel chair set on a pedestal base and castors that they dubbed the S 64 VDR swivel chair.
www.thonet.com
Fashion
DIOR Men Fall 2021
“I never considered myself a graffiti artist, although I do use spray paint and spray all over New York City. I grew up here in Southern California. When I moved to New York I learned about all the street culture. That to me was what was exciting. I understood the language, I understood the visuals of the airbrush. I wanted to be apart of it. I am always interpreting the world around me, be it the nature, be it the news. Whatever it is I’m taking it in and I am using that in my process”. American artist Kenny Scharf creates cartoon-inspired images, stories, works nodding to a near future, taken from any experience, from real world news to historical facts, to moments of dream, where clashing colors - blue, yellow, purple, transform opposites and tension into a captivating universe. Dior Homme’s Creative Director Kim Jones engaged Scharf’s oeuvre through Dior’s history, fusing tradition and digital innovation. Tailoring underscore a heightened mood of dressing up where the “tailleur oblique”, tailored coats and slender single-breasted jackets are eased around the body, relaxed, and belted at the waist in homage to the iconic bar jacket. Mirroring the evolution of a couture house, Dior’s ateliers translated Kenny Scharf’s works into prints and embroideries, with archival pieces appearing alongside a series of new commissions created specifically for Fall 2021: drawings recalling the Chinese Zodiac’s animal character. China, one of Monsieur Dior main inspirations over the years, merges into the collection through traditional Chinese techniques and materials translated into the idiom of a French couture house where Yoon Ahn’s modern jewelry adorns looks with jade and lapis, and the Maison Lemarié reinvents chrysanthemum blooms as boutonnieres. A dreamlike set recalling the luminous stellar explosion of a supernova - the transient event during the last stages of a massive star triggered by a nuclear fusion - where a crab nebula, hundreds of light-years in diameter, shows its full beauty.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Optical Precision. German Engineering.
Both Leica and Mykita belong to a group of industry leaders in their respective fields dedicated to the holding up of the high standards associates with the label ‘Made in Germany’. For this collaboration, both houses bring together their areas of expertise, pairing Mykita’s innovative product engineering with Leica’s unique design language and expertize in lenses and optics. The results of this partnership are a range of glasses, defined by their reduced and functional design and precision engineering. The debut collection of sunglasses features two design series, the first being a concept of stainless steel whereas the second combines the steel with MYLON, a material innovation made using 3D printing technology. Apart from the design, the lens technology is another standout of this partnership, having been manufactured using all of Leica’s expertize in this field and undergoing the rigorous quality control that all Leica optics are subjected to. The Leica optical collection features clean and timeless design, mirroring the established shapes of the sunglass line. The purposeful sleek design gives the glasses a timeless flair recalling the iconic design of the Leica cameras.
www.mykita.com
www.leica.com
Fashion
Stone Island Miami
Stone Island certainly one of these brands, which have become deeply interwoven with European cultural history, whether it be Milanese paninari, British football fan or anything in-between. A household name in Europe, the house has recently found increasing success in the United States, partially due to celebrities such as Drake of Travis Scott being seen in Stone Island. To expand its presence in North America, Stone Island is opening its fourth store in Miami after New York, Los Angeles and Toronto. Situated in Miami’s Design District, the store covers an area of over 3000 squared feet on two levels, hosting the Stone Island and Shadow Project collections. In typical fashion, the interior design follows the concept created by Marc Buhre, a German industrial designer and founder of the Zeichenweg TM architectural firm. Following the recent opening in Beijing and now Miami, Stone Island now counts 28 flagship stores worldwide exporting the brand’s philosophy of experimentation and innovative design into the world.
The Stone Island Miami Store is located at 123 NE 41st Street, #107/207, Miami Design District, 33137 Miami.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Freedom of Travel meets Craftsmanship
The freedom of travel meets the craftsmanship of watchmaking in Louis Vuitton’s new Trunk Table Clock. Elevating the classic accessory to a monumental timepiece, the Maison reproduces the Tambour Moon Dual Time concave dial in a new fresh design and concept. It also features a double time-zone, suited to the urban globetrotter and a vibrant dial of multicolored flags. The 80mm diameter hemispheric steel case suspended in its trunk is a wonderful historic reference to 18th century navy chronometers, these devices were used for long-distance navigators for them to calculate longitude. The trunk is an iconic aspect of Louis Vuitton, in bringing this element into the watch design, the brand cleverly interweaves its own heritage and identity into its new timepiece. With this in mind, Louis Vuitton pays homage to the extraordinary pioneers of early travel, conceptualizing it in a contemporary design that is distinctly connected to the Maison.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Hublot 40 Years
Hublot and its CEO Ricardo Guadalupe invite friends and ambassadors of the brand to take part in the digital celebration of the Swiss watch manufacturer’s 40th anniversary. In a 30-minute presentation, Guadalupe presented all the milestones that have shaped Hublot into what it is today. Despite its relatively short history, there surely is no shortage of memorable moments to look back on, from the diverse novelties and innovations to the groundbreaking partnerships with Fifa and Ferrari. And how would you retell Hublot’s history without mentioning two key figures, the company’s founder Carlo Crocco and Jean-Claude Biver, who emphasized the art of fusion between tradition and future. Throughout the presentation some of Hublot’s most well-know brand ambassadors were connected live. They were truly representative of the wide-ranging and diverse Hublot family, from footballers Kylian Mbappé and Ada Hegerberg, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, three-star chef Andreas Caminada to world-renowned pianist Lang Lang. To mark the occasion, Hublot has also introduced its ‘Classic Original 1980’ a watch which has been reinterpreted to reflect the Hublot of today and as put by Guadalupe himself presents ‘a brand-new contemporary version that celebrates Hublot’s innovative approach of the last 40 years.’
www.hublot.com
Travel
Into the Woods
Founded by Italian architects Massimo Gnocchi and Paolo Danesi, The Mountain Refuge was set up to realise the equilibrium of sustainability and design, to find a way of living in harmony with the world around us. Encouraging this greater understanding and appreciation of the outdoors a floor to ceiling glazed window allows for a true and uninterrupted view of nature. With their goal to deliver shelter and sanctuary globally, Gnocchi and Danesi conceptualized their own minimalist cabin, versatile and low maintenance, their design does not require foundations but can be adapted for locations that do with the use of a thin slab of concrete. Returning to the primal connection we as humans have with nature, the cabins recall the traditional mountain shelters of the Alps, wooden and cosy, but the Italian team have transformed these typically dark interiors through large windows. This prefabricated micro home, with its angled roofs is more than a design spectacle, but an alternative way of life, one which many are avidly seeking as the clamour of everyday life grows too much.
www.themountainrefuge.com
Fashion
Take-out Gala
Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens is set to organize an extravagant take-out gala in collaboration with internationally regarded artist Rikrit Tiravanija. The Belgian modern art museum has gotten creative in the absence of its annual garden party, designing a free group exhibition, selling a range of different art works, now through the expo site as a result of new measures. In light of these restrictions, the museum is organizing an exclusive take-put gala to gather funds for the museum’s upcoming year. Tiravanija and acclaimed chef Antto Melasniemi have created 3 original dim sum to be presented in a reusable take out box, designed especially with a monogram by the artist. With only 500 of these boxes available, each order grants access to an online gala, an ingenious idea that spotlights the thriving creativity at a time of such stasis and devastation.
www.museumdd.be
Fashion
Home Time
Latvian designer, Santa Kupca, presents her 3 part graduation project, the perfect antidote to the pandemic’s omnipresent sense of loneliness and isolation. Entitled “Hesistant to RSVP”, “Dolce far niente” and “Public Library”, the graduate of the Design Academy Eidenhoven, references beautifully these current anxieties through a conscious set of garments. Graduating from the Identity department, Kupca responds to the entrapment of the home and the pressure of online communication, with garments that comfort and swaddle, replicating the feeling of a tender embrace. Each of the three pieces engages with certain aspects of the home, curating a quiet sense of intimacy, made irresistible by their duvet-like quality. To be worn over underwear or simply nothing at all, Kupca caters to the human form at a time where connection and intimacy are under strict regulation and monitoring.
www.santakupca.com
Fashion
Surreal Times
Salvatore Ferragamo responds to this surreal time in their Pre-Spring 2021 collection, a tangible sense of pride and consciousness shaping each look down to every meticulous detail. Featuring upcycled leathers, cashmere, recycled nylons and organic cottons, the brand deftly navigates luxury design with ethical and sustainable choices, creating a collection that is both mindful and stylish in its embrace of a positive momentum in the fashion industry. Mens wear and womens wear both display an exciting sense of flux, moving between clean minimal lines and soft tailoring to wild animated animal prints. The hybrid of giraffe and leopard print takes center stage in the collection, inspired by their Creative Director, Paul Andrew’s extensive interrogation of the archive, dating back to the 1970s. Other innovative highlights include in a new almond-toed driving shoe, fitted with a never before seen double Gancini hardware. Reflecting on the collection Andrew commented “this collection was made in exceptional times, under exceptional conditions, through which we were all obliged to adapt and innovate… The result is a collection of which we are proud. We worked to turn the limitations of the period into positives by considering what is most essential”.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Creating an Icon
For Miu Miu’s Icons Holiday 2020 Advertising Campaign, the brand examines what it means to be an icon. Mapping the transition from icons dictated by religious representations into a secular age, Miu Miu goes on a hunt to demystify and encapsulate the aura of a contemporary icon in their new campaign. Selecting their own cast of women, the luxury brand curates their own community of multifaceted icons, drawing from the realms of cinema, fashion and music. Recognizable in the campaign are the likes of Kim Basinger, Chloë Sevigny, Du Juan and Raffey Cassidy amongst newcomers: actress Emma Corrin, the musician and actor Jordan Kristine Seamón and Storm Reid, an actor who also opened the Fall/Winter 2020 Miu Miu show. In showcasing this intergenerational talent Miu Miu is expansive in their definition of an icon, an empowering expression of modern femininity.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Game Up
Pikachu animates Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage® for their new collection Longchamp x Pokémon. The adored Japanese character features across a range of bags as well as a scarf, inspiring a rare blend of French classicism and Japanese kawaii. The collection will be made available from October 13, 2020 in stores and online, but will be released exclusively in Japan from October 9, 2020 - paying homage to Pokémon’s roots. For Kenji Okubo, President of The Pokémon Company, the collaboration “upholds Longchamp’s tradition for quality and luxury but adds a fun and playful twist”. Pikachu appears in two exciting designs, the first evocative of a retro video game, his familiar yellow figure prominent against a bold black and white print which spells out Long champ in a distinctly maze-like design, the second more subtly showcasing his silhouette embossed onto red, cream and black bags. Longchamp shows the potential of collaboration in this collection, producing new and unexpected possibilities, Pokémon bringing a vibrant and iconic motif to the House’s colorful and diverse oeuvre.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
"Claudia Andujar, The Yanonami Struggle"
Over the next eight years, Triennale Milano and Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain will join forces to create a cultural partnership unprecedented in Europe. They share a common vision of what contemporary artistic creation should be, dedicated to contribute to the development of a truly multidisciplinary and international program which creates bridges between all different facets of creativity, whether it be art, architecture, design, fashion, cinema, science or philosophy. Cultural exchange between the many European institutions to provide artists the necessary stage and support system in order to bring their meaningful perspectives of the modern world to life. The partnership will be inaugurated with the exhibition “Claudia Andujar, The Yanomami Struggle” followed by “Les Citoyens, Guillermo Kuitca” the coming year. Claudia Andujar’s exhibition offers an insight into the struggle for recognition of the Yanomami, the largest isolated tribe in the Amazon forest. Curated by Thyago Nogueira, the exhibition showcases over three hundred photographs of the Yanonami, an in-depth photographic essay on their daily lives, which Andujar has been working on since the 70s. It showcases all of her prowess as a photographer and activist, whilst showcasing the Yanomami as complex and rich culture with its own intricate myths and rituals.
“Claudia Andujar, The Yanomami Struggle” will be open to the public from October 17 to February 7, 2021 at Triennale Milano.
www.fondationcartier.com
www.triennale.org
Fashion
Blue planet
Montblanc delves into the deep blue, telling the story of our blue planet in its new collection of pens, Montblanc Star Walker. Echoing NASA’s motto “follow the water”, this collection revolves around the marine hues of the ocean, paying homage to the huge expanse of seas and oceans that connect our planet. The pen itself is composed of blue precious resin, a wonderful ode to water, and this connection to our Earth is enhanced further by the transparent dome at the top of the pen. The spherical dome represents the rising Earth above the lunar horizon, as viewed from space, the platinum-plated cap a nod to NASA once again, in its abstraction of an astronaut and the angled clip, a shooting rocket. Montblanc delivers a captivating tale for this collection, channelling our focus to the water that makes up over 80% of the world’s oceans, not all of which have been mapped and explored. In wetting our appetite with a sense of purpose and adventure, we are compelled to write, bringing our own sense of discovery to the written page.
www.montblanc.com
Music
The Monster Inside
An Interview with Woodkid
by Lauren Gee
We spoke to Woodkid ahead of his album release S16. Speaking openly on the nuances and challenges that come with contemporary masculinity, vulnerability collides with cinematic brilliance in an album that is a bold announcement of Woodkid’s multiple creative talents. Conjuring up the sublime through his strong and unwavering voice, S16 is an insomniac tale of distress and redemption, the tangible catharsis of this body of work, undeniably magnetic.
Lauren Gee: What was the inspiration behind this album?
Woodkid: First of all I wanted to make an album that was somehow industrial, I’m not really sure what that meant at the time but I knew that it was triggering some visual and sonic ideas for me, and at the same time I needed to make an album that was a reflection of my mood at the time. That was centred around the idea of deconstruction, learning new things and doubt. Something that is a thread throughout the entire record, is this idea of doubting and asking for help at the same time. It is an album that talks a lot about the beauty that there is in resilience and in the act of asking for help. I actually started the record right after the Paris attacks in 2015. So very early 2016 I started working on the record and wrote the first songs.
LG:There is something very cinematic about this album, each song feels very climatic and emotional, I can imagine it as a soundtrack to a very intense film, is this a reference you were aware of?
WK: First of all I worked with an orchestra, I think it definitely gives no matter what you do a cinematic quality. And it's also in my DNA, it’s my job, I am a film director, I always have images in my head and I want music to serve these images somehow. So I think it is out of my control really, whatever I do I get moved by music that triggers images.
LG: You have such a strong connection with the moving image through the visuals you create, what role does cinema and the moving image have in the music you create?
WK: Alot! I always have big images in my head from the films I love, I always have feelings, textures and emotional textures from films in the back of my head. Actually I have more film references than I do music references, for example Jonathan Blazer, Akira Kurosawa, there’s always some images that are just floating around, even some 2001 A Space Odyssey and Close Encounters of The Third Kind somewhere. There are always these big visions of other cinematographers in my head.
LG: This album for me really conjures up a sense of the sublime, the scale of the world against the individual human, how did you manage to construct this sense of vastness in your music?
WK: I think by temporal contrast, which means the construction of moments of silence and massiveness, progression and breaks and always trying to write things as a very deconstructed and fragmented piece, which I think is very evocative of the collisions and the fragmentations of the world and the pressure of these massive forces that are around us. I think also singing love songs, because they are very intimate love songs, but always adding a layer visually but also sonically, almost like the world and the force of the world speak to the individual trajectories of humans. There is always a thread and a connection between the very intimate and the massive, that there is probably connections between doubt and fear of the future, and the blues of the world that we all have inside. There's also probably a connection between the environmental challenge and the massive crisis that we are facing, because I think there is a fractal resonance between us and the world and I think that's what I have really tried to do, you will see it in the next video too: I always talk about the intimate but put a narrative layer of infinity on top of it.
LG: Your voice really feels like its guiding the listener in this album, were you conscious of taking on this role when you began writing
WK: I definitely think I find more legitimacy in my voice being a leader vocally in my songs. With time I found more colors too and my palette has been widened since I toured and practiced more. Now I feel I have more tools to really tell a story, to use the right colors in my voice at the right time and try to be less systematic in the way I think. That allowed me to shut down the orchestra sometimes and turn the music down and just have the piano and vocals where my voice takes the lead and I just tell the story.
Fashion
Stone Island: Storia
Since its foundation in 1982, Stone Island has unquestionably left its mark on the fashion landscape. From Milanese paninari to British football diehards, Stone Island resonates with a diverse audience. It is its distinct mix of elements of fashion, luxury and streetwear, which has kept the Italian house relevant throughout its almost 40-year existence. Not just relevant, but a veritable cultural cornerstone, a status enhanced by its celebrity following, but primarily thanks to its ardent fans all across the world. Central to the brand is its relentless pursuit of excellence, may it be in the design language or in their continuous efforts to bring innovation to the world of fabric treatment and dyeing. Stone Island: Storia captures the house’s illustrious story and ethos. Previously unseen images are combined with three major texts by Eugene Rabkin, Paul Gorman and Jian Deleon offering seasoned and new fans alike new insights into the world of Stone Island. A special edition with slipcase and a poster depicting the history of the house’s iconic branded badges has been produced exclusively. These special editions will be available exclusively in Stone Island stores and online starting from October 6, 2020.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2021
“Take over, Drive, Kick, Climb, Swap, Switch, Relay, Dream, Doubt, Splash, Reach, Stand, Sky Dive, Extend, Vote…” Words as mottos, slogans for actions, emblazoned on t-shirts and dresses and heard intone across the soundtrack for the show. Nicolas Ghesquière’s new Womenswear collections for Louis Vuitton explored the meaning of gender fluidity in fashion and it’s correlation to our time. “Vote”, “Dream”, “Kick”. These are words that call for a strong stand against inequality, against boundaries “Stepping into a territory that is still stylistically vague. A sensitive zone that erases gender and promises exponential creative possibilities. What does an in-between garment look like? What kind of cut can dissolve masculine and feminine? What wardrobe might s/he look good in?” This is Nicolas Ghesquière’s wish to begin an open reflection on a theme as crucial as sensitive. The in-between, the ground where shapes and silhouettes meet without constraints. Relaxed masculine classic trousers paired with t-shirts, at times worn as dresses under overcoats, sequins mixed with classic tailoring. There was a subtle reference to Ghesquière’s signature 80s reference through the bold lettering on prints. The French designer has always been fascinated by the 80s, its idiosyncrasies, and cultural experimentations. One of the most iconic artwork of that decade was actively present at the show live stream: 1987 Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire. His angels, their “voyeurism”, with the late Bruno Ganz looking at the world from above, looking at the people’s pain, the desire, the struggle. Through the green screen technique, the digital guests were able to see the movie fragments overlaid on floors and walls of the magnificent Art Deco architecture and Art Nouveau frescoes of the Samaritaine. Under the glass of La Rotonde, on the top floor of this historical monument - whose renovation has been 15 years in the making and is set to open in 2021 - the runway was intersected with large swaths of color green serving as chroma key. That same green used on accessories throughout the entire collection. The building situated just across Ghesquière’s office seemed the perfect choice when the increasing risk of the pandemic in France required a careful evaluation towards efficiency and sustainability: the crew was able to just walk to the location and the clothes didn’t have to be shipped. The great size of this empty building also gave Ghesquière the space to bring a step further the virtual experience of the show: all the guests affected by travel restrictions were given a personal link to a virtual seat: dozen of personal webcams were situated along the runway, with the possibility to be manipulated in 360 degrees. It translated to a never-seen-before experience, comforting all the guests who could not attend in person. It give a sense of reassurance and great consideration. One more reference to Ghesquière’s journey set to abolishing boundaries.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Issey Miyake Spring Summer 2021
“When things are rolled up neatly / when things are stacked on top of each other / Or when things in pieces are put together / It is a simple moment like this that we find pleasing / When things transform, our perspective changes too. / And with this change we feel the beginning of something new”. Satoshi Kondo – who debuted as Issey Miyake’s new Head designer last year after working for the brand for more than a decade – delivered a collection exploring creative and integrative ways to make garments extremely compact: tying, rolling, folding, stacking, and layering. In preparation for Fall Winter 2020 Kondo looked at the number of boxes ready to be shipped to Paris, and realized the sheer volume of clothes being transported. What if the clothes were instead easily foldable? What if the next collection would be as compact as possible? Beautiful complex garments, so compact that the entire collection could fit into just one box. Issey Miyake Spring Summer 2021 answered these questions inspired by the idea of delivering garments in compact forms to people all around the world Form Body, Out A Piece, To Go, Spongy, Temporary Room, five main themes, five different researches on textiles, materials, shapes, constructions: a new take on the relationship between body and clothing; garment that can be zipped together into a three-dimensional silhouette; the idea of integrating clothing and a bag where the wearer goes through the cycle of wearing, folding, and carrying away the garment; knitwear as stretchable as a sponge; the idea of wearing a artwork integrated into clothing as a whole. The digital presentation UNPACK THE COMPACT, filmed inside a warehouse in Paris, featured animated garments on display that moved and breathed. Upon entering the space, the models walked through this exhibition overlapping the runway show with the stop motion animation revealing the ingenious construction of each garment.
www.isseymiyake.com
Fashion
Marine Serre Spring Summer 2021
Set in a dystopian future, in the aftermath of the disaster we all have brought upon our fragile Earth, long enough humans have evolved into new species striving for survival. Here this new humanity, now gender fluid, lives between new dynamics and emotions. Marine Serre Spring Summer 2021 collection presented through the format of a short film is a poignant visual landscape evoking the current heath and environmental emergency, and calling to actively embrace life’s pleasures and adversities. Marine Serre has always given a revolutionary take to our post-apocalyptic future rather than despair. Realized in collaboration with directors duo Sacha Barbin and Ryan Doubiago, with music by composer Pierre Rousseau, Amor Fati is a window to our desires, to our fears, our not-so-far fate, when humanity will live on am extremely warm Planet, partly submerged. and where the last living scientists will resort to new preservative measures. Marine Serre is a visionary. During the pandemic outbreak in March we all dreamed to own the protective anti-pollution masks created by Marine in collaboration with French specialized brand R-Pur in February 2019. Once again Marine Serre created new additions to the series of futuristic pieces: shield visors, and the survival harness crinoline consciously delimiting the body space. The collection dives further into the urgent need for change embracing the challenge where clothes are an armoire but also a personal narrative. Serre’s signature sharp tailoring and research on fabrics are the file rouge through the entire collection: recycled moiré, regenerated carpets in terracotta hues, Serre’s classic regenerated denim updated with a laser engraving of the ‘moonfish skin’ pattern, biodegradable nylon. But also knitwear in kaleidoscopic sapphire and cobalt hues, and footwear designed in collaboration with Jimmy Choo. Sensual and intricate. Serre never ceases to create a powerful universe.
www.marineserre.com
Fashion
Born of A dream: A Man of the Future
Since the success of IWC’s “Born of a Dream: A Boy from San Mateo”, a short film starring the brand’s ambassador Tom Brady, the Swiss luxury manufacturer has embarked on yet another cinematic adventure. With its first film recounting Brady’s journey to becoming a champion quarterback, ICW embraces a story far closer to home, the story of its founder, Florentine Ariosto Jones. Born in Boston, Jones’ dream was to apply America’s advanced industrial technology to the established Swiss tradition of craftsmanship in the emblematic form of a pocket watch. American entrepreneurship meets Swiss heritage, a fusion that to this day sets ICW apart from its competitors. Titled “Born of a Dream: A Man of the Future'', the film sees actor James Marsden establish his pioneering watch company in Switzerland in 1868. Speaking on his role in the film Marsden stated, “I am thrilled to be part of this project and be up on the screen with Tom to recount how he – and F.A. Jones – achieved what they did. It’s about setting your goals high, overcoming adversity and the importance of determination and hard work. Even though their stories take place over a century apart, it’s a timeless journey”. IWC’s affinity with cinema and storytelling is a core essence of a brand with a strong and affirming heritage and history. This personal installment of its “Born of a Dream” promises to be its most exciting yet.
www.iwc.com
Fashion
MM6 Spring Summer 2021
For MM6 the Spring Summer 2021 collection is all about perspective. In a new reality in which we communicate mainly over the screen, the MM6 design team reinterprets the notion ‘business on top, party on the bottom’ with subversive ensembles optimized for the new 9-5. The collection is mix and match up and down, showing menswear with lingerie following the motto opposites attract. MM6 archetypes receive surprising twists through scale, surface and silhouette, chopped garments and contemporary formality. As we all, the MM6 design team focuses on the domestic, the familiar, we all had time to reacquaint ourselves with over the last months.The collective behind the collection revisits some of the house’s founder Martin Margiela’s best work while infusing it with the energy and feminine touch of current creative director John Galliano. The short film offered insights into the process of image creation with studio perspectives. We are able to observe staff and models closely interact with the garments in a smart, engaging, wry and super on-brand mise-en-scene.
www.maisonmargiela.com
Fashion
Versace Spring Summer 2021
The mise-en-scene of Versace’s SS21 runway, is taken from the depths of the sea. Depicting the sunken ruins of a baroque city, Corinthian pillars jut out of the floor, Versace’s iconic motif presented as a head stone, amidst broken statues of Greek gods and goddesses. Illuminated by theatrical lighting and beneath these watery reflections, models appear, transforming the sea floor into a unique runway. Glittery starfish appear as brooches on garments, a nod to the marine scenery, a fun and vibrant detail from a house renowned for its use of color and sparkle. Crop tops on men and women as well as bralets, appear in neoprene a further consolidation of this underwater dwelling, allowing the theme to run cohesively through the collection in their investment in materials. Colors appear bold and kitsch, garish patterns, also featuring the motif of the starfish, are paired with blacks and navy. A carnivalesque spirit grips the show as greens, orange, pinks, reds and blues build up a real sense of celebration to the background of fast paced techno. Versace curates a party underwater, skirts and dresses featuring exquisitely dramatic ruffles, adding a sense of autonomy and motion to each of the looks. After strutting down the runway, models join the statues in the background, consecrating each look in the graveyard of classical Greek ruins. Color and sparkle joins the shadows once more for an ending of a show that captivated and enthralled, presenting an alternative vision to a summer that has been undeniably dampened by the current crisis.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Sportsmax Spring Summer 2021
Sportmax’s offering for Milan Fashion Week is a masterclass in simplicity done well. Sumptuous maxi dresses in beige and black grace the runway, contrasting brilliantly against oversized blazers that are as much outwear as dresses themselves. Whilst some silhouettes hug the body, others form pleats and ruffles, adding accent and intrigue to flowing garments. To the background of a soothing strings ensemble, pops of vibrant orange bounce off more neutral creams, a rendering of spring summer which is as refined as it is quietly joyous. Boisterous boots are paired with dresses in a defiant gesture that resists traditional expectations of a summer shoe. Heels also surprise, the soles of the shoes exaggerated, adding a statement to sleek and sophisticated dresses. The music seems to gather in intensity, trance-like, as more voluminous silhouettes are added, lime greens and vibrant blues amidst more serious shades of grey. In dipping in and out of a neutral palette Sportmax creates a dynamic show, which feels meticulously balanced, an ode to a summer which has been anything but predictable.
www.sportmax.com
Fashion
FENDIFRENSIA PINK: The Sound of Fragrance
It is now almost a year since the Roman house Fendi and Maison Francis Kurkdjian have launched the FENDIFRENSIA Yellow Scented Baguette line. This project, which was born out of an artistic conversation between Silvia Venturini Fendi, Creative Director of Fendi, and Francis Kurkdjian, composer and co-founder of the eponymous perfume house. Natural materials, most noteworthy the Selleria Cuoio Romano leather, represent the tangible intersection of the world of perfumery and accessories. At this year’s Milan Fashion Week, Fendi presents the second edition of this ongoing collaboration with Maison Francis Kurkdjian. After the initial yellow, FENDIFRENSIA returns in pink, with the bags in rose hues being mirrored by the matching floral scent. Fendi classics, such as the Baguette bag or the Nano Baguette shine in the pink, whilst this special occasion also marks the launch of five Yellow Men’s Regular Baguette bags, with each bag coming with a 5ml bottle of the respective fragrance.
FENDIFRENSIA Yellow and Pink Scented Collection will be available online as well as in FENDI boutiques worldwide starting from September 25th.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto
The timeless essence of Yohji Yamamoto has been captured boldly in Hublot’s new watch, Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto. For 50 years the Japanese fashion designer has offered transcendent design and creative ingenuity, Hublot’s response is a tribute to the designer and a strong extension of their own connoisseurship. Responding to Yamamoto’s iconic use of textiles, the Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto comes in camouflage, a seminal pattern, fitting of Hublot’s new limited edition. Releasing 200 pieces, each watch is imbued with irresistible exclusivity adding to the aura surrounding the watches. The watches’ 45 mm case is cut from matte black ceramic, indicative of true sophistication and elegance A Sapphire dial features add exquisite detail to the watch, biomorphic patches a nod to Yamamoto’s camouflage motif, his signature also subtly featuring at 6 o’clock. Hublot once again proves itself as a pioneering force in its industry, using brand new technology to create its new watch. Its constituent shapes fused together using the vulcanisation process, its straps exhibiting beautifully the beauty of this newly discovered process. Hublot’s Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto is a powerful ode to its namesake, an object of creative defiance.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli Spring Summer 2021
Brunello Cucinelli seeks inspiration from the humble pleasures of life for their SS21 Men’s collection. The simple unadulterated joys of our day to day, the renewed sense of happiness that comes with the most delicate of moments is captured deftly by the brand. With this in mind, unique and distinctive elements construct the new collection, minimalism allowing for thoughtful reflections on casual elegance. This sense of effortlessness translates to the lightness of the fabrics too, where fine blends of natural fibers find new ways to articulate and shape shirts, t-shirts, polos and trousers. Beiges, greys and blues present a muted summer palette warm in its attention to summer hues, this sentiment translates across to the women’s collection. Here sage and moss greens denote a calming serenity against tones of pink, light blue and sun bleached limes tones, monochrome looks also feature blacks and charcoals. Similar to the sense of return felt in the men’s collection, the womenswear collection returns to nature and wellbeing. Calm, gracefulness and flow run through the looks, creating a fluid path that looks beyond the presentation to the world at large inspiring a welcomed sense of peace.
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
Three Stripes
Sportswear meets luxury-wear as Prada and adidas Originals come together to produce their second drop of the Prada Superstar. The iconic Superstar which has been heralded as a timeless classic, since its creation in 1969, is reimagined with the utmost respect in this collaboration. Prada retains a sense of true classicism, offering 3 minimalist color ways: monochrome black, white with black and chrome silver with white. This collaboration not only recognizes Prada’s affinity with sports but also its admiration of heritage, a key aspect of its own brand. The unisex design is translated into full-grain leather, a perfect blending of luxury high quality with sporting excellence. Paying homage to its origins, “Made in Italy” is heat stamped into the trainer’s side, accompanying the dual logos of Prada and Adidas Originals; all three markers of high quality design and craftsmanship. The fundamental character of the Superstar is kept intact, Prada’s influence bringing a new twist on the loved classic. The campaign is an ode to the craftsmanship that went into creating the trainer, reimagining the factory line through a distorted scale to create a futuristic and illusory aesthetic.
www,prada.com
www.adidas.com
Fashion
Coach: We Are family
Coach launches its global advertising campaign, “Coach Family”, for the House’s Fall 2020 collection. Strengthened by stories of community, bonds of togetherness and enduring love in the face of adversity, Coach seeks its inspiration from our turbulent present and its test of the most important relationships we have in our life. The campaign features ambassadors of the brand Kiko Mizhura and Jeremy Lin alongside longstanding Coach face Jennifer Lopez and other individuals regarded as the House’s extended family. Channelling the wholesome essence of family life, the campaign recalls home videos in its aesthetic of archive footage interspersed with unfiltered stills, optimism and inclusivity resonating throughout. New portraits will be released over the course of the season, creating a campaign that feels spontaneous in its reveal of new and established Coach faces. Creative director Stuart Vevers uses our current time to “re-examine our values” forming a campaign around the heart of the family.
www.coach.com
Art
The Tigress
Marina Abramovic realizes her lifelong study of Maria Callas, as a profound and stimulating world premiere, together with influential composer Marko Nikodijevic. Maria Callas also known as “The Tigress” was an American soprano of Greek heritage, born in the ‘20s in Manhattan. The singer captivated Abramovic’s imagination, inspiring her to create an opera project with Callas at its centre. 7 Deaths of Maria Callas, references some of Callas’ most famous scenes, Carmen, Tosca, Otello, Lucia di Lammermoor, Norma, Madame Butterfly and La traviata, reimagined with striking intensity by Abramovic. The tragic fates of Callas in the aforementioned performances are integrated fascinatingly with the singer’s real life character, moments from her personal life and also from her space in the limelight. Abramovic’s role is all encompassing, directing, stage designer and also appearing on stage in the second part of the evening’s performance, showcasing the multifaceted talent of an artist who is perhaps one of the most influential creatives of her time. The opera scenes are sung by a range of singers, namely Selene Zanetti, Adela Zaharia and Hera Hyesang Park, revitalized by Marko Nikodijevi?’s compositions. Abramovic’s obsession with the singer is longstanding, “for twenty five years, I have wanted to make a work dedicated to the life and art of Maria Callas”. Abramovic delivers a visual spectacle on stage, her passion for the life and career of Callas at its epicentre.
www.staatsoper.de
Fashion
Gold for the Win
As part of the FW20 collection, BOSS unveils an exclusive capsule collection in partnership with British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua. Presenting 10 easy-wear pieces, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jersey pants, knits and a hooded jacket, BOSS develops a sleek capsule in midnight navy with highlights of gold. The bold BOSS logo is captured in gold in each garment, a nod to the pedigree of Anthony Joshua and his winning mentality. Known for his motivational words and mottos, each piece includes quotes from the boxer: “Never let success get to your head, or failure to your heart”. These quotes also feature in the campaign film, where Joshuah is filmed uttering these sentences in a London location earlier this year. Sports royalty and fashion lux unite for this very special and personal collaboration, where strength and courage translate boldly to an easy wear collection.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Let's Dance
Let’s Dance “THE FENDI POWER” campaign is enlivened by the unadulterated freedom of self-expression, featuring model Alton Mason and his iconic Peekaboo bag. An alternative to past FENDI rooftop performances, the film is shot on the Museum Garage’s rooftop in Miami, the unbounded energy of Mason converting the space into a stage. Alton’s passion for dance produces a dynamic and energetic display which complements that of Chinese creative talent, Mia Kong also featured. The FENDI Pre-fall 2020 collection is an effortless blend between formalwear and laidback leisurewear, extending FENDI’S rich Italian heritage out to the world, embracing everything from graffiti to music in its high energy campaign.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
No Place Like Home
Lois journeys home in its new retail concept CASA LOIS, a true embodiment of the tranquility of rural Spain. Started in Valencia, Lois’ dream of going international was realized when it established itself in Amsterdam. However despite this duality becoming a critical part of a contemporary Lois, its Spanish roots and Mediterranean aesthetic still remain formative to the brand’s identity. At a time where the home has never been more important or gratefully acknowledged, Lois channels domestic comfort in its new approach to the retail experience. Customers are redefined as guests and Lois becomes host of its idyllic Finca, a traditional Spanish house in the countryside. Natural materials, organic shapes and earthy tones curate a charmingly authentic setting, treating retail as an immersive and cultural experience. Lois Galería boasts a wonderful interior, entirely custom-made, where built in seats and a strong sense of Spanish heritage transports their customer into sunny Spain. Lois Galería is at Gerard Doustraat 74, Amsterdam.
www.loisjeanstore.com
Fashion
Inspiring Italy
Staying true to its founder’s vision of “giving back”, Zegna now more than ever understands the importance of its scholarship program. In a world that has been blighted by economic uncertainty Zegna provides a beacon of light. For the 7th edition of Ermenegildo Zegna Founder’s scholarship program, 42 students from 15 Italian universities will be awarded scholarships, supporting emergent talent to engage in education and experience that will help enrich Italy’s future. Committing to €25 million over 25 years, this donation aims to provide financial support to Italian students and researchers looking to learn and seek connections abroad. In keeping with past years, this year’s awardees have selected leading academic institutions across Europe and North America, including Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, Columbia, Harvard and NYU. The Digital Get-Together format used to bring awardees together this year speaks to the resilience of a community able to overcome anything.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
FENDI Fall Winter 2020-2021
Silvia Venturini Fendi produces a surprising and inventive collection for Fall Winter 2020-2021, deceptive in its one of a kind FENDI craftsmanship. Concealed pockets and reversible outerwear curate a wardrobe that is both intriguing and mystifying in its disruption of traditional garment wear. Retro-futurist undertones navigate a sea of melton wool, heavy twill, flannel, flocked denim and corduroy suede. Illusion underlines this collection, the application of trompe l’oeil fabrics and extraordinary proportions bringing a new perspective to a familiar take on utility wear. This collection unabashedly celebrates the House, with FENDI Roma taped seams, the FF logo as a chain link animalia pattern and of course the iconic Fendi yellow which runs so defiantly through the entire collection.
Also situated within the collection is the collaboration between Silvia Venturini Fendi with Japanese designer Anrealage. Birthing a selection of photochromic outerwear and accessories, four FENDI Men’s silhouettes represent the first photochromic Menswear on a European runway and include four light-sensitive transformations across sports-inspired outerwear, mittens, inside-out tailoring, bags and accessories. When exposed to UV sunlight a white tiger quilting shines a FENDI yellow and a white diamond quilting reveals a new FENDI Code in black. Fendi creates a Men’s collection that is pioneering, in its embrace of the future as well as the past.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Prada Timecapsule
Prada’s initiative, Timecapsule, is an exclusive drop where 50 items are released on the first Thursday of each month. As part of this bold launching strategy, Prada is proud to announce an exciting new drop on August 6 at 3pm CET for 24 hours only. Presenting a new unisex cotton popeline shirt, whose print’s motif includes a specific limited edition number 1/50, 2/50… Prada serves us retro sporting vibes in an eye catching graphic print of black, light blue and white. Biking culture, tour de france and ‘60s bowling culture collide, invigorating this new drop with a sense of sporting pride. Mother of pearl buttons grace this boxy silhouette with a succinctly Prada elegance, revealing a touch of luxury amongst its sporting aesthetic. Enabled by the new Prada e-commerce platform, this new section is now available solely in Europe, reaching other markets over the course of 2020 following the new prada.com layout-relaunching calendar. The Prada Timecapsule drop will be available on August 6th at 3pm CET.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2020
There's a fluidity and harmony to the Autumn-Winter 2020 campaign, demonstrative of one man’s vision from conception to finish. A freedom and honesty guide Nicholas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, achieving a distinctive sense of individuality which reminds us of the sheer joy in getting dressed up and expressing oneself through fashion.
We feel as though we too have been invited along to Ghesquière’s photography studio on the Quai Voltaire, alongside his host of impressive friends and kindred spirits, composed of models, artists and athletes alike.
There is an intimacy to the shoot that heightens our familiarity and adoration of Louis Vuitton’s iconic pieces, the Capucines, the Twist, the Pont 9 and the Dauphine all appearing as old friends next to a hoard of celebrities, who in their current successes we feel just as, if not more connected to.
Ghesquière himself notes his desire to “follow through to the end of the creative process and give the collection its final punctuation” and it is this personal flair that is so tangible in the collection, giving it a contemporary freshness that feels such an intrinsic part of the director and photographer’s vocabulary. Incorporated into the campaign is the new line, SINCE 1854, another opportunity to marvel at the talent possessed by Ghesquière, who was also the mastermind behind the new jacquard celebrating the house’s establishment in 1854.
The campaign will be unveiled in September 2020 publications worldwide.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Future is Female
Established in 2006, Cartier’s Women’s Initiative was set up. Its mission, ‘Driving change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs’. Acknowledging the repercussions of systemic gender inequality, Cartier has used its influence and platform to produce an annual international entrepreneurship programme, targeted specifically at women-run businesses.
Open to international applicants working across any sector, Cartier is dedicated in its commitment to sustainability, only accepting submissions that promise a strong and sustainable social or environmental impact.
With its deadline set for the 31st July, the initiative has launched a new award to sit alongside its longstanding seven regional awards. The exciting new launch of the Science & Technology Pioneer Award for its 2021 edition, is yet another step for the initiative, branching out into new terrain and providing more talent with the support and industry intel to bring their businesses to the next level.
Pictured below two of the seven 2020 laureates, Adriana luna (Mexico)and Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen (Denmark)
www.cartierwomensinitiative.com
Fashion
Ermenegildo Zegna Summer 2021
2020 marks the 110th anniversary for Italian house Ermenegildo Zegna. Having started as a textile mill, the brand later encompassed clothing manufacturing laying the groundwork for the modern house we know and cherish today. On a big anniversary like Ermenegildo Zegna’s, it is not uncommon to look back, to reassess and to refocus on the core values. For Zegna, this means its connection since its foundation with nature, not just as source of raw materials, but as diverse and precious commodity overflowing with inspiration. The sense of fluidity paired with an immense precision that pervades the collection hints at the underlying inspiration: nature, the immense precision of modern machinery and what links both of them, humans. Throughout the collection, Alessandro Sartori continues his investigation into new sartorial hybrids, which define his vision for the Italian house. Pieces, like outerwear are produced in unusual fabrics, freeing the wearer and the pieces themselves from old conventions. With a sense of ease and nonchalant, this collection allows an unprecedented freedom of combination and interpretation alike. As the Artistic Director puts it himself, ‘Without man, everything would be soulless. This project reflects this union of sensibilities, which is also a balance of past and future, of inside and outside, in a cohesive yet multifaceted opus.’
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles Gives a F*ck One of a Kind Jackets
Moose Knuckles has emerged as a humanitarian power house during the current pandemic. From donating online profits to producing PPE for hospital staff, they have been a shining example of what social responsibility looks like for an international fashion brand.
As part of this effort Moose Knuckles has come up with a new fundraising initiative, “Moose Knuckles Gives a F*ck One of a Kind Jackets”, to generate profits for a selection of international hospitals. Renowned for its high quality outerwear, fittingly, the brand has centred its new project around its Lead Rider jacket. Treating its seasonally designed raincoat as a blank canvas, Moose Knuckles is collaborating with creatives across the world, granting each artist full creative reign to customise the piece of clothing as they see fit. Their only guideline, to inspire “positivity in the face of the pandemic.”
Beginning with NYC, Moose Knuckles have sold out of their first collection of one-of-a-kind pieces and are now endeavouring to do the same with a carefully selected group of artists from Paris and Milan. Using The YARD Agency for their Paris outreach and Acapulco for Milan, they have sourced the best local talent and will be replicating this process in California and Canada imminently.
“Knuckles is a family, a community, a tribe” and never has their motto been more visible than in their recent drive to help support the global community that has elevated them to the internationally respected brand they are today.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring Summer 2021
Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative director Virgil Abloh dove into boyhood since his very first collection, while exploring the Maison’s signature theme: travel. For Men’s Spring Summer 2021 Abloh created a short film with the use of animation, to serve as the first chapter of a story unfolding in the following months to gradually unveil the collection. Starting from Vuitton ancestral home in Asnières, it follow the adventures of a group of friends – going by the name of “Zoooom with friends” – hiding in Vuitton’s shipping containers, traveling along the river Seine. As they cross Paris leaving for Shanghai, they resurface to enjoy the city of lights one last time, playing music and dancing. On 6 August 2020, after crossing the oceans, the shipment will arrive in Shanghai and the runway show will fully unfold. No longer animated, ‘Zoooom with friends’ will come to life. Throughout its voyage the collection will transform in an evolving exchange across cultures and nations, unveiling its up-cycling nature: new looks made from recycled material, looks repeated from the Fall-Winter 2020 collection, looks freely created by the studio during the lockdown using recycled material, and new looks created from existing ideas. Transcending the traditional rules of fashion and seasonality.
Fashion
Furla Metropolis
In keeping with their distinct Italian heritage, Furla proves itself to be a brand that while staying true to its essence, still knows how to redefine and build on a classic. The label’s iconic Metropolis bag is back in a new guise yet still manages to respect and pay homage to its heritage style that has always been its greatest attribute. This renewed and updated line welcomes new volumes, re-designed silhouettes all available in a selection of bright colors like electric blue, energetic ruby or vibrant orange.
The designs are also available in more understated, neutral tones of black and white to match any ensemble. This cross-body bag is now reimagined as a new cute phonecase or small, rounded clutch handbag is now on its way to becoming the emblem of the iconic brand, founded over 90 years ago in Bologna.
Standing for quality, colorful creativity, joyfulness and of course a contemporary Italian lifestyle, Furla continues honoring its own righteous code of conduct in the world of fashion and accessories.
www.furla.com
Fashion
Wander and Dream
When Virgil Abloh presented his FW20 menswear collection back in January, guests were surprised first by the heavenly, cloud-covered decor and theme, and second by the designer's drastic shift from streetwear to a more classical and refined aesthetic. The latent star of the show for many were the dreamy accessories, a prime favorite being the Backpack Trunk, an ideal addition to the celestial aesthetic. Available in Monogram cloud or mirror, the trunk is the latest addition to Louis Vuitton’s travel collection. Wooden slats adorn the trunks’ lids, while original leather trimmings in blue or white calfskin enclose the exteriors. The interior of the trunk reveals discrete compartments and iconic cotton straps complete with an “LV” cloud for the Monogram Mirror variation. Combining innovation and tradition, these luggage containers are crafted in Asnières, Louis Vuitton’s first workshop in France. In homage to the maison’s passion for travel, the monogram mirror backpack trunk includes a complimentary two-person tent in the iconic monogram print. Pushing the boundary of a travel trunk’s utility and portability, Virgil Abloh presents a refined yet modern take on men’s accessories.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Woolly eyes
It is no surprise to us that Chanel’s Fall eyewear collection is inspired by the brand’s emblematic fabric — tweed. Now reinterpreted as a metallic weave or engraved on titanium, the collection is signed with the tweed motif displaying a play between feminine and masculine lines, between strength and fragility. For the iconic fabric to be so well translated onto eyewear is a mystery, but no surprise for the iconic maison. Just as it works for a Chanel suit, tweed also works just as well in accessories, working for every innovation. For the first time the metal structure that holds each temple melts into a weave of metallic threads, positioned between two acetate plaques, breathing a spirit of sophistication into the design. Tweed metal inserts highlight the angles of the cat eye styles in black, brown, green or tortoiseshell acetate. To round off the collection, a design inspired by the Fall-Winter 2020/21 Ready-to-Wear runway show shows volumes exaggerated in relief, with a lightweight nylon frame, these butterfly glasses adopt a sporty chic allure ideal for any season.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Intimate Ornaments
Each luxury brand has a trademark bag synonymous with the label itself, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Hermes are all easily identified by their most popular bags that set them apart from the rest. When dealing with accessories in the luxury price range, it transcends beyond simple accessorizing and becomes something as covetable as a sculpture or painting, it becomes living art. Miu Miu's iconic coffer bag first arrived on shelves nearly fifteen years ago and was regarded as one of the maison’s most iconic handbags. The original design hit all the right notes: a braided top handle, a matelassé leather body, two snap button pockets finished with precise hardware detailing. Released with the pre-fall collection, a new, long-awaited version with some modern variations. From the flash of the 00’s to the more understated style of the 20’s, the new form is refined, sculpted yet equally iconic. Combining sophisticated craftsmanship with innovation to create the highly distinctive leather that represents the marriage of form and function, personality and practicality. The unique artisanal finish of the Matelassé leather is rivalled only by the malleability of the skin that stretches. Nestling close to the body, the plump surface is as comfortable as it is aesthetically pleasing.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Berluti Buggy
In an elegant and fun filled tribute to the beachy culture of 1960’s California, Berluti has launched a brand new design object for this summer, the Buggy. Inspired by the recent Globe-Trotter luggage collaboration and the brand’s signature printed canvas designed by Kris Van Assche, Berluti’s new beach buggy reflects many of the brand's signature design elements including the leather interior alongside the emblematic Berluti logo, a canvas top in signature print and the B logo on the bonnet. The original Buggy was developed by Bruce F. Meyers in Newport Beach in 1964 for the purpose of roaming the dune landscape in search of a perfect surf spot. A rollover protection structure doubles as a surfboard stand, making it ideal for those looking to take it off-road in search of the best waves. Just like back then, today's buggy is based on a VW Beetle frame and engine and is available by special order. The stately body does not distract from the clear homage to the laid-back lifestyle of 1960’s California.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Celebrating Power
A woman who has leaped far further than ever expected, Rihanna started the 2000s as a fledgling popstar, and now walks into the new decade as a highly successful creative entrepreneur, having integrated inclusion and freedom into the world of luxury fashion. The lady herself has become more than just a brand, but a persona – an ethos. To some, Rihanna is a complete belief system – a way of life – and that way of life is Fenty. The brand’s first Ready-to-Wear release of the decade, 2-20, is all about bringing opulence and attitude to the everyday. Rihanna has become a symbol for diversity, with her countless renegade interactions with the media, preaching body positivity, and a general devil-may-care attitude. The new line is pleasing to the eye, and will indeed appeal to the masses. But as with everything the artist does, it is also rich with emblems of empowerment, managing to represent far more than good looks. Fenty’s trench-inspired parka plays on symbols of power, appealing to aspects of utility to put a fresh spin on a vintage design. The collection exudes femininity, freedom, and sexuality, each element playfully balanced and contrasted.
The utilitarian corset dress brings a new meaning to female power by blending the notorious shapewear garment with the desires of the modern woman: sensuality collides with comfort and elegance. The fusion of these aspects with function, together with the flavor of streetwear, plays out through a palette of lemon yellow and burnt paprika hues. The mix of materials and styles pencils an effortless image, commensurate with the complexities of being a woman. Every aspect of the brand celebrates the female spirit and its negotiation of contradictions, from the structure of silhouette itself to the representation of models, casting with an authentic appreciation of inclusion. With Fenty, we find freedom through comfort and utility – this latest drop a deeper dive into what it means to be a woman today: rich with self-awareness, dimensional and knowing.
www.fenty.com
Fashion
From Milan with Love
The new FW20 collection of the independent Milan-based design concept Jing Yu proposes new silhouettes with a contemporary classicism. Redefining traditional clothing as current and refreshing creations, Jing Yu’s latest collection is influenced by the photography of British surrealist painter Paul Nash’s Informal Beauty. Nash’s quiet intensity prospered an experimental vision that translates to Jing Yu’s contemporary interpretation. Clean-cut with attention to detail and made from the finest materials, Jing Yu plays with formality, deconstructs it, and steers it into a new direction. Wawa, Co-Founder of Jing Yu, explains the vision: “Our original idea [was] to explore our understanding of life in a new form and perspective with dialectic analysis to the philosophical eclecticism in [the] design and art field. In a way, it is more like an art project rather than a fashion label, and a dialogue and philosophical discussion between us and audience.”
www.jingyu.eu
Fashion
Monochrome Royalty
Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto is renowned worldwide for his dark, punk and japanese inspired clothing that has been victorious in the fashion world since his 1981 debut at Paris Fashion Week. The general vibe of Yamamoto’s work is one of deconstruction, whether in form or in idea, his clothing presents an antithesis of traditional Western dressmaking using harsh and impactful silhouettes with a monochromatic color scheme.
This crowned king of moncohrome represents his design values across any medium, and it seems only logical that his design for swiss watch brand Hublot is entitled ‘Big Bang GMT All Black Yohji Yamamoto’, made to celebrate the grand opening of its new flagship Boutique on Chuo-dori Street in Ginza, Tokyo. When Hublot launched a pioneering concept: "Invisible visibility", in 2006, the all-black design of this new limited edition expressed a philosophy symbolising the very essence of the brand which now seems to compliment Yohji Yamamoto’s own design character. The timepiece displays two different time zones, local time is read easily via the conventional main hand while the time at home is indicated using a second arrow-shaped hour hand. True to the All Black concept, tone on tone, the signature of Yohji Yamamoto can be discovered at six o'clock.
“This watch can easily display the time zones of the two cities where I'm based, Tokyo and Paris. Moreover, the hours are invisible. As a person who isn’t always forthcoming, I find that highly amusing.” reflects Yohji Yamamoto.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Comfortable Classics
Known for its classic and reliable products, Calvin Klein Jeans almost always hits the mark when it comes to giving the customers what they want. After months of isolation and quarantine, people, as is to be expected, are soothing their invisible wounds with a nice salve of retail therapy. As we prepare for a summer like no other, we are rethinking our habits and adjusting ourselves accordingly. The current situation has, if anything, given us a new lease of life, and a refreshed outlook on our impact on the collective world. Now it seems that sustainability and minimalism are again on-trend and Calvin Klein Jeans reflects that with a new collection of basic summer-wear with innovations on denim and sustainable style. Hoping to leave a message of positivity, the aspiration of this selection is to inspire positive change. Known for their unique details, design and material innovation, excellent fit and function this range of comfortable clothing ticks all the boxes. Vintage washes and cropped denim are reminiscent of 90s style, reminding us of a simpler time. Seasonal prints and minimal accessories further the ranges spirit of youth and style.
www.calvinkleinjeans.com
Fashion
Nine Colors, Nine Eyes and Nine Hearts
In these times of uncertainty, isolation and worry we search for something to take our mind from the harsh realities and transport us to another place, even if only for a moment. Is it not the job of the artist to bring our attention to something else, to make us think in a new way? Louis Vuitton commissioned artist LuckyLeftHand to decorate the façade of its Paris headquarters during the current lockdown. The fresco covers 280m2 and is made up of 14 colourful, sleek and playful paintings in the artist's minimalist, condensed style. Taking inspiration from 1960s and 70s aesthetics the artist aims to transport passerby-ers to the landscapes of Hossegor. “I wanted to create this wall painting to offer Parisians a colourful stroll past the 14 windows, evoking a summer holiday while still representing the temporary period we are going through. The hands placed a metre and a half apart is a nod to what we’re currently experiencing. I hope this wall painting’s bright, saturated colours and rainbows made of big, curved lines will bring the positive energy we all need right now,” said the artist in a statement.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
#MiuMe
Among the many social media campaigns that have been announced in recent weeks is Miu Miu’s #MiuMe campaign. The initiative invites a diverse cross-section of people from around the world to use their mobile phones to film themselves going through their wardrobes, wearing pieces by Miu Miu. Notable figures from the realms of sport, art, dance and fashion, as well as Miu Miu fans are free to present themselves in any manner, elevating the selfie to a statement about identity. From the participants' homes around the world, these FaceTime moving-image self portraits will be collated and curated for the first stage of the brand’s ongoing project that stands to produce bundles of noteworthy content.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta: Charitable Aspects
Since the spread of COVID-19, there has been a deluge of donations being piped into health services and scientific research as people bound together in an effort to ease the ongoing pandemic. Among those is Italian brand Bottega Venta, who have announced their support for scientific research in Italy following the spread of Coronavirus. Funding for two-year scholarships across Veneto, Lazio and Campania they will contribute to research and the support of Italian medical staff, from the current pandemic and beyond. “We recognise that supporting the medical professionals who are saving the lives of others must be our priority during this time, which includes those working tirelessly to tackle the devastating impact of Covid-19 and its enduring effects, through scientific research.” Daniel Lee, Bottega Veneta.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Gute Luft
Through this collective experience, we have come to a point that has caused us to stop, and reevaluate our lives and the way we live them. The lack of unnecessary movement and human activity has resulted in lowering of emissions and even some signs of nature ‘healing’ itself. In the wake of this, people are reexamining their values and rethinking our consumerist nature and asking what the future will be like post-pandemic?
‘Gute Luft’ is a campaign to playfully draw attention to these thoughts and raise awareness for how negligent society has treated nature, resources, animals and people. Through this, THINK INC. hopes to steer people towards a new, more ethical future. It encourages people to share their Gute Luft moment along with the text, ‘What we have learned now, we should not forget in good times. Show your attitude and take responsibility. Your ethical actions count - during and after corona’, in a hope to spread a hopeful message.
Fashion
Bottega Veneta Pre-Fall 2020
The Pouch bag, iconically associated with Bottega Veneta, is a perfect example of Italian craftsmanship and excellently formulated leather. For Pre Fall 2020 the recognized clutch is further evolved and presented alongside a slew of bold accessories. Elevated with a flat square silhouette and cascading leather fringe, the handbag can be folded over itself or worn over the shoulder with an adjustable strap. With Nappa being a major player in the new pre-fall selection, the Italian label presents the BV bold shoe, the Chain Cassette and the Chain Tote to match all in soft, full grain leather. “Straight-forward. Bold and confident. Subtlety elevated. Pre Fall 2020 celebrates Bottega’s heritage made relevant for today”, Daniel Lee.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Brands Giving Back: Prada
On top of donating funds and manufacturing masks and hospital gowns, Prada has announced its support for a new research project, Proteggimi. Financially supporting research with San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, the project will seek to explain the disparity in the impact of COVID-19 on men and women and to assemble data, broken down by sex.
Prof. Salonia, director of the San Raffaele Urological Research Institute and a lecturer at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, explained, “if we are to understand whether testosterone levels are linked to the severity of the illness, and to assess any long-term impacts on the overall health of men who have recovered from the virus. We hope this research will produce its first results in the next few weeks.”
www.pradagroup.com
Fashion
Woolrich Summer Jackets
As the weather starts to improve and our spirits along with it, we start to dream of places to go and people to see and above all, we dream of the outfits we will wear on such occasions. Although the weather is as unpredictable as, say, life itself, Woolrich’s SS20 collection boasts a colorful selection of durable garments ideal for mixing, matching and layering suitable for a range of climates. The sophisticated Peony Coat in Extra Light Ripstop is not only water repellent but also wind resistant – perfect for a casual commute. The use of micro and macro checks add an element of playfulness and much-needed variety to the collection. While the clever use of color-blocking boasts a vibrant personality and feminine touch. Summer models are available in many color variations such as red, green or the iconic pink check pattern, all perfectly suited for those long evening-stretches. The combination of playful color, durability and functional design employs the outerwear brands mantra: Woolrich Keeps you Warm, Dry and Protected.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Dior’s Delectable Books
Originally we looked to literature for faith or education but today we look to books for all kinds of reasons. In these extra long days spent in our homes we find ourselves on the hunt for some sort of escape to ease our anxieties and allow us even for a moment to forget about all that is going on in the world outside. Whether it’s to escape, to dream or to better ourselves books are a wonderful medium that allows the realms of art, imagination and reality to collide. So, it makes perfect sense for Dior to bring us a selection of ten books to take you on a timeless journey celebrating the magic of couture.
Featuring a selection of ten luxurious livres the books showcase the maison’s history and explores the spellbinding secrets of the iconic brand. Escape to 20th century Paris with the personal story of Monsieur Dior by delving into Dior by Dior or discover the vibrant, captivating work of Peter Lindbergh in Dior Images. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Maison’s heritage, brought into focus by the greatest fashion photographers thanks to a wealth of reading material to inspire and lead you behind the scenes to a world of elegance and beauty, in the comfort of your home.
www.dior.com
Fashion
The passing of Leïla Menchari
We were devastated to hear of the passing of Leïla Menchari, longtime Hermes window-dresser, christened ‘The Queen of Enchantment’ by Michel Tournier. Born in 1927, Menchari was the first woman admitted to the Beaux arts school of fine arts in Tunisia, where she grew up. After studying at the Beaux-Arts school in Paris, she began her career in Hermès in 1961 as part of Anne Beaumel’s decoration team. Soon promoted to director of window displays Leïla also designed gloves, bags and clothing. An outstanding dreamer and storyteller, Menchari is well regarded for her work transforming the windows of the Hermès store to become glimpses into another, more luxurious and wonderful world. Passers-by would be gifted with a peek into a scene that even in a moment would always arouse curiosity, surprise and amazement. Her windows became so well-known that in 2017 they held an exhibition devoted to Menchari’s work in the Grand Palais in Paris, “Hermès Takes Flight: The Worlds of Leïla Menchari.”
We remember her as being the person who took window dressing and turned it into an art form, collaborating with artists and creating an always imaginative concept whilst bringing her own personal touch to everything she did. “Thanks to Leïla, exoticism found a home, happily and permanently, in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré” says Axel Dumas, chief executive officer of Hermès.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Dior Maison
In 1947, Christian Dior opened a boutique called “Colifichets”, at the same time as his better-known couture house at 30 Avenue Montaigne. A quick success, the boutique expanded soon presenting an array of home accessories. Consistently developing alongside fashion and beauty creations, the boutique collaborated with the likes of Maria Pergay and Gabriella Crespi to create original pieces. Revisiting the plant-filled atmosphere of the SS20 ready-to-wear show from Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Dior Gardens line, designed by Cordelia de Castellane, features new pieces that elevate table settings. The delicate motifs that adorn the different looks unfold with grace and refinement across earthenware plates. A highlight of Dior Maison’s is the Copacabana collection. Seaweed motifs adorn plates while vases and decorative glass balls transform into precious aquariums populated with fish and coral. In these extended hours spent at home, Dior invites you to bring a touch of magic into your home and add a little extra comfort to the simple pleasures of everyday life. As Christian Dior himself wrote, “Living in a house which doesn’t reflect who you are is a bit like wearing someone else’s clothes.”
www.dior.com
Fashion
Hermès ‘C’est la fête’
Founded in 1837, Hermès began as a bridle and harness company before making the switch to luxury handbags, a decision which led the company to become one of the most successful and iconic brands in the world. Apart from the Birkin bag, Hermès silk scarves have become the most coveted item in the maison’s repertoire, having been quickly adopted by the likes of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Now, the famed accessory takes off on a new adventure, that of double-sided printing. Designed by the illustrator Daisuke Nomura, the scarf features two versions of the same design, one on each side. Titled ‘C’est la fête’, the scarf offers two finishes, one classic and the other in outline. Soft and supple, the carré has been specially developed for contemporary menswear. Ideal for the contemporary man, ‘C’est la fête features a two-in-one design to match alternate moods and styles. One of the most meticulously-crafted accessories in the world, the double-sided carré denotes classical influences and modern techniques.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
H for Herno
Despite fashion being one of the most competitive and fast-moving industries in the world where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, monograms always seem to withstand the test of time. One thinks of Louis Vuitton, Guess or Burberry and their iconic lettering that have transcended time to become symbols of fashion excellence. Now, as the ‘F’ for Fendi or the ‘G’ for Guess, Herno has ‘H’, tagging onto the never-ending trend with their S/S20 collection. Inspired by the fashion and styling of the 1950’s, Herno brings the monogram to the here and now with a modern twist. Classic and oversize trenches, raincoats, bombers and parkas are either entirely monogrammed or feature simple details placed on discrete areas. A stylish note that aims to lead a narrative that tells a story of Italian know-how and excellence. Monogrammed areas include the back of the collar, on the belt, on tabs or on the inner thermo tapings. Rooted firmly in the past, Herno believes that a brand's success is kept by remembering their origins yet one must always search for new reimaginings and repurposings in spite of the future.
www.herno.it
Fashion
Acqua di Parma Home Collection
Through our senses we can be transported through time and space to a moment of the past. A pleasant memory or a moment of happiness brought to the fore with the taste, touch or smell of something reminiscent. There are certain sensations so powerful that for a moment, we can feel as though we are somewhere else. Indeed staying home is the best thing for us right now, but transporting oneself does not have to be physical. Acqua di Parma’s new home collection is designed for life’s every moment, to allow you to create the ideal space from the comfort of your own home. A collection of candles and diffusers full of stimulating compositions based on typical moments of Italian living. With Spring finally stepping in, transport yourself with the fine fragrances of the Italian brands candles and diffusers. Luce di Colonia, Buongiorno, La Casa sul Lago, Caffè in Piazza, Oh, L’amore, and now two new Acqua di Parma creations: Aperitivo in Terrazza and Profumi dell’Orto. Create a sensuous ambiance as refined aromas such as tomato leaves, verbena and a lively spicy scent of pepper spread through your home.
www.acquadiparma.com
Fashion
Service à Café en Marbre
Our morning routine becomes leaps and bounds more luxurious when we use a vessel that not only enhances the aesthetic but is forged by a brand name that by its very essence screams opulence. Back in October 2019, YSL’s Anthony Vaccarello launched his reimagined retail concept, the new Saint Laurent Rive Droite. A creative space with a selection of highly curated objects. Now with products available online, the creative retail space is designed with a youthful and revolutionary vision synonymous with the French Maison since the original Saint Laurent Rive Gauche boutique, opened in 1966. Featuring an abundance of items from sportsgear to decorative homewares to aesthetically pleasing paper-clips the store has grown to be a collection of stylish gadgets that appeal to all ages. Hand-cut from fine marble, this decorative coffee service consists of two saucers and two cups with an elegant, heart-shape that exudes a luxurious sensibility. Available in black and white the marble coffee service acts both as a decorative piece to be seen and not touched or it could become our new, albeit decadent morning ritual.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week Women's - Recap
CHANEL
Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Piaggi met in 1974. For a decade Karl Lagerfeld constantly drew her for years to record her aesthetic, her ability to mix vintage, costume, daily finds. Karl described her as “a great performer”, but also as “ the writer of the play”. There are many photographs, mostly in black and white, portraying the power duo. One in particular caught the eye of Virginie Viard: in the old photo Piaggi is wearing a skirt suit, the skirt at floor length paired with a jacket with pronounced shoulders and cinched waist. Lagerfeld’s instead sported a striped jacket and matching gilet together with jodhpurs pants and riding boots with contrasting flaps. Lagerfeld loved the reinterpretations of classic codes of costume history: the military uniform, the riding clothing vocabulary, with humor and a witty attitude. Virginie Viard celebrated this image in her latest collection for Chanel, one year after the passing away of her mentor. The reinterpretation of jodhpurs pants, with open sides at its bottom through a series of CC press-stud buttons. At times the split would be along the whole leg, transforming it into a flared trouser with jackets of Edwardian allure. There were variation to the theme: long tweed coat paired with bustiers and shorts, skirts with a deep split, cropped lace tops, dresses with balloon sleeves and jackets with ruffled collars reminiscent of the prevalent trend of Romanticism from the 1820s through the mid-1840s Viard is trying to achieve her own vision on womanhood, on what means today power dressing, with simple elements and great courage to bring in Chanel her very own point of view. “One is happy as a result of one's own efforts once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness: simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self denial to a point, love of work, and above all, a clear conscience.” (George Sand, Letter to Charles Poney, 1866)
www.chanel.com
MIU MIU
Miuccia Prada knows how to nod at the 40s (one of her favorite decade) and create a collection modern, playful and jovial true to the spirit of the house. Miu Miu is the fun and experimental side of Prada Group. It tells a story of a woman far from traditional aesthetic values, subversive, emancipated and a true feminist. Rebellious and seductive. Set at Palais d’Iena designed by legendary architect Auguste Perret breaking the rules of the space and setting a new aesthetic, AMO, the counterpart of the iconic architectural office OMA directed by Rem Koolhaas and long time collaborator of Mrs. Prada, worked in antithesis to the nature of the building: metallic structures with LED lights around each concrete column, a velvet element at the base, cinema chairs together with wooden ones. Irreverent and playful, juxtaposed to the solemnity of the modernist Palais d’Iena are the set where Miuccia Prada created her Miu Miu Fall Winter 2020. Long crushed silk satin dresses in vibrant colors, yellow, blue, pink, paired with wool coats. Transparencies, paired with big furs, cinched at the waist creating a wasp like silhouette and beaded hairpieces. It’s the contradiction of that special decade, the wartime, the glamorous Hollywood - Joan Crawford to Bette Davis, Ava Gardner to Rita Hayworth - but also Italian Neorealism - Sofia Loren, Anna Magnani, Ingrid Bergman for Roberto Rossellini’s Stromboli - stars of the time, despite the imposing hardships post WWII. There is a certain austerity but also liberation, and positivity. Resonating today’s current dramatic world climate. There is no much difference between the fear of a war and the fear of an strong enemy without face. Miuccia Prada has always been a visionary in this sense: her wish for hope, for joy, fierce in these obscure times.
www.miumiu.com
HERMÉS
“She walk through a forest of vertical bars/ and she dashes / she needs to jump to move forward/ moving forward to play” The show notes welcoming us at our arrival at la Garde Républicaine, a museum dedicated to the traditions of the Garde Républicaine, the ceremonial unit of the French National Gendarmerie located in the 4th arrondissement created to presents its traditions from 1802 to the present day, including its infantry, cavalry, and military bands. What better venue for Hermès to breath its equestrian inspiration? A myriad of bars recalling jumping obstacles in equestrian competitions with their primary colored stripes and placed vertically to form a forest. Walking through to loose yourself. Yellow, red, green, blue, brilliant tones Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski brought to the classic palette of Hermès. Inspired by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, one of her modernist heroes, present at the show, Vanhee-Cybulski designed a collection of warm elegant timeless staple true to her signature for the Maison. With exquisite craftsmanship and a peculiar attention to details: the silk carrè and Kelly buckles placed at the neck line of pulls-bodes, horse-blanket coat with leather pockets, pleated skirts knitted and doubled with silk, leather pinafores with quilting. Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski ‘s vision, distant from seasonal trends, also introduced a strong feminine silhouette reminiscent of equestrian riding jackets. A “manifest of purity,” as she called it, with a strong graphic allure and minimal white cotton paired with boots and derbies. “What is useful must me beautiful/ A style is created to changes us/small gestures don’t exist/ At the end of this research/there will be equilibrium”.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week Women's - Recap
SAINT LAURENT
Cy Twombly, one of the most relevant contemporary artists of our time, who created mostly large-scale paintings with aggressively big gestures and his signature scrawling scribbles, he was anguished by the flood of people and his only desire was to paint. Yves Saint Laurent was not far from that. He repeatedly admitted additionally his benign shy. Nevertheless his work, like Twombly’s broke the rules of what was considered the norm. He developed a multitude of highly original approaches, including changing the way modern women dress, putting them into pants with his 1966 Le Smoking” collection, or into safari jackets. Both famously worn by Betty Catroux, his close friend, muse and almost “his double” for her uncanny resemblance as mentioned in one of the video accompanying the ongoing exhibition “ Betty Catroux, Yves Saint Laurent: Feminine Singular”, at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris. Curated by Anthony Vaccarello it celebrates the the pair’s lifelong friendship and the donation of 180 items of clothing from Catroux to the foundation. “I am just giving back what was given to me“ Catroux remembers in the conversation with Vaccarello recorded for the exhibition. Her icy and androgynous look was perfect for Monsieur Saint Laurent’s creations and loved to gift her couture looks and often unproduced prototypes. He loved to see her wearing his clothes. But Yves Saint Laurent was ahead of time. His animalier prints collection in 1982, or constant inspiration from art: Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian. He often declared how he abhorred bourgeoisie, and its pedantic colorless lifestyle. He was a master of the unconventional and contradictions. He matched sheer dresses (a scandal at the time) with exquisite embroideries, or the bon-ton silk bow shirt with pants. Since his very beginning at the maison, Anthony Vaccarello expressed a strong respect for the legendary designer. His first collection was a strong homage to his work but also an interpretation through his own eyes. Now at his 4th year as Creative Director of Saint Laurent , Vaccarello embodies the desire of strong powerful sensuality for women. For Fall Winter 2020 Vaccarello revisits Monsieur Yves apparent strident contrasts. Everything is a matter of tension between discipline and pleasure. “I wanted to find the balance between control and abandonment, the tension between discipline and pleasure that defines the modernity of Saint Laurent”. For Fall Winter 2020 Vaccarello explored latex declined in pants, dresses, skirts. Combined with wool blazers – mostly in Monsieur Saint Laurent’s signature vibrant colors emerald, purple, blue - and bow shirts between nocturnal life and well-mannered girls. “For Saint Laurent, elegance is mandatory but it also goes with perversity; one without the other would only be plain bourgeoisie or vulgarity […] I was really stimulated by that tension this season, it made me want to break the codes that are too conventional. Saint Laurent is about danger”.
www.ysl.com
COMME DES GARÇONS
20 different looks. 20 different soundtracks: each created out of vinyls mixed live by sound artist Calx Vive. Calx Vive’s first collaboration with Rei Kawakubo dates back to 2014 when he was asked to create a sound installation for the freshly opened Dover Street Market retail space in New York featuring all CDG lines and the brands under its umbrella like Junya Watanabe , but also brands like Rick Owens, Saint Laurent, Thom Browne, among the rest, who have created site-specific work for the store. In 2014 Kawakubo declared how she lost interest in creating what looked like real clothes. When 2017 the Japanese designer was asked by the Met to be the protagonist of a new exhibition, Kawakubo designed it closely with curator Andrew Bolton, to mirror her poetic to the core. Divided into distinctly Comme themes rather than chronologically: Absence/Presence, High/Low, Fashion/Antifashion and Object/Subject. Comme des Garçons Fall Winter 2020 is non other than a beautiful vocabulary of Kawakubo own obsession to these themes. Her own dictionary rendered into 20 looks, revisiting her most iconic collections: 1997’s ‘Body Meets Dress-Dress Meets Body’, 2005’s ‘Broken Bride’ , 2012’s “White Drama”, 2015’s “Blood & Roses”, 2017’s “The Future of Silhouette,” and more. The bride veil suspended by a transparent structure , the lumps and bumps (the nickname of her 1997 collection), voluminous gown that combined clouds of foam with restrictive protuberances, and geodesic-like structures. On the show notes she questioned: “Is it not impossible to make something completely and utterly new, since we are all living in this world? “ She described her work as “a perpetual futurist”, working from “within the Comme des Garçons world.”. Visceral, and unforgiving.
www.comme-des-garcons.com
DIOR
Every Italian guest present at Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Fall Winter 2020 RTW show for Dior undoubtedly felt that nostalgia, that languid feeling when listening to Roisin Murphy’s cover of legendary Lucio Battisti’s “Ancora tu” written in 1976. The show continues the ode to feminism and to women’s world with a collection inspired by the seventies, when Maria Grazia Chiuri was a child blossoming into a teenager. These crucial coming of age years are the starting point of the collection: her mother’s haute couture atelier, the rebelling women in Italy using fashion, literature, science to assert themselves. Crucial figures like Carla Lonzi and her book “Autoritratto” published in 1969, a collection of conversation with relevant figures of the art world of the time in Rome. On the 23 of March a relevant retrospective celebrating Italian women artists and based on Lonzi’s manifesto and vision - will be held at Rome’s National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art supported by Dior. Lonzi’s work as feminist but also as art critic first serves as inspiration to the manifesto –like sentences build in the set design of Maria Grazia Chiuri show in the form of illuminated sign suspended from the ceiling. In collaboration with Claire Fontaine collective the setting highlights crucial moment of women’s emancipation but also underscore the contradictions in our society. Claire Fontaine collective uses the language and slogans of non-reformist feminism : “I say I”, Women raise the Upraising”, Women are the Moon that Moves the Tides”. While on the floor models walk on a new version of Fontaine’s work “Le Monde Pixèlisè” where pages of Le Monde are all glued together. Inspired by a photo portraying Henri Matisse By Robert Capa taken in 1949 is again a source of dialogue, of necessity to shed light on to questioning our world. It’s a succession of the frees spirit of women against their unrecognized role in the 70s: the small bandana on the head, the handcrafted silk fringes, long pliseé dresses and skirts paired with chuncky checked wool jacket , mantels, but also Chiuri’s signature sheer long dresses worn with flat combat boots, mary-janes and slippers. In the collection Chiuri pays homage to Monsieur Dior’s love for check but also to Marc Bohan who was at the helm of the maison in the 70s.
www.dior.com
YOHJI YAMAMOTO
The soundtrack played and sung by Yohji Yamamoto haunted us all. Its beautiful melancholy, gentleness, heartrending notes. Yohji-san has been reflecting on the passing of time, on the meaning of life itself for quite a while. The passing away of legends Azzedine Alaïa, Karl Lagerfeld – who both deeply respected Yamamoto - and the recent decision of Jean Paul Gautier to stop designing, had a huge impact on him. Losing his antagonists, his rivals, like he phrased. For Yohji Yamamoto history has always been an interesting point of investigation, a common ground with Alaïa. The two also shared a great friendship for decades. In 2005 an exhibition, ”Juste des Vetements” – and what a better title as Yamamoto has been describing himself as “just a dressmaker” - at the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs celebrated hiss inspiration and respect towards the iconic French Couturiers: Cristobal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, just to mention few. Rigorously innate to Yohji-san, that spirit of research and rebellion to the fashion establishment, to the homogenisation of the industry, has been constantly present in his work. Journalists have tried to phrase the delicacy, strength and purity of his deconstructed poetry where imperfection, laceration, distortion have always been a source of beauty rather than glamour. In Yamamoto’s eyes fashion shows resemble Noh, the Japanese musical theatre performed since the 14th century (and the oldest form of theatre in the world) where the actors walk to the centre of the stage slowly, without talking, and almost without acting. Since years now Yamamoto shows have been characterized by slow peace walking models. They wear each outfit solemnly and you cannot but feel the layers of work and emotions through each garment. In the latest show the Japanese designer experimented a complex succession of deconstructed garments with a look at the 19th century including the late 19th century riding-dress-inspired ensembles with their military simplicity. The declinations of references are immense as well as the new vocabulary created by Yamamoto for the collection: strings recalling the figure-framing style of severe corsetry, the crinoline here knitted or pleated, the low waistlines, woven sculptural dresses revealing graciously the skin and merging with a jacket, veiled overskirts, hand painted brush strokes on long coat created with a manipulation of fabric and drapery. The poignant feeling inside any Yohji Yamamoto’s show defies definition. The legendary designer, almost at his 50th anniversary in the industry, never ceases to evoke deep emotions through his work. The invite anticipated all: a soft wool fabric sample. To accomplish understanding you must feel.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week Women's - Recap
PRADA
Raised up and voyeuristic yet strangely detached we viewed Prada’s Fall/Winter womenswear collection that portrayed a surreal sense of glamour. The selection of pieces compared ideas of femininity against stereotypically masculine components. A boxy belted jacket is paired with a fringed skirt that seems to exude a sense of confidence, a sporty aesthetic is enriched with elongated basketball jerseys and sneaker-boot hybrids. The extreme colors, utility accessories and lingerie components further the collections nod to Miuccia Prada’s world where fashion equates power.
www.prada.com
MISSONI
Any designer worth their salt carefully conceptualises a collection and even better if they can back it up with some literature or text. The 1886 novella Flatland - A Romance of dimensions was the inspiration behind Missoni’s Fall collection ‘20 that was a visual love poem to geometry. A story of feminine strength, empowerment and self awareness presented beautifully with horizontal, diagonal and vertical stripes littering the runway with earthy burnt tones brightened by dashes of red and turquoise. Each aspect from colors to patterns to silhouettes shape the collection in the freewheeling Missoni spirit.
www.missoni.com
FENDI
The current approach in fashion seems to be attempts of redefining and challenging gender norms employing new meanings onto femininity and masculinity. Yet Fendi’s Fall collection seemed to embrace the double standards that accompany the male gaze whilst simultaneously exuding a sense of self gratification - dressing for oneself rather than for the world. A balanced selection of structure, softness, rigor and sensuality is reflected with accentuated waists, strict silhouettes and expansive shapes with corset detailing. The offbeat contrasts end elegant monochrome furthered the sense of soft power that embodies the whole collection.
www.fendi.com
BALLY
Exploring nature and realising our impact as humans seems to be a pertinent thought across designs for the coming seasons. Swedish luxury brand Bally presented their AW20 collection through a sensory art installation that showcased their understated ready-to-wear garments using subtle choreography, film and sound. Guests traversed the runway as a crowd moved in the opposite direction with models clad in earthy tones and luxurious layering. Titled ‘Purity of form’ the collection encompassed organic materials, soft shapes and sculpted silhouettes reflecting the brands passion for design innovation.
www.bally.eu
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Berluti Men's Fall/Winter
Arriving at the majestic location of Opera Garnier we were welcomed by magnificent flowers, adorning the staircase, the rich, inebriating perfume merged the atmosphere into a symphony of colors true to Kris Van Assche’s Berluti. Blue, crimson red, purple, fuchsia, but also Prince of Wales checks rendered in green or yellow. Tailored silhouettes together with relaxed suits paired with sneakers. Kris Van Assche’s Berluti plays between past and future, classic and modern. An extreme savoir-faire especially shown in the full patina leather suits becoming the iconic element of the maison. Recent Berluti’s beautiful collaboration with Parisian based art gallery Laffanour, resulting in 17 vintage chair designed by Pierre Jeanneret - the legendary cousin of star architect Le Corbusier - added with the Berluti patina in jewel-tones, echoed in some of the looks for Fall/Winter 2020/21. Van Assche ability to plays with classic codes through a rebel soul.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Spirit of Departure
With the current state of affairs, one might get a bleak idea of the new decade ahead. Not for notorious Canadian outerwear brand Moose Knuckles. Borrowing from science and science-fiction, he translates his personal and optimistic vision of the future. Classic staples collide with futuristic influences resulting in new yet familiar silhouettes reflecting the past as well as the future.This nod to the future can not only be found on the surface, but is literally ingrained in the collection’s fabric. Cloud is a groundbreaking innovation reducing the overall weight of the Core parkas. This novelty material gets its chance to shine in one of the collection’s newest additions, the Cloud Trinity jacket, a ultra-lightweight parka, delivering intense warmth in a weightless package. As part part of the FW20 collection, the Canadian brand also unveils its Eco Soft-Shell Collection, an eco-conscious line fabricated from recycled and reused materials, showcasing Moose Knuckles continuous efforts to combat fashion’s adverse effects of over-consumption and pollution.
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Dior Homme Fall/Winter
When approaching the white humongous squared temporary structure built on Place de la Concorde for Dior Homme latest show we felt a sense of thrilling vibe. Inside the space high up to the ceiling transparent boxes occupied almost fully the catwalk where smoke arranged in different colors, from orange to blue, floated intermittently at the rhythm of music as the show started. Kim Jones’s new collection for Dior is all this: the explosion of his favorite silhouettes, of his love for British culture, the ability to dive into archives of a French Maison like Dior, while paying homage to his dear friend, the late Judy Blame, the brilliant stylist and designer, punk icon in the 80s, who passed away just 2 years ago. Blame’s love for gloves, for paisley prints, for jewelry - designed as always by uber-talent Yoon Ahn for Dior Homme - and reminiscent of Blame’s DIY punk signature aesthetic with metal chains adorned with charm-like crystals, roses, tags. But also the British tailored savoir faire of layering blazers and overcoats. An exquisite long silk shirt at knees length with paisley print worn under a blazer and the closing look – a coat embroidered with sequins into a feather motif inspired by a couture dress by Marc Bohan from 1969 - were undoubtedly breathtaking. The latter requiring 1000 hours of work left speechless at closer look during the re-see. Kim Jones found his dimension at Dior and we are thrilled to see what’s next.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Sportmax Book Launch
The unwavering energy of SPORTMAX celebrated in a eponymous volume marking its 50 years anniversary and Italian savoir faire. Born from Achille Maramotti’s intuition in 1969 fascinated by the fresh dynamism found in the new age investing Europe at the end of the Sixties, and particularly in London with its youth-driven cultural revolution. Published by Assouline as part of its Legends collection and edited by historian and curator Olivier Saillard, the volume documents the history of the Italian brand from the Seventies till today with dedicated chapters for each decade. Peter Lindbergh, Sarah Moon, Albert Watson, David Sims to name a few of the many iconic international photographers who have interpreted SPORTMAX’s style. The book also includes previously unpublished material including backstage photos, drawings and a series of images lensed by Grègoire Alexandre. Capturing the brand’s DNA, from its iconic knitwear to the total look graphic colors, two SPORTMAX very own themes since its origin till today. And the uncompromising continuous research on excellence.
www.assouline.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week 2020 - Fendi Men's Fall/Winter
With her new FW 2020 Menswear collection, Silvia Venturini Fendi lays out her personal vision of the modern man. Inspired by the classic notion of the gentleman, Fendi presents a collection that features classic men’s garments enhanced with modern twists, proving that even tradition is not always what it appears to be at first sight. To achieve this, FENDI teams up with Japanese designer ANREALAGE, combining Italian craftsmanship with the famed futuristic spirit of Japan’s fashion scene. The collection itself combines the retro with the futuristic resulting in an exciting wardrobe for the modern gentleman. Blazer as well as coats are turned inside out with visible contours of lining and inside pockets, which themselves were adapted to the modern times, with the cigar pocket being replaced by a compartment for credit cards or AirPods. Another highlight of the collection was the utilitarian nature of several of the garments. Through strategically placed zippers, the garments receive a shape-shifting ability, allowing the wearer to adapt the garments to his needs, whether as overcoat, jacket or bolero. The collection was rounded out with accessories in the typical FENDI yellow, with the oversized shopper reminiscent of the FENDI packaging being the stand-out piece amongst various new takes on the classics.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Revealing the Hidden
Due to the quick progression of technology, there is a tangible disconnect between ourselves the items that surround us on a daily basis. Despite everybody being able to use the newest technology in our daily lives, only a very few actually grasp how they work. This creates a certain lack of trust, a feeling of discomfort. At the Swiss manufacturer, they are driven by their belief that people are once again longing for the time when they could understand how things work and they decided to look deeper into the essence of this idea. Their mechanical watches radiate a sense of honesty, which we can relate with in the most natural sense, as we can create a tangible connection to their inner workings. Inspired by the natural sincerity of the Waldenburg Valley, which has surrounded the village of Holstein, where Ortis has been bases since its foundation in 1904, the traditional Swiss house introduces the Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 115. Without unnecessary decoration, no superfluous complication or flashy colors, this masterpiece is laying bare its inner workings. Nothing remains hidden, visually reconnecting the wearer to the aesthetic inner worlds otherwise hidden behind the dial. The watch itself follows a modern approach to luxury, no longer showy or indulgent, the focus is simply on the appreciation for excellent craftsmanship and quality. The Oris Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 115 is presented to the public on November 18th at the Oris Watch Night hosted by the Swiss manufacturer in Munich.
www.oris.ch
Fashion
Woolrich x Aimé Leon Dore
Two brands born and made in America, one with a rich history rising to the challenge of dressing the U.S. naval officers in hardy garments, and the other serving a young and modern public. Aimé Leon Dore, founded just a handful of years ago, has had very fruitful collaborations in the past, they are gifted at seeking out contemporary classics and putting their own twist on them. Woolrich, a very well trusted brand in weather-proof materials, strong heritage and consistently proving it has a grasp on street-casual style. Far from the realm of novelty accessories or couture fashion, both brands have an overriding respect for creating timeless articles of clothing.
Their FW19 campaign takes place in a cozy New York diner, two friends munching away at their breakfast; neither of them willing to remove their coats and flannels. There is an element of comfort that people can sense, the sort of wear that never gets old each time you put it on. Woolrich has opened its archive for Aimé Leon Dore and reaped the rewards of a fresh perspective; the same vestige of quality down puffers and coats are resurrected for the street. Whether by fate or by entering one another’s periphery until they became impossible to ignore, the teachers have learned from disciples of a new generation and given city dwellers a collection too comfortable and unabashedly urban to be denied.
www.woolrich.com
www.aimeleondore.com
Art
Cartier: Crystallization of Time
Stare long enough at any rock, gemstone or mineral and you will see the beauty in natural formations once hidden beneath the Earth’s 4.6 billion year old crust. Since 1989 Cartier has held no less than thirty four exhibitions in world-renowned art museums but only now will they host an exhibition focused on contemporary pieces spanning from the 1970’s onwards. The purpose of the exhibition is to explore the perennial beauty of Cartier creations, a classic beauty retained and untarnished by the ravages of time. Aptly titled, ‘Crystallization of Time’ the legendary Jeweller will hold the exhibition at The National Art Center of Tokyo to explore the relationship between their creations over time. Up to 300 works, including contributions from private collections, act as mirrors that offer an astute insight into the eras and evolutions of Cartier. Beyond this exhibition of their past ‘Crystallization of Time’ will foreshadow Cartier’s vision for the future. The exhibition will be presented in three unique perspectives including, ‘Material Transformation and Colors’, ‘Forms and Designs’ and ‘Universal Curiosity’ along the axis of time. ‘Forms and Designs’ will explore the micro-architectural nature of their design ethos as well as their use of essential lines and spheres to create unique and iconic jewellery.
In large part refusing to conform or settle is what adds to their timeless qualities, the essence that there is nothing quite like Cartier on the market. As the second act on their timeline, ‘Forms and Designs’ will feature ‘Harmony of Chaos: Accident of Design / Accident of Nature’ which seeks to explore how life’s happenstance adds to our understanding of beauty. In 1967, when Cartier London released the Crash watch, they implored this design quality, the end product being a watch whose case had the appearance of being run over by a car. As gemstones are naturally formed there is an element of random natural occurrence that takes place as the rocks form, from this Cartier explored how to capture the unpredictable while still producing a fashionable product. The exhibition will also play host to a number of rare pieces from private collections, some pieces dating back as far as 1907. The scope of this exhibition can not be understated, from Nils Herrman’s Cartier collection Egyptian motifs resurface; a greater dialogue with our past is opened up through timeless designs, a Scarab brooch brandishing rubies, emeralds, platinum and antique blue faience alongside a Scarab necklace in yellow gold date back to 1925.
Cartier’s ‘Crystallization of Time’ is exactly what it claims to be, reinforced and hardened into something beyond reproach; displaying the opulence and dedication to lasting quality that Cartier is unabashedly known for. The exhibition will run from October 2nd – December 16 at The National Art Center, Tokyo.
Fashion
Louis Vuitton SS20
A VHS tape re-imagined as bag. The name of iconic movies morphed with a witty style placed on totes. Nicolas Ghesquière’s time machine brought us at the very origins of Louis Vuitton. La Belle Èpoque, or the golden age in France after the end of the Franco-Prussian war in 1871 till the Great War. A period of stability and optimism.
Leather and silk skirts reminiscent of the end of 19th century silhouettes with bell shapes flared smoothly over the hips from a small waist and gradually widened at the hemline. It is a time when the Victorian era crinoline disappeared and corsets were worn only in the evening and formal occasion. The change of dressing codes reflecting the woman emancipation at the time is a strong inspiration for Ghesquière.
We also saw beautiful painted motifs looking at Art Nouveau and using Marcel Proust beloved cattleya orchid – which metaphorically symbolized the sensual and erotic desire in “Swann’s Way” - pinned on lapels. The symbol of a new era, of a new spirit, of blossoming. The vibrant colours – blue, red, orange, yellow, to mention few – composed like fragments of bucolic Art Nouveau illustrations on several look.
Nicolas Ghesquière tribute to that fervid time in Europe is reflected in the atmosphere created by singer Sophie’s otherworldly performance in an extended version of “It’s Okay to Cry, specially made for Louis Vuitton and screened on a humongous backdrop at Cour Carrée inside the Louvre.
When exiting this magic show venue the light of Pei’s pyramid casted an enchanting atmosphere. Briefly after it started pouring rain just like the final moments of Sophie’s video performance.A moment of energy, beauty and the multitude of facets of Nicolas Ghesquière’s genius.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Valentino SS20
Crisp white cotton declined in evening gowns, shirt dress to be worn with shorts and lace bomber jackets. Pierpaolo Piccioli worked on the beauty of this color, undisputed symbol of Summer and that light hearted elegance the maison Valentino has been representing since the last years.
Piccioli knows how to conquer the crowd with his romanticism in a strong modern key: a tulle purple majestic gown, a sequined one, so light at touch you could hardly believe it is sequins, and the acid green, permeating the entire collection and bringing that fun and joy we have been savouring season after season at this iconic Italian maison. At a closer look , during our re-see; we saw all that Valentino atelier savoir faire in terms of craftsmanship.
Pierpaolo Piccioli has been working always on the evolution of the gown, on its lightness, on the absence of body constrictions. He has been always putting women at the centre: the women who wear his creations, the seamstress, the women who have been part of the Valentino family for so long. And the models who walk the show: Adut, Awuol, Tiziana, Tomiwa, Evie, Mathilde, all eighty carefully mentioned one by one.
As we enjoy looking at the details of each look at Valentino’s headquarters in Paris, Piccioli appears in front of us on his way to the office. We could not but warmly congratulate him in person. Grazie Pierpaolo for delivering once again a beautiful vision on womanhood.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Hermès SS20
We have been struck by the delicacy Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski infuses every season in her vision for Hermès. For Spring Summer 2020 she talks about powerful femininity ready for our times. For Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski a woman need to walk, move freely and go to work, without renouncing to beauty. But what is beauty? It was questioned in the show notes. Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski answers with a clear vision: beauty is not equal to perfection, but to the multitudes of all beauties out there.
A fresh minimalism is declined with several inspirations. One above all the apron - worn at the Hermès leather workshop in Pantin - here deconstructed and revisited on tops and jumpers creating sculptural elements and open back.
The safari atmosphere is visible in multiple pockets jackets - the classic saharienne - in Heritage calfskin, a cargo playsuit in washed cotton gabardine and cargo trousers. Vanhee-Cybulski’s and Hermès continuous research on leather is seen on buttersoft leather dresses together with patchwork details rendered in lambskin doubled with silk organza. A research found in the beautiful equestrian inspired looks like the harness-inspired trench coat in fine stripe cotton or the equestrian-inspired openwork coat, in double-face cashmere jacquard adorned with chestnut patches.
Hermès Spring Summer 2020 is a whispered elegance, delicate and nonchalant.
www.hermès.com
Fashion
BOSS SS20: 'BOSS Individuals'
Presenting their men’s and women’s collections for SS20, BOSS has held individualism in high regard. The sophistication and sleek presentation so synonymous with BOSS is renewed for the arriving decade. Dressing is an intensely personal ritual and relies heavily on the individual traits of the wearer. Realizing this, they travelled from their atelier in New York to the restless fashion mecca of Milan, where it held a runway show for its highly personable collection. Guests in attendance included G-Eazy, Chloe Bennet and Jason Lewis. The focus was on accented style and understated comforts, this collection remains true to the essential nature of BOSS while evoking an openness to Spring frivolities and calm Summer nights.
‘BOSS Individual’ suits are tailored into more relaxed shapes while their sportswear is precisely tailored and dressed up. The women’s SS20 line is filled with jackets nipped at the waist and wide-leg pants prioritizing comfort without sacrificing the signature BOSS styling. With fluid silk wrap skirts or maxi dresses there is a living sense of freedom as this collection breezes down the runway. With a flash-flood of seasonal colors interplayed with detailed craftsmanship and neatly tailored suits formal wear is elevated for the next decade and beyond. Whether it is the lightweight technical cloth on pants made for sport or the silk and cotton yarn open-knit sweaters, the SS20 collection delivers enough variety to truly encourage individualism on even the hottest days of Summer.
Fashion
Saint Laurent SS20
A sudden storm moving forcefully, all of us under the glass roof over the seating, the light projected forming a sea of beams that played together with the Tour Ei¬¬ffel light spectacle. Saint Laurent always reserves a set design worth the rain and cold of an outdoor late summer show in Paris. As the model stormed in we saw the natural confidence of Vaccarello. Vertiginous shorts worn with blazers, at times declined in velvet or in black sequins rigorously matched with high knees boots or strappy sandals.
The looks converged increasingly towards an evening atmosphere - Vaccarelllo’s signature - in all its alluring connotations: second skin trousers paired with off-the-shoulder tops, long dresses lusciously embroidered, gold lamè, black, green or burgundy chiffon with gold motifs. Additionally the show displayed sharp tailoring, or as Anthony Vaccarello likes to call it “couture tailoring”, as he skilfully showed us season after season. The last suit, in black sequins, was worn graciously and fiercely by Naomi. Which icon could better embody this atmosphere? Thank you Anthony for always being true to your vision.
Fashion
NYFW: Sies Marjan Spring 2020
At the Hall of Records in Lower Manhattan during New York Fashion Week, Sies Marjan unveiled their Women’s collection for Spring 2020. They took their time and basked in their designs, the underlying theme of their show? A refined appreciation for taking one’s time in the knowledge that comfort and an excess of time are the only true luxuries. The collection’s color palette is inspired by nail polish and make-up, two applications that require patience and careful consideration. Creative Director of Sies Marjan, Sander Lak spoke on his collection, saying “it celebrates the beauty of having the time and freedom to create and consider your choices.”
Materials like untreated denim are tailored as if it were wool into the shape of fine suits whereas the dresses boast sophisticated fabrics. Double duchess satin, reptile-embossed silk and lacquered crocodile-embossed leathers evoke power and aesthetic prowess. Visually the dresses for Sies Marjan’s Spring ’20 collection are as effortlessly regal as they are tailored with precision. Vibrant colors won over the onlooking crowd, rich emeralds and devilishly alluring reds remind the eye of shimmering lip gloss. Walking the line between conservative and contemporary Lak’s vision for Spring 2020 is a vivid and amorous display of craftsmanship for those that take their time in life. Although it might seem pared down at times, this is a cornerstone of the collection. To surprise without outdoing oneself is not an easy task, Lak stated that he has “a desire for the beauty of wealth and time, but never in excess.”
Fashion
NYFW: COACH SS20
Creative director of Coach, Stuart Ververs, presented his Spring 2020 men’s and women’s collections on the Spur and Coach Passage, the newest additions to New York’s High Line. A bright range of garments embellished with the pop art illustrations of Richard Bernstein brought to life notions of joy against all odds. A star studded audience including Kyrie Irving, Marina Testino, Miles Heizer, Megan Thee Stallion and Princess Nokia gazed at the joyful Spring 2020 collection.
Sandals and flats walked the runway in a laid back style rarely seen during such a high-class event. Multidisciplinary talent and the current face of Coach, Michael B. Jordan made a gesture to the next generation. He brought with him interns of his own initiative, ‘the Outlier Society Fellowship’ in order to reassert the boundless possibilities that young people from all walks of life can harness through Coach’s ‘Dream It Real’ initiative. Along with the eager young interns, Jordan also invited the fashion club from his hometown school in Jersey, Essex County Newark Tech High school.
Robert Hammond, co-founder of ‘Friends of the High Line’ as well as High Line’s inaugural artist, Simone Leigh came to see a myriad of colorful leathers, knits, flowing coats and dresses. Leigh received the first commission for High Line, she named it ‘Brick House’ and dedicated it to strong black female figureheads and indeed black beauty everywhere. Prominent models walking for Coach included brand ambassador, Kiko Mizuhara as well as Kaja Gerber, Julia Nobis, Adut Akech and Abby Champion. Coach’s Spring 2020 line embodies new beginnings, free spirited models walked the The High Line to evoke a raw authentic energy and the infinite possibilities ushered in by a new decade.
Fashion
Louis Vuitton: The Art of Travel
One of the foundational aspects of the house of Louis Vuitton, to travel freely and frequently where your heart truly takes you. It is this empassioned spirit that propels their latest collection, ‘The Art of Travel’. To dream is to escape the seemingly closed window that is reality, to escape is to truly live. Dreams and travel are intrinsically linked, as if there is more life to be lived in another place, in another way. There is no greater key to freedom than an immediate departure, gripping the present moment and doing away with instinctual hesitation.
Kit Butler, Rianne Van Rompaey and Fei Fei Sun are depicted in the farthest reaches of Vietnam’s moss green plains. Under the artistic direction of David James, photographer Angelo Pennetta captures the inimitable art of travel and the savy of those that flirt with the notion of where they feel most alive. The Petite Malle, the On The Go shopper as well as a large Steamer bag, of the finest materials display how distinctive yet subtle Louis Vuitton’s iconic motif really is. To never appear out of place is a valuable thing. Some prefer to move in a way that screams when most others whisper, this collection ebbs and flows as jauntily as the traveller. The gut feeling when a plane lifts off the runway and into clear skies, after this nothing but the destination matters. Well, that and your luggage of course.
www.louisvuitton.com
Travel
ALTES HAFENAMT: Hotel 25Hours
In contrast to the modern appearance of the surrounding Hafencity stands the Hotel 25Hours Altes Hafenamt, located in the oldest surviving building of the area. Inspired by the cozy style of a captain’s home, the hotel has a much more rustic and old-fashion flair. The Augsburg design team DREIMETA is responsible for the its new appearance, creating a harmonizing interplay of the old with the new. Historical details of the original building and nostalgic collectors pieces are used alongside new objects and exciting materials, allowing the building’s rich tradition to shine through in the most subtle manner.
The hotel Altes Hafenamt stands out amongst its hyper-modern surroundings. As the oldest and only remaining original building, it is a historical witness proudly showing its historic brick facade in dramatic contrast and exciting interplay of dimensions to the modern architecture of the 57-meter-high Cinnamon Tower, designed by Bolles & Willson.
The hotel’s offerings are completes with its restaurant NENI and the Boilerman Bar. Run by Haya Molcho, NENI is defined by its cosmopolitan soul food, drawing on the culinary traditions of the Arab world and Europe. NENI brings together tradition and the unexpected, marrying notions of heimant and wanderlust in a culinary experience, perfectly representative of Hamburg’s seafaring tradition and meeting point of different cultures. The Boilerman Bar is an unusual place with a defined casual character. Mainly focussing on rum, traditionally perceived as a typical seafarers’ drink, they offer fuss-free drinks of the highest quality, with Highballs being the house’s signature.
The 25Hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt offers an authentic and nostalgic experience of Hamburg, combining the contemporary needs of the urban nomad with a traditionally rustic character.
www.25hours-hotel.com
Art
Miron Zownir: 'City Landscapes'
In his upcoming solo exhibition ‘City landscapes’ Miron Zwonir, celebrated international documentary photographer, will put his usual focus into the background. Social outcasts, by choice or through disadvantage, are now only incidental subjects in the frying pan of a harsh metropolis bursting at the seams. The dark prince of noir photography will bring a cross section of over forty years of photography to Galerie Bene Taschen. The German-Ukrainian photographer lives in a world of contrast where repression and destruction guide the eye in a re-education of cities as a background for all change that people encounter within themselves. The strange creatures and tall shadows cast by streetlamps are products of their city, but ultimately never defined by them. Resilient and fervid throughout Zownir’s body of work are the fringe cultures set adrift in maddening urbanity.
Cities like Los Angeles, New York, Berlin or ones in Eastern Europe all beg similar questions. How does one exist in any of these environments and retain a strong sense of self? Zownir’s metropolises are on a merry-go-round of destruction, creation and somewhere in the chaos, transformation. Miron Zownir has been displayed in group and solo exhibitions at Bene Taschen before but never as cohesively as this. The gallery will display his most impactful photography including excerpts from his book ‘RIP NYC’ and scenes from his series ’Berlin Noir’. The very definition of normality and what it means to be you will be in question, leaving visitors with contrasting feelings on society at large as they depart. You can see more of this radical international photographer’s work in Cologne from September 7th until October 12th at Galerie Bene Taschen with an early reception on the 6th.
www.benetaschen.com
Art
Duran Lantink: 'Old Stock'
The top floors of Utrecht’s Centraal Museum are taken over by Dutch fashion designer Duran Lantink, to recycle, repurpose and reimagine discarded designer fabrics. The 31-year-old designer, named after the Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán, calls his exhibition ‘Old Stock’. The solo exhibition follows Duran Lantink’s aesthetic journey along a path he paved for himself between fashion and art. Where does this path lead? It leads toward a world that wastes nothing and celebrates everything.
Praised as being one of fashion’s best up and coming talents at this year’s London Fashion Week, Lantink a variety of garments, all of which have his vigorous craftsmanship about them. The Centraal Museum is making sure Lantink has all the room to breathe he needs, allowing him to take over the top floors to better display his versatility and imagination.
‘Old Stock’ is divided into thirds, photography, an installation called ‘Straight From the Sales Bin’ and lastly ‘Dismantled’. “Sistaaz of the Castle”, the photo series, was started by Lantink three years ago with Jan Hoek and a transsexual workers organization known as ‘Sistaazhood’. They shadowed transsexual sex workers as they flaunted proudly around Cape Town. ‘Straight From the Sales Bin’ is Lantink’s way of distancing himself from the chain of destruction that sees unsold clothes burned, discarded or shredded.
As for ‘Dismantled’, Duran Lantink’s freedom of expression is a beacon to designers and artists the world over. Centraal Museum has horded designer clothing, dresses they chose not to display, that served no real purpose other than gathering dust until Lantink intervened, these stagnant garments are now reanimated and born again for the world to see. Regardless of the whether you perceive Duran as the Freddy Krueger of fashion or the edgy prodigal son that Dutch fashion sorely needed, one thing remains certain, this never resting creative mind has nowhere to go but up.
www.centraalmuseum.nl
Art
William Blake Reborn in New Tate Britain Exhibition
The largest exhibition of the artist William Blake, known foremost for his writing and then for his prophetic, dazzling and even terrifying works of art that were sorely overlooked during his lifetime, will now consume Tate Britain. The life of William Blake is one of fraught political angst, he offered the antithesis to the harsh rule of the church of England, paving a way forward for philosophers, artists, anyone that sought to explain in their own terms what it meant to be alive outside of religious definition. His vision was larger than his time allowed.
This artist, poet and author, will claim his day in the sun in a manner never before seen in Great Britain. Some of his best-known paintings including ‘Newton’ (1795 - c. 1805) and ‘The Ancient of Days’ (1827) which later became a frontispiece for an edition of ‘Europe: A Prophecy”, the artists final painting. The quaint domestic room above his family’s hosiery shop, in which his art saw its only real exhibition in the year 1809, will be reconstructed in great detail to offer guests an authentic sense of how his art was displayed in his time. The exhibition hopes to provide a biographical framework with which to better understand Blake, even highlighting the vital influence of his wife Catherine, who offered practical assistance and even coloration for his illuminated books.
With over 300 original works including prints, watercolours and paintings, this is the largest showing of Blake’s work in the last two decades. Two of his works ‘The Spiritual Form of Nelson Guiding Leviathan’ (c. 1805-9) and ‘The Spiritual Form of Pitt Guiding Behemoth c. 1805) will be projected onto an enormous wall in the grand sense that Blake had imagined. Tate intends to reintroduce Blake to the public using modern techniques. From the 11th of September until February next year this wide range of the artist’s work will live at Tate Britain.
Tate.org.uk
Fashion
Bang & Olufsen x Saint Laurent
Where design meets functionality, Bang & Olufsen have never lacked or compromised. The audio giant, holding their design instincts close to their chest has landed a dream collaborator in Saint Laurent. The all black collection has subtle, luxurious twists that serve to remind Bang & Olufsen’s customers that they have sought out and found the most optimal quality.
The 3rd generation Beoplay A9 home speaker has room-filling sound and was originally designed to compliment tidy furnishings and simplistic décor. Without rocking the boat, Saint Laurent respects the under stated nature of the A9 home speaker while reminding the customer that they have invested in the very best. The legs that the larger home speaker, A9, stands on are transformed from wooden to aluminium with a finish in gold or in jet black anodized mirror.
Bang & Olufsen’s A1 Bluetooth speaker was designed to project sound on all sides for upmost ambiance. 360 degrees of sound emanate from its aluminium grill, the high gloss Saint Laurent logo printed in black. The A1 model says two things about the wearer; they have respect for timeless design and they have a love for music that demands the best sound quality wherever they go.
The only downside is how limited supplies are. The collection is only available at two physical locations. The speakers have been entrusted to Saint Laurent’s Paris store at Rive Droite and in Los Angeles, California at their Rodeo Drive store. This is an overdue example of Bang & Olufsen knowing and owning their true value with respect to both design and quality. While stocks last these rare speakers can also be ordered online.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Prada Play Matchmaker
Whether you fell in love with Prada’s banana bowling shirt or their action packed short sleeve button up’s make your head one thing remains true, we will be seeing a lot more Prada pairings. Their ‘Double Match’ personalization service opens in Germany next month offering customers the freedom to mix and match a variety of iconic Prada prints.
Playful and Prada is by no means synonymous, however, when you button up a shirt that has two very different styles on either side and it’s Prada, it is a completely undeniable statement of fun and fashion. Worn well by Jeff Goldblum and Pusha T, Prada asks their customers, what is life without a heavy splash of color? Is the sky not blue? Is the grass not green? For those among us who stick to wearing black, Prada encourages even more personality and customization. Don’t just buy off the rack, mix and match your Prada.
The Double Match personalization service will be available soon in select German stores.
www.prada.com
Fashion
To See The World Anew
From the early 80’s right up to the present day, Cartier has reaffirmed its place in the world of eyewear time and time again. This began with the breakout success of Lunettes CARTIER in 1983, one of fashion’s “must have’s” of the day, it symbolised the first true pair of luxury sunglasses. By 1989 they were producing bespoke reading glasses, a new version of Lunettes CARTIER for women, as well as a supplementary release of Lunettes Panthère to add to their highly popular range of Panthère products. The Lunettes lenses, awash with pale blue tints had an elegance rarely seen before in the larger world of eyewear.
Now, in their latest collection, Cartier approaches familiar motifs with new flare and a variety of Fall colors. Panthère de Cartier, a symbol of the fearless, elegant and everlasting returns with vigour to join the House’s Fall/Winter eyewear collection. The panther head is front-facing and embedded into the corner of each lens, it will simply not go unnoticed. Panthère’s masculine counterpart, Santos de Cartier has a purposeful and renewed look. Thick, dark shades screwed into a strong titanium frame, every bit as uncompromising and assertive as Santos de Cartier is known for being.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Doodling FENDI ROMA
The city has become a canvas with every wall offering a world of possibilities to leave a lasting mark. The times that art was meant for the canvas are long over and due to famous artists like Banksy, people start to recognize that street art is not to be dismissed.
F is for FENDI, but in this case, as Mr. Doodle says, F is for Fun. The 25-year old artist from London teams up with the luxury Italian house for ‘Doodling FENDI ROMA’, to inject the remarkable FENDI DNA with his iconic street art in a flawless act of creativity. With his signature doodles, his unique style of drawing, Sam Cox aka Mr. Doodle does not only cover the FENDI rooftop as initially planned, but the whole Palazzo Della Civilità Italiana. This collaboration reaffirms the Italian house’s bond to contemporary culture and graffiti art, as the Englishman is the fourth artist or collective to team up with FENDI.
Nonetheless, Mr. Doodle is the first artist to have the opportunity to take his pen to FENDI’s Peekaboo bag. Acting as his white canvas, the bag is covered in his signature doodles to create a fresh new look for a legendary bag.
www.fendi.com
Art
Mike Meiré: North-West
Mike Meiré found the inspiration for his newest solo exhibition NORTH-WEST in today’s North America. Always perceived as a place of freedom and endless opportunity, the continent today has become a place of contradictions caught between reality and idealism, departure and exclusion, progress and fatality. With his work, the German artist, designer and art director addresses the romanticised ideas surrounding the American Dream whilst at the same time confirming their very failure, making NORTH-WEST a metaphorical search for updated notions of freedom and identity.
Alongside ceramics, the show will present paintings from Meiré’s ongoing series CAR TIRE PAINTINGS. Central to this series is its performative component, the tyre hoovers over the canvas before it is slammed down by the artist and the few seconds between control and loss of control which define the unique outcome of each work. The conscious choice of the standardized tyre signals towards the achievements of modern life and the purposeful and functional design of the globalised consumer world.
NORTH-WEST will be open to the public by appointment only from July 28, 2019 until September 6, 2019 at Von Bartha in S-chanf.
www.vonbartha.com
Fashion
Stone Island x Nike Golf
Professional sports have become much more than the mere pursuit of athletic excellence. Athletic competitions have become grand spectacles, with the athletes being celebrated like celebrities by millions of people all over the globe. Constantly in the public eye, it is no longer just about winning, but winning in style with an increasing number of athletes, like Serena Williams and LeBron James, being equipped in personalized special collaborations or even bespoke athletic attire.
Italian brand Stone Island makes its first steps into the realm of athletic wear and teams up with Nike Golf. With the Nike x Stone Island golf collaboration, both brands combine Nike’s fundamental expertise in understanding the golfers’ needs and Stone Island’s expertise in fabric innovation to unveil true technical and performing pieces, able withstand even the most difficult weather conditions on the course. Adaptive fibres increase the garments’ breathability to maintain the athlete’s optimal temperature throughout play, whereas the water-resistant membrane provides adequate protection from the rain.
The two garments, a jacket and a crewneck available in multiple colorways, will debut during golf’s fourth and final major at Royal Portrush.
The Nike x Stone Island Golf collection will become available on July 25th.
www.nike.com
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019
Black is a complex color that resonates with us. Even Christian Dior once wrote, ‘I could write a book about black’. For the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019-2020, Maria Grazia Chiuri presents a collection exclusively in black, only rarely punctured by color. Black demands perfection and it is this conscious choice that lets her true inspiration shine through. By erasing the color as a consideration, construction and silhouette, texture and detail come into focus. The monochrome color palette reveals the garments’ bone structure that holds them together and defines them.
Inspired by writer Bernard Rudolfksy, Maria Grazia Chirui engages in deep thoughts about the nature of clothes. She raised questions about the relation of modernity and sartorial customs, modernizing old techniques and outdated conventions, without losing Dior’s beautiful essence established by Christian Dior. Chiuri breaks with the belief that comfort always has to come at the expense of beauty and allure and adapts the essence of couture for a modern lifestyle.
The designer made her most daring statement by presenting her version of a Dior staple, the ball gown. The breathtaking garments, in all their grandeur and opulence, were defined by their lightness and a flair of modern ease, achieved through the use of lavish yet delicate materials. The lacquered organza, dégradé gauze jacquard and lace were adorned, here, with velvet scrolls, there, with thistles and wildflowers.
This collection was Maria Grazia Chirui’s most confident and exquisite couture collection. To answer the question raised at the start: ‘Are clothes modern?’ Yes, if beauty is considered modern, then so are these garments.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s presentation of the Valentino Couture collection was undoubtedly one of the highlights of Paris Couture Week. A fact confirmed by the power trio of Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell and Celine Dion takes place front row.
Piccioli recognized, that even in couture, the seduction through an abundance of elegance and craftsmanship is no longer sufficient. Instead, modern women are looking for a deeper message and buy into brands whose position is in line with their personal beliefs. In a period of increasing political isolationism, Piccioli sends out a message of individuality and inclusivity. It is only by embracing different women’s identities and cultures that couture can stay alive and well. A message reinforced by the diverse cast of models presenting his creations of irresistible beauty on the runway. To bring this idea into full expressiveness, Lauren Hutton, Cecilia Chancellor, Georgina Grenville and Hannelore Knuts, ranging in age between the early-40s and mid-70s, joined the lineup.
The collection was defined by its exceptionally buoyant colors, often in surprising combinations. But the dazzling display of colors is hardly the only characteristic that makes the collection stand out. The beautifully constructed dresses, adorned with elaborate embroidery and ornamentation, bear witness to the totality of expertise found inside Valentino. Painstakingly rendered by hand, the long dress with floral appliqués or the sleeveless gown made of rose squares attached one-by-one required hundreds of hours to be completed.
Pierpaolo rounded off his looks with a series of highly-elaborate ornamental heads and komondor wool fringes and set an example of a collection with a conscience.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Dunhill Spring Summer 2020
Mark Weston has been bringing fresh air in Dunhill’s heritage by maintaining the roots of this historical luxury English tailoring maison. This season saw a fluid sensuality barging in.
Together with the evolution and subversion in Dunhill’s tailoring Mark Weston continued his references to Japan, in particularly Japanese design from the 80s. Relaxed, wrapped tailoring with split helms reminiscent of Kimono-like cuts.
“I wanted elegance and austerity disrupted by sensuality and provocation, with a feeling of fluidity and ease running through it all. At the same time, rigour is all important; in tailoring particularly, nothing should just be for the sake of it.”. Mark Weston explained how Japanese elements were already crossing boundaries with Casual clothing culture in ‘80s Britain and how this collection is am ode to British tailoring on a broad sense.
Silky fluid pants with cropped jackets in dark blue, beautiful oversized ponchos in khaki, butter-soft leather tailored jackets, shiny silk acetate parkas, overwhelmingly beautiful and luscious white wool-silk fluid suit worn with flat leather hotel slippers. Weston built a collection between utility and elegance, rigour and distortion.
For Spring Summer 2020 Weston collaborated with Tokyo-based digital artist Kenta Cobayashi: “I had really been taken by Kenta’s work a couple of years ago and I was just waiting for the right time to ask him to work with me. In a sense, the whole digital field has become much more appealing – I love the idea of digital crafting.”
Weston handpicked four archive images of Cobayashi’s “Smudge” series – where he experiment with graphic distortion – to be reworked with Dunhill logo. Weston explained how the collaboration channelled classic campaign imagery from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Applied on outwear, bags and tailored pieces, Cobayashi’s glitched graphics channel the playful and sensual spirit for the new Dunhill.
www.dunhill.com
Art
John M Armleder CA.CA.
John M Armleder has never accepted the traditional boundaries of the different artistic disciplines. Regarded as one of the most influential concept, performance and object artists of the modern era, Armleder’s playful approach to artistic expression draws inspiration from a wide variety of sources, influential art movements, such as Modernism, Constructivism and Op-Art, as well as design, painting and pop culture.
Time after time, Armleder combines familiar tropes from art history with modern day items, commenting on our reality and the state of art itself. This juxtaposition of opposites runs like a red thread throughout his work, planning is faced by coincidence, profundity is shown alongside frivolity, exploring what art could and should be in an ever-changing cultural setting.
Both inside and outside the Schirn Kunsthalle, Armleder shows a number of specially created installations alongside some of his previous works. The freely accessible Rotunda is transformed into a life-sized installation by mounting twenty disco balls in different heights, capturing their reflections in the windows covered in mirror film.
John Armleder presents his seductive approach to Conceptual Art and stimulates the critical mind as well as the senses.
The exhibition will be open to the public until September 1st at the Schirn Kunsthalle in Frankfurt.
www.schirn.de
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring Summer 2020
Imagine a mild summer day in Paris, walking on one of its characteristic little streets populated with cafés terraces, street musicians playing a classical piece, patrons sipping a glass of wine at the shadows of big parasols and the urban greenery that adorns most of the French capital’s urban spaces. Just across the street you can find benches where to read a book or enjoy the soft breeze, a mobile creperie vendor, maybe an artist painting your portrait.
Virgil Abloh’s third collection for Louis Vuitton channelled all the artistic influences of the American designer: a playful ode to boyhood, to the notion of free-minded spirit, crossing over gender boundaries.
Since the very first looks big flowers adorned the bodies and accessories together with straw hats reminiscent of a Provencal atmosphere. In the seasonal Virgil’s “Dictionary” – a collection of key words updated each time – you will see several new entries addressing this feelings: “flower”, “kite”, “lightness”, among the others, where the concept of flower is removed from the status “often relegated to the trivial or mundane” becoming instead a “naturally occurring metaphor for diversity, as beautiful on a micro level as they are on a macro level, a living creature that blooms from a simple seed, crosses borders”.
The collection had a multidimensional and hybridised connotation: strings holding together the garment’s singular elements with a peek-a-boo effect, cut outs to create different volumes, but also caging, wrapping, gridding or netting, disrupting the conventional architecture of clothes.
Floating ponchos and raincoats in technical nylon taffeta, asymmetrical pleated skirts over wide-leg trousers, the last few looks presented sculptured attached on the shoulders and at time in forma of a kite.
Liliac, mauve, faded blue, sage, mist green, yellow, concrete grey, peony pink, fuchsia, neon orange, and the super white, or better called “blanc des blancs”, together with beautiful flower scarf patchwork. The colour palette enhanced this splendid Virgil Abloh’s ode to Nature and the ephemeral we all dreamed of.
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
Il Sarcofago di Spitzmaus e altri Tesori
Museums are places of knowledge. Each piece on display has been meticulously studied and analyzed before experts categorized it according to the right origins and time period. Just as the academic research on different civilizations is largely separated, each time period belongs to a separate collection within a museum.
With ‘Il Sarcofago di Spitzmaus e altri Tesori’, translating into ‘Spitzmaus Mummy in a Coffin and Other Treasures’, the Fondazione Prada, in collaboration with the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, takes a less academic approach to the museum and its traditional methods of display. The task of curation is realized by film director Wes Anderson and illustrator, designer and writer Juman Malouf. Unconcerned with time periods and chronological accuracy, the two artists have access to 23 different collections belonging to two different museums, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna. Together, both artists selected 537 artworks and artefacts from over 5000 years of human history and showcase them alongside one another. Their interdisciplinary approach at times reveals unexpected parallels and resonances between the works and directly challenges traditional museum canons. The exhibition is titled after Coffin of a Spitzmaus, an Egyptian wooden box containing a mummified shrew from the 4th century BC.
After the display in Vienna, the exhibition moves to exhibition space of the Fondazione Prada in Milan. The Milan display is a second version with a larger display area and a greater number of exhibits. Alongside the exhibition, the Fondazione Prada publishes an artist’s book, which inspired by Duchamp’s Boîte-en-valise, elaborates the idea of the portable museum.
The exhibition ‘Il Sarcofago di Spitzmaus e altri Tesori’ is open to the public from the 20th of September 2019 until the 13th of January 2020 at the Fondazione Prada in Milan.
www.fondazioneprada.org
Art
In Conversation with... David LaChapelle
Reflex Gallery in Amsterdam created the series In Conversation With… in order to offer the showcased artists’ another platform to share their personal vision and background information on their work. In the fourth installment, the focus is on photographer David LaChapelle, who is currently exhibiting Act Of Nature at the gallery.
David LaChapelle rose to fame due to his unique vision and distinct aesthetic. Especially thanks to his celebrity portraits, David LaChapelle is considered one of the most important photographers of the century. His third exhibition at Reflex includes highlights from the past ten years alongside a selection of previously unseen work, on show for the first time in Amsterdam.
Throughout the interview, David LaChapelle offers an insight into his approach to photography and discusses how the challenges of a natural setting have influenced his way of working. In his work, LaChapelle tries to capture and share his imagination of paradise and the deep connection between humans and nature that sparked this idea. Alongside the exhibition, a publication of Act of Nature, containing an essay by author and art writer Katya Tylevich, will be available in Reflex Amsterdam.
Act of Nature is on view at Reflex Amsterdam until August 31st.
www.reflexamsterdam.com
Fashion
#UseTheExisting: Ermenegildo Zegna Spring/Summer 2020
Creative Director Alessandro Sartori realizes that his profession is not all about making beautiful garments. Yes, it is still a crucial part, but what is the price to pay? Fashion has found itself among the top three polluting industries in the world, trying to satisfy the insatiable desire for consumption without considering the environmental impact.
Sustainability is at the center of the Ermenegildo Zegna SS20 collection. With the project #UseTheExisting, Sartori proves that environmental protection and high fashion can go hand-in-hand. The incorporation of upcycled wools and technical fabrics form the house’s own textile division showcases that an alternative and sustainable way to produce refined materials out of discarded ones is indeed possible.
In his collection, Alessandro Sartori takes a new approach to tailoring, using traditional techniques in a new concept, such as the leather jacket that becomes a short-sleeved shirt. Overall the collection features wider silhouettes, making the fit just as pleasant as the good feeling one gets when putting on this sustainable and ecological garment.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli Spring/Summer 2020
With the Spring/Summer 2020 collection, Brunello Cucinelli sets a modern standard for dressing well. With the increased pace of modern life, style and comfort have to be perfectly balanced, posing a challenge to the often stiff formality of tailoring.
Brunello Cucinelli makes a conscious effort to move away from this stiffness, proving that dressing comfortably does not always equal dressing down. With softer fits, Cucinelli achieves a sophisticated yet casual feel, combining good taste with the sensation of comfort. The unstructured garments are defined by a refined contemporary zeitgeist, making them versatile companions for any occasion. The essence of the collection remains in tailoring, which alongside the knitwear in bright and fresh summer hues combines to the perfect look to face summer.
Regardless of the renewed aesthetic, Brunello Cucinelli keeps up the tradition of using the finest materials and excellent craftsmanship. As the overall trend is shifting towards casual dress and leisure, one can only consider Cucinelli’s creations fit for ennobled leisure.
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
Achilles Ion Gabriel joins CamperLab
From June 18th onwards, Achilles Ion Gabriel will become the new creative mind behind CamperLab. The Finnish designer will be in charge of the design team and define the brand’s creative strategy. By appointing the promising footwear designer, Camper hopes to implement his unique vision in a new era of further growth and development.
Before joining Camper, Achilles Ion Gabriel, currently based in Paris, was able to gather valuable experience industry with the likes of Marni and Courrèges, but also with his own brand ION.
Both designer and brand have found their ideal counterpart. Whereas Camper has expressed admiration for his previous work and will most definitetly benefit from the Finns’ talent, the designer gains insides of Camper’s unrivalled shoemaking heritage and an unparalleled opportunity for creative freedom and realization.
Achilles Ion Gabriel’s first collection at Camper will be presented in January as part of the Fall/Winter 2020 collection.
www.camper.com
Fashion
Cartier Magnitude
Not many brands have become as synonymous with elegance and luxury as Cartier. With its new high jewelry collection, the French manufacturer does not only celebrate its long tradition of excellent craftsmanship but also showcases a boldness for a new stylistic adventure and novelty in its designs.
Magnitude is an unexpected and bold encounter of materials that were never meant to meet. Side-by-side precious stones confront ornamental hard stones, complementing and highlighting each other in a display between opacity and transparency and pure colors and shimmering nuances.
To celebrate Magnitude, Cartier held an exclusive event in London. The iconic London building, 180 The Strand, was chosen to present the Maison’s newest collection, followed by an evening gala dinner hosted by Cyrille Vigneron, CEO & president of Cartier International. Alongside a performance by Beth Ditto, among the selected guests were notable friends of the house, as Claire Foy, Lily Collins, Bianco Brandolini as well as Ella Balinska, Iris Law and Diana Silvers.
The collection will be on show to the public at 180 The Strand London between June 27th and June 30th.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Gem Dior
Since its creation twenty years ago, Victoire de Castellane has continuously been the creative spirit behind Dior Joallerie. The new Dior High Jewellery Collection is therefore not only a celebration of the department's anniversary but also of de Castellane’s successful tenure at its helm.
The collection “Gem Dior”, a play on words between gem in English and j’aime meaning ‘I love…’ in French, is a declaration of love to stones and their infinite variety in hues and colors. These precious colored stones have long nourished de Castellane’s imagination and have been central to Dior’s poetic jewelry-making and whimsical story-telling.
The collection is a celebration of the gemstone as well as the exceptional know-how of its stone-cutters and polishers. Her compositions, harmonic in its color combinations and rhythmic in its shapes and mountings, express Victoire de Castellane’s entire narrative universe, with the realization that in the end what’s left is material and color.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Givenchy Pre-Spring 2020
With her Spring 2020 Pre-Collection, Givenchy’s Artistic Director Clare Waight Keller explores the notions of moving through the urban environment and today’s on-the-go, city-hopping lifestyle. Just like herself, constantly on the move between Paris, London and other various destinations, the modern person is always moving forward, whether along routes they have traveled countless times or across borders and time zones.
With the urban-chic collection, Clare Waight Keller takes couture to the streets, drawing inspiration from Paris and her own spring couture collection and London’s increasingly flamboyant and colorful streetwear scene. She merges traditional and technical, reviving classic pieces in saturated color and modern materials in order to achieve the practicality, formality and glamour she desires. The result is hybrid pieces that, according to the wearer’s needs, are easily dressed up or down.
In addition to this, Givenchy introduces its new line of women’s leather accessories. The four newly unveiled bags are intended to cover every facet of life for the modern woman on the go.
The Givenchy Spring 2020 Pre-Collection will arrive in store in July.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
F IS FOR..
With a faster-changing pace of the industry, certain brands have encountered issues relating to the new, digitally-active customer base. With the emergence of the internet and social media, the traditional brand-to-customer dynamic has drastically changed, leaving some alienated from this new generation of customers.
Rome-based brand FENDI has long recognized these concerns and proactively counteracted. F IS FOR is a campaign with youth culture at its core, aiming to translate the FENDI DNA for a younger customer. Similarly, FENDI also makes use of the online vernacular in form of the hashtag for its #MeandMyPeekaboo campaign.
For the first time, exclusively unveiled at ZOO Magazine, both campaigns merge to create the first-ever special #MeandMyPeekaboo episode featuring the Lin family. In familiar fashion, FENDI puts family intimacy at the center of the video, showcasing authentic interactions between identical twins John and James with their twins Elise and Pierre, older son Jude and Julia Lin. In and around their home in Miami, the iconic FENDI logo is ever present, with the Peekaboo Fit for Men and the Peekaboo XS never leaving their side.
F is for family, the FENDI family as well as John Lin’s own.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
LOEWE & the Elephants
LOEWE cares for natural preservation and the well-being of endangered species. Creative director Jonathan Anderson expressed his compassion by partnering with Knot On My Planet last year to support the Elephant Crisis Fund. The resulting elephant-shaped bag aimed to raise awareness and to set a clear sign condemning the demand and trafficking of ivory.
The elephant motif has remained with the house ever since, as just this year, Iconic Disney character Dumbo the Elephant gave inspiration for a limited edition capsule collection. The elephant-motif will now available hand-size in form of a phone case, as a continuation of the expertly crafted line of elephant-shaped bags. This case, adorned with an elephant’s head, is just the latest embodiment of LOEWE’s campaign fuelled by its love for elephants.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Cartier Santos-Dumont
French manufacurer Cartier pays homage to the rich history of its iconic Santos-Dumont model. First created in 1904, Louis Cartier designed a modern wristwatch, exclusively suited to the needs of Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont.
Ever since being unveiled to the public, the design, exuding simplicity, innovation and elegance, has always remained true to the original. The square-shape, reminiscent of the geometry popular in Paris at the time, is paired with an unadorned alligator leather strap. Practicality remains central to this classic. To achieve this, Cartier enchanced its performance with a high-efficiency quartz movement featuring an autonimity twice as long as traditional movements. The Santos-Dumont model is available in two different sizes and three shades in hues of rose gold and steel.
www.cartier.com
Art
Sumo and the three boys from Pasadena
The Helmut Newton Foundation unveils its new exhibition, combining the photographic work ''SUMO'' of Helmut Newton, his private collection, developed with his wife June Newtown and Three Boys From Pasadena by his three apprentices Mark Arbeit, George Holz and Just Loomis.
Newton’s masterpiece SUMO was created 20 years ago and first exhibited a decade later. Consisting of 400 iconic images, from the genres fashion, portraiture and nudes in black and white and colour, they include, to only mention a few, his famous portraits of artists like Salvadór Dalí and Andy Warhol as well as his work for various magazines, like Vogue or Vanity Fair.
His three apprentices augment their Three Boys From Pasadena, created ten years ago, with new works. The additions are a combination of life-sized photograms of models by Mark Areit, Hollywood portraits of legends by George Holz and intimate ‘Backstage’ works, showcasing the hidden, less glamorous facets of fashion, by Just Loomis.
Furthermore, we are offered an insight into the couple’s exquisite photo collection, featuring 50 valuable vintage prints in original frame of the 20th century’s most influential and important photographers.
The exhibition opens on the 6th of June at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin.
Art
Anthropometry
One year after his passing, multifaceted artist Getulio Alviani, pioneer in the movement of kinetic art and Op-Art, was celebrated in the framework of the 58th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale. In the spirit of Alviani’s vision, the Palazzo Barbaro on the Grand Canal is transformed into an interdisciplinary exhibition Anthropometry combining art, fashion, jewelry music and theatrical performance, perfectly staged during the opening vernissage featuring live performances of Brazilian actress Lìgia Cortez and famous eclectic virtuoso Olen Cesari.
The dress “Cerchio + Quadrato” worn during Cortez’s performance shows that Alviani’s collaborations in the field of fashion, springing from the research of avant-garde materials and technologies, with designer Germana Marucelli are one of the focal points. By applying his visual experimentations with light and optical illusions to sartorial endeavours, designer Marucelli constructs wearable pieces of art, transforming and evolving with movement and in relation to the body that wears them.
The exhibition is open to the public until the 30th of May in the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice.
Fashion
Everything is going to restart
When did we enter this state of war with each other? The feeling of defeat used to be rare, a symptom of testing the limits. Now, it feels more like the kind of dull ache you’d develop if you lived in a house with leaky pipes; a vague, tolerable heaviness that doesn’t go away. British designer Claire Barrow offers some hope that the end is in sight. The third installment of her Xtreme Sports mini-collections, Les Sports Extréme, pours thought on the theme of battles – both political and personal, socially and for the sake of the self. Her multidisciplinary entry point to art has fostered an illustrative capsule clothing line and short film, created by regular collaborator Daniel Swan, soundtracked by a self-authored song that jars lines from Les Misérables and new phrases that feel urgent to our time, fractured with the ad-libs and manic laughing of a characterful cast.
“You sometimes forget that the battle is still ongoing,” says Barrow, “things just seem hard now. There’s still hope, but I can’t help feel defeated by some of the evils. I wanted to embrace that despair in the collection a little.” The chaos that comes with losing control translates to the casual silhouettes of T-shirts, hoodies, silk wide-legs and scarves. Barrow breaks a dominant night blue base with innocent licks of baby pink, blue and yellow – sweet tones marred by distressing, patched with crying baby faces. Fantastical and historical figures form the intricate illustrations: dreamlike drawings of knights and teddy bears, pigeons and mermaids, clinging tightly to one another, hands held to harness the strength of a circle, while the rising figure of Lady Liberty, as immortalized by Eugène Delacroix, waves a flag into the new dawn. With their graffiti signatures, rips and ragged stitching, the Trash Barricade tees speak of resistance and division, imploring all around to declare their loyalties with the question, “What side are you on?” stamped at the back of the body.
“I was interested in how things are still left open, even after conflict,” Barrow says, “nothing is ever really resolved. Like the French Revolution: the people won, but we are still entrenched in the same discussion as we were then.” For once, someone is wrestling with the grey area, rather than falling by the fault lines of the black and white; with that, Barrow serves the solution of solidarity alongside the still-raw wounds of rivalry, hopefully a sign that peacetime will soon come.
www.clairebarrow.com
Art
Aneta Bartos: Family Portrait 2014-2018
With her first solo exhibition Family Portrait 2014-2018 at Tommy Simoens Gallery in Antwerpen, Polish-born photographer Aneta Bartos offered a first cohesive overview of her ongoing project, which has been four years in the making.
Daughter of a lifelong bodybuilder, the photographer offers an insight into her psyche formed by an unusually liberal upbringing, surrounded by nudeness in an otherwise stern Catholic environment. Each photograph features her own ageing father, caught in his obsession with the perfect physique, as well as herself, the daughter, now as a grown woman intensely aware of her own sexuality.
The exhibition highlights the complex dynamics of this very personal relationship, displaying a fa-ther and a daughter sometimes close, but also so far apart that they are seemingly invisible to each other.
The personal feel is not limited to the photographic work but is supported by the installation itself, which features bodybuilding equipment transported from the father’s gym in Poland.
The exhibition is extended until 18th of May at Tommy Simoens Gallery in Antwerpen.
www.tommysimoens.com
Art
Autonomous Intimacy
Every house is unique and has therefore its very own autonomous intimacy. It has an atmosphere that emerges out of a few characteristic factors; the place where it is situated, the people who live in that house, and their specific interests are aspects that create a certain interior. Rugstar decided to delve deeper into these autonomous spheres to find out more about the underlying influences of houses and how Rugstar’s carpets became part of their very own intimate interior.
Starting in Berlin, one of the most eccentric cities of Europe with a very autonomous identity.18 interiors styled by Rugstar were shot by Local photographer Michael Tewes. Each picture tells the home its intimate individual story. The setting appeals to your imagination about the people, their relationship and their lives that largely take place here. Berlin is a very open-minded city and also the people who live here have largely incorporated this thought into their personal environments. Styles are provocatively combined with each other and produce fascinating compositions that create a layered and profound story about what is going on inside these walls. Rugstar’s beautiful rugs are off course leading and add an individual element to each interior with themes like Adam & Eve, The Garden of Eden, and many more.
The second city is Portland, one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world with a very urban lifestyle. Photographer Laurie Black based in Portland took Rugstar to all the different kinds of homes in this very green metropolitan. Classic, authentic interiors are embellished with carpets containing graphic natural animal and plant prints executed in soft colors. These prints embody the Portland lifestyle wherein nature is fully coalesced with the urban city life. The inhabitants here have found a way to create an intimate urban design place that honors nature to the fullest.
The intimacy project is an expression of love for personal stories and through which inspirations they came about. In exchange for these, the Rugstar team will cook and share their vision about styling, designing and craftsmanship. Next stop: Beijing! Are you ready to share your autonomous story?
www.rugstar.com
Fashion
What Was I?
By Goshka Macuga and Fondazione Prada
Who am I, who do I want to become? Questions that we ask ourselves all the time. We always want to go forward and therefore we hardly ask ourselves whom we were. Through the years, our society changed by shifting into a fully technological civilization.
Polish installation artist Goshka Macuga created in collaboration with Fondazione Prada an intriguing exhibition that will be presented in the Prada Rong Zhai residence (1918) in Shanghai from 23 March to 2 June 2019.
Macuga created an imagination of a post-Anthropocene epoch that gives a sense of the world after the collapse of humankind due to the affects of technological overdevelopment. An android designed by Macuga and produced in Japan by A Lab (presented already in 2016 by Fondazione Prada in Milan) is taking you on an unexpected journey. The android proclaims in its repeating monologue that he is the depot of all human knowledge. This futuristic imaginative scenario no longer has a human perspective and reflects therefore on the dramatic question: “What was I?” The voice of this creature is the one of Frankenstein the protagonist from the gothic novel “Frankenstein” written by Mary Shelley in 1818, to add an extra post-apocalyptic sphere.
In this story, the Android occupies all the rooms of the Rong Zhai residence wherein he is revealing his very own art collection: 26 pieces from the Prada Collection including several Italian art masterpieces, from 1958 to 1993, as well as 3 recent paper collages by the artist, part of the series ‘Discrete Model.’
Many influences pass by; a selection of artists from the German Zero-group and the Italian and French Programmed and Kinetic Art movement with names as Jan Schoonhoven, Luis Tomasello, Grazia Varisco, and Nanda Vigo who all explore the complexity of computer-animated, geometric shapes that have their own autonomous alphabet of forms. The Android is enclosed by a constellation of artworks produced by Italian artists, Enrico Castellani and Piero Manzoni who composed a language without images. Lastly we see Alberto Burri, Lucio Fontana, Francesco Lo Savio, Salvatore Scarpitta, Turi Simeti and Giuseppe Uncini, presenting new experiments in order to overcome physical and symbolic boundaries in an unconventional way by integrating art more deeply into reality.
The artists and their work each contribute in their own way to a new sense of human consciousness about an intimate habitat that may start its own existence at any moment.
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
Seriously Studious
In Paris this week, as a celebration of the tailored sensibilities in menswear, Thom Browne presents its studious, sturdy looks catered for women. Serious, scholarly looking models appear bespectacled, donning attire displaying rigorous couture craftsmanship.
A decade since Manhattan based Thom Browne first launched his vision in Europe, the seed of an idea that has ignited an ever-evolving and expanding brand, is resown and replicated for this Fall / Winter collection. Full wardrobes are strictly tailored, aptly reinvented for a modern climate where women adopt the roles traditionally dominated by men; socks, briefcases and brogues. Here the fashion follows, yet retains a strictness and playfulness full of charisma and character.
The clear base of the looks leaves ample room for experimental invention and creation and it is here that Thom Browne’s brand signature is full realised and used as a canvas for playful exploration with plenty of embellishments, grosgrain tape and duck motifs. All the outfits, from chesterfield coats and checked tweeds and wools, create a trompe l’oeil effect showing off details born from a real technical prowess.
www.thombrowne.com
Fashion
Restrained Classicism
In Paris this week, Hermes proves time again that conservative fashion rules this season, presenting garments that are subtly constructed to last for generations. Proving less is more, the collection is classically chic and brimming with Parisian style, restrained yet by no means dull. Classicism here is interpreted rather as a modern way of viewing life, resisting wastefulness, rejecting whims and crafting garments with longevity.
Bourgeois looks are stapled with simplicity and this is key to the entire collection. Leather skirts are textured, nipping in long sleeved printed silks at the waistline. Leather is utilised to the absolute maximum; a textile in its own singular right.
Outerwear is of course taken account for, calfskin dressings exhibit meticulous seamings that contour the silhouette in a breathtaking and striking manner. Camel-hair cocoon coats are adorned with polyhedron shaped buttons, this and exterior leathers concealing soft goose feather interiors that offer style and utility. Layers play an important role, contributing a sense of comfort and effortless attitude spearheaded by the wearer. Hermes at their best champion well-made pieces and unyieldingly showcase their timeless values.
Fashion
A Retrospective of Icons
KENZO La Collection Memento N ° 4 presents a selection from it’s stunning emblematic archive by putting the most creative printed prints on the map again. Both the fun and whimsical side of Kenzo Takada is clearly presented. His striking attitude towards fashion, his partiality for food and above all entertainment form a broad palette of inspiration.
Historical icons such as the tiger (coming from the men's collection spring-summer 1991), appears this season again in new expressions and embellishments. The tiger is KENZO's eternal dedication, a symbol of strength, something that must always be there to move on. Photorealistic airbrush tigers are made in two colors on T-shirts, sweaters or shirts of cotton poplin. The "running tiger motif" and the "spring tiger" (from the women's autumn-winter collection 1983) are extravagantly released in gold, burgundy and leopard prints, depicted on the "Jungle" bomber jackets, dresses and knitted tops and skirts.
Secondly, do you remember besides the tiger, the other iconic symbol? It is the hyper real painted tomato in either red or yellow. The tomatoes became big in KENZO’s Spring Summer men’s collection in 1992. The tomatoes are pictured on comfy cotton pieces, short sleeve archival smock dresses and mesh shirts.
Lastly this new edition of prints also introduces great line of bags – bumbags, backpacks, totes and the reversible “Knot” bag – also printed on caps and slip on trainers.
This innovative and exciting collection embodies KENZO's valuable design heritage, which can continuously adapt to the latest trends.
www.kenzo.com
Fashion
Apocalyptic fantasy
“When control is released, chaos is created that will lead to innovation and a new imaginative realism.”
With this thought, Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient designed the new futuristic collection for Ottolinger. The old wooden theater of the Lycee Jacques Decour turned into a perception-disturbing environment, where lights flashed and overwhelming metallic sounds filled the room. Chaos was clearly the key to a new sort of innovation in this collection.
The aesthetic codes are emphatically based on the unusual; for example psychedelic check knits are incorporated in denim and sportswear. Asymetric tops and trousers are executed in torn fabrics, body-outfits made of flannel. The creative duo focused on completely technical textile looks. Ski outfits shaped as spatial uniforms enhanced the female silhouette. They are tailor-made copies, easy to carry, creative but very elegant.
Ottolinger tells the story of a civilization that is led by unpredictable movements - another planetary system. The elaboration is based on speculative dreams that leave much to the imagination.
www.ottolinger.com
Fashion
It's All About Glamour
MaxMara makes crystal clear in their Fall / Winter line that women need not suppress their glamorous side in order to be taken seriously. The old age debate has been settled. Not only does glamour empower women but it is all about the clothes and how they make you feel that allows you to shine and ultimately triumph.
Defying all conventions of dress, the collection exhibits strong silhouettes at the shoulder that expand wider, boxier and leggier down the form. Artfully bound in leather, plush alpaca, camel and cashmere, all the fabrics sink into one another and are fabulously topped off with statement thigh high boots.
Skirts appear cut from men’s pants, hanging softly both above the knee and grazing the ankles and svelte polo sweaters put the power in power dressing.
For the working women, beautifully tailored utility vests, jackets and cargo shorts are adorned with multiple zips and pockets. Technicolour total looks bring a refreshing lightness and positivity to the line. MaxMara at their very best, designing and making clothes that put you in the mood to take on the workplace, the party, the world, even when you do not at first in the right state to do so. The collection presents the best and boldest of women's ability and potential in universally flattering tones and movable, soft fabrics.
www.maxmarafashiongroup.com
Fashion
Zegna Brings Italy To Manhattan
Down Manhattan’s 4 West 57th Street in the historic Crown Building, Zegna launches their three-story high global store. A world leader in luxury menswear, Zegna have enlisted renowned architect Peter Marino for this bold chapter in Zegna’s history.
Within this expansive retail space of 600 square maters, customers can begin their virtual journey through the Zegna world, following the ever-changing ephemeral installation all year round. Façade metallic strings overlay two stories of glass, illuminated by LED lights when the sun goes down. The effect is an emotional fil rouge shadowing the visitor right from the external window display to the very heart of the store.
The ground floor presents leather goods and shoes, all uplifted by neutral tones of cerused ashwood, mahogany and vals stone. An unusual wooden box structure envelops the entire space, creating an aesthetic thread that runs seamlessly between the three levels.
The third floor showcases Sartoria, Luxury Leisurewear, Couture and a specially designed personalised room: the open space hosted by a master tailor to assist meet all needs. A glance around reveals a fusion of modernist and vintage elements with matte teak and laquered wood. Extra details include a welcoming Italian bar, a Gardella lounge chair on a geometric patterned carpet and historical photos that surround the space.
An intimate environment showcasing bespoke clothing speaks right to the brand’s heritage; the very notebook Ermenegildo Zegna carried on his founding trip to NY in 1938 inspiring the collection. Now, a new generation of American men can uncover modern luxury rooted in quintessential Italian style.
www.zegna.us
Fashion
A Transatlantic Aura
Longchamp, NY Fashion week Fall/Winter 2019
Creative director Sophie Delafontaine led us through a beautiful independent journey of self-discovery that embodied the free-spirited aura of traveling women. Longchamp its Fall / Winter collection is characterized by an intrinsic rock 'n' roll attitude with influences derived from places located between Paris and New York. In order to emphasize the spirit of travel, the models parade across a carpet that is inspired by a traditional landing strip designed by Andrée Putman.
The 70-year-old Longchamp brand founded by Jean Cassegrain and still owned by the Cassegrain family, is the ultimate symbol of effortless Parisian femininity. Over the years, the brand continuously translated this characteristic into a contemporary version. The nomadic character is realized in silk dresses and pleated skirts made out of embroidered tulle or delicate woolen mesh. This dreamy bohemian look is interspersed with fresh, cool contrasting pieces that consist of black leather tops and architectural coats with graphic or Apaloosa prints that indirectly represent New York as vibrant, world metropolitan city. Details like grosgrian ribbons and hard silver studs give the elegance a sturdy rock edge. Delafontaine lets contrasts blend together by mixing textures, silhouettes and patterns and matching them with dynamic extremes. Several Bauhaus artists whom are central worldwide this season indirectly inspire this approach.
The sense of division and coolness is a prevailing feeling today in metropolitans. This feeling is clearly present, especially in Longchamp’s new handbag collection, La Voyageuse. A vivid compact silhouette executed in many colors and fabrics available in two sizes for both travelling short and long distances and is therefore a preferred travel companion.
This collection represents the idea of ultimate wanderlust and freedom. The attitude is owned by strong, independent women who effortlessly combine style and influences without any fear.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
An Intriguing Her-interpretation
Prada unveils its 2019 Spring/Summer collection in a very special manner; the campaigns give the impression of scenes coming from early film posters. The collection will be presented into two films conducted by directors Willy Vanderperre and Benoît Debie.
The settings are classical, re-contextualized, enigmatic film scenes, which have been an endless source of inspiration and fascination for these collections. Each short film is an attractive puzzle piece, part of a larger whole that refers to the classic Hollywood genre. The unique sound pieces arranged by composer Frédéric Sanchez emphasize deeply this esoteric atmosphere even more.
The film-inspired stills do not show what you would expect; these do not conform to what already exists. The films are little portraits each containing an intriguing underlying message. A duality between what is already there and what reality could have been. Every protagonist including Daan Duez, Freja Beha Erichsen and Liu Wen discovers their different personal characters through the versatile facets of this Spring/Summer collection. The short films are an artistic stylized biographical documentary in which the viewer is exposed to the many possibilities that our reality may contain.
These short films will be revealed gradually on Prada's social media channels.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Tambour Horizon
Louis Vuitton introduces the Tambour Horizon watch; this fully connected piece embodies the spirit of travel and authentic craftsmanship. In contrast to the previous designs, this model allows you to personalise the dial with your own chosen watch face. Very extraordinary is the watch face; the design aesthetic refers to a classical Louis Vuitton runway show.
Louis Vuitton as a brand has symbolized “the art of traveling” for a very long time already. This watch is subversive, since it is able to synchronize all your travel information together in one place together with your agenda. Because the world has become increasingly polluted, Louis Vuitton has integrated a "Pollution" function that continuously displays the current air quality index on the dial.
The Tambour Horizon has a unisex case with a unique shape and is available in polished white ceramics, polished steel, matte black and brown Pvd and white with gem-set horns. The Tambour Horizon is the ultimate combination of smart and refined craftsmanship and technical excellence. The brown Pvd is especially symbolic; this color has been an integral part of Louis Vuitton’s aesthetic since 1854, used most prominently in the emblematic Monogram design.
www.louisvuitton.com
Cinema
Soggettiva 4 - Expressway Milano
Fondazione Prada’s Cinema presents the fourth chapter of the series “Soggettiva” with the title Expressway Milano made by Danish director Nicolas Winding. This chapter is a “cinematic journey into the rare and unknown” screening 13 forgotten American 1960’s/1970’s films from the online archive by Nicolas Winding Refn.
The oeuvre contains several genres from drive-in movies to lost avant-garde cinema, horror and gothic fantasy films to musicals, "nudie cutie" movies to religious and propaganda cinema. All are divided into 4 volumes: Volume 1 “Regional Renegades” constitutes: The Nest of The Cuckoo Birds (1965) by Bert Williams, Hot Thrills and Warm Chills (1967) by Dale Berry and Shanty Tramp (1967) by Joseph P. Mawra.
Volume 2 “Missing Links” covers: Night Tide (1961) by Curtis Harrington, If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do? (1972) by Ron Ormond, The Burning Hell (1974) by Ron Ormond and Spring Night, Summer Night (1967) by Joseph L. Anderson.
Volume 3 called "Hillbillies, Hustlers, and Fallen Idols" composes: Cottonpickin' Chickenpickers (1967) by Larry E. Jackson, Wild Guitar (1962) by Ray Dennis Steckler and House on Bare Mountain (1962) by Lee Frost.
And lastly Volume 4 “Smell of Female” span Chained Girls (1965) by Joseph P. Mawra, Satan in High Heels (1962) by Jerald Intrator and Maidens of Fetish Street (1966) by Saul Resnick.
On Friday 22 February 2019 the Fondazione Prada’s Cinema stages “Soggetiva Nicolas Winding Refn” and holds a special conversation between Nicolas Winding, Jimmy McDonough (Managing editor), David Frost (director of BUREAU) and film critic Manlio Gomarasca about Nicolas Winding Refn’s new adventure known as ’NWR’. This revolutionary online archive in form of a platform was presented in 2018 and developed in collaboration with London-based agency BUREAU.
"What we've created is not a film, TV, fashion, photography, lifestyle or political site. It's an installation, an online museum inclusive of everything. There's a movie presented each month, but that film is merely the jumping off point. It's the seed to inspire creativity, provoke a state of mind. The result isn't easy to explain in a soundbite, you have to experience it. byNWR comes with a mystery attached".
All the public screenings of "Soggettiva Nicolas Winding Refn," are taking place at Fondazione Prada’s Cinema on Fridays from 1 March to 24 May 2019, and will be free, but are only accessible on reservation.
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
Alyx Fall 2019 Mens / Pre-fall 2019 Womens
Since the very beginning Matthew Willams’s Alyx stood for experimenting new silhouettes and technologies, developing new processes and building a new aesthetic made of small details into a whole.
For his second show during Paris Fashion Week official schedule Williams created a collection with all the elements that have been the brand’s signature ever since: the asymmetric cut, the coulisse used in dresses and pants to create new volumes and of course the very well known buckle (that was also designed for Kim Jones’s Dior Homme). This season renewed in a new moulded nylon version, with high density but lightweight, expanding applications and functional variations: around the neck as jewel and almost everywhere else in the collection.
The collection also featured a beautiful camouflage print tie-dyed on the roll and with sponges, as well polar fleece bonded with a 3-layer taped Japanese mesh produced in collaboration with the Italian manufacturer specialist Majocchi.
Matthew Willams refined his vision into the future with sustainability in mind: fabric welding using high-frequency molecular friction allowing low energy consumption and no solvents.
www.alyxstudio.com
Fashion
Thom Browne Fall 2019 Mens
Thom Browne is a master in staging a theatrical spectacle with several acts and characters playing. Last Womenswear show was a tale of sea creatures. For Fall 2019 Menswear it is the Bubble Wrap Odyssey.
With a set composed by 36 bubble wrap stands along the runway the first 8 looks were completely composed by bubble wrap gloves and dresses. Thom Browne’ playful overture anticipated the main acts: a Menswear collection designed by researching the essence od Womenswear codes: corsets, jackets draped and juxtaposed to create trompe l’oeil dresses. Looks were declined in two perfectly identical version, pant and skirt matching different tartan coats, all wearing Mary Jane.
It was a beautiful show imbued with Thom Browne’s signature poetic and definitely a collection we would love to own, regardless of gender.
www.thombrowne.com
Fashion
Berluti Fall 2019
When Kris Van Assche was appointed new creative director at Berluti, the legendary Italian brand famous for its custom made shoes, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation for the new breeze this visionary designer would be able to bring.
We have been all following him in the developing of his codes along the years: the fascination to the New Wave music, the nod to a new modern tailoring with that sharp body-conscious blazer ushed further for the last collections at Dior Homme inspired by the Bar Suit.
Kris Van Assche knows how to take the elements of a brand’s heritage and bring them into his own aesthetic. For his Berluti first show he worked on emotional elements dear to the brand: the white marble table used by Berluti’s artisans since 1895 to polish the renowned shoes, photographed and used as print for shirt, coats, sweaters. You can see every mark left by the coloured shoe polish in the years, the craft, the spirit of the time.
The appeal of manipulated leather was used since the fist look: a brown leather suit with a patina finish (a technique known for the famous shoes of the Maison), a beautiful grey double breasted overcoat matched with a relaxed pinstripe suit marbled shirt + tie combo, smart bags.
The vibrancy of the colours found on the iconic Ferrara headquarters’ marble table were back in the suits and coats: ruby, brilliant green, blue, ochre, also carefully declined on few female models. The majestic show location of Garnier Opera resulted the perfect set for Van Assche’s new modernity, where backstage all his old and new supporters warmly welcomed this new course.
www.berluti.com
Art
New Flagship store Molteni&C | Dada in London
This month the Molteni group opened its third global brand showcase in contemporary number one design city; London. This high-end artistic design venue is applicably situated against the famous V&A design museum in the heart of Chelsea. Creative director Vincent Van Duysen has succeeded in creating a unique quiet moment in such a vibrant city. This new store represents a romantic life full of Italian flair, propagated in an "ordinary" looking house with two levels divided into many different zones.
To start with an impressive entrance, built on an inner door opens onto two floor-to-ceiling glass. Then you arrive at an iconic spiral staircase made out of walnut wooden and marble steps. Van Duysen made some sensational stylistic choices like the winter gardens brimming with all sorts of luxurious plants. This place is characterized by the theme of alternating perceptions that emerge in the surprising color and texture palette travertine marble and Korean walnut executed in various shades of gold and warm and bone greys.
This space is gracious, welcoming, dimensional and fluid thanks to the innovative distinctive details that will display the collections of designers such as Vincent van Duysen, Rodolfo Dordoni, Ron Gilad, Foster + Partners, Jean Nouvel and Patricia Urquiola and many others each in their own unique way.
To celebrate the opening, the new London Flagship Store will display a series of works by contemporary artists that develop The Collector’s House project, a concept presented at the 2018 Salone del Mobile and, subsequently, in the New York Flagship inaugurated last May. The Collector’s House, curated by art curator Caroline Corbetta, is an ideal collection that contributes to creating an ecosystem in which design and art enhance each other. Some designers that contribute are: Giuseppe Buzzotta (1983); Alessandro Dandini de Sylva (1981), Cleo Fariselli (1982), Emiliano Maggi (1977) Matteo Nasini (1976) and Vincenzo Schillaci (1984) are the six young Italian artists, represented by Rome’s Galleria Operativa.
www.molteni.it
Fashion
Paris meets Munich
Parisian Cartier opens a new pop-up Boutique in Münich this week. A traditional Cartier store divided into three different themes, all characterized by classical Parisian charm and designed by famous Parisian interior architect Laura Gonzalez.
First you enter the bar, which gives you the feeling of stepping into a typical bistro in Marais. The luxury velvet, marble and oak details underline the elegant and chic French aesthetics and give you the feeling that you never want to leave.
The second entry is into the salon; an area that breathes the so-called savoir-vivre feeling. The mirror wall in combination with an extraordinary monumental chandelier and dining table are the perfect combination between a typical French romantic Burgundian lifestyle and the Parisian metropolitan spirit. Artistic atmospheres and individual design furniture give this boutique an innovative touch and translate the classical French/Parisian concepts into a new experience.
Lastly you arrive at the boudoir in which two large chaise longues and dark green color scents immediately attract attention. Iconic Cartier images through time adorn the walls in a playful way and take you through the empire of Cartier as a jewellery maison.
The Paris apartment is located on the fourth floor of the current boutique's house at the Maximilianstrasse and will remain open until Fall 2019.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Playful Drama
Odeeh's Jörg Ehrlich and Otto Drögsler want to create some drama for FW19. They conceptualized strong, individual pieces that can stand on their own. Many of the pieces play with opposites and challenge our understanding of a classic. Instead Ehrlich and Drögsler play on emotions with playful silhouettes. We see a dress with a pleated skirt and denim contrasts, a voluminous pink dress with fringe that teeters like feathers. What could have been all over the place comes together quite nicely with a limited color palette and standalone prints which find just the right balance.
The starting point for this collection was a 1920s workwear shirt found on one of their vintage tours in London. Both immediately translated that into a shirt in a fairly similar cut, but made from gray cashmere with an added pink fake fur collar. Low-slung waists too reference the 20s and show off Odeeh's nonchalant approach to the gender binary.
www.odeeh.com
Fashion
"To The Moon"
Keeping with this theme, interdisciplinary fashion icon Esther Perbandt presented an installation of her new collection “To The Moon” during Berlin Fashion Week and introduced her limited partnership with Feminista - the first political perfume. The showcase also serves as a celebration of Perbandt's 15 years in the industry. With “To The Moon”, a tale as old as time re-imagined anew, she complements the almost stern and deconstructed collection with beautiful organic, harmonious shapes, made from manipulated and molded leather. Futuristic technology, such as 3D printing and CNC milling, meets traditional leather craft processes, resulting in shapes that are inspired by the feeling that one could indeed fly to the moon.
www.estherperbandt.com
Fashion
Walks of Life by Ermenegildo Zegna
For the Fall/Winter 2019 show of Milan fashion week, the hall of Milano Central turned into a metropolitan catwalk for Ermenegildo Zegna. The brand wanted to make a statement to the many borders throughout the world that are still narrowed. This metropolitan orientated collection expresses the awareness of the pursuit for an open and multicultural world.
Sections are mixed and hybridized: like shirts and jackets merged into functional one-pieces. The silhouette is central, personal, and must be easily wearable but formal. Outerwear is voluminous and expressive, while coats are longer and look more slender and geometric shaped. An interesting mix of patterns and fabrics portray the coalescence with weaves of cashmere, paper, and leather lead to interesting bold visual abstractions. The chosen color palette is characterized by white, Felt, Commissar and Warsaw grays, Beluga black, Notte blue, khaki, Syberian green, lit up by touches of Absinthe and Citrine quartz and amalgamated. These are all made out of exclusive modular solutions with the use of fusion and manipulation. More information can be found under the slogan #UseTheExisting.
All the looks can be completely customized and personalized all over the world with the iconic My Cesare.
www.zegna.us
Fashion
BREAKING: PRADA TEST SUBJECTS ESCAPE
Seven subjects have escaped Prada’s imaginary futuristic laboratory. An innocent journey of discovery has morphed into a riotous episode of harmless magic. Disco, Socks, Fiddle, Otto, Toto, Scuba, and Spot came into being as a team of researchers set out to study the extraordinary DNA of Italian fashion brand, PRADA. Their research became fantastical and a series of experiments involving the heart of Prada produced astonishing results.
Our seven protagonists (raised in solitary confinement) have mechanical triangular Prada hearts and checkerboard pattern brains. Born from the heart of the label each character exhibits central Prada themes: metal studs, polished wood, iconic prints, voluptuous lips, and classic Saffiano leather.
Having escaped Prada’s, top secret, non-existent test facility, New York design studio 2x4 (serial Prada collaborators) provided the innocent creations with refuge. 2x4 studied the creatures and designed each member of the family their own color-coded pouch, case and character booklet complete with personal biography and insight into their unique abilities, anatomy, and behavior.
With the fugitives contained, Disco, Socks, Fiddle, Otto, Toto, Scuba, and Spot can be found in Prada stores and online at Pradamalia.com in the form of keychain tricks, earring sets, and necklace charms.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Parisian Femininity
Femininity defies definition, every woman has her own femininity, and it comes from the charisma she exudes. In years past, lingerie was simply the ladies undergarment. Now it means far more – lingerie has become the language for women to appropriate their own femininity through shape and form.
Parisian Lingerie experts Aubade helped to free the women form allowing ladies to celebrate their independence. With this freedom lingerie’s requirements began to evolve. Physical support no longer dictated - glamour, sensuality, and seduction took the helm.
To honor sixty years of vigorous devotion Aubade has dedicated the year 2018 to love and creativity. Their autumn-winter collection encapsulates the range of emotions that flutter through the soul as romance ensues, from the frivolity of flirtation to the seduction, sensuality, and passion that follows.
Over the past sixty years, the Parisian brand tirelessly drew inspiration from the ladies of the day interpreting their desires in the world of emotion. Aubade champions the craft refining their skills throughout their evolution, now, luxurious embroidery, refined silks, and decadent lace epitomize the collection.
Autumn-Winter is a delightful collection for those who wear it and those who are lucky enough to see.
www.aubade.fr
Fashion
Saint Laurent Spring 2019
Fluorescent-like huge palm threes designed by artist Vincent Lamouroux looking at a glittering Tour Eiffel at dawn, where a stunning pink red light pervaded the whole Trocadero. And models walking on water. Anthony Vaccarello’s postcard from Saint Laurent Spring Summer 2019 never felt so charming. It evoked our desire of Summer, of far-away places like Yves beloved Morocco.
Vaccarello showed a collection true to his aesthetic, shorts in all declinations, mini dresses and several version of tailored tuxedo ensembles. But also Western America style looks and a series of sheer fluid dresses. The hats, the bow shirts, the knee boots: the 60s, the 70s and the 80s where all part of Vaccarello reference palette, inspired by Monsieur Yves’ archive, delivering a collection where the feeling of the “night” was a big protagonist.
As the last looks glided on the water with long fluid animal print chiffon dresses the reference built up strong. We felt the references to the iconic 1971 couture Spring Summer collection inspired by Yves’ longtime friend Paloma Picasso but also the overall references to Saint Laurent woman. Running late to her own wedding in a black fitted leather jacket and incorrigibly spraying her favourite fragrance in front of an astonished marriage officiant interrupted as he reads the vows, the 80s Rive Gauche perfume advertising could not be more on point: pas pour le femmes effacées. Definitely not for the modest woman.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Highlights from Milan Fashion Week
Prada Spring 2019
Defiant as ever — for Spring 2019 — Prada continued the battle against tradition. An aura of a 60’s girls swept the Prada Fondazione space in Milan, an ode to the daywear of that time and captured the aggression of the era with a typical Prada ease.
At first glance, te collection seems otherworldly, almost alien. Soon after, the oxymoron reveals itself. Spring 2019 is a collection of conservatism, personality, and sheer beauty. The result is a highly wearable collection of plunging bodysuits with straps below the breasts, very typical Prada A-line silhouettes in the shape of coats, jackets, and dresses along with juxtaposing experimental tie-dye skirts and dress that are equally mesmerizing.
This was a very out-spoken Prada collection. During Prada’s pre-show press conference she mused about the fact that — “Fashion shouldn’t follow excessive simplification, because the more you simplify, the more slogan you use, the less content there is”.
www.prada.com
Sportmax Spring 2019
The Sportmax runway approach is uniquely, unique. This is an essential collection, a sporty parade that has been revved to the max.
Surf references were rife throughout the Spring 2019 collection. Men’s tailoring may have accented the start of the show, but what was to follow was utter femininity. Bikini tops were casually paired with multifaceted jackets that boasted layers of intricacy. Barefoot outfits demonstrated the ease of the brand while dresses stole the show with their splendour; each garment took the show to a new level evolving the concept radically one step at a time. The sheer range of Sportmax’s Spring 2019 collection is quite astounding.
www.sportmax.com
Roberto Cavalli Spring 2019
Notorious for his exploits in the men’s business Paul Surridge demonstrated his precision tailoring for Roberto Cavalli’s Spring 2019 collection. Here, Surridge demonstrated the flexibility of the bike short, while showing off its sex appeal. Taking many forms the traditional formal wear paired with; plain blazers, printed blazers, loose shirts, blouses and dresses. Spring 2019 exhibited an authentic abundance, particularly in the choice of prints. This abundance carried through to the unique variety of dresses. Intentional or not, Surridge has inched the gap between male and female fashion even closer.
www.robertocavalli.com
Fashion
Sonos and Faberyayo partner up to celebrate Fall as the Comfy season
Is he serious? Is he joking? Is he highlighting faults in society or is he laughing for the fun of laughing? Pizza love songs, puppet shows and short novels about dwarfs, Dutch Rapper Faberyayo’s aesthetic is one of neon-normality. Faberyayo has carved a lane through the centre of Dutch hip-hop with his pioneering work ethic and an innate sense of originality. This Fall ‘Yayo has reinvented himself again as his own barmy galaxy collides with the luminous effervescent planet of Abel.
This weekend Faberyayo and Abel take over the Sonos Home in Amsterdam to celebrate the release of their album. The duo has fused their unique minds to produce a brainchild like no other, Comfy. Now that the light is faded, summer has decided it is time for fall, the leaves begin to glide to the ground, this is the season for Comfy.
''Comfy Season means the summer is finally over and everyone gets back inside. It’s the season of dressing in Comfy style, the season of takeaway latte macchiato’s, the season of online shopping and enjoying a bit of romance at home. Fall is more than a season, it’s a vibe! Dear Fans and Fanettes, come and get Comfy with me, it’s the season!’' — Faberyayo.
Sonos transformed their Amsterdam home completely to shoot the music video of the first track of the album called “Online Shoppen”. The result is everything you might expect when you let Faberyayo and Abel take over your home. An exciting experience bringing the world of Faberyayo and Abel to life visually and sonically. Fans will be the first to step in the world that’s called Comfy season and enjoy the experience and get an exclusive screening of the video in Sonos Home Amsterdam before it goes live.
Join ZOO at the Sonos Home Amsterdam on the 22nd and 23rd of September. Visit the experience in the Sonos Home Amsterdam and be the first to see and listen to the new music video, book a free time slot, receive your personal invite, bring a friend and immerse yourself in the world of Comfy Season. You can register here.
Fashion
Highlights from New York Fashion Week
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Spring 2019
Creative Director RAF Simons’ cinematic eye has transformed the landscape for Calvin Klein 205W39NYC since his arrival. On this occasion the often-polarizing original Hollywood blockbuster Jaws and the eerie yet sublime Dustin Hoffman classic The Graduate set the tone. Jaws Merch-tee’s will undoubtedly sweep the upper echelons of fashion while Mortarboards felt more necessary as mood setting props. Rubber Scuba gear that paid homage to both cinematic triumphs will be the talk of the town for months to come.
www.calvinklein.com
BOSS Spring 2019
Few expected a fine-knit dress and nylon trench to open Boss’ Spring 2019 at New York fashion week. Ingo Wilts delivered a light collection combining the men and women’s effort with relative ease. Perhaps Hugo Boss are better without their bread and butter.
www.hugoboss.com
Longchamp Spring 2019
To celebrate their 70th anniversary Longchamp continued their soiree into the world of ready-to-wear. Fall 2018 piled heavy emphasis on outerwear with seductive layering, delicate fringes and fabulous braids all set to inspire the spirit of playfulness often associated with the French leather brand.
www.longchamp.com
Proenza Schouler Spring 2019
Denim. Proenza Shouler pair Lazro Hernandez and Jack McCollough rejuvenated the eternally loved work wear textile in an attempt to reinstate reality. We want the clothes to be fashion, but also to be more real,” Hernandez said. “That’s what feels right in the world today. It’s kind of a cliché, but it’s gotta be real.”
www.proenzaschouler.com
Camper FW18 Campaign
Spanish footwear brand Camper has released its Fall/Winter 2018 collection with a new campaign. This time, creative director Romain Kremer stretches the imagination and blurs the line between the abstract and the absolute. Photographed by Daniel Sannwald, the brand demonstrates a real-life take on the virtual experience and questions the future of digital interaction — inviting spectators alongside otherworldly avatars raining from fantastical to post-apocalyptic.
Debuting with this collection, the popular footwear company presents nine new styles of advanced unisex shoes including newcomers Rolling and Pix, Helix and Brutus and chunky-heeled Thelma for woman.
www.camper.com
Fashion
Jessica and Krystal Jung celebrate anniversary of iconic Fendi Peekaboo Bag
Jessica Jung — an American singer, songwriter, actress, model, fashion designer, and businesswoman who was born and raised in California with Korean roots together with her little sister Krystal. In 2007 Jung debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group Girls' Generation.
Her sister Krystal Jung is a singer and actress in South Korea. In 2002, Krystal began appearing in television commercials. In 2017, she starred in the comedy drama “Wise Prison Life” and received good reviews for her performance. She was also named 'Woman of the Year’ by GQ Korea in the same year. Jessica and Krystal are the most popular sisters in Korea. Together they’re staring in the new Fendi Peekaboo Bag campaign celebrating the 10th anniversary.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Roberto Cavalli opens first German store
Located in Berlin’s elegant shopping heart Charlottenburg, Roberto Cavalli is opening its first German store, welcoming customers to shop the brand’s modern and dynamic collection covered by their authentic Italian experience.
Balancing between space, sofas, gold lamps and armchairs the store represents a wide collection for men and women, offering ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, bags, watches, jewellery, eyewear, fragrances, home accessories and tableware.
The store embodies Roberto Cavalli’s international and cosmopolitan spirit inspired by Tuscany’s sophisticated color combinations. Precious marble floors and elegant vaulted ceilings mixed with freestanding furniture pieces and brushed brass tracks define the new direction and straightforward vision of the luxury brand.
www.robertocavalli.com
Fashion
It is so good to be bad
Sensuality and femininity strongly force together with hopeless romance and fearless independence for the new fragrance GOOD GIRL by Caroline Herrera.
The mid-night blue stiletto bottle with golden heel epitomises New York’s style, defining elegance and sophistication, reflecting the Herrera women who are confident and powerful by nature.
To capture the perfect scent for the sophisticated and complex woman of today, Caroline turned to a true master when it comes to perfumery: Louise Turner, creating The House’s new fragrance that captures and celebrates Caroline's high-spirited duality.
www.carolinaherrera.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2019
Free and mindful, loose and genteel. Giorgio Armani proposals for Summer 2019 effectively have the power of sewing a traditional, masculine elegance with a contemporary sense of ease.
Soft figures in light shades of chalk white, hemp grey and delicate flashes of blue and turquoise celebrate the spontaneous classicism of formal yet sporty jackets and blousons.
The double-breasted jacket confirms this idea playing with different fabrics and patterns, while the modern waistcoat enhances a fresh feel of versatility.
As well, a sandy filter underlines the naturalness of the collection that introduces refined variations on the definition of what Giorgio Armani means for a very sophisticated style.
www.giorgioarmani.com
Fashion
Here and Now – Roberto Cavalli SS19
Immediacy is the leading mood presented by Paul Surridge for Roberto Cavalli Spring Summer 2019 Menswear collection.
The astute combination of athletic tailoring and clean proportions determines the contemporary spirit of the outerwear, knitwear chinos, slouchy bermudas and shorts proposals.
Stretching from pure white to decisive black, the range explores the full chromatic scale and especially focuses on hybridized animal motifs, which enhance the sensation of a concrete jungle.
Functional rather than decorative, the artisanal feel is still evident, sophisticatedly recalled through precious intarsia and Macrame details on the knitwear.
On the occasion of Roberto Cavalli Menswear Show at the Pitti Immagine Uomo, the brand launches also the men's eyewear collection developed with Marcolin.
As well, all the accessories accentuate a juvenile, swagger attitude. Materials play a key role in the determination of this new urban vocabulary.
Eye-shelding visors and and polymath running shoes define the outlines of the ultimate luxury, which follows the speed of the concrete landscape, here and now.
Fashion
An eclectic journey
FENDI is always looking for exciting initiatives to present their Eyewear collection. This time the brand collaborated with model, actor and bandleader of Counterfeit, Jamie Campbell Bower, showing the in-depth voyage of his soul-searching journey, embodying the FENDI Man values.
Off-duty dressing rooms and phone calls while chilling out were captured by a privet camera as well as his creative on-stage rock performance, remaining true to his inner child, hidden behind FENDI’s SS18 sunglasses.
Watch the full series of videos on our social platforms.
www.facebook.com/zoomagazine
www.instagram.com/zoomagazine
www.fendi.com
Fashion
No matters where: Woolrich SS18 Footwear Collection
Calibrating the balance between urban outlines and high-performance features, the Spring 2018 footwear collection by Woolrich keeps strengthening the statement of contemporary functionality.
The shoes’ construction presents a solid sole made by Vibram, suitable for both journeys outdoor and urban walks thanks to a contemporary design.
Part of the menswear collection, the Trail Boot is available in high and low top versions, featuring minimalist outlines in contrast with fluorescent details. With a focus on confortability, the Air Mash model is characterised by a lined sole, while the overall collection of light snearkers, sleepers and slip-ons are enriched with colorful bands to best embrace the bright spirit of summer.
For the women, mountain boots with performance laces, trainers in nubuck and slip-ons unveiling a suede trim explore the coasts of the New World, balancing their technical structure with the use of natural materials.
Available in Woolrich flagship stores and distributed to the best multibrand stores in Europe, USA and Asia, the footwear collection can be purchased also trough their website.
www.woolrich.eu
Fashion
Berluti new store opening in Munich
The immediate sensation is that of a quiet intimacy, as if one could slighlty hear the clock tickings spread over a place that has always been there.
The new Berluti flagship store in Munich is the second one to be opened in Germany, yet it is the first in Europe to launch a totally new concept for the interiors.
Located on prestigious Maximilianstrasse and in a Neo-Renaissance building, the design highlights the brand’s luxury heritage, yet respecting the typical Munich architecture.
On the one hand, the preference for a square, clean design suggests Berluti affinity with sobriety and composure, which is in turn calibrated with the presence of delicate textures that characterise the stone finished beige walls.
As well, the hand-polished bronze shelves and frames, the marble tables, the polished wood cabinet and the herringbone pattern over the matte wooden floor seem to complete each other.
More elements, such as a dramatic wall lined with symbolic tincture bottles, a wooden display cabinet and classic club armchair intensify the relaxed atmosphere, gently illuminated by pale lightings that unveil the precious details of Berluti collections.
The new Berluti boutique is the perfect place where contemporary gentlemen can talk about elegance in detail.
Fashion
Peuterey Icon
With two new proposals Peuterey continues working on their innovative Icon Project, which this season introduces two pieces for the outerwear. Bail for men and Corduroy for women are down jackets made of cotton poplin, featuring a water repellent surface and thermo-taped internal seams. A detachable hood with drawstring, wind protection and reflective details underline the urban design and feel for technology. On the other way around, Carve and Shaka are regular fitting parkas introducing a bond technology that allows for a reduced thickness. Light and versatile, Peuterey products are future-oriented, yet perfectly communicating that balance between contemporary style and the highest functionality.
Fashion
Highlights from Paris Fashion Week
When French painter Henri Rousseau realised renowned artwork “The Dream”, he recreated a jungle scenario only observing tropical plants and flowers at Paris Museum of Natural History. For Fall 2018, designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon bring the surreal painting into a dreamlike collection, melting the brand language with inspirational references taken from the past. Therefore, soft knit sweaters, parkas and skirts function as a canvas and accurately reproduce lotus flowers, jungle animals and natural landscape. By contrast, bright colors over striped knitwear pieces recall Kenzo graphic identity, remarking brand prowess in combining art and contemporary fashion.
Atavistic yet extraordinarily conceptual, Rick Owens is a master in transcending fashion discussion to the highest level. Hence, ancient myth of Sisyphus is reinterpreted with approach recalling the radical language of Arte Povera. Femininity turns abstracts and is deconstructed and layered trough a brown color palette unveiling pilled fabrics and padded swaddling. Mythology is recalled by bulky and extravagant panniers, yet balanced by a sporty feel that runs over the entire collection.
Oversized coats and over-the-knee cowboy boots introduces us to Isabel Marant’s imagery, which this time takes inspiration from old American westerns. Paisley motifs, fringed decorations, lace details over delicate blouses and a warm color palette alternate with pieces that recall 80s glamorous femininity trough ruffled mini-dresses and wide shoulders. For both men and women, the collection evokes a strong sense of sophisticated comfort, assuring a distinctive take on this modern reinterpretation of America.
Set in the Unesco building, Loewe show under creative director Jonathan Anderson unveils an intriguing collection, which seems to support the need for a comfortable wear. Although, the relaxed outlines face with a more contemporary approach to fashion aesthetics, as well as they reveal a strong focus on classic tailoring and enhancement of volumes. Flowing dresses and shirts are adorned with ruffled sleeves, leather collars external pockets and eventually silk bra attached in the front, offering women a very variegated range.
With his collection, Haider Ackermann deliberately points out the fragility of our times. Models are perceptibly androgynous, yet their silhouettes remark the presence of a sober, linear elegance. The bitter shines trough the color palette, including light olive green, pink, caramel and sky blue tones emphasizes the richness of fabrics, which in turn reveal interesting embroideries and ruffles over suits in jacquard and velvet dresses.
At Hermes Vanhee-Cybulski presents a women collection that is nothing but an attentive work on details and hourglass silhouettes. This is a collection that cover up the body to let the clothes speak for a classic elegance. The abundance of dark leather (alongside different proposals in light olive green, red and caramel) that would be conventionally associated with a subversive seductiveness, here is sophisticatedly transformed in a sober yet luxurious take on classic pencil midi-skirts and jackets in what seems to recall the compelling fascination of noir movies.
Fashion
Highlights from Milan Fashion Week
On the wave of intelligent feminism, Max Mara centres on how modern women perceive their freedom. If in the 80s structural elements from the male wardrobe would have symbolised the status of achieved empowerment, nowadays the feeling is different. Collaborating with French artist François Berthoud for sweaters and T-shirts, the range includes skinny pants and pencil skirts, while for the outerwear a teddy bear coat featuring a Western Fringe, leopard printed coats and the iconic camel coat featuring a classic cut that design the outlines of a spontaneous, comfortable self-expression.
On the other way around, Sportmax is a layered conjunction of technical materials and urban outlines, determined by bright colored puffers and and down vests. The skirts are embellished with zippers, while the dresses’ flowing shapes enhance the sporty feel the athletic silhouettes.
Inspired by the intriguing Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992), for Paul Surridge fashion is a matter of sensuality. Without abandoning Roberto Cavalli historical trademarks, the collection combines together womenswear and menswear, highlighting opulent looks featuring multicolor animalier prints, leather shirts, aviator jackets, flowing maxi dresses best enhanced by ochre, turquoise and amethyst colors.
Strong, loud, confident. The charming women of Versace bring back all the energetic enthusiasm of glamorous eighties. With a powerful visual impact and honouring the brand tradition as well as the mixing of different cultures and subcultures, the proposals feature total looks and bold logos, which are in turn underlined by architectural shoulders, multi-layered kilts in contrasting full yellow and blue, corsets and mini-skirts.
With Paul Andrew taking the reins of the women’s brand, Ferragamo presents nothing but a very a sophisticated collection focusing on classicism. Symmetrical cuts are in total harmony with fluid fabrics in monochromatic hues that softly intensify the feel of a sober elegance over foulard and long dresses. Moreover, suede trenches come in full green or red hues highlights the brand’s leather heritage in balance with the immediateness of contemporary fashion.
Working on the coexistence of different cultures, Giorgio Armani proposals are quite a number. Total looks in black velvet take central stages, mostly embellished with crystals, watercolor florals that do not compromise the brand’s smooth elegance, yet transform the precious fabrics in garments wearable any time of the day.
With a similar approach, Emporio Armani creates a strong alliance between the richness of their bright fabrics and the urban and sporty language of the label. Hereafter, everything seems a contemporarily wise update, which focuses on forms and proportions. Several shades of green and watery colors set the mood of the collection, revealing long dark coats, fur and structured tailored jackets.
Fashion
Inner Landscape by Prada Journal
In cooperation with Italian leading publishig house Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Editore and Eyewear brand Luxottica, Prada Journal unveils the winners name for the a competition which has seen 5 tesimonials, 75 contributors and 267 selected Prada Journalists sharing their own Inner Landscape.
The projects explores the theme of relationship between the personal sphere and the outside world, asking the participants to use texts and images (photographs, video or illustrations) to best suit the creation of a compelling digital content that translates what can be a personal perspective into a collective, sharable overview. The three winners Giorgia Ascolani (video), Isabella Giambitto (image) and Nadya Zakharova (gallery) have been selected by Davide Monteleone, Mimi Xu and Margaret Zhang, testimonials of the project.
In addition to the context, Prada Journal in collaboration with Luxottica have realised an elegant yet essential Eyewear collection, featuring metal frames, double bridges and acetate inserts, which enhance both brands affinity with high craftmanship and offer an exclusive tool with which observing the inner world and the outside reality.
www.prada.com/pradajournal
Fashion
Weather beating – The Pacific Jacket by Woolrich
For Woolrich, Spring 2018 is a full immersion in versatility.
The Pacific Jacket has been specifically studied to be the ideal high-perfomancewear for outdoor activities.
Made of breathable and water repellent technical fabrics, the jacket features an adjustable hood, waterproof zippers closing the pockets and ribbed cuffs over long sleeves that exhibit a printed logo on the arm.
Light and protective, this jacket has been conceived thinking of the diverse weather conditions as well as keeping strong the link between function and contemporary design.
www.woolrich.eu
Fashion
Highlights from NYCFW
A look back at the structured shapes of the eighties enhanced by black leather head-band accessories, Tom Ford delivered a roaring, eccentric spirit that highlights shimmering animalier prints over constructed suits and tight mini-dresses, reinforcing the idea of eccentric glamour.
With his extreme love for excess, Philipp Plein presented a space-odyssey runway, catapulting us in an ultra-artificial world dominated by robots, fake snow and floating spaceships. Skin-tight catsuits, sported by Irina Shayk, and bodysuits in latex or adorned with crystals strongly underlining the silhouettes, while logo straps appear on oversized puffers. The collection features metallic crop tops and plastic coats true to Plein's subversive spirit.
Victoria Beckham’s work has always been an aesthetic devoted to femininity. For ten years now, the vision is still the same, adding a modernist, utilitarian feel to the collection presented last Sunday at James Burden Maison in Manhattan. Dresses in felted wool with sculptural silhouettes feature full-length back zips. The collection includes also khaki trousers and structured coats that add a touch of rigorous military mood. By contrast, long skirts in earthy tones are enriched with silk pleats paired with oversized bags enhancing the feel of a relaxed high-end allure.
Inspired by Berlin's beats of Barghain and fascinated by the cult book-turned-movie Christiane F. – Wir Kinder vom Banhof Zoo, Raf Simons unveils a youthful and underground collection. With graphic prints on T-shirts featuring actors Thomas Haustein and Natja Brunkhorst (main characters of the movie), sleeveless hoodies controversially embellished with “DRUGS” caption (which actually refer to Cookie Mueller and Glenn O’Brian) and eventually latex gloves, Simons cleverly portrays the club scene, offering an exclusive high-end rave-wear.
Italian house Bottega Veneta unveils their opulent collection by German designer Tomas Maier, with a tender homage to New York City. Silk pyjamas, multi-chromatic dresses and geometric design tell us something about the architectural landscape of the City and its multicultural, immersive aesthetics.
Fashion
New Dior Boutique Opening in Berlin
Last 27th January, Dior has inaugurated a new boutique located in Kurfürstendamm 56, one of the most well known avenues in Berlin.
The store, which hosts both menswear and womenswear collections, jewelry and perfumes, has been decorated by designer Stefan Leo with furniture in recycled-metal that create a tromp-l’oeil effect. The LB bubble artwork by abstract artist Jan Kalab adds a contemporary tone to the gentle atmosphere, softly in balance with the Versailles Parquet floor, that instead recalls Christian Dior passion for 18th century aesthetics.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Dries van Noten Menswear Fall/Winter 2018
A warehouse in raw concrete, with all its stripped down connotations, once the distribution centre of the French Post. Like last’s season venue - the former Liberation offices - it gave a feeling of nostalgia, and a sense of austerity.
As the model walked in the space above the audience pit, on the notes of Underground’s Born Slippy in a 2008 remix by Get Well Soon, we felt that play between contrast Dries Van Noten has often chosen in his poetic.
The collection is as complex and intricate in mixing different styles and influences as it could be the individual course of a lifetime, with different patterns, mood swings, travels and ages.
There is an incredibly appealing modern take on tartans and Prince of Wales plaid with the warm tones of traditional suiting.
But also slightly oversized silhouettes next to slim and elongated ones; fringed embellishments reminiscent of a Western age; half kilts styled on top of matching pants; white cotton trousers with broderie anglaise; jackets hand embroidered next to boxy sporty trench coats; pongee silk for the most alluring pyjamas.
The show note mentions “the tension and spark of the habitually incongruent”.
Dries Van Noten has created a collection beautifully balanced with all the elements that have been classics staples in his oeuvre – modern English tailoring, sporty, lush prints, florals, dark colours next to a vibrant palette – while delivering a show that didn’t fail to deeply touch us in a crescendo peaked in the finale lineup: over 40 billowy raincoats declined in a rainbow of variations featuring hand painted marbling technique used traditionally on paper.
There was a sense of joy, of youthful atmosphere, of life.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Peuterey x Vespa @KaDeWe
In January 2018, Italian brands Peuterey and Vespa will partner with KaDeWe to present a new, innovative capsule collection. Playing with two different styles, the proposals for the outerwear, a windbreaker and a field jacket, come with goggles and a helmet. The jackets are made in lightweight and waterproof fabrics and released in diverse colours, smartly combining dynamic functionality with contemporary elegance.
Following the mood of a trans-seasonal adaptability, the pieces focus on versatile characteristics, such as the foldable hood and a detachable lining.
By contrast, both the helmet and the goggles feature a linear and clean design presenting beige stripes details over black tones and definitely point out the two iconic brands’ aesthetics.
From January 29th until the 18th of February, the collection will be exhibited on a special display. Two pop-up stores on the first and second floor will simultaneously showcase the men and women’s collection.
With Yvan Rovic taking over Peuterey's and KaDeWe's official Instagram accounts, customers will also have the opportunity to follow the trend-spotter in the discovery of Berlin as well as find out interesting details about the collaboration.
Last but not least, KaDeWe will invite two famous celebrities, whose names are still kept secret, and ask them to experience the collection. This interactive event will take place during a cocktail party inside the store and invites customers to engage with the duo adding a unique contribution to the project.
www.peuterey.com/bs/peuterey-vespa
Fashion
Marni Market
For five months, at 231 Rue Saint Honore, Marni Market settles in Paris. The firm’s playful universe is revealed through an exhibition where visitors can explore and interact within Marni's colorful world and purchase special items during three different periods.
In January 2018, Marni Visitor Market keeps the traditional Christmas charitable donation —addressing the profits to Piccolo Principe Association for helping children in difficulty within the province of Milan — with the sale of funny marionettes, half toy and half sculpture, made of painted wood and resin.
From the 1st of February until the 12th of April, Marni Playful Market will turn in an interactive space, where visitors can play freely within the elements showcased in the area.
The last period, from the 13th of April until the 18th of May, Marni House Market will be dedicated the exposition of Colombia hand-made items, celebrating creativity and workmanship.
www.marni.com
Fashion
Lana Mueller Launches Fall/Winter 2018-19 Collection
On the exclusive 1st floor of Restaurant Borchart, Lana Mueller unveils the traits of her woman: extremely feminine and pleasantly delicate.
A sober elegance is suggested by the color palette, which prefers pale blue, full green or light sorbet shades and even more highlighted by sophisticated fabrics, such as a classy lace combined with hand-painted velvet and light chiffon that celebrate the beauty of organic forms.
www.lanamueller.com
Fashion
Fendi Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear Collection
This is an incredible era of change. The extraordinary enhancements that tecnology is introducing in the job industry are simplifying the way we approach daily chanllenges and creating new exciting opportunities for a new generation of creative minds.
Being aware of this overwhelming revolution, Fendi Men's SS18 ad campaign establishes the features of the businessmen of today, who are costantly floating between high professionalism and flawless humour.
Shot in Rome’s brand headquarter and on the beach of Gaeta, a treasure of Lazio Region, the campaign stars a young Dylan Fender wearing a neutral palette made of casual yet classic outfits. The collection introduces us to the new vocabulary of menswear and combines refined tailoring with sportswear and streetwear.
The vibe of creative freshness and entrepeuneurial spirit is perfectly commmunicated by the new Mini Peekaboo Fit briefcase, vivaciously erniched by illustrations by guest artist Sue Tilley. “Be open minded and use creativity”. In Silvia Venturini Fendi’s statement lies the whole essence of the collection, and we ebrace her captivating enthusiasm towards 2018.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Karl Lagerfeld Jewelry Spring/Summer 2018 Collection
The icon Karl Lagerfeld is widely known for his cutting-edge approach to fashion. The KARL LAGERFELD fashion house, which is creative directed by the designer himself, has its roots in a DNA that stands for accessible luxury and coolness. For the SS18 jewelry collection, the brand combines elegant elements with a rock-chic style and playful embellishments. A palette of multi-colored pastel Swarovski crystals gives the pieces a timeless feel.
Divided into three groups, the collection covers every kind of style. Klassik Karl is inspired by the personality of Karl Lagerfeld himself. His world famous cat Choupette and his handwritten signature appear in pavé Swarovski crystal finishes. A collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings is featuring the letter “K” as a pendant, embellished with Lagerfeld’s silhouette.
The Ikonik-part of the collection is rooted in the brand’s cool creative aesthetic and characterized by celestial stars and hearts paired with sketchbooks and safety pins. The pieces are made out of rhodium, gunmetal, gold and rose gold plating with Swarovski crystals. Further, the range offers an interchangeable charm program allowing the wearer a customized look.
Exuding an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic, the third part of the jewelry collection, called Essentials, makes the day-to-night look an effortless transition. Centered around faceted pyramids and Swarovski crystals, these pieces provide dramatic looks that are modern, rocky and cool at the same time.
The necklaces, pendants, ear jackets, hoop earrings, bracelets and rings all come in a mix of geometric pyramid shapes. The KARL LAGERFELD Spring/Summer 2018 jewelry collection will be available from the end of January in stores and online.
www.karl.com
Fashion
G-Star RAW Research III BY Aitor Throup
In the G-Star RAW innovation lab, which is led by the British designer, artist and creative director Aitor Throup, denim is being deconstructed to its purest form. The third collection of the RAW Research for men and very first for women, presents new denim constructions, silhouettes and shapes.
The collection features ten pieces in undyed and unwashed calico denim and challenges the conventional perception of the popular fabric. The same collection goes through a process of hand dyeing, where the indigo is added to the raw garments, resulting in an organically irregular visual effect. The G-Star innovation lab separates, analyzes and utilizes the core elements of denim in experimental ways.
RAW Research is known for launching a new 3D denim construction each season. This time, it is the Spiraq jean. Crafted from a single piece of denim, that is wrapped around the leg, the model is carefully molded to provide the perfect fit.
The third RAW Research collection also represents Throup’s first ever work of womenswear. Reflecting the overall design pilosophy of RAW Research III, the pieces are blending minimalism and functionality without compromising femininity. For both the men’s and women’s collection the in-house laboratory of G-Star follows the same untreated approach, while pushing the boundaries of product design through an explorative process.
The G-Star RAW Research III collection wil be available in selected concept stores from the 15th of December.
www.g-star.com
Fashion
Moncler Collaborates With Lifestyle Brand Kith and Asics
It seems like the luxury outerwear brand Moncler can’t stop to make common cause with other great brands. After a collaboration with Junya watanabe, Balenciaga, Katrantzou, Sacai, Ami, Virgil Abloh and Craig Green, the brand now presents two more. For FW17/18 the brand has collaborated with New York-based lifestyle brand Kith.
The main collection includes a range of T-shirts, sweatshirts, graphic outerwear made from iconic lacquered nylon, trousers with thick-weave biker padding jackets and waistcoats of clean geometric lines. This is topped by accessories like gloves, backpacks and balaclavas, and, not to be missed when collaborating with Kith, footwear. The footwear comes in a variety of boots made of nubuk or calf leather with shearling lining.
The color palette represents the colors of the French flag, deployed in linear and geometric form for maximum style and renewed appeal. The collection is a match of names and symbols of both Moncler and Kith.
The second drop of the collection is the collaboration with Asics featuring exclusive sheepskin-lined suede trainers, named KITH x MONCLER x ASICS, blends different manufacturing techniques in unique pieces. Ranging in calf and suede leather, the shoes are available in navy red and off-white colors.
The launch of the main collection will take place on December the 2nd in Moncler and Kith stores as well as online. From December the 8th the second part of the collaboration with Asics will be available.
www.moncler.com
Fashion
Kenzo: To Keep And To Hold
Kenzo Takada’s impact on the fashion landscape is one that can still be felt far and wide. The designer’s ground-breaking success paved the way for many other foreign designers to venture towards the French capital, often times with nothing more than dreams in their suitcases and insatiable ambition fuelling their drive. Current creative directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have always strived to keep that feeling of openness alive since joining the brand in 2011.
By honing in on the boundless energy and creativity that characterised the maison’s founding father, the pair’s creations honour the house’s legacy, including its original spirit and visual language. La Collection Memento No 1 – rooted in pieces that were created during Takada’s journey – is a new series that echoes the now-established brand’s history, celebrating its rich archives with pieces that are Kenzo through and through. What’s more, this isn’t a one-off – it is merely the first chapter of a story that is bound to keep us coming back for more. It was Takada’s collaboration with image maker Hans Feurer on a ground-breaking advertising campaign that inspired the first instalment of this retrospective. Shot in Lanzarote and featuring modelling icons Sayoko and Iman, the campaign challenged the boundaries of fashion advertising and artistic imagery, ushering in a fresh take for Kenzo’s collections.
The floral prints of that very collection serve as the foundation for Lim and Leon’s modern interpretation, spurring them on to delve even deeper into the archives – a veritable treasure trove of references for any self-respecting fashion enthusiast. Knitwear and dresses from Fall 1981, and a wool beret from ten years before, inspired the tailoring evident in the women’s collection. High collars on ruffled smock dresses and floral prints are combined with iconic Kenzo detailing, like lion, elephant and wild animal prints paired with platform sandals and socks. For menswear, warm winter down coats are shown alongside cotton poplin printed pyjamas. Reversible coach jackets with eagle jacquard and varsity jackets walk alongside each other, and denim backpacks from the darkest corners of the archives are transformed with the addition of Kenzo’s floral prints from Fall 1983. In advance of the in-store arrival of La Collection Memento No.1, the American duo also announced the launch of their new unisex sneaker, the Kenzo Move. With the versatility of sneakers for everyday life, including their ability to stand their ground for all occasions, the Kenzo Move follows the same trajectory as the collection itself. An archival tiger motif adorns the sneakers whose simple, clean lines are the perfect pairing for the accompanying bright colourways. Bright red and flashy pink, cool mint, blue and black – these will be pounding pavement near you before you know it!
www.kenzo.com
Art
Fondazione Prada Presents “Slight Agitation 3/4: Gelitin”
“Slight Agitation” is a four part-project of newly commisioned, site-specific works hosted within the Cisterna of the Milan venue of Fondazione Prada. The third chapter of this exhibition project is an instalment by the Austrian collective Gelitin and called “Slight Agitation 3/4: Gelitin”. The project, titled POKALYPSEA-APOKALYPSE-OKALYPSEAP, features three large sculptures, which explicitly address classical architectural archetypes: the triumphal arch, the obelisk and the amphitheater. These rhetoric and monumental components are symbols as much as structures conceived for everyday inhabitation. The sculptures draw an arc from the insular and individual to the open-ended and collective, from the overtly erotic to the sublimated joy of togetherness. The central space of the Cisterna is occupied by Arc de Triomphe (2003/2017), which is a reproduction of an elephant-high male figure, bending over backwards, made of plasticine.
The presence of a fully functioning water fountain transforms the exhibition space into a collective one, manifesting Gelitin’s liberating artistic approach. In the left side of the space, another gigantic sculpture, made up of polystyrene blocks, resembles a typical Inuit construction or a cigarette on top of a big table. The third sculpture, a wooden upward spiral, is reminiscent of an antique amphitheater. Visitors can enter the sculpture and are even invited to smoke a cigarette in the center of the installation. This banal act makes them instant protagonists of a short, ephemeral act that positions itself, according to Gelitin, somewhere between Samuel Beckett’s Theater of the Absurd and a karaoke performance. The exhibition will be open until the 26th of February 2018.
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
The Piazza by Bottega Veneta
The ideal bag is often described as versatile, elegant and convertible. The newest bag Bottega Veneta created for their Cruise 2018 collection is combining all these attributes. It is a fresh take on the classical top-handle style. With The Piazza the Italian fashion house has transformed the traditional silhouette for today. Sleek, timeless lines and graceful design make the bag, crafted out of calf skin, an epitome of modern elegance. A soft construction, an internal compartment and a cross-body-strap, for some styles with an intruiging intrecciato detail, combine design and function successfully. A wide color palette of neutral tones as well as reds, greens and blues makes sure there is a The Piazza for every taste.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
The Plunge
At the poolside on a summer’s day, Bono and Jack Nicholson are having a casual conversation. Captured in black and white, it’s a spontaneous snap of a private moment, caught on camera by Jean Pigozzi. He brought them together at the villa, which was built for his father in Cap d’Antibes in 1953. There is a saying: Great minds think alike. Apparently, they also vacation alike. Pigozzi’s small format exhibition Pool Party brings genius musicians such as Mick Jagger and iconic models like Naomi Campbell together in portraiture, enjoying sunny days at his private pool parties in the south of France in the early 90s. It is currently being shown at the Museum of Photography and Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, in June’s room. Helmut and June Newton frequented his summer parties as well – a secret getaway. While Pigozzi’s images let the viewer take a plunge into a summery setting to explore the life of the rich and the famous, this is only one aspect of the tripartite mix of exhibitions. Another friend and colleague of Newton shares the space, in the form of Mario Testino’s site-specific installation called Undressed.
It’s a combination of a number of previously unpublished fashion and nude portraits, which analyses the physical notion of undressing. It blurs the boundaries between fashion and eroticism, between anatomy and art. The presentation of the images is especially a sight to behold. 50 larger-than-life images are affixed to the walls of three exhibition halls, reaching into the corners of the room and touching the ceiling, thereby creating a landscape of human bodies. Nudity becomes nature. Unseen rounds off the complementary selection of exhibitions with original prints of Newton’s own images, mainly focusing on photographs combining nudity and fashion in a subtle way. There are many never-before-seen images from the archives mixed with famous portraits of Jeremy Irons at the Ritz Hotel in London, or Michael Gross at a swimming pool in Dortmund, reuniting the returning themes of all exhibitions. The arrangement of images goes full circle. The exhibitions “Mario Testino. Undressed / Helmut Newton. Unseen / Jean Pigozzi. Pool Party” are on display until November 19, 2017. The Museum of Photography / Helmut Newton Foundation is located at Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
www.smb.museum
Fashion
Hermès Women’s Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2018: A Playful Colour Story
For the Hermès Women’s Ready to Wear Collection SS18 Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski was inspired by the classic bourgeoisie codes of the French maison and the 1990s. Playful deconstruction and reconstruction were the leading motives for the designs. Well-known Hermès silk-prints reappear on blouses, pants and coats shaped into feminine and modern silhouettes. An equestrian touch is added by a saddle blanket, reinvented as a cape, and colourful tartan prints. Neutrals and earth tones add a modern feel to the collection. Elegant dresses are wrapped around the models in a special way and indicate femininity. The modern and artful pieces are honoring the savoir-faire of Hermès and the cheerful colours make us wait for the warmer season with anticipation.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Chanel Spring/Summer 2018
This season we all encountered a surprise upon our arrival at the Grand Palais: an humongous waterfall along a three story high rock wall, with tropical plants and a wooden bridge that appeared to be taken out of a 90s adventure blockbuster movie.
This time, Karl Lagerfeld decided not to disclose the theme in the invitation card, adding to the build and usual anticipation that we all feel each season.
Water gently falling from the rocks of Etienne Russo’s Villa Eugenie, built in the last two weeks, welcomed the guests entering the venue. The models stormed in the water dramatically increasing its course, stridently taking over the scene.
Drops of water dancing in the space played with the shining textures and transparencies of this season’s offering. The collection was particularly fresh and fluid with PVC raincoats, hats, capes, and boots intrinsically matched and layered over fringed tweed often embellished with lurex threads.
Karl Lagerfeld delivered an extraordinarily varied collection where cropped tops, oversized jackets, miniskirts, over-the-knees boots and half gloves created a vortex of colours and textures. There were long floating dresses in printed chiffon in several shades of blue mimicking the water’s fluid course, striped denim skirts with PVC fringed underskirts, culottes pants made of patent leather shorts elongated in tweed. Just like in every Chanel show, the atmosphere was mesmerizing but this season the sun shining inside the Grand Palais over the water felt like a fairytale, one to be remembered.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Claudia Schiffer presenting book and new products in Paris
Claudia Schiffer has become a modern icon and her face is one of the most photographed of our times. On September 28th she arrived in Paris and headed straight to the exclusive signing of her book at the legendary boutique Colette, wearing Balmain Resort 2018. At the event she also unveiled her new limited edition make-up collection with ARTDECO. "Throughout my career, make-up has played a starring role,” Claudia Schiffer tells. The collection features the products she considers essential: starting with a natural mascara-only look, right through to a glamorous red carpet style. The collection was introduced together with a new invention: The Beauty Bot. The mechanical creation - inspired and co-created by Claudia - plays a robotic beautician in the movie “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”. Two beauty products, the Poppy Land red lipstick and the Kingsman red nail polish, are even inspired by the movie’s villain Poppy, acted by Julianne Moore. “Every woman needs a bold red lipstick and a glossy red nail polish in her make-up bag - and what could be sexier than one inspired by the Kingsman’s vibrant villain played by Julianne Moore?” said Schiffer. Following the launch at Colette, Claudia was sitting front-row at the Balmain SS18 show before hosting a cocktail party celebrating the launch of the Claudia Schiffer x Aquazzura collection at Hotel D'Evreux.
Fashion
Dior Spring/Summer 2018
“The question: Why have there been no great women artists? – is simply the top tenth o fan iceberg of misinterpretation and misconception: beneath lies a vast and its situational concomitants, about the nature of human abilities in general and of human excellence in particular, and the role that the social order plays in all of this”.
Linda Nochlin’s essay in 1971 is such a contemporary discourse now more than ever.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, at the reign of Dior for already one year takes the words of Nochlin as a source of inspiration continuing her feminism reference since the start. We found Nochlin’s essay in form of a small booklet on every seat at the show almost as a urge to reflect in such a fragile political moment. As we entered the spectacular venue of Musee Rodin, a humongous facade in shape of a milestone welcomed us.
Engraved with the enchanting words of Niki de Saint Phalle: ”If life is a game of cards. We are born without knowing the rules. Yet we must play our hand, throughout the ages people have liked playing tarot cards. Poets, philosophers, alchemists, artists, have devoted themselves to discovering their meaning”.
The female artist Niki de Saint Phalle - at the time friend of Marc Bohan – is one of Chiuri’s muse for the Spring Summer collection. Her androgynous style, but also her work with the colourful sculptures – the “Nanas”.
Chiuri dives into her world and into Dior’s archive, celebrating the work of Bohan with his mini dresses, the polka dots, the slim look and the pants, a wink to the first Dior Homme line created by Bohan himself in 1970.
The collection is an ode to the 70s but also the 60s with that irreverent sexiness emblematic of the changing of time. Short little dresses, worn with high laced boots. But also a series of soft bustier dresses - quickly become the signature of Chiuri’s at Dior - this season adorned with sequins in electric colours, reminiscent of the disco subculture of these years.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Amsterdam is Everywhere
Scotch & Soda take a trip to the world’s remotest Amsterdams for its latest campaign, paying tribute to its stubbornly curious spirit. The Dutch fashion brand journeyed by air, rail and sea to get to an Amsterdam untouched by Google Street View, the one in the Arctic, that is.
Amsterdam Island, located in the northwestern corner of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, is just one of twelve other places across the globe that share their name with the brand’s home city. And if you’re left wondering why the brand opted for the remotest Amsterdam there is, the answer is simple: that’s exactly what Amsterdam is really about; resisting simplicity and discarding practicality if it means realizing a seemingly impossible dream.
With frozen fjords and monochrome peaks as its backdrop, the explorer-themed short film and its enchanting voiceover speaks to the mind and soul of Amsterdammers the world over. Highlighting the city’s free-thinking spirit and its inclusivity, the film celebrates the Dutch capital’s allure, because Amsterdam is wherever you want it to be.
www.scotchandsoda.com
Fashion
Philipp Plein Spring/Summer 2018
The Philipp Plein show, held at the Hammerstein Ballroom, was one of the hottest tickets of New York Fashion Week. Crowds lined up around the corner on 34th street hoping for a spot to witness the VMAs-worthy spectacle.
The tone of the show was Alice in Wonderland goes BDSM goes streetwear - coincidentally, a mix of most of the trends we've seen in recent years. The over-sexualized collection, complete with leather garters, dark lipstick, whip-like hair, and forgotten pants, caters perfectly to millennial listeners of Fifth Harmony and present-day MTV: truly an Instagram-worthy show.
Despite lacking in the subtlety department, the show didn't disappoint on an entertainment level. Most likely costing in the seven figures, Philipp Plein brought dazzling star power: Nicki Minaj sat front row, Future provided the raw soundtrack, Teyana Taylor's swagger lit up the runway... Anywhere else, this would have felt dramatically out of place. But in New York, where one can see a Yeezy show before rushing off to Carolina Herrera, perhaps anything goes.
Fashion
Go With the Flaw!
Always eager to challenge conformity and outdated notions of flawlessness exacerbated by social media and endless filtering as a means to perfection, Diesel strikes again with a new campaign bursting at the seams with positivity.
It’s time to Go With the Flaw! You got that right, forget the flow, embrace the flaws and find the bravery to wear them with pride as an intrinsic part of your true self.
The campaign is focused around a film by François Rousselet, the French director behind collaborations with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Madonna and The Rolling Stones while print and billboard imagery was shot by photographer Tom Sloan.
Edith Piaf provocative and unapologetic ‘Je ne regrette rien’ provides the perfect soundtrack as the cast embrace the uncomfortable imperfections of everyday life and rise above it with smiles on their faces.
A carefully curated cast of people with interesting features front the brand’s latest campaign. Each and every one of them selected by Diesel’s Artistic Director Nicola Formichetti for one simple reason: “Being unique is much more beautiful than being perfect”.
The official launch of the 2017 Fall Winter campaign will take place in Beijing on Wednesday, September 6th and will be accompanied by a limited edition capsule collection with Chinese music idol, Chris Lee, that advocates a candid approach towards one’s ego and celebrating imperfection.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
SKEPTA x NIKE
Skepta’s collaboration with Nike is launching on September 2nd. The British grime artist worked with the sportswear giant on a fresh look for their classic Air Max 97 model, sourcing inspiration from his London council estate upbringing, his Nigerian heritage and from a recent trip to Marrakesh.
Talking about the Moroccan city, Skepta gushed over its pastel colors, geometric architecture, lively taxis, and the magical worlds hidden deep in the souqs. Local street style merged with traditional clothing was a huge influence in his design decisions as well: “The style reminded me of Nigeria — the way people wear such casual and practical clothing,” he said. “I wanted to introduce embroidery to the streets, a place where people don't feel entitled to certain things; I wanted to make us feel good, really.” He is referring to the braided embroidery detail on the tongue and on the back that, along with the playful print on the insole, harken back to these North African roots.
The dark burgundy and olive shiny finish is a throwback to another ‘90s Nike classic – the Air Tuned Max – which Skepta owned as a child. He recalls: “That was the first shoe I ever saved up money to buy, so I wanted to bring its magic to the 97 – the magic that made me first love Air Max when I saw it as a child.” A deeply personal and culturally rich project, Skepta’s Nike Air Max 97’s are likely to go down as one of the brand’s most successful collaborations.
www.nike.com
Fashion
Loewe Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
A sea of Mimosa flowers. This tiny yellow common Mediterranean flower welcomed us in the HQ of Loewe in Paris.
Stripes – multicoloured or bitonal – fresh cotton, canvas with the signature’s leather details. Loewe Menswear Spring Summer 2018 it has all that summery allure of Spanish Riviera.
Sometimes you would see “Loewe Beach Club” or “Summer Love Loewe” on tees, maxi totes with nautical references in cord or raffia.
Jonathan Anderson choose Salvador Dalì’s hose in Catalonia as place for the seasonal lookbook shooting, the surrealist and playful atmosphere.
It's a fresh and youthful collection with a relaxed feeling compared to the previous season but keeping Anderson's signature: the little objets trouvé as key chain and charms, tapestry details, the anchor motif and spectacular details.
As Loewe Menswear collection is evolving season after season finding its audience, its market and vision, we keep seeing that exquisite naiveté and a nostalgic sense of memoire retrieving that Anderson has been working on for a while now.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Junya Watanabe Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
Junya Watanabe’s aesthetic has always been played around the notion of classic menswear.
With his specific model casting and strong vision., also this season the Japanese designer collaborated with Carhartt, Levi’s, Karrimor and The North Face delivering garments played around the notion of heavy-duty clothing.
The jackets featuring the latter's backpack embedded at the back and cut-up all over with The North Face elements confirmed the subtle genius of this legendary designer.
There were beautiful oversized denim, Jackets that pointed at authenticity rather than a fashion exercise.
Junya Watanabe created a youthful collection but shown once again with grownup next-door-guy and often bearded models, outside of the usual male casting. His “legit way to wear workwear” as the show note mentioned.
Or we could say, his poetic ode to the “real” and to the “ordinary” versus this over-constructed fashion system
It’s a vision Junya Watanabe has been building since a while now and the beautiful collection displayed pieces that will easily find their way to the wardrobe of many
www.junwatanabe.jp
Fashion
Sacai Spring/Summer Menswear & Women's Pre-Spring 2018
Chitose Abe's new collection for Sacai is a tribute to the duality of genders, the investigation in terms of Men/Women clothing. This season the show was featuring men’s Spring Summer together with Pre-Spring Womenswear.
As the models walked in squads, there was a strong sense of group, of subtle genderless interpretations.
Like the beautiful Menswear checked looks entering the spectacular venue of Cité de la Musique together with their female counterparts. Oversized sporty for him, layered - at a time short - dress for her.
Abe's playing with different elements between the formal and the sporty, the sculptural and the sleek almost in an ode to freedom at its core.
There was a lot of that deconstructed and cut-ups from Abe’s DNA. But also a new streetwear simplicity declined for both sexes. Oversized, sculptural jackets with fringes hinting to Western Americana with sculptural bell sleeves for her or a sporty silhouette for him. The beautiful declinations of checked looks, a signature pattern for Sacai’s vision, were the most outstanding in terms of layering and transparencies play. The collaboration with pioneer conceptual artist Lawrence Weiner and his typographic artwork was another take in terms of that freedom of expression Chitose Abe reaffirmed looks after look.
“STATIS AS ON VECTOR ALL IN DUE COURSE”, featured almost as graphical pattern on full looks in black over white and vice versa felt minimal but once again provocative.
www.sacai.jp
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
A nomadic traveller. A wanderlust of island-hopping. Scuba zips, Aloha shirts in contrast with relaxed tailoring and fluid outwear as the modern trekking expert would oblige.
Kim Jones delivers a fresh and relaxed collection where sportswear and suiting play a dual identity game in an archipelago of declinations.
Fabrics as lightweight as modern. A paper-thin lambskin leather bonded with neoprene scuba parka floating in the heat-wave of the Palais Royal’s Jardin on the notes of the exclusive soundtrack composed by Drake for the collection.
As the new colours of the signature Monogram are introduced in the shade of blue: Pacific, a cobalt shade of blue, and Reflect, with its reflective finish is naturally recalling high-impact sport.
The sportswear theme is crucial in Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2018. Kim Jones plays with these elements in terms of colours, texture, and shapes. It is a playful and relaxed spirit pervading the entire collection – the Hawaii inspired floral patterns on silk organza for a short sleeved shirt layered on top of a tee with a matching print, intarsia knits of exotic foliage. The island as inspiration but also as state of mind.
The island as inspiration but also as state of mind.
Earth colours contrasting neon shades, the discovering of nature and the adventure of pushing the limits. The clogs sandals mixed with hiking boots bring a further staple items in Louis Vuitton fresh and sophisticated collection
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Wood Wood Spring/Summer 2018
Wood Wood takes a trip to the Italian province of Campania for its Spring Summer 2018 collection. The Italian coastlines have provided many a designer with tons of inspiration in the past and continue to do so regularly: steep mountains rise from the Tyrrhenian Sea and rugged sceneries intermingle with country landscapes giving birth to this season’s colour palette.
While journeying through the picturesque island of Capri the designers were greeted by the incomparable carefree and comfortable way of local life. It wasn’t long before they were infatuated; could it have been the food, the wine or the late night dinners? It could have well been all of the above, elements that compose that general feeling of Mondanità that we so lack nowadays.
Vintage signs and powerful quotes from noted Italians such as Federico Fellini and Ettore Sottsass, manifest themselves in the print stories and graphics of the Spring Sumer 2018 collection that harken back to Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley”.
For Wood Wood’s Mondano collection, Italian stlye and bright colours intermingle, creating a fresh and optimistic offering that stays loyal to the brand’s attitude. Streetwear is mixed with contemporary detailing and performance styling. Formal suiting is blended with contemporary sports and streetwear codes in a bright and optimistic colour palette dominated by bright reds, yellos, deep green, orange and grounded by the addition of beige and brown.
Fashion
Prada Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
Remaining faithful to her eclectic style that has the ability to transform everything, from the most mundane to the most regal, into high fashion, Miuccia Prada turned her gaze to comic books for her Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear collection. You may be thinking of oversized capes a la Superman billowing in the wind but there was none of that!
“On one side there’s virtual reality and on the other the reality of the human part” said Miuccia Prada backstage justifying this season’s inspirations and how these shaped the sporty and streamlined collection presented in a space lined with oversize comic book graphics complete with a light beam-shooting Prada spaceship and speedy steam trains.
Even though comic books may deal at times with the realm of the fantastical, the sci-fi and the bizarre, for Miuccia Prada, it was a different quality they possess that propelled her to utilise them as the central theme of both her collection and runway décor. “They are hand-drawn, human, simple and real”, she said. Need we say more? Shirts with ample shoulders in red or black nylon and sleeves rolled up high, fanny packs and popped collars once reserved to the frat-boy look get the Prada seal of approval this season. Silhouettes were super cinched-in at the waist, a pattern visible throughout many ensembles.
Elsewhere, high technical knit socks were paired with short shorts in bright red or cool, steely grey as if harking back to something that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a 1970s baseball court. Steering away from such a literal interpretation, however, Prada paired the micro shorts with pointed oxfords – there was no Chuck Taylor All Star in sight. For those less keen on showing off their pins, enter the jumpsuit proposed by the iconic fashion house in navy or black, a clear continuation of the utilitarian dressing trend.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Palm Angels Spring/Summer 2018
The starting point for any creation, whether this refers to fashion, art or any other medium of expression, is a clear and defined point of view. The rest will inevitably follow suit. Palm Angels’ artistic director Francesco Ragazzi brought that to the table in abundance for the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
LA's skater culture is reinterpreted through Ragazzi’s Italian frame of mind, highlighting its laissez faire attitude and the idea of a life lived according to ones individual rulebook. Palm Angels stems from that same appreciation for American cultures and subcultures as it merges an appreciation for sartorial codes and a penchant for clothes being utilised as identity tropes and zeitgeist signifiers.
The Spring/Summer 2018 collection is entitled Black Sun and it pays homage to yet another enduring American subculture: surfing. Bold silhouettes and pragmatic forms are visible in the offering of parkas, duster coats, field jackets and boxy shirts that walked the runway in Milan Fashion Week. Boarding shorts, miniskirts and scuba suits were not neglected either.
Presented with the addition of functional details such as drawstrings and dangling straps, the collection also featured hints of formality in the shape of a tailored blazer that veered off the beaten path to the office and ended up beachside.
In a palette of red, black, orange, sand and grey with sun-faded effects that afford it a disobedient tone, Palm Angels’ sporty physicality acts as the link between the men’s and women’s collection.
www.store.palmangels.com
Fashion
Versace Spring/Sumer 2018 Menswear
Passion for the craft of fashion is something that runs deeps at Versace. Hate it or love it, it’s a fact that the roots of the Maison’s values run deep and are intrinsically connected to family. As this year marks the 20th anniversary of Gianni Versace’s tragic death, it may come as no surprise that this collection was partly a homage to Gianni himself, a fresher take on the codes that cemented him as a household name in fashion.
Pinstripes are refreshed and remixed with stong-shouldered tailoring or shirts where pinstripes are made to contrast and clash with one another. Powerful prints were added to the mix this season: the utility of a tech blouson is contrasted with the romantic “Balletto” print while the “Angelo” print that appears on a sharp quilted bomber. Elsewhere, a classic Versace logo looks totally new, embroidered in white stitches on a baby blue or pale pink T-shirt, worn with matching straight leg jeans.
The menswear offering was accompanied by a special womenswear capsule collection designed and presented entirely to complement the men’s. Chock-full of pinstripes, cut-and-clashed prints and rich embroideries the models strutted down the catwalk with black headbands reminiscent of Gianni’s last couture show.
"This collection is like a homecoming. It's about the passions that define Versace, the complexity of men, the energy of today," said Donatella Versace.
www.versace.com
Art
Fendi pays homage to Rome with Giuseppe Penone's Foglie di Pietra
Following Giuseppe Penone’s Matrice exhibition hosted at Fendi’s headquarters in Rome’s Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, Fendi installs a new site specific artwork by the artist entitled Foglie di Pietra in Largo Goldoni. Thus, FENDI renews and highlights its undying bond with Rome by gifting the city and its people important artwork from one of the most celebrated contemporary sculptors.
Foglie di Petra (Leaves of Stone, 2016) is one of Penone’s most complex artworks: two tall bronze trees standing at 18 and 9 metres respectively, interlace their branches five metres above an 11-tonne sculpted marble rock. Archaeology and ruins, history and biology are intertwined with one another bringing attention to the permanent bond between nature and culture. A celebration of a deep synthesis between the flowing of natural and human time through a longing and romantic nostalgia for lost civilisations.
Through virtuous use of precious materials such as bronze and marble, Penone’s Foglie di Petra recalls the illusionism and marvel of Roman Baroque, while the fragments and the ruins inserted in the sculpture’s branches harken back to the Classic and Medieval era. What’s more, the artwork is the first oeuvre of a contemporary artist to be permanently installed in Rome’s public spaces and is bound to become a symbol of the identity of an ever-changing city that remains steadfastly linked to its historical roots.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Ermenegildo Zegna launches Bespoke Atelier
March 15th 2017, marks a pivotal stage for Ermenegildo Zegna, as it announces the opening of the first Bespoke Atelier. The space is dedicated to the label’s bespoke service and is locate at the top floor of the Zegna building in Milan’s renowned via Montenapoleone.
The stand-alone project revolves around the idea of intimate elegance with a distinctly Milanese feel and treats its bespoke services with a precise ritual. The experience begins right at the entrance where clients are welcomed by a valet and ushered in the Atelier which is conceived to comply with aesthetics and functionality of traditional tailoring ateliers: an apartment cum workshop with the public and working areas connected yet separable.
The large space is furnished with both vintage and new pieces as well as pieces that hark back to Zegna’s very own history. Warmth and charm intermingle with a domestic feel making this a truly unique tailoring experience that strengthens the dialogue between the Milanese brand and its customer base of men of discerning taste who aim to have their wardrobe made according tot heir own desires, demands and lifestyles.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2017
Describing Alexander McQueen Fall Winter 2017 as romantic and ethereal would certainly be an understatement.
Inspired by the fascinating tales of Celtic traditions like the Cloutie wells and the medieval tales of King Arthur, the collection recalls the beauty of the shores in Cornwall, its magic ancient rituals and enchanting stories.
Knit and washed leather dresses are pierced with trailing of coloured lacing in silk, resembling the tradition of fastening a strip of cloth on a tree as votive offering, the wishing tree.
This long and feminine silhouettes underlining the female body recall the English mediaeval soft dressing as found in 16th and 17th century art depicting the beautiful tragic stories of Lady of Shallot and Queen Guinevere.
Sarah Burton gives us a full vocabulary of spectacular fabrics, embroideries, finishes, enabling us to dream about the rich landscape of myths and cultures of Cornwall. It’s as we could see the wind blowing on its coast, the ribbons and the hypnotic vision of million of threads floating in name of life.
A tweed interlaced with bright coloured twisted yarns and chiffon stripes of fuchsia, crimson and green. The medieval-inspired needlework cross-stitching embroidered on the fluent dresses and finished with silk trailing threads, floating around as the body moves: wildlife, witches rituals, letters, and even the date of birth of Lee McQueen.
It is a touching collection, youthful and powerful. The last sequence of evening dresses in silk tulles with an overwhelming embroidery work, glass beads, stones, fringes, loose thread and the house favourite feathers, give the final emotional blow for this magic collection
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
Mugler Fall/Winter 2017
Natasha Poli storming the catwalk in a blue patent leather blazer with arched shoulders and slim pantsuit. The atmosphere was fierce and as the models powerfully marched in one after the other, the message that creative director David Koma surely had in mind was clear: effortless and daring, Mugler’s woman will not be unnoticed.
Don’t be mistaken: this is a powerful and confident woman who will embrace her body, in all the declinations, with no fear.
David Koma created a collection constellated mainly with evening looks. Vertiginous minidresses with cut-out star details at the bottom hemline or embroidered on the bodice, hourglass silhouettes with pleated lamé in acid green and electric blue, a long white gown with pleated contrast silver lamé. But also power suits with sharp sculptural shoulders in contrasting colours, pants-blazer combo in white, silver, black.
The last look, a dress deconstructing the idea of a smoking suit into an evening gown, said it all: Koma is in search of reinventing the house codes, keeping the identity of this iconic brand strong.
www.mugler.com
Fashion
UNDERCOVER Fall/Winter 2017
The Faun, the nomads, the young rebels. But also the aristocracy and new gracious creatures. Jun Takahashi’s imaginary world for Undercover Fall Winter 2017 had the feeling of a long distant fairy tale fostering castles and princesses with gargantuan costumes and an ethereal atmosphere.
Like voices from afar, whispering a secret message, the sound of wind chimes as hung to push the spirits away, turning at the very end in a mesmerizing voice, singing on an incredible piano melody. Radiohead Thom Yorke’s fantasy, created ad oc for the show, was the perfect stage for Takahashi’s Utopia.
It was not just a spectacle. It was a beautiful collection where the clothes stood strong, masterly styled, layered and carefully balanced. Knitwear in long dresses, tunics and sculptural coats as out from Coppola’s brash “Marie Antoinette”. Fur trimmed puffa jackets and long velvet skirts. Sweatshirts with metal studs, embroidered with unicorns and insects. A beautiful crimson red, moss green, shades of cerulean blue and a bold yellow, painted this beautiful story. A story of humanity itself. The platform shoes and boots, reminiscent of the faun’s goat legs pushed this narrative image even further, in an enchanting atmosphere.
The Undercover show was a breeze of fresh air during a fashion week heavily politicised.
www.undercoverism.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2017: Forging Frontiers
Nicolas Ghesquière had one goal in mind for his Fall/Winter 2017 collection as head of Louis Vuitton – pushing boundaries like the legendary French fashion house has been doing since its 1854 beginnings. Frontiers are meant to be broken down and Louis Vuitton has been at the forefront of innovation, know-how, design and travel, all elements that set it apart from its counterparts are continue to characterise its offerings every season.
Ghesquière wanted to re-create that very sense of boundarylessness that doubled as more of a directional seasonal messages rather that an array of options for city living. This was an evocation of the nomadic, where the city blends with distant landscapes, the masculine blurs with the feminine and Louis Vuitton heritage meets a thirst for the future. A new play of stylistic lines emerges: great American sportswear classics and Slavic accents, inspirations from fashions of the past translated into the world of today, urban classics fused with the magnetic pull of folklore.
This may come as no surprise but beautifully-treated leather was central to this collection: super polished or crackled giving the impression of age and wear. What was perhaps more noteworthy is the attention that designer paid to fur this season. Short-sleeved, patch-worked jackets were paired with relaxed, cropped flares but could up the ante when thrown over an evening dress.
Ghesquière's evening wear offering moved away from last season's dramatic naked dresses. He opted instead for knee-length slip dresses with elaborate pleats, lace insets, sheer details and fabrics with clashing prints in an attempt to infuse the collection with an easy-going, laid-back attitude.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
UGG is REAL
A new global marketing Spring/Summer 2017 campaign has been launched by UGG to break down stereotypes.
Aptly titled “REAL” and bearer of a strong message, the campaign features a collective of authentic Californian artists, musicians, surfers, creatives and eccentrics that in their provocative, progressive and free spirited attitudes mirror the core values of the Californian fashion apparel.
Inspired by the beaches, mountains and iconic architecture of California, the stories of Tasya, the songs of Warm Brew, the trips of Colleen and many others will mix together to give birth to a whole contemporary romance where diversity is the main splendid character.
www.ugg.com
Fashion
Philipp Plein Autumn/Winter 2017
Brooklyn-born rap and hip hop artist Nas, opened Phillip Plein's Autumn/Winter 2017 fashion show in the iconic New York Public Library. The show was a personal love letter to the city's neighbourhoods and the diversity that characterises them, highlighting their ability to shape and define an identity. From the Bronx and Chelsea to Queens and the Upper East side, every area has something to offer.
“Neighbourhood Kings” was emblazoned across the collections' garments – it does not matter where you come from, for Philipp Plein, you are the king of your own hood. A diverse cast of personalities and models – including rappers Desiigner and Fetty Wap - strutted down the runway as The Kills performed an electrifying live set.
Music, style, gender and race all had their say in this collection that did not distinguish between men's and womenswear: the girls wear boy's T-shirts and oversized hoodies while the boy's were styles in women's jackets and dresses. Streetwear and couture are also fused together: an embroidered evening dress was paired with a bomber jacket, there was an intarsia mink coat worn with a hoodie and thigh-high sneakers marched alongside heeled boots. Catering to self-expression and their own personal sense of style, the collection's strength lies in its bid to highlight individuality.
But Plein's ode to the Big Apple did end there: the prints also tell a tale of New York. Symbols from dollar pill comprise the print of a hooded fur coat, the Statue of Liberty and FBI (“Fashion Beyond Imagination” patches decorate sweaters and bombers. Floor-length puffer coats and snakeskin jackets are transformed into urban armour thanks to metallic details and the addition of studs.
www.philipp-plein.com
Fashion
Woolrich Re-imagines Men's Outerwear
Woolrich continues its long-standing tradition in conceiving and manufacturing technical outerwear of exceptional quality, a tradition born in the late 70s that has continued to be well-received by avid mountaineers.
The brand is relaunching its Mountain Jacket, one of the first examples of technical outerwear that ushered in the expansion of men's outdoor clothing in order to cater to the requirements of outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping and cycling. Designed with functional elements that suit the requirements of such activities, Woolrich's latest edition of the Mountain Jacket strikes the perfect balance between style and function thus also catering to the more aesthetically driven consumer.
A more contemporary style is brought to the fore ensuring maximum freedom of movement, comfort and warmth with its form-fitting cut, adjustable cuffs and ergonomic style. Gore-tex®'s lightest fabric, the Paclite, guarantees the best performance. Despite the air of innovation that characterises the latest jackets, the brand loyally adheres to the design elements of the late 70s that proved so successful in the past.
With a perfectly breathable waterproof Gore-tex® layer beneath the traditional durable and water repellent outer layer, the Mountain Jacket has proved itself to be a perfect companion for adventures in nature.
www.woolrich.eu
Fashion
JUUN.J Fall/Winter 2017
As the models stormed inside Universite Rene Decartes’s suggestive neoclassic space, and the fluid body of Juun J’s work floated around, we caught the power of history. The history of this brand evolved within the last ten years into an acclaimed fashion forward entity. for this celebratory collection Juun J - in name of a decade spent imagining the future of his eponymous label - choose the emblematic subtitle: “Archive”.
Oversized long sweaters, heavy, massive, almost suffocating in all their fierce presence. The architectural outwear, the brand's signature trench coat and the MA1 bomber jacket. All the iconic pieces of Juun J’s past collections, in a splendid parade, as an ode to this Korean designer who has influenced the wardrobe of boys and girls in recent years. The girl who has been wearing Juun J forever and who got a special place in the future course: the new Juun J will have from now on feature a Womenswear collection.
And so the oversized cargo pants transformed into high waist long skirts with maxi pockets on the hips and slits on both sides which will be a hot piece for next season. Khaki, military green, black, white and pin-striped blue: the palette focused on the brand’s favoured colours. The large parachute hooded outwear with a myriad of swinging straps were certainly the protagonists, underlined in the closing act when all the possible declinations marched in, as if to suggest the impetuous movement and space of Juun J in the upcoming decade.
www.juunj.com
Fashion
Paul Smith Menswear Fall/Winter 2017
Paul Smith is one of the few brands that gives you the feeling of security, of home and the certainty of effortless style.
With its timeless tailoring, the classic yet fun twistS in textiles and cuts, for his Fall/Winter 2017 Sir Paul Smith presented Menswear and Womenswear together. It was a storm of several declinations of what it could be Paul Smith now, and how any person, especially young, could sport it. Lush checked classic English fabrics, for men and women, silk dresses both in solid colours and printed with hundreds of feathers as taken from a XIX century treatise on naturalia.
Paul Smith with his masterly style showed us how we can wear a shearling short jacket over a suit. Or how a woman can sport a deep blue velvet suit and look so sexy. Coral, blue, green, khaki, grey: a colourful palette true to the brand’s signature identity. We particularly loved the relaxed blazer suits – womens’ were long, below the hips - and the coats over them, for him and her, a full dive into that Smith heritage of effortless elegance.
www.paulsmith.co.uk
Fashion
Esther Perbandt's androgynous Fall/Winter 2017 collection
Perbandt's anti-cyclical collection for the colder seasons featured visionary garments that play with the slightest of contrast between black and white and gender. The designer is famous for touching upon human limitations delicately, forgetting about diversity and giving birth to a brand that strikes the perfect balance between androgyny and independence.
Esther Perbandt has been internationally recognised for her trademark stage productions. The Fall/Winter 2017 show only reinforced her status with a veritably unconventional yet sophisticated event that attracted celebrities from around the globe as well as personalities from the world of design, art and fashion; collectively they paid homage to a powerful production.
www.estherperbandt.com
Fashion
GmbH Fall/Winter 2017: When a thought becomes you
In a Society of Limitations where people are together yet alone, GmbH addresses the situation with an inclusive Fall/Winter 2017 collection dedicated to different shapes, gestures and manners.
The collection paired fashion with sustainability featuring bi-colour cropped GmbH biker jackets reworked from recycled, reversible Helly Hansen puffer coats, cropped jersey hoodies and fine knit athletic bodies of partially recycled fibres. A shot of glamour is given by tight lycra and velvet long-sleeved jumpers in a color palette inspired by artist Alexandra Bircken. Moreover traditional carpenter’s guild trousers and gold embroideries enrich the outfits for an even more personal touch.
As GmbH declared: “These are directives for care and wear, eine wahre Geschichte, eine Warengeschichte, a true story a history of wares.”
www.gmbhofficial.com
Fashion
Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2017
Thousands of little flags suspended from the Grand Palais ceiling, as one of those summer festivals when the night breeze brush them gently. The coloured lights illuminating the room mimicking the stage reflectors of any hard rock concert we have attended in our teens.
When the Depeche Mode lyrics started to play and the lights went up revealing the cardboard boxes and “HARDIOR” packing tape paving the regal space, it all came together.
Kris Van Assche channelled his childhood memories in 90s Antwerp clubs, the music, the parties, creating an electrifying collection that explored not only the new course of Dior Homme after 10 years at its reigns but also the possible declination of modern tailoring.
Van Assche designed the suit for the young man, a dialogue between the cool boy party animal and formal clothing. Close fit blazer revealing baste stitching matched with relaxed loose high waist trousers worn with trainers and white socks. Winking to street-wear.
A sweater with the clustered image of monsieur Christian Dior himself - whose birthday was surprisingly the day of the show - and the sentence written right below “They should just let us rave” turned quickly the attention to a more rebellious side of Van Assche: the gothic sweeping floor length capes and teddy bear chain trousers, the hand painted short fur bomber jackets, the aquamarine jumpers and the orange pony double breasted trench coat.
The Belgian designer picked the candy boys, the gabba, the new wave and the mosch pits at raves as his references. The latter, illustrated by the hand of American artist Dan Witz and printed in few closing looks - like the intricate reverse sequins suit - gave a poignant accent to the whole collection.
Dior Homme is beautifully evolving into a strong luxury fashion brand and as the light goes down we can’t help but be excited, like the post feeling of any great concert.
www.dior.com
Fashion
PORTS 1961 LOVERS ARMY
PORTS 1961 Fall/Winter 2017 collection is all about love and its universal meaning. A collection that is minimalist and gives off a younger appeal than past seasons, will definitely warm your wardrobe and your heart.
The Ports 1961 man is ready to face whatever the day has in store. From protective sports clothing inspired by urban workwear to construction suits. Materials are primarily sober, solid and thick, giving a touch of virility to a pretty chic sportswear collection. In the contrasting palette of black, grey, red and orange, reversible bombers, slit sleeves’ coats, studded blousons and piped trousers are just a bite of this collection that sees heart and love all over it.
Details are what bring this collection its tempo – camouflage prints adored by Milan Vukmirovic are reworked and the quintessential white shirt is embellished with a blood red embroidered heart.
www.ports1961.com
Fashion
FENDI Spring/Summer 2017: it it girls in a pink pink world
Sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid are undoubtedly a winning model duo in this day and age. For Fendi's Spring/Summer 2017 campaign the Hadid siblings join forces with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti to bring the brand's latest collection to life.
Set in a Parisian apartment, Karl Lagerfeld created a pastel-coloured world with floral wallpapers, infusing a fresh, young campaign with a delicate touch. Bella, Gigi and Vittoria reflect the brand's proposed shabby chic aesthetic while paying homage to Fendi's DNA in an ultra feminine way.
Fendi's Peeakaboo, Dotcom and Strap You bags are given candy-coloured makeovers, further enhancing their status as must-have accessories for the summer season. Fun fur details transform these into the perfect companions for these contemporary Marie Antoinettes.
The intimate, romantic and magical atmosphere created is made current with the addition of an edgy, sporty twist. Classic, yet current and so very Fendi.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Invictus and Olympéa Intense: Paco Rabanne’s divine fragrances
Radical, free, avant-garde. These codes are at the core of Paco Rabanne both in fashion and scents. Invictus and Olympéa Intense are the ultimate unconventional and open to fantasy scents representing two exceptional figures that together create an explosive encounter.
Invictus is man in all his force, robustly pure and athletic. It plays on the shock between blazing amber woods and a marine “salty skin” accord, in a woody-fresh wake. Green-aromatic laurel leaf and orange blossom electrified by notes of black pepper are added to give an intensified, sensual effect. The bottle, dark and sculptural, represents what the Invictus man is all about: an infallible hero who never gives in, a God on earth.
Olympéa empowers women by taking sensuality up a notch. Salty vanilla wrapped up in cashmere wood is at the base of the scent enriched by a duel in which opposites attract. On one side a floral pulse given by white pepper, orange flower and grapefruit blossom. On the other, the warmth of white amber and cedar wood. A glass circular bottle in metal colors represents the perfect construction between geometrical strength and curves, embodying the sacred female of Olympéa, the divine queen.
www.pacorabanne.com
Fashion
Nike Air Max 97: the Silver side of Italians
As the homeland of prêt-à-porter, Italy has always introduced new ways of fashion appreciation that we've all emulated at some point or another. Nike's 'La Silver' sneaker has been, and remains to this day, a strong example of this very concept.
When this sneaker made its first appearance in the fashion market in 1997, it failed to capture the hearts of fashion-forward Italians. It was snubbed, regarded as ugly, weird, otherworldly even. For others, those were La Silver's winning characteristics, making this model the star of 20th century footwear trends in Italy.
For a decade, its ostentatious shine and sleek lines made it a staple in many young Italians' Christmas wish lists. As a symbol of Italian gabber dancing culture and futurism, this sneaker was offered in colour variations that never went unnoticed. It wasn't long before La Silver had snuck its way into the hearts and wardrobes of both fashion addicts and proponents of a more 'chav chic' aesthetic.
Straight out of its homeland, “La Silver” by Nike is back on the market after 20 years. This makes us wonder: is this a new icon for this generation or a mere throwback for those who were there from the start?
www.nike.com
Fashion
DIESEL creates ALRITE: the timeless watch that takes art to the street
To do good and in an innovative way has always been considered one of Diesel's mottos. This winter and in collaboration with Fossil, the Italian brand has undoubtedly hit its target with its latest project: the Diesel ALRITE timepieces.
Cut out from 150 square meters of original artwork by Rostarr, who collaborated in the design of this accessory, ALRITE is literally a work of art that endures the passage of time while paying homage to both art and Diesel’s DNA.
The 555 pieces that make up this Limited edition collection are completely unique and each different from one another, making for one-of-a-kind watches. This feeling of exclusivity is exactly what this hand-wrapped genuine leathers watch brings to the wearer by intertwining the aspects of time and timelessness.
Moreover Diesel ALRITE teams up with Sotheby’s to reinforce the message of not only bringing art back, but also doing so for a good cause. Three pieces from this unique collection will be auctioned via e-bay for charity. Funds will be donated to the Only The Brave Foundation that has been working with Diesel for many years to fight against social inequality and working on sustainable development across the world.
“Create products that draw the line between pragmatic and fashion forward” this mission has been definitely brought to life.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
KENZO X EASTPAK…and CHARITY
Once again the iconic Padded Pak’r® backpack by Eastpak will serve as the “carte blanche” given to a selection of the world’s most influential designers to create a unique work of art.
When it comes to creativity and eccentricity, Kenzo, one of the brands participating in Eastpak’s Artist Studio competition along with Giambattista Valli and Vêtements, never disappoints giving birth to a “never-seen-before” piece. Humberto Leon and Carol Lim’s prints trimmed with a tiger claw key holder and a graphic Kenzo towel and hat, were assembled in a collage that not only twins Eastpak and Kenzo, but fashion and charity too.
The collection, comprised of one-off creations from each designer will drop on the 1st of December, World AIDS day. And for a good cause too: all proceeds go to the Designers Against AIDS organization to raise awareness, even among fashion victims, for HIV/AIDS.
www.kenzo.com
Fashion
Bulgari X Save the Children
November 20th is World Children’s Day.
It is a day of celebration but also one to remember all those children who do not get to enjoy a normal childhood, full of love and safety and boundless possibilities. Jewelry Giant Bulgari has used its power and impact in a meaningful way, to raise awareness as well as funds for revered humanitarian organization Save the Children. The two have been partnering for 15 years to help children around the world through the sale of a dedicated jewelry collection which has provided donations of more than 105 million us dollars. Since its inception this ambitious partnership has reached over two million children in 37 countries, giving access to quality education, emergency aid, youth support and joining the global fight against poverty. To commemorate this momentous occasion of 15 years of collaboration, Bulgari has released a new necklace for their Save the Children Collection. Inspired by the iconic Bulgari B.zero1 collection this necklace made from sterling silver is both an exciting piece to add to your collection as well as a valuable investment into helping children around the world. It consists of the iconic pendant modeled after the colosseum and creates an intriguing blend between rounded edges and edgy metal rivets making it the perfect conversation piece. Each necklace supports Save The Children with 95 euros, definitely a cause to shop for!
www.bulgari.com
Art
PAN Amsterdam 2024 – Opening the Treasure Trove of the Dutch Art World
PAN Amsterdam is returning for its 37th exhibition!
The Netherland's leading fair in art, antiques and design with more than 45.000 visitors each year is happening again. The especially exciting edition coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary and gives a peek behind the curtain of the history and present of this heart of culture throughout time. Taking place from November 24th until December 1st this hotspot for the state of art in the Dutch sphere should not be missed. Boasting 125 participating antique dealers, art dealers and galleries, this event invites visitors to immerse themselves into the world of art and curiosities. From Bob Bonies to Damien Hirst, from Jan Cremer to Karel Appel and From Reigning Queens to 18th century silver, everything you could desire can be found accessible in the RAI exhibition center. This edition put a special focus on platforming new and emerging talents in addition to historical artifacts and the stars of the art world, to give an accurate and invigorating look at art today.
The artistic treasure trove is complemented by lectures and talks on various topics. The 40 panels throughout the week range from arts and kids, introducing young children to art through play, to her-story, a critical exploration into the forgotten women of the art world. From a deep dive into Amsterdam as a cultural center throughout history – fit for the city’s 750th anniversary – to traveling as inspiration in art there is something for everyone and every taste.
For those who not only seek to look but also to buy, PAN offers a guarantee of authenticity as each piece has been vetted by a team of 80 independent judges.
www.pan.nl
Fashion
Ten C Collaborating with Diemme - the New Anterselva
In October 2024 Diemme and Ten C announced the launch of their second footwear capsule collection, after the grand success of the first time they joined creative forces. The collaboration stands at the meeting point of Italian artisan tradition of Diemme and the functional and highly innovative approach of Ten C.
The new Anterselva – owing its name to the grand alpine lake located in the province of Bolzano – consolidating urban style and outdoor activity in one design. A version of the iconic and timeless Rosset model, with its characteristic robust aesthetic, typical of mountain footwear. The shoe appears minimalist, while maintaining its trekking functionality. Clean design, in neutral colors meets urban elegance - fully in line with Ten C’s aesthetic codes. The combination of highest quality Italian leather and Original Japanese Jersey, in accordance with the DNA of both brands, with longstanding heritage of an effort to ensure designs with great attention to craftsmanship – completely made in Italy.
The Anterselva is a unisex model. The design is presented in three colors, namely, beige, black and forest green. Anterselva boot is distributed in 45 boutiques worldwide and available on the e-shops of both brands.
tenc.com
diemme.com
Travel
Park am See Nattika – Relaxation at Your Doorstep
Hotel Park am See at the Western shore of the Tollensee in Mecklenburg Vorprommern has joined forces with Nattika Ayurveda to offer true relaxation only a stone throw away from the everyday. This collaboration is bringing authentic ayurvedic treatments to Germany, allowing you to find inner peace and calm without having to engage in a long and costly journey. This century old knowledge is brought by Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort from Kerala, India which has been a hotspot for traditional treatments and retreats that are both open to people newly exploring its benefits and deeply rooted in the actual culture and history behind it. The Park am See Nattika is utilizing these principles not just through treatments such as massages, detoxes and yoga but also through culinary explorations, created by a talented chef specializing in ayurvedic cuisine which strengthens the body’s immune system. Guests are also able to take classes and learn these skills for themselves, to be a bit more centered and ready to take on challenges back at home. The rooms are outfitted to allow for a variety of durations of stay, from a quick weekend retreat to a longer journey of health and wellness, there is something for everyone. Blending together beautiful old German aesthetics and seemingly untouched nature with top of the line ayurvedic treatments – Hotel Park am See Nattika is a new oasis.
www.parkamseenattika.com
Art
Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades at Design Miami.Paris 2024
Louis Vuitton proudly declares the presentation of ‘Objets Nomades’ for Design Miami.Paris, starting from today. The novel exhibition, an homage to the Objets Nomades collection and the Maison’s established creative collaboration with Estúdio Campana, with the design studio celebrating 40 years of their creative endeavor in 2024.
The exhibition unveils a Louis Vuitton apartment and commemorates the Brazilian design duo’s – Estúdio Campana’s work. The pieces, envisioned by the most renowned international designers since 2012, have been inspired by the transformative beauty and power lying in the art of travel.
The Objets Nomades, designed by Estùdio Campana, in all their artistic magnificence, showcasing excellent craftsmanship, masterful application of color and materials of the finest quality. All throughout visible – the red thread of Louis Vuitton’s heritage. Even the Monogram canvas of 1896 – inspired by the Orientalist designs of the Victorian period – reflects a deep curiosity and magnetic attraction to cultural diversity, as fueling the designer’s process of creating, states Humberto Campana.
Above all, the collaboration between the Maison and Estúdio Campana is based on a common understanding – a bold approach to art and design. A collective resolve to depart from the well-trodden paths of others, stepping beyond the confines of comfort to chart unexplored territories.
The exhibition will be held at LV Dream, as part of Design Miami.Paris, from the 16th to 20th of October 2024, from 11 AM to 8 PM. Information and booking: LV DREAM | LOUIS VUITTON
Art
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 Special Edition - An Homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat
Paying tribute to one of the most relevant artists of our time, Don Pérignon presents the limited special edition of it's Vintage 2015, in homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Dom Pérignon’s self assigned creative mission has always been one of achieving harmony as a source of emotion, through their devotion to aesthetic and sensory values of precision, intensity, tactile sensation, minerality, complexity, completeness and an exceptionally distinctive way of sustaining notes. The brand’s vision is one of staying true to heritage, while adapting to the change of tides in the surrounding world. Basquiat, having been a lover of French unique excellence, has always managed to stay true to his conviction, that any form of artistic creation should be understood as an invitation for playful, albeit passionate, engagement with constraints.
Two legends, separated by time and space, yet, each of them, embodying the cultural spirit of their respective eras, coming together in perfect fusion in this most suitable collaboration. An alchemy between creativity and innovation, continuing the red thread of Don Pérignon’s nearly three decade long history of collaborating with inspiring artists and creators.
The series includes three different bottles, with each of the bottles exhibiting a part of Basquiat’s painting ‘In Italian’ (1983). The sensitive design is in line with the principle of assemblage, dear to both Dom Pérignon and Basquiat. The label on the bottles, in three color variants, depicts the hybrid emblem of the three-branched crown, Basquiat’s statement and signature, superimposed on the shield. A powerful seal to this tribute.
domperignon.com/de
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2025 PFW – Musings on the Suppleness of Structure
How to reconcile two antagonists, softness and power?
This is a question the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2025 collection ponders at Paris Fashion Week. It comments on the soft power of French fashion as a shaping of culture as well as muses on the ways there can be power in softness and vice versa. The 2025 collection appears to be in constant movement creating contrasts from look to look but also within each one individually.
The show begins with structured jackets with large puffed sleeves reminiscent of the Renaissance in which Nicolas Ghesquière found inspiration for this collection. While the shape is historically inspired the fabrics and pairings are modern to a tee. With classic French stripes and paired with biker shorts, to create a look that seems like it should not work but does. Throughout the show there is a back and forth of this and softer less structured shapes with increasingly flowy and silky materials, you never know what to expect with the next outfit which builds the tension until the final looks.
The stars of the collection manage to combine both ideas into a harmonious yet exciting Grand Finale. Three unstructured jackets depicting paintings from artist Laurent Grasso’s Studies into the Past worn with glistening tassels on the bottom. These paintings combine modern celestial and atmospheric events with classic Renaissance painting style to result in a perfect mesh of the supposed contradictions of softness and power.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Christian Louboutin PFW Spring Summer 2025 - A Fashionable Dive
Inspired by the past, envisioned for the future. These are the vibes that the Christian Louboutin Paris Fashion Week show brings to the audience. In a collaboration with artistic director David LaChapelle and choreographer Blanca Li, the designer makes history with the creativity and authenticity he and his team present. Seemingly unusual at first glance, the visitors walked into Paris’ Piscine Molitor, where the French Olympic artistic swimming team was waiting to put on an unforgettable show.
Once a pool, the piscine turned into a catwalk the night of September 27th. Artistic swimmers parading on the sides of it in the new Miss Z pumps, playfully jumping into the bright colored water, and performing dance routines captivated the audience as the famous heels remained perfectly fixed on their feet. In a setting full of projections, lights, and aquatic ballet grace, one element was unmistakable: the red bottoms. After flowing down the giant pair of Christian Louboutin shoes turned into a slide and dancing around the centerpiece of the pool - a fountain meant to guide the performers in their act - the swimmers mysteriously disappear into the deepness of the water, leaving their Miss Z's floating as testimony of the brand's timelessness. Talking about the accumulation of factors that brought the "runway" to life, Christian Louboutin confesses “Something the three of us clearly have in common is our love for dance. Blanca made it her world, David some of his major art works, and me, I also started by designing shoes for dancers".
Dancing to the rhythm of LP's mix of pop, rock, indie and folk, the Olympic team wore metallic pumps that matched the bathing suits designed by Fifi Chachnil. Unapologetically bold and vibrant, the Spring Summer 2025 collection was introduced in this extraordinary moment that breaks the boundaries of fashion shows, celebrating the everlasting creativity of the French luxury brand.
www.christianlouboutin.com
Fashion
Chloé PFW Spring Summer 2025 - A Cure for Summer Nostalgia
Just when we thought summer was behind us, Chloé swoops in with the ultimate summer wardrobe, served up like a fashion feast on a silver platter. Soft, gracious, and joyful are the main attributes to describe the Spring Summer 2025, “The Freedom Collection”.
Chemena Kamali, Creative Director of the French House, designs a collection that explores the feeling of freedom, putting on a show that carries the legacy of Maison through the the complete fusion of elegance, ease, and modernity, showcasing fluid silhouettes, delicate fabrics, and a palette that captures the essence of a carefree summer. Faded by the sun, the pastel colors mix and match on the silhouettes, yet one remarkable pattern stands out: a print of hand painted roses and peonies, inspired by a 1977 art piece. The artistic director paints a perfect summer landscape, and her brushes are the fabrics, which outline the ethereal mood of joy and liberation, weaving together the essence of warmth and lightness – silk, lace, and cotton are combined to create an inviting embrace that celebrates freedom of movement. Accessories decorate what almost feels like elegant lingerie and with them, Kamali proves that layering is back in style: sea washed stones combined with broken shells, chains and charms creating a textural symphony that turns each outfit into a testament of sensuality.
The Chloé Summer 2025 show brought delicate simplicity to the catwalk for Paris Fashion Week, introducing new garments that continue to celebrate the brand’s timelessness, though adding an element of spontaneous joy to it.
www.chloe.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025 – An Homage to the Duality of Woman
The Saint Laurent Paris Fashion Week Summer 2025 collection is an homage to the quintessential Saint Laurent woman. One who is equally sophisticated and follows her instinctual desires. One who is a fully formed person beyond the seductive perfection of the classic muse. Every look shown in the Spring Summer 2025 collection is an homage to the women integral to Saint Laurent, and every look is named after one of these women, influential at different moments from the House’s foundation until today.
One aspect of the collection is a call back to classic Yves Saint Laurent: fluid suits and jackets over blazers. The other is a more opulent section full of skirts, echoing the works of painters cherished by the House’s founder. Both are of the same story, the same narrative, the same complex and confident woman that is muse to Saint Laurent and to us all. The looks are layered and gorgeously constructed. The fluid suits are oversized and equally vintage looking as they are distinctly contemporary reflections of modern women. The more opulent section involves jewel tones in various hues layered atop one another that seem to glow under the lights in a decadent rainbow of sorts.
The show’s backdrop is an impressive tribute to the house and all its complexities in and of itself. The backdrop is an evolution of the monumental sets of Creative director Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent. An appreciation of the dark penchants can be found through an oculus revealing the night sky. The decadent devotion to pleasure is commemorated through a tall golden frieze that basks the space in a warm glow of light. The striking blue floor is a nod to Yves’ iconic gardens in Marrakech, reminding us of the lasting narrative of the perfect duality of Saint Laurent.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Sportmax MFW Spring Summer 2025 – A Sculptural Dreamscape
Stripping away all that is excess can reveal the true beauty of things, and this could not be truer in the case of the Sportmax MFW Spring Summer 2025 collection. Presented in the vaulted alcoves of the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, the collection demonstrates a sense of simultaneous fluidity and sculpturality only achievable by true artisans.
Minimal embellishments and solid colors are used to put the pure focus on the draping and construction that inspires awe when in movement. Perfectly set layering and openings complement feminine curves and form a mesmerizing interplay with the body, forming a dialogue between garment and wearer. The location is an ideal background as the centennial sculptures seem to watch and approve of those walking down the runway. It ties Sportmax in with a long history of art and artisans – and rightfully so!
The monochromatic looks are like an eroded palate of mineral hues, with aquamarine, sand, citrine and ruby, each being prominently featured but in a very demure and understated way. This is complemented by tremendously chic looks in black and white, that are the pure essence of timeless style that continues to inspire.
www.sportmax.com
Fashion
Moët & Chandon – Game, Set and Match in Berlin
In honor of Maison Ambassador Roger Federer, Moët & Chandon hosted an exclusive, intimate celebration for the Laver Cup in Berlin, with a meticulously curated guest list of just 50 distinguished guests. The event was a masterclass in elegance and sophistication, reflecting the iconic champagne house’s dedication to excellence.
Among the invitees we also spot actors such as Tom Wlaschiha and Artjom Gilz, presenter Viviane Geppert, entrepreneur Anita Tillmann, and many more digital talents renowned for their contributions in media. Many of them had the chance of getting to know the famous tennis player Federer, while enjoying a glass of refined champagne and listening to DJ Eline Anne. The evening at the Moet & Chandon bar in Berlin offered an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, and payed tribute to the extraordinary sporting achievements of Roger Federer and the timeless prestige of the House.
www.lvmh.com
Fashion
La Double J at Milan Fashion Week – The Sisterhood of the Travelling Sound
Fashion has the potential to be a spiritual experience, and I am not talking about feeling blessed by the last piece in your size in a sample sale. The things we wear and the stuff we surround ourselves with have a tremendous impact on ourselves and our inner life.
So, La DoubleJ is inviting audiences at Milan Fashion Week to take a real step back from the chaos and take part in a spiritual journey unlike anything else. The Milan-based brands Spring collection is centered in an enormous sacred geometry installation created with local artist JoAnn Tan, at the stunning Centro Filologico in Milan. Yellow lines from floor to ceiling create a connection and make it feel like you step inside this place of wonder. The clothes are presented on mannequins as well as chicly hung on clothing racks and are in and of themselves a reason to smile. Colorful prints in understated, wearable cuts that seem like a joy to wear.
Unlike a traditional fashion show though, the fashion presented was merely an element of a five-hour sound energy bath guided by different practitioners. Audiences were invited to take part and become part of this community. And community is the key word, as this event also launched the new “the Sisterhood” program which offers members access to vibration raising digital practices and in-person experiences. The Sisterhood is led by eight big sisters, the inner circle of spiritual advisors, who function as energy-raising ambassadors and offer exclusive events to raise one’s vibration.
www.ladoublej.com
Fashion
Emporio Armani in Milan
The newly renovated Emporio Armani flagship store in Milan is an ode to the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Joining the rest of the Armani group locations – Emporio Armani Ristorante & Caffè, Nobu Milano, Armani Hotel, and the Privé club – the store reopens in the famous ‘A’ shaped building on Via Gastone Pisoni 1.
Recalling the first ever Emporio Armani store, Giorgio Armani says “The space soon became a key gathering point for Milanese locals and visitors alike. After all this time, I thought the moment had come to update the design, using new technology and opening the windows to emphasize the dialogue between inside and out”. In doing so, and respecting original structures, he collaborated with his team for a renovation that would reflect contemporary design and meet the sustainability standards that Emporio Armani has set. The use of LED screens on the ceiling, the transparent tables, and the LED video parallelepipeds confer the space a futuristic feel, creating a dynamic play of references to the themes of Armani collections. Additional details such as the carefully chosen materials – eco-resin and cement – and the neutral tones around the store provide visitors with a refined sense of elegance and sustainability, while the seamless integration of modern technology enhances the overall experience, reinforcing the brand's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
In its journey of becoming a leading brand in the sustainability area, Emporio Armani has begun the process of obtaining the highest level of LEED certification. Last, but not least, the team is using the renowned boutique as a method of promoting the “Milano Green Circle” project that involves the renaturalisation of the city and supporting the broader sustainability goals of the Armani Group.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Espace Munchen - Gregory Crewdson
In a series of international projects, Espace Louis Vuitton Munchen will present Gregory Crewdson’s work within the “Hors-les-murs” programme. Gregory Crewdson is an American photographer, best known for his dedication to unveil the true essence of the American middle-class to an audience which is blinded by the fantasy of the American dream.
Similar to film director David Lynch, Crewdson captures bizarre characters and scenes, using different techniques – sophisticated lighting and colors – for a more dramatic effect. Compared to his black and white “Hover” series (1996-1997) which resembles documentary photography of rural life, the “Dream House” series (2002) offers an insight into suburban life, yet the colors and attention to detail bring an uncanny and mysterious vibe. The latter features popular celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, in a collection of super-realist photographs that portray nocturnal settings with characters that almost seem hypnotized, in a constant trance that takes them to a world of loneliness and desperation. As such, his work keeps its viewers wondering about the boundaries between reality and illusion, leading them to question their own perception of “normal” and the hidden dimensions of everyday world.
Another notable series of Crewdson is “Cathedral of the Pines” (2013-2014), presenting images that resemble 19th century American and European paintings. Captured in surrounding forests, the 31 photographs invite viewers to let their imaginations run wild, interpreting each image in their own unique and authentic way.
Treating photographs like films, Crewdson finds a way to share his understanding of the American dream, as well as psychological issues. His work will be exhibited in Munchen from October 11th to February 22nd at Espace Louis Vuitton.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Unseen Photo Fair
From the 20th to the 22th of September, Unseen Photo Fair returns to Westergas for its twelfth edition. Dedicated to those who love photography and art, the event will host the works of international artists and up and coming talents, and will consist of 4 main attractions: the Main Fair, the Book Market, the Unbound section, and the City Programme.
With over 70 exhibitors, the Main Fair is one of the most seeked out experiences of Unseen. This year, the Fair proudly introduces new artists from all over the world: Open Doors from London, MotorMond from Amsterdam, and Einspach from Budapest. Long term exhibitors such as Steiglitz19 (Antwerp), Annet Gelink, Viviane Sassen, and Ellen de Bruijne return to showcase their newest works, some of which can be found in museums worldwide. As part of the Main Fair, the Past / Present area features beautiful presentations, including Depth of Field – a set of photographs that blend the past and the present, with a focus on textile imagery. Highlights include an exceptionally rare and significant historical photograph of the renowned 'Shroud of Turin,' also called the 'Holy Shroud.'
Those who share a passion not only for photography, but also for books, can delight themselves in the Book Market, where they can find a deliberate mix of internationally renowned veterans and young publishing initiatives. Apart from the venue at Westergas, Amsterdam offers many photography exhibitions that reflect the city’s love for art.
Whether you’re captivated by contemporary works, rare historical images, or the art of photobooks, this year’s edition has something for everyone.
www.unseenamsterdam.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Paralympic Games
Following his shows for the Maison Margiela and Gucci runways, Lucky Love is in Paris for the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Growing up in Lille and Brussels, Lucky Love – aka Luc Bruyère – was pretty lonely. It was only a matter of time until he would get discovered as an actor. During a tough period when he was 18, Luc was cast for a movie whose director offered to pay for his acting school, which is how he ended up in Paris studying at Le Cours Florent.
As a full circle moment, Lucky Love is back in Paris where his whole career started to perform for the Paralympic Games 2024. Talking about his world, he can recall difficult times, not being able to fit into a group because he was born different. Then, when he discovered dancing, he also discovered his love for music. This led him to pursue a career in the field, his first song “Masculinity” being released in 2022. On the 28th of August, Lucky Love performed “My Ability” dressed in Louis Vuitton by Pharell Williams.
Wearing a white embroidered single-breasted jacket, Carpenter pants, a white tank top, and black cowboy boots, Luc Bruyère not only makes a fashion statement, but shapes a beautiful universe in which self-love and love for life are central.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
YSL Beauty -Myslf Le Parfum
The iconic French brand YSL Beauty has launched a new men’s fragrance - MYSLF Le Parfum. The name cleverly embraces the initials of YSL, and it can also be interpreted as “MY YSL Fragrance,” reflecting M & F of masculine and feminine qualities.
In a modern era of transformation and freedom of expression, today’s young men are redefining what it means to be masculine. Being MYSLF is a response to this new flux and embodies the exhilarating sensation of being authentically yourself - fully, truly, proudly, and fearlessly. Born in the couture design, the fragrance holds the high-end elegant aesthetic of the Parisian couture house, coming in a sleek black bottle that mirrors the iconic silhouette of Saint Laurent.
Most of all, the scent of the fragrance features a unique masculine florality that challenges traditional notions of masculinity and, as a result, ultimately reflects individuality by expressing all diverse facets of oneself as well as offering a fresh interpretation of what it means to be a man.
Its rich floral-woody composition imbues intense sensuality with a sophisticated elegance where delicate flowers and noble woods blend seamlessly with velvety vanilla to create a one-of-a-kind sensual amber note - the expression of your true essence.
www.yslbeauty.com
Fashion
AWvi – The Skin Method
Italian based wellness brand AWvi, introduces The Skin Method, a range of four products that work from the inside out and outside in. This debut collection is grounded in scientific research to utilize a holistic approach to health that is designed to promote healthier skin for all genders, ages and skin types.
Through its devotion to the continuous process of the scientific method AWvi seeks to go further than skin deep. Frequently, problems on the outside are the result of issues inside the body but fail to be addressed by traditional skincare. This is why Awvi’s Skin Method includes a Skin Biotic supplement in addition to a gentle cleanser, a power serum and an active cream. These products are designed to work synergistically to unlock the full potential of body and mind and work with the skin’s natural physiological mechanisms instead of fighting against them.
This hollistic wellbeing concept takes a step away from products with singular claims, that are often left unfulfilled and instead looks at the big picture of health as well as a wide range of scientific evidence to improve daily life.
www.awvi.life
Fashion
Diesel opens its third store in Korea
Diesel Dosan is the third store in Korea, opening on July 23rd. The new store embodies Diesel’s bold and experimental aesthetics throughout the space, including a brand-new VIP lounge area and a wide range of the latest Diesel collections that highlight its spirit of bold identity, individualism, freedom, and irreverence.
The iconic red Diesel motif features prominently throughout the entire building. As a result, the huge store showcases the most expansive, intense design concept among Diesel's latest stores worldwide. The remarkable anchor welcomes the guests at the entrance inspired by billboards celebrating vintage Diesel advertisements, while the walls inside the store feature steel panels that evoke repurposed billboards. Overall, the refined interior aesthetic highlights Diesel's signature industrial vibe, with walls and floors finished with artisanal resin posters.
Revolving around red and industrial metals, each floor defines an iconic atmosphere complemented by interior finishes and handcrafted furniture designed specifically for the store. Diesel Dosan offers not only the latest collections but also exclusive offerings, such as Diesel’s signature 1DR bag and some pieces that embrace the brand’s iconic silver color. While keeping the original structure of the building, the new store reflects the brand's commitment to innovation and creativity.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Bvlgari Serpenti Infinite Tales exhibition in Beijing
Bvlgari, the Roman High Jeweler, marked the grand finale of its Serpenti Factory by opening the “Serpenti Infinite Tales” exhibition at the Genesis Art Gallery on July 18 in Beijing. This event is the last destination of a global artistic initiative that has spanned the past two years. The exhibition celebrates the Maison’s iconic Serpenti symbol. The exhibition venue, Genesis Art Gallery, designed by visionary Japanese architect Tadao Ando, opened its doors for the first time to host an exhibition by a luxury house, near the Bvlgari Hotel Beijing.
Before Beijing, the global project, Serpenti Factory, visited multiple cities around the world, including London, Madrid, Shanghai, Seoul, New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, Milan, and Tokyo. Landing in Beijing as the last momentous stage, it represents the largest Serpenti Factory ever, featuring the highest participation of local and international artists. The exhibition displays new unpublished works alongside significant artworks from previous international stages, all inspired by the Serpenti motif and exclusively created for Bvlgari. Ultimately, the artistic evolution of the Serpenti sheds light on the centenary bond between the snake and art, bridging past and present, East and West through the multifaceted nature of the timeless symbol.
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring-Summer 2025
Featuring fall wardrobe essentials, the new Louis Vuitton “New Formal” Menswear pre-collection brings a luxurious feel to the runway with an exquisite blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. Pharrell Williams continues his journey as Men’s Creative Director and revolutionizes formal wear through the unique pieces this collection introduces.
Offering a comfortable, yet sophisticated look, the new items combine a neutral color palette, composed of earthy tones, luminous grays, and classy shades of black, sometimes contrasted by subtle pops of color. The collection unveils fundamental office attire which includes double-breasted coats, straight-cut trousers, cardigans. The LV Cursive signature particularly draws our attention, seen on most of the clothes designed by Williams. Paired with a logo embellished silk bow tie, the three-piece velvet tuxedo is most fitting for elegant evenings, and the outfit is tied together by the new Auteuil moccasin. However, additional footwear is launched, displaying the fine materials used by the House: waxed calf leather for Chelsea boots, textured Epi leather with flower stitching; all complimented by the new shades of burgundy, mocha, and black.
In addition to the timeless pieces, the collection also includes a selection of leather goods. The Millésime line, which translates from French as "the Vintage line," employs premium calf leathers for the recently launched Georges Pouch, designed to complement the Georges tote. More accessories are available in the “New Formal” collection, including a cashmere scarf, LV beanies, belts, buckles, and sunglasses. Among the sunglasses we find the LV Legacy and the LV Padlock, designed with exquisite craftsmanship out of titanium, Japanese acetate, and enamel.
The Louis Vuitton “New Formal” will launch in stores on August 29th.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Loro Piana Fall/Winter 2024-2025
Quality, authenticity, integrity, and excellence... These are the values that define the silhouettes of Loro Piana, also visible in Maison’s latest collection. The Fall/Winter 2024-2025 Campaign dives into a world of timelessness, where textiles are the main characters that shape the narrative.
For the celebration of its centenary year, Loro Piana indulges in the harmony of Cheviot, the Scottish woolen fabric that characterizes the coats of the Italian brand since 1951. Apart from demonstrating the functionality of the materials, the Campaign pays tribute to Scotland by highlighting the beauty and the uniqueness of its landscapes in the collection of photographs that features familiar faces from the couture world: Bibi Breslin, Anok Yai, Angelina Kendall, Leon Dame, and Woosang Kim.
Combining practicality with sophisticated outwear, the Fall/Winter campaign portrays exquisite craftsmanship, blending delicate fabrics such as Baby Cashmere, Vicuña, Cashmere but also Sopra Visso and Pecora Nera®, that accompany the special Cheviot. Silhouettes are outlined by the bold lines that define necklines, pockets, or waistlines, while the elegance is given by the neutral palette of colors, occasionally contrasted by deep burgundies and light blues.
Available on the website, the new collection is centered around the importance of family and friendship, enhanced by the natural energy of the photographs and by the traditional Scottish scenery.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton America Cup
From August to October 2024, Louis Vuitton will return to the America’s Cup 37th edition in Port Vell of Barcelona as the main sponsor of the world’s oldest international sports competition and one of the most difficult athletic challenges.
The America Cup welcomes the world’s most prestigious Challengers – Ineos Britannia, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, NYYC American Magic and Orient Express Racing – ready to compete against this year’s Defender and last year’s winner, the Emirates Team New Zealand. As the competition kicks off, the Challengers will compete for the Louis Vuitton Cup, where the winner will receive one of the carefully crafted Trophy Trunks, designed in the atelier in Asnières. The main trophy, the silver ewer – the Auld Mug – will be delivered in one of the trunks as well, to celebrate the final winner of the regatta and the House’s pursuit of excellence and partnership with the America’s Cup.
Founded in 1954, the Louis Vuitton Cup made its official debut just three years later than the first edition of the America’s Cup, driven by one of the House’s key values: tradition. The two institutions come together to honor the art of sailing and the passion for competition, while paying tribute to the definitory luxury and elegance characteristic of both events.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Eat Dust - A New Amsterdam Store
Eat Dust, the iconic Belgian denim brand, opens its new store in the heart of Amsterdam, at Leliegracht 24. Founded in 2010 by Rob Harmsen and Keith Hioco in the city of Antwerp, the brand draws on its unique blend of heritage and modernity.
Bridging Antwerp and Paris, the new Amsterdam store is infused with a Japanese aesthetic where the atmosphere is both serene and sophisticated, mirroring the design of the clothing. The seamless blend of minimalist design elements and exceptional craftsmanship reflects the brand's commitment to quality and style.In addition to the brand's core menswear line, the Amsterdam store features Girls of Dust, the women's line launched in 2017, which offers a diverse range of timeless, sustainable fashion characterized by an unwavering focus on craftsmanship and quality. Girls of Dust, co-created by designer Aline Walther and Keith Hioco, offers a modern aesthetic on vintage workwear, military attire, and iconic menswear, catering to contemporary women. The garments embody the designers’ vision, emphasizing a headstrong and rebellious nature. They merge classic items and their love for denim with a wide range of influences, drawing from old Western styles, military wear, Americana, motorcycling, skateboarding, and musical subcultures. Beyond the clothing, Eat Dust is a contemporary lifestyle brand with an outspoken attitude.
www.eatdustclothing.com
Fashion
G-STAR x Walter Van Beirendonck PFW
In collaboration with G-STAR, Walter Van Beirendonck brings back his specific unconventionality to the runway in a 19 piece limited-edition collection named Denim with Balls. The designer uses his unique perspective to create a bold line of clothing that makes a statement in the fashion world, explained by Van Beirendonck himself: “reimagine traditional methods”.
He leads this creative process by challenging the norms of fabrics construction and design: the designer reimagines an ordinary closet into something extraordinary. His avant-garde spirit and craftsmanship guides Van Beirendonck to predominantly use atypical techniques which include glueing and taping pieces of denim together. With this show, the icon of innovative fashion surprises his audience in the heart of Paris, the capital of the couture world.
Metaphorically, the title Denim with Balls inherently implies a daring show, yet literally the public can find decorative dots and other exaggerated details on every model that parades down the catwalk. With G-STAR’s complete freedom, the Belgian designer introduces a unisex capsule line which exhibits distinctive silhouettes and styles, such as the Square, Wader, or Embossed Pamflet Jeans, the Future Proof Jacket, 3-D knitted tops and sweaters.
Known for its denim culture, G-STAR’s artistic vision led to collaborating with “one of the most important fashion designers of our times”, as the company’s CMO Gwenda Van Vliet states. Walter Van Beirendonck’s work is often described as playful, vibrant, and most of all eccentric. The SS25 collection will be available in selected stores from February 2025.
www.g-star.com
www.waltervanbeirendonck.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Zegna
Set in an empty industrial building, decorated with Sentiero yellow metal blades that resemble linen and rise from the floor to surround the runway, the SS25 Zegna show explores ideas of emerging individuality in fashion.
The collection embodies Italian heritage by displaying a series of models that truly express their attitudes and personalities through the unique pieces that embrace the summer mood. Joining the Italian perspective is the most important element of this SS25 line: linen. As the name of collection suggests (“US, IN THE OASI OF LINEN”), the textile of the season is linen, available in multiple essential colors: Bianco Zegna, Sentiero yellow, Sorgente blue, Sabbia, Faggio, and Castoro. These enhance texture and paint a soft and sensual silhouette to the looks.
As seen on the runway, Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori plays with fabrics, shapes, and attitudes, with the goal of understanding the practicality of pieces, as well as the way each item is redefined by the person who wears it, and is molded to their personality. He introduces summer must-haves that include tailored T-shirts and linen knits, mesh and printed polos, and the new “Mocassin” loafers, which are present in every look of the show, proving their versatility.
Oasi Zegna, the city of origin of the luxury fashion house, becomes the Oasi of Linen, a shelter where everyone is different and makes their own style.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Prada
The Prada Spring Summer 2025 menswear show offered a thought-provoking fantasy dreamed up by the legendary duo, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, during Men’s Milan Fashion Week. The collection explored the power of reality in a world of boundless imagination, revolving around the distinction between the real and unreal. This intriguing reflection on clothing was presented as a compelling, unrealistic fairytale through Prada's unique perspective, prompting us to question what is presented as truth versus illusion in reality.
Proposing a new reality for menswear, unreal dynamism characterizes each piece, as if they are alive themselves. Intentionally creased, painted, and aged garments bear the traces of time, implying the imperfections of reality. Overall, the collection features exaggerated proportions: cropped shirts with wired collars and hem details paired with superhero sweaters and straight-cut trousers with a belt deliberated worn below the waist. Elsewhere, there was an unexpected juxtaposition in styling. Graphic T-shirts with expressionist figures were paired with either smooth leather coats, neat trench coats, or cropped denim jackets, adding a thoughtful spontaneity to the surreal collection.
As the collection progressed, it became remarkably dramatic with vividly colored jumpsuits accentuated by zippered details, symbolizing unreal, even futuristic themes. Thus, here is an intriguing new world beyond reality that you can imagine.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Gucci
Following his memorable Gucci Cruise in London’s Tate Modern, Sabato de Sarno makes his Fashion Week debut in Milan introducing a Spring - Summer collection that blends the limits between the city and the seaside. “I feel free when there is no distance between my words and my thoughts, between my actions and my heart”, de Sarno says about the new campaign. The Creative Director builds a playful runway, blending bold shapes, prints and textiles with the color of the season: a muted green that finds its way in most of the looks, whether it is on a long overcoat, a fringe shirt, or in loafers that continue the evolution of the iconic Horsebit shoe.
The collection features a wide range of tailored pieces: long coats in wool or bonded leather, twisted with exaggerated openings at the back, and tailored blazers and matching trousers, evoking true Italian charm. However, the collection did not miss utility, showcasing casual utilitarian garments, ranging from zip-up jackets to bowling shirts with multiple pockets. In line with the season, the summer vibe was enhanced with graphic shirts featuring infinity prints depicting surfers, dolphins, hibiscus flowers, and banana leaves. Moreover, Gucci's haute couture code is evident in hand-knitted long-sleeve polo shirts and vividly colored jackets adorned with delicate beaded fringe, reminiscent of ocean waves. www.gucci.com
Aesop’s fabulist - Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm
A perfect pair to Aesop’s Karst Eau de Parfum, the new Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm offers the ideal intensive, long-lasting moisture for dry or stressed skin. As the newest addition, Eleos joins the Aromatique Hand Balms collection and brings the spice element to it. Its spicy, woody aroma blends perfectly with the botanical scents proposed by the butters and oils that ensure the calmness of the skin and help reconstruct its protective barrier. Eleos, translating from ancient Greek as “mercy” and “compassion”, captures the essence of the product’s mission - to leave its customers with a soft, matte finish and a relaxing elastic skin feel. To get the desired results, it is recommended to pour half a teaspoon of the product, yet if needed, clients can use as much as they please. Essential to Aesop - also a fabulist in ancient Greece - is the story that it can deliver to its customers. As such, the Aromatique Hand Balms Reverence, Resurrection, and Eleos deliver a unique experience that allows individuals to control the narrative as they wish, giving them a sense of confidence and harmony, and even adding poetry and joy to their lives. However, in order to tell their own story, customers need to first understand Eleos’ Hand Balm tale. With Atlas cedar, patchouli and clove blossom essential oils, the hydrating balm has its roots in Africa and Southeast Asia and extends the rich tradition of hand care started by Aesop in 1990’s Melbourne. The product is now available in a recycled aluminum tube with 75 mL worth of hand balm, or in 500 mL bottles with pump dispensers.
www.aesop.com
Fashion
Cartier Nature Sauvage High Jewelry Collection
Always envisioning high jewel craftsmanship, Cartier has launched a new high jewelry collection, named Nature Sauvage. Centered in timelessly elegant essence, it’s gone wild, embracing its free-spirited mind with its latest collection.
Inspired by mystical animal motifs, the collection boasts a rich expressive, joyful, and exuberant aesthetic in an exceptional design. At the heart of the brand’s story are various iconic animals revolving around the Nature Sauvage collection that evoke the beauty, mystery, and power of nature. The wild expression that captures the beauty of nature and animals slips into Cartier’s luxury universe, manifested in eternal diamonds, brilliant emeralds, and gorgeous rubies.
Among the symbolistic animals, a flamingo is the subject of creations that exude both poetry and joy for the brand. The joyful beauty and energy are reflected in a myriad of emeralds, while punctuations of aquamarine recall an aquatic environment, through the contrast of materials and the mastery of volumes. Another piece with a panther is designed into a ring-bracelet, capturing a wild energy yet an elegant juxtaposition of diamond with sapphires and emerald eyes, serving as a fierce guardian. Meanwhile, the zebra, an animal dear to Cartier is portrayed in the precise, stylized lines of the necklace accentuated with pear-shaped rubellite. The turtle is also concealed within a seemingly abstract necklace with 71.90-carat rubellite, which can turn into a brooch when detached. Last but not least, two snakes warp the necklace side by side, exuding the chromatic intensity of a diamond set with emeralds.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Duck Voyageur
The prestigious Italian fashion house Mandarina Duck, renowned for its high-quality leather goods and travel accessories, proudly unveils its new travel collection. Mandarina Duck is characterized by a deep interest in the future world, a spirit that permeates this new collection. It embodies a fresh, contemporary approach to the brand.
Each product and style evolves individually while maintaining a strong, recognizable brand identity, combining dynamism and functionality. Whether leisure or work bags, suitcases, wallets, or leather goods, Mandarina Duck products are everyday objects reinterpreted and redesigned through ingenious, original and functional aesthetic solutions.
www.mandarinaduck.com
Fashion
Walk Of Fame
Dior takes a new step in sneakers with the introduction of its Chrono Sneaker. With its sporty lines and refined details, this new pair is the fashion statement of the busiest days.
The silhouette is Y2K, and on the side are the initials CD, as a wink to the origins of the House and its founder, Christian Dior.
With a clear 2000s influence, the Chrono sneakers are the cool girls' pair. They feature star inserts, meaningful in the brand's imagery and a nod to Christian Dior, who was particularly attached to them.
Metallic colors and precise lines offer a pair that's as fashionable as it is comfortable, designed for the busy and the hurried, those who need sneakers that go with everything, anywhere, all the time, always with style.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Hamburg-Style
Hublot, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, opened its first boutique in Hamburg. Already present in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfort, this is the brand's fourth location in Germany.
Located on Nueur Wall, Hamburg's famous shopping street, the boutique offers a sophisticated experience, showcasing its innovations and iconic watch models.
The interior architecture of the Hamburg boutique reflects the brand's philosophy “The Art of Fusion”. Like Hublot's watches, in the boutique, high-quality materials blend into a unique whole, guaranteeing an exceptional presentation.
The coastal port city of Hamburg and Hublot share maritime roots, dear to the brand's core. The design of the brand's first iconic watch, in 1980, was inspired by a porthole, a concept that is still the cornerstone of Hublot today, thus reflected in the new Hamburg boutique.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Ten c X AWAKE NY - Limited Edition Capsule
The luxury and Italian DNA of Ten c meets the streetwear culture of Awake NY, made a unique collaboration on 26 April 2024 in Milan. As a limited collection, the partnership has encapsulated the best of both brands’ DNA.
AWAKE NY boasts a strong street aesthetic, featuring iconic patterns and graphics. The label’s cool aesthetic enabled the collaboration to be perfectly mixed with all Italian elegance and craftmanship with the vibrant spirit of streetwear. Each brand is seemingly distant, however, the collaborated collection summed up the best of the brand. It’s both eclectic and dynamic, resulting in bold, urban-inspired lines, characterized by tailoring details with the highest quality fabrics.
Consisting of three iconic Ten c pieces, they come in two different colors - acid green and military green. The jacket and trousers feature a unique print that reproduces the rocky substrate map of Manhattan's neighborhoods, creating an original and truly unique camouflage print. Moreover, the materials used are nylon crinkle combined with OJJ, Original Japanese Jersey, the signature material of Ten c. In particular, the outwear features both logos of the brands. On the inside, the classic OJJ label bears both the Ten c and Awake NY logos. On the outside, on the other hand, the puller and hood feature only the Awake NY logo, which respects the codes of both brands: Ten c has always been no logo and Awake NY has made its brand an important communication tool.
This limited edition was launched on 26 April and is available in online stores and some selected stores.
www.tenc.com
www.awakenyclothing.com
Art
Kaldewei- Milan Design Week 2024
Kaldewei, a luxury bathroom design brand recently showcased a new collection collaborated with e15, a Frankfurt-based interior label, known for its use of natural solid wood. The “e15-KALDEWEI collection encompassed a wide range of furniture and accessories and embodied progressive bathroom settings. To unite these two premium brands, there was Stefan Diez, one of Germany's most sought-after designers combined the shared values and progressive design with the luxurious material. His aesthetic, surely, transformed glazed bath objects into true works of art. Especially, during the Milan Design Week, Kaldewei presented the installation “Bath[o]phili” – inspired by the German philosopher Erich Fromm and his life-affirming concept of “biophilia”. This term combined the ancient Greek words "Bios" for life and "Philia" for love. Fromm's "passionate love for life and all living things" was translated into the neologism "Bathophilia" – the bath as a retreat for lively moments full of harmony, devotion, and aesthetic enjoyment. With "Bath[o]philia" at the Design Week, Kaldewei is meant to be an intimate sanctuary, an oasis of calm amidst the pulsating center of Milan. Moreover, Kaldewei merged visionary design with sustainability and meditative aspects. As a result, it combined modern luxury with sustainable thinking, pursuing the concept of Luxstainability, coined by Kaldewei itself. Kaldewei's design, thus, followed the motto, of being sustainable yet luxurious, which is reflected in its noble material, KALDEWEI steel enamel. With a unique, sustainable approach, the brand has offered design solutions for bathtubs, showers, and washbasins that give every bathroom sophisticated features.
www.kaldewei.com
Fashion
A Denim Oasis in the Desert
For the third consecutive year, GUESS Jeans was in Coachella, organizing a festive weekend in a fabulous oasis.
Imagined by Nicolai Marciano, the Compound Oasis opened its doors during the festival’s opening weekend. For the occasion, GUESS Jeans transformed a gated community into a talent hub, bringing together talents from the worlds of music, fashion, art, and influence.
The guest list was full of stars, from J Balvin to Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, and Hailey and Justin Bieber, enjoying a break at the GUESS oasis in the arid air of Coachella.
The place transformed from a wellness area during the day to a crazy festive dancefloor at night-time, welcoming electrifying performances by acclaimed DJs and musicians like Anderson Paak and Kaytranada. The festivities culminated in a star-studded post-festival gathering featuring Nav and a surprise set by Metro Boomin.
The unveiling of GUESS Jeans at Pitti Uomo signaled its forthcoming global launch, marking a significant addition to the brand's portfolio. Then at Coachella, the brand confirmed its appeal for festivities and lifestyle.
www.guess.eu
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Women's Prefall 2024 Collection - Voyager Show
Louis Vuitton Women's Prefall 2024 Collection - Voyager Show Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton, pursued an exploration that caps ten years of creativity at Louis Vuitton in the Prefall 2024 collection in Shanghai, under the name of Voyager Show. Especially, teaming up with the young contemporary artist Sun Yitian, the show was full of playful overtones with a daring texture and embroidery details while an array of striking colorful pieces epitomized the voyagers' outfits. Altogether, this fascinating collection reinterpreted signature style codes with a zestful attitude and an assemblage of artistic flourishes.
With an upbeat and optimistic mood, there was an exuberance of color and joyfulness that saluted the tremendous stylistic vitality of China's youth. With the synergy power with the artist Sun Yitian, her touch added charming, figurative bestiary that contrasted silhouettes. Emphasizing the contrast of the short and the long, at times, they united and conjoined refinement and audacity. Notably, oppositional prints made for happy marriages while classicism went tangential, giving outfits a charming zeal. In keeping with the seductive narrative, the accessories completed the charming ensemble in the fast-paced collection, including the Petite Malle, the Twist, the OnTheGo, the Diane, the Loop, the Side Trunk, the Atlantis, the Noé, the Cannes, and the Camera Box — as well as the Capucines and the Dauphine — open fresh chapters and return in flexible versions. The standout piece is the Slim Trunk, which joined the illustrious ranks of Maison’s bags, timeless witnesses of a long history that continues to unfold.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle
Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle Acne Studios comes with an exceptional collaboration in the era of perfumery and art, introducing the new fragrance, named Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle, with Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, known for its Avant-Garde of perfume. In the intersection of fashion, perfumery, and art, the new creation is a symbol that represents the new chapter of both houses, Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle showcased their shared ambition to create a radically new aesthetic with their essence from photography, architecture, culture, and design.
Drawing on the abundant aesthetic of Acne Studios, Frédéric Malle, the founder of the brand hoped to capture its spirit and reveal its olfactory mirror. In keeping with the spirit, the creator has imagined a neoclassical perfume, both vibrant and comforting, magnetic and radical. Frédéric Malle asked the olfactory prodigy Suzy Le Helley to compose this powerful manifesto: a perfume that would be at the crossroads of the great classics of yesterday and tomorrow. Like a garment cut from a rough material and transformed into a work of art thanks to its technical treatment and design, Frédéric Malle and Suzy Le Helley, faithful to the daring irreverence of Acne Studios, have combined functional and rich materials to achieve the exceptional. To make this unique collaboration happen, Frédéric Malle and Jonny Johansson, founder and creative director of Acne Studios, have always chosen to explore alternative paths, with a multidisciplinary vision of their art, and a steadfast commitment to the principle of absolute creative freedom.
www.acnestudios.com
Fashion
"Born in Oasi": An ode to nature's beauty
On the occasion of Milan Desing Week, Zegna reveals what had never been told before in an insight into the brand’s original seed.
"Born in Oasi Zegna: The Book" unveils an untold legend, captivating readers of all ages and backgrounds. It transcends time and space, offering immediate connection and entertainment through the timeless medium of a book. This hefty tome indulges the senses with its tactile pages and vibrant visuals, serving as a conduit for legacy and inspiration.
At its core, "Born in Oasi Zegna" embodies the essence of Zegna's ethos, rooted in community, environment, and wellbeing. It traces back to Ermenegildo Zegna's visionary reforestation efforts in the Biella Alps, which birthed Oasi Zegna—a testament to social and environmental stewardship. Indeed, Zegna is involved in a reforestation program imagined to create cohesion and harmony between humans, industry, and nature.
Oasi is a model of social and environmental awareness, dear to the brand that continues the heritage of Ermenegildo Zegna. Thus, Oasi Zegna's influence extends globally, starting with donating green spaces in Milan. This initiative underscores the importance of urban nature in fostering biodiversity and social responsibility.
As the book comes to life during Milan Design Week, it invites exploration and reflection, echoing the cyclical nature of Oasi Zegna itself. Available worldwide, it is a tangible and beautiful embodiment of Zegna's commitment to authenticity and sustainability.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
And Here I Go
Here it comes again! Dior's iconic cannage pattern takes center stage with an one-of-a-kind entrance. Once more, the House's signature graphic lines are the protagonist, adorning a series of men's creations envisioned by Kim Jones. Remaining true to the ethos of constant reinvention while celebrating the House's heritage, these new pieces epitomize Dior style by bringing back old motifs in a contemporary fashion!
Drawing inspiration from the earliest Christian Dior shows and the light-hued cane adorning the Napoleon III chairs of haute couture salons, the emblematic cannage pattern proves itself to be timeless. This season witnesses the return of cannage in the capsule collection, which seamlessly blends formality with informality, aesthetics with practicality.
Meticulously crafted knit overshirts, silk bermudas, canvas jackets and denim pieces showcase the House's technical savoir-faire. Mastering the art of tailoring, the functional sleeveless vests are sublimated by a strap, evoking a buttoning placket. Blue, white, and gray - the founding couturier's favorite colors - stand as the main hues of this series. Finished with a unique reinterpretation of the D.I.O.R charms, these modern looks are an ode to the house's rich heritage.
Synonymous with elegance, the new cannage capsule collection will be available from April 11, 2024, in Dior boutiques.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Coastal Season
Louis Vuitton's latest Nautical Capsule, available from March 22, 2024, is a fusion of travel-inspired elegance and effortless style. Featuring women's ready-to-wear, leather goods, accessories, and fashion jewelry, the collection exudes a relaxed yet refined vibe. Classic sailor motifs are given a youthful twist, with a timeless focus on white and navy hues and stripes adorning T-shirt dresses, shirts, and knits.
The collection includes standout pieces like the Coussin BB and Noé BB bags in vibrant red leather, as well as the GO-14 bag featuring intricate mignons embroidery. Novelty items such as the Capucines Mini covered in striped sequins and a miniature lighthouse-shaped bag add playful charm.
Nautical-themed silks, like the LV Cordage design, incorporate the Monogram pattern, while the Sailor Bandana features vibrant hues like vermillion and sky blue. Fashion jewelry, inspired by sailing ropes, complements the collection with delicate Monogram flower earrings and navy cuffs adorned with the LV signature.
Designed for a coastal summer, the Louis Vuitton Nautical Capsule offers a sophisticated take on feminine sportswear, perfect for both city and coastal dressing, with versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched for endless marine-inspired looks.
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
Philip Gay’s ‘Rewind’: A Photo Exhibition in Paris
Renowned photographer and long-time collaborator of ZOO Magazine, Philip Gay, is set to unveil his latest photo exhibition titled "Rewind" at Ellia Gallery in Paris, opening on the 21st of March. This exhibition showcases his elegant and sophisticated photography aesthetic, encapsulating his retrospective stories within the early 2000s fashion landscape.
His exhibition will feature a captivating array of Polaroid selections from his fashion shoots and portraits spanning from 2001 to 2011. These works were previously featured in various esteemed fashion magazines, including photo editorials with ZOO Magazine that aptly present his profound artistic vision. Notable among his legendary works are captivating shots featuring Hannelore Knuts, Olga Sherer, Eliza Cummings, Angela Lindvall, Pascal Greggory, Irina Lazareanu, and Sean Lennon. At the center of his artistic prowess, these photos will be presented in the exhibition. Moreover, the exhibition will offer an exclusive glimpse into Gay's creative process, featuring old contract sheets from that era alongside several larger prints of his more recent and daring fashion stories. These prints include erotic images that showcase the evolution of his artistry over the past few years.
Philip Gay’s ‘Rewind’ promises a mesmerizing journey through the lens of a visionary artist, opening at Ellia Art Gallery, 18 Rue de Turenne, on the 21st of March in Paris.
www.linktr.ee/PhilipGay
www.ellia-artgallery.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – Y/Project
Due to financial pressures, Y/Project by Glenn Martens was not present on the PFW runway. Favoring production over the catwalk, the designer decided to show his Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection only in a lookbook. The models included his father, his stylist, his designer, and friends such as Ye.
The collection has unholy inspirations, veils, and drapes cover the heads, and dresses and skirts are long, hiding the ankle and reaching to the floor. Nevertheless, between rope-print skirts, deconstructed pants, and oversized pieces, we find Y/Project's emblematic style. The collection showcases Glenn Martens' signature denim looks, snap-on overboots, and oversized pieces, reminiscent of his work at Diesel but at the same time detached from it.
From body-revealing pieces to silhouettes that conceal the body almost entirely, the Y/Project Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection presents a surprisingly edgy harmony, true to its roots, and has us looking forward to the brand's return to the catwalks…
www.yproject.com
Fashion
HUGO launched the event in Berlin on March 6th, unveiling its latest collection of denim-centric line, HUGO BLUE. With denim and self-expression at its heart, the event invited approximately 1,000 guests to step into the world of HUGO BLUE and explore its first collection.
What made the event special was the full immersion experience that offered captivating product installations with the multiverses of entertainment and gaming as well as a purely blue space with blue LED panels that echoed the brand’s signature color. As guests arrived at Wilhelm Hallen, they were greeted by a striking blue tunnel, ushering them into the vibrant universe of HUGO BLUE. The event venue featured bold brand logo details in blue, a photo-ready backdrop, customization zones, a DJ performance, and multiple screens.
In tune with the social media generation, HUGO tapped into the power of creativity as a form of self-expression, sharing the launch event with its online community. This enabled the brand to connect with the youthful culture, showcasing HUGO BLUE's distinctive brand encounter, which blends virtual and real-life realms through a fusion of gaming, style, music, and art.
This convergence of digital and physical experiences underscores HUGO's commitment to innovation and engagement within the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and culture. This innovative launch event not only showcased HUGO's commitment to pushing boundaries in fashion but also provided attendees with a unique, sensual, interactive experience to immerse themselves in its spirit.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Christian Louboutin presented his Fall-Winter collection during “The Loubi Show”, an artistic and glamour event. Among the friends of the house present were Barbara Sprouse, Tayce, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Samuel Arnold.
After unveiling the Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection, Christian Louboutin presented the new Our Angels capsule, leather-heeled Santiags boots inspired by the aesthetics of the Far West. Available in three colors, they are the result of a sophisticated patchwork of top-quality leather. They feature the company's unique savoir-faire in an exclusive design. The Our Angels collection is scheduled for release in September 2024.
Louboutin also unveiled a collection of accessories such as the Loubi54 bag among leather belts and corsets.
Christian Louboutin is expanding its offering for men this year with a series of new launches starting in May, and extending throughout the summer. As well as revisions to some established styles, the new line includes an innovative sneaker due in July and a selection of shoes, boots, and accessories inspired by the American Wild West, such as the Rocknrun sneaker line, featuring the iconic red sole. From MJ Moc loafers and Our Pabelito derbies to Cheliviss Chelsea boots, the Menswear collection suits every style and occasion. Accessories such as the Rocknride trucker cap complete a collection both iconic and modern.
The Menswear and Womenswear Fall-Winter 2024/25 collections will be available in all Christian Louboutin stores and online from May 2024.
www.christianlouboutin.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – VALENTINO
Black is both a powerful and elegant color, used to hide or reveal, the must-have, iconic little black dress was the star of Valentino’s Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection, designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli. The designer presented his collection “Le Noir” for Valentino, inspired by a quote from the French poet Charles Baudelaire: “Black is the uniform of democracy”.
As Valentino is known for its appeal to colors, Pierpaolo Piccioli definitely took a daring turn by choosing to design a collection entirely black. It was a bold gamble; "La petite robe noire" is as timeless as it is technical. Indeed, when a garment is not interesting by colors, it has to be by textures and cuts, allowing it to sublimate a collection whose nuances were restricted. However, the shade of black chosen was as simple as it was interesting, a pure, matte, yet almost glossy black.
Furthermore, the result proved that Valentino’s ateliers are creative and talented technicians. The plissés were well-executed, and the cuts were precise, giving extra value to the designs. Good tailoring, fringe and leather gloves completed the collection's depth. And, even if he has freed himself from the house's heritage with this all-black collection, the designer still referred to it, especially through the use of Valentino's emblematic rosette motif. The result was not boring, using sequins, strass, slit dresses, and transparency in a feminine line with an assumed air of simplicity.
The collection was feminine and classy, enhancing every skin tone in a “rebellion to romance”.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – DIOR
For Dior Fall-Winter 2024/25 Ready-To-Wear, Maria Grazia Chiuri revealed a collection inspired by the House heritage with Miss Dior as the theme.
Displayed in hand-written graphics all over the collection, the words “Miss Dior” inspired the Artistic Director who explained that these graffiti-like inscriptions were taken from an archive Christian Dior logo and reintroduced here by the designer as a tribute to the House’s past.
The décor of the show was an installation created by the Indian artist Shakuntala Kulkarni in an exploration of the woman's body, powerful yet whose strength is denied, in a feminist and moving décor made of sculptures and movie extracts.
The collection was inspired by Marc Bohan’s work at Dior, a visionary artist who marked the House’s history with its timeless work, giving haute couture a new breath.
Characterized by beige, camel, white, and black tones, the same shades that were the trademark of Maria Grazia Chiuri's latest collections, the catwalk featured vintage-inspired silhouettes modernized by urban-looking Miss Dior inscriptions.
Miniskirts, gold jewelry, and large capelines falling delicately down the eyes were straight out of the '60s. The garments were enhanced by a bright pink, almost fuchsia make-up, adorning the corner of the models' eyes while the shoes and bags were adorned with discreet Miss Dior details.
With wide pants, straight skirts, and well-cut trench coats, Fall-Winter silhouettes differ from the characteristic codes of the New Look, too unsuited to ready-to-wear to give freedom of movement while preserving the signature chic of the House.
www.dior.com
Fashion
New Balance x Miu Miu 2024 Campaign
New Balance and Miu Miu are back together for a new collaboration, reinterpreting the iconic design of the New Balance 530 running shoe.
Launched in 1992, the New Balance 530 was originally designed for performance, with a sleek design and luxurious materials like suede, leather, and mesh that quickly made it the go-to shoe for sneaker lovers. Blending this sporty spirit with Miu Miu’s fashionably playful, the collaboration has led to the creation of a new model, called 530 SL, as a reference to the Super Light sole that composes it. The original model was entirely rethought to design a deconstructed yet comfortable shoe.
The 530 SL is available in two versions. The first one, made from distressed suede, features warm and natural hues while the second model is made in black and white from suede and mesh. Thus, the collaboration reveals vintage influences, made modern by designing a stylish shoe that suits every lifestyle.
The faces of the campaign, Peris Adolwi, Julie Hoomans and Florine Wildeboer, embody the freshness of this collaboration, placed under the sign of comfort and style, merging the spirits of Miu Miu and New Balance.
The Collection is now available online and in Miu Miu stores.
www.miumiu.com
www.newbalance.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW - FERRARI
With his Womenswear and Menswear Fall-Winter 24/25 collection, Rocco Iannone explores the essence of the human body. Focusing on the human anatomy, its curves, and forms, Ferrari's artistic director delivers a collection that alternates light and dark, focusing on the contrasts that make up human nature.
As always in Ferrari's collections, the color red is present, but this time not as a theme, but rather as a reminder of Ferrari's penchant for pushing back the limits. This time, it's black that takes the spotlight. Initially shown in its raw state, it then evolves towards white and silver hues, creating a play of light and shade.
Light silhouettes in satin or flannel are cut in a futuristic manner, giving this collection almost otherworldly accents. The models are structured but softened by noble materials such as organza or velvet. The collection's accessories confirm this duality, with classic leather shoes mingling with slender, almost ballerina-like shoes.
www.store.ferrari.com
Finally, Ferrari's style is reaffirmed by accessories inspired by the racing world, both technical and fashionable, such as couture gloves, titanium eyewear, and jewelry with organic and monolithic shapes.
Fashion
Montblanc Leather Collections for a functional and elegant Spring/Summer 2024
Montblanc presents its new leather collections, through a new story inspired by the harmony of nature.
Luxury Maison's journey in leather goods takes a new turn as it unveils chic new designs infused with soft pastel hues, capturing the essence of nature with four new leather collections.
Montblanc's Extreme 3.0 Collection is dedicated to adventurous lifestyles, combining durability with sleek style. With new design codes, Montblanc unveils a highly functional and tailored to modern lifestyles line.
Sartorial line celebrates handwriting’s beauty with warm tones and dusty blue accents, starring the Double Bag in black and mastic, and the Small Double Bag, this collection offers versatility and sophistication.
With new shapes like the Montblanc 142 Bag and Mini Messenger, the 4810 Collection brilliantly combines elegance and functionality by providing smart organization solutions and hues like pale green and pewter. Finally, by unveiling the #MY4810 Trolley, Montblanc delivers practical features such as 360° wheels, an adjustable handlebar, and organized interiors, making it an essential companion for any journey.
Offering modern and innovative designs, the Spring-Summer 2024 collections brilliantly combine boldness with functionality. Made from high-quality leather, Montblanc products are made to last and to enjoy everyday use, whether in the city or on the roads.
Montblanc Spring/Summer 2024 Leather Collections are now available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online.
www.montblanc.com
Art
La Grande Dame 2015 Rosé through the eyes of Paola Paronetto
Veuve Clicquot unveils La Grande Dame Rosé 2015 as an homage to Madame Clicquot's pioneering spirit.
In 1818, she redefined the norm by blending the red wine of "Clos Colin" with white, thus innovating the first blended rosé champagne. This blend harmoniously combines the sunny essence of the 2015 vintage with the depth of pinot noir. Spicy notes of pepper, nutmeg and clove mingle with delicate aromas of red fruit and flowers. To enhance this exceptional product, Veuve Clicquot has entrusted the design of the La Grande Dame Rosé box to a renowned italian artist, Paola Paronetto, for the first time.
As part of the collection of boxes she created for La Grande Dame 2015 en 2023, the artist chose the color "Pesca Chiaro" to sublimate this exceptional rosé champagne. Paola Paronetto's signature color, from her palette of 97 tones, was chosen to express both the depth and vitality of the cuvée.
La Grande Dame 2015 Rosé x Paola Paronetto is available from Clos19.com and in the usual retail stores.
www.veuveclicquot.com
Fashion
The grand inauguration of TOD’S boutique on Madison Avenue
TOD’S celebrated on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, the opening of its new boutique on Madison Avenue.
Hosted by Diego Della Valle, President and CEO, and Andrea Della Valle, Vice President, alongside actress Uma Thurman, the reception gathered guests from the worlds of fashion, music, film, philanthropy, art, and business.
The event started with a cocktail reception in the new open-concept store, showcasing TOD’S latest spring collections in ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, and leather accessories. The guests were then able to join in a demonstration of the brand’s Italian craftsmanship, spotlighting the Di bag and the Gommino loafer, two of TOD'S iconic models, before enjoying an intimate dinner at the renowned “The Mark Restaurant”.
The Tod's Madison Avenue boutique displays the men's and women's collections, including iconic pieces, as well as the new T Timeless collection. The boutique also features an exclusive personalization service, My Di Bag and My Gommino, which allows customers to customize their items with special colors, sizes, and inscriptions, illustrating Tod's commitment to the hand-crafted experience and creativity.
www.tods.com
Fashion
Take a Seat at the Desk
Montblanc invited guests to a luxurious breakfast at La Galerie Bourbon on a frosty morning of Paris Fashion Week Men’s. Greeted first by a coffee cart and grand installation celebrating 100 years of Meisterstück in the courtyard, guests were then welcomed into the historical gallery where Montblanc’s latest leather creations were showcased. The event introduced and centred around Montblanc’s inspiration for the year ahead, “The Desk”. The theme infuses the Maison’s rich heritage and Artistic Director Marco Tomasetta’s remarkable, bold designs with delightful intimacy. As the place where pen first touches paper and thoughts are brought to life, the theme reminds us where creative magic and self-expression begin. www.montblanc.com
Fashion
Hèrmes Men's Winter 2024 Collection
Hèrmes presents a Men’s Winter 2024 Collection centered all around versatility. The classic equestrian roots of the brand see an evolution to an all-new contemporary elegance for the modern man. As an elegant take on dandy-chic, the collection features tweeds and wool mixed together, almost echoing English country-chique, as well as reworked classics such as the trench coat or raincoats with subtle accents, mostly through leather additions. Both classy and edgy, the looks on the runway combine cool leather jackets, belted trenchcoats or bombers with argyle patterns. Sweaters and cardigans of this collection are adorned with picturesque prints on fuzzy wools. As seen in various other shows of this season, the suit silhouettes feature slim, form-fitting tailoring. The color palette remains reserved and elegant with dusty greys, classic brown and black, which are accentuated by earthy greens and pale purples. As a highlight, leather belts and boots shine in a daring crocodile leather. Accessories, such as cashmere beanies and canvas bucket hats reiterate the focus on versatility in style, while iconic Haut à courroies bags reemphasize it practically, truly emblematic of Hèrmes enduring savior-faire in fashion, as well as in craftsmanship of leather goods.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Prada's Menswear FW24 Collection
On January 14th, Prada presented its newest menswear collection, which revolves all around examining man's adaptation to contrasting environments. The code, conceived by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, is conformist officewear meets functional outerwear. The show took place inside Depositio at Fondazione Prada transformed into a landscape showcasing the opposing forces of contrasting environments: Foresty lawns hide under glass tiles, shielding the audience from nature into a human-made synthetic space. This dichotomy sets the plot for the story told about Prada’s Man of Fall Winter 2024: On one side, by wearing suits and ties, he conforms to the classic conservative chique dress code of an office environment. On the other side, he is shielded from nature's forces through protective garments such as nubbed swimming caps. The former, sartorial side of him is manifested in form-hugging shirts with white contrast collars and cuffs under boxy suits from tweed that reminds of the previous season. Accessories include large nylon totes and leather bags that are roomy enough to carry any businessman's laptop, as well as white belts and bag chains made up of chains of triangular shapes. Other looks include corduroy police-style hats with peaks in black PVC. Belts buckled on the side, as well as asymmetrically buttoned jackets, add a playful touch to the conformist allure. While some of the footwear features formal patent leather oxfords, the more playful persona of Prada’s estranged businessman also wears Romanesque sandals, that almost exude a sense of longing for being grounded on grass. Both alienated from nature by conforming to office codes, yet prepared and willing to take on its forces, Prada's menswear line defines a novel approach to timeless contemporary elegance.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Bulgari X Save The Children: With Me, with You.
The Italian jewelry maison Bulgari is celebrating its successful 15 year partnership with the launch of a new necklace and their “With Me, With You” campaign. In line with this philosophy Bulgari is partnering up with me, with you and with everyone who wants to support humanitarian aid through their collaboration with the organization Save The Children. By donating a portion of the sale profits of their refined jewelry pieces, Bulgari has been able to donate a total of 105 Million dollars to Save The Children, a sum that has already enabled 2 Million children in 37 countries in accessing high quality education, youth support, emergency help and which has supported the fight against poverty globally. Step by step, these donations have allowed the development of multiple enduring aid projects. Nevertheless, in the face of hundreds of million children, that still suffer from living in conflict zones acute hunger or the lack of education, Bulgari and Save The Children are aware of their social responsibility and enduringly committed to help those in need, which is why the new campaign puts forward a brand new ring and two more iconic pendant necklaces as symbols for change. With the purchase of each piece, 95 Euros will be donated directly to Save The Children. The new pieces are available online since January 2 and will be available in selected Bulgari stores from January 14.
www.bulgari.com / wwww.savethechildren.com
Fashion
Loro Piana Pop-Up Store in Zermatt
In a celebration of winter living and alpine sophistication, Loro Piana opens its first Pop-Up store in the heart of Zermatt, a destination embracing the epitome of the Maison's vision for outdoor living during the winter season. Running from December 15, 2023, to March 15, 2024, this temporary haven is a blend of contemporary and traditional design. Drawing inspiration from the nomadic Gher dwellings of Mongolia, the Pop-Up store embodies Loro Piana's commitment to sourcing the finest cashmere globally. Nestled in the town centre, the space exudes a minimalist yet lively atmosphere, resonating with the serene surroundings of Zermatt. The interiors, bathed in natural light and adorned with Loro Piana Interiors' outdoor textiles, showcase a palette of whites and beiges, mirroring the tranquillity of the alpine landscape. At the heart of the installation is the Gher, a vibrant tribute to nomadic culture featuring a flower tapestry bloom print—a nod to the Holiday 2023 Collection. This collection features versatile and contemporary garments crafted from iconic yarns like Cashmere Coarsehair®, Shearling, Cashfur, and Baby Cashmere, adorned with handcrafted embroideries. The Ski Capsule Collection, designed for the discerning skier, adds a touch of luxury to winter sports. Beyond the immersive shopping experience, the journey extends to the open-air lounge, where visitors can envelop themselves in warmth with Loro Piana blankets. This Zermatt Pop-Up store is not just a retail space; it's an invitation to share moments of peace and serenity during the festive season.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Ten C and Diemme Collaborate on Urban Hiking Boot
Italian brands Ten c and Diemme have joined forces to create a truly unique urban hiking boot, introducing the Antermoia to the world. The fusion of Ten C's innovative Original Japanese Jersey (OJJ) fabric and Diemme's iconic Roccia Vet model results in a limited series of 350 pairs, available from Saturday, October 7. The Antermoia, named after one of the highest lakes in the Dolomites, pays homage to the brand's Italian heritage. The collaboration seamlessly blends the strengths of both companies, emphasizing quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. For the first time, Ten C's OJJ fabric, known for its use in the brand's outerwear, is applied to personalize Diemme's Roccia Vet hiking boot. The result is a harmonious marriage of materials and colourways, featuring a tone-on-tone palette ranging from chalk and black to military green. The water-repellent boots are designed to conquer both city sidewalks and mountain terrain, making them a versatile and stylish addition to any wardrobe. The Antermoia stands as a testament to the passion for quality and innovation shared by Ten c and Diemme, offering consumers a rare opportunity to own a piece of this exclusive collaboration.
www.tenc.com
Art
Louis Vuitton at Art Basel Miami Beach
In a celebration of the longstanding collaboration between Louis Vuitton and legendary architect Frank Gehry, the luxury Maison is set to showcase the Frank Gehry x Louis Vuitton collection at this year's Art Basel Miami Beach. The specially designed booth embodies Gehry's signature aesthetic, featuring wood and cardboard models integral to his design process. The exhibition is organized into four themes dear to Gehry—Architecture and Form, Material Exploration, Animals, and the Twisted Box creation for "Celebrating Monogram." Visitors can explore a diverse array of objects, including handbags, trunks, perfume bottles, original artworks, sketches, and architectural models. A highlight of the event is the world premiere of the Louis Vuitton x Frank Gehry limited-edition handbag collection. The collaboration, based on key themes from Gehry's career, showcases designs inspired by Louis Vuitton's iconic Capucines bags, the Twisted Box Trunk, and the Bear With Us Clutch—a remarkable creation based on Gehry's 2014 Bear with Us sculpture. Each bag represents the fusion of Gehry's design prowess and Louis Vuitton's craftsmanship, featuring unique details like glass-like resin petals, leather marquetry, and innovative 3D cement-effect screen-printing. Louis Vuitton, now a global Associate Partner of Art Basel, reaffirms its commitment to the arts, building on a legacy that began nearly a century ago. The exhibition runs from December 8th to 10th at the West Lobby of the Miami Beach Convention Center, offering a captivating journey into the intersection of fashion, art, and architecture.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
GANT's SS24 – Ivy League-Vibes
GANT, the renowned American sportswear brand, is set to captivate fashion enthusiasts with its SS24 collection, seamlessly blending the nostalgic vibes of 90s Ivy League with a chic Mediterranean flair. Drawing inspiration from New York's Mulberry Street, the collection reinvents timeless fashion with a contemporary silhouette. In the early season, a balanced colour palette merges classic blues and navy tones with beige, grey, cream, and white, accentuated by pops of reds, yellows, and indigo blue. Maritime patterns, Ivy League stripes, and Madras prints pay homage to college fashion, while women's pieces feature monograms and floral motifs for added elegance. As the season progresses, GANT takes a Mediterranean detour, introducing figure-hugging yet casual pieces like linen tops, pleated skirts, and chino shorts. The colour palette shifts to earthy tones, with playful accents in sunflower yellow, papaya orange, and pastel shades, embodying the spirit of summer. In Drop 1, titled "Spring & Mulberry Street," GANT brings a vintage touch with soft, worn-in designs where sneakers share the spotlight with loafers and ballerinas. Drop 2, titled "The Grand Tour," takes a Mediterranean turn, introducing elegant sandals, espadrilles, and updated textile shoes for a summer look with an elegant lifestyle. GANT's SS24 captures the essence of Ivy League charm and Mediterranean sophistication.
www.gant.com
Fashion
Stüssy & Levi’s Infused Capsule
In a nostalgic nod to their Californian roots, Stüssy and Levi’s have collaborated once again, blending Stüssy's distinctive design ethos with Levi’s classic garments. The result? A captivating capsule collection featuring trucker jackets and jeans in three striking colourways: black, brown, and pink. Crafted from jacquard fabric and adorned with two-tone garment dyes, each piece exudes a one-of-a-kind charm, reminiscent of washed vintage aesthetics. The Stüssy & Levi’s collection drops on Friday, November 10th available for purchase on both stores and websites. Levi’s has been an emblem of timeless American style and continues to evolve with a relentless commitment to innovation. Stüssy, born from the Southern California surf scene in the late '80s, reshaped casual wear with a unique ideology. As Stüssy resonated with an international network of creatives—musicians, skaters, DJs, and artists—the brand's ethos spread globally. These brands merge seamlessly resulting in an innovative collection with trendy pieces.
www.levis.com
Travel
Taiko Cuisine 9th Anniversary
Taiko Cuisine, the culinary gem nestled within the Amsterdam Conservatorium Hotel and crowned 'Best Asian Restaurant 2023' by Gault&Millau, is ringing in its ninth anniversary with an ode to the kitchen's heartbeat: RICE, RICE, RICE. Chef Schilo van Coevorden, known for his masterful fusion of East and West, unveiled the chosen ingredient on October 30, ushering in a year-long celebration of this culinary staple. Taiko Cuisine annually hosts a grand 'Taiko New Year' celebration, inviting guests on a gastronomic adventure. This year, the spotlight is on rice, a grain deeply rooted in East Asian culture and now a global culinary sensation. Chef Schilo's inventive menu for the upcoming year will feature rice in all its glory, following the footsteps of previously celebrated ingredients like Red King Crab, Hida Wagyu beef, and Wasabi. The rice-infused journey promises explosive flavours and a unique dining experience for every guest. Not stopping at the plate, Taiko Bar, an offspring of the kitchen's flirtation with the bar, has evolved into a nightlife phenomenon. Offering unbeatable bites, a curated drink menu reminiscent of Roppongi's speakeasies, and the expertise of Amsterdam's finest bartenders, Taiko Bar transports the high-end nightlife of Asian metropolises to the cosy corners of an Amsterdam pub. In celebrating nine years of culinary excellence, Taiko Cuisine invites you to savour the essence of rice and embark on a journey that transcends cultural boundaries, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
www.conservatoriumhotel.com
Travel
HOTEL ZOO BERLIN Celebrates The Scariest Night of The Year
On October 31st, to celebrate the spookiest night of the year, The HOTEL ZOO BERLIN was transformed into an eerie setting. The Hotel was transformed into an atmospheric Halloween world by the set decorators, Sabine Schaaf and Daniela Lohschelder. The two designers are already known to the public for their works for Babylon Berlin, The Queen's Gambit, and Hunger Games, among others. These two creative minds gave life to a unique ambiance. At the entrance, the guests were greeted by costumed, creepy stilt walkers and zombie dolls and passed through the eerie, foggy cemetery backdrop into the lobby and the spider corridor, into the GRACE Bar, and on to the GRACE Restaurant. Also, the GRACE kitchen created a Halloween-themed dinner menu. As starters, Spicy Nicoise Salad, Pumpkin Gyozas, and Chinese Cucumber have delighted the guests. Then, Korean White Halibut or Crispy Tofu was served as the main course. Snake dancers, a thriller flash mob, and music have entertained the evening until late.
www.hotelzoo.de
Fashion
David Chipperfield Cave & Ten c FW23/24
Luxury outerwear brand Ten c goes on a quest to unearth the hidden gems of the Italian landscape, under the FGF Industry group, and presents its FW23/24 campaign against the stunning backdrop of Cava Arcari in Vicenza. This exceptional location, a masterpiece by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect David Chipperfield, mirrors the brand's dedication to discovering and showcasing the beauty that lies off the beaten path. The FW23/24 collection, inspired by the rich hues of semi-precious stones, seamlessly integrates with the enchanting surroundings of the Arcari Quarries. The architectural inspiration drawn from ancient Roman theatres brings forth three distinct colour tones—ivory representing Vicenza stone, military green mirroring moss and algae deposits, and black encapsulating the mysterious labyrinths within the quarries. Each colour tone unfolds a chromatic chapter in the campaign's short story, captured through striking shots and a mood video. The ethereal and contemplative ambience of the quarry mirrors the collection's essence, creating a harmonious interplay of light and shadow within the environment. Ten c's FW23/24 campaign is more than a showcase of luxurious outerwear; it is a testament to the brand's commitment to revealing the unseen and promoting the marriage of art and nature. With the promise of constant innovation in technologies and fabrics, Ten c continues to lead the way in creating contemporary and groundbreaking fashion.
www.tenc.com
Fashion
Dior Men Launches the B57 Sneakers
In their mission to elegantly dress every man combining style with practicality and performance, Dior launches the B57 Sneakers. This new piece of footwear represents the most important push in Dior’s sneakers history, as it presents something innovative and high-end at the same time. The sneakers are a natural addition to the Spring 2024 collection, perfectly pairing with and complementing every outfit with their bold lines. The retro allure that distinguishes these shoes makes them an object of desire that seamlessly combines elegance with sportswear, blending materials that offer both flexibility and comfort. The sneakers are embellished by the Maison’s iconic logo: the “CD” initials are revealed in Dior Oblique Jacquard, emphasizing once again Dior’s commitment to details and high quality, unique pieces. The sneakers are available in several color variations in bewitching tones such as blue, red, beige, and cream. The Dior B57 sneakers bring an air of both elegance and casualness to every look, effortlessly matching different styles. Innovation and artisanship are brought together in this sneaker model. The sneakers will be available from October 19th, 2023 in boutiques and on the Dior website.
www.dior.com
Art
Maison Valentino | Triennale Milano – Italian Painting Today
Maison Valentino extends its commitment to the arts through a strategic partnership with Triennale Milano. Set to coincide with Triennale Milano’s centennial anniversary exhibition, "Pittura Italiana Oggi” (Italian Painting Today), curated by Damiano Gullì opens on October 25th, 2023. It will showcase the works of 120 influential Italian artists from the 1960s to 2000, creating a cultural panorama that reflects the diversity of Italian painting. Notably, five of the featured artists—Benni Bosetto, Guglielmo Castelli, Francis Offman, Andrea Respino, and Sofia Silvia—have previously collaborated with Maison Valentino as part of the Valentino Des Ateliers collection. This haute couture experiment serves as a unique intersection where fashion and art intertwine, expressing unity and community spirit. Valentino's history of collaboration with the arts is extensive, Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli emphasizes the symbiotic relationship rather than merging the two disciplines, he envisions them as separate entities that can engage in a meaningful dialogue. This philosophy is evident in Valentino Des Ateliers, where fine art is translated into exquisite fashion creations. "Pittura Italiana Oggi" will be offering the public an immersive experience in contemporary Italian painting until February 11th, 2024. Maison Valentino's collaboration with Triennale Milano generates a sense of belonging that goes beyond the realm of fashion.
triennale.org/eventi/pittura-italiana
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Paul&Shark – A Father and Son Tale FW23
In a captivating blend of Italian elegance and familial warmth, Paul&Shark unveils its FW23 AD Campaign, "A Father and Son Tale," featuring the dynamic duo of actor Pierce Brosnan and his son, Paris. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Tuscan hills and a charming village, this campaign is more than a showcase of high-end fashion; it's a celebration of the profound bond between father and son. The narrative unfolds in a series of moments—strolls through narrow streets, card games on a picnic blanket, and shared embraces—capturing the essence of genuine connection. Pierce Brosnan, the epitome of timeless style, was a natural choice for Paul&Shark. As a world-renowned actor and fashion icon, he effortlessly embodies the sophistication of the FW23 collection, featuring water-resistant cashmere outerwear, fine wool knitwear, and soft cotton shirts. The creative vision of Giampaolo Sgura and styling by Anna Dello Russo elevate this campaign to an artistic expression of familial ties. Paris Brosnan brings a casual, urban flair to the collection, with wide rib-knit oversized shirts and the iconic wool beanie hat seamlessly blending with his father's refined aesthetic. The duo effortlessly showcases the versatility of Paul&Shark's garments, emphasizing a style that transcends generations. Scheduled for a global release on September 12, 2023, this campaign marks a pivotal moment. It not only unveils the latest collection but also tells a story of style, connection, and the timeless elegance that Paul&Shark represents.
www.paulandshark.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week - Hermès
In the world of luxury fashion, Hermès has always been known for its leather elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. Nadège Vanhee, the maison’s creative director, showcased the essence of "quiet luxury" in the Spring Collection, where every detail whispered sophistication and exclusivity. The monochrome color palette of burgundy transitioning through putty, black, red, and brown, revealed a subtle secret— in fact, these hues were inspired by the iconic leather goods of Hermès. Each shade, such as Rouge H and Étoupe grey, carry a distinct link to the brand, adding a layer of exclusivity to the collection. The runway was set amidst wild flowers and sand dunes, setting the scene of a fresh meadow turning spring into summer, reflecting the theme of connection between women and their clothes. Vanhee's trademark precision in design was evident in the tailored coats achieving mobility through fluid, saddle-shaped pattern cutting. The initially apparent simple clothes contain excellent product workmanship making it possible for the leather designs to adapt to movement like a second skin. Even the seemingly delicate zig-zag lace-like details on cotton summery dresses were revealed to be leather. The contemporary silhouettes slip through tall grasses, revealing transparencies, backs and décolletés, the knitwear featuring asymmetric cropped tops, bras and pencil skirts that accentuate the contours of the body. The show's highlight was not only the dialogue between fabric and shades, but the signature attention to accessories. Half-moon bags, oversized buckets, greek-style sandals crafted in ribbon and woven calfskin, and even the soles had Hermès treads showcasing their commitment to detail and brand identity. In essence, the collection aimed to present a wardrobe for a play with perceptions between bodies and clothes with a testament to Hermès' enduring legacy and its consistent pursuit of timeless style.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
H&M Studio’s New Paris Pop-up Store
H&M Studio reaches new heights and looks at the future with the opening of a new pop-up store in the Marais district for the Paris Fashion Week. The pop-up store was also the location for the launch of H&M Studio’s AW23 collection. The opening of the pop-up space was celebrated on September 25th with an exclusive party during Paris Fashion Week. The event was hosted by Ann-Sophie Johannson, Head of Design Womenswear and H&M’s creative advisor, and by Linda Wikell, H&M Studio’s concept designer. The space was developed with the renowned design agency Crosby Studio and will remain open from September 26th to September 30th at Galerie du Temple, while the H&M Studio Collection AW23 will launch worldwide on September 28th. The pop-up store was designed keeping in mind the concept of a “living exhibition”, presenting the brand’s new collection alongside a unique red art installation, consisting of an archive room with pull-out boxes displaying and illustrating 10 years of H&M Studio collections, also including a café. In celebration of the first night of PFW, H&M hosted an intimate rooftop dinner inviting creatives to style the garments and accessories of the latest studio collection. Under the stars and against the backdrop of the Parisian skyline, the collection represents a perfect and timeless balance between the chic and the party girl with statement pieces that offer endless possibilities. The capsule features a classic black and white colour palette, with room to play through exaggerated shoulder and collar tailoring, lace-trim details, a bold tear-drop print, plenty of velvet and faux leather textures, and the dazzle of diamante-studded denim. Altogether, the collection marks 10 years of H&M studios while ushering in a brand new era of limited-edition designs.
www.hm.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Herno
With its SS24 collection, Herno suggests living the summer season moment by moment, savoring each one and effortlessly moving between the essential and the superfluous. The weight of every fabric is a reminder of the everchanging spirit of fashion, which, like the wind, flows and mutates. The Italian brand’s 75-year-long history is honored in this collection, which is nonetheless enhanced by the current times, embracing new fashion trends while maintaining the elegant and classic style that distinguishes Herno. Outerwear keeps being the focus of the brand, along with skirts, pants, and dresses. The style of the garments is declined in feminine and contemporary silhouettes through fabrics that enhance sartorial cuts. The different nylons that make up the collection go from ultralight to super mat, while cotton is employed in its most classic version, dedicated to pieces meant for rainy weather as well as more “girlish” versions. The collection’s most prestigious garments are made of linen, silk, wool, and double cashmere, exalting the high quality of Herno’s craftsmanship. The protagonists of the color palette are pastel tones, such as yellow, light blue, and aquamarine, while neutral, feminine colors such as neutral hues remain staples in this refined, yet modern collection.
www.herno.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli’s Spring Summer 2024 Women’s collection Natural Aequilibrium was presented on September 20th at the Milan Fashion Week. The collection is all about equilibrium, a balance of opposing forces that balance each other: addition and subtraction, minimal and ornate, aesthetics and functionality. Brunello Cucinelli’s collection stays true to the brand’s classic, elegant aesthetic while looking into the future and honoring the needs of our time. The new contemporary luxury gives way to a dynamic equilibrium that results in a “rebalanced” wardrobe where two different souls coexist. On the one hand, pure, simple garments make for everyday staple pieces, while on the other there are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. The whole collection exudes the attraction to a timeless style, which is ultimately at the core of Brunello Cucinelli. Unique impeccable sartorial taste offers a fundamental reference point for contemporary balance, expressed through apparent simplicity and refined effortlessness. Each garment expresses balance and authenticity, renewing the Maison’s desire to dress with taste and to forego excess. The color palette is neutral, in line with the shapes and the proportions of the garments. With this collection, the brand showcases its ability to renew itself according to the stimuli of the moment, while naturally preserving the elements that make it unique.
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
SKIMS Launches at KaDeWe
On September 18 2023 SKIMS announced its first ever multi-brand shopping experience at KaDeWe in Berlin. The partnership with the iconic luxury store is another stepping stone for the American brand, which is now expanding worldwide in international markets. The opening follows the SKIMS Swim pop-up experience at Selfridges in London in June and the openings of shop-in-shop at multi-brand retailers across the world. To celebrate the launch, KaDeWe unveils a SKIMS takeover on its iconic window front, featuring SKIMS’ iconic logo and an artful campaign with models wearing the brand’s famous shapewear. Throughout the opening weekend, SKIMS invites customers to a special shopping experience serving sweet treats. KaDeWe will host the SKIMS shopping experience on the third floor of the store, which will allow customers to pick among the brand’s best-selling collections and products, such as the Seamless Sculpt line and the Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress. SKIMS fits perfectly in KaDeWe’s multi-brand shopping experience, bringing the brand’s conceptual design of retail spaces to life thanks to SKIMS signature shapewear wall, rounded edge surfaces, and custom fixtures, designed in partnership with Willo Perron, SKIMS long time collaborator. KaDeWe’s fame for bringing artful, conceptual shopping experiences to its customers is once again confirmed by the SKIMS collaboration, which merges two brands whose visions and values are aligned.
www.skims.com
www.kadewe.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Presents Fantastical Jewels by Francesca Amfitheatrof
Louis Vuitton is constantly expanding its jewelry repertoire with a new collection designed by the creative director of Louis Vuitton Jewelry Francesca Amfitheatrof. Through a book offering an enthralling glimpse into four extraordinary jewelry collections, the designer brings a fresh, innovative perspective to the ancient art of jewelry design, telling about the creation of revolutionary collections for the Maison. Each of the collections, masterfully designed and conceived in the heart of Paris, is approached by Amfitheatrof through conceptual themes that ultimately tie them together. In the same way that a writer approaches the plot of a novel, Louis Vuitton Jewelry's creative director develops collections that tell a story about the history and the origins of the craft of jewelry. The pieces of the collection are made of the most ancient materials on our planet, gemstones that have been on Earth for as long as time, such as diamonds, colored stones, and gold. The book recounts the most minute and intricate details of the alchemic journey that brings to the creation of precious pieces of jewelry. It is written in a journal-like style and is embellished by exclusive sketches, collages, and personal photographs of Francesca Amfitheatrof, who, together with art director Fabien Baron, has created a personal volume that goes to the core of jewelry artistry.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Woolrich FW Campaign
Woolrich, the Original American Outdoor Brand is pleased to reveal the latest Fall/Winter 2023 advertising campaign featuring multiple young talents. The campaign, titled ORIGIN STORIES, embodies Woolrich’s significant bond with American culture and honors the original stories. The campaign captured American Dreams experienced from different perspectives, viewed through the lens of the new Americana, while the stylish footage was artfully blended with Woolrich's iconic clothing, establishing itself as an essential part of the country's cultural heritage. In particular, the campaign pays tribute to two fundamental pillars of American culture—the timeless Game of Checkers and the iconic American Diner. Game of Checker has been at the center of American culture, fostering companionship and treasured experiences for people of all ages. On the other hand, American diners symbolize not only culinary landmarks but also a representation of genuine American culture. Hence, the American Diner resonated with the nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic train carriages, and diners that portray the real picture of American scenes, encapsulating Woolrich's enduring legacy of significance. Elsewhere, shot by Los Angeles-based director and photographer Hunter Lyon, their intimate perspective adeptly portrayed the brand’s essence and history. Also, Stylist Julie Ragolia curated the looks and created mesmerizing visuals where stylish ensembles perfectly complement the brand's representation.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
A Bag for Everyday: the Louis Vuitton GO-14
Since its launch in 2014, the Louis Vuitton GO-14 Bag has been an everyday staple in many women's wardrobe. Its shape, material, and simplicity make it versatile while at the same time keeping it a trendy accessory that can be brought effortlessly from day to night. The GO-14 is now being revamped and reimagined with new textures, materials, and shades. One of its latest editions is in brown malletage lambskin leather, featuring the quilted pattern distinctive of the brand’s iconic trunks. The leather that makes up the bag is sustainably sourced and produced according to the highest environmental standards. The gleaming golden twist lock displays the Maison's logo, rendering this accessory a unique everyday staple for every woman's wardrobe. The versatile aspect of the GO-14 is accentuated by its top handle, which can be converted into a leather pad on the chain, allowing the bag to be carried comfortably across the body. The brown lambskin leather employs the same iconic material of the original GO-14 while giving the bag a classic and modern twist through the variety of brown shades and gold detailing. The inside of the bag comes with both a large pocket and a smaller patch pocket, allowing to take advantage of the bag’s space. From day to night, the new look of Louis Vuitton’s GO-14 bag makes it an essential accessory
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Future’s not Ours - Jodee Knowles’ Newest Exhibition
The internationally celebrated Australian artist from Perth is returning to her hometown with an exhibition titled The Future’s not Ours, which marks the artist’s first solo exhibition at Kamile Gallery. The showing features 15 pieces, each offering a different take on the human experience. The exhibition, true to the artist’s signature thought-provoking style that focuses on the human condition and emotions, explores profound themes connected to spirituality, identity, and life experience. Societal norms and perceptions are continuously challenged throughout the works in the exhibition, which delve into the otherworldly realm. Through Knowles’ unique perspective on deep societal topics, viewers are invited to question their perception of themselves and others in search of acceptance in the multidimensional reality brought to life by the artist’s works. Our lifelong quest for identity in today’s world is at the core of the artworks, explored through different dimensions that lead the viewer to contemplate their own life journey. One element brought up throughout the exhibition is the concept of masks, both visual and metaphorical, that we wear every day to appear in society. The Future’s not Ours represents another achievement in Jodee Knowles’ artistic and philosophical journey. Jodee’s exhibition will be inaugurated at 6PM on August 25th at Kamile Gallery in Perth.
www.jodeeknowels.tumblr.com
Fashion
City Rhythm: by-bar’s FW23 Collection
Remaining faithful to its mission to create clothing suitable for all seasons, by-bar, the Amsterdam-born, and based brand, has created a new stylish and versatile collection for FW23, titled City Rhythm. Drawing from its founder Barbara Brenninkmeijer’s ideology that every person has a beautiful, unique soul and personality, by-bar’s FW23 collection is inspired by how the city’s rhythm changes every season and by how people adapt their lifestyle to it. The idea behind the collection is that our wardrobe and needs adapt to the season and that every mood and weather calls for easy, chic, and casual styles. By-bar’s FW23 collection is all about vintage looks, featuring diverse patterns, wide-legged pants, and soft-knitted sweaters. Each piece is adorned with elegant and subtle accents, such as pearl buttons or puffed sleeves. The hues of the collection inspire comfort and warmth. The palette goes from rustic brown to pine forest, leaving at the same time space for some colorful accents such as poppy red and king blue. The materials are soft and perfect for layering, thus allowing for versatility in all weather and climates. Like all by-bar collections, City Rhythm also features high-quality, durable materials and handcrafted pieces in Italy, Portugal, and India.
www.by-bar.com
Fashion
Berlin Fashion Week - ODEEH
During Berlin Fashion Week, the duo designers Otto Drögsler and Jörg Ehrlich unveiled ODEEH SS24, titled ‘The Next Chapter' exploring Surrealism and unique androgynous style for women. The designers played with elegantly soft layering with men’s shirts and various bold tropical prints that reflect Surrealism and the DADA movement. Inspired by the silhouette of Hawaiian shirts, the men’s shirt appears in a wide range of variations in color and patterns. The brand reinterprets that with exaggerated new proportions as well as offers unique insights into androgynous style, paired with calf-length sequin skirts and bold-colored midi dresses. The looks are mainly focusing on sophisticated, glamorous styling with the oversized silhouette while exuding femineity with an accented strap on the waist. Also, the unexpected fabric combinations create a polished, refined look throughout the collection such as running thread, fringe details, sequins, and mesh fabrics, adding fun and playful elements of styling to emphasize the joyful atmosphere. The collection begins with an array of all-white looks defined by clean and easy silhouettes. As it adds more vibrant and diverse colors, the color palette includes different shades of blue, sandy beiges, faded smoky pastels, and various tropical hues. Moreover, various colored prints add a touch of surrealism to the collection ranging from graphic smoky tapestry to blurred flower patterns to surreal, Dadaistic prints. In addition, raw and open cut, and precise shoulder paddings contrast the easiness and softness of the general look.
www.odeeh.com
Fashion
Berlin Fashion Week – LITKOVSKA
LITKOVSKA, the Ukrainian label captured an avant-grade chic during Berlin Fashion Week. Titled On Air, the collection highlights its raw and touching form that defines contemporary silhouettes. Also, daring cutouts of the outfits create dynamic looks enhanced by neutral tones and distinctive color contrast. The designer focuses on volume and detail in the garments. The delicately layered and draped garments are both chic and modern, designed to be timeless pieces. Overall, the collection features effortless versatile pieces which can be everyday luxury wear such as oversized high-neck dresses, structured shirts, and trousers with draped details. Also, there are a series of gorgeous matching sets in various materials like denim two-pieces, oversized suits as well as sweatshirts, and matching pants. Its color palettes include ivory, pastel pink, and red, as well as brown, white, and black, setting an elegant tone for the overall look. Sophisticated prints appear on both the oversized dress and blouse in red, giving a contemporary contrast, while intricate striped patterns feature an array of pieces such as shirts, trousers, and blazers, which make the looks classy, chic, and flattering. In addition to the garments, the collection features unique accessories and jewelry in horse shape, reminding of shepherds of the Carpathian Mountains while nodding to Ukrainian tradition and history which crafts little horses out of cheese for children as a special gift as well as talisman. While symbolizing their community, craftsmanship, and protection through the collection, the brand intends to share such blessings with the audience, wearers, and the fashion industry.
www.litkovska.com
Fashion
“In Conversation with a Flower” - Prada’s FW23 Campaign
The flower is the symbol at the center of Prada’s FW23 men's and women’s campaigns. Through the metaphor of the flower, symbolizing tenderness and affection, Prada explores timeless values such as humanity and emotions. Those human-sized flowers represent both everyday and extraordinary beauty, and they are vehicles through which the intangible is expressed. The size of the plants gives them the role of protagonists and active participants in the scenes. In the campaign, flowers interact with five global stars, among whom are Benedict Cumberbatch and Hunter Schafer. Those cinematic figures reflect Prada’s relationship with the world of cinema as a way to express cultural ideals and evoke strong feelings. A dialogue composed of surreal conversations that are both literal and visual develops between the flowers and these figures. The imagery for the campaign was captured by Willy Vanderperre, who masterfully captured the intangible dialogue between the flowers and the characters in conversation with them. The campaign also features a short film, which sees the cast engage in actual conversation with the improbable character of flowers, which are, in this instance, almost anthropomorphized. The script of the short film is the work of Michael Cunningham, the Pulitzer Prize author who wrote The Hours (1998). The flowers represent a dichotomy in these paradoxical conversations, juxtaposing different aspects of their nature that is both strong and fragile, eternal and yet ephemeral. Prada uses flowers as a metaphor to represent and embody the human experience in these seemingly unreal images.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Aquatic Architecture and Bionic Innovations in Iris van Herpen’s FW23/24 Collection
“ARCHITECTONICS,” the new collection by Iris van Herpen presented on July 3rd at Paris Haute Couture, draws inspiration from futuristic architecture featuring floating elements and bionic designs. In the future portrayed through this collection, the land becomes one with water, creating an environment where humans harmoniously coexist with the ocean. Inspiring van Herpen in this collection is the aquatic urbanism movement, specifically the work of the French architect and oceanographer Jaques Rougerie and Bjarke Ingels’ “Oceanix,” a floating city currently being built in South Korea, which also has a strong focus on recycling and sustainability. The designer has successfully merged fashion and floating architecture through clothing created using high-tech techniques such as “Sensorama,” which creates different layers. The harmonious silhouettes of the clothing are interspersed with geometric cutouts, which imbue the pieces with a sense of movement. The color palette contrasts whites and blacks with gold, silver, and metal detailing. The looks are finished with the “Bionic” boots, digitally designed and 3D-printed, once again highlighting the high-tech aspect of this collection. ARCHITECTONICS imagines humanity’s next frontier, harmonizing waterborne urbanism and aquatic ecosystems. The collection raises awareness about growing environmental issues and draws attention to Oceanix, the world’s first floating city.
www.irisvanherpen.com
Fashion
Maserati’s Short Film by Ferzan Ozpetek, “Companions on a Journey”
Maserati has just released the teaser for its short film directed by the famous movie director Ferzan Ozpetek. “Companions on a Journey” is a short feature that deals with the themes of family ties and passion for automobiles. The scene is set in the beautiful landscape of Italy, where three siblings set off on a journey across the country to reunite with their father, an acclaimed orchestra conductor. The narrative, recounting the emotional journey of the family, develops through the physical journey through Italy. The cars accompanying the family members on their journey are the MC20 Cielo, the Gran Turismo, and the SUV Grecale. Each car reflects the personality of a family member and guides them through their adventure. Ozpetek’s movie celebrates the unique connection between the family's relatives through the elements that connect them: automobiles, art, and love for each other. Ultimately, the short motion picture captures the importance that the Maserati brand places on family ties, beauty, art, and travel. At the same time, “Companions on a Journey” celebrates Maserati’s Italian heritage and the luxury and technology of their cars. The short movie will soon be released to the public.
www.maserati.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week – Hermès Men’s SS24
A serene, calm, soft, and joyful summer is probably what everyone is wishing for and exactly what the Hermès SS24 menswear collection embodies. Inspired by architectural elements, a summer paradise is constructed through clothing. Daylight becomes weightless and fresh garments, landscapes make up the color palette, and adventures become fabric and texture choices. Silhouettes are brought to life with the pieces we live through.
Shorts, jackets, and short trench coats allow bodily movement for a man’s free-spirited lifestyle. Technical fabrics such as cashmere, silks, and cotton are found on tunics and beach blazers with parasol stripes. Rolled-up trousers, breezy knits, and suit jackets allow for a relaxed and breathable fit for the hottest of summer days. Desert hues, icy shades, sage greens, and steamy grays point to a mineral-inspired color palette: colors that reflect and react to one another, hinting at a certain playfulness with light and patterns. We find reversible leathers, layering possibilities, and contrast in fabrics. Accompanying the Hermès summer breeze looks are a variety of bags, such as the Cordage tote bag and the iconic Haut à courroies bag, and footwear, such as sole leather sandals in black, brown, and cream. Hermès conveys a certain quiet luxury feel with subtle and ready-to-wear aesthetics.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
CHANEL at the Biarritz International Film Festival
The House of CHANEL has strong ties with the city of Biarritz, to which it has even dedicated a fragrance. This year, the brand is supporting the first edition of the Biarritz International Film Festival, Nouvelles Vagues, by hosting a dinner at the Hôtel du Palais on the opening day of the festival. The festival will last five days, from the 28th of June to the 2nd of July. The leitmotiv of the festival is youth, to which the screenings, concerts, and exhibitions are dedicated. The films participating in the festival explore the place of young people in our society or recount stories of youth. Among the jury, composed of young multidisciplinary artists under 35 and film students, is actress and CHANEL ambassador Lyna Khoudri. The trophy of the festival also emphasizes the partnership with CHANEL. Students from the École Boulle designed it for the Paurier Desrues, the first House to join the Fashion Métiers d'Art in 1985. Established by CHANEL, the Fashion Métiers d'Art is a prominent organization that recognizes the skillful work of Maison's partner artisans. The festival will be an unprecedented cultural event, an occasion to bring together guests from a wide arrange of cinematic backgrounds in the beautiful backdrop of the city of Biarritz.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
New Jewelry by Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton presents its newest and most extensive high jewelry collection, Deep Time, which intends to celebrate our planet’s natural features and the fragility of life. The Maison’s classical jewelry themes and designs revolve around playing with the logo, and in this collection, this takes a step further. The timelessness of gemstones inspires the title and the feel of the collection, and each piece captures the interconnectedness between past and present. Deep Time has been designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director for Watches and Jewelry. The pieces are grouped into 16 themes spanning two acts: Geology and Life. In Geology, the jewelry captures our planet’s evolution through Maison's signature style and logo, and the items aim to embody a natural feature through the evocative colors of the gemstones and the design of the piece. Geology features precious gemstones such as the Colombian emerald, which represents the Earth’s formation. Life focuses on the life force driving creation. The jewelry belonging to this act captures the history of evolution, with themes ranging from Fossils to Flowers. The themes of Life all bring forward a juxtaposition of different textures, making each piece unique. Life’s pieces are incredibly versatile and are meant to be worn in multiple ways; this aspect is at the core of Amfitheatrof’s creative directory, which strives toward transformability.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Zegna
A driving force of change: clothing that moves from creation to new perspectives to the actualization of transformed worldviews. The new ways Zegna pursues begin with the materiality of fashion-making: starting with the fibers and fabrics, continuing with shapes, and climaxing with the multitude of uses such shapes entice. All this comes to live at the Oasi Zegna, which represents a quest for excellence, beauty, and responsible commitment. For Zegna’s presentation of L’Oasi di Lino, its Summer 2024 menswear collection, 192 bales of raw linen were placed at the square in the center of Milano – in line with Zegna’s commitment to certifying Oasi Lino fibres as 100% traceable by 2024. For Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori, linen becomes central to his sartorial pursuit – one apt for diversity, crossing different demographics. Throughout the collection, volumes are fluid, categories are liquid, textures add substance and surface tension, and undulating stripes draw textural motifs and jacquards. Bombers flow into shirts, round-neck tops replace jackets, shorts and jumpsuits add a pragmatic feel, and handbags are soft yet geometric. The color palette is an amalgamation of neutral hues, worked in scales of similar tones and irregular monochromes. The collection spotlights Zegna’s state of mind: one of lightness in living and behaving.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Men's Milan Fashion Week - Giorgio Armani
The Giorgio Armani Men's SS24 leitmotif is found in threads, knots, and weaves that evoke the tranquil energy of summer. At the heart of the collection, there is a willingness to embrace lightweight fabrics and to replicate soft and elongated shapes. The elegance of the collection stems from the earthy, white, and blue tones, which, together with the lithe aspect of the fabrics, contribute to imbuing this collection with a sense of timeless charm.
The brand's focus for this season is on the fluidity of the items of clothing; the purpose of Giorgio Armani's SS24 menswear pieces is to capture the feeling and the energy of summer through geometric patterns reminding of the theme of the thread and shapes such as knots. The juxtaposition of earthy tones and blue hues also fits in with the breezy atmosphere of Giorgio Armani's SS24 summer clothing, which does not expose the body directly but aims to appear airy and fresh. Overall, through earthy colors and intertwining shapes, the collection interprets present men's fashion with a classic, elegant, and timeless taste.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Brunello Cucinelli
A quest for elegance is placed at the heart of Brunello Cucinelli’s SS24 menswear collection. An expressive instrument for the distinctive characteristics of the modern man, the collection’s scope and harmony allow the male personality to shine through with intensity. Inspired by the French Riviera, soothing combinations of colors, shapes, materials, and patterns culminate in a versatile spectrum of sophistication – all at the service of the individual. Fresh and summery colors are enhanced with natural textures, and paired with timeless neutrals to create a freshly intense balance of harmony. Soft volumes enter the collection to ensure contemporary appeal, providing relaxed yet polished looks not only in the domain of trousers but also in the T-shirt and knitwear realms. The comfort of the summer knitwear is further elevated by the careful mixture of prestigious natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk. To accentuate every nuance and silhouette, lightness and comfort are also in mind while searching for fabrics and leather, while patterns take central stage on shirts, T-shirts, blazers, and suits. For the accessory line, quality of materials and craftsmanship are this season’s vocabulary. Even with the simplest of combinations, the man and his choices are the essential point of reference for Brunello Cucinelli.
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Art
Your Literary Wonderland
The French Maison, Louis Vuitton, is celebrating its role in the literary world– just as impactful as their role in the fashion industry. Following the success and significance of similar pop-ups around the globe, Louis Vuitton’s addition to the Art Basel art fair is a momentous occasion to explore and critically engage with the brand’s diverse array of works from the brand’s Editions catalog.
The Maison has explored several different concepts, areas, and disciplines within their publications, including the City Guide, Travel Books, and Fashion Eye collections, providing outlets for travel, design, art, and fashion alongside their future-oriented designs and meticulous craftsmanship. The publications and this pop-up celebrate the power and impact of freelance journalists, authors, and cultural savants that eloquently capture the essence of a subject looked through the peephole of the aesthetic gaze. The pop-up is open to visitors for the duration of the Art Basel, and the painter and illustrator, Yann Kebbi will be honoring the pop-up with an exclusive signing of his latest work for the Maison, the Travel Book Las Vegas. Gracing us with their presence, Kebbi is set to be on-site from four pm to five pm on the 13th and 14th of June – furthermore, Kebbi’s publication will also be available in the exclusive “Artist Edition”. Louis Vuitton invites clients and visitors on a journey across Maison’s literary works, from far-off destinations to wide-ranging themes, all soon to be discovered in the heart of Art Basel.
www.artbasel.com
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Unparalleled Comfort with a Stylish Touch
As one of the world’s leading producers of luxury outerwear, sportswear, and accessories, it should come as no surprise that Moose Knuckles not only presented new Bunny styles and the new Air Down category for its SS23 collection, but also launched new sportswear styles and accessories.
For this season, the brand’s signature sportswear is intended to become a must-have for the absolute summer wardrobe, owing to its design which favors a high performance and style blend. Among the ready-to-wear offer, the matching sets available for both men and women are the go-to garments to face rising temperatures without losing that stylish touch. Whether chosen with shorts or jogger, including neoprene parts for women, these effortless looks embody the possibilities of combining freshness and comfort for all occasions: be it for a daily walking routine in the city, summer-break travels, or simply looking to wear practical and cozy clothing. Among the new accessories, we find logo-adorned belts, socks, pool slides, and bucket hats. Not to mention the Utility bag – a belt bag that can be worn crossbody or at the hip – or the Rope Sack bag for your busy, on the move, days. Introduced in a brand-new bandana print and in metallic silver, the versatile unisex pullover – crafted with cotton French terry and the iconic Moose Knuckles logo on the chest – becomes a staple piece that ought not to escape our attention. After all, who would want to miss out on unparalleled comfort without compromising their look?
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
How much D can you handle?
There is something magnetic about Diesel’s “D.” The power with which it seals style into a uniform of self-expression and sartorial irony. The way it rebels against the established luxury market with a call for individualism. The way it plays on the cult of fashion, weaving values of freedom, individualism, and fun to create an anti-conformist code. In the end, everyone deserves a really good D.
This is the vision of Diesel’s Prefall 2023 campaign, Dieseltopia. Creative Director Glenn Martens, Art Director Chris Simmonds, and photographer Marili Andre fashion a safe, communal space for the Diesel tribe to express themselves through an irreverent take on logomania. The campaign stars Estonian rapper and singer TOMM¥ €A$H as a guru who exalts the House’s values of freedom of expression, humor, and rebellion.
Diesel’s Oval D insignia is an invitation to part of their family. The D logo, surrounded by an oval, is a seal of allegiance, making its way from the best-selling 1DR bag and array of accessories to a full collection of ready-to-wear, underwear, beachwear, and more. The collection expands the treatments and applications of the Oval D logo, blowing it up, miniaturizing it, and rendering it in hardware or contrast colors. Oval D hoodies, Oval D caps, Oval D belts, Oval D underwear, Oval D bikinis, and of course the 1DR bag - Dieseltopia doesn’t make it hard to worship the D.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Cartier’s Journey Begins Anew
“A journey back to the heart of Cartier creation, an uninterrupted story being told over time”, those are the words of Jacqueline Karachi, the Director of High Jewelry creation at Cartier, for the launch of the Maison’s High Jewelry collection: Le Voyage Recommencé. Cartier craftsmen and designers approach creation with a perpetual momentum, allowing them to journey into the heart of Cartier style trough a new, unexpected prism. Including over 90 never-before-seen pieces, the collection expands the possibilities of lines and the abstract, reinvents the palette of chromatic harmonies, and celebrates life as well as the world’s horizons.
For Cartier, light matters. Focusing on the purity of lines, the balance of shapes and volumes, and the final harmony, Cartier creates pieces that play with structures of light – such as the Ondule ring. Part of the Maison’s characteristic style, geometry and contrast remain predominant elements, as seen in the transformable Claustra necklace. Reflected in the Girih necklace is Cartier’s passion for the world and its cultures – a taste for curiosity which makes up the legacy of a long lineage that is more contemporary than ever. In addition to the unique pieces, a collection consisting of two sets of jewelry – the Unda and Voltea set – has been created from this Voyage Recommencé. In Karachi’s words: “This collection is a great opportunity to delve into the essential themes of the Cartier style. To explore them in greater depth, take a fresh look at them, nurtured by the spirit of time."
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Paul&Shark’s Whisper in the Waters of Italy
A key idea in the philosophy of Paul&Shark is that Italy, and the planet for that matter, needs to be safeguarded and taken care of. Although summer style can be chic, lighthearted, and fun, there is an increasing importance for it to be conscious and constructive. This is the “message in a bottle” that Paul&Shark aims to spread in their latest experiential partnership. Along the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Tigullio is Tigu Beach, an elegant beach club that will be dressed by the brand for the approaching summer of 2023.
The concept of Tigu Beach began with Edoardo Santanna and Mattia Ferrari, bringing together the driving forces of entrepreneurship and creativity. Fully designed by Paul&Shark, the Beach Club takes on a 1940s French apartment-style atmosphere, complete with seats and tables evoking Parisian bistros and tea and forest shades of flooring and furniture that recall historic patisseries. The welcoming stripes of 54 standard sunbeds and 10 VIP beds await under vintage umbrellas, offering picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea that needs our protection.
The area was chosen by Paul&Shark for its rich jewel sites of biodiversity, which guests are invited to explore through the brand’s program of activities throughout the season accompanied by marine biology researchers who protect the gulf’s priceless nature and Sealife. The finishing touch of Tigu Beach’s offerings is the fantastic variety of food to tickle the tastebuds: from a Mediterranean restaurant that experiments with local cuisine, to a Japanese style restaurant curated by expert sushi chefs.
www.paulandshark.com
Art
We Kidnapped the Bridge
The conceptual artist JAŠA’s newest site-specific installation and performance, We Kidnapped the Bridge at Kühlhaus Berlin, will take place on the 27th of May. JAŠA has constantly been exploring and confronting the limits of the creation of art. Through his approaching performance, his aim is to explore the relationships between different mediums and how the performing body is in a dialogue with the space. We Kidnapped the Bridge is the 8th Chapter of The Monuments Opus. Each chapter of The Monuments consists of various narrative parallel and contrasting threads that contemplate closeness, urgency, and self-realization through reaction and presence. Supported by a magnificent performance group– the performance is set to generate and shape reality.
Urgency and survival are powerfully reflected through an element of urgency present in the performance art– the protagonists are observed trying to build ways to survive and thrive in any conditions. The possibilities with live artwork are immense– a consent commentary on the current sociopolitical developments and more is made possible in the face of malleable and transformative art. The creation of something ephemeral and intangible can be commented on as futile. Still, on the contrary, the unique and fleeting characteristics of the performance create art that asserts its own attitude, rather than following, obeying, or reflecting on one.
The one-time-only site-specific installation and performance will take place on Saturday the 27th of May from 4 pm - 11 pm at Kühlhaus Berlin.
www.jasha.org
www.kuehlhaus-berlin.com
Fashion
Electronic Fantasia
H&M and Mugler’s event is set to introduce and immerse the star-studded guest list in the two brands’ collaborative iconic world. H&M’s collections with designer brands are coveted in the elusive fashion world– and this year’s capsule collection in collaboration with Mugler – available from the 11th of May, 2023 – has been globally anticipated since its announcement. The event celebrates a collection that explores Mugler’s core values of transformation, body positivity, gender fluidity, and breaking fashion rules. This exploration opens the doors of the Mugler fantasy, welcoming a grandiose audience into a magical and invigorating realm of design.
The soundtrack to this momentous night is curated with the same meticulous care that goes into designing the garments. The transformative, genre-bending, and rule-breaking line-up for the night is as follows: Tommy Cash, VTSS, Zebra Katz, Chippy Nonstop, and Toccororo. The signature sounds of these acclaimed DJs all share a desire to explore the corners of electronic music and transform it to make it their own with grace. The glamorous night, turned into an early morning of ethereal electronic music ought to imbue the already mysterious and captivating upcoming H&M and Mugler capsule collection with a mystic essence of exploration and transcendence.
www.hm.com
www.mugler.com
Fashion
Longchamp in Hamburg
RISE– the new concept of the newly renovated Longchamp Hamburg boutique. The reopening of the brand’s second store in Neuer Wall 18, following the Munich store, was celebrated yesterday evening with genuine happiness and pleasure with esteemed customers and friends of the house.
The new Longchamp store envelops whoever walks in with the warmth, elegance, and aesthetics of a Parisian apartment. The new concept explored through the renovation of the Hamburg store expertly reflects the company's heritage and savoir-faire, energy, and optimism. Paying homage to the birth of Longchamp in 1948 Paris– the store’s decor is imbued with the Parisian creative curiosity and cosmopolitan attitude that distinguishes Longchamp and its clients from others. Traditional dark green asserts the value of tradition and authenticity while a contrasting rich light green presents energy and modernity.
On the 27th of April, 2023, the opening of the Hamburg Longchamp store was honored with the creation of a relaxed atmosphere that the respected guests and clients of Longchamp would appreciate. The ambiance was perfected with eclectic drinks, delicious food, and a brilliant set by DJane. The guests in attendance roamed calmly through the store, a glint of curiosity present in their eyes, exploring and soaking in the final production of the store. The highlight and entertainment of the glamorous and exciting evening was the raffle for a box-trot bag towards the end of the opening.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
Cartier Libre: An Exploration of All Possibilities of Creation
With total creative freedom, the ability to push boundaries and challenge conventions, as well as question form and design, the Cartier creation studios are taking jewelry in an avant-garde direction. Bold and radical, limited edition pieces embody a spirit of powerful curiosity and a constant pursuit of innovation as they take on lines, volumes, contrasts, and mobility with a unique creative mindset.
The Tressage Jewelry collection, the latest addition to the Cartier Libre collection, embraces three aesthetics that reinterpret the work of gold, volume and the interplay of contrasts. These stylistic signatures spring from the influence of Cartier’s first female Creative Director since 1993, Jeanne Toussaint. Toussaint, aka the Panther, is not one to shy away from defying limits – a creative freedom expressed with this collection. The first aesthetic is ‘gold bead chains and precious rollers’. The challenge was to create the illusion of a continuous chain that would twist on itself to create volume, which was ultimately achieved through a multitude of strands of moving gold beads. The second aesthetic is ‘materials in tension’, which includes three Tressage rings and bracelets and centers on the jewelers’ remarkable talent to transform hard materials like gold and stone to give the illusion of supple, animated forms. ‘Twisted coral, braided diamonds and gold’, the third aesthetic, honors Toussaint’s chromatic heritage. The ring and bracelet’s band, a powerful trompe-l’oeil, required the meticulous assembly of a succession of metal elements to compose the pattern. The Tressage Jewelry collection epitomizes the endless possibilities of creation.
www.cartier.com
Art
Loro Piana Interiors & Cristián Mohaded: Apacheta
Loro Piana Interiors presents its new project, Apacheta, with Argentinian designer and artist Cristián Mohaded. As piles of stones that outline paths and passes in the Andes, the Apachetas are the direct link to the Andean tradition that has always accompanied travelers. In fact, it was the courageous travelers who walked great distances carrying a stone in honor of Pachamama’s spirit (Mother Earth). As time passed, stones accumulated, and travelers came and went, the Apachetas became massive towers of irregular rocks. “Apacheta is a message to our Pachamama, it is history, it is culture, it is honesty and respect”, comments Mohaded, who takes them as an inspirational starting point for his collaboration with the Maison.
Inside Loro Piana’s Milanese headquarters, the Cortile della Seta is molded into a dreamlike landscape for the installation. Covered with fabrics from Loro Piana’s old collections, 12, eight-meter high towers rise from the ground – indulging one to consider the possibility of reusing discarded materials. Stone-like sofas, stools, a bench and courtesy tables take on a certain softness using wood, fabric, and ceramic – Loro Piana Interiors’ tactile materials. “Cristian has not only put all his magic into the materials, but has infused the design with all the values we share”, explains Francesco Pergamo, Director of Loro Piana Interiors Division. Juxtaposing materials and textures, the installation recreates the original contrasts of Catamarca’s landscape, transforming each visitor into a traveler.
The installation is open to the public during the Milan Design Week, and Apacheta pieces are available upon order only.
www.loropiana.com
Cinema
ANSELM at Cannes
The annual and invitation-only, elusive Cannes Film Festival will be the birthing grounds for Wim Wender’s new documentary “ANSELM”. The historical film festival will be held in Palais des Festivals et des Congrès as always, and a bubbling creative essence will be intertwined with the gentle French air once again.
"ANSELM", with Wim Wenders as the Director, Karsten Brünig as the Producer, and Franx Lustig as the Director of Photography is an exploration of Anselm Kiefer’s fascination with myth and history. The film delves deep into Kiefer’s work– showcasing his journey through life, inspirations, and creative process.
Taking advantage of the endless world of mixed media- the documentary posits a play between film and painting as well as past and present– the film experience created by Wenders breaks boundaries and transcends traditional notions of creative expression. "ANSELM", completed with meticulous attention in 3D over the course of two years will be screened at the 76th Edition of the Cannes Film Festival alongside other projects under the festival’s Special Screenings Category.
www.wim-wenders.com
Cinema
Saint Laurent on the Big Screen
Saint Laurent has now become the first-ever luxury brand to include full-fledged production of movies in the brand’s list of expertise. The debut of Saint Laurent Productions echoes the cinematic essence so often seen in the collections of the brand. This expansion, envisioned by Anthony Vaccarello, is intertwined with the narrative that the Creative Director has in mind for the future of the grandiose brand. Vaccarello expertly stated his aim and desire for the growth of Saint Laurent Productions, “I want to work with and provide a space for all the great film talents who have inspired me over the years,” showcasing a genuine interest in the elusive industry.
Further immersing itself in the life of cinema, Saint Laurent Productions will participate in the 76th Cannes Festival (16-27 May 2023), premiering “Strange Way of Life” by Pedro Almodóvar, starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal. Committing to this new step forward, Saint Laurent Productions are already set to work with authors David Cronenberg and Paolo Sorrentino on future projects.
Pairing the alluring world of motion pictures with fashion, all of the company’s films feature costumes by Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, making this a unanimous step forward for the entire brand.
www.saintlaurent.com
Fashion
Woolrich’s Swan Song
The fourth Season of The Woolrich Woman designed by Daniëlle Cathari, explores and quantifies the essence of an existence intertwined with nature. The Amsterdam-based designer works to create pieces that intentionally deconstruct fashion and explore the borders of design, consciously coloring outside the lines of traditional tailoring practices. Cathari found inspiration in the serenity of water and everything it encapsulates, specifically mimicking the shape of the graceful swan through direct influences of art-nouveau and line dispositions in garments outlining this SS23 collection.
Tube tops, maxi skirts, scarves, and bomber jackets, the culmination of the garments and their artistic stance allude to the curved and grandiose but elegant physicality of the snow-white bird. Combining the black tube top and the buttery white maxi skirt creates a reconstructed silhouette of the swan– highlighting the lines and curves of the female body - Cathari imbues the collection with the feminine strength and beauty of The Woolrich Woman. Colors play on aspects of the swan’s dance with water additionally featuring the supporting cast of water lilies and the bubbles that line the edges of the moving tides.
The use of soft and delicate materials, such as linen and bouclé yarns, in the production of the garments, further submerges this season’s Woolrich Woman into the comfort and soft femininity of water and nature. Daniëlle Cathari rethinks femininity with a natural lens – playfully implementing the quiet power and the loud soul of the world around us into the seams of traditionally acclaimed silhouettes and designs.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
The Key to Our Hearts’
Archival designs and an homage to the aesthetic notion of the past have been a significant part of the fashion industry, pairing familiar change with the changing weather of the blossoming spring. The new Dior Key Bag only supports this observation more. Inspired by the Dior Archives, the Key Bag is snugly situated at the crossroads of timeless style and ultra-contemporary audacity imbued with a retro aura.
Small, elegant, and curvy, the artisanally crafted Key Bag, available in sizes small and medium, is dressed in either soft black or beige leather – allowing for a versatile use of the exceptional handbag. The Key Bag speaks to modern desire, luxurious, rich, and full– and its production, completely hand-sewn– enhances the subtle element of prestige closely related to the luxury bag. The refined finishes highlight the iconic Dior details so dear and close to the heart of the brand, including its key-shaped clasp, embellished with the “CD” signature in golden letters. Ultimately, through a combination of softer, natural lines and industrial elements, the Key Bag represents modern feminine desire. Independently a woman’s own, bold, classic, elegant, and sexy, Dior’s Key Bag showcases a reimagined narrative for the city woman. It is a reimagination lined by traditionally male tailoring and design styles but colored outside those lines by feminine desire and Dior’s future-oriented gaze.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Plan C SS23: A New Italian Luxury Wardrobe
Plan C Creative Director Carolina Castiglioni, the daughter of Marni’s founder Consuelo Castiglioni, brings in her passion for design and her own personal tastes for the Italian label’s SS23 collection. Inspired by mid-century design’s contrast of refined functionality and saturated color, Carolina’s ready-to-wear-line offers the perfect balance between feminine and masculine elements, as well as fresh styles ideal for the start of the hotter seasons. Experimentation, combination and playfulness seem to be Plan C’s vocabulary for this season as pieces intrigue us with striking colors, diverse materials such as organza and twill, and bold, abstract prints and patterns – all while staying true to the brand’s indubitable quality. For a more feminine touch, midi skirts, a classic spring choice, and flowy long dresses come in a variety of different colors, prints and textures to keep every woman’s wardrobe unpredictable. Unconventional pairings with a touch of sophisticated utility lie at the heart of Carolina’s creative vision: sporty style details and subtle color blocking make up the perfect everyday bag, whereas inventive outerwear pieces such as parkas and trench coats are curiously paired with turtlenecks or a sequined pencil skirt. The classic loafer is reinvented in a contemporary form with a heavy-duty lugged sole and an unusual colorway. To transition from day to night with minimal effort, a sequin dress is layered over a crisp poplin shirt. Plan C crafts a new Italian luxury wardrobe, full of garments designed to become the uniforms of real, powerful and determined women.
www.plan-c.com
Fashion
W&W: An Immersion into Gucci's Universe
For its special event at Watches and Wonders 2023 in Geneva, Gucci presented its newest releases at the Gucci Greenhouse. The new innovative updates to core collections pay tribute to Gucci’s iconic codes and High Watchmaking expertise as the house takes on a new endeavor: a dreamlike, horological spaceflight into the Gucci universe.
Four new designs enter the G-Timeless Planetarium collection. 12 Ethiopian opals, and a pastel melange of topaz, peridot, amethyst and Ethiopian opals embellish two new lunar themed creations. Another design, inspired by an otherworldly sunset, is characterized by contrasting reds, while the brightest addition is an all-around, star-themed creation. Additions to the G-Timeless Dancing Bees collection continue to celebrate the bee motif on another tourbillion. In honor of Mother Earth’s singular beauty, two new designs feature exceptional stone dials: a turquoise dial resembles the oceans, and a vibrant pistachio green opal dial captures lush, verdant lands. Technological precision describes the new, made-to-order G-Timeless Moonlight creations, which uniquely incorporate a client’s specific place, time and date of birth into the watch. Inspired by the forms of contemporary architecture, the Gucci 25H collection welcomes a wide array of new additions. Made for extreme comfort, the new Gucci 25H with the perpetual calendar complication comes in three models with gold and steel finishes, and is powered by the GG7S7.25.PC caliber. For a more sustainable approach, the Gucci Dive collection features bio-based materials and an automatic movement with 300m water resistance. The novelties showcase Gucci’s exceptional heritage alongside its contemporary savoir-faire.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Dive into the BOSS Metaverse
BOSS took a bold step into this year’s Metaverse Fashion Week in late March offering a fully immersive, interactive experience centered around their SS23 collection.
Fans worldwide are welcomed into a virtual BOSS showroom created with artificial intelligence for a gamified digital buying experience. The visual identity of the space is a deep dive into the physical event’s liquid theme, contrasting ethereal open air and tranquil pools of water with brutalist architecture. The SS23 BOSS collection, already introduced in the BOSS Miami Fashion Show, awaits discovery, exemplifying BOSS’s aim to lead the fashion industry in the use of digital innovation.
The BOSS Metaverse features menswear and womenswear separates that epitomize the brands timeless design codes of the German company and draw in the details and colors introduced on the Miami runway. Users guide an avatar to find five looks linked to product pages on the BOSS online store. Collecting prizes throughout the space rewards them with a digital blue BOSS suit fresh from the Miami runway which can be worn in the muti-game avatar platform Ready Player Me.
BOSS immersive showroom is an exciting leap into the future of fashion made possible by Spatial. As one of the co-hosts of the 2023 Metaverse Fashion Week, it offers a platform for virtual events that bridge the gap between physical and digital fashion realities. Furthermore, the showroom is the result of a collaboration with the Web3 agency Exclusible and Polycount, its studio for Metaverse experiences.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Dior Pre-Fall 2023: A Celebration of Indian Savoir-Faire
For the first time, Dior presented its Pre-Fall 23 collection in India, more accurately at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The house has long held Indian culture in high esteem. In fact, this dialogue between France and India began with Marc Bohan, who in April 1962 traveled with Dior models to Mumbai and Delhi for shows. The resulting pictures from these travels served as an inspiration for Dior’s Creative Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Beyond this, Chiuri’s work relations and friendships have also connected her to India for many years now. Most remarkable, however, is her relationship with Karishma Swali, the director of the Chanakya School of Craft – a place that explores different types of savoir-faire and where incorporating women into the fashion industry is a central goal.
Through the collection, Chiuri continues to pay tribute to her and Dior’s long-lasting engagement with India. She incorporates materials and color palettes that speak to her shared key influences with Swali. Timeless clothing shapes that have remained largely unchanged throughout time afford Chiuri the capacity to redesign her favorite models. Embroidery carries a special meaning as it represents the multiple landscapes of India as well as honors diverse techniques, which become a woman’s instruments of empowerment and inventiveness. As a homage to Marc Bohan, silks in shades of green, yellow, pink and purple set apart sari-inspired straight skirts, while traditional Indian cuts characterize trousers, boleros, jackets and tops. Dior’s celebration of Indian craft and creation produced a wardrobe of endless possibilities.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Big Dreams, From New York City to the Whole World
Alicia Keys dares us to dream with her new collaborative collection with Moncler. The collaboration fulfills her childhood dreams in a way she never imagined. She takes us back to the New York winters of her youth, where Moncler spotted the streets, a vision of excellence that always seemed out of reach. And now, her collection transports us to the place where her dreams were made, to her vision of New York City, the intersection of hard work and aspiration.
The Alicia Keys x Moncler collection brings the energy and hopeful optimism of New York to the world. Baggy ‘90s silhouettes shape an effortlessly gender-neutral collection reminiscent of the unforgettable pre-millennial aesthetic. From oversized tracksuits to cropped and shrunken tops, the collection radiates youthful confidence. Ebullient greens, reds, and Alicia’s signature purple piece together with silver metallics and crystals in designs that epitomize swagger and street style.
The accompanying campaign imagery tells the story of the collection in two perspectives. The first, shot by Ibrahem Hasan, stars Keys with a cast of New York’s up-and-coming talents swinging above a backdrop of the city’s skyline – a visual metaphor for striving, reaching, and then surpassing your dreams. The second is a series of candid portraits reflecting the character and personality of Keys, shot by Laura Jane Coulson.
The collection was unveiled during London Fashion Week of 2023 at Moncler’s The Art of Genius event, first worn on stage in a live performance by Little Simz and Cleo Sol. It launched online and in Moncler boutiques in late March 2023.
www.moncler.com
Fashion
Borbonese Studios Starring The SS23 Collection
Out of the darkness, the stillness, the American desert; a warm ebullient glow, and sharp dazzling vision. Dorian Tarantini and Matteo Mena take Borbonese to a new land, familiar yet pure fantasy. In the desert night, a distinctive vision of sharp glamor radiates and captivates. Borbonese Studios presents not only a seductive and rich SS23 collection but creates a captivating story with their latest campaign.
We watch the scene unfold from the director’s chair, suedes in the dense colors of a Cadillac roll out and high-heeled wooden clogs set the rhythm. The collection is inherently responsible, with each piece made of archive materials. Suede and silk handkerchiefs and chokers are wrapped as accessories, protecting from the day’s beating sun. The silhouette is vertical and voluptuous. Leather fringe and folds put on a sensuous show, a magnetizing dance. Archive silk with a spunky domino-print and dresses edged with crystals; archetypal garments like the blouson, the pleated skirt, shorts, and jeans, become sensual characters of their own.
Undeniably taking the lead is the cast of seductive and vivacious bags. The absolute protagonist is 110, with its rounded shape crafted from seasonal colors. A special version is presented, adorned with Swarovski crystals® in two variants: a ‘crystal texture’ like the glassy, crisp sparkle of sand, and a ‘crystal transfer’ with large stone embellishments. The hobo style of Domino, with brass dice on the knotted shoulder strap, brings soft volume and buoyant character. The short handle and rounded enveloping shell-like shape of Oyster makes it compact yet mighty. And Horseback’s strong silhouette brings a rigorous structure.
www.borbonese.com
Fashion
Premiata at KaDeWe
The Italian brand Premiata celebrated the long-awaited opening of its new store in February of 2023. Located on the first floor of KaDeWe in West Berlin, the space spans 20sqm, offering a wide range of the brand's products. Premiata specializes in high-quality jackets, backpacks, and a variety of shoes that are expertly crafted with Italian style and sophistication. The illuminated Premiata logo invites customers into the concept ‘Corner Store’, reduced to the essentials while offering Premiata’s latest designs. The selection of materials creates a space that reflects the purity and elegance of Premiata and its products. The design elements in the space coexist in a way that emphasizes the products on display, such as the current sneaker collections. The new store is reminiscent of the other Premiata location, with glossy black surfaces that harmonize with accents of brass and plexiglass. The store and the products unite in a common language: light and minimalist, yet technical and modern. A small area of the store is furnished with a carpet and velvet stools to provide seating so customers can find their perfect fit. With the opening of the Premiata Corner Store opening at KaDeWe, Berlin, Premiata invites its customers into the world of Italian style and high-quality craftsmanship. www.premiata.eu
Fashion
Everyone’s Favorite Puffer
MM6 Maison Margiela and CHENPENG’s collaborative FW23 collection combines the new fresh and cool attitude of MM6 and the iconic puffer silhouette of the Chinese label. The mutual wit, character, and abilities of the brands work together to produce the quintessential puffer jacket.
The silhouettes are imbued with lines that provide structure to the jackets and tie in an experimental architectural element to the independent posture of the jackets. The collaboration features three classic puffer jacket silhouettes – reimagined and reinvented to showcase the MM6 charm and the exceptional CHENPENG mastery. The three different puffer styles: a nylon textured parka-length coat with an in-built padded scarf detail; a cropped jacket with contrast faux leather sleeves and a faux leather gilet featuring similar contrast paneling with contrasting high shine nylon provide versatility and comfort for any situation and climate.
The puffers, integrate innovative design and aspects to ensure comfort, and each piece embodies the practical yet style-minded perspective that MM6 is known for. The capsule, exuding comfort, style, and mystery is the perfect high-quality integration to an everyday outfit. The collection is now available at MM6 retail locations and e-commerce site – including selections in some multi-brand stores as well.
www.maisonmargiela.com
Fashion
A New Chapter
In late February, the luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton unveiled the South Korean rapper, dancer, and songwriter J-Hope as the brand’s newest House Ambassador. As a member of the beloved k-pop group BTS, J-Hope rose to international stardom and is now a global fashion, art, and music icon. BTS has gone down in history as one of the most influential music groups of all time – broken several Billboard records, has been listed in Times Magazine’s 100 most influential people, and more.
The creative, bubbly, and unique energy J-Hope possesses has only intensified his momentum as a solo artist. He is adored by fans worldwide for his masterful choreography, charismatic attitude, and creative musical direction. The rapper’s positive on-and-off-stage aura outlines his genuine nature and passion to push artistic boundaries while inspiring international audiences. J-Hope’s new and exciting charm will outline a new chapter for the Maison, combining artistic passion with exquisite design and craftsmanship.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
A Reinterpretation of Dior's Iconic CD Diamond Pattern
The archival Dior pattern – the CD Diamond toile – flourishes anew as it is reinterpreted for Dior’s SS23 men’s collection, dreamed up by Kim Jones in an attempt to pay tribute to the brand’s heritage through innovation. Originally designed by Marc Bohan in 1974, the CD Diamond toile is an iconic signature of the house. The pattern is revisited as a diamond with pared-down lines. Like the outline of a clean-cut diamond, the CD initials compose a hypnotic motif – a mesmerizing design that honors the legacy of house Dior. Jones’ selection of designs for the collection, adorned by the iconic pattern, combine the elegance of tailoring with the functionality of outdoor wear to make up bold silhouettes. The CD Diamond short-sleeved shirt, made from silk twill in a seductive shade of gray, is put on display with the matching CD Diamond Bermuda shorts. The emblematic Saddle Bag is deliberately paired with the Gardener’s jacket, crafted in pink thick cotton canvas with a CD motif sleeve lining, to enhance the silhouette. Other accessories, such as the Dior Hit The Road mini bag, the B27 High-Top sneaker and the Safari bag with strap, are also embellished by the delicate graphics. The bold reinterpretation of the iconic pattern is not only an ode to the house’s legacy and history but also a reframing process – striking a balance of heritage and innovation with a modern and adventurous approach.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Experiencing Louis Vuitton in Vienna
Louis Vuitton opened the doors to its latest store on Graben in Vienna on March 10th, 2023. The beautiful historic building, dated 1898-99, grants four floors in the heart of the city center. The latest realization of Peter Marino’s design concept is among the largest in Europe.
Upon entry, one walks atop pale and marbled reddish stone distinctive to the Austro-Hungarian empire and the Vienna Secession respectively. An exceptional stone spiral staircase complements curving walls and open sightlines, allowing one to float through the fantastic world of Louis Vuitton. A statement wall contrasts this airy effect, with eight vibrant, graphic paintings by Austrian artist Erwin Wurm.
The displays of women’s leather goods, watches and jewelry, perfume, and travel accessories are immediately enthralling on the ground floor, amidst one-of-a-kind modern furniture and striking artworks. The women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, and high-end leather goods are housed in the warmth of the mezzanine, finished with classic parquet, textured walls, and accents of soft color. On the first floor, the White Box offers an exhibition space, an extension to private VIC salons overlooking Graben, and the exciting potential of future projects. The lower level is a man’s world, complete with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, curving cabinetry and bold visuals.
Louis Vuitton’s new location in Vienna transcends the definition of a store. From hand-painted trunks as if by the Austrian painters of the Vienna Secession themselves, to contemporary daybeds, modular sofas and whimsical light pieces, the space takes shape as a unique and inspiring experience.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Bringing Back the Unica Furla with Biodegradable Leather
Unica Furla is an icon unique in its expression, unique in its style, and now reinterpreted to be unique in its fabrication. The Unica Furla Earth Limited Edition is the first ‘Made in Italy’ bag crafted from biodegradable leather. Unveiled in February 2023 in Milan, the circular model for its production was made possible in collaboration with Cyclica. The unveiling campaign typified its contemporary elegance with the storytelling of photographer Koto Bolofo and international top model Irina Shayk.
The one-of-a-kind crossbody pays homage to the essentials. The shape of the bag holds true to Furla’s architectonic DNA. Available in a maxi and medium size, its bold structure is softened with soft curves and a stylized arch logo. Drawing inspiration from historical women in cult cinema and TV, it carries the creative, inclusive, and elegant philosophy of the brand.
Furla was able to achieve its first biodegradable bag thanks to Oleum®, Cyclica’s own leather brand. By-products of the food industry from traceable European farms are vegetable tanned. Thus, the material is metal-free and environmentally non-toxic. The bag is available in a vibrant array of colors in addition to black and white, all achieved with organic dyes from components such as corn, spirulina, logwood bark and fern. The innovations in leather manufacturing techniques are finished with natural elements such as beeswax and salts. True to its Italian style and craftsmanship, the Unica Furla Earth Limited Edition does not compromise on quality and performance.
www.furla.com
Fashion
PFW - FW23 - Balenciaga's Return to the Runway
After its campaign controversies in 2022, Balenciaga has returned to the runway with its FW23 collection. Following the scandal, Balenciaga issued several official apologies and, soon after, the brand stated its plans to reinvent the house with an internal reform and a three-year partnership with the National Children’s Alliance. For this collection, fashion as entertainment – Balenciaga’s characteristic performative element – is left behind. Instead, Creative Director Demna stripped back to the fundamentals of design by mixing Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy with his own. This time, tourists and show-goers rather than big-time celebrities attended the show, which took place in a whitewashed box room inside the Carrousel du Louvre – an underground shopping center in Paris. The oversized structured tailoring looks that opened the show convey Demna’s intention to redirect focus to shapes, silhouettes and tailoring. The suits are crafted using reverse-tailored trousers, as well as other garments – coats and jackets – with pant-loops, pockets and inverted waists placed at the hems. Trousers are doubled to appear as if walking on four legs, creating fluid motion. Typical Balenciaga motifs are also present. Long floral archival dresses, bicker jackets, high-neck nightgowns embellished with crystal sequins, and alien sportswear paired with wide eye sunglasses walk down the runway. Garments and accessories no longer rely on the Balenciaga logo, rather, they showcase Demna’s “ode to the artistic quality of creation”. While many argue that the show was a step in the right direction, others are still uncertain about its success. So, the question remains: will Balenciaga be able to redeem itself?
www.balenciaga.com
Fashion
The Sound of Brunello Cucinelli’s Women’s FW23 Collection
Brunello Cucinelli explores the sound of style in the Women’s FW23 Collection. The collection is based on musical and artistic harmony in redefining the feminine. The brand showcases an attachment to simplicity and order, clean lines, alternating shapes, and a color schema inspired by the essence of the countryside to build the foundation of harmony for the Italian brand - luxury and serenity.
The softness that the knitwear made from mohair, alpaca yak fibers, and soft shearlings evoke is counteracted with elements influenced by “academic charm”. Comfortable shearling-lined outerwear garments are paired with mini- and midi skirts and thin heels paired with neutral socks or practical boots.
The collection, inspired by “the clean and essential look of the ‘90s”, displays the authenticity that the modern feminine yearns for. The visuality of garments is constructed with different experiences in mind, and a masterful understanding of how environments influence silhouettes and garment construction. One can find solace in the comfort of casual silhouettes during the day and explore the intimacy of their femininity with evening garments inspired by “jazz club atmospheres”.The collection resembles the workings of an orchestra, and the looks feature elements of varying environments and attitudes, but the collection as a whole creates an outlet for the divine feminine which is not limited to the traditional boundaries of simplicity and minimalism.
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
PFW - Louis Vuitton FW23
By asking the question, “What is French style?”, the Louis Vuitton FW23 was an innovative and cosmopolitan take on classic and timeless Parisian silhouettes. The collection debuted with a return to the ballroom of Musée d’Orsay, anchoring the new pieces in the conventions of French fashion culture. Artist Philippe Parreno and production designer James Chinlund, met with sound illusions by Nicolas Becker, set the scene of the catwalk in a busy cobblestone Parisian Street. The show began in muted, neutral colors with belted blazers layered over floral dresses. This evolved into bold, oversized garments and the vibrant French tricolore appearing in bags, leather motocross gloves and the patterns of the garments themselves with accents of burgundy and yellow. Traditional fabrics like tweed and wool were transformed into contemporary silhouettes such as oversized outerwear and trousers slashed at knee length. The pieces were expertly tailored, with thick knits in bold angular shapes and sculpturally pleated blazers and trousers. Leather was manipulated with details such as on coats embossed and printed with a wool-like texture, and on pants painted with pinstripes. Dresses featured white collars and cuffs were reminiscent of the traditional café uniform, paying homage to the French service industry. The show concluded by featuring international prints and textures, tying in Louis Vuitton’s traveling spirit, and the trailblazing style of the French to which the world is magnetized.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
ZEGNA x The Elder Statesman
The collaboration of ZEGNA and The Elder Statesman represents a commitment to masterful craftsmanship, the world’s finest raw materials, and new possibilities in environmentally conscious fashion. ZEGNA is a global leader in luxury menswear faithful to its heritage style of Piedmont Italy. Their Oasi Cashmere reflects a deep, technical appreciation of a traditional material manipulated with the ambition for innovation. Their designs have effortless synchrony with nature, aspiring towards using waste-free, fully traceable fibers without compromising beauty. ZEGNA’s ethos is shared by The Elder Statesman, a luxury lifestyle company comprising a team of artisans in Los Angeles that hand spins, knits, dyes, and embroiders their designs. Their ongoing partnership was announced by teasing a shirt and carried overcoat in the ZEGNA FW23 fashion show in Milan. Their dialogue represents a harmonious “recognition of quality, craft, and a deep mutual respect”, as said by Greg Chait, the Founder and CEO of The Elder Statesman. ZEGNA’s Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori describes it as a “cross-pollination” merging the Italian textile mastery with Californian levity and spontaneity. The ZEGNA x The Elder Statesman collection will deliver a rich and vibrant balance of colors like lilac, bacca red, and aurora yellow and elevate nostalgic patterns referencing worn-in plaids and corduroys. From cashmere button-down shirts, long shorts, and slip-ons, to felt bucket hats and baseball caps, the pieces embody a soft, comfortable masculinity.
The collection will be available from September 2023 in key ZEGNA stores, The Elder Statesman retail channels and selected wholesale partners.
www.zegna.com
www.elder-statesman.com
Fashion
A Journey of Colors and Textures
Seldom before have colors, textures and fibers transported us through time and space as with Loro Piana’s FW23 collection. Clothes become allies in an extraordinary life, convenient for mentally active personalities with an appreciation for stylish playfulness.
We begin an imaginary journey in Peru, advancing towards New Zealand and Australia to arrive at our final destination, Mongolia – all homelands to the key fibers that lie at the heart of Loro Piana’s expertise. Muted yet deep tones denote Peru, where linens are mixed with cashmere and CashDenim, and light dresses flow smoothly over the body. Natural tones and dimensional outwear in rich wools and leather indicate our arrival in New Zealand. A practical yet nonchalant attitude and oversized jerseys teamed up with tartans are found in Australia – in contrast to shearlings and chunky knits in natural fleece tones which mark the stark winter feel of the Mongolian steppe. The journey’s characteristic spirits and moods are mirrored in the collection, guiding the flow of silhouettes and colors as fluid, feminine shapes mingle with sharp, masculine lines. We may transition from elegant to rugged, ultralight to cocooned, city to weekend. Horse-riding nods illustrate Loro Piana’s artisanal mastery with superlative fibers, the new trousers’ shape has a fuller volume that becomes dramatically narrow at the bottom. The soft and versatile Bale is offered in L and Micro size for different uses. This house of sensations cultivates experiences for all, empowering one to move with excellence and ease through a magnitude of landscapes.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
MFW - Ferragamo’s New Hollywood - FW23
Hollywood with its cosmic history, omnipresent attitude, and aura is threaded into the seams of Ferragamo’s Pre-Fall23 collection. The collection is inspired by the oppositional elements in the narrative of Hollywood and the cinematic endeavor that is the cowboy boots Salvatore Ferragamo created for The Covered Wagon in 1923. The brand is not reductionist in regard to what Hollywood aesthetically offers, on the contrary, it adopts a panoramic view of the Californian landscape to highlight the intimate dance of the snowy mountains and the desiccated desert. The seductive dichotomies between hot and cold and, refined and raw create the subtext of the showcase. The brand is deeply intertwined with the history and the aesthetic of Hollywood, past and present, and although Salvatore has been dropped from the Ferragamo name Maximilian Davis - the Creative Director of the brand- regards Hollywood as the shoe-making prophecy once did - an opportunity for creative expansion and improvement. The silhouettes and the garments efficiently marry the aesthetic of the Western wardrobe with the essence of today- monochromatic garments influenced by the West that create seductive, reserved, and powerful images paired with accessories that are loud, bold, and attention-grabbing. The cohesion achieved with an elaborate baby blue suit, featuring a light and dynamic monochromatic trench coat, is contrasted with a bright red tote bag. Leather, colorful gloves, denim, and elements that highlight natural lines found in nature create a collection that can embellish the Hollywood red carpet or the everyday.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
MFW - FW23 - Rethinking History
Ian Griffiths employed his creative protocol of highlighting a female figure from a historical period to explore his artistic thesis. Max Mara’s FW23 collection expands on the ingenuity of the French mathematician and philosopher Émilie du Châtelet to re-envision the eighteenth century. Châtelet- an immensely intelligent and astute thinker who set the tone for rational thinking during the period of Enlightenment wrote that “to be happy, one must rid oneself of prejudice”. Her doctrine is visible in her attempts to dissect the sociopolitical role of women, the afterlife, and human happiness. Châtelet and her lover, Voltaire spent 10 years together- saturating their life with scientific experimentation and intellectual debate. The fashion of the Age of Reason was nebulously tinted with the sediments of a darker time. Châtelet was not concerned about necromancy - her empirical gaze is the foundation for Max Mara’s indulgence in reimagining a play between the empirical and the occult of the 18th century to create a collection for the now. Garments display the androgyny that the thinker sought to enter predominantly male spaces: oversized silhouettes underlined with form-fitting tops of varying fabrics that highlight feminine energy. An adaptation of 18th-century menswear and womenswear is seen in the extensive layering of garments and the imposing teddy and trench coats that play into the narrative of the femme fatale. The dark empirical feminine is highlighted in evening garments utilizing sheer fabrics and elements of practicality and utility accessorized with corset belts. In its FW23 collection, Max Mara intertwines creativity with historical exploration to capture the essence of the 18th century whilst empowering Max Mara women.
www.maxmara.com
Fashion
NEW YORK - TORY BURCH FW23
About her newest collection, Tory Burch had to say the following, “for the FW23, we wanted to challenge perceptions of beauty and femininity. [...] This collection is about the confidence that comes from being unapologetically yourself. Women aren’t interested in rules, and every piece is designed to be endlessly mixed, layered and individualized.” The new FW23 collection does indeed break away from the traditional wardrobe and rebuild it with a new undone attitude. It is this attitude which emphasizes the beauty of imperfections which can be found as a fil rouge throughout the collection, whether it is through the raw-cut and weather luxurious materials or broken heels. Overall, the garments are defined by their simplicity of form with a dichotomy of silhouettes and shapes varying between relaxed and cure-hugging. It’s an eclectic collection which shows that there are no rules, and no boundaries when it comes to how anything should be worn. No details of the collection might embody this philosophy more than the safety pin brooches and other interior details that are prominently shown throughout instilling the right edge and off-hand attitude to the collection. Each look is then only complete with the right selection of accessories. For this collection, Tory Burch revisited its archives and brought back some of its favorite silhouettes and details, most notably in the Jessica chain hardware, which was reinterpreted and stripped down before becoming a leading motif throughout this season’s accessory selection.
www.toryburch.com
Fashion
Pharrell Williams appointed as the new Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director
In late November 2021, news about the passing of Louis Vuitton Men’s Artistic Director Virigil Abloh, after having been battling cancer privately for several years, shocked the world. Undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in fashion, he was largely credited as one of the pioneers who bridged the gap between streetwear and luxury fashion, bringing a new flair to the historic house of Louis Vuitton. Having set a very high standard for any successor, the French Maison found itself without a permanent creative or artistic director for the entirety of 2022 with the presented collections having been designed by the remaining menswear design team and guest creative directors such as Kid Super founder Colm Dillane for the FW23 collection. On February 14, 2023, Louis Vuitton announced that, effective immediately, Pharrell Williams will be taking over the creative reigns as new Men’s Creative Director. Over the past two decades, Williams has established himself as a cultural and global icon with his creative universe encompassing music, art and fashion. His courage to break the boundaries of the various worlds he explores, aligns him perfectly with Louis Vuitton’s status as a Cultural Maison, reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneer spirit and entrepreneurship. Building upon a long legacy of working with luxury companies, Williams does not only look back on creative collaborations, but has always been known as a taste-maker whilst also being deeply engaged in social causes. Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO, declared, “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Creative Director. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
Pharrell Williams’ first collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed in June 2023 during the Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
A Dash of Parisian Nonchalance
Paris is one of fashion’s epicentres with some of the most influential fashion houses in the world calling the French capital their home. And the city’s residents themselves also have a reputation for being especially fashionable with the notion of Parisian Chic being world-renowned. But as the world is changing, our understanding of Parisian Chic does as well. Living up to this notion, Givenchy is presenting its newest bag, the Voyou. To put it in Givenchy Creative Director Matthew Williams’ own words, “I wanted to revisit fashion archetypes with a kind of new language and playful attitude. With the Voyou, you know at a glance that it’s Parisian, but it’s at home wherever it goes, and it makes an everyday style statement that has true staying power.” Named for the slang term that means “bad boy” in French, the Voyou is blending the language of a lady’s handbag with an easy-going demeanour, resulting in this elegant, yet casual bag. Crafted in tumbled, subtly grained calfskin, the bag features zippered compartments for everyday essentials and luxurious turned edges fusing the Givenchy polish with the convenience and lightness of a hobo. Yet it receives a jewel-like allure through its distinctive hardware embellishments. Combined the visual features of the bag provide every look with a dash of Parisian nonchalance, by day or by night.
www.givenchy.com
Art
Aneta Bartos - Monotropa Terrain
Born in Poland, Aneta Bartos came to the United States in order to get her degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Ever since graduating, she has made a name for herself through her striking imagery that blurs physical and imagined worlds, capturing the surreal space between memory and fiction whilst reimagining how both figures and desire are represented. Her newest exhibition Monotropa Terrain, a two-folded exploration of the deeper and darker nature of the human mind and the functioning of its memory keeps in line with Bartos’ overall work philosophy and approach. The exhibition brings together a large, projected Super8 film with five black and white videos, testimonies of a woman describing her mysterious encounters that question the nature of our accepted reality, raising questions about the supernatural and the ideas of duality. Set in the dark world of the Monotropa, a plant known as ‘ghost pipe’ due to its white, ghostly appearance, the main projection depicts amphibious characters who seem to be in an embryonic process of taking form, merging and splitting, their symbiotic movements reminding the viewer of the sensual and mysterious ballets often seen in early documentaries observing the micro-cosmos of the cell and plant world, immersing the viewers into this otherworldly world.
Monotropa Terrain by Aneta Bartos will be open to the public until February 25, 2023.
www.postmastersart.com
Fashion
Touch of Crude
The SS23 Prada campaign accompanying the new men’s and women’s collections by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons is a testament to the artistic virtuosity of the house. Not only does one see a true appreciation for the art of clothes and tailoring in the design and execution of the new collection; the short film and campaign reveal a true sensibility toward art as a medium for communicating stories and messages.
The film ‘Touch of Crude’, written and directed by filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, is a collaboration between the director and Prada – a short-format feature film is a surrealist take on fluid femininity. Vibrantly colorful, unsettling and creepy, the short feature film plays out like a dream sequence, replete with strange dialogue and nonsequiturs. A floating black box, a peephole to other realities, and three women (Sungirl, Moongirl and Superstar) all outfitted in Prada are all central elements in this short yet dense storyline (or rather, lack thereof).
The seemingly unrelated lives of the three main characters, Sungirl, Moongirl and Superstar (or “The True Fairy of Punk”, as she calls herself) respectively, are connected solely by the enigmatic black box, as well as the clothes they wear. The symbolism of the clothes represents the longstanding tradition of the House of Prada: the way clothes are passed down from generation to generation of women. As items travel along the passage of time, they represent a kind of continuity from the past; echoing realities, accompanying stories, figures and settings.
Photography figures into this campaign as well, with actors Vincent Cassel, Jaehyun Jeong, Louis Partridge, Hunter Schafer, Letitia Wright, as well as models Guinevere van Seenus and Rachel Williams starring in the campaign by David Sims. Each photograph tells its own story of Prada characters, a plurality of stories and stars in their own rights. Through this complexity, a Touch of Crude contradicts, in its inherent directness and purity. This is reflected in the style of photography; minimalist, stark, and real, putting the people of Prada in the foreground. HZ
www.prada.com
Fashion
Space for Art, Space for Fashion
Reductionism lies at the heart of the FW23 Men’s Collection by LOEWE. The collection strips everything down to its core; embellishments, colors, even the models themselves, are stripped down to give central focus to the silhouette of the clothing.
Shape is everything in this collection. The way it is molded, blended, frozen, tailored. The way a line is drawn, the contours of the clothing. The expression brought about through precise geometry; the power held within the measuring tape of the tailor.
In the context of mass media, mass consumerism and gargantuan productions, one can often feel caught within a whirlwind of (over)stimulation. LOEWE’s collection and show provide a quiet sanctuary in this storm (especially the storm that is Paris Fashion Week – a veritable monsoon of colossal productions and media campaigns), where one can stop and take a breath, and appreciate just what is really at the heart of all this madness… the clothes themselves. Fashion and art are given space and spotlight again.
This unostentatious, minimalist mentality is similarly reflected in the show space, a single white square-shaped room, with the showgoers watching from the perimeters. The only enhancement to the space, the giant original artworks by Julien Nguyen, depicting the House’s model and muse Nikos in Nguyen’s characteristically surrealist style. HZ
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Growing Up
The Louis Vuitton FW23 Men’s ‘Growing Up’ collection and show tell (predictably) the story of growing up, from birth to childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood. The show was preceded by a short film, directed by the French filmmaker-sibling duo Michel and Olivier Gondry, documenting the rites of passage of a young boy’s life. The set, a vivid and very literal interpretation of the subject, comprised a series of rooms through which the models passed, like a dream sequence. Familiar scenes of childhood and adolescence played out throughout the show, taking the viewer on an emotional journey through the earlier stages of life.
The collection is a tribute to the inner child, manifested in the vividness of colors, the at times fantastical designs and a boyish sense of defiance present throughout. The late Virgil Abloh, previous Creative Director of the House, often nurtured the idea of the inner child as a symbol of hope. Following in his footsteps, the Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme introduce a collection that is invariably imaginative – a true testament to the child within. Messages of hope and confusion are splayed across the collection (“FANTASTIC IMAGINATION?..”, “FANTASTIC FUTURE?...”, “blurry vision of a bright future”), creating a sense of the emotional turmoil, uncertainty and relentless optimism of growing up. HZ
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Unity of Nature
Human-to-human and human-to-nature are among the most important aspects of our existence on Earth. Dries Van Noten pays tribute to both of these themes in its latest FW23 men’s collection. An overlapping of nature motifs, together with a more unexpected inspiration in raver culture, forms the basis of the line. Both themes, nature and raver, simultaneously advocate a sense of freedom and self-expression, a constant theme throughout the range of designs.
The nature symbolism in the collection is largely inspired by the groundbreaking work of German naturalist and geographer Alexander von Humboldt. Informed by his decades of exploration and travel and an insatiable curiosity of the natural world, Humboldt’s “unity of nature” theory advanced the idea of the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth. It seems that the concept of the “harmoniously ordered whole” likewise percolated into the artistic headquarters of Dries Van Noten, where individuals were inspired by drawings housed in the Meise Botanic Garden to create the vivid renderings of tiger lilies, snakes and eagles present throughout the collection.
Other elements work to create a strong sense of the outside world – earthy, muted tones; the rawness of fabrics such as jute and alpaca, next to materials and fabrications that have been weathered by the elements. To complete this picture of interconnectedness and the energy of the elements, design choices are informed by classic raver styles. HZ
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
GUCCI REBELS
The debut of the Gucci FW23 Men’s Collection at the Men’s Fashion Week in Milan, two weeks into the start of the calendar year, marked yet another historic moment in the company’s history – its first collection since the departure of Alessando Michele, former Creative Director of the House. To the tense musical accompaniment of Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog, the Gucci models strutted their stuff on the circular runway, many of them donning beanies and oversized silhouettes. Apparently inspired by acts of improvisation, the collection riffed on a core premise of oversized everything in the beginning and elements of indie sleaze especially in the latter part of the collection. Leg warmers featured prominently, as did variations on conventional male designs such as the blazer and chinos. Touches of glitter and pastel also emanated throughout, giving a colorful spin to the looks. As the models moved as if in a gravitational orbit around the energetic trio in the middle of the circular stage, the mood was undeniably… sexy. And moody. The collection reflected something of a rebellious take on traditional and less-traditional styles – fitting to the grunge-y chords and drum beats emanating from the core of the show. The finale, with the models revolving in single file around the periphery of the stage, had to be the highlight; as the models left the stage, Marc Ribot let out one final cry and the band played an epic drum-filled outro – an explosive and electrifying moment to mark the end of the show. As the first composition of Gucci’s post-Michele era, the show and collection sets an exciting new course for the House and its loyal followers. HZ
www.gucci.com
Fashion
BOSS x Perfect Moment
Hitting the slopes this year: BOSS’ annual ski capsule collection, this time with a special treat – a collaboration with skiwear brand Perfect Moment – a collaboration sure to accompany many a perfect moment this winter. Designs inspired by a crossover of both brands’ archives create a blend of respective expertises, with BOSS’ casual athleisure aesthetic meeting Perfect Moment’s technical knowledge of creating high-performing activewear. From the cable car to the flight downhill to the après-ski, the collection offers no shortage of gear for every occasion. Ski jackets, pants, overalls, knit and accessories comprise the line in a distinctive color palette of five colors: the black, white and camel associated with BOSS, the bright tomato red of Perfect Moment and a shade of white cream that perfectly matches the winter season. The partnership is also manifested in the combination of logos: BOSS’ familiar B-monogram appears alongside Perfect Moment’s northern star.
Jane Gottschalk, Creative Director at Perfect Moment explains the vision behind the line: “This collection is for "Moment Makers" - everyone who is looking for unique, authentic experiences on the slopes and in their lives and who wants to look good doing it.”
The BOSS x Perfect Moment capsule collection will be available in select BOSS stores worldwide, on boss.com and on perfectmoment.com. HZ
www.boss.com
www.perfectmoment.com
Fashion
Dior Men x ERL Spring 23
Dior’s Spring 23 Men’s Collection is unveiled just in time to ring in the new year. Designed by Creative Director Kim Jones and guest designer Eli Russell Linnetz (ERL), the collection celebrates freedom especially in its motifs of ocean waves. Between its birthplace in Paris and its newer home in Los Angeles, exchanges within the House have produced the reinvention of some of its classic symbols, such as a quilted version of the Cannage pattern.
The collection is submerged throughout in deep and vibrant hues, the campaign calling to life a monochromatic retro feeling. This is no accident, as the collection was designed with the theme of “California Couture” in mind, a pastiche of the golden era of L.A. and Venice Beach.
A Venice Beach native himself, Lennitz draws especially on feelings of nostalgia and American influences in his personal design style. Through his unique ability to balance staying true to the DNA of the House, whilst keeping it relevant through reinvention and collaborations, Kim Jones has similarly drawn respect and praise from across the industry. This collaboration between Jones and Linnetz represents just such a balancing act, a look back into the treasure trove of Dior’s archives and a reimagining of signature house codes. Beyond high-fashion hoodies, the collection represents above all a free-spirited melding of the creative minds of Jones and ERL, each an artist and businessman in his own right. HZ
www.dior.com
Fashion
Premiata New Style: CROSS
Offering comfort, luxury and style, Premiata’s shoes are a prime example of how the sneaker has revolutionized the footwear industry. The brand was founded in Italy in 1885, and has had nearly 150 years experience in handcrafting the highest quality Italian shoes. Graziano Mazza, heir to the family business, took over and registered the brand in the early 1990s. With his creative vision, he turned the company on its head, turning the focus on sneakers at a time in which these were reserved for gym floors and after-school sports. Following Graziano’s character, the brand focuses on innovation, both in style and functionality. It has succeeded in striking a careful balance between respecting the traditions of the shoemaking craft, while using each new collection as a bold experiment. The new CROSS sneaker collection is no exception to this rule. The sneaker comes in an astonishingly versatile range of designs, colors and fabrics. Animal prints, fur trimming, bold colors adorn the entire collection. For the more minimalistically minded, there is also the option of the mono-colored sneakers. Taking on a modern silhouette, it centers around a blend of fine materials as well as the characteristic details exclusive to the Premiata brand.
www.premiata.eu
Fashion
Re-Enchanting Villa Medici
In its latest collaboration, FENDI has worked together with the French Academy in Rome and the Mobilier National by refurbishing and redesigning six Salons in the Villa Medici, a 16th-century villa in the heart of Rome which has been the French institution’s base since 1803. Under the creative direction of Kim Jones, FENDI’s Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear, and Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear, the villa finds itself transformed, becoming a place that perpetuates exceptional know-how, a union between contemporary design and history, actively shaping the heritage of tomorrow. Following in the footsteps of the many creative minds, such as Balthus and Richard Peduzzi, who have created the villa’s unique architectural and decorative identity, color became the central element for the entire project. For the new interpretations of the new Salons, the creative duo supported by the FENDI Architecture department, combines interior fittings and conversation-restoration, with the tones of the different room’s original wall paintings becoming the starting point for choosing the new color palettes reflected in particular in three custom-designed, hand-knotted carpets with graduated shading and entirely crafted from recycled French wool. But the fil rouge of this project was the spirit of collaboration, of creating a dialogue between existing heritage and contemporary design aspects and designers. Whether it is the furniture pieces by contemporary designers such as Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec or Chiara Andreatti or the artworks of artists such as Sheila Hicks or Patrick Corillon, one can experience a remarkable introduction of contemporary design into the historic Salons of the Villa Medici, where the new enters a dialogue with the historical. Through this project, FENDI endorses its commitment towards the preservation of the artistic patrimony, fuelling its ever-lasting connection to its hometown, the Eternal City of Rome.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Introducing Gianfranco D'Attis, Prada's new CEO
Prada. The name rings with familiarity, a giant and icon in the world of fashion. Since 1913, when Mario Prada opened the first Prada leather goods shop in Milan, Italy, and becoming the Official Supplier of the Italian Royal House in 1919, Prada has been a symbol of sophistication and luxury. Miuccia Prada, heir apparent and creative designer, represents the third generation of the Prada family business. Along with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, Miuccia has been at the head of the business since the mid-1970s.
Effective January 2nd, 2023, the Prada brand welcomes a new CEO into its leadership team. Gianfranco D’Attis, who more recently held the role of president of Christian Dior Americas, has had ample experience in strategic development, the luxury sector and retail. The company is confident that “his proven experience in the luxury sector, with a specific focus on retail, will help Prada to increase its growth potential in all geographies.” The role has, in fact, been especially created, as management for the Prada brand was latterly overseen by the president of the Prada Group, Miuccia Prada herself.
The announcement comes amid a restructuring of the top layer of the vast organization, as the Prada-Bertelli couple that has been at the helm of Prada for decades prepares its succession. As the Prada Group’s main line of business, the new leader for the Prada brand represents a significant step forward in the long and illustrious history of the House. HZ
www.prada.com
Fashion
"BEYOND PERFORMANCE"
Moncler, the luxury outerwear producer, has made a name for itself over recent years as one of the foremost producers of fashionable and functional winter styles. Its name hails from its birthplace, Monestier-de-Clermont, a little alpine skiing village 30 km from the town of Grenoble, situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. What began as a mountaineering company dedicated to the production of tents, sleeping bags and other mountaineering equipment is now the world’s foremost producer of luxury down jackets.
Moncler Grenoble represented a return to the roots for Moncler, a collection dedicated exclusively to skiwear, and helping individuals look stylish on the slopes. “Where High Style collides with High Performance” is an apt description for Moncler Grenoble’s latest collection. The launch of the new collection is accompanied by a short film debuting Moncler Grenoble brand ambassador, Richard Permin. Permin is a French free-skiier and these days, ardent skiing filmmaker. The film, directed by Jonas Lindstroem, shows Permin doing the unthinkable, speeding down an almost 90 degree slope, inches ahead of an oncoming avalanche. The clip looks more like a scene from the climax of a Bond film than the promotional video for a new ready-to-wear collection, especially given its location: the film is shot on the Quetrupillán, a stratovolcano in Chile. Like 007, Permin looks undeniably stylish, clad in Moncler Grenoble. The debut film and collection are a true testament to Moncler Grenoble’s mantra “Beyond Performance,” pushing human ability to the borders of possibility. HZ
www.moncler.com
Fashion
The Maison’s Newest Member
Vanessa Kirby, English stage, TV, and film actress, is to become one of the new faces of Cartier. The London-born actress has an impressive resume of on-stage and on-screen appearances under her belt, from most notably her supporting role as Princess Margaret in British drama series “The Crown” to action films such as “Mission Impossible – Fallout”, to starring roles such as in “Pieces of a Woman” and “The World to Come”. With over twenty nominations as “Best Actress” for her role in “Pieces of a Woman,” Kirby has distinguished herself as a “tour-de-force”, a “wonder” or an “amazing talent”, to quote just a few raving reviewers.
Thanks to these very qualities, her talent, sensuality and determination, Cartier has chosen the talented young actress as the face of its celebrated “La Panthère” perfume campaign. With a “natural elegance that feels both authentic and free,” Kirby is the perfect fit for the fragrance that is created to exude freedom, to represent a woman that is independent, graceful, and rebellious.
Kirby joins the likes of Rami Malek, Maisie Williams, Lily Collins and Jackson Wang as the newest addition to Cartier’s impressive and versatile roster of brand ambassadors. Each ambassador brings their own brand of non-conformity and talent to the brand’s image, bringing a fresh touch of modernity and culture to the Maison. HZ
www.cartier.com
Music
Lana's Return
“Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” Lana del Rey’s latest release, is another testimony to her unparalleled repute as songstress, woman, writer and human. In many ways, this lush and dreamlike ballad is characteristically Lana – the West Coast imagery, the candid and at times vulgar lyrics, the pervading poignance of her words and tone. However, the song also reveals some elements of Lana’s songwriting and production that show her evolution as an artist and break away from the confines of the ‘pop’ music label that she is generally associated with.
Layered over sweeping strings and a slow, melancholic piano backing, the song plays out like a dreamscape. Musical touches certainly contribute to this pensive atmosphere: the quick, high sequences played out gently on the piano over Verse 2, the lush harmonies and orchestration over Verse 3, however it is in large part the words themselves – disjoint and enigmatic, they offer an intimate glimpse into Lana’s consciousness. It is a telltale feature of Lana’s songwriting: the unwavering vulnerability of her lyrics, something that has time and time again painted her out for her ability to write and sing her reality just as it appears in her mind.
The song release is a promising foretoken of Lana’s ninth studio album of the same name. Featuring artists such as Jon Batiste, Tommy Genesis, SYML and more, "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" will be released March 10, 2023 and is available for pre-order on CD, cassette and in various exclusive vinyl formats from select retailers. HZ
www.lanadelrey.com
Fashion
Dior at KaDeWe
Situated in Berlin’s famous Ku’Damm district, a historical center for shopping and indulgence, sits the Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe for short. The KaDeWe is more than just a momentous building that looks like it's been plucked from a Wes Anderson set, but by now also a historical heritage site. Erected in 1907 and witness to two World Wars, the KaDeWe became a symbol of West Germany’s Wirtschaftswunder – the economic prosperity in the postwar era. Since then, it has retained its status as a symbol of glamor and affluence, on par with Galerie Lafayette in Paris or Harrod’s in London.
For the 2023/4 winter season, the House of Dior is setting up shop in the KaDeWe and lending a peek at its intricate scenographies to the outside world through the window displays of the KaDeWe. Placing the Dior cruise 2023 collection at center stage in both the window displays and the Dior pop-up shop inside, the House invites the visitors of KaDeWe to ponder over Maria Grazia Chiuri’s most recent designs and inspirations. Conceptualized as a “voyage of discovery, imagination and reflection, a combination of heritage and inventiveness,” the Cruise collection drew inspiration heavily from Spanish and especially Andalusian influences, from the art of the flamenco dance to the equestrian traditions. The looks from the Dior Cruise Collection 2023 will be presented in KaDeWe windows until January 7th, 2023. The pop-up will remain until January 28th, 2023. HZ
www.dior.com
Fashion
Memento Mori
The “Nocturnal Angels” collection represents a new chapter for the label Palm Angels, as it ventures into uncharted waters in its first-ever High Jewelry collection. Working in close collaboration with the designer and jeweler Duffy, Francesco Ragazzi – designer, photographer, Palm Angels founder – brought his own brand of daring to the endeavor, bringing the jeweler into his specific world of shapes and colors.
The collection comprises only four pieces: the Oxymoron bracelet, the Pleasuredome necklace, the Antithesis bracelet, and the Allegoria pendant. Each individual piece is handcrafted and brought to life out of varying components of gold, sterling silver, precious stones such as amethyst, sapphire, diamonds, and more. Each piece is also uniquely adorned with motifs that call to mind the theme. According to Ragazzi, “Memento Mori” was a central concept in this collection – an artistic and religious trope that was thought to remind the viewer of their mortality and the inevitability of death. In this vein, the two designers played especially with the motifs of bones, insects, snakes, skulls, and leaves – common motifs in art history used to evoke this theme – to point to the “transience of life”. Another case in point for Palm Angels’ ongoing mission to use clothing and design as “cultural signifiers”.
The Palm Angels High Jewelry collection will be exclusively available at the brand pop-up boutique in Los Angeles, 8818 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, California 90069. HZ
www.palmangels.com
Fashion
RE-ESSENTIEL
The fashion industry was long known to be one of the most polluting industries in the world. But as the environmental challenges of our times have become more pressing and more visible than ever, the fashion industry itself also recognized the need for change, the need to change its own practices in order to reduce its environmental impact. One of the most impactful implementations has been the introduction of a more circular model in fashion which put a special focus on the longevity and life cycle of our wardrobes. In this spirit, Essentiel Antwerp is also reconsidering and rethinking the way its customers can shop through the introduction of a platform where everybody is able to buy and sell their pre-loved Essentiel Antwerp collectibles to fellow brand enthusiasts, hence extending their life cycles. As the first Belgian brand to introduce such an initiative as part of its permanent activities, it does not only showcase an awareness for the challenges of our times, it also underlines the quality of the products which were produced to last. The process is very easy and convenient, as the brand itself takes over the selling process. After selecting and sending in the items, users will receive a voucher valid in the brand’s stores and online stores. Regarding the initiative, Inge Onsea, Co-founder and Creative Director of the brands, says, “I always find inspiration in vintage and thrifting and my closet is filled with pre-loved items. Our clothes are designed to last. I’m thrilled that Essentiel Antwerp pieces will have a chance to revive and that we’re offering this service to our clients. It really makes designing twice as fun.”
www.essentiel-antwerp.com
www.re-ssentiel.com
Cinema
Lilli Reinhart honored as Face of the Future
The Women in Film, Los Angeles (WIF) are an organization founded in 1973 that advocates and works for the advancement of the careers of all women in the film and screen industries. Since 1977, this group has hosted an annual award show, “The WIF HONORS”, to honor outstanding women in the field for their groundbreaking accomplishments. A formidable list of former recipients includes figures such as Jane Fonda, Viola Davis, Shonda Rhimes, Meryl Streep, and many more exceptional women. For 19 years, Max Mara has supported this event as a Presenting Sponsor, using its platform to celebrate women it deems exceptional through its “Women in Film Max Mara Face of the Future Award”. The award is granted to actresses for their contributions to film as well as to greater society. This year the company has chosen to honor Lilli Reinhart. In celebration of its newest honoree, Max Mara hosted a cocktail party in Los Angeles in late October.
The young actress has rapidly risen as a figure in the public eye over the last few years especially through her role in the cult-TV show Riverdale, however her quickly expanding repertoire now boasts a whole range of films, such as Wanuri Kahiu’s coming-of-age “Look Both Ways,” and Lorene Scafaria’s feature film “Hustlers”. At just 26, Reinhart has even assumed the title of Executive Producer on the former film. Next to an impressive list of awards and accolades, the actress is also hailed as a force for good in the online community, especially using her platform to raise awareness on issues of mental health and body image. Through her candor and vulnerability online, Reinhart has opened the conversation on many occasions to address the media industry’s harmful effects on body image and beauty standards – shedding light on an issue that has permeated women’s lives everywhere. Reinhart is also leveraging her new role as producer to campaign for greater diversity and inclusivity. HZ
www.womeninfilm.org
www.maxmara.com
Fashion
A Family Affair
Five generations of the Mazza family business have culminated in this: a new apparel collection by PREMIATA in time for Fashion Week 2022. The entire line is conceived as to be genderless, designed and constructed only for “a person who needs multifunctional clothes every day.” Functionality is at the heart of this new collection – the clothes are designed to be “structured and versatile to use them all day long.” Heavy jackets to parkas, field jackets and winter coats comprise the new line. The ad campaign is unmistakingly urban: with the neon-lit background and sullen-looking youngsters, it appeals to the image of a wintry cityscape. Shot by Leandro Emede and styled by Nick Cerioni, the set is designed to recall a dystopian Blade Runner-esque backdrop, “between neon and rain”.
The thermo and design technology behind the new collection is impressive. Among the used materials are nylon and organic cotton, treated so as to become water repellent and soft to the touch. A fundamentally Italian family brand, PREMIATA holds its “Made in Italy” label with pride. Traditionally a high-end footwear brand (the Mazza family began shoe production as early as 1885), the announcement of a new apparel line concurrent with the new generation of the Mazza family, siblings Vincenzo and Carlotta, represents a turning page in the company’s history. HZ
www.premiata.eu
Fashion
What makes an icon?
The launching of this year’s new Icons in Icons campaign by Canadian luxury outerwear label Moose Knuckles was accompanied by a similarly exciting news piece – the announcement of the brand’s collaboration with two matter-of-fact modern icons. Method Man of the Wu-Tang Clan and Natasha Lyonne from “Orange is the New Black” and “Russian Doll” have joined forces with the esteemed brand to create a campaign showcasing the new collection. To Moose Knuckles, both individuals embody the concept of ‘cultural icon,’ in their own unique ways. The campaign was shot by acclaimed photographer Luis Alberto and styled by fashion editor and stylist Carlos Nazario. Pushing the bounds of creativity and their respective crafts, the venerated artists both on- and off-camera do well to demonstrate the titular theme. In the words of Method Man, “Icon: when you do something well and it keeps going after you’re not here, that’s when it becomes iconic.”
Moose Knuckles is a leading force in the production of luxury outerwear, sportswear and accessories designed to endure any conditions. From the Canadian tundra to the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, its homebase, the brand seeks to create styles to be worn in any context. The new collection is a testament to its theme – revisiting classic signature styles such as the 3Q jacket and Stirling Parka in new and adventurous ways, thus extending the legacy of the brand’s very own icons. HZ
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
New concept store The Square opens in Berlin
Right at the heart of Berlin, between Gendarmenmarkt and Unter den Linden, Emmanuel De Bayser and Josef Voelk are opening their new 700-square-meter flagship store, The Square. Once known as The Corner Berlin, this new space creates an extended aesthetic experience induced by the interior designs of the Paris-based studio Pierre Augustin Rose. Reflecting on the classicist spirit of Berlin’s lively historic quarter, the vast and sun-illuminated store constitutes a present-day Arcadia, distinguished by wooden panels, white columns, and high arches as well as a light and soft colorway. Amid the elegant interiors, a carefully curated selection of fashion, beauty, interior design, and art is displayed, inviting customers to a unique and holistic aesthetic experience. Besides furniture and home objects by among others Ann Demeulemeester and Chiarastella Catrani, as well as sculptures by Nicolas Lefebvre and Thomas Junghans, the Square provides high luxury in the fashion department, featuring brands like Balenciaga, Dries van Noten, Dior, and Jacquemus. The impressive reopening of The Square oriented to history as well as modernity thus becomes part of a general renaissance, which is currently taking place in Berlin Mitte. JW
The Square Berlin
Fashion
The Concerto Bag
The French fashion brand Lanvin is presenting the Concerto bag, paying tribute to the daughter of its founder Jeanne Lanvin. Marie-Blanche de Polignac was the only child of the renowned fashion designer and later pursued a career in the music industry.
The Concerto bag is defined by a minimalistic aesthetic and provides true luxury à la française. The exceptional accessory can be worn during the day or in the evening as it is designed for women with an equally active and elegant lifestyle. Its versatility consists of the slip-on strap which can be changed in three different ways, that is over the shoulder, across the chess, and carried. Furthermore, it is reflected in the variety of materials incorporated in the leather goods, including metallic leather, pony-effect calfskin, and matt calfskin. The sophisticated details adorning the crisp design are reminiscent of the Concerto dress designed by Jeanne Lanvin in 1934. This can be seen in the bag’s precious clasp with a diamond texture which translates the collar decoration from the beautiful dress. Hence, the bag carries on the legacy of the Maison while at the same time adding a new timeless yet modern piece to the Lanvin world. JW
www.lanvin.com
Art
Mercedes Benz presents: Entergalactic with Kid Cudi in Paris
Mercedes Benz has long been recognized as one of the world’s premier car manufacturers, which finds constant inspiration in its core values of technology and innovation. But throughout the years, the German car manufacturer has also extended its expertise into the cultural sector having not only supported various Fashion Weeks all over the world but also through its collaborations with various artists from different artistic and creative industries. With its different projects, Mercedes Benz brings together the most relevant names from different disciplines and hence creates a platform for the meeting and collaboration of creative pioneers. This October, Mercedes Benz was proud to present its newest collaboration with world-class creative Kid Cudi and renowned artist KAWS. Revealed and celebrated in the gardens of the Musée Rodin in Paris, this collaboration illustrates both artists’ excellence in their field through the lens of human-centric innovation whilst also mirroring Mercedes Benz’s core belief in responsible design and creativity. This unique and exclusive launch was in line with the world premiere of the EQE SUV from Mercedes-EQ and Mercedes-AMG, a presentation of the Mercedes Benz art collection and the immersive 360-degree installation specially created for the “Magical Garage” campaign. Amongst the many guests were the likes of Roger & Mirka Federer, Heron Preston, Amina Muaddi & Fary Lopes who all joined Mercedes Benz for this special night at Musée Rodin in Paris.
www.mercedes-benz.com
Art
A Journey Through Ulay’s Life
SPURS Gallery is currently presenting the exhibition The Great Journey, putting works of the iconic artist Ulay on display. Divided into three different periods, the exhibition takes visitors through Ulay’s life and his body of work, starting with his artistic activity in the early 1970s, continuing with his collaboration with Marina Abramovic, and ultimately finishing with his work as a solo artist in the late 90s.
During this first period, Ulay took up a practice, which he called Auto-polaroid, which describes taking Polaroids as a performative act. Within the intimate performances, Ulay was exploring his own body and identity in terms of gender and illusory. The second period sheds light on the pioneering performance art that he created in partnership with Marina Abramovic. Investigating emotional discomfort and physical endurance, their performances revolved around states of consciousness, psychic energy, and nonverbal communication. During the last period, Ulay focused again on the medium of Polaroid, creating performative auto-portraits and capturing recurring motifs from his oeuvre.
As the exhibition follows Ulay’s search for his own identity, it takes visitors on a journey of different cultures, spiritual explorations, and physical travels, showcasing unique works made by Ulay along the way.
The exhibition will be open to the public for two more weeks, ending October 30th at SPURS Gallery in Beijing. JW
installation view of "Ulay: The Great Journey," SPURS Gallery, Beijing, 2022
www.spursgallery.com
Fashion
The comeback of Cartier’s pebble-shaped watch
An icon returns, as Cartier releases the pebble-shaped watch which has been firmly rooted at the core of the Maison’s watchmaking heritage for 50 years. Distinguished by its rarity and singularity, the watch and its unprecedented design recall the feeling of excitement in London at the beginning of the 1970s. During this time, a creative upswing within the English capital and Cartier became noticeable and led to the designs of the Crash in 1967 and the Maxi Oval in 1969. Meanwhile, the pebble-shaped watch was released in 1972 and was only produced in a very limited number. The thus highly sought-after watch model returns today with a surprising and singular aesthetic, paying homage to the original design which unites roundness with a square dial beneath an elegant exterior.
Cartier launches 150 individually-numbered pieces of the reinvented model, subtly deviating from the original in their proportions. Beyond that, it houses one of Cartier’s flattest hand-wound movements, the Manufacture 430 MC movement. Emphasizing the creative mind significant to Cartier, the watch consists of an 18-carat gold case, which combines pure lines with harmonious proportions. The Roman numerals and blued sword-shaped hands stand out on the eggshell-colored dial, showing great attention to detail. To complete the sophisticated design, a light brown calf leather strap with a gold pin buckle adds a vintage touch to the otherwise timeless design. JW
www.cartier.com
Art
ADE promises a groundbreaking spectacle
Amsterdam Dance Event returns to Nxt Museum in a groundbreaking art and sound spectacle, connecting art, music, technology, and ideology. The unique event brings together local and international talents who create an intimate, multidimensional atmosphere, distinguished by diversity and surprising performances.
In collaboration with Transmoderna and powered by Grover, the event presents the ADE programme, showcasing the art of tomorrow in combination with today’s exceptional sounds. DJs, digital artists, designers, VJs as well as technologists, and sound designers come together in an extraordinary lineup of multimedia performance installations. Among the artists is Berlin-based DJ Dixon who plays his sets alongside Transmoderna’s artwork Xenopunk, composed of impressive visuals which form a crossover between the real and virtual world. Juliana Huxtable who made a name for herself as an artistic allrounder at the top of the New York dance scene is also part of the event: she will present her mesmerizing sets as well, which link electronic sounds with techno elements. Besides them and other professionals, the Artist in Residence programme will offer emerging talents the chance to present specially commissioned digital artworks alongside DJ performances.
The ADE programme at Nxt Museum in Amsterdam will be open to the public from October 19th to 21st, 2022. JW
www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl
www.nxtmuseum.com
Fashion
Sander Lak publishes coffee table book about his former label Sies Marjan
In 2016 the Dutch fashion designer Sander Lak founded his highly influential and now cult fashion label Sies Marjan. Despite closing down in 2020, the garments stood out due to the evocative use of colors, proportion as well as subversive fabrication, leaving a lasting mark on the world of fashion. Offering an impressive retrospective on the work of the beloved creative director, Sander Lak launches an excellent coffee table book, titled The Colors of Sies Marjan. The pages of the decorative book introduce the readers to the luxuriously constructed pieces, distinguished by shining, jewel-toned hues and a uniquely cool appeal. It brings them to the buzzing streets of New York City, where the brand was based during its four-year-long existence and where its beautiful pastel coats can still be seen regularly walking down the avenues. Tracing the label’s history path, the richly illustrated volume is organized by color. It includes various expressive images, ranging from unpublished drawings to ad campaigns and found objects of inspiration. Alongside the pictures, a number of interviews and reactions from, among others, Donna Tartt, Isabella Rossellini, and Hanya Yanagihara give an insight into Sies Marjan’s glorious journey. JW
www.rizzoliusa.com
Fashion
Chanel SS23 - A magnificent collage
In the course of Paris Fashion Week, Chanel presented the Spring-Summer 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection in a mesmerizing fashion show. Virginie Viard took inspiration for the collection from the artistically revolutionary film Last Year in Marienbad (1961) directed by Alain Resnais. The costumes of Delphine Seyrings were designed by Gabrielle Chanel herself, adding a sophisticated allure to the film stemming from Chanel’s central idea of freedom of movement. Imbued by the feathers, sequins, and heels, Viard found pleasure in mixing up things. She thus composed the Spring-Summer 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection of individual pieces, beautiful in themselves, to form an extensive, magnificent collage, an imaginary world, confronted with itself. A white jacket with sequins, deconstructed prints, and pastel tweets are found alogside velvet panne, lace, and light chiffon. Each of the pieces that walk down the runway is an allure in its own way, failthfully incarnated in Kristen Stewart. “(...) of the people around me, she is the closest to Gabrielle Chanel, at least to my idea of her. She understands CHANEL, its clothes. And with her, it becomes even more modern. This collection, it’s also her.” explains Viard. JW
www.chanel.com
Art
Brutus Rotterdam shows impressive installations by Tommy Malekoff and Akeem Smith
Nothing is infinite. The environment surrounding us, our lives as humans, and history are destined to change, even collapse. The constant threat of brutality and impermanence contends with the world we know. The thus created tension is explored in the works of the artists Akeem Smith and Tommy Malekoff. In the exhibition BUILT, on view in Brutus Rotterdam, they present impressive and immersive installations, connecting film and architecture, time and space. Curated by New Canon’s Maxwell Wolf, the exhibition features Queens Street (2020) by Akeem Smith, for which he drew inspiration from archival materials and architectural remnants of his hometown in Kingston Jamaica. The video installation hence juxtaposes past artifacts with the own memory of the artist, creating awareness of beguiling oblivion affecting our memories.
Beyond that, Forever and Forever (2022), an imposing multi-channel video by Malekoff, will be on display at BUILT. It portrays how human intervention has impacted the American landscape up until now. To create this artwork, the artist traveled to the Everglades region of southern Florida, where a raw and primordial wilderness can be found, yet showing clear traces of human life. During his two-year-long journey, he captured footage, which fluctuates between extreme beauty and decimation.
The exhibition BUILT will be open to the public from October 7th to November 20th at Brutus Rotterdam. JW
www.brutus.nl
Fashion
Dries Van Noten SS23 goes from Darkness into light
During Paris Fashion Week Dries Van Noten showed the women’s spring/summer 23 collection, which revolved around the theme of Darkness into light. Thus the collection was divided into three parts: the purity of black, the suggestion of color faded pastels, and novel flower prints. Investigating the contrast between these elements, the development from dark shades to cheerful patterns celebrates and embraces optimism.
The first part of the collection, distinguished by its black color, is inspired by the radicality of Kazimir Malevich’s Black Square. As it consists of structured pieces, this part includes jackets with oversized shoulders and dresses with sculptural waists. Continuing with the pastels, which can be found on crushed pleats, the fringing of cargo pants, and a layered dress, the soft shades embody the lingering memory of color. For the flower prints, significant to Dries Van Noten, earlier designs got revamped. Varying between oversized and micro-prints, the patterns and textures collide in powerful silhouettes. As the collection plays with the contrast between transparency, lightness, and precision, masculine jackets are combined with mousseline skirts.
The accessories, including glass jewelry and heeled shoes, are fragile and robust at the same time, paying homage to intimate moments within the whole collection. JW
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton unveils the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 capsule collection
In the event of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Louis Vuitton designed an exclusive capsule collection capturing the excitement of football. Distinguished by sophisticated shapes, sporty treatments, and subtle elegant details, this collection is part of the 12-year-long collaboration between the FIFA World Cup and the French Maison: Since 2010, Louis Vuitton has provided the travel trunk for the legendary FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Five collectible items, fabricated in black Taurillon leather, compose the capsule collection. Regarding the design, Louis Vuitton is bringing back one of its most emblematic signatures, the Damier motif, which in its pattern is reminiscent of the movement of the net as a goal is scored. Embossed on Louis Vuitton icons, such as the Keepall 50 bag, the City Keepall bag, and the Discovery backpack, these pieces are the perfect travel companions. Referencing the sporting event once more, the leather tag is shaped like a soccer league badge and protective bottom studs on the Keepall 50 recall football cleats. The collection also includes small leather goods, such as a dopp kit with contrasting piping as well as a handy pocket organizer with five inner pockets. JW
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Tod’s SS23 brings Italian Flair to MFW
Italian Flair is the name of Tod’s’ new Spring/ Summer collection 2023, which testifies to the brand’s origin and was presented during the Milan Fashion Week. In the spirit of the brand, which is characterized by its Italian soul, Tod’s’ creative director Walter Chiapponi particularly focused on the material and craft aspect during the creation of the garments. Dedicated to providing high quality, the collection is classic yet unpredictable as it evokes confidence and a certain attitude in its wearers. Following the younger generation’s line, it thus allows you to dress with freedom and add personal touches to the clothes, expressing your own identity. In its color palette of pale shades, different beiges, and hints of red and yellow, the garments reference the Italian hearth during summer. As if made for extraordinary combinations is the sartorial dress with a structured jacket with oversized shoulders and wide, high-waisted trousers. Another highlight of the collection is the Bubble ballerina with its giant pebble sole in contrasting colors. The iconic Tod's moccasin is defined by a curled seam, depicting an artisanal detail. Regarding accessories, Tod's presented amongst others a new variation of the Di Bag, for the first time made in mosaic of different leathers. JW
www.tods.com
Fashion
BOSS reveals its FW 2022 collection
Hugo Boss presented its new Fall/Winter 2022 collection during Milan Fashion Week, exploring the deeper meaning of the brand’s Be Your Own BOSS motto. The inspiration came from BOSS’s own rich sporting heritage as the brand reinvented iconic pieces from its archives. Revamped for a younger and more global generation, BOSS unveiled the collection at Milans’ Velodromo Vigorelli in front of more than 1000 guests.
The world of the power sport of motorcycling influenced the show concept heavily. As the backdrop of the fashion show, bikers dressed in BOSS outfits gave a gravity-defying and astonishing performance. The cast of models was star-studded: Among others, Naomi Campbell, Future, Khaby Lame, Alica Schmidt, and Ashley Graham walked the runway. Regarding the designs, the collection’s underlying concept was the power suit as it offers various interpretations of its original, ranging from the slouchy to the more sculptural. Built around soft shades of charcoal, cream, brown, and the BOSS colors of black, white, and camel, the collection furthermore shows a reinvented BOSS logo.
Thus, BOSS investigates the different facets of power and showcases that it can also arise from softness. JW
www.boss.com
Fashion
CHANEL introduces tweed for the eyes
Since its founding, CHANEL has been known for using tweed. Now, the material so significant to the French Maison gets to be the main inspiration for their new four-color eyeshadow palettes. Not only is the surface of each shade embossed with a tweed pattern, but they also resemble the intertwined fibers as they can be beautifully blended, varying in their intensity. Both distinguished by an elegant effortlessness, the special eyeshadow collection pairs the compacts with tweed pouches. The latter are made by Maison Lesage, part of CHANEL’s Métiers d’art since 2002.
Available in four different harmonies, the palettes stand out due to their versatility which can create simple as well as sophisticated looks. The first one is titled Tweed Fauve and includes radiant warm colors, ranging from an intense aubergine to an amber gold. Tweed Cuivré is distinguished by a gold shimmer, that evokes richness and brilliance in the precious metals dear to Coco Chanel. The third, Tweed Pourpre links softness with audacity as it combines pinks and mauves with a satin and iridescent finish. Natural brown and beige shades are finally offered in Tweed Brun et Rose.
To round off the collection, CHANEL also introduces two new shades of STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF, the illuminating Cuivre Doré and the intense Bois Noir. JW
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Stone Island presents Ghost Pieces for FW 22/23
For the season of Fall/ Winter 2022/2023 Stone Island introduces monochromatic Ghost Pieces, based on the concept of camouflage. Even the Stone Island badge, significant to the Milan-based brand, was converted into a new monochromatic version to blend with the clothing items, embellishing the left sleeve. Field jackets, military smocks, overshirts, Bermuda shorts as well as trousers are fabricated in an organic and long-lasting cotton fabric, called O-VENTILE®. They are a great fit for every weather thanks to the special weaving of the fibers offering protection against wind and rain while remaining breathable. To further weatherproof the outwear pieces, thermo-taped seams are incorporated into the timeless designs. As it is a completely natural fabric developed in the U.K., it provides a comfortable feel as well as a high quality. Knits completing the collection are made of cashmere and adorned with military details while heavy cotton was used to create warm fleeces. The color palette of the collection ranges from black and dark gray to lighter gray and off-white, creating garments that are easy to combine, enhancing every outfit. JW
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Longchamp introduces Le Pliage Munich
The French Maison Longchamp launches a new design for its beloved Le Pliage, which has been the brand’s staple piece for three decades. The Le Pliage Munich is dedicated to the Bavarian capital as it depicts something very close and dear to the culture of the south of Germany. An image of a delicious German Pretzel covers the front of the bright blue bag, whose color is reminiscent of the Bavarian emblem. Timeless and chic, this bag invites its wearers to take a walk through the lovely city of Munich, passing the green oasis of the Englischer Garten, the vivid Marienplatz, and the Theater Schauburg. The lighthearted design makes the bag an ultimate eye-catcher, while it remains practical in its sporty elegance. Made of nylon fabric, significant to this Longchamp model, it appears casual and chic at the same time. Thus, Le Pliage Munich is a companion not only for calm strolls through the city but also for weekend trips or busy work days. In its uniqueness, the bag evokes a longing for a trip to Munich and of course for tasty Bavarian Pretzel. JW
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
TELFAR and Eastpak launch their second collaboration
TELFAR and Eastpak collaborate once again after their successful debut in Spring. Together the two iconic brands created a four-piece lineup, both fashionable and technical. For this collaboration, the high quality packs and luggage brand Eastpak reworked signature models of TELFAR, putting emphasis on utility. Defined by their bold yellow color, significant to TELFAR, the pieces are crafted in special molded and embossed fabrics. Each style is equipped with its own drawstring wrapper bag, as the lineup combines new designs with TELFAR’s bestsellers. Available in three sizes, the TELFAR Shopper depicts a bold and compact statement piece. The Large and the Medium can also be worn as a backpack, a first for TELFAR. Distinguished by ergonomic shoulder straps, a laptop sleeve and inner and outer mesh pockets as well as a bottle holder, the functional piece is the perfect fit for weekend getaways. The Small stands out due to its water-resistant shell, zippered main compartments and the detachable shoulder strap. With its dual outer stach pouches, the small version is a wonderful and extraordinary companion for any party. Completing the collection, the TELFAR Circle reveals an exclusive new design. It’s unique form bears an embroidered Eastpak logo alongside the embossed T of TELFAR. JW
www.eastpak.com
www.telfar.net
Fashion
The Dior B101 Sneakers
As part of Dior’s Winter 2022-2023 men’s show, the French Maison presents the B101 Sneakers. Defined by a contemporary design of fine lines, the sneaker combines premium materials of smooth calfskin and suede. Available in a range of luminous colors, from black to gray to cream white, the B101 Sneakers speak to the codes of the British fashion designer Kim Jones. The model comes in six different low-top variations, united as they respectively connect formality and serenity in one model. With great potential to become one of Dior’s classics, the comfortable and elegant shoe goes well with both suit pants and jeans. In the fashion show, Dior combined them with oversized, patterned coats and straight pants, creating a modern and cool outfit from head to toe. Ensuring high-quality and a comfortable wearing sensation, the B101 Sneakers completed and enhanced the silhouette of the Dior Winter 2022-2023 collection.
As the art of detail is significant to the spirit of the French Maison, the CD Diamond Signature adorns the sole as well as the tongue and heel of the high-quality piece. Thus, it creates an ultimate urban look and true objects of desire. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton celebrates its watchmaking - anniversary
20 years ago, Louis Vuitton released its first-ever watch, the Tambour, which embodied the French Maison’s new passion for watchmaking. Two decades have passed since then, during which the Tambour has become an integral part of the luxury brand’s watch collection. While taking on different versions, it always remained in Louis Vuitton’s spirit as it combines the Art of Travel with bold creativity in the fields of technology and craftsmanship. 2009 marked an innovative year in the Maison’s history of watchmaking, as the then-launched Tambour Spin Time replaced clock hands and indexes with rotating cubes. This innovation was followed by the strong and masculine Tambour Evolution in 2014 and the sleek Tambour Slim in 2016. After the launch of further variations of the elegant watch model, the Tambour Carpe Diem was honored by receiving the Audacity Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2021, while the Tambour Street won the Diver’s Watch Prize. Now, in 2022, Louis Vuitton has revealed the third generation of its Tambour Horizon Light Up model, testifying to the Maison’s dedication to technological innovation. The French Maison now celebrates its two decades of watchmaking with the Tambour Twenty, available in a limited edition of 200 pieces. Honoring the original Tambour, this model is defined by its deep, flared shape and a brown sun-brushed dial as well as the chronograph’s long yellow hand glides. JW
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
DER BERLINER SALON presents 31 German fashion designers
On the fifth of September, during the course of Berlin Fashion Week, DER BERLINER SALON opened up to showcase the collections of 31 German designers, including amongst others Odeeh, Fassbender, Alexandra Biron of Curland, and Danny Reinke. Beyond that, the presentation platform also welcomed a special and international guest to the event, Ukrainian fashion designer Jean Gritsfeldt who showed various looks from his current collection. Known and famed for his ready-to-wear designs since 2012, Jean Gritsfield likes to experiment with patterns, fabrics, and textures, creating unexpected combinations in bizarre colors. This season, DER BERLINER SALON presented for the first time an Alumni Installation consisting of 24 designers and manufacturers who were featured in previous exhibitions of DER BERLINER SALON. The group exhibition, which is one of the most important presentations of German design in the fields of fashion, jewelry, and accessories, was curated by German fashion journalist Christiane Arp. Arp has been the editor-in-Chief of Vogue Germany for almost two decades before she left the renowned magazine in 2020. Together with the managing director of Nowadays Berlin, Marcus Kurz, she initiated DER BERLINER SALON in 2015, which is now an established and integral part of Berlin Fashion Week. JW
www.fashionweek.berlin
Fashion
Estethica x Berlin Fashion Week
This season Estethica is finally relaunching its program at Berlin Fashion Week after eight years of absence. The highly acclaimed showcase presents ten designers in the group exhibition What Lies Ahead at 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit, featuring talks and discussions. Participating in Estethica’s mentoring and business program, these designers focus on a sustainable approach to fashion, revolving around circularity and innovation. Estethica also offers a live upcycling lab with the Berliner Stadtmission and Haus der Materialisierung, reflecting the ethos of the new generations of designers which is defined by craft and commitment.
It was furthermore an important concern to the organizers to promote and support Ukrainian talents, continuing to show solidarity with Ukraine which is still suffering from war against Russia. Therefore four Ukrainian designers have been chosen to participate in the program In Solidarity, receiving financial and business support. The brands which have been selected are Gunia project, Hempful, Ksenia Schnaider and Xomehko.
One of the founders of Estethica, fashion designer Orsola de Castro, reports enthusiastically: “I couldn’t be more excited to relaunch the mythical Estethica in Berlin in the context of Berlin Fashion Week. Estethica has my whole heart, always has, and Berlin contains what I believe can be the future of the sustainable fashion industry. Combining the two will be a purposeful riot of substance and style, the birth of a program dedicated to vision and kindness.” JW
www.estethica.com
Fashion
Bobkova at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin
Bobkova presents its latest collection in the course of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin in the old Berlin telegraph office. The collection is not only part of Berlin Fashion Week, but also of Ukrainian Fashion Week International. Since Ukraine is still suffering from the brutal war against Russia, the initiative “Support Ukrainian Fashion” has requested fashion weeks around the world to present Ukrainian fashion designers, so that they will not lose this season. Bobkova is characterized by its own interpretation of casual clothing. Founded by Ukrainian fashion designer Kristina Bobkova in the year of 2000, the brand creates timeless pieces for stylish yet practical women who love to travel. Distinguished by Japanese cut discipline, the garments stand for strength and femininity while also rethinking gender stereotypes. Paying attention to unusual finishes and technological fabrics, the new collection includes oversized suits and flowy dresses. The color palette ranges from black to soft and light shades of pink and yellow, dedicated to Kiev's floral symbol. A highlight of the collection are the bags, which were created in a collaboration with the sustainable bag brand Chris Bader from the south of Germany. Together, the two brands designed everyday bags with an austere silhouette, defined by a sophisticated look and the long-standing expertise of Chris Bader. JW
www.bobkova.com.ua
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Ritsue Mishima at Pierre Marie Giraud
Starting on Brussels Gallery Weekend, Dream of Fire, an exhibition by Ritsue Mishima will be presented at Pierre Marie Giraud. In this exhibition, the Japanese artist Mishima shows a new series of glass artworks to the public.
Inspired by the manufacturing of the glass itself, she creates organic, irregular, yet clear, and luminous forms. Even though glass is characterized by its transparency, her artworks are far from being colorless. In fact, the transparency allows the material to capture and shine in a wide variety of colors. Fascinated by the artistic approach of the artisans of Venice, where she had moved in 1989, Ritsue Mishima sets herself apart from their richly-tinted glass works: Using different and innovative techniques, the artist makes objects which due to their clarity, seem to melt into their surroundings. During her creative processes, Mishima variously explores and tests the limits of the material all the time. In doing so, she succeeds in adding new dimensions to the ancient and traditional craft. Her artworks, as she explains, intend to express “pure consciousness”, as “a place of no answers, only the process of keeping passion alive and acting upon feelings.”
The exhibition Dream of Fire by Ritsue Mishima will be open to the public from September 8th to October 1st, 2022, at Pierre Marie Giraud in Brussels. JW
RITSUE MISHIMA
Medusa, 2021
Blown glass, 39,5 x 44 x 44 cm
Unique
Courtesy of the artist and Pierre Marie Giraud, Brussels
www.pierremariegiraud.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Sophie Kuijken at Galerie Nathalie Obadia
As a participant in the Brussels Gallery Weekend, the Galerie Nathalie Obadia presents the sixth solo exhibition of Belgian artist Sophie Kuijken.
For almost 20 years, the works of Sophia Kuijken remained undiscovered until they were first shown in a museum exhibition in 2011. This exhibition however displays the latest works of the painter, which seem like an interplay of different art eras: Her portraits combine figures in the manner of Flemish Primitives with mannerist stretched bodies and powerful lighting reminiscent of Caravaggio. Impressionist lighting effects recur in a few works as well. Despite the classical influence, she breaks away from the conventional approach of painting a lifelike model. In fact, her portraits are composed of various carefully selected photographs from the Internet. The result is an individual, cobbled together from different identities, characterized by a hidden vulnerability and vivid emotion. The depicted person appears strange and familiar at the same time, leaving the viewer caught between comfort and uneasiness. This creates a mystery and an elusive quality, although the portraits are technically flawlessly painted.
The contradictions within the subject of the portrait and the linking of epochal features and different genres blur the certainties of representation. What is depicted eludes temporal and spatial classification, yet the portrayed subjects seem present and catch the viewer's humanity in their deep gaze. The ambiguity is amplified in every aspect of the images, confusing and yet also touching the viewer. The exhibition by Sophie Kuijken will be open to the public from September 8th to October 15th, 2022 at Galerie Nathalie Obadia in Brussels. JW
SOPHIE KUIJKEN
O.O.P., 2022
Acrylic and oil in chipboard panel, 150 x 90 x 1,8 cm
Photo credit: Sophie Kuijken
Courtesy of the artist and the Galerie Nathalie Obadia Paris-Brussels
www.galerie-obadia.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Joe Bradley at Xavier Hufkens
During this year’s Brussels Gallery Weekend, Xavier Hufkens presents the exhibition New Paltz by American Artist Joe Bradley.His paintings, drawings, and sculptures are characterized by his visual style, composed of an art historical canon, popular culture, and his own experiences. In spite of being influenced by art history, Bradley’s style remains autonomous and individual.
New Paltz puts a large number of recent paintings and works on paper on display. As the New York-based artist created these large paintings on the floor, he thereby documents the decay of the art studio and challenges the legacy of Abstract Expressionism. The beaming and layered paintings offer a great many associations. For his drawings, Bradley uses pencils, pens, or markers. As a result, the spontaneous compositions resemble the framing logic of a comic, although any kind of narrative is negated. Figures, text, and abstractions coming from his imaginary collection of jokes and riddles are to be found in these drawings.
The exhibition New Paltz by Joe Bradley will be open to the public from September 9th to October 15th, 2022, at Xavier Hufkens in Brussels. JW
JOE BRADLEY
Savant, 2020-2021
Photo credit: HV-studio
Courtesy of the artist and Xavier Hufkens, Brussels
www.xavierhufkens.com
Fashion
Calvin Klein gathers a cast of culture shapers
Presenting Calvin Klein’s latest collection of everyday jeans and underwear, the brand launches imagery featuring an extraordinary cast of cross-generational culture shapers. The series of stills and videos was shot and directed by British photographer Alasdair McLellan, who staged the talents in a modern, minimal, and sensual setting. Thus, he remains in the brand’s spirit as Calvin Klein is known for stripped-back images, letting the members of the cast speak for themselves. To showcase the elevated yet original essentials Calvin Klein brought together artists from various fields, including amongst others actor and director Chloë Sevigny, musician and actor Dominic Fike, and producer and actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
The underwear and loungewear presented in the imagery are distinguished by the Embossed Icon, the signature logo of Calvin Klein in an embossed repeating design. Furthermore, the collection includes the Bonded Flex, a wire-free thus comfortable bra, offering support in a seamless knit. New shades, cuts, and silhouettes are available in new Modern Cotton and Modern Cotton Naturals. As Calvin Klein approached this collection environment-friendly, a lot of the above-mentioned garments were fabricated in recycled materials and sustainably-sourced fibers.
The jeans evoke a youthful feeling, reminiscent of the 90s, as they combine utility details and a dynamic texture in updated proportions, depicting the core of the American brand. JW
www.calvinklein.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet opens new AP House in Munich
Across from the Bavarian State Opera in the heart of Munich, Audemars Piguet opens its new AP House. The concept presents an experiential and innovative approach to retailing. Four times bigger than the previous location in the Maximiliansstraße, the new space offers new and intimate possibilities to linger in its unique atmosphere, enhancing the shopping experience. The interior design was created by the architect Rafael Martinez, who combined oak parquet, concrete walls, and plastered surfaces to echo the brand’s elegant spirit. More than a store, the AP House features a bar and seating areas of comfortable sofas as relaxing retreats. An absolute highlight is the back Steinway & Sons Spirio grand piano. Two more separate areas provide an intimate ambiance, as one of them is decorated with an open fireplace and a comfortable sofa, and the other one presents a chic cigar lounge. Beyond that, the outstanding creations of the Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer are of course displayed in the spatialities, including a selection of the Royal Oak 50 Years Anniversary models. The House will furthermore display a changing exhibition of contemporary artwork in cooperation with local galleries and the Audemars Piguet Contemporary, the art program of the renowned horologist. Thus, the house in its entirety depicts an exclusive place of encounter for friends and customers of the brand. It represents the spirit of Audemars Piguet, composed in an exceptional space. JW
www.audemarspiguet.com
Fashion
The Sesia Happy Day bag by Loro Piana
Loro Piana launched its new Sesia Happy Day within its Fall/ Winter collection 2022-2023. As a variation of the “Sesia” bag, the model is just as elaborate yet casual as the Loro Piana classic itself. Ranging from neutral colors to dark green, the bag comes in different styles and sizes of M, L, and XL, offering enough space for the tasks of everyday life. Especially outstanding is the new Sesia Happy Day Micro, which features the exact details of the M-model as it is in its compact construction especially geared to the safe keeping of any valuable items. The design appears functional and playful, defined by the curved line on the front and back, reminiscent of a smile to which the bag’s name refers. In its materiality, the accessory corresponds to Loro Piana’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship. For some of the models, the well-tried ‘Supple Suede” gets reinterpreted, as it is inverted, thus creating a soft outside of velour leather and a smooth inside. Another version is made of “Tender Calf” which is characterized by the delicate, natural grain, suitable for everyday use. The shape, size, and material of the Sesia Happy Day make the bag a great companion for everyday life and an exceptional addition to every outfit. JW
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
The new Dior Saddle Bag combines Dior’s past and present
In 2000, the Dior Saddle Bag was launched for the first time under the direction of John Galliano. 18 years later, it came back into the spotlight of the fashion world. Since then, Dior’s great classic appeared in a wide range of variations.
This season, British designer Kim Jones reinterprets the iconic accessory by referencing the Christian Dior 1947 Capsule. Made out of grained leather the bag is defined by the color Dior-Gray. It was the favorite shade of the Maison’s founder Christian Dior as it was reminiscent of the skies of Granville, the town, where he spent his childhood and which he forever cherished. The model is adorned with the carefully embroidered signature of Christian Dior and the year 1947, which is when the first Dior fashion show took place. A magnetic envelope flap with a concealed zipper pocket completes the high-quality bag.
This reinterpretation of the Dior Saddle Bag testifies to the fact that the founder and his legacy are still honored today. The tradition and history of the House of Dior remain upheld while Kim Jones also explores contemporary and innovative designs. The result is a dialogue between the present and the past, leading to exceptional and unique creations. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
Sam Baron designs outdoor furniture for Dior
In collaboration with the French designer Sam Baron, the luxury Maison Dior expands its product range with a collection of exclusive outdoor furniture. The curated assortment includes a chair and an armchair as well as round and square tables made of green metal, fitting beautifully in any outdoor area. The design of the chairs completely adheres to the tradition of the house, as it uses both, the openwork cannage typical of Dior and the oval shape of its previous chair designs. Thus, it truly becomes a new icon of the renowned house. Manufactured in France, the ensemble of garden furniture evokes a true feeling of French art de vivre. Splendidly, the pieces of furniture are staged in the well-known Pâtisserie Dior at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris and in Dior cafés all around the world, where they unfold their full effect of atmospheric savoir-vivre.
Sam Beron's designs are true objects of desire, fully living up to Dior's standards of excellence and elegance. In their classic and elegant appearance, they bring France to the terraces and gardens of this world. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
The Dior Grand Bal de Printemps
Opulent, festive, and enchanting: Christian Dior himself had been fascinated by the sparkling world of convivial dance balls. As an homage to the founder and namesake of the renowned luxury goods manufacturer, this inspiration is now also implemented in a series of watches: The Dior Grand Bal de Printemps recreates the swirling movement of a pleated gown, adorned by a hundred precious and colorful stones. As a technical prerequisite, the “Dior Inversé”-caliber enables the dynamics of the gown by moving the watch’s flywheel. The models vary in the design of their dials. While some of them have a velvet finish, others are embellished with guilloche, a pattern defined by its arrangement of interlacing lines, creating intriguing light and depth effects. Set in a diamond-studded frame, the watches emulate the glamor of the ballroom festivities. Their color scheme embraces Monsieur Dior’s favorite soft, pastel shades of spring. Especially the back of the watch honors him as it has one of its sketches of a ballgown, including his signature, engraved.
The Dior Grand Bal de Printemps is an expression of the technical and aesthetical know-how of Dior. The watches combine magnificent couture with the high art of watchmaking, recalling the talent and elegance of Christian Dior himself. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
C.P. Company: The Brotherhood
The Chester Perry brand was founded in 1971 by a young graphic designer from Bologna. The brand quickly gained prominence for its screen-printed t-shirts. Later on, in 1978, its founder Massimo Osti, who would go on to be recognized as the “godfather for urban streetwear”, then changed the company’s name to C.P. Company. What followed was one of the most explosive and influential bursts of creativity in the history of sportswear. Throughout the years, C.P. Company developed into a global brand. As the brand always remained true to its original DNA, laid out by its founder, a lot of its early followers remained true to the brand throughout the ensuing decades. Today, C.P. Company is launching its loyalty program called “The Brotherhood”, to reward the loyalty of its customers. The goal is to create and strengthen the trusting, quality relationship between the brand and its clients. In a digital experience, customers are able to earn points for every purchase and the brand, in turn, offers them a slew of rewards, and personalized offers including special discounts for birthdays, early access to special shopping events, free shipping on purchases and much more. With “The Brotherhood”, C.P. Company adds a more personal dimension to the brand, whilst recognizing the need for personalization for the building of new and strengthening of already existing relationships.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
DoDo opens in Berlin
After renovating its existing space in Düsseldorf, and incorporating prominent testimonials, the Italian jewellery brand DoDo is now opening its second location in Germany. This marks an important step for DoDo as Germany is becoming an increasingly important market. The new store will open its doors at Rosenthaler Straße 32. This location has not been chosen at random. Located at Hackescher Markt, a cosy neighbourhood with a strong identity in Berlin Mitte, already famous for its nightlife and cool shopping stores. Surrounded by a variety of historical buildings and landmarks, Art Nouveau courtyards, contemporary art galleries and indie clubs, the new boutique is immersed in this distinct atmosphere that only the German capital has to offer. The face of the brand in Germany is currently Ann-Kathrin Götze, following actress Gina Stiebitz, as she embodies all the values, inclusivity, sharing, equality and empowerment, important to DoDo. With the new boutique, the Italian brand now brings these values reflected in their jewellery collections to the German capital.
www.dodo.it
Art
Work from Soho Days by Paul Schrader
Paul Schrader first worked as a lawyer before giving up on this profession in order to pursue his passion for art. Ever since then, the German artist and his works defined by their strong colors and dynamic composition have been gaining popularity within Germany. In 2022, the young German artist was showing for the first time outside of Europe, at the Volta Art Fair in New York. Rather than sending his artworks to the fair, Paul Schrader opted instead to rent a studio in New York to create new artwork to be shown at the fair. Immersing himself in a new environment away from his comfort zone in Germany, he used his surroundings full of new impulses as a source of inspiration for his new works. The artworks from this fruitful and productive period will now also be shown in Germany. Entitled “Work from Soho Days”, this exhibition by Paul Schrader will open its doors in Munich. Open for only two days, the exhibition will be open to the public from the morning until late. The morning and early afternoons will be very calm, allowing visitors to take in the colorful works, before the bar opens and the sounds take off in the evening, transforming the exhibition into an immersive and fun experience.
The exhibition “Work from Soho Days” by Paul Schrader will be open to the public on July 16h and July 17, 2022, from 10 am at the Goldberg Studios, Müllerstrasse 46, Munich.
www.thankpaul.de
Fashion
Givenchy opens its first NYC downtown boutique in SoHo
The House of Givenchy has announced the opening of its Soho Store, the first downtown location for the brand, opening in the heart of Soho. Only the sixth store in the Americas, this opening signals the importance of the US market for the French House. As Givenchy CEO Renaud de Lequen puts it: ‘A key destination for luxury, SoHo’s vibrant retail neighborhood will give us the opportunity to serve our ever-growing client base. This opening represents a new chapter for Givenchy as we continue to scale our business in the United States and internationally.’ The store itself will be the first US location to feature the brand’s latest retail concept, defined by its design leveraging contrasting tones and materials, industrial and natural, matte and rough as well as sharp and soft. Stretching over two floors, the boutique will offer the full breadth of Givenchy’s Women’s and Men’s Ready-to-Wear collections as well as all the accessory collections. Additionally, it will debut exclusive capsule collections and a special made-to-order programme. Another visual highlight of the store, with its interior of a stone-gray palette, will be the sculptures exclusively conceived in collaboration with British artists Ewan McFarlane. Positioned as freestanding artworks throughout the store, these mannequins will surprise the visitors with their unusual poses and positions. This new conceptual approach to retail underlines the brand’s ongoing desire to merge the storytelling between art and fashion.
The Givenchy Soho Store is located at 94 Greene Street in New York City.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Valentino: The Beginning
Since its foundations, Maison Valentino has rejected the idea that beauty stems from aesthetic impositions, that to achieve beauty one has to follow a set of rigid canons or fixed rules. The Italian Maison has always upheld one of its guiding principles and beliefs, beauty is a manner. The new Couture collection depicts Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s idea of beauty, which now puts what was once peripheral into the centre, hence broadening the spectrum of beauty. Everything has changed, yet at the same time, some things never will. Everything starts where everything has always begun, in Rome, in the Valentino Ateliers where the skilful hands of incredible craftspeople bring creations and inventions to life, leaving an imprint of their character on the cloth through manual work. Their manner hasn’t changed and neither has the atelier’s address. The collection itself is the materialization of a dialogue, an ideal conversation between Pierpaolo Piccioli and the house’s lexicon. Now at the helm of Valentino for 23 years, Piccioli describes the collection as deeply personal, the closing of a circle, a more conscious way to consider the history of Valentino. On a more personal level, it is also, in Piccioli’s own words, an investigation to ‘understand how much of myself is in today’s Valentino, and how much of Valentino there is in my identity.’ The collection was defined by its supreme sophistication, bringing some of Valentino Garavani’s favourite themes, such as the black and white or the famous Fiesta dress, into the modern age through Piccioli’s interpretation and sense of time.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
DIOR Haute Couture FW2022-2023
Haute Couture in its definition is the perfect vehicle for bringing together the world of art and craft, as an artistic vision is being brought to life by the skilful hands of the craftspeople working in the ateliers. For the FW2022-2023 haute couture collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri builds upon the expressive powers of couture, conveying her imagination through the virtuoso savoir-faire of the DIOR ateliers. The inspiration behind the collection is the tree of life, a symbol of the connection between cultures, mythologies and all creation permeating various different cultures all across the world. This emblem of universal reach was reinterpreted by Ukrainian artist Olesia Trofymenko as a mesmerizing backdrop for the collection, underlining once more the power of couture to start a dialogue between arts and crafts. The collection itself is composed of a series of pieces which resonate with the imagination of different customs inspiring all cultures in an open dialogue. The pieces are adorned by sumptuous embroideries and patchworks of braids composed of bronze, black lace and guipure on the cotton fabrics, wool crepe, silk and cashmere, showcasing the craft excellence of the French Maison. The colour scheme for the collection mirrors the image of the tree of life, as various beige nuances are only sometimes punctured by touches of black and blue. Overall, the collection is a reflection of what it means to be human today, a series of gestures passed on, learned over time, yet permeated by the social realities of the world today. The tree of life itself becomes a call, a warning, to make traditions and gestures shine through, allowing us to recover a balance, if only momentarily.
www.dior.com
Fashion
LOEWE Men SS23
Loewe SS23 Men’s Runway For its SS23 runway, Loewe has merged nature with technology to form a bright, mind-expanding environment. The collection fuses the organic and the fabricated with modern color blocked looks, creating a tone that is essentially Loewe. In a space that is glaringly white, various shapes are reduced, standardized, inflated, or perhaps shrunken. Staples include the bomber, hoodie, sweatshirt, polo, shirt, trackpants, waxed jacket, and parka. Each piece is made with padded nappa, or ozone-treated cotton that makes them look as though they’ve been buried underground. In collaboration with designer Paula Ulargui Escalona, chia plants and cat’s wort, living greenery, were made to sprout from trainers, track pants, and various other pieces. Pieces were embellished with iterations of Loewe Puzzle bags, utilitarian cross-body and basket totes, dangling on logo ribbons. These features highlight the desirability of the pieces for the house. Jonathan Anderson cleverly manipulated tech and his set to make the physical show appear a non-real, computer generated entry when viewed via his livestreamed video and look book. The use of plants and technology overall convey the importance of circularity.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Dries Van Noten SS23 Menswear Collection: Unusual Elegance.
The Dries Van Noten SS23 Menswear Collection is a mix of contrasts. A sense of loucheness and sensuality is combined with the classic structure of sartorialism. Two worlds collide: on one side, refined, precious, and intimate aesthetic, while on the other, hard and robust outer layers act as armor. The collection is inspired by the Zazou subculture of Paris during WWII when the youth used to take refuge in the Pam Pam Cafe, dancing their troubles away to swing jazz. The garments presented during the Paris Fashion Week also referred to the Buffalo-style movement that mixed masculine and feminine elements with joyous revelry. On the runway, we can admire silk vests with spaghetti straps worn with pleated trousers, as well as silk smoking shirts paired with unstructured striped pajama pants, all garments that convey a new sense of intimacy emphasizing men’s lingerie. To follow, sequined embroidery on cycling shorts shows a glorious preciousness alongside technicality, while Western-style shirting, boots, and shoes give masculine cowboy vibes. Lastly, couture expressions are balanced with suiting; the huge plume on a rolled shoulder, the dramatic shape on a parka, and flowing patchwork shirt capes. VB
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
A Childlike Fantasy
Louis Vuitton continues to carry on Virgil Abloh’s legacy by bringing on stage the SS23 Menswear Collection, an imaginary trip combining creatorship, craftsmanship, and showmanship. Designed in synergy with the creative minds working at Louis Vuitton, the same ones who welcomed Virgil Abloh to the Maison in 2018 and followed his artistic direction for the eighth season to come, the new collection is the result of a cathartic process. It is a proposal created in the spirit of all the human minds that shape Louis Vuitton. Held at the Carré du Louvre, the Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme fashion show has been conceived as a magnified playground. For the French Maison, toys are tools for the imagination helping kids to shape their dreams and aspirations. The same toys that inspired Louis Vuitton to present a collection that elevates these symbols of childhood through its signature savoir-faire. Silhouettes feature swoopy lines that play with shrunken and oversized dimensions founded on the idea of a wardrobe grown-into or outgrown, combined with the 1990s dress code of the skater community. Then, childlike elements such as origami paper planes, cartoon prints, and sandbox tools embellish the garments evoking a fantasy land. VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
C.P. Company FW22
C.P Company’s FW22 collection involves the profound exploration of its signature color card, refined through expert garment dyeing techniques across a hybridized range of materials. This approach, alongside the development of up to 12 subtly different tones per garment style and obsessive research into the details of even the simplest garments, consciously echoes the atmosphere of the brand’s all-encompassing mid-'80s collections. Neutral fabrics are taking center stage, subject to various techniques of resistance during the dyeing process, enhancing the chromatic experience of the brand’s already unique color card. Forms and functions of garments reference the brand’s traditions, with icons of outdoor and military design history while at the same time integrating proprietary C.P Company pocket systems and details. The Metropolis Series allows for the technical characteristics of the performance fabrics employed to generate the garment system. Deep and natural fabrics and tones are aggressively contrasted and cut through with a careful selection of high-performance and technical synthetic fabrics, in particular Gore-Tex G-type. GH
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
FENDI Men’s SS23 Collection
The FENDI men’s universe revolves around three key concepts: the balance of decoration, simplicity, and the freedom to play. The new Fendi SS23 Menswear Collection is proof of this. For this season, Silvia Venturini Fendi has built a collection that investigates the other side of normality, where the classic men’s wardrobe becomes a source of inspiration to analyze, deconstruct, and elevate through novelty and craftsmanship. The garments have been designed for any holiday destination, near and far, revealing colors, patterns, and motifs that give life to bohemian wanderlust looks. The color palette includes hues that reflect the earth, sea and sky, from melon and indigo to ochre, putty, cornflower blue, and silver grey. The swirling weather patterns of planet Earth zoom in and out, while bucolic cowhide motifs appear as psychedelic FEND-ikat linen or blown out in tonal cotton knits. Then, the reality and fantasy of denim intertwine across the collection, alongside crisp poplin, technical cotton, and ripstop cut in boxy point-collar shirts, anorak, and raincoat shapes. The silhouettes are soft and light, characterized by side vents that liberate traditional suiting and shirt shapes to create flyaway volumes. Lastly, the accessories complete the défilé. Cowhide skate sneakers with terry lacing, lug-sole giant O’Lock buckle loafers, and fringed denim or suede moccasins are added to the shoe section, while the new FENDI Roma bucket bag and duffel styles in toile and leather are the latest addition to the iconic collection of Fendi handbags. VB
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Dior Cruise 2023 Show
Another collection, another show, a new journey exploring different territories. For this season, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri has chosen Seville: the Spanish city becomes the backdrop of the Dior Cruise 2023 défilé. Inspired by this magical place, the collection revolves around a true icon known as La Capitana, the name given to Carmen Amaya. She represents the essence of Flamenco. Carmen Amaya was an artist with singular and revolutionary movements, as well as the first dancer in her field to dress in men’s clothing, combining power and fragility through her art. She was the pure expression of the soul of Spain and the embodiment of conscious and plural femininity. Then, the collection comes to life, combining many references that recall both the history of the French Maison and Andalusian traditions: from the SS 1956 haute couture, Bal à Séville dress designed by Christian Dior to looks that evoke the Duchess of Alba and colors such as red and black. The Dior collection is a melting pot of emotions and intentions, conveying an idea of fashion that is both of the everyday and the extraordinary. To complete the whole is the emblematic Manila shawl together with men’s pinstripe suits, pants worn with suspenders, silk-lined waistcoats, trimmed boleros, and the Bar jacket reinvented in black velvet embroidered with various gold threads. VB
www.dior.com
Art
Cartier Presents “Here we are! Women in Design 1900 - Today”
Cartier presents “Here we are! Women in Design 1900 - Today,” an exclusive exhibition featuring a comprehensive overview that tells the story of women designers from the past 120 years who fought against the rules of a male-dominated society. The new installation features the work of a hundred female designers who have made valued contributions to the development of modern and contemporary design, ranging from female Bauhaus pioneers to famous design masterpieces and women who are actively redefining their profession with sustainable inventions. Among the artists on display are the names of Eileen Gray, Charlotte Perriand, Lilly Reich, and Clara Porset, business leaders like Florence Knoll and Armi Ratia, but also lesser-known figures like the social reformer Jane Addams. The French Maison itself brings significant proof about this topic. Jeanne Toussaint, a pioneer and style icon of the 20th century, was at the helm of Cartier's jewelry collection for decades as its artistic director. Her creations were a symbol of fierce independence that led her to be one of the first women to hold such a prominent position in the industry, a role model for the changing status of women. Precisely for this reason, Jeanne Toussaint’s luxury accessories also appear in the overview as a unique testimony. “Here we are! Women in Design 1900 - Today” will be on view from June 18th to October 30th, 2022. VB
www.cartier.com
Art
Divided Layers by Daniel Arsham and Kohler
Kohler, the global lifestyle brand and leader in kitchen and bath products, returned to Milan on the occasion of Design Week 2022. Held at Palazzo del Senato, the new installation is a large-scale immersive art experience realized in collaboration with artist-designer Daniel Arsham. Titled “Divided Layers,” the structure features a series of stacked, white panels that create a walkable tunnel. Reminiscent of the artist's previous work, Rock.01 - a 3D printed sink - and inspired by Kohler’s advanced technologies, the installation offers visitors the possibility to move through it as if they were immersed in the clay object. Then, to give even more volume to the construction, a pond acts as a mirrored surface to double and reflect the entrance. The result is a futuristic portal in contrast with the Baroque architecture of the venue that highlights Arsham’s study of space and volumes. In addition, in parallel to the design installation, Kohler has donated to Water Mission's WASH programs in Indonesia, helping to bring safe water and sanitation to the population. VB
www.kohler.com
Cinema
Fondazione Prada presents the Italian Premiere of “Small Axe”
From June 12th until June 26th, Fondazione Prada will premiere Steve McQueen’s complete television series “Small Axe” to Italian audiences at its Cinema in Milan. This anthology series comprises five original films by McQueen. Set from the late ‘60s until the mid-'80s, each film tells a different story involving London’s West Indian community, whose lives have been shaped by their force of will, despite rampant racism and discrimination. McQueen has described the anthology as “a love letter to Black resilience, triumph, hope, music, joy, and love as well as friendship and family”. The Small Axe collection includes “Mangrove”, “Lovers Rock”, “Red, White, and Blue”, “Alex Wheatle”, and “Education”. Each of these films has the potential to be a stand-alone piece, but also work seamlessly as a collective. Despite all being set between the late ‘60s and mid-'80s, the issues being addressed are just as prevalent today, working as a commentary on where we were, where we are, and where we want to go. GH
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
O’Neill and ØLÅF join forces
Community, culture, and innovation are all shared values of O’Neill and ØLÅF, drawing the perfect merging of the brands with new materials and silhouettes. This capsule collection’s inspiration is derived from the surf culture and contemporary design, creating the ideal look for summer, with outspoken color palettes and aesthetic designs. The collection is equally inspired by the design language of ØLÅF and O’Neill’s historical ability to manufacture clothing styles of cultural depth. As well as recycled fibers and organic cotton, the brands have integrated a heat-reactive technology on t-shirts and jackets. Using thermochromic pigments, those special pieces can change color when the body temperature of the wearer rises. The collection offers a wide range of apparel and accessories for men and women that are available online. GH
www.olafhussein.com
www.oneill.com
Fashion
Diesel FW22 Fashion Show Replica in Tokyo
On June 9th, Diesel landed in Tokyo with a new fashion show. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight – International Exhibition Center, the event was a recreation of the FW22 show by Glenn Martens. The collection, composed of four chapters, Denim, Utility, Pop, and Artisanal, was a combination of workwear belts, the sexiness of hook-and-eye closures, the playfulness of trompe-l’oeil features, and the energy of asymmetries. To these pre-existing elements, six looks were added in a head-to-toe Diesel red color palette. The new pieces have been designed exclusively for the show replica to celebrate the strong connection between the brand and the Japanese market, as well as to enhance the label's DNA, reminding viewers that Diesel stands for sexiness, fluidity, and fun. The capsule will be available from mid-September on the brand’s website, selected mono-brand stores in Japan, and retail partner SSENSE. In addition, to attend the show was Renzo Rosso, Founder of Diesel and President of OTB Group, together with local and international stars such as rapper AWICTH, dancer and actor Alan Shirahama, musicians from Korea GEMINI and Lee Hwi-Min, dancer ELLY from JSB3, and model AMIAYA. VB
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Unveils a Restaurant With Michelin-starred Chef Mory Sacko
In the city of Saint-Tropez, the first Louis Vuitton restaurant has opened its doors, led by Michelin-starred chef Mory Sacko. Head of the restaurant MoSuke in Paris, Mory Sacko is one of the new stars of French cuisine. For Louis Vuitton, he created a unique experience, a modern restaurant that combines the art of Travel, dear to the brand, and the savoir-faire of the French Riviera. The menu offers a mix of flavors: African and Japanese influences meet the local cuisine, taking the guests on a culinary journey to faraway places. For lunch, the chef proposes a creative take on Ekiben presented on a custom-made wooden tray adorned with flowers and foliage. For dinner, vegetarian aubergine tacos, a selection of grilled amberjack, crayfish, and prime rib, served with fennel and a mango salad, are presented in ceramic dishes. It is a plant-based cuisine that blends authenticity with simplicity. Located inside the White 1921 Hotel on the iconic Place des Lices, the Louis Vuitton restaurant is an oasis of calm. The decor features travertine, wood, rope, and rattan adorned with the Monogram flowers and specially redesigned Objets Nomades. The architecture, designed by Mory Sacko, recalls a holiday on the Mediterranean coast surrounded by tranquillity, fresh air, and light. The Louis Vuitton restaurant is the next summer destination. VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
ROD by Diesel Living with Lodes
The Diesel Living with Lodes line has been extended to include ROD, a portable and rechargeable table lamp. In keeping with Diesel’s industrial aesthetic, ROD’s concept stems from the form of a construction rod, typically used to hold blocks of cement together. This slender stem connects two imaginary blocks of cement, rising from the base and supporting the shade, hosting the LED light source. The lamp is portable and rechargeable via a C-type-USB port, protected by a rubber cap, making ROD a perfect choice for use within hospitality venues as well as residential settings. The lamp has an eight-hour battery life at maximum power and up to 180 hours on minimum, making ROD functional and practical without compromising on aesthetic design. Versatile for a variety of settings, the table lamp is available in Moss Gray, Soft Pink, Ivory, and Dark Asphalt, making a suitable color for each mood. ROD is the newest addition alongside a wider range of Diesel with Lodes lighting products, allowing users to complete every part of their home. GH
www.lodes.com
www.diesel.com
Art
Missoni Tableware: The Art of the Table
Italian fashion brand Missoni has unveiled the new Missoni Tableware Collection produced and distributed by manufacturers Arnolfo di Cambio – Compagnia Italiana del Cristallo S.r.l., the historic Italian company that has produced tableware collections since 1963. Presented during the Design Week in Milan, the new pieces embody the art of table decoration with typical Missoni-style colors and patterns. Known for its colorful knitwear designs, Missoni has launched a collection of teacups, mugs, and dinner services that perfectly reflect the house’s codes. The new products are made of high-quality materials and Made in Italy. Coffee and Mug sets, Vases, and Knick-knack containers in golden, brilliant stripes, or classic zig-zag designs, alongside stylish Dinner Services in total white, tones of light blue and cobalt blue, or vibrant orange, violet, and fuchsia, are made of Fine Bone China. An explosion of colors invites customers to mix and match the various items to create new combinations. Instead, the Mouth-blown glass gave birth to elegant glasses in Transparent, Amber, and Shaded Charcoal Grey also adorned with zig-zag patterns. Then, the Silver Stainless Steel was used to craft essential design Cutlery characterized by an opaque silver-plating and Missoni motif on the handle. The Tableware Collection will be displayed at the Arnolfo di Cambio stand at the Salone del Mobile. VB
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Prada Frames: A Symposium Curated by Formafantasma
Prada Frames, a multidisciplinary symposium curated by Formafantasma, brings together scientists, architects, artists, and activists to delve into the complex relationship between the natural environment and design. In parallel to the Salone del Mobile in Milan, this initiative aims to educate and inform people about design’s historical, political, and social implications in a collective reflection. The symposium's inaugural edition begins with a discussion of the forest ecology and the current logics that govern the wood sector, then moves on to the role of design and science as agents of change. Prada Frames will be held at the National Braidense Library in Milan from June 6th to 8th, and it will be divided into two sessions per day that include readings, debates, conversations, and video projections. To participate as guests are, among others, Amitav Ghosh, Eyal Weizman, Anna Tsing and the Feral Atlas, Paola Antonelli, Alice Rawsthorn, Paulo Tavares, Andrés Jaque, and Valerie Trouet. The event is free, and people can already register themself on Prada’s website to attend the symposium. VB
www.prada.com
Fashion
Toogood x Carhartt WIP New Unisex Collection
Carhartt WIP has unveiled a new unisex capsule collection that combines the brand’s iconic styles and unique sculptural volumes realized by contemporary British brand Toogood. Sharing the same utilitarian aesthetic, the two brands teamed up to create a collection that merges elements from both brands’ work. On the one hand, Carhartt WIP’s construction skills, and on the other, Toogood’s cutting-edge design and artistic freedom, giving life to accessible, durable, and exclusive products. Jackets, a shirt, a trouser, an overall, and a t-shirt, made in Carhartt WIP’s trademark organic cotton Dearborn Canvas and the lighter Utah Canvas, are finished with co-branded labeling and buttons. The color palette ranges from white and black to Hamilton brown, emphasizing the sense of everyday uniform. In addition, to demonstrate the cutting intervention on Carhartt WIP’s shapes, Toogood has made a series of one-off pieces, described as “hacks," and three giant sculptural puppets wearing oversized versions of the collaboration garments. The installation will be on display at Spazio Maiocchi in Milan from June 6th to June 12th, 2022, during Salone del Mobile. Instead, the collection will be available starting June 7th at Toogood and Carhartt WIP’s websites, as well as at select Carhartt WIP stores. The new products will also be sold by select retailers worldwide, including Mr. Porter, Selfridges, and Dover Street Market London, Ginza, and Singapore. VB
www.carharttwip.com
www.toogood.com
Fashion
Gucci Town: The House’s New Gathering Place On Roblox
Carrying on its journey in the metaverse, Gucci has unveiled Gucci town, a virtual piazza in the landscape of Roblox. Following the launch of Gucci Vault, this new project aims to build meaningful experiences, giving the community members the possibility to interact with the codes of the House, discover the kaleidoscopic vision of Alessandro Michele, express their individuality, and connect with worldwide, like-minded individuals. The digital space is divided into different areas characterized by dedicated activities. Walking from the central piazza to Mini Game Heights, visitors will come across a portal that will take them to an arena of Gucci-inspired competitions. Then, moving on to the Creative Corner, they will be able to create art pieces experimenting with patterns, colors, and shapes and will later be joined by visiting artists showcasing their works. At the virtual Vault Plaza, the users can explore the exhibition space, while, not far from there, they can find the Gucci Shop, where to purchase digital Gucci items to collect or outfit Roblox avatars. Finally, community members can take a break and connect with others at the Power-up Place, a virtual café. To complete the experience are GG Gems, the in-experience currency, that will be given to the visitors as a reward. Gucci Town has been developed hand-in-hand with independent content creators from the Roblox community, such as Rook Vanguard, Bunnexh, and Lirn, to create an immersive space that translates Alessandro Michele’s vision. VB
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Loro Piana Women’s FW22
The Loro Piana women’s collection for FW22/23 conveys a sense of journey, channeling a feminine character who explores the act of dressing as a way of being. Masculine and feminine silhouettes are consistently interplayed throughout, ranging from loose double-breasted suits, roomy coats, and cropped peacoats and shirts worn either with denim or flowing trousers. Also included are other asymmetric ribbed knit jumpers and skirts, satin tunics, and slip dresses cut on the bias. The dialogue of opposites continues in the face-off of utilitarian puffers, quilted jackets and denim shirt jackets worn with sturdy boots, and silk shirts with a pleated bib worn with matching trousers and velvet slippers. Pieces throughout are embellished with shoes and bags that are rendered in materials such as napped suede, calfskin, melton cashmere, and Cashfur. These all illustrate a clear display of Loro Piana’s signature effortless look, involving all the senses in one single, natural flow. The color palette is neutral and warm, modulated in an interplay of soft and solid textures of cashmere. Spontaneous and elegant, a new exploration of possibilities within the Loro Piana code unfolds. GH
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Maserati MC20 Cielo: So close to heaven
Maserati has opened new horizons to the all-new supercar, the MC20 Cielo. The spirit of the car has taken on a new form, inspired by the wind tunnel, where the clean lines open and become one with the clouds and stars, without sacrificing the performance concept of the coupe version. This offers a completely new driving experience thanks to its electrochromic roof. With the simple push of a button, the car transforms and opens its roof in just twelve seconds. Alternatively, with the ultra-modern Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Technology (PDLC), one can enjoy the enveloping atmosphere of the interior by transforming the roof from opaque to clear. This holistic car has been released in the exclusive color Aquamarina, part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program. The driving experience is rounded off by the uncompromising performance of the Nettuno motor. The heart of the MC20 Cielo is the Maserati-patented V6 Biturbo engine with Formula 1 technology. Very similar to the MC20, the cars are twins with two different soles. The MC20 and MC20 Cielo are two models, both unique and yet united by the racing spirit, the audacity, and performance of real sports cars. GH
www.maserati.com
Art
illycaffè presents the new illy Art Collection
Inspired by the theme of the 59th International Art Exhibition “The Milk of Dreams”, illycafè present the new illy Art Collection dedicated to Biennale Arte 2022. Selected by the curator of Biennale Arte 2022 Cecilia Alemani are six artists whose styles and geographical origins are profoundly different. These include Cecilia Vicuña, Felipe Baeza, Giulia Cenci, Precious Okoyomon, Alexandra Pirici, and Aki Sasamoto. By infusing each cup with their creative genius, the six artists designed a unique collection that brings together diverse approaches that encompass sculpture, painting, poetry, photography, and choreography. The iconic cup was created in 1991 by Matteo Thun, who envisioned the cup as not only a vessel for drinking but as a vehicle for information, conscious and subconscious. Therefore, this simple and harmonious cup with a purposeful shape and round handle quickly became a medium for Artists’ expression and one of the largest contemporary collections of obtainable art. The new collection dedicated to the 59th International Art Exhibition marks the important milestone of these iconic cups turning 30. Celebrating this, the Royal Gardens in Venice is hosting an exhibition re-tracing the most salient events in the 30-year history of the illy Art Collection. The exhibition reveals 109 collections and 459 different interpretations of the historic white espresso cup, representing one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the world. GH
www.illy.com
Fashion
Frédéric Malle: “Vetiver Extraordinaire”
Creative freedom has consistently been an integral factor in Frédéric Malle’s products, with “Vetiver Extraordinaire” being no exception. The brand has regularly collaborated with admirable artists and some of the greatest perfumers in the world. The scent of Vetiver Extraordinaire began in the mid-1980s, with its woody base originally intended for women’s perfume. Frédéric would wear and road test its base layer; a bouquet of cedar, sandalwood, and a synthetic molecule called cashmeran, all woods and no top notes. 15 years later, Dominique Ropion was sent a vial of a molecular distillation of Haitian vetiver, and the pair found themselves returning to the unforgettable formula. This new vetiver was the perfect missing element to the enigmatic woody base. As the very first men’s perfume to be published by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, Vetiver Extraordinaire is born from the desire to create the ultimate perfume for a man. The fragrance line is complemented by an ideal skincare ritual: Body Wash, Shaving Cream, and After Shave Balm. This grooming base is the perfect combination of the two worlds of an exceptional base composed in a Swiss laboratory, scented with the iconic and universal Vetiver Extraordinaire perfume. GH
www.fredericmalle.com
Fashion
Etro Announces Marco De Vincenzo As New Creative Director
Etro, the Italian luxury fashion house founded by Gerolamo Etro, has appointed Marco De Vincenzo as the new Creative Director of the women’s, men’s, and home collections. Starting June 1st, he will take the lead of the brand, debuting with his first collection next September during Milan Fashion Week. Graduated from the European Institute of Design in Rome, he started his career in 2000, carrying on a long collaboration with Fendi before launching his eponymous brand, thanks to which he won the first prize in the new talents competition “Who is on Next?.” Marco de Vincenzo is considered one of the most innovative designers of the new generation. Also, Fabrizio Cardinali, Etro’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his enthusiasm about the new entry into the Etro family - “As part of the brand’s new course, we welcome with enthusiasm the arrival of Marco De Vincenzo. Through his sensitivity for colors, prints, and fabrics, we are sure that Marco will be able to translate at best Etro’s extraordinary heritage into new interpretations for the different brand’s collections and also giving a new drive to the world of accessories”. VB
www.etro.com
Fashion
Miu Miu Day/Night
The Miu Miu Day/Night collection portrays a group of rebellious youth in elegantly subversive clothing. This is a clear continuation of Miuccia Prada rediscovering the Miu Miu identity, drawing on the past to build a future on familiar, new, and personal yet universal codes. The imagery recreates the evening wardrobe, merging those of daywear, particularly uniform, in many facades. Each figure reinvents a look to fit themselves, both time and place are indistinguishable. Typical to the brand, skirts are pleated, and shirts and jackets are radically cropped. The quintessentially bourgeois tailleur is embellished with oversized crystals and merged with a sportswear silhouette. Sinuous satin tea dresses are sensual and finished with naïve puff sleeves. These timeless pieces make the collection fitting for anyone for any occasion. Made with the intention of keeping a sense of individuality, the items are an extension of the self, which is expressive of a free spirit. Miu Miu Day/Night celebrates a community of like-minded beings who identify with each other through a celebration of individuality and style. GH
www.miumiu.com
Art
NN Art Award 2022 for Vytautas Kumža
On 18 May, the NN Art Award was presented for the sixth time at Art Rotterdam. As a supporter of talent and all art explorers, NN Group has always invested in culture, giving artists the opportunity and a platform to inspire others. This year, The four nominated artists were: Inez de Brauw (Brinkman & Bergsma), Vytautas Kumža (Galerie Martin van Zomeren), Thierry Ousso (Lumen Travo Galerie), and Jennifer Tee (Galerie Fons Welters). Their works are on display in the NN Art Award stand. But the prize has been assigned to the Lithuanian-born, Amsterdam-based visual artist Vytautas Kumža. Represented by gallery Martin van Zomeren, he is a contemporary art talent with an authentic visual language and innovative approach. In his works, Vytautas Kumža combines sculptural elements and presentation displays to create embodied experiences for the audience. Visual illusions, spatial constructs, inverted colors, and exaggerated scales are found in his practice. The NN Art Award aims to promote young talents but also to put the spotlight on the exceptional quality of art education in the Netherlands. Artists from all over the world know where to find the Dutch academies. VB
www.artrotterdam.com
Fashion
BEAUDE STUDIO for CDLP
BEAUDE STUDIO launched today for CDLP, a Paris-based floral print, and design studio, to design custom prints for SS22 Pool and Swim collection. This capsule launched exclusively at Boys Don’t Cry, Paris – an interdisciplinary space specializing in men’s style, design, books, and art. The collection is made up of vintage scarves, mosaics, and architectural details from the brand’s Stockholm atelier, in vivid tones fitting to the season as well as abstract insertion and overlapping, creating the prints La Fleur, La Fête, and Le Tigre. Describing the project as organic, exploratory, spontaneous, and led by collaborative intuition, Ashley Boer’s vision easily merged with CDLP design director and friend Ingrid Guttorsmen. BEAUDE STUDIO works with select clients to create prints and floral installations for galleries, showrooms, boutiques, and events, each design and composition is created to translate an expression within the dynamic of the studio. CDLP is a design house of luxury essentials within the categories of underwear, t-shirts, socks, swim, home, and sports. The brand’s design philosophy is driven by purpose and effortless style, with a focus on innovation and responsibility. GH
www.beaudestudio.com
www.bdc-paris.com
www.cdlp.com
Fashion
O’Neill SS22: “Liquid Backyards”
O’Neill has revolutionized and massively popularized the surfing sport since the early ‘50s. throughout the years, the brand has continuously produced the world’s number one supply of wetsuits and swimwear. This season, O’Neill invites everyone to splash in style with a new wide range of off-shore-ready bikinis and shorts. Each piece is designed for a comfy ride and perfect fit for any occasion. Made for preparation in any situation, the brand introduces three kinds of swim shorts. One for swimming, one for boarding, and one hybrid short built for the parallel lives in and out of the water. O’Neill is all about stretching the boundaries of what innovative gear can do for the active outdoor. This is clearly shown throughout this collection. Not only are the pieces versatile for many occasions, but the brand also pays close attention to ensuring hyper functionality as well as a sustainable product design. All swimwear is made with at least 50% of all garments coming from recycled or upcycled sources. GH
www.oneill.com
Fashion
Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross
Creative Director Samuel Ross became an ambassador for Hublot in 2020, after being awarded the Hublot Design prize in 2019 with his REFORM sculpture. This was a creation of Ross’ own fusion, by merging past and present, combining granite with steel in a production process that incorporated both handwork and state-of-the-art machining. This year, Hublot is incorporating Samuel Ross’ unique graphic language into watchmaking. Here, Ross’ signature color scheme and penchant for strict geometry and urban design combined with the innovation and precision that govern the work of both Ross and Hublot. The distinctive, stylized hexagon of the Big Bang case is reflected in the honeycomb titanium meshwork of the sapphire dial, case, case back, and bracelet. This robust and efficient shape, repeatable without gaps or overlaps, has become the standard for modern construction and design thanks to each element's seamless fit. Only 50 examples of this piece will be made – each a work of art that brings a new perspective and imagination to watchmaking. Celebrating this launch, Ross’ signature colors will grace Hublot boutique on 5th Avenue in New York City. GH
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Gucci Cosmogonie
Against the backdrop of the historic Castel del Monte in Andria, Italy, Alessandro Michele debuted his latest collection for the House. A series of constellations illuminated the runway, progressing a narrative that traverses centuries, geographies, and languages. Taking inspiration from the stars, Gucci’s Creative Director created a proper narrative that retrieved the story of the suicidal philosopher Walter Benjamin and Hanna Arendt. The two shared a destiny of exile. They were Jews fleeing from Germany when they met in Paris, for the first time, in the 1930s, and since then, they carried out an intense intellectual exchange now woven in their biographies. But unfortunately, their epilogue is well known: Anna reached New York, while Walter Benjamin took his life at the Franco-Spanish border. As a collector of quotations, trapped by the Gestapo, he lost the power to build his thoughts, realizing that it was better to disappear forever. Benjamin was a paradigmatic figure thinking in constellations. For him, the constellation is what comes out of the capacity to draw conjunction between fragments of worlds that would otherwise be dispersed: a feverish dust of quotations that burns in the possibility of a contact. From this philosophy, Gucci Cosmogonie was born. The SS23 pre-collection was a surreal carousel in which visions of fantastical creatures appeared. VB
www.gucci.com
Fashion
La Dolce Vita by Loro Piana
Loro Piana has enhanced its wardrobe with elements for people who want to treat themselves to carefree moments this summer, enjoying la Dolce Vita. The collection evokes the brand's essence with the nautical theme, and the colors are an ode to nature, which dons its brightest tones in summer. Inspired by the Sicilian archipelago is the new Eolian Basket, destined to be a must for the season. Like the silhouette of the classic ‘70s straw bucket bag, the item is a perfect synthesis of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. The piece is handwoven using the ancient technique of braid stitching originally used in the production of straw hats. This delicate movement of weaving the braids one by one in a circular pattern makes every model unique and distinctive. Available in two sizes, worn as a shoulder bag or handbag, the Eolian Basket expresses all its charm and versatility. Another debut is the women’s swimwear collection, made with the finest exclusive yarns to guarantee comfort, resilience, and long wear. Marine is designed for those who love to practice water sports, while the aquatic jersey is the basis for bikinis and a one-piece swimsuit with a retro silhouette that’s comfortable enough to wear beyond the beach. These pieces are embellished with the brand’s distinctive touch of the nautical-themed charms that lend allure not only to the swimwear but also to new versions of the iconic White Sole shoes. With new color combinations, exclusive yarns in original blends, and new, soft, relaxed silhouettes, Loro Piana explores the world of summer in a new light, evoking an iconic Mediterranean atmosphere brimming with charm and style. GH
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
adidas x Gucci Collection
Gucci has unveiled the new lookbook of the adidas x Gucci collaboration that will launch on June 7th, 2022, across select Gucci stores, dedicated Pop-Ups, the website, and on the adidas CONFIRMED app. The adidas x Gucci Collection, built on the sartorial streetwear creations that debuted in the Exquisite Gucci fashion show, is expanded with a spectrum of sport-inspired pieces, distinguished by the same kaleidoscopic aesthetics. Designed by Creative Director Alessandro Michele, the garments are the perfect combination of the signature codes of both brands. They feature adidas’ iconic trio of lines, athletic silhouette, and the GG monogram in synergy with the adidas Trefoil. Formal pieces like leather heels, suede loafers, and silk scarves have been reinvented in a more relaxed style, while Gucci’s retro aesthetics has become intrinsically contemporary. In addition, the collection comprises several items produced using future-conscious material fabrications such as polyester, cotton, and viscose, reflecting their shared commitment to innovation, progress, and sustainability goals. Adidas x Gucci is presented through a series of images shot by photographer Carlijn Jacobs and inspired by archival catalogs, in which a cast of characters strike dynamic poses against brightly colored backdrops alongside sporty props. VB
www.gucci.com
www.adidas.com
Fashion
Michael Kors x ellesse: An Iconic Pairing of Two Powerhouse Brands
Celebrating the athletic styles of the 1970s, Michael Kors and ellesse teamed up to launch an exclusive collection that rethinks the world of sportswear. The new line offers a luxurious and modern take on retro athleisure featuring a bold visual aesthetic and a vintage look. The Michael Kors x ellesse capsule, composed of 24-pieces, includes vivid track jackets and pants, vintage-style swimsuits, chunky sneakers, and Kors’ must-have Hudson backpack and Bradshaw shoulder bag. Each item is characterized by one-of-a-kind insignia that fuses Michael Kors' iconic logo with ellesse's tennis-and-ski-inspired one, as well as the Italian brand's unique color palette of fiery oranges and reds juxtaposed with classic shades of navy blue and crisp white. The collaboration, launching in May, has been captured by the lens of renowned fashion photographer Lachlan Bailey and styled by Mel Ottenberg, editor-in-chief of cult pop magazine Interview. The images portray model Emily Ratajkowski, Brooklyn-based rap musician Jay Critch, and many other talents in a sun-soaked Miami. The campaign is a tribute to the Michael Kors and ellesse brands' stylish, confident, cheerful, and dynamic DNAs. In addition, a series of pop-up installations and activations will be held across the world to promote the Michael Kors x ellesse capsule collection. #DOUBLES #MKxELLESSE VB
www.michaelkors.com
www.ellesse.com
Fashion
Prada Linea Rossa SS22 Collection
Prada Linea Rossa explores progressive styles and materials to create metropolitan clothing engineered for tomorrow. For the SS22 Collection, the brand deeply analyzes the relationship between garments and the body, focusing on pioneering fabrics such as bio-ceramic polyester piquet, which allow the individual to maintain a constant temperature, and bio-based nylon that helps control the production of bacteria. Multi-function is key. The garments are resistant and lightweight, engineered to adapt to the environment and activity. These clothes are portrayed in a series of dynamic images set in a futuristic land. The SS22 Campaign, shot by Johnny Dufort, is inspired by the energy and motion of sports. In his imagery and the short film directed by Albert Moya, four figures are caught in the middle of a visionary table tennis match, where physical experience and digital effect, humanity and technology, are merged. In addition, this season, the brand relaunched the legendary Prada America's Cup sneaker. For 2022, a new dimension is offered: customization. VB
www.prada.com
Fashion
Marsèll Announces Second Release With Suicoke
To underline the design and quality alongside the strategic and commercial running of the brand, Marsèll has announced a new collaboration with the Japanese footwear brand Suicoke. The partnership started in 2021 when they created a collection that blended Japanese culture and Italian craftsmanship, with a genderless style pushing the boundaries of contemporary aesthetics. This year, following the idea behind the SS21 project, Marsèll and Suicoke have released new handmade pieces made out of a careful selection of raw materials, mixing innovative technologies with more traditional methods. The results are unique, original items that are anything but industrial. The key model of the 2022 collaboration is Moto, the Japanese brand’s undisputed bestseller. Moto is a sandal, reimagined by the Italian brand, entirely made of leather with a recycled rubber sole in an oversize style and wraparound straps. Together with this new design, Marsèll has also included in the collection the iconic Depa shoe, which debuted last season, in five more colors. The collaboration will be distributed in 10 Corso Como, Nordstrom, Browns, and GR8, while a limited edition of the Moto sandal will be accessible only at the most prestigious retailers. VB
www.marsell.it
www.suicoke.com
Art
Kaldewei x Vogue Germany presents #mustsee “Bathscape” by Cristina Celestino
At the Fuorisalone from June 7th till the 12th, the German premium bathroom manufacturer will collaborate with the legendary fashion magazine in presenting the installation “Bathscape” – designed by the Milanese star designer Cristina Celestino. Cristina Celestino founded her studio in Milan in 2013. Since then, she has worked on multiple projects ranging from the areas of living and hotel industry to creative direction and product design. Kaldewei is a German family company that has been creating bathroom solutions combining modern luxury with sustainable thinking, management, and action for over 100 years, now in its fourth generation. The collaboration is already highlighted in the upcoming Milan Furniture Fair #mustsee, taking visitors on a spectacular and highly aesthetic journey through bathroom culture. For Celestino, the project is sculptural research into all aspects of creating and using bathroom furnishings. This investigates what qualities of the modern bathroom transform it into the oasis that we use to recharge our batteries and relax, as well as the importance of ecological and social aspects. This creates a highly topical dialogue as well as showing exciting approaches to a contemporary, luxurious bathroom design. The installation will take place in the vibrant Brera District throughout the duration of the Milan Furniture Fair. GH
www.kaldewei.com
Fashion
The Bubblegram Collection
Louis Vuitton has presented a new joyful and bright collection of bags, the Bubblegram, designed for a generation on the move. In a burst of colors, the new bag is available in four models featuring round, bubble-like curves and the iconic LV Monogram that gives it an original quilted look. The Over The Moon, Papillon, Alma, and Wallet on Strap styles, born of exceptional savoir-faire, showcase the skills of Louis Vuitton artisans who hand-finished each model and ensured maximum precision in seam positioning using new design techniques. The Bubblegram bags, made of shining calfskin leather, also feature distinctive new details such as a nylon shoulder strap with unique typography and a woven lining with a matching Monogram Nano pattern. Thanks to their colorways, suppleness, and volume effects, these new items give customers the possibility to play and have fun with them. The Bubblegram collection, already available for purchase, will also be expanded to include new inviting colors. VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Armani Group Opens The First A|X Armani Exchange Store in Amsterdam
The A|X Armani Exchange store has landed in the Dutch capital. Following the recent inauguration in Milan, the Armani Group decided to open a large store in Amsterdam, in a strategic location in front of Dam square and on the corner of Kalverstraat: a lively spot with a constant flow of tourists. The store, housed within a historical building, was designed by Giorgio Armani and his team of architects along the false lines of the one recently opened in Milan, featuring a minimal selection of colors, elements, and materials combined with LED strips that display graphic information and logos. At the entrance, illuminated letters, A and X attract the attention of passers-by that, entering the store, can walk through the women’s collection displayed on the ground floor and the menswear section located on the first floor. The whole project, including the materials, finishes, coatings, and lighting, was designed to have the least environmental impact possible. In addition, avant-garde systems and technology make the shopping experience even more unique. VB
www.armani.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Idylle Blossom
From the range of voluptuous and full curves to the more tapered and slender, the Idylle Blossom flowers are true embodiments of Louis Vuitton’s heritage and savoir-faire, as delicate blossoms meet brilliant stars. The Monogram Flower has been the Maison’s iconic signature since 1896. Therefore, for the tenth anniversary of the emblematic collection, the Idylle Blossom, both original designs and new interpretations are adorned with diamonds, yielding a contemporary yet refined elegance. Celebrating the beauty of imagination, the new everyday essentials can be stylistically repeated and layered or worn alone. This versatility makes them suited to be worn for any mood or occasion. One or more necklaces draped from the neck could enhance the skin with dazzling radiance. Coupled with a pair of hoop earrings, adorned with Monogram Flowers, could perfectly frame the face. These can also be embellished with ear cuffs, rings, or reversible studs that display the Maison’s motifs with Louis Vuitton’s initials on one side and the Monogram Flower on the other. Each of the Monogram Flowers complements a shade of rose, yellow or white gold, accentuating brilliant-cut diamonds, and rendering these creations undeniably feminine and sensual. The versatility of each piece hides multiple styles within each design, allowing the wearer to change their look without changing jewelry. The signature of the collection is the Idylle Blossom ring, taking on a refined aesthetic of the season, this truly embodies the contemporary, dazzling, and free style within the collection. GH
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
FENDI: Peekaboo ISeeU Petite and Micro
The Peekaboo ISeeU bag has continued its tradition of expressing the true essence of what it means to be Fendi, expanding the family by welcoming the Peekaboo ISeeU Petite and Peekaboo ISeeU Micro. Clean and minimal, geometric and curvilinear all at once, the Peekaboo is a bag conceived with both beauty and playful functionality at its core. The architectural silhouette features a soft, supple interior revealed by the bag’s expertly designed twist-lock construction. The new models are created with distinctive, smaller proportions yet maintain all the signature details of Fendi’s iconic bag. Contemporary attitude, young flair compact shape, the Peekaboo ISeeU Petite is the new must-have of the season. The cute proportions and perfect capacity give the bag an irresistible appeal for an array of occasions. Doubling the fun, the Peekaboo ISeeU Petite is available in a rainbow of 12 bright roses of nappa leather, such as baby blue, Violetta lilac, dark honey, and mimosa yellow. Made to be worn crossbody, the Peekaboo ISeeU Petite will never go unnoticed. The precious designs in exotic leathers such as natural python, croco, and lizard add exclusive variations to the family. Just as impactful, the Peekaboo ISeeU Micro is available in 10 vibrant declinations in the softest and smoothest leather, making it the perfect touch of color. The piece features a detachable metal handle for bag charm use, together with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and a cardholder on the inside. GH
www.fendi.com
Fashion
X-Technology's New Management Team
X-Technology enters the future with new leadership. X-Technology Swiss research & development AG, based in Wollerau, has announced the set-up of a new management team, bringing on board a highly entrepreneurial, innovative, and strongly digitally-minded group of employees. For more than 20 years, this company has been the innovation leader in the sporting goods industry, becoming one of the leading suppliers of textile performance technologies thanks to its X-Bionic and X-Socks brands. In particular, X-Bionic received the Plus X Award, the world's largest innovation prize for technology, sports, and lifestyle, 13 times in a row as the most innovative brand of the year. X-Technology Swiss research & development AG has a long history of developing effective solutions to complex design problems, having submitted over 800 international patent applications and winning over 600 prizes and 1,200 medals at international competitions and the Olympics. Therefore, to further strengthen and expand the company's position in the market, X-Technology CEO Maximilian Lenk will take over the leadership to realign the sales organization and implement the digitization of the brand. VB
www.x-technology.com
Art
TEFAF Maastricht Announces the Exhibitors of the 35th Edition
TEFAF Maastricht, the renowned international exhibit, has announced its return in June 2022. Every year, the premier fair for fine art, antiques, and design brings together 242 of the best dealers and galleries from around the world, displaying works of unrivaled quality and historical significance to a global audience of private collectors, museum curators, and art market professionals. For the 35th edition, TEFAF Maastricht, that for the first time will open its doors from the 25th to 30th of June instead of taking place in March, will make Europe a summer destination of choice for global collectors and lovers of art. The 2022 lineup comprises 242 dealers from 20 countries, with 218 returning dealers and 18 newcomers. In addition, TEFAF Showcase will introduce six new galleries to the TEFAF community, Bartha Contemporary in the UK, and the Galerie Nicolas Bourriaud, Imperial Art, Galerie Mendes, Galerie Pauline Pavec, Royal Provenance in France. Chairman Hidde van Seggelen speaking about TEFAF Maastricht, said - I speak for our whole dealer community when I express how thrilling it is to be returning for the 35th edition of TEFAF Maastricht. The wealth of history and expertise presented by our exhibitors has always been extraordinary and this year will be no exception. VB
www.tefaf.com
Fashion
PRADA TROPICO at KaDeWe in Berlin
Extremely pop, Prada has set up an exclusive in-store installation and shop windows at KaDeWe in Berlin, presenting multiple combinations of colored stripes and light effects, giving rise to a hypnotic space. The brand’s spot inside the department store features backlit surfaces in bright and contrasting hues paired with a neon sign that provides a fresh, iconic interpretation of the Prada triangle logo, mixing urban references with elements from a transfigured natural setting. The windows create graphic effects that evoke the building’s facade thanks to geometric patterns and the juxtaposition of vertical and horizontal lines in green, white, black, blue, red, yellow, and orange. Then, in the background, a video animated with a stylized tropical forest shows hundreds of Prada hats in an immersive experience in wild scenery. The whole is made even more mesmerizing looking at the Prada collection displayed. Colored stripes garments and accessories, such as mini, calf-length and full skirts, silk blouses, raffia and nylon hats, and the iconic Prada Triangle bag, give a burst of energy to the entire setting. VB
www.prada.com
Fashion
The Novelties of the Watches Wonders 2022
Today, March 30th TAG Heuer is presenting five main novelties of the Watches & Wonders 2022:
First in the collection is the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph, a timepiece made with exceptional quality and performance, bringing new meaning to “made for outdoors”. This is particularly special for the brand, as it is the first timepiece that utilizes calibre TH50-00, produced by La Joux-Perret. Named Solagraph, due to the use of the sun as a limitless energy source. The movement needs only two minutes in full sunlight to keep the watch running for a whole day. Once Power Save mode is activated, the autonomy of the watch can be extended to 3.5 years, perfect for those who are on the go, and at one with nature. In addition to this, in the Aquaracer Professional 300 core collection is the Orange Diver, with a new vibrant look that is inspired by the orange diver reference 844. The vivid orange is used as a symbol of safety and security at sea, as well as speed, security, and records, the tone captivates the message behind the watch perfectly. Last in the Aquaracer capsule is the Professional 1000 Superdiver - the ultimate luxury diver watch. The new calibre used, TH30-00 is manufactured exclusively for TAG Heuer, beginning an important chapter for the history of the brand, predicting significant improvements in terms of reliability and durability. Made for the deep, the watch is extremely robust and sports a bold, but elegant, look and a thickness of just 15.75mm.
Never before has there been a partnership between a car manufacturer and a watchmaker. After a highly successful first year of collaboration, Porsche and TAG Heuer have returned with the new TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche, a model with a strong sporty feel, proposed as a limited edition. The watch is enhanced by Porsche’s aesthetic appeal, with a yellow color incorporated in various elements of the creation, inspired by Porsches racing yellow PANTONE, reserved by the manufacturer for the sportiest of vehicles.
Last but by no means least, the brand has relaunched one of the most awaited TAG Heuer watches, the Monaco Gulf with a newly refined version, including the in-house movement Heuer 02. The design continues to be based on the three iconic colors of Gulf, but with more contemporary combinations, making it all the more unique. On the back, is a personalized version of the oscillating mass and column wheel, with a special engraving colored to match the Gulf orange pantone. GH
www.tagheuer.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton: Steel Escale Spin Time
A contemporary yet elegant design, Louis Vuitton has presented two new steel versions of the Escale Spin Time watch, a continuation of the exceptional meteorite dial highlighted with pink gold. Rather than the traditional central hand, the passing of time is depicted by twelve cubes around the rim of the dial revolving in place. Eleven of these cubes display iconic motifs inspired by the customization of Louis Vuitton trunks, while the twelfth stands out, displaying the time on a digital face. The brand’s heritage as a trunk maker and packer is also shown in other details, such as the instantly recognizable case that reinterprets the horns, inspired by the metal reinforcements of the iconic luggage. The Escale Spin Time takes on a new identity in a 41mm diameter case. The model boasts an original mixed media design, as well as pairing the modernity of steel with the depth of black PVD. This unique, innovative concept is as playful as it is technical, with an exceptional mechanism driven by automatic movement: The LV 77 calibre. Available in two variations, Steel Escale features more discrete elements in grey hues or a Rainbow Escale that has more of a colorful treatment against a black, sun-brushed dial. Each of these models displays a unique expression, and both assert the Maison’s unparalleled ability to blend creativity, heritage, and savoir-faire with a twist of modernity. GH
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Chanel Launches A New Podcast
Chanel has unveiled the first two episodes of a new podcast entitled Les Rencontres. This new format follows the Rendez-vous littéraires rue Cambon that was established in 2021 by Creative Director Virginie Viard, together with CHANEL ambassador and spokesperson Charlotte Casiraghi. This podcast, which releases a new episode each month in French and English, turns the spotlight on contemporary female authors who have recently published their first novel. For the first episode of the French version, writer Pauline Gonthier discusses her novel “Les oiselles sauvages,” published by Julliard in 2021. The French author talks about the genesis of her writing, her decisive meeting with Annie Ernaux, and reveals her ambition to write books that will make people want to read more. While, American writer Lisa Taddeo, whose first novel Animal was published last year by Simon & Schuster, takes part in the English version of the podcast. The guest addresses different topics: from her aptitude for fiction and her desire to question what society expects of women to the importance of self-criticism within the creative process. The conversations are introduced by Charlotte Casiraghi and moderated by journalist Lauren Bastide in French and by writer and literary critic Erica Wagner in English. The first two episodes of Les Rencontres are available on Chanel’s website and in the CHANEL 3.55 Podcast on Apple Podcasts. VB
www.chanel.com
Art
Safari by Arsham Studio with Stone Island
Daniel Arsham and Stone Island have collaborated to customize a Porsche 930 and a Unimog 404 for all-terrain purposes, using reimagined heritage Stone Island fabrics. The safari car was built with the purpose of being for off-road use, using many original pieces from the ’70s, and ‘80s. It has been modified to proper rally-car specs. The Safari car was made for vintage-lovers, reconstructed with added bumpers, skid-plates, lights, and heightened suspension, ready for any environment under any condition. Also designed is a reimagined Unimog 404 to go alongside the Safari as a recovery vehicle, following the traditions behind typical rallying. The Unimog is embellished by similar Stone Island details throughout the exterior and interior as the Porsche, with a custom dab green finish. The seat fabric in both vehicles has been reimagined using specially-crafted moleskin from Stone Island, prioritizing functionality. This enhances the seat grip for the driver on the off-road terrain. Visualizing this collaboration is a short documentary film by Jeremy Elkin, narrated by Daniel Arsham. The film captures the process of the vehicles coming to life from the careful fitting of the vehicles in New York and Atlanta to the breathless vistas in the California desert. GH
www.stoneisland.com
www.danielarsham.com
Fashion
Bulgari unveils the Octo Finissimo Ultra
On March 21st, 2022, in Rome, Bulgari unveiled the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, the Octo Finissimo Ultra, a spectacular eighth world record for the collection. The revolutionary piece is a minuscule 1.80 millimeters, made using an approach devoid of any prior knowledge or preconceptions, combined with the quintessence of Italian design. Cleverly, Creative Director Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani transformed a classic 3D design of a watch into a two-dimensional object. The design challenges the laws of physics, therefore Bulgari teams truly started from scratch, reinventing everything to find innovative solutions. This piece plays on the perception of the visible and invisible. The front reveals volumes and invites immersion in the depth of the mechanism. The record-holding watch symbolizes a mindset, an ability to innovate and push limits. The date of the unveiling is also particularly historical, as it not only honored the beauty of the Pantheon and the city of Rome but also marked the 10th anniversary of the brand’s Octo collection. The slimness of the watch is barely thicker than a piece of paper, making the record unlikely to ever be beaten, and triggering a peerless physical and emotional sensation when worn. GH
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
In The Name Of Love
Once again, Maison Valentino delves into the literary world, strengthening its commitment to fostering Arts and Culture. Launching the new campaign "Valentino the Narratives II," the Italian brand redefines the way of communicating, removing images and product placement to make way for authentic, text-only stories. Born from the creative mind and vision of Pierpaolo Piccioli, the second chapter of this advertising campaign features 17 renowned international authors that have written individual and impactful narratives about love celebrated in all its form and meanings. Love is the fil-rouge of the campaign that brings together writers and poets such as Alok Vaid-Menon, Amia Srinivasan, Emily Ratajkowski, Fatima Farheen Mirza, Brit Bennett, David Sedaris, and many others, in a colored layout and freedom of genre. Valentino The Narratives II is a polyphonic conversation that carries on the values of authenticity and individuality, trying to build a multi-vocal community. In addition, thanks to this initiative, Maison Valentino continues to sustain selected independent bookstores and renews the collaboration with Belletrist bookclub promoting cultural happenings. VB
www.valentino.com
Fashion
The Luna Bag
LOEWE presents the “Luna” Bag. Debuted on the SS22 runway in Paris, the new shoulder bag is the latest addition to LOEWE’s wide range of products. The Spanish fashion house specialized in leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and other fashion accessories is known for its bold visual identity, spontaneity, and playfulness, characteristics that, for this season, are translated with the Luna bag. Taking its name from the Spanish word for “moon,” LOEWE’s new design is derived from the shape of a crescent moon. The Luna is a fresh take on a classic hobo bag, an everyday carry-all that sits comfortably on the shoulder and is suited to day or night. This unique accessory comes in black, pecan, avocado green, ash grey satin calfskin, LOEWE jacquard strap, as well as in the iconic Anagram jacquard incorporating the same colors. In addition, metallic sliding eyelets allow the personalization of the LOEWE Luna bag with an extra shoulder strap and charms. VB
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Where Nature Meets The City
For SS22, British footwear brand Clarks Originals and C.P. Company has launched a new collaboration to celebrate the point where nature meets the city. Composed of two jackets and two shoe styles, the collection is equally inspired by the design language of Clark's cult Desert Trek and C.P. Company's historical ability to manufacture clothing textures of cultural depth. Having always been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, Clarks tight up with C.P. Company to create a range of products that mix natural materials and heritage craftsmanship, with a modern technology suitable to the demands of 21st-century outdoor performance. The outerwear pieces are an exploration of movement between city and countryside, artificial and natural, protective and porous. The iconic Clarks' Desert Trek is reimagined in two styles: the original, enriched by rubber details, and the re-mastered, which features a Vibram outsole. The color palette evokes and reminds of the rich, fertile, and varied landscape of the British coastline as the ultimate escape from the metropolitan area. Lens by the British photographer Will Grundy, the collection conveys a sense of freedom from the routine. The images feature contemporary nomad traders wandering in this uniquely, ever-evolving landscape, which matches and contrasts the tones of the collection. The C.P. Company x Clarks collaboration is available on the website and flagship stores of C.P. Company, in selected global retailers, and exclusively at Clarks Originals Berwick street in London. VB
www.cpcompany.com
www.clarks.com
Fashion
Gucci presents The North Face x Vault
After two chapters of The North Face x Gucci, the collaboration has expanded to Vault, Gucci’s experimental online space envisioned by Creative Director Alessandro Michele. With both bands embodying the spirit of exploration, the collaboration presents a limited run of 150 brightly colored base camp duffel bags available exclusively on Vault’s website. Since 2021, Vault has continuously ventured into unchartered territories in luxury through unexpected collaborations with brands that speak to its forward-thinking ethos. The North Face is known for its durable, ergonomic, and high-performance designs, its apparel and equipment have become the choice of athletes and explorers from the metropolis to the mountaintop. Since being founded in 1966, the brand has united travelers and adventurers across the globe. Within Vault, The North Face’s base camp duffel bag is reimagined with a playful pattern inspired by Vault for the collaboration. Made from a sustainable and weather-resistant material, the bag features adjustable shoulder straps and padded side handles that can be carried or worn as a backpack. This creation is the perfect merging of Vault and The North Face’s creative codes, a truly unique find. GH
vault.gucci.com
Fashion
Chanel FW22: A Tribute To Tweed
Devoting the FW22 collection to tweed, Creative Director Virginie Viard paid homage to Gabrielle Chanel. Recalling her walks along the River Tweed in the Scottish countryside, the clothes presented were a tribute to the psychedelic shades of autumn. Chanel FW22 show, held at Grand Palais Éphémère, opened the final day of Paris Fashion Week with an explosion of tweed. The iconic fabric was everywhere and worn by everyone: from the collection to the setup of the location and celebrities like Lisa Vicari and Emily Atef, who attended the show. The FW22 collection featured jackets in bold colors with a masculine or slightly oversize silhouette, trousers in black panne velvet, pointed pumps with a mini stiletto heel in patent leather, as well as boots and thigh-high boots in black or beige rubber. It was a total celebration of tweed, an eternal code for the French Maison that allows for infinite combinations of colors and materials. “I love working with it so much, I couldn't live without it at CHANEL”. - Virginie Viard. In addition, Chanel released teasers shot by the duo Inez & Vinoodh that portrayed a succession of panoramic views of the river and the Scottish moors, like so many images known by Gabrielle Chanel. VB
www.chanel.com
Art
Prada presents the exhibition “Role Play” at Prada Aoyama Tokyo
“Role Play” by Prada is an exhibition project organized with the support of Fondazione Prada, at Prada Aoyama Tokyo from March 11th til June 20th, 2022. The fifth floor of the iconic building designed by Herzog and de Meuron hosts a second version of the show on display at Osservatorio Fondazione Prada in Milan from February 19th til June 27th, 2022. Curated by Melissa Harris, the project explores notions of the search projection and invention of possible alternative and idealized identities. Strategies investigated within this are role-playing, the creation of alter-egos, and the proliferation of the self. These strategies are captured by photographic, visual, and audio works labeled as the ideal language for representing the idea of otherness and exploiting its objective nature and thus the sense of authenticity. London-based photographer Juno Calypso will present her photographic series What To Do With a Million Years, capturing a mansion entirely decorated with pink elements, owned by a mysterious group attempting to achieve immortality and eternal youth. Beatrice Marchi will present the audio work Never Be My Friend, focussing on one of her alter-egos, Katie. Also featured are satirical portraits by Haruka Sakaguchi and Griselda, a photographic series by Tomoko Sawada, and a two-screen video by Bogosi Sehukhuni. All of these capture the essence of otherness in many different ways, hopefully reaching the feelings of empathy in some way from the observers. GH
www.prada.com
Fashion
Dior reopens 30 Montaigne
Maison Dior has announced the reopening of 30 Montaigne – the original address of the brand’s first-ever boutique. The renovation has been ongoing for more than two years in collaboration with architect Peter Marino. It has been said that the legendary space will house the women’s and menswear collections, a haute couture salon, haute couture atelier, fine jewelry atelier, the Dior Café, as well as a restaurant helmed by Jean Imbert – the winner of the 2012 French edition of Top Chef. The legendary venue has seen the house’s collections come to life for 75 years, becoming the emblem of Parisian elegance and French haute couture. The flagship will also include a gallery that highlights Christian Dior’s creations as well as the work of his successors: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and the house’s current creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. The unique space like no other is due to reopen on March 6th, 2022. GH
www.dior.com
Fashion
The next chapter about sustainable denim at DIESEL
For SS22, Diesel has taken a genderless design approach in its next chapter of prioritizing a sustainability initiative. Diesel library will offer a wide range of evergreen and longer-lasting denim items that include trousers, jackets, tops, skirts, and more. Half of the overall denim collection has a permanent shelf life, sustaining the purpose of the items being “classics”. The intention behind the library is to refresh the base of every category at diesel. Diesel library reinforces its commitment to innovation and the exploration of new production techniques to create desirable, durable, and quality denim items. The essential pieces are made using fibers, washes, and treatments that have been selected based on efficient and responsible resource uses. Each garment is also equipped with a digital passport that guarantees customers access to a dedicated web page where they can learn more about all the responsible attributes of each specific item. This next chapter for the brand is a great shift towards establishing its new personality and branding attributes. GH
www.global.diesel.com
Fashion
The Kenny Bag
Givenchy has launched a new iconic bag that reflects the aesthetic of Matthew M. Williams. Known for his ability to transform a simple detail into an authentic object, the Creative Director designed a new accessory that takes the shape of a supple bourse-style handbag. Named Kenny, this unique item references the early 2000s evening bags but is anchored in the here and now thanks to Matthew M. Williams's vision and characteristic flair for hardware. Crafted in soft calf leather, the Kenny has a very intricate, rounded construction with distinctive hand-draped folds interspersed with G-Cube elements. Its graceful, feminine allure finds a masculine counterpoint in double G-Cube chain straps as well as Givenchy's now-iconic padlock. As an emblem of Paris and reference to the missing padlocks of the Pont des Arts, the Lover's Lock reflects commitment and emotion and is tied to bags like a clasp or a delicate ornament. Then, luxurious yet practical details include a shoulder piece in soft calf leather, a tonal lining, and a discrete yet secure magnetic closure that fastens with a crisp, satisfying clack. The Kenny bag is also realized in two different versions: in organza, as revealed on the Givenchy SS22 runway, and fully embroidered with mother-of-pearl, which appears in the current campaign. This new product is already available in selected Givenchy boutiques and online. VB
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Quiet Power
The Bottega Veneta FW22 Collection, presented during Milan Fashion Week, marked a return to a fundamental brand questioning: a building on the past to realize the present and evoke the future. The Italian brand specialized in leather goods has always based its core on the idea of craft in motion. For Bottega Veneta and its Creative Director Matthieu Blazy, everything is about movement, going somewhere, and this is its quiet power. For this season, Bottega Veneta presented a story of clothing and characters, exploring the relation between maker and wearer, an exchange that involves a sense of motion and emotion. It is a collection that escapes from pure spectacle but that, in line with the brand philosophy of “quiet power”, gets closer to a more private pleasure: something felt rather than seen. Here extravagance and utility are combined, and iconic pieces, such as the Kalimero bag, the intreccio thigh-high boots, and photo-real denim, were realized through the traditional craft of the artisans in the Italian ateliers. Then men and women in supposedly stripped down suiting, revealing a more radical and recurring silhouette inspired by Umberto Boccioni’s 1913 sculpture, “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space”, showed how the aesthetic of the Italian Futurist movement translated through volumes realized in pattern cutting. In addition, wool flannels, color flecked herringbones, thrice printed textural pieces built around the body, new interpretations of Leavers lace, synthetic jersey, and idiosyncratic knitwear completed this collection made of garments that acquire meaning when someone wears them. For Bottega Veneta, the individual decides how to move and live in this clothing, telling its own story. Bottega Veneta truly stands for an emotional investment in objects for life. VB
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Ferrari FW22: The Beauty of Speed
“We affirm that the world’s magnificence has been enriched by a new beauty: the beauty of speed.” - Manifesto of Futurism. Ferrari, the luxury automotive company, presented its FW22 Collection with a co-ed Women and Men runway as part of the Milan Fashion Week calendar. As well as Futurism exalted the dynamism and speed of the modern world, the Italian brand launched a collection inspired by these elements, enhancing the brand codes of innovation and speed. In a fast-evolving society, Creative Director Rocco Iannone crafted a range of garments and accessories that turned the personalities and passions of leading women and men in today's changing aesthetics and culture into everyday attitudes of daywear and evening wear. Ferrari presented slim yet not minimal silhouettes, tailored and natural materials made with the latest technology, and designs that transcend the boundaries of masculine and feminine. Coats and jackets had contoured shoulders defined by stitching and flat-felled seams, skirts had pencil shapes, often with adjustable metal-zippered slits, and the little black dress came in new materials, such as leather treated with finishes that affect shapes and some volumes that increase towards the hem. Also, new graphics have been added to the Ferrari archive: a camo print obtained by breaking down the silhouette of the Prancing Horse, an abstract motif produced from a hologram of the logo with an enlarged photo of technical filaments, and other patterns derived from thermal scanner grids. In addition, a color palette of blacks, yellow, red, shades of green, and hints of beige and grey combined with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, GRS-certified recycled nylon, as well as Eco down padding completed the Ferrari FW22 Collection. VB
www.ferrari.com
Fashion
Gucci "Love Parade" 2022
In its “Love Parade”, Gucci took over Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood Boulevard for an exhibition that epitomized Old Hollywood glamour. Inspired by tales of glamour and glory, the exhibition celebrates color and life. Garments included tailored, double-breasted blazers paired with ruffled blouses and low-cut waistcoats, houndstooth tailoring, satin suits in multiple colors, velvet suits, stoking gowns, tropical-inspired matching sets, and so much more. The collection is an ode to the colorful personalities throughout Hollywood. The over 100 look-collection also featured a broad celebrity presence, including Jared Leto, Steve Lacy, Jeremy Pope, St. Vincent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Miranda July, and Macauly Culkin. Creative Director Alessandro Michele described the collection to have stemmed from the brand’s roots in cinema, as opposed to other brands that have “roots in aristocracy and bourgeoisie”. This is an appropriate reflection of Michele’s tendencies of having a maximalist approach that enables people to communicate their true essence that can continually change with the seasons as time goes on. Michele credits his mother, an assistant in a production company, for encouraging his love for Hollywood. Equally, the collection is about contemporary Los Angeles. GH
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Additional Assets for Fendi Women's Ready To Wear SS22
Kim Jones’ first Fendi collection was a modern take on disco-age glamor and a spotlight on the diverse and powerful femininity that underscores the Fendi name. His source of inspiration were the hand-sketched drawings by visionary fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez. His forward-thinking and inclusive designs translate figurative drawings into intarsia leathers and silk shirting. Shapes and styles from Fendi pop up in the collection with new, fresh twists. The iconic Fendi bags were canvases for his work, reworking the classic neutral tones into a rainbow pattern. In terms of color, there is something suitable for everyone, ranging from white to black and everything in between. There are features of tailored suits and exaggerated lapels paired with wide-leg trousers, as well as brighter toned satin suits with fur coats and matching bra tops. Adapted from Lopez’s illustrative motifs, lilies are transformed into enamel hair accessories; Plexiglass hoops offer an additional tropical touch. The iconic Fendi First heel is given a seventies spin with resin encrusting, shiny leathers, and daring stripes. Similarly, the Fendi First bag embodies a bold attitude, in shimmering leathers and saturated stripes. Jones describes the collection as “all we need right now”, as now is the time to let loose. The collection introduces high-octane energy and a new dimension, into Kim Jones’ continued celebration of female confidence. The versatility within the collection makes it suitable for anyone who wants to feel good about themselves. Reflecting the fun tonalities around the collection are some new and exclusive imagery, shot by Craig McDean. The images perfectly capture the striking garments in front of block-colored backdrops, embodying the versatility of the brand. GH
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Summer Feelings
This season, Loro Piana focuses on naturally triggered mindset perceptions created by multi-sensory experiences showing how thanks to craftsmanship, color, and texture may be felt and heard in an act of transduction. Lens by Mario Sorrenti, this mentality is transformed into emotional images that tickle all the senses, revealing the handcrafted and tactile treasures of the Loro Piana world. The photos, portraying models Rianne Van Rompaey, Anok Yai, and Leon Dame, with the Spanish sea as a backdrop, have a summery flavor. They evolve over a day, changing landscapes, colors, and lights, revealing the joy of spirit, the life on the move, and a lighthearted flow that drives multiple experiences. The images, where different textures are combined into one under natural light, represent the summer season according to Loro Piana's vision. The SS22 images evoke a synergy of senses that culminate in a feeling of peace in the summer breeze, and Loro Piana's sense of casual elegance is infused with a light-filled spontaneity. VB
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Thom Browne Tartan
Thom Browne is globally recognized for challenging and modernizing today’s uniform, his new portfolio of images does not disappoint. The signature tartan design displayed throughout the images has been an integral part of the brand’s heritage since first appearing in his Fall 2006 menswear collection, also presented during New York Fashion Week. The grey and navy tartan designs present us with timeless pieces, indicating a traditional yet quirky take on American prep ideology. The images introduce tartan into the realm of childrenswear. Showcasing the complete family of tartan, the collection is seen inside an 18th century American-inspired “meet the family” style frame. The staple Thom Browne Tartan is listed on the Tartan Registry of Scotland, first produced by Lochcarron of Scotland, a tartan house dating back to the 1800s. Since then, the print has been reproduced in a variety of technical fabrics, always utilized to realize the brand’s classic suits. Keeping the signature Mr. and Mrs. Thom and Hector styles in the custom grey and navy check reflects the brand’s continuing interest in working with traditional fabrications to create new timeless silhouettes and collections. GH
www.thombrowne.com
Fashion
CHANEL partners with François Ozon
CHANEL has partnered with internationally renowned filmmaker François Ozon in presenting his adaptation of Rainer Werner Fassinber’s play and film, ‘The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant’ (1972) in Berlin. Costume designer Pascaline Chavanne declared that “the character of Sidonie, played by Isabelle Adjani, to be sophisticated, elegant, and original. That’s why we naturally thought of CHANEL”. Adjani is dressed in a black and gold embroiled silk jumpsuit, with the addition of a cape inspired by the 19/20 Métiers d’art collection. The ideal finishing highlight is the brooch in white gold, cultural pearls, and diamonds by CHANEL Jewelry. Chavanne described the jumpsuit as “extremely modern, daring and above all sparkling like the star she is and embodies”. The reinterpretation of the film explores the themes of passion, love, and loneliness of the artist by questioning the domination and fascination that underlie the relationship between muse and Pygmalion. It overall aims to generate conversation that crosses the years and spectators by revisiting the work of a master of the new German cinema movement of the 60s/70s to whom it pays an immediate and aesthetic tribute. GH
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Back To The 80s
This season MARCELL VON BERLIN decided to go bold and colorful, presenting a collection inspired by the 80s: a decade that gave us Madonna, Sade, Tina Turner, Cher, and that has marked the fashion world with eclectic designs. The MARCELL VON BERLIN SS22 Collection captures the 80s loud expressiveness with oversized silhouettes, emphasis on the shoulders, and cloud-like sleeves, giving birth to a new age of unprecedented optimism. The designer Marcell Pustul, already known for his unconventional and progressive looks, featured in the collection a wide range of products from sequin skirts and power suits to punk-pop references like leather jackets, trench coats, and high-waisted denim pieces. These garments with bright colors and zany prints reflect the post-pandemic desire for fashion to be fun, carefree, and full of energy, in addition, to being a contemporary revival of power dresses that used style as a vehicle of empowerment and self-expression.
www.marcellvonberlin.com
Fashion
Jimmy Choo x Mugler Creative Collaboration
Jimmy Choo and Mugler announced a creative partnership that fuses the heritage of both brands. The two Maisons that set their roots in the 1990s, and are synonyms of power, sensuality, and glamour, decided to team up to create a capsule collection of shoes and boots co-designed by the houses’ respective Creative Director’s Sandra Choi and Casey Cadwallader. Reflecting the parallel ideologies of both Jimmy Choo and Mugler, the collaboration takes as its leitmotif the ideas of the extreme and of empowerment. The collection, which transgresses boundaries and challenges conventions merging techniques and materials of footwear, jewelry, and clothing, is dedicated to strong and confident women that are at the heart of both brands. The result is a product with a timeless silhouette with a 100mm heel, carved, architectural design, and a striking, sharply squared base. Windows are also open onto the skin, framing the body with seams, chains, leather straps, and panels of mesh, while the color palette is focused on black and nude with hints of gold, silver, and neon yellow. The final piece is a celebration of powerful femininity in all its forms.
www.row.jimmychoo.com
Fashion
Riders Republic® X Prada: a virtual sports world
Prada launched a one-of-a-kind project in partnership with Ubisoft, a leader in the gaming sector, to integrate Prada Linea Rossa into the outdoor sports playground of Riders Republic®. In a continuous exploration of new and evolving cultural languages, the Italian brand decided to approach the virtual world creating outfits for Riders Republic® players. The videogame, which invites users to enjoy a variety of exciting activities like bicycling, skiing, and snowboarding, provided a new platform for Prada Linea Rossa, where the world of technical sportswear has been combined with streamlined silhouettes to redefine the concept of modern luxury. Through this playground, each player can customize their character by choosing Prada Linea Rossa outfits that feature iconic prints revisited with a street attitude, and graphics for a strong visual impact. The Flame print, brightly colored, recalls a sporty atmosphere, the Wild Stripes take back the animalier realm, while the Camouflage Rock, made of geometric shapes, gives dynamism to the look. In addition, players can immerse themselves in a new experience thanks to some areas, created on the Riders Republic®'s social hub, bedecked with Prada Linea Rossa colors. As well as having the possibility to obtain some exclusive outfits by competing in the Shackdaddy Bandits weekly challenges or taking part in the “Prada Beyond The Line” permanent event.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Cartier announces the 2022 Impact Awardees
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Cartier Women’s Initiative, the French luxury Maison has announced the 2022 Impact Awardees. The Cartier Women’s Initiative launched in 2006, is an annual international entrepreneurship program that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. In the past years until today, the brand has recognized and supported 262 women, covering 62 countries and reaching different sectors from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. This year for the Impact Awards nine former fellows, three for each category that has been chosen based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, have been selected according to the extraordinary impact that their businesses have achieved. These entrepreneurs used their skills to safeguard the environment, improve lives in their communities, and pave the way for a brighter future. Among the awardees stand out big names as Joanne Howarth nominated in the “Preserving the planet” category for having founded the Planet Protector Packaging company that manufactures environmentally responsible insulated packaging made from sheep waste wool. Rasha Rady that with her GPS-enabled pharmacy benefits platform Chefaa is running in the “Improving lives” category, and Carmina Bayombong, a candidate in the “Creating opportunities” category, for creating InvestED, a no-profit organization that empowers under-resourced youth in their journey from education to adulthood. The winners of first, second, and third place will be announced at the Impact Awards Ceremony in Dubai on March 6th, 2022.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
La Martina SS22: Between Heritage and Innovation
La Martina continues to focus on great stylistic research, reviving the brand’s heritage whilst reflecting the colorful and dynamic rhythms of modern life. The SS22 collection takes inspiration from the brand’s manifesto, according to which true luxury consists in taking time for yourself, sharing it with people you care about, contemplating and caring for nature. This, in combination with the Polo world, and the universal value of integrity results in a complete and coherent line of clothing, with the main collection blending more traditional codes with a youthful flair, and different capsule collections featuring reinterpretations of traditional British style with a sportswear soul. The Summer Polo range is a tour through the most popular resorts, represented by staple items in summer patterns and fresh materials. The British and Anglo-Saxon worlds, instead, take shape through the distinctive Guards line and the Varsity Match capsule. The Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Hornocal mountain, a reference to the brand’s Argentinian roots, become the inspiration for a capsule collection of travel wear made of k-way and sleeveless reversible down jackets in strong colors, camouflage motifs, and denim materials. In addition, La Martina SS22 Collection is completed by four more lines that evolve basic and top models with more refined materials combined with new and fluo colors.
www.lamartina.com
Fashion
Hublot and the Magic of Ink
The Hublot X Sang Bleu collaboration continues with the realization of three new iterations of the Big Bang Sang Bleu II. This time, to celebrate the collaboration’s 7th anniversary, tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Buchi chose to apply his ink to two iconic materials central to Hublot's art of fusion: Magic Gold and Ceramic. Two scratch-resistant materials that now bear the indelible signature of the famous tattoo artist in three limited editions. The new trio comes in a 45 mm diameter case made from Magic Gold or Ceramic, featuring the master’s design that overlaps the case and bezel, giving to the mechanism-disk-hands the form of a geometric tattoo that extends to the rubber strap. Maxime Plescia-Buchi employed three-dimensional geometry in order to realize the Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu II, incorporating expert use of relief and depth effects that complement the polished, and satin-finished materials. This collaboration allows Hublot to experiment and to transpose its vision and expertise, pushing its creations to new limits. While the art of Sang Bleu is pure perfection, balance, and precision; the tattoos are indelible symbols of self-expression and impart important messages. This is exactly the spirit Hublot tries to embody with its pieces, the Hublot watches as a reflection of your true essence.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
FURLA SS22
FURLA has launched its SS22 collection that embraces the cheerfulness of Italian warmth, embodying a perfect summer’s day. The campaign encourages the joy of connecting with others in order for the most intimate emotions to come into full bloom. The bags are designed to accompany women throughout the seasons, depicted as holding their hopes, dreams, and secrets. The mysterious yet joyful tone of the campaign is pictured in various scenes such as the hills of Pietrasanta, between the alps and the Mediterranean, and the magical light of Renaissance paintings. The collection is meant to trigger limitless smiles of an endless summer, conveying FURLA’s timeless message of glowing in the joys of discovery, art, and communal experience.
www.furla.com
Fashion
NATAN Couture SS22
The NATAN SS22 couture collection revolves around sensuality and lightness, fitting across generations and occasions. Vibrant tones on noble materials that contrast with the delicate white background, prompt the longing for summer parties. Soft flowing meshes in dynamic hues give a youthful energy boost to the long and elegant garments, while the short styles draws us to dance. The retro and naive 3D patterns, giant butterflies and daises on oversized smock capes depict the fun and stylish spectrum in the collection, characterizing a newer take on luxury. Pixelated lights in neon yellows and purples photographed onto satin-trimmed materials, adding touches of transparency, play and converge to create new and sophisticated contours. The lights are reflected on a variety of attires, from extra wide balloon sleeves, tops with padded shoulders, cultivating asymmetrical effects to create a balanced wardrobe. The changing horizons depicted by the pixelated lights are also reflected on cocktail dresses, created from large taffeta bows. These looks can all be sublimated with daytime or evening accessories, resembling the endless versatility of the collection. The pixels, asymmetric panoramic patterns and flowing materials are a depiction if the overall enjoyable movement within the NATAN collection, ideal for discovering the world and pleasure of shared movements with changing horizons.
www.natan.be
Fashion
Hermès FW22
Hermès FW22 Collection exudes an air of optimism and lightness, focusing on the vitality of a world regained. A new form of elegance is presented, sophisticated and elaborate, a combination of different techniques and materials with dandyish flair. Chevron patterns, a golden-brown gloss, and a touch of velvet feature bright colors such as pop orange, lettuce green blended with earth tones, and darker hues. This formula gives the looks fluidity and restored energy, that spread within the walls of Réserve Perret of the Mobilier National. The location has been chosen by the Creative Director Véronique Nichanian and Director Cyril Teste, and has been injected with new life. The tapestries conserved in that space have been transformed and placed on moving screens where they rhythmically change as forward-moving models, becoming part of the landscape in which the collection’s energy unfurls. The Hermès FW22 Collection merges with the decor and gives life to a lively fresco made of heritage but also avant-garde.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
JUUN.JSET
Titled “JUUN.JSET”, the FW22 collection by Juun.J expresses the wishful thinking of free-travelling during the pandemic. The theme is inspired by photographs of 60s-70s jet setters’ at the airport, filled with a confident attitude, as well as pop-star styles that represent a young, fresh spirit. Quilting is used to enhance the voluminous, rich silhouette, applied not only to outdoor pieces but also over maxi dresses, skirts, MA-1, jackets, and hoodies. Juun.J presents a whole new range of items for this season. Reinterpreting and applying the elements of CWU-8/P military parka into various items, the collection is styled with youthfulness and cool. This season’s Juun.J’s color palette contains black, brown, and deep green, using over-dyeing and blue denim as point colors. Shot at Incheon International Airport in South Korea, powered by Air Seoul, the looks of the season are completed with a Montblanc suitcase sponsorship.
www.juunj.com
Fashion
Schiesser x Noah Becker
Schiesser presents a project with true authenticity, sustainability and zeitgeist at its core. With contributions by Noah Becker, the collection is a confluence of contemporary art and established design tradition. The design collaboration pays homage to the lightness of life in moments of joy. Schiesser is known for its deeply embedded core values such as originality and authenticity since 1875. Noah Becker is an artist, musician and designer who is known to have always remained true to himself. His reduced art stands for creative freedom. Expressive, abstract, and large-scale paintings are his trademark, creating the message that everyone is born an artist. The SS22 collection with Schiesser titled LET THE SUN SHINE features suns, flowers, smiling faces created by Noah. His prints represent a tribute to the lightness of being, pure joy of life ,and a carefree exchange with each other after the pandemic - a longing that unites humanity as rarely before. The mostly gender-neutral pieces are made of organic cotton dynamically entwine around the body of their wearers. The starting point for the pieces is the color white, a lighthearted, simple reference point from which life unfolds in all its colors and enters into dialogue with others.
www.schiesser.com
Fashion
The ABCDior Collection
The new ABC Dior line uncovered by Dior Maison is based on the emblematic Mitzah scarf collection. Originally designed by Grazia Chiuri onto a series of plates and valet trays, as well as candles and stationery, the imagery of the collection makes a new appearance. In honor of the iconic toile de Jouy – the signature emblem used to decorate Monsieur Dior’s first boutique ever called “Colifichets”, opened in 1947 – each piece features an enchanting message in the form of an alphabet book that poetically pays homage to heritage, passion, desire, and dreams. Dior invites to celebrate the art of giving to the other and oneself and the beauty of invention and exploration while remembering the Maison’s dear founding couturier.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Aubade x Camille Lacourt
French swimwear label Camille Lacourt joins the world of runway to create an exclusive Aubade Homme collection for SS22. The new collaboration is Aubade’s first swimwear line for men. The capsule collection is made completely of recycled materials in pursuit of both labels' commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion. Offering maximum comfort in and outside the water, the pieces are designed in a boardshorts shape in a style drawn from the world of surfing. The reoccurring carp motif featured on the shorts is inspired by the marine world and is available in red and blue. Honoring oceanic environments, the pieces are made of elastane cotton that has been GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified in recognition of the brand's ethical and eco-conscious production process. Diving into the creative languages of Aubade and Camille Lacourt’s respective worlds, the collaborative line is an expression of lust for life, representing the interplay between seduction, comfort, creativity, and simplicity.
www.aubade.eu
Fashion
Lemaire FW22: An Ode to Movement
Lemaire FW22 collection focuses on the concept of movement, on how the body acts in space and time, sweeping along the fabric, while the garment itself merges with it, prolonging the momentum. The show, set up by the stage director Philippe Quesne, is inspired by a chronophotographic series of Etienne-Jules Marey. An expansive theater décor made out of 30 meters of painted canvas is bathed in the humid, autumnal light of the sun soaking up the sky after the rain. A poetic scene where clothes flow, ties slide, ribbons float and every single piece mixes in the air. While drawstring bags fasten around the back or waist transform the human body in a certain kind of heavenly figure with a quiver-knapsack with a flexible form. Here men’s, women’s, and unisex silhouettes turn into ephemeral life-form, valiant and fleeting. They create a collective of souls who leave an irregular trail in which everyone advances at their own pace, but is united in heart. Lemaire collection is a tribute to lightness and peacefulness, where the whirlwind of clothes carries us into a parallel imaginary.
www.lemaire.fr
Fashion
Etro FW22
The Etro FW22/23 show at Milan Fashion Week presented a journey through this season’s menswear collection: sidereal and Nordic, crystalline and vibrant, undertaken by a platoon of young men in the making, who face the adventure of life with a book in their pocket. The adventure of life and the pursuit of knowledge are at the core of Etro’s creations. A new mental order can be felt, as crisp as the new beginnings arising in the January light. The journey, whether it is knowledge or adventure, requires a map and a map requires direction, which is not about being strictly bound to it, but about being lucid. It is about being curious. The collection is clear in the overlapping and accumulation of different signs: north stars and anchors, winter sea and mountains, wolves and roses. A small library of symbols that signify the will and vision of its creator, Kean Etro. Geometric dimension meets clarity in the rhythm of shapes colors and themes. The soft silhouettes of the season appear in a variety of full colors arranges in monochrome compositions. Materials are dense and tactile, presented through the typically Etro lens: coats, gardening overcoats, pullovers meant as outerwear, caftans, duvets, jackets, printed shirts, and sweaters. Overall, a collection that embodies a face-off of youth and adulthood. The journey of knowledge and the adventure of life has just begun.
www.etro.com
Fashion
Fendi FW22
Milan, 15th January 2022 – Designed and directed by the Italian artist Nico Vascellari, the FENDI Men’s FW22/23 runway show took place on a brushed steel elevated runway ramp in a mirrored FF configuration at the FENDI headquarter in Milan. An exclusive live soundtrack made by Alessandro Cortini became the captivating sound of this season’s show. The Men’s FW22/23 collection designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi emerges as a treasure of the future. Old-world elegance meets the New Roaring Twenties in the reimagined gentlemen’s wardrobe, presenting a neo-dandy take on archetypal classics. Experimenting with the traditional FENDI figurative language, formality is disrupted by playful gestures that break boundaries. Shades of black and cream, burgundy, raspberry, mocha, taupe and white form a rich, understated palette and create a tonal variety that highlights the texture and bold graphic statements. Traditional fabrics and weaves like Vichy check tweeds and hound’s tooth suiting, satin tuxedo trims, and striped silk jacquards are scaled up and down in dialogue with ribbed sleeves, cable knit ensembles, and the O’Lock chain motif as a new monogram. The strict lining embedded in FENDI tailoring is reinvented in a new softness by adding suiting, knitwear, and leather. As the ultimate expression of FENDI’s Roman elegance, extravagant evening wear silhouettes celebrate the art in the act of dressing up.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
MSGM FW22: The Sound of Time
According to the physicist Carlo Rovelli, time speeds up and slows down, looms and pulses, oscillates and makes a sound. It doesn’t run from the past to the future, it is still and yet dynamic. Never forging a direction, always following its own rhythm. Time is confining power, yet an elusive concept that is difficult to grasp for humans. And it is this world of intriguing chaos without strict boundaries that MSGM is speaking about with a collection that mixes hints of heritage and contemporary impulses. And once again it is Milan, as always: the past and future come together in the melancholic setting of an Italian apartment, which serves as a hangout for the MSGM generation. The psychedelic voyage commences amongst the sound waves of distant music. An everlasting classic of MSGM - the magic mushroom - makes a comeback in mesmerizing prints on poplin shirts and boxer shorts, viscose suits, and large inlays on sweaters. Butterfly and acid marble prints appearing like lava join the confluence of visuals. The MSGM Men’s FW22 collection embodies a fluid, fantasy-laden approach to reality and is a play on perception. With trekking boots, techno accessories, slippers, and pool slides in association with ACUPUNCTURE, the attitude is distinctly 90s, while always looking to the future. Taking inspiration from the architect Gaetano Pesce, MSGM’s creative choices for this season seem free and wild, a kaleidoscopic dream, celebrating life and the sound of time.
www.roe.shop-msgm.com
Fashion
Kiton FW22: Aesthetic Evolution
Over the last two years, some of our habits have transformed. Our daily life had to adapt to certain challenges, technology evolved into an integral part of our lives, speeded up our lives, shortened distances but at the same time pushed people further apart. Mostly there weren’t any consequential changes in our habits, but their importance in relation to one another and our daily lives have been recalibrated. It’s by no surprise that this development translated onto the clothing that we are wearing. Elegance, luxury and comfort remain the watchwords, but now realigned anew, led to the coming together of two previously divided concepts of menswear, formal and leisurewear. Key men’s styles are updated in terms of silhouette, propositions and materials. The monochromatic collection presents sophisticated, yet unexpected ensembles shining in a precise color palette and featuring diverse textures of skillfully mixed materials. The Neapolitan sartorial traditions are injected with a new sense of innovation, safeguarding its principles of excellence in a new interpretation fit for a new generation of customers.
www.kiton.com
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli FW22
For the FW22 men's collection, Brunello Cucinelli draws inspiration from the urban world and its transformative nature. Different styles clash and influence this season’s look that combines tradition with modernity. Effortless silhouettes and soft materials form the basis of the collection and create a balance of elegance and effortlessness. Long coats and down coats offer new shapes and cuts and convey a sense of laissez-faire. Voluminous, modern pants with an athletic touch complement the season’s laid-back chic. Newly included knitwear concepts like Chiné- und Vanisé-techniques, jacquard inlays, embroidery and innovative mesh combinations create variation in texture and feel. Alongside timeless neutrals such as elegant beige, gray and blue, new colors come into focus, adding a surprising freshness. Carrot orange, pomegranate red, green tones of lime and eucalyptus, as well as light blue tones refine the textures and patterns and are accentuated by sophisticated knitting techniques.
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
The North Face x Gucci: Chapter 2
Gucci launches the second Chapter of its partnership with The North Face. Following up on the previous collaboration, the unique product selection resulting from the two brands working together stays true to its original objective: honoring the spirit of exploration in all its forms. The collection examines various spheres of discovery, from literal adventures to more metaphorical or mental journeys. To give the second phase of this collaboration its individual character, Alessandro Michele has created a campaign shot by the French twins Jalan and Jibril Durimel set in Iceland. Stills and videos introduce the viewer to the spectacular landscape and its almost metaphysical spirit. Into this ruff, but yet harmonic environment come Gucci’s explorers hiking across Nordic Island to showcase the collaborative collection. The special cross-category collection for men and women comprises ready-to-wear, soft accessories, luggage and shoes, including many pieces as hiking boots, multi-pocketed backpacks and warm, insulated jackets that powerfully reference the outdoor world of The North Face.
Fashion
MARCELL VON BERLIN COFFEE LOUNGE
MARCELL VON BERLIN opens his first COFFEE LOUNGE in West Hollywood: an innovative experience where the progressive city of Berlin meets the quiet, luxurious lifestyle of Los Angeles, all in the center of trendy West Hollywood. The lounge is connected to the flagship store and nestles on a beautifully landscaped patio as a new cultural hub and networking hotspot. The lounge offers a range of organic coffee beans roasted specifically for the brand, meeting the highest USDA-certified standards. Guests can choose from medium and dark roasts and other custom blends - including CBD and mushroom infusions. Delicious baked goods and handcrafted creations are available alongside seasonal tea and coffee blends, chosen by culinary experts. The menu is a selection inspired by the season and the local environment and therefore changes frequently. The aesthetic of the new coffee house is a homage to MARCELL VON BERLIN’s founding city: the German capital Berlin. The metropolis’ modern-minimalist and industrial elements are taken up in the interior design and are accentuated by a sophisticated color palette of black and gray contrasted by lavish velvet seating areas. Los Angeles as the location and inspiration of the COFFEE LOUNGE can be seen and felt inside and out the café. A hidden green oasis is complemented by wooden rattan chairs next to a large outdoor seating area, while the indoor lounge offers more private spaces for small groups. MARCELL VON BERLIN's COFFEE LOUNGE provides a space that is intimate and welcoming while embodying the liveliness and excitement of urban life at its core. A true hideaway spot in West Hollywood, which celebrates cityness, design and culinary excellence.
Travel
Greetings from the Great Wall
In celebration of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, Bottega Veneta has the honor of taking over part of the Great Wall. “Happy Chinese New Year” reads the colorful festive message displayed impressively along with the historic monument. A vast digital screen broadcasts the writing in shades of Bottega green and tangerine. The vibrant orange color is chosen for the screening to reference the tangerine as a symbol of luck in Mandarin. According to the Chinese New Year symbols, celebration and tradition, oranges and tangerines are auspicious and symbolize abundance, happiness and prosperity. Through this installation, Bottega Veneta has pledged to support the renovation and maintenance of the Shanhai Pass, which is the starting point of the eastern end of the Great Wall. Historically known as the “First Pass under Heaven” its legacy is unmatched and an important landmark in the context of the Great Wall’s past and present. A legacy the Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta aims to contribute to through the initiative.
Fashion
Eternal Summer - Ferragamo SS22
Through a short film produced by artist and director Amalia Ulman and a portfolio of images shot by Hugo Comte, Salvatore Ferragamo's Spring-Summer 2022 campaign portrays a journey through a Mediterranean universe. Expressing a fascination for the visual sensuality of clothing, the campaign showcases the new accessories and ready-to-wear collection of the house from different perspectives. A sense of effortless freedom flows throughout the campaign's storyline featuring a renowned cast, including Amalia Ulman herself and American Emmy-winning actor and musician Jharrel Jerome accompanied by models Greta Hofer, Nyaueth Riam and Xu Meen. It is an expression of the bliss of a summer adventure in the setting of an idyllic resort. The Ferragamo SS22 garments and accessories are the co-stars of this campaign: the iconic Vara and Varina designs, the Gancini buckle clogs, the woven upper mules and the Tramezza moccasin for men are the main pieces of the ready-to-wear looks. Vibrant colors accentuate the garments in knitwear and jersey that give a sense of esprit to every individual look characterized by three-dimensional, textured processing combining cotton and silk, wool and linen and hemp yarn. The timeless narrative presented by Ulman’s cinematographic techniques ties in with a the SS22 collection’s inspiration: the emotional intensity and liveliness of a summer to remember.
Fashion
Saint Laurent Spring 22: Provocateur at Heart
Saint Laurent unveils a new campaign photo series for the luxury Maison´s Spring 22 collection. The name of founder Yves Saint Laurent is immediately associated with one of the most important design developments, as he was responsible for a confident and provocative approach to clothes and modernity in fashion. The couturier established the brand in 1961 and revolutionized the fashion industry by introducing le smoking—a tuxedo for women. The SS22 campaign shoot is photographed by David Sims and creatively directed by Anthony Vaccarello. The photo series features an elegant black and white aesthetic infused with a rock n roll edge. Masculine attributes such as short hair and impressive silver buckle belts are counterbalanced by feminine embroidered blouses with puffed sleeves. Black blazers with emphasized shoulders are worn loosely with a flattering column effect and sensually reveal the décolleté of the model, resulting in a blurred vision of distinctive gender roles and thus embracing the legacy of Yves Saint Laurent. The rock ´n roll core aesthetic perfectly coincides with Saint Laurent’s revolutionary and provocative take on fashion and especially obscures the distinct differences made between garments for men and women.
www.ysl.com
Art
Prada Mode Moscow: Turning into a Pharmacy For The Sixth Iteration
This year’s destination of the Prada Mode event is the Levenson Mansion in Moscow, featuring a special metamorphosis of the location by Damien Hirst into an iconic pharmacy experience. Prada Mode is a traveling social club event, lasting several days and including art installations, musical acts, dinners, and providing a space for like-minded people to meet and connect. The inaugural iteration of the concept was initiated by the luxury fashion house Prada in 2018 as a part of the art fair Art Basel in Miami. The Prada Mode Moscow is set in the Levenson Mansion, the charming private residence designed for the official purveyor of his majesty Emperor Nicholas and which has been bestowed with the clinical atmosphere of a pharmacy by Damien Hirst. Among the series of memorable works of his, is the recreation of a pharmacy, shown for the first time in the 90s in a London restaurant. Longtime friend Miuccia Prada designed the original uniforms for the restaurant, resulting in an ideal match for joining forces on Prada Mode Moscow. The installation features typical pharmacy elements, such as floor-to-ceiling medicine cabinets, embedded pills into floors and banquettes as well as wallpaper, imprinted with a design that has been taken out of a catalog for prescription medicines. The interactive art installation at Prada Mode Moscow is a captivating experience without any side effects, summarized by Damien Hirst as “I’ve always thought great restaurants can be art, and Pharmacy is a living breathing artwork, best filled with people and art as one.’’
www.prada.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent’s Arcade
Saint Laurent’s Rive Droite space, a destination for all sorts of creative and cultural undertakings, is once again shape-shifting under Anthony Vaccarello’s vision. For the holiday season, both locations in Paris and Los Angeles are re-imagined with arcade-themed installations – with machines that have been specially created for the occasion, Anthony Vaccarello relocates the visitors of the retail space into a second reality, projecting them into a fair where they can try their chances at soda tossing, solving Rubix cubes and operating robots with which they can gamble for goodies including lighters, USB sticks, masks, jewelry items and more. Exclusively limited to one machine, the new Saint Laurent Jamie pouches can be won through tactics– and a little bit of luck -. In addition, for the first time, the store location debuts collections for children with the brands Baghera & Eo, resulting in the design of a miniature Baghera car as well as a down-sized design chair, both presented in bright pink with a zebra and a tiger print. Previous successful collaborations with New Era, Baccara, JL Coquet and Cotodama will be prolonged throughout the holiday season. All of the items are exclusively available at the Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Marni’s Glassware Collection: Nature’s Shapes and Colors
For the holiday season of 2021, Marni has unveiled a new collection of glassware. The collection includes a range of bottles, glasses and carafes, as well as candle holders and vases. The Italian brand belonging to the OTB Group has introduced its continuous glassware line in 2019 during the annual Salone del Mobile in Milan. With the latest collection, Marni revisits the aesthetics of the 70s, exploring turquoise and greenish shades, combined with light camel colors and contrasting dark browns. The colors of the collection are further a nod to nature, imitating the color codes that can be found in the surroundings aside from urban settings. The inspiration from natural wonders reappears in the forms of the items, exhibiting a combination of globular and conical shapes, whereas each individual item features the signature imperfect detailing of handcrafted material that makes for the charming, understated character of glassware. All of the included creations are one-of-a-kind unica, crafted by the skillful artisans of Colombian communities that Marni has been closely working with for years. With the idea of responsibility in mind, Marni’s glassware collections consist of recycled glass, offering another parallel to the inspiration of nature, whose endless cycle repurposes its resources in fascinating ways. The glassware collection is exclusively available in Marni boutiques worldwide, starting in December 2021.
www.marni.com
Art
Ce Qui Va Arriver - CHANEL'S Next Prize
With the inauguration of the Next PriZe, Chanel has established an award that catalyzes innovation across the interfacing areas of art and culture. Yana Peel, Global Head of Arts and Culture at Chanel explains: “Through the creation of the Next Prize, we extend Chanel’s deep history of cultural commitment – empowering big ideas and creating opportunities for an emerging generation of artists to imagine the next.” The name of the price alludes to the French proverb “ce qui va arriver” – a literal tribute to “what happens next”, and points back to Gabrielle Chanel’s support of avant-garde artists of her time and her desire to shape the future with her creations. The price has been specially developed to provide financial support to emerging creatives, who are taking risks and venturing out into the unknown with their practices. In this sense, the prize enables unconventional artists to actualize visionary ideas, testing new forms of creative expression and calling to life enriching collaborations across disciplines. In addition to the impressive prize sum of 100.000€ each, the ten winners are bestowed with close mentorships and networking opportunities through the French Maison. The ten winners of 2021’s Next Price are Jung-Jae il, Keiken, Lual Mayen, Marlene Monteiro, Rungano Nyoni, Precious Okoyomon, Marie Schleef, Botis Seva, Wang Bing and Eduardo Williams. Their art ranges from design and film to performing and visual arts, showing diversity not only in terms of their creative mediums but just as much with their origins: Seoul, London, Aswa in South Sudan, Cape Verde, Zambia, Buenos Aires, as well as Goettingen in Germany and Xi’an in China represent their homes. The jury of the 2021 price united Tilda Swinton, Cao Fei and Sir David Adjaye. The Next Prize will be awarded bi-annually, in which the recipients are chosen by an advisory board of 25 international arts and cultural leaders.
www.chanel.com
Art
Louis Vuitton Exhibtion:200 Trunks, 200 Visionaires
Louis Vuitton unveils its 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries exhibition at the Louis Vuitton family house in Asnieres. Louis Vuitton pioneered the “Art of Luggage’’ by introducing flat-topped trunks in 1854, transforming suitcases into a new, practical format with revoluzionizing features such as airtightness and minimum weight with maximum sturdiness. Ever since, the French Maison continues to be faithful to the principles it was founded on, with a strong commitment to high craftsmanship and fine-quality of materials. To celebrate Louis Vuitton’s bicentennial birthday, the luxury Maison asked 200 visionaries to interpret the iconic Trunk in their own terms and to reimagine it with a personal approach, infusing the iconic suitcases with the artists dreams and desires. The exhibition will be displayed in numerous cities around the globe, beginning its journey in the Vuitton House in Asnières-sur-Seine and having its finale in London, with an auction by Sotheby’s in December 2022. All proceeds will be directly invested in a scholarship program developed by Louis Vuitton. The Maison masterfully manages to counterbalance the intersection between physical and digital formats within the exhibition, presenting screen-paneled Magic Boxes alongside the original art pieces. 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries celebrates the greatness and innovation of the original Louis Vuitton trunk, as well as Louis Vuitton himself while allowing the participating artists to be a part of the present Louis Vuitton legacy.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
DR. Martens and the Neighboorhood Creating Art Together
Dr. Martens joins forces with the Neighborhood to add a special take on its signature silhouettes. The streetwear brand Neighborhood was founded by Shinsuke Takizawa in 1994 out of the strong desire for well-designed technical motorcycle clothing and ever since evolved into one of the most important pioneers in the global streetwear scene. Takizawa is known for his rebellious and youthful approach with an emphasis on London’s punk culture and New York’s scene. Due to its rough and robust aesthetic, Dr.Marten’s iconic shoes quickly gained popularity among the emerging underground punk scene in the 60s. As one of the most distinctive symbols of punk culture, Dr.Martens and Neighborhood are an ideal match to work together on a collection. The collection features the 2976 Neighborhood and the 1461 Neighborhood shoe, made out of smooth leather and fusing both brand’s signature elements, such as Dr.Marten’s yellow contrast stitching, which has been reimagined in a new color to match with the streetwear brand’s white paint effect artwork on the shoes. In addition to that, the shoes are complemented with a reflective heel strip, which contributes to the unique aesthetic of the designs.
www.drmartens.com
Fashion
Kaldewei’s Classic Duo Oval at the Villa della Quercia
With its sustainable products made of recyclable steel enamel, Kaldewei has been setting high standards concerning materiality and design – not least in the hotellerie business. The latest project of Milan-based design and architecture specialists Reveria Studio has made use of the one-of-a-kind characteristics of Kaldewei’s design, as they chose the German pioneer’s bathtubs to be the center pieces of the bathrooms of the Villa della Quercia, one of the luxurious buildings of Mandarin Oriental hotel, located directly at Lake Como. Opting for a free-standing bathtub from the Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval series, Reveria Studio has accredited the bathtub with the features needed for combining aesthetic design with practicality and longevity. With the selection, the architectural firm aimed to transfer the magic of nature of the scenic Lake Como into the interior of the hotel, combining a refined Italian style with the purity of clean shapes. The classic design of the Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval and the freestanding corpus fuse timeless elegance with contemporary design. Further, the steel enamel of Kaldewei is extremely suitable for the hotel industry, as the astonishing material is not only pleasant to the eyes and to touch but just as well durable and easy to maintain clean and hygienic. Kaldewei’s designs offer the possibility of a special easy-care surface coating that meets the demands of hotel standards.
www.kaldewei.com
Art
Hublot Loves Art Marking its 10th Anniversary
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the cultural project Hublot loves Art, Hublot invites us to a unique exhibition in Miami. Hublot was founded by Italian entrepreneur Carlo Crocco, a son of a family of watchmakers, who is best-known and admired for his revolutionary approach to horological elegance by combining elements that were previously deemed unsuitable and complementing the gold timepieces with a natural rubber strap. The luxury watch manufacturer proves not only a strong commitment to its high standards in craftsmanship but also to art and design by supporting and collaborating with various artists. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hublot's continuous homage to art. The festivities include a party at Faena Forum Miami Beach and a large unique exhibition, congregating important artists in the fields of art and design. Hublot presents a light and sound show featuring collaborative works, such as the timepieces designed with American artist Shephard Fairey, tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi or visual artist Richard Orlinski to display the art of fusion of different master disciplines. The guestlist included brand ambassadors such as fashion designer and founder of A-Cold-Wall* Samuel Ross, who perfectly captured the influence and importance of Hublot, stating: “[…]Together with Hublot, we fuse materials that have a history with ones that will become the future. I love when my creativity crosses all disciplines and that is exactly what we are building here with Hublot. I’m happy to be a part of the Hublot Art Family.’’
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Mara Hoffmann in the Midst of New York
Just towards the end of the year of 2022, Mara Hoffmann has opened the very first eponymous store in Soho, New York City. Mara Hoffmann herself, who founded her namesake label in 2000 after graduating from Parsons School of Design, has made a conscious decision in 2015 to incorporate more sustainable and responsible practices into their creations and their production. Known for her colorful collection that is inspired by the celebration of womanhood. Mara Hoffmann makes a point in fostering mindful consumption and constantly reevaluates the relationship society has with fashion. As such, the space in Soho represents much more than a point of sale. Translating the brands’ practices and serving as a platform for creatives and makers. This vision has already been put to practice during the design of the store itself – in collaboration with Kari Elwell of Mingo, landscape designer at Mingo design, the store has been built around the notions of plants and natural textures. With ceramics, woods, leather and woven carpets, the store exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, in which Mara Hoffmann’s collection seamlessly fit in. Further, in collaboration with Studio Archive Project, the space exhibits rotating art of numerous forms – beginning with New York-based sculptor Elisa Soliven. In the future, the space aims to be lend to not only the works of artists but the artists themselves, propelling social gatherings where social matters are discussed.
www.marahoffmann.com
Art
Fendi at Design Miami 2021
On the occasion of the art fair Design Week in Miami 2021, Fendi decided to collaborate with the African-rooted furniture brand Mabeo. Peter Mabeo founded the brand in 1997 and expanded to the international market in 2006, following numerous local commercial projects in his home country Botswana, Africa. Mabeo set his goals high and made it his mission to embrace and raise awareness about African artisans, characterized through a minimalistic approach with emphasis on purity and conscious use of natural materials. For the special project, named Kompa, Silvia Venturini Fendi, Delfina-Delettrez as well as creative director Kim Jones worked closely together with Peter Mabeo to ensure the highest quality and a highly recognizable aesthetic. Kompa can be translated into something complete, which resurfaces in works like the Gabinyana Table Lamp, based on the silhouette of the Gabi-Gabi sculpture, the biggest piece of the collection. Woodworkers and experienced artisans in ancient methods of pottery-making join forces to create one of the most prominent furniture pieces of the collection—the Lana Stool. The furniture piece is a multi-functional work that aesthetically revolves around the letter F and that can be used either as storage containers, stools, or assembled as a side table. The exceptional furniture pieces are the result of individual artists fusing their crafts to create a perfect symbiosis between structure, functionality, and natural materials.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Hublot is Welcoming a New Family Member
The luxury watchmaker Hublot introduces three-star chef Anne Sophie Pic as the new brand ambassador. The art of fine dining is in Anne Sophie Pic’s blood, a distinctive part of her identity since her great-grandmother opened her restaurant in 1889, which led to a tradition for three generations of restaurant pioneers. The family’s distinctive cuisine style of cooking is characterized by original flavor combinations. Anne Sophie Pic masterfully manages to embrace her heritage in fine food and intuitively brings out flavors and aromas, resulting in an explosion for the senses. The exceptional cook is honored with three Michelin stars, which is more than any other female chef has acquired in Europe. Pic’s tireless search for potential in every ingredient, followed by infinite experiments and combinations to explore the full range of possibilities and strive for perfection, coincides perfectly with the philosophy of luxury watchmaker Hublot. Visible and invisible qualities or flavors are revealed, transformed, or enhanced through precise and unique watches from Hublot or, in the culinary counterpart of Anne Sophie Pic’s craft. The culinary talent is guided through an enduring passion for innovation, sensitivity, and finding perfection in small details of flavors and aromas, which makes her the ideal candidate to convey the core message of Hublot.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Herno: Christmas in Their Own Words
For the FW21 collection, the classic Italian brand Herno translates the quintessence of Christmas holidays with all its traditions, games of lights, mirrors, and a sense of elation as well as happiness into clothes. Established by Guiseppe Marenzi and his wife Alessandra in 1948, the brand was the answer to the demand for raincoats in its birth town Lake Maggiore, Italy. Later on, they expanded the assortment towards the demand for coats of customers worldwide, including their infamous detachable and reversible down jackets. Ever since its founding Herno has been a family-run company and synonymous with continuous evolution and innovation. Herno puts an emphasis on one of the most important Christmas values—tradition, which coincides with the brand's core principles. The FW21collection is composed of Herno’s signature capes with varying sleeve length options, accentuated by the iconic gold zip fastening and made out of a shiny lurex velvet. A new cocoon jacket is introduced in this collection, made out of sophisticated cashmere and silk and adorned with knitted details on the collar and hood edge. For men, the brand created timeless and Herno typically streamlined blazers in soft cashmere and silk with a detachable bib that transforms the light garment into a real winter jacket, padded with goose down.
www.herno.com
Fashion
Maserati: Producing History
To memorialize the official introduction of Maserati’s latest car model, the Grecale, the Italian luxury automotive manufacturer Maserati gathered 80 prototypes of the new car outside the historic Maserati plant on Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena for a historic recording. The photo series showcases the cars forming the signature trident, resembling Maserati’s logo. Maserati is an automobile manufacturer with a rich tradition, founded in 1914 by the brothers Alferi, Ettore, and Ernesto Maserati. After the Second World War Maserati expanded its product line to include sports cars as well as gran touring cars, which eventually became a distinctive signature staple of the luxury carmaker. The Grecale, which translates into ‘‘lightning’’ is a unique compact SUV developed with the specific tuning of the suspension, steering, brakes, and control electronics. In keeping with Maserati tradition, the name is derived from a Mediterranean wind. Maserati cars can be equated with an excellent taste and continuous strive for perfection, from their style to the approach to innovative technology, which is reflected in the new Grecale. Over two hundred prototypes of the car model are currently undergoing a period of intensive road, circuit, and off-road tests in the Arab Emirates, USA, Japan, China, Finland, and Italy. The Grecale is a perfect addition to its electric predecessors, the Levante and Ghibli, which give us a glimpse of future car experiences.
www.maserati.com
Fashion
Jennifer Meyer x Moose Knuckles
Once again, the Canadian outerwear brand Moose Knuckles has launched a collaboration. This time, Los-Angeles based fine jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer has lends her expertise in jewelry design to an exclusive Moose Knuckles collection. Instead of fusing the jewelry elements with the jackets and coats of Moose Knuckles, her designs were turned into print motifs, turning jewelry into one-dimensional textile patterns. In addition, the hardware details of the looks are inspired by Jennifer Meyer’s jewelry designs. The resulting collection consists of 18 pieces and marks the first ready-to-wear line Jennifer Meyer has worked with. Taking an upbeat approach, the effortlessly edgy collection features ready-to-wear pieces fusing Meyer’s belief that jewelry can be more than an accessory with Moose Knuckles’ luxury heritage style. The capsule focuses on light pieces that can be layered and exhibit Moose Knuckle’s typical shapes: a cropped puffer and sporty sweater, a shearling trucker jacket and a velour tracksuit. A portion of the proceeds from the collection will be donated to the nonprofit organization Baby2Baby, which provides counteracts child poverty by providing support in various ways. “It’s been incredible working with Jennifer! We’re both family-run operations and the moment we met our synergies aligned perfectly. We set out to inspire authentic self-expression creating unique pieces for our West Coast friends to fall in love with. We’re excited for our community to see this collaboration come to life and to be working alongside Baby2Baby - an organization that is close to Jennifer’s heart,” is how Dominique Lagleva, Vice President for Global Marketing at Moose Knuckles comments.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
PB0110: A Helping Hand
“We believe in the relevance of beloved objects. In things which develop an individuality through daily use and become essential companions over time,” is how Philipp Bree, founder of PB0110, introduces the new collection of his brand. Titled A Helping Hand, the collection presents manifold variations of small items, which are of indispensable convenience in the daily mill of life. A Helping Hand is composed of little items and gadgets which hold space for the daily utilities of life – keys, phones, cards and all the other things we carry with us. As such, the collection presents key chains and coin purses, mobile cases with integrated cardholders but just as much as etuis and shoppers. Each of these items has been carefully though-out, to make the life of those easier whose plans change frequently, yet are only made possible by the tiny daily constants that make the plans run smoothly. As always, PB0110 withdraws from the idea of transient design and substitutable trends, by pursuing timeless accessory-making, centering around the notions of practicality and quality. The A Helping Hand collection is not only a new take on pragmatism and convenience, it serves also as a guiding inspiration for choosing gifts that have value and even more so a purpose. Next to the joy that the quality and aesthetic each of the pieces bring, the quotidian usage of them ensures the presentee’s appreciation for the item each day a new.
www.pb0110.de
Fashion
Bold Choices from Tylko
Digital-first furniture company Tylko specializes in producing premium, bespoke modern storage, with the aim of encouraging harmony in people’s homes. Now they are adding a new, contemporary color palette to their most experimental line of shelving, the Type02. Launched in 2019, the line stands out for a bold and playful approach to storage furniture, available in a fresh range of colors with sleek, wrapped edges. When designing the Type02, Tylko’s goal was to encourage self-expression, by offering the necessary online tools and a well-curated range of style variations. Using the brand’s easy online configurator, customers are free to personalize the size and style of their furniture, resulting in an original piece that perfectly matches their character and needs. Playing up the experimental appeal, the brand is introducing three new contemporary colors that will bring interesting, original energy to the current palette. The new hues are Burgundy Red, Sky Blue, and Cotton Beige — an eclectic combination that conveys confidence and ease. Tylko invites their audience to see their home as a blank canvas, where they can truly explore their creativity through interior design. And they have fostered creativity from day one: The brand sought to support unique, artistic talent by connecting with creatives who share their passion for bold, forward-thinking ideas and a love for great design. Past collaborations include renowned 3D artists like Andres Reisinger, Chris Labrooy, and Alexis Christodoulou, illustrators such as Martina Paukova, Maria-Ines Gul, Ana Popescu, as well as creative director Charlotte Taylor.
www.tylko.com
Fashion
Fendi Denim Capsule: Setting a New Tone for Sartorial Clothing
Kim Jones, Creative Director of Fendi, decided to focus on Denim with a new capsule collection, that is part of the Winter 2021 collection. With this capsule collection, the Italian house reinvents traditional, sartorial conventions by using the unorthodox material of Denim. Ever since its founding in Rome in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, the brand has emerged as a global player in the fashion industry, a symbol of high craftsmanship, innovative designs, and a particularly keen eye for future trends. With the new and innovative take on sartorial garments, Fendi ushers in a new era of style after a past decade, which was dominated and defined by casual streetwear. The Denim looks are presented in the common shapes of formal tailoring. As such, a single-breasted coat, and a blazer are given a new look and feel through dark blue denim with a subtle green touch. The collection also includes a denim bomber jacket adorned with two front flap pockets. Combined with a sporty cap, the look exhibits the utilitarian origin of Denim fabric. Both garments are enhanced with the distinctive Fendi Roma signature jacquard patch. The upper garments of the collection are complemented with a multitude of differently shaped denim trousers, including cropped and tapered fits with a special turn-up at the hem as well as standard trousers with a relaxed shape and a slightly lower waist.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Dior x Sacai Capsule Collection: Fusing Tradition with Innovation
For this season, Dior’s creative director Kim Jones and Sacai founder Chitose Abe decided to join forces on a capsule collection. Sacai was established by former Rei Kawakubo protégé Chitose Abe over 20 years ago. Ever since the label has built up a reputation as a modern fashion staple, masterfully managing the dichotomy between formal and streetwear fashion. The brand previously collaborated with namesake brands, such as Nike on numerous occasions, refining the iconic sneakers with the signature elevated hybrid optic of Sacai. The capsule collection mirrors the deeply-anchored brand DNA of Sacai in the color palette of the clothes, varying mainly between a devouring black and pearly white. A new, reimagined Dior lettering serves as a visual sign for the creative dialogue that has been started between the two brands. The collection combines Dior’s traditional and unparalleled tailoring with Sacai’s technological innovation, infused with a streetwear aesthetic. Workwear cut denim jackets and trousers are supplemented with functional details and rounded off with a couture finish. The infamous beret, a signature symbol for Dior is presented in a new, reimagined way alongside the clothes. The capsule collection is an ideal fusion of the DNA between two global players of the industry, aligning traditional with contemporary elements, which results in a unique collection of clothes.
www.dior.com
Fashion
First Eau de Parfum by Retterspitz: Pure Juniper Completion
Heal, care and well-being are the core identity of the tradition-rich manufacturer of natural remedies Retterspitz. The origins of the company lie in the keen eye of Margarete Riegel, who saw potential and variety of application possibilities in medicinal water, passed on to her by Riegel´s first husband. Out of this formula, following generations of the Riegel family managed masterfully to build a small empire around it. During the 1960s, the family expanded its business activities to include the new area of cosmetics and now the German company convinced the unparalleled perfumer Geza Schön to translate these core values into its first scent— Juniper. The juniper scent is derived from the eponymous fragrance line ‘‘1902’’ which included scented candles and a room scent. Retterspitz sought out a strong note of tree resin, musk, jasmine, rounded with juniper and basil and providing an invigorating yet calming effect. Freesia is also introduced, a scent that not only complements the fragrance but is equated with the restoration of balance and strength. Conjuring up a profound sense of the 120-year-old tradition, the scent is meant to evoke a healing effect.
www.retterspitz.com
Fashion
Bally SS22 – The Art of Utility
The art of utility. Bally’s namesake SS22 collection is dedicated to the post-pandemic future. Inspired by sportswear and workwear elements, the collection celebrates elegant looks with a utilitarian touch. Comfort, lightness and versatility represent the main attributes of the looks and are translated into voluminous proportions, layered styling and a combination of high-quality knit and leather materials. For the SS22 collection, the Swiss house continues its heritage of craftsmanship, which is reflected in refined techniques and intricate details. Leather-woven patterns, hand-trimmed studs and lavish topstitching recur in the looks of the collection, paying tribute to the literal art of utility. The footwear collection presents a cut-out lace-up boot with a clog-like sole, as well as a unisex sneaker with the signature Bally wing emblem. The newly introduced B-monogram and alpine floral motifs are reminiscent of Bally’s pillars of art, nature and design. In recent years, sustainability has become a significant part of Bally’s design approach and resulted in the implementation of environmentally friendlier solutions over the past seasons. For the SS22 collection, deadstock fabrics, as well as recycled cotton material and regenerated leather.
www.bally.com
Fashion
Luxury House Bottega Veneta and Daniel Lee End their Collaboration
After three years of successfully bringing new energy to the luxury fashion house, Creative Director Daniel Lee and Bottega Veneta owner Kering made a joint decision to end the partnership. Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966 in Italy, selling leather goods, defined by a distinctive new leather weaving design, called Intrecciato. Daniel Lee refreshed and revived Bottega Veneta’s heritage, giving it a contemporary veneer and perpetuating its current momentum for the future. The creative director created the most prominent signature pieces of Bottega, such as the padded leather bags, thoughtfully woven with the Intrecciato method or sleek rubber trimmed boots in a bright, neon green, which goes down in history as the Bottega Green. Daniel Lee previously worked for great names of the industry, such as Maison Margiela, Balenciaga or helped develop Celine under the creative direction of Phoebe Philo, before accepting the challenge at Bottega Veneta. As for the new creative leadership of the luxury brand, Kering left only a few hints, leaving us curious to observe what the future holds for Bottega Veneta as well as Daniel Lee.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
WoTo: Experiencing Textile in Amsterdam
A place that serves as a platform for conversations, sharing experiences, and activating change—Windows of Textile Opportunities opens its first store in Amsterdam. WoTO is part of the collective brand ByBorre and is devoted to democratized innovations, supply chain accessibility as well as material transparency. With its core values the brand is enthusiastically aiming at generating real change in the industry towards responsibility and innovation. WoTO is a versatile store experience, exhibiting the work from ByBorre’s partners, such as the Woolmark Company and Parley for the Oceans but also offering a platform and a space for like-minded people to meet and exchange ideas. The brand organizes events, such as masterclasses, allowing attendees to explore the intriguing world of materials and access to tools, enabling them to design textiles from the yarn up. Furthermore, WoTO hosts symposia for a free interchange of ideas between creative minds on reducing impacts and the latest developments on climate-friendly solutions. WoTO has formed partnerships with great universities all around the world and encouraged them to participate in the program, resulting in another success indicator. With the WoTO project, ByBorre and its partners have started a responsibility movement and continuously challenge the industry to follow in their footsteps.
www.byborre.com
Fashion
Versace Holiday Season: A Glamorous Take on Winter Sports
To celebrate the official start of the cold season for winter sports, Versace launches a special holiday collection. Versace lives up to its reputation, showcasing bold-colored, leather two-pieces and elegant evening dresses with a Barocco partywear feel to it. Together with a team of innovative designers, Donatella Versace reimagined the traditional La Greca print as well as the iconic Medusa bag, ranging in a color palette from fiery reds to electrical blues. The special collection is launched with a campaign film, which celebrates winter sport and Italian excellence. The storyline begins in a location and atmosphere that resembles the exciting and chaotic minutes backstage before a runway show. But as the story goes on and the curtains part, the viewer witnesses an unusual presentation of the collection. Professional ice skater Rebeca Ghilardi is put into the limelight as the protagonist of the campaign film, presenting extraordinary, energetic spins and pirouettes while wearing Versace´s festive holiday attire. Ghilardi shares the spotlight with her fellow Versace teammates Stella Maxwell and Malika Louback. With this year's holiday campaign, Versace brings together two seemingly opposite things- the glamorous fashion with the strenuous winter sport of ice skating.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Hand In Hand: Fendi’s Ode to Artisans
Honoring the longstanding appreciation of artisan crafts at FENDI, the Italian brand has launched an exhibition that celebrated their Hand in Hand initiative. Called to life in 2020 and showcasing constant evolution since the project highlights the local craftsmanship behind the iconic Baguette bag. First designed in 1977, the bag has been reinterpreted in many shapes and sizes by FENDI creatives. The Hand in Hand initiative has invited a diverse group of ateliers and artisans to apply their local and familial craft heritage to the classic piece, turning the bag into an art object that exhibits the spirits of Italian craftsmanship at its finest. Hand in Hand established a strong network of human relationships, on personal and professional levels, and marks a crucial step in preserving and transmitting rare crafts, creativity in theoretical and practical for and – in particular – the savoir-faire of the local artisans. The opulent and diverse outcome of this encompassing project is now exhibited in Rome in a namesake exhibition that pays tribute to the interpretations of the Baguette bag. Ranging from extravagant and precious metals and stones to the intricacy of mosaic, the purity of cotton embroidery and the beauty of perfectly moulded leather, the exhibited Baguettes represent no less than 21 regions and their signature resources and artisan styles. In contrast to the hand-made, traditional making-off of the bags, the exhibition wows with a digital approach, that highlights the bags in a laboratory atmosphere, spotlighting the art pieces in LED lights. Next to the Baguettes themselves, the exhibition shines a light on the entire process behind the finished project – sketches, prob materials, techniques and tools support the visitor's journey through the ancestral art process.
Hand In Hand by Fendi is on show at the Palazzo de la Civiltà Italiana, Rome from October 30th to November 28th 2021.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Dior East-West Bags: Going in Different Directions
It has been 26 years since Dior´s iconic Chouchou bag made its first red-carpet appearance on the arm of Lady Diana. Originally called ``Chouchou´´ , which means ´´the favorite´´ in French, the bag lived up to its name and quickly became an indispensable gem for many women. The bag was soon renamed Lady Di as an homage to the sophisticated style and taste of the Princess of Wales. For the Cruise collection, SS22 cruise collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri reimagined the Lady Di as well as the Bobby bag by stretching its length further towards East and West and therefore giving new life through new proportions. The new version of the Lady Di appears in exceptionally beautiful and contemporary colors and styles, with beige raffia, macro-tanning, or pearl-embroidery. The Lady Di re-visit comes along with the Cannage pattern, which mirrors the pattern of the original couture show chairs of the Maison and is revived in refreshing colors, such as black, latte and rose. The retake on the Dior essentials exhibits a modern and effortless character, that stays true to the unmistakable elegance of Lady Diana and Christian Dior at once.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Hublot Design Prize 2021: Illustrations of Representation
No less than 7 years ago, Hublot debuted the Hublot Design price. In 2021, almost a decade later, the prize has become a noteworthy token in the creative industries, opening the gates for the nominated artists to reach another level of recognition. The prize is a catalyst that enables the artists to showcase their work to a broader audience, entailing opportunities to network and connect. The Hublot Design Prize considers any kind of artists working with innovative design methods, whether experimental or pathbreaking, making use of new techniques and materials, incorporating technology or advocating ecological and social endeavors. Alongside the eight nominees, Ben Ganz, Christoph John, Eva Feldkamp, Frederica Fragapane, Thebe Magugu, Theresa Bastek and Archibald Godts and Irakli Sabeka, this year’s winner is Mohammed Iman Fayaz. The Brooklyn-based illustrator cherishes independence and cultural diversity in his work, focusing on the depiction of people of color, advocating a realistic representation of the social challenge they face in particular. The New-York born artist channels his creative energy and cultural vision into vivid illustrations, computer-animated graphics and short films that resemble cartoons. In his illustrations, Fayaz thematizes contrasting topics like joy, pain, intimacy and longing, hitting the zeitgeist of younger generations and those who see life through an open mind and a keen eye. By staying close to real-life situations and depicting them through realistic personas, Fayaz touches upon current matters and the course of societal change. After exhibiting in the Brooklyn Museum in New York, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, his art has recently been incorporated into the MoMa collection.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Bally Hike by Robert Rabensteiner: An Homage to Alpine Roots
The name of Bally Is immediately associated with snow covered peaks and the unspoiled scenery of Zurich or Geneva. The origins of the brand date back to 1851, when it was founded by Carl Franz Bally in Switzerland. The brand is best known for its brilliant fusion between traditional high craftsmanship and a contemporary aesthetic. For the unisex capsule collection, Bally decided to pay tribute to its alpine roots and hence to collaborate with stylist and editor Robert Rabensteiner, whose origins lie in mountain sceneries as well-the dolomites. Robert Rabensteiner is currently editor-at-large at Vogue L`Uomo Italy and is best-known and admired for his brilliant consulting for various fashion houses such as Moncler or Roberto Cavalli. The collection features an exceptional range of versatile footwear as well as high qualitative sweatwear. The hiking shoes are traditionally handmade by Bally and available in a brightly colored design, inspired by technical elements. Bally fuses its experience as an expert in shoemaking with Robert Rabensteiner´s unique and modern aesthetic to create the perfect attire for the urban explorer. The pieces are an ideal compromise between fashion and function and can be worn in the city as well as in the beautiful mountains in Switzerland.
www.bally.com
Art
Martin Eder x London Heni Gallery: “The spirit is weak, but the flesh is willing”
German artist Martin Eder is best known and admired for taking realistic motifs out of context and immersing them into a surrealistic environment, creating a captivating atmosphere for the viewer. For the “The spirit is weak, but the flesh is willing” exhibition, Eder examines the borders between the beautiful and the ugly in his artworks. The artist also draws inspiration from Dante’s Inferno. With his new series of paintings, Eder takes the viewer on a journey through the deeper levels of human subconsciousness as well as a dreamy hell. Martin Eder challenges the viewer with a selection of motifs in his paintings, that range from wide-eyed puppies to still life compositions of the remains of a wild party night. His work also features confident nudes and unreal accountings such as goats in front of rushing waves. Perfectly in tune with our zeitgeist, defined by ironic messages and so-called memes, Eder’s paintings are a refreshingly grotesque questioning of the principles of life. With every look, one discovers a new hidden message, meaning, or story in Eder’s impressive and overloaded artworks. The contemporary figurative paintings are melancholic yet ironically amusing. The “The spirit is weak, but the flesh is willing” exhibition is a prime example of the creative genius to be found in Martin Eder’s devouring paintings.
“The spirit is weak, but the flesh is willing” is exhibited at Heni Gallery, London, from October 6th-November 11th
www.newportstreetgallery.com
Fashion
Dior x Technogym: Where Engineering meets Design
After launching the Dior Vibe line for the 2022 Cruise collection, which unites sportswear with Dior’s impeccable elegance, the French Maison has partnered up with Technogym. Technogym is a global trailblazer for at-home gym equipment, focusing on innovative engineering and high-quality production. Technogym has made a name for themselves as ‘The Wellness Company’, bringing fitness and self-care to their customers through their products. Collaborating with Dior marks the first fashion partnership for the Italian brand. The collaboration cherishes the energy of the Dior Vibe line, aiming for an all-around brand experience by not only providing the customer with sportswear but the necessary equipment simultaneously. The unusual dialogue between the two brands has yielded high-end, luxurious sports equipment, including a treadmill, a multifunctional weight bench including matching dumbbells and a gym ball to support flexibility and balance for the future Dior at-home athlete. The equipment comes with crisp white frames and neutral black fittings, adorned by the Dior star motif and the name of the Maison between five horizontal stripes – the emblematic signature of Dior. The collection will be available from January 2022 onwards.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Matthew Williams x Ewan Macfarlane: Sculptural Poetry
Collaborations have not only proven to be the best way for a brand to connect with a new audience but just as well to develop the brand´s DNA. Accompanying the arrival of Givenchy´s FW21 collection in a few selected stores, Matthew Williams initiated a ravishing collaboration with multimedia artist Ewan Macfarlane. The artist is best known for his impressive and poetic work dedicated to self-discovery. For a few selected retail stores, Macfarlane created captivating human-like sculptures, which are crouching, climbing, reaching or leaning or include disassociated limbs, all dressed in Givenchy. ´´What someone wears should always portray who they are inside. I feel like the beauty of Ewan´s work helps me convey that in a powerful& poetic way´´ explains Williams. The creative director is renowned and admired for perfectly combining the contrast of utility and luxury in his creations for Givenchy. By displaying these impressive mannequins, Macfarlane and Williams open a conversation on self-expression, meaning and evolution as well as craft, opulence and celebrating life. Refreshingly grotesque yet sculptural poetry. Macfarlane´s work perfectly emphasizes Williams quintessence thought for Givenchy, which is to take a look beneath the beautiful and luxurious clothes because, searching for the insides that really count.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta’s Issued 03: Boycotting Primitiveness
Issued 03 is the third edition of Bottega Veneta’s groundbreaking digital zine. Issued 03 is presented as an audiovisual zine, intermixing and blurring lines between the mediums of fashion photography, animated video and music. With a neon color palette, flashing lights and distorted elements, the reader is being tested and tricked by the web interface which’s trippy aesthetics imitate casino gaming machines, compelling semiotic elements and an overdose of flashing that keeps the observer's eye busy. In a way, the digital magazine challenges typical UX design, positioning itself far from the known algorithms, pushing the observer to explore and figure out the pages himself. In the past, Daniel Lee, creative director at Bottega Veneta, has uttered his despair about the omnipresent oversimplification propelled by social media. “Social media represents the homogenization of culture, everyone sees the same content,” is what the 35-year old creative told The Guardian back in March on the occasion of zine's launch. After taking a hiatus from social media altogether at the beginning of the year, Bottega Veneta made waves in the fashion spheres when they published the first issue of their digital quarterly – relying on the almost ‘old-school’ medium of a web interface. By now, the Milanese brand has successfully launched the third issue, continuing to collaborate with numerous renowned avant-garde artists. For 03, top tier talents have been integrated into the making. To name a few, Joshua Gordon photographed portraits of young queer persons dressed in the latest Bottega Veneta season; composer Midori Takada was captured by Japanese photographer Takashi Homma; and artist Erika Vogt created sculptures parading Bottega Veneta footwear. With the digital zine, Lee has set the bar for a post-social media world, in which the observer is asked to engage with the materials instead of consuming pre-fabricated content.
www.issuedbybottegaveneta.com
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Borbonese SS22: Urban Flanerie
For the SS22 collection, Dorian Tarantin and Matteo Mena, art directors of Borbonese, aimed to create looks and items that reflect a multiplicity of uses, destinations and audiences. Herein, the collection is centred around acknowledging the pulsing complexity and fast lifestyles of today’s world. The garments are not only tailored towards an aesthetic but also towards practicality. The presented looks, which were presented in plein air, reveal the light spirit, nodding towards the wardrobe aspirations of a metropolitan summer followed by a Mediterranean cruise. The most prominent element of the collection is a sturdy, pleated weave made from logo-embossed straps. Taken from the archive of Borbonese, the use of these straps celebrates the regenerative power of creativity and is applied onto trench coats, double-breasted blazers, long shirt dresses and capri pants. The weaved strap recurs throughout the various bag shape of the collection, from shoppers to more delicate, rounded shapes. Next to ready-to-wear pieces, the collection includes accessories that elevate urban flanerie, such as a metal bottle that comes with a pleated bag and a shoulder strap. The bottle has been created together with 24Bottles, a sustainable brand from Bologna entirely focused on stipulating functionality with design. The design path of Borbonese’s SS22 considered women who evolve in their styles, adapting their choices to their personalities and surroundings.
www.borbonese.com
Fashion
Bally SS22: Easing into Life after the Pandemic
For the SS22 collection, Bally has embraced naturalness as a theme. While the looks are mainly focusing on casual comfort, each garment is elaborately processed. The signature pieces of this collection are focusing on traditional craftmanship, put into practice on intricately quilted coats with whipstitching and double-studded details. The layered garments range from large knits, red leather coats to very wide trousers. which are multifunctional, comfortable and practical as well as suitable for formal wear. The collection is a manual on how to dress while slowly getting back to work and normal everyday life. Therefore, the collection showcases a lot of garments, inspired from workwear such as utilitarian jackets and the ‘‘outline runners’’, a multifunctional, typical outdoor work shoe. The traditional leather artistry of the brands core identity becomes visible in a variety of different bags, from sizable, pleated ones to smaller cross body bags. For the men’s collection the theme of naturalness is taken up by using deadstock fabrics, recycled cotton and plastic bottles. The brand is perfectly on tune with our Zeitgeist, proving that fashion can be sustainable, by finding new ways to dye garments, such as using botanical dyes extracted from wood. The Swedish tradtitional house is a prime example for excellent craftmanship and high quality production as well as final garments.
www.bally.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo SS22: An Hommage
Real, authentic Italian craftsmanship is Salvatore Ferragamo’s core identity and the reason for an unmistakable brand identity. For this season's show the Ferragamo team decided to honour the brands founder, by drawing inspiration from the depths of the Ferragamo Archives. For this season’s prints, the brand dug out Julien Colombier’s floral foulard motif from the 70s, that was embroidered, utilizing an ancient Italian needlework tradition. The looks include 60s flared, wide as well as body hugging silhouettes inspired from Luis Buñuel’s 1977 movie “That Obscure Object of Desire’’. The brand even takes the signature tiger print and recontextualizes it on a range of different garments. Always following the motto “sensually soignée literation’’ the fabrics are made out of cotton, wool, silk, linen as well as hemp and reflect a soft and casual coziness. The iconic accessories such as the “Vara’’ and the “Varina’' are brought back to life in new colors and materials. Especially noticeable and matching the 70s inspiration is the red thread that runs through all the looks: a black silk scarf worn in different combinations, as a headband or lightly curved around the shoulder. The show is a perfect reimagined and revived portrayal of Salvatore Ferragamo’s core identity.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Chapter 7: C.P. Company x Barbour
The celebrations around C.P. Company’s 50th anniversary continue. For the seventh chapter, the Italian house partners up with the leading heritage and lifestyle brand Barbour. It’s a seamless collaboration between two houses, especially since one of the inspirations for C.P. Company’s iconic Mille jacket, more commonly known as the “Goggle jacket” was Barbour’s 1960s Solway jacket. So it only seemed fitting that the collaboration features the coming together of the Mille with the Solway in two new innovative iterations, a combination of the best of both styles. Apart from the jackets, all featuring the C.P. Company signature militarian and utilitarian feel and the “Goggle hood”, the collection also encompasses a black hoodie, with a print especially conceived by the Italian brand, as well as a selection of accessories such as sports and trapper hats, available in matching olive and charcoal hues. The connection between the two brands grows deeper than their focus on quality outerwear, especially since Paul Harvey, the C.P. Company designer originated from the north of England, “Working with Barbour was so simple and so, so special, both from a personal and a professional point of view. The pieces literally designed themselves, so close was the bond between early Italian Sportswear and what Barbour were doing at that time. I think both sides knew almost automatically what the pieces would look like and that original idea simply never changes. A symbiosis “perfetto”. To celebrate the launch of the jacket, C.P. Company raffled off 24 exclusives jackets, with all the proceeds going to the World Land Trust. C.P. Company x Barbour is a very special collaboration and a must-have for all fashion aficionados.
www.cpcompany.com
www.barbour.com
Fashion
Fendi x Versace: Freedom, Fun and Virtuosity
Versace by Fendi and Fendi by Versace – this is how Donatella Versace and Kim Jones baptized the collections born from their creative dialogue and true friendship. The project celebrates the coming together of the two iconic Italian houses and in particular, Donatella and Kim Jones who stand for the houses as their designers. Celebrating Italian fashion and a rebellious disruption of what fashion is supposed to be, the “Fendace” brainchild expresses the interpretative visions of Donatella and Kim Jones of the opposite houses, loosened from the codes of their respective family houses. Opening the archive doors fully to each other, the two immersed themselves into the design legacy of the opponent – resulting in a unique hybrid design language composed of distinctive elements reinterpreted in an unapologetic way. Versace by Fendi channels a 90s theme, melting together the Fendi Monogram with the Versace Greek Key motif. Reversible garments achieved through the tailoring craftsmanship of Fendi, accredit the Versace look a second, hidden layer. Fendi by Versace introduces punk and rock details to Fendi’s look, emphasizing the daring outlook of Versace by showering Fendi signs and symbols with crystals and branded safety pins. Through the means of respect and trust, Donatella’s and Kim Jone’s “Fendace” sets an example of sincerity instead of strategy in fashion.
www.fendi.com
www.versace.com
Fashion
Fendi SS22: High Octane Female Confidence
For his Ready To Wear debut at Fendi, Kim Jones merged the cheerful irreverence of the Italian house with his own empowered, eased view on the future. By exploring a contemporary take on disco glamour, Jones re-interpreted the powerful, fierce and diverse femininity that Fendi is known for. Searching for inspiration for the SS22 collection, Jones turned towards Fendi’s archives, seeking out details of the design legacy that reflect upon former designer Karl Lagerfeld personal relations with the brand’s collaborators, in particular with fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez. Drawing inspiration from a hand-sketched logo of the liberal artist and close friend of Karl, the idea of bringing past times to life again erupted. Lopez work has been revived in the SS22 collection, displaying his illustrations in elegant abstract versions on kaftans and silk shirts, imprinting his figurative drawings into leather items and weaving them into lace and jacquard pieces. Rainbow elements, plexiglass hoop earrings and enamel hair accessories make for a tropical decadence paired with disco chic. The silhouettes of the coats, trousers, blazers and tailored shirts of the SS22 nod to the power dressing movement of the 80s, while the modernist take on the artworks serves a certain friskiness, summing up Jone’s view of the Fendi and Lopez woman: “She is empowered; she’s someone of her own making.”
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Max Mara SS22 : Hedonist Summer Daydreams
The inspiration behind Max Mara’s SS22 collection is rich in storytelling and emphasizes romanticized daydreams coming to life through literature. The muse behind the collection is Françoise Quoirez, better known under her nom de plume Françoise Sagan, a keen French writer born in 1935. Derived from her international literature masterpiece Bonjour Tristesse, the collection pays tribute to a story romance, intrigue, moral conundrum and elegant ennui all in the scenery of discrete villas, secluded beaches, old school cars, classical yachts and the nightlife sophistication of expensive restaurants and exquisite casinos. Bonjour Tristesse is a novel born from longing and imagination -forced to stay at home to retake final exams for school, Sagan went on a splendid summer holiday all in her head. In an autobiographical manner, the protagonist of the story, Céclie, lives through a hedonistic summer full of glamour, carefreeness and dolce vita. For the SS22 collection, Max Mara has imagined the wardrobe of Cécile, dressing her in refined prêt-à-porter made from crisp gabardines and poplins, top-stitched denim and elevated workwear classics. The collection features tank tops and boyish sandals paired with chiffons and knits with breezy, flowing shapes and clean silhouettes, all exuding an existentialist aura. The color palette reflects Max Mara’s signature shades – ecru and camel, sand and tan, black and navy accentuated by orange and yellow tones.
www.maxmara.com
Fashion
Replay x Breuninger: United to Inspire
Stuttgart’s most prestigious department store Breuninger and denim brand Replay have celebrated their long-lasting partnership with an event that explicitly cherished inspiration and revolved around the power of dance as an artform. Organized on the occasion of the Berlin Art Week, the event featured numerous guests from diverse creative fields who came together to celebrate the fountains of creativity. The evening was kicked off by an art performance by Eike von Stuckenbrock, Yoann Bourgeois and Frieder Weiss, staging an impressive light show with projections, sound effects and music that set the mood for the following evening. Besides paying tribute to creativity, dance and inspiration as such, the event marked the presentation of the recent Replay x Breuninger campaign, called “Dance for What Matters”. Next to its dedication to performance in general, the collection focuses on circular economy and pushed forward Replay’s endeavors towards a more sustainable future of fashion. The collection was presented by five self-shot videos of cross-cultural and international dance talents, each parading a re-used pair of jeans, unfolding their creativity in their unique ways while putting the garment into focus. The re-used jeans of the campaign were sourced entirely emission-free and mark a milestone in the denim brand label’s undertaking of producing ecologically friendly.
www.breuninger.com
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: Bait
Emerging artist Daniel Hölzl explores cycles of transience through his work. With his site-specific, performative installations, he captures how moments in time and states of being are underlying a constant, ever-lasting process of change. This cyclical clockwork is represented through technological or natural processes executed through programmed technological influences and unpredictable elements such as air and water. Focusing on contrasting and recycled materials such as carbon fiber, flowing fabrics, plastic materials and industrial packaging, the installations induce critical questions towards system structure and the relations between the individual elements of this structure. For the Gallery Weekend *Discoveries, the Austrian artist created an installation displayed on the façade and entrance of the Dittrich & Schlechtriem gallery. Exhibited under the title Bait, the installation touches upon the dynamics between the art object, the exhibition spaces and the interaction of the visitors. The installations consist of parachute silk constructs that mirror architectural elements of the building and carbon fiber frameworks distorting the surface of the façade. The installations of Bait feature Hözl's signature use of constant movement, as the constructs are moved by arbitrary airstreams from the outside and technology, portraying a meditative, autonomous spectacle that exemplifies how the single elements contribute to the entity of the art work.
Bait by Daniel Hölzl is exhibited at Dittrich & Schlechtriem, Berlin, from September 15th - September 19th 2021.
www.dittrich-schlechtriem.com
www.hoelzldaniel.com
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: Fictions
A canvas covered in dense paint strokes, winding curves, blurred layers of emerald green and greyish billows of smoke. The painting reminds of a deep forest, dense undergrowth blends into shadow shapes. A portrait of a girl, hiding beneath a surface of paint. Diverging saturations of color tease the eye of the observer, the dimensions between the girl and the surface are impossible to gauge. Artworks like these, where mystical sceneries and fantastical creatures become alive in the observer's eye are the signature pieces of Brook Hsu. Hsu, who is known for interweaving autobiographical and imaginative elements, includes a combination of painting, textiles, sculptures and texts into her body of work. Her paintings titillate the imagination of the observer, inviting into mythological realms embedded in art historical narratives. Hsu creates depth by playing with shapes, contours and layers. Nuances of black and varying shades of green are an integral component of her work. Not least the color choice contributes to the narrow ridge between a menacing and calming message that her paintings convey. The piercing, at times feverish imagery addresses the psyche of the viewer, reflecting matters that revolve around fear, sadness, uncertainty and curiosity. Pre-Christian myths, historical occurrences, modern literature, films and personal stories are Hsu’s sources of inspiration. Derived from these sources, her paintings convey a realm where the ethereal and factual, the fantastical and real and the historical and personal meet. The psychedelic yet tranquil character of the paintings opens the gate for a mind game in which the observer loses touch with reality while being firmly grounded by autobiographical interpretations.
Fictions by Brook Hsu is exhibited at Kraupa Tuskany Zeidler, Berlin, from September 15th - September 19th 2021.
www.k-t-z.com
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Fashion
DIESEL SS22 AVANT-PREMIERE
Last June, a new era started at Diesel, under the creative direction of Belgian designer Glenn Martens. He brings with him all the experimentalism, conceptualisation and high-concept approach, which we came to love at Y/Project, and applies it to the Diesel DNA, combining it with the brand’s strengths, its indisputable protagonist denim. Designed for the SS22 season, the collection is now featured in an exclusive avant-premiere available in selected stores worldwide and on their website. This selection comprises six looks of the collection, representing all of the collection’s pillars, whether it be the usage of novelty techniques such as laser printing, trompe l’oeil effects, artisanal crafts or various iconic styles from the archives which have been reinterpreted and revitalised. Standout pieces of this avant-premier are without a doubt the 5pockets denim pants with incorporated boots for women as well as the grey washed denim trench coat.
The Diesel SS22 avant-premiere will launch on September 15th in selected stores worldwide as well as in the Diesel online store.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Kaldewei: Supersalone 2021
After a forced break of over a year, the world of interiors was able to gather again in early September for the first time in Milan for a special edition of the Salone del Mobile, the Supersalone. At last, brands, journalists and design enthusiasts were able to meet in person, experience real encounters, direct contact and exciting conversations without the need of a screen. Kaldewei was of course not to miss Milan. During the Supersalone, the German brand presented its SUPERPLAN ZERO, a new shower surface made from recycled steel enamel and conceived by Werner Aisslinger. In a perfect mise-en-scène, the campaign images shot by Bryan Adams were seamlessly combined with the products, the Kaldewei novelty attracted specialists and regular visitors alike, whose visits at the stand were characterized by strong interest, curious looks and overwhelmingly positive feedback. As Yvonne Piu, Global Marketing Director at Kaldewei has put it, “the Supersalone, which Stefano Boeri and his team have curated in an outstanding way, is a Perfect match setting for us. In addition, we have the unique opportunity to present Bryan Adams’ photographic interpretations of the SUPERPLAN ZERO to an international specialist audience shortly before the launch of the global campaign.”
www.kaldewei.de
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend: Thinking Two Heads
Thinking: Two Heads is a collaboration between artist Ana Mazzei and Fabian Peake. The exhibition at Galeria Jacqueline Martins unites their visions, despite their diverging backgrounds and generation. Mazzei (1980) displays floor installations of human and non-human shapes and abstract objects made from wood and metal. These studies of space are replenished by vivid paintings and sculptures by Fabian Peake (1942). Hoping to encourage an experimental development process for the exhibition, Mazzei and Peake cultivated an extensive letter correspondence in advance of the show. In these writings, they expounded common ideas, symmetries and equivalences that manifest in both of their artworks. This exchange of ideas and views, which largely contributed to the dynamic between the singular art pieces, is part of the exhibition. The pivot point of their artworks is the concept of staging individual elements into a composition. Peake’s distinctive shapes and color contrasts seem to be positioned independently while being inextricably intertwined into the motif as a totality. Convergent with the staged paintings and sculptures, Mazzei’s installations are constructed in a calculated manner. With the fragments of the pieces wide apart or narrowly arranged, the composition of the installations makes them appear as an inherent part of the room. The placement of the installations guides the visitors through the gallery space, leaving in the open where art ends and open space begins. Although the duo exhibition displays two diverging aesthetics from artists relying on opposing mediums, the exhibition exemplifies that next to visual harmony, the intention, execution and interpretation of art determines a holistic collaboration.
Thinking: Two Heads is exhibited at Galeria Jacqueline Martins, Brussels from September 9th - 30th October 2021.
www.galeriajaquelinemartins.com
www.anamazzei.com
www.fabianpeake.co.uk
Fashion
202030 – The Berlin Fashion Summit
Berlin Fashion Week is in full swing and with the ever-present significance of sustainable solutions, a new term belonging to the eco 101 has reached its peak: circularity. The second edition of 202030 The Berlin Fashion Summit revolves around this all-encompassing approach of responsible design and production and continues the successful launch of the project during the Berlin Fashion Week back in January. Interdisciplinary experts are participating in digital discussions about the current shortcomings of the industry and the releasing potential ecosystems and circularity portray in these scenarios. The 202030 Summit is divided into three main topics, each of which is dedicated an entire day. Firstly, the event invites to a conversation on circular systems in general, questioning how to think and design for a positive cause. Secondly, the summit dives deeper into the actualization of circularity – how can positive impacts be organized and fostered? Lastly, the project touches upon valuation systems, exploring options of defining the notion of “quality” and how to measure it. The 202030 Summit aims to close the gap between sustainability innovation and the industry’s need for pragmatic guidelines. Represented labels and experts include Orsola de Castro, founder of the international Fashion Revolution campaign and circularity-precursor label ArmedAngels.
www.202030summit.com
Fashion
Stone Island: The Prototype Research Series
In the wake of Milan Design Week, Stone Island has given insight into what happens behind the scenes of the Italian fashion brand. Within “The Prototype Research Series”, Stone Island unveils the unfiltered story behind one of their research projects. Originally curated for the Milan Design Week in 2020, Stone Island experimented with copper nanotechnologies. By applying a nanometric copper layer to non-woven fabric, the process of natural oxidation can be observed. The purpose behind this project was to investigate the transformation that happens during oxidation and how environmental conditions, such as humidity and carbon dioxide concentration in the air influence this process. With the cancellation of the Milan Design Week in 2020, the project took an unforeseeable turn – and delivered an unforeseeable outcome. “When the garments were returned to us in spring 2021, their oxidized appearance was magnificent but the adhesive between the non-woven fabric and the cotton satin was unpredictably 'gone', 'eaten' by oxidation. The result did not reach the target of resistance and solidity we aimed for. I often tell of the 'mistakes' that come up when daring to go beyond the known, the tested, the conventional. This is the unfiltered story of an unfinished research process, an enrichment of the company's experience and culture. Each step has taught us important things which will be important for the future, regardless of the goal achieved," is how Carlo Rivetti, Creative Director, summed up the decision to show the research nonetheless.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Berlin Fashion Week: Der Berliner Salon 2021
On September 6th, Der Berliner Salon took place at the Kraftwerk in Berlin. The exhibition featured design creations of 35 German labels; stretching over the categories of fashion, jewelry and accessories. Under the premise of “Committed to Responsibility”, the event put brands into the spotlight that focus on holistic, responsible production and make choices with the future in mind. Initiated by Christiane Arp, former editor in chief at Vogue Germany, and Marcus Kunz, CEO of the sustainably orientated Menswear label Nowadays, the Berliner Salon event is supported by the Berlin senate for economy, energy and business. Increasingly urgent topics such as circularity and consumer transparency were the overarching focus of this season's renowned group exhibition. With the integration of manufactories and artisan métiers, the 2021 edition of the Berlin Salon marked a significant step towards the acknowledgement of transparent production processes in the creation of collections and products. The exhibition, which is part of the Berlin Fashion Week, also curated a series of panel talks that discuss experiences, inspirations and thoughts of fashion experts and business representatives. The Berlin Salon event aims to pave a way for a more supportive, circular design industry as a whole and featured renowned German labels such as Lala Berlin, PB0110 and Kaviar Gauche.
www.mbfw.berlin.com
Fashion
Dior’s Medallion Chair Reinterpreted
The legacy of the Dior Medallion Chair reaches far back – all the way to the founding of the French Maison in 1946. Whereas the debut of the chair was of rather practical nature – Christian Dior designed it for the purpose of seating guest’s at fashion shows in a “sober, simple and above all classic and Parisian” way – the Louis XVI style of the chaise médaillon soon became a major code of Dior, then located in Avenue Montaigne, the beating heart of Dior. In the wake of the most recent interpretation, Dior Maison has invited a selection of artists to reimagine the iconic piece. The Medallion Chair has been reconceived with boundless creativity by the manifold international artists, from Japan to Italy, Korea, Lebanon and France. The resulting interpretations of the chair are as diverse and nuanced as their creators – as such, Joy de Rohan Chabot created a delicate version of the chair in which a clean and reduced frame is adorned with dainty golden leaves, twining across the surface where one would expect upholstery. Linda Freya Tangelder took a contrasting approach, reinventing the chair as a taboret version in grey steel, replacing the backrest with a sturdy handle. Nacho Caarbonel made use of rustic materials such as wood and metal to bring a medieval version of the classic chair to life. With this unprecedented and pluralistic collaboration, Dior reflects the Maison’s timeless modernity that continuously revives the Dior dream in a contemporary way.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Vitra Circle Store
The Swiss design pioneer Vitra opens its first store in the Netherlands. With circularity and sustainability in mind, the name of the store – Vitra Circle Store – already gives away the idea behind the concept. The Circle Store sells used items from the numerous exhibitions, trade fairs and showrooms representing Vitra all over the world. Next to the classic pieces, the assortment range includes products designed exclusively for Vitra by contemporary designers. The pieces available for purchase offer a broad choice to the customer – whether it is sofas, chairs or interior accessories. By opening this well thought out store concept, Vitra aims to increase awareness of conscious consumption, considered production and the importance of original, timeless design. The Circle Store is located in the monumental building in the Hembrugterrein in Zaandam. To provide maximum quality, the objects sold at the Circle Store are restored and cleaned before they enter their second life cycle. The refurbished objects are sold with a two-year guarantee and persuade with fair prices, which are made on-site, depending on the condition of the design pieces.
The Vitra Circle store is open to the public on Fridays from 9am to 5pm from the 10th September 2021, and from the 1st October 2021 additionally on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.
www.vitra.com
Travel
Cuba in the Heart of Paris
In the centre of Paris’ 5th arrondissement, the Monte Cristo is transformed to revive the Cuban spirit at Hotel Eminente. Upon entering the hotel the aroma of fresh sugarcane, the market stalls of Cuba and Eminente rum are at once noticeable. The four-star hotel will, for a limited time, feature interior design by Pauline d’Hoop and all the rooms in the hotel are touched with the authentic Cuban charm, chef and sustainable farmer Annabelle Cantarero, is making a special trip to curate the perfect tasting menu while of course boasting a modest assortment of cocktails, by Monte Cristo’s bartender Adrian Nino, that make use of the top tier Eminente Reserva and Eminente Ámbar Clara rums. Co-founded by Camille de Dominicis and César Martí, the youngest Rum-Master in history, the drink itself is of unparalleled complexity with a full body taste inspired by 19th-century Cuban sugarcane Eaux-de-vie. True to Cuba in all ways, Eminente joined with Clandestina, an independent Cuban design label, for the creation of the Resolver Bag, made from raw materials collected locally in Old Town of Havana. All profits from the limited and bespoke Resolver Bag will go directly to a conservation and circular economy project; the Cienaga de Zapata biosphere in Cuba. The Monte Cristo will remain open to its usual clientele and continue taking reservations for its bar and restaurant. Included in the “staycation” package is one night for two, breakfast, a Cuban dinner, one Eminente cocktail and one Eminente masterclass as well as use of the pool for one hour. The Hotel will be open to guests from September 30th to December 12th with a 24-hour stay or “Una Noche Cubana”.
www.eminente.com
Fashion
Byredo x Our Legacy: Byproduct 27
The revival of a cool and familiar style, creative up-cycled fabrics and a tasteful homage to 90s style and youth culture is the latest collaboration from Byredo.
Swedish luxury brand, Byredo, founded by Ben Gorham in Stockholm in 2006 with the mission of translating and evoking emotions and memories, unveils its collaboration with Our Legacy. The latter was also founded in Stockholm just one year prior to the inception of Byredo. Jockum Hallin, Christopher Nying and Richardos Klarén, co-founders of Our Legacy, continuing their ethos of merging the familiar and the irregular have found a dream collaboration in Byredo.
Byproduct is the intuitive and creative arm of Byredo which extends beyond beauty with the finest quality materials to facilitate life’s spontaneous, wild and beautiful expeditions. The Byproduct logo is embroidered on caps which arrive in three shades of blue, the words “Work Shop” appear on the caps beside the Yin Yang logo and quote.
Classic blues are overdyed and adorned with bold prints, blue wash denim jeans for men are wide cut and straight fit. A light blue wash women’s denim skirt is fitted with a 5-pocket design, an A-line silhouette that sits comfortably above the waist-line and sports a Work Shop x Byproduct Yin Yang logo which has been screen printed by hand to complete the look. In addition to the denim items, the Byredo x Our Legacy collaboration features a boxy fit hoodie with brass eyelets, raglan sleeves and an overdyed finish that appears washed out and youthful.
The Byproduct 27 collection will be available exclusively online at the Byredo website and the Our Legacy website as well as select Our Legacy Flagship boutiques from August 26th, 2021.
www.byredo.com
www.ourlegacyworkshop.se
Fashion
Louis Vuitton: Vivienne Travellers
Continuing their ethos of freedom and travel, maker of the finest leather goods and historic fashion house, Louis Vuitton, unveils its new jewelry collection centred around the beloved contemporary mascot: Vivienne. The Vivienne design arrived at Louis Vuitton in 2018 and the family of jewelry has now been expanded into a collection of 11 unprecedented creations.
Vivienne Celebration features both white and yellow gold and is embellished with no fewer than 36 diamonds colored stones and 124 diamonds to evoke the true nature of festivity and joy. This same evocative presence is displayed in the Vivienne Rainbow, true to its name it radiates hope and a fervent emotion thanks to its exquisite pavé gradation of 154 multicolored gemstones. In a poetic homage to Paris’ Place Vendôme, the worldwide mecca of jewelry and home to one of the most decadent Louis Vuitton stores, the Vivienne Royal wears a crown of yellow gold and diamonds, draped in a blue lacquer robe punctuated with fleur-de-lys.
Mischievous and fun, Vivienne arrives in many different forms and is hiding a secret, the pendant can be converted to a brooch. The design shows a respect for cultures that are dear to the globe-trotting maison, proving to be adaptable and versatile in any context, environment or occasion. Bursting with life and color; these fetish figures are housed in a specially designed treasure chest with mirrors, stages and individual compartments for each of the 11 pieces; exhibiting a mastery of The Art of Travel by Louis Vuitton.
Fashion
Paco Rabanne presents Pacollection
Pacollection describes the encounter of diverging characters, all united by the idea of personality. The nine scents named Strong Me, Genius Me, Erotic Me, Fabulous Me, Crazy Me, Dangerous Me, Major Me, Blossom Me and Dandy Me carry across the message of the most revolutionary projects of Paco Rabanne, inter alia by picking up on olfactory anecdotes that exemplify the outspoken, extravagant and innovative heritage of the label. The range of fragrances varies from sweet, seductive notes to refreshing and herby, featuring noteworthy aromas like incense, wasabi, leather and black current. Under the notion of moral engagement, Julien Dossena, designer of Paco Rabanne, has created this special collection of perfumes under the premise of portraying a spectrum of identities and expressions, all with a fluid gender approach. Each perfume received a personality, confident and unique on its own, but empowered by the discourse and exchange that emerges from the differences and similarities of each individual. The flacon is made from a metallic emulsion with a surprising trait – a soft, flexible surface that creates an unusual sensory experience unexpected from a perfume bottle. Each flacon is designed with a specific color that expresses the personality that is carried by the scent. The fragrances come in chrome-coloured cartridges that deliver a save solution to store the special bottles.
www.pacorabanne.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger x Romeo Hunte
This FW 2021 capsule collection newly defines the American apparel pioneer’s signature preppy style with the means of deconstructing and remixing that Romeo Hunte is known for. The collection exemplifies how a close mentorship and collaboration between two designers allows for refreshing takes on classics - Manhattan prep merges with Brooklyn street style, resulting in a collection that focuses on gender-fluid outerwear with multiple purposes. Hunte, who describes reinvention as an inherent part of his design formulas, created garments that blur the lines between edgy and sophisticated, effortlessly intertwining clashing elements. As such, the iconic Hilfiger trench coat has been transformed into a versatile version with detachable sleeves, reinterpreted color blocking and ironic slogans. The capsule collection builds upon Hilfiger’s People’s Place Program that advocates diverse representation in fashion and beyond. In this sense, challenging the status quo happens not only through the design of the collection - seven one-off upcycled polo shirts will be auctioned with the proceeds going to the Fashion Minority Alliances, a non-profit organization that aims to foster inclusivity in the fashion industry by achieving long-term equity and advancement for BIPOC and historically marginalized creative talents.
www.tommy.com
www.romeohunte.com
Fashion
Dior FW2021: Silk Scarves & Craftsmanship
Dior’s FW 2021 collection parades a dozen of silk scarves that radiate Dior’s elegance paired with a dash of nonchalance. For these special items, Dior collaborated with Italian artist Petro Ruffo, who created designs specifically for this collection. The majority of scarves are graced with landscape motifs and exotic animals. An ecru-berry colored version parades a palm tree and a selection of three scarves are imprinted with the Dior Oblique pattern. During the design process, Ruffo applied his sketches onto the silk fabric by pen engraving, a method carried out by hand. Later on in the process, the methods of silkscreen and inkjet printing are used to transfer the dreamy motifs onto the scarves. After hand cutting the design into their scarf shapes, the seams are frayed or rolled depending on the design. With the extensive amount of detail orientation and needlework, the scarves exemplify the virtue of craftsmanship. An augmented reality filter offers a virtual try-on experience. Whether worn as a headband, a neck scarf or a turban, the styling options featured on the filter nudge towards creativity to explore the endless potential of the silky squares.
The collection of scarves is available in Dior online stores from now on.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Fendi x Rimowa
The collaboration between Italian house Fendi and German luxury luggage brand RIMOWA is back once more. For a third time, both houses join forces to combine the best of their respective know-how and flair. Crafted in RIMOWA’s signature aluminium, the new Classic Cabin comes equipped with a new and innovative multi-wheel system, which promises smooth and effortless travel even with a full suitcase. It’s a perfect blend of German industrial know-how and luxurious Italian craftsmanship. The aluminium body features a brushed effect that depending on the light reveals the Italian house’s emblematic FF logo, whilst being completed with Fendi details, such as Cuoio Romano leather handles on the top and side. Additionally, you have the opportunity to hot stamp your initials on a Cuoio Romano leather nametag, as is customary with all Fendi bags.
Available in selected Fendi stores and online from September 2021, the RIMOWA x FENDI suitcases will be pre-launched in August 2021.
www.fendi.com
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Freedom Now x Versace Jeans Couture
Freedom is a volatile notion, it takes on different forms for each individual identity and is both universal and personal at the same time. In a quest to find an answer to the contemporary meaning of freedom, Versace Jeans Couture has brought the collaboration Freedom Now to being. This series of content is curated by three artists: Savana Ogburn, Vincent Catel and Naguel Rivero. Resulting from their individual artistic interpretation of freedom, three unique concepts arose. “Freedom means being able to inhabit a variety of selves throughout our lives” is the idea behind Ogburn’s concept that touches upon the versatile facets of femineity. With a campy, colorful and textural lens, Ogburn opted for a series of kitsch and pop collages portraying the model as a spirited garden gnome, a pastel alien and a vampiress. Catel chose the medium of videography to capture a story of freedom. In Catel’s short film, two motorcyclists fall in love while exploring a dream-like landscape. Cliché imagery orchestrates a shy playfulness with a touch of irony that sets the archetypal characters free. Rivero focused on freedom in a post-pandemic world by taking portraits of determined young people who resonate with tolerance, empathy and acceptance.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Beneath the Coat: Moose Knuckles Sportswear Collection
Canada is a country that is famous for its cold and harsh winters from which its citizens need adequate protection. It should therefore not come to anybody’s surprise that Canadian brand Moose Knuckles is most famous for its outerwear and has, according to Retail Insider Magazine, “been ranked as the top parka brand in terms of having the highest thermal insulation value.” That said, everybody knows that fortunately, the cold seasons don’t last all year and that we also need other garments besides warm jackets and coats. Moose Knuckles is happy to provide. Considering themselves as a luxury sportswear brand, their selection also naturally includes a sportswear collection consisting of hoodies, shirts, pants and shorts, more suitable for the warmer seasons. Made entirely of 100% Cotton French Terry, a low maintenance fibre, the garments have a light and comfortable feel, ideal for athleisure wear. The collection offers the wearer a myriad of possibilities to combine not only the colours, Surplus Green, White Yellow Brit Blue, Charcoal Melange and Black, but also the pieces and their different fits to their heart’s content. The pieces get their final touch with the iconic Moose Knuckles metal logo. The clothes are made to flatter the shape of the body, but for everybody who likes the oversized look, there is always the possibility to size up.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
New Fendi Store New York City
Even before Covid-19 hyper-accelerated the ongoing digitalization, the retail sector was already undergoing fundamental changes as more and more people opted to do their shopping online rather than visiting a physical store. In the luxury fashion segment, for houses like Fendi, boutiques or flagship stores were never just mere points of sale, they are a direct extension of the brand’s vision. An environment that allows the visitors to truly immerse themselves in the Fendi universe. The new New York flagship store is located on the corner of 57th Street in Manhattan’s Fuller Building. The space was transformed by a one-of-a-kind concept, which brings the luxurious Fendi touch to New York City. The interior reflects the Roman house’s traditions and codes with references to its rich history being found all across the new interior as for example the images of its historic headquarters, the Palazzo della Civilità Italiana, spanning vertically over six see-through led curtains on three levels. The store itself represents the essence of Italian luxury and picks up on Fendi’s codes and tradition of dualism, especially in the choice of materials. Industrial cement columns are juxtaposed with high-end materials such as marble, hues of gold and exquisite Italian designed pieces of furniture. The visual highlight of the store is undoubtedly the glass sphere suspended at the center of a double-height void emphasized with a modular ceiling combination of round lamps. It’s a unique experience for the clients, accessible through a floating mirrored walkway on the store’s second floor which displays a Fendi First bag sculpture made entirely in marble and uniquely signed by the two creative minds behind the brand, Silvia Venturini Fendi and Kim Jones.
The new Fendi flagship store is located on the corner of 57th Street in Manhattan’s Fuller Building and is now open to the public.
In addition to this, the new interior can be experienced as a 360 virtual store on Fendi’s website launching on July 21, 2021.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
C.P. Company x Sebago
What makes a look or an item iconic? It’s not only the visionary design, but it also requires a visionary customer who is able to embrace it. For a short, but intense period in the 1980s, C.P. Company and Sebago made their claim to this special status, as the young Italian fashion cognoscenti picked up these brands and started the first streetwear movement in Italian history, rendering these brands into future icons. C.P. Company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year through a number of collaborations happening all throughout the year. So it should come to nobody’s surprise that C.P. Company also paired up with Sebago for this special occasion. The capsule collection pays homage to those aesthetic references of this very important moment and the subculture that marked it. They dove into their archives and the new M.t.T.N windbreaker jacket, available in three colors, is an updated replica of an 1980s original, which coincidentally started C.P. Company’s experimentation in dyeing a garment in nylon and cotton. To complete the homage, Sebago’s most iconic model, the Docksides, which since its release in 1970 has been a universal symbol for sun, saltwater and adventure, appears in a limited edition. This edition finds itself manually overdyed in the same hues as the windbreakers.
The C.P. Company x Sebago capsule collection will be available from July 15h, 2021.
www.50.cpcompany.com
www.sebago.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton FW21 Seoul Spin-Off
In 2020, Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton Men’s Artistic Director, initiated ‘The Voyage’ format, wherein his collections and shows travel to different destinations to meet the global Louis Vuitton community closer to their homes. This does not only create a closer bond with the community, but also offers the opportunity to engage with different cultures and national identities, whilst also counteracting the industry’s old-fashioned and seasonal modus operandi. This time the chosen destination was Seoul, the Korean capital and coincidentally the epicentre of the worldwide K-Pop phenomenon that’s currently gripping the world. The Fall-Winter spin-off collection presented there included 34 new looks completed with 7 looks from the originally presented collection in January. It’s no mere coincidence that exactly 7 looks from the original collection round out the presentation in Seoul, a number equal to the members of BTS, without a doubt South Korea’s biggest pop-cultural export of recent years and also recently appointed Louis Vuitton brand ambassadors. The film was directed by Korean director Jeon Go-Woon, who created a conversation between space, movement and global connectivity whilst exploring the city of Seoul through the lens of diversity. The collection is a visual continuation of the collection in January. The theme of voyage, so fitting for a house that started a luggage manufacturer, manifests itself in various details, whether it be the buttons of a blazer in the shape of aeroplanes, leather bags with patches stating ‘Tourist’ or more subtly a look heavily reminiscent of Korea’s traditional dress Hanbok, creating a direct link between the collection and the destination.
www.louisvuitton.com
Art
In Full Bloom - Cherry Blossoms by Damien Hirst
The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain is proud to unveil Cherry Blossoms, a remarkable new series of painting by British artist Damien Hirst, also marking the artist’s first museum exhibition in France. The series comprises of 107 paintings, a reinterpretation of the traditional landscape painting with a touch of playful irony. Cherry Blossoms have an universal appeal. Whenever they come into bloom, whether in Europe or Asia, it marks the beginning of a new season, the rebirth of nature. Quite a fitting metaphor that Damien Hirst’s Cherry Blossoms are unveiled now, as the world is starting to be recover from an almost 16 month break due to Covid-19. Hirst’s canvases are monumental in appearance, entirely covered in dense bright colors enveloping the viewer into a vast floral landscape. It took the British artist three years to complete the series. As Hirst puts it himself, “The Cherry Blossoms are about the beauty and life and death. They’re extreme – there’s something almost tacky about them. Like Jackson Pollock twisted by love. They’re decorative but taken from nature. They’re about desire and how we process the things around us and what we turn them into, but also about the insane visual transience of beauty – a tree in full crazy blossom against a clear sky. It’s been so good to make them, to be completely lost in color and in paint in my studio.” To commemorate this special opening, the Fondation Cartier has also produced a documentary film in which the artist reveals how he conceived of and create the paintings. The film will be available on the foundations website starting July 6th.
Cherry Blossoms by Damien Hirst will be open to the public from July 6th until January 2nd, 2022 at Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in Paris.
www.fondationcartier.com
Images:
Damien Hirst in his studio, 2020 © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2021. Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates.
View from Damien Hirst’s studio © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2021. Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates.
Fashion
Y/PROJECT x FILA
Following its footwear team-up with Melissa last season, Glenn Martens has returned with a fresh collaboration with FILA for Y/PROJECT SS22 menswear show. To celebrate the occasion of FILA’s 110th anniversary, the innovative brand created an unexpected collaboration with Y/PROJECT. Since the appointment of Glenn Martens as Creative Director in 2013, the Paris based label Y/PROJECT has been carving a niche of its own, combining a conceptual drive with intricate constructions and inventive, playful detailing. Martens’ silhouettes are as thought provoking as they are grounded in real life, with quite an emphasis on individuality and independence. Having won the renowned ANDAM Grand Prize twice in 2017 and 2020, Y/PROJECT keeps growing as one of the most original voices in contemporary fashion, focusing on an unmistakable identity in which unisex styles share space with the hyper masculine and the hyper feminine, and insouciant historical references. The collaboration with FILA is the marriage of two identities, resulting in a unique collection that fuses the design aesthetic of both brands. Glenn Martens gave a warped Y/PROJECT twist to FILA staples such as the t-shirt, the hoodie, the polo neck dress, and the windbreaker, as well as caps, sneakers, weekend, and tennis bags.
www.yproject.fr
Fashion
Loewe Men's SS22
For the SS22 Men’s collection, Loewe’s Creative Director draws inspiration from the works of New York-based German artist Florian Krewer, one of the most exciting, upcoming voices in contemporary painting. Krewer’s works are populated with the conflicts and desires consumed in public spaces of cities with all its free and chaotic characters. His paintings, characterized by their color palette of night-dark blacks, artificially-sweetened pinks, unclean whites and purples and blues, always have their starting point in a photograph, which is either found of personally taken by the artist. The collection radiates a certain sexual energy and is charged with the electrifying promise of intimacy and the feel of human touch. Glimpses of the body are revealed through clever draping and strategically place cutouts. Tripping out translates into an idea of distortion, with coats spouting metal plaques on the back or tops dematerializing into multiple transparent layers. The collection’s swinging and energetic tone is determined by the juxtaposition of the pragmatic and the plain bonkers. It’s an explosion of colors and saturated hues, which bright accessories, which add another feisty, touch. Overall the collection expresses one thing: joy and freedom coming to the fore.
www.loewe.com
Fashion
Dries van Noten SS22
The Dries van Noten SS22 collection is an emotionally charged and intimate homage to a life of carefree fun and freedom in the city. An insistence on a return to revelry, lazy summer vibes, decadence, and freedom. A visceral outburst of energy, an expression of and response to the frustration and limitations of being stuck in Antwerp. A future life grasped and brought into the present, a life that can be sensual and carefree. The collection is chill yet intense, bold yet intimate and personal, audacious yet discreet. A main focus is The key of a Man’s wardrobe, from the Parka to the traditional trench to suiting is reinterpreted in softer forms with a twist. Extra elongated sleeves and trouser legs underpin nonchalance. Garments in camouflage are laser cut. Aprons are superimposed on classic and 3/4 leg pants as Cargo pant aprons. The backs of some garments are high to give a scooped out look.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani Mens SS22
For Giorgio Armani’s SS22 collection, the brand goes back to where it all began, in Via Borgonuovo. The motion that clothing can free oneself instead of constricting, of carefree thoughts instead of carelessness, of classic as proof of progress. For this season, Giorgio Armani is allowing for the motion of moving away from formality and decisively embracing the informality of sportswear to take over. However, Giorgio Armani never gives up his sense of pertinence, which is an idea of dignity, of disdain for any excess — even when he reaches the height of nonchalance, even in the liberating gesture of legs uncovered by Bermuda shorts. The suit is revamped in its shapes, proposing the idea of coordinated top and bottom: an evening shirt with a stand-up collar or a denim jacket-like cut combined with trousers with darts made in the same pinstripe wool, or a gilet-jacket with Bermuda shorts.
www.giorgioarmani.com
Fashion
Etro Mens SS22
The ETRO Men's SS22 collection “Travelling in a Joyful State of Grace” wants to be a tribute to Franco Battiato, a man, a musician, an artist and a thinker that deeply influenced the vision and the life of Kean Etro. For SS22, ETRO mens creative director Kean Etro explores one of the most iconic signatures of the brand, its nomadic spirit. Travelling also becomes a state of the mind and of the heart. Meditation brings to unexplored territories. In a joyful state of grace. In the footsteps of Bruce Chatwin and of Dame Agatha Christie, ETRO’s nomadic journey tinges with reminiscences of archeological explorations in sun-drenched lands, where reality and dream merge. To the tone of Franco Battiato’s masterpiece ‘L’Era del Cinghiale Bianco’, ETRO’s soul travelers take the catwalk, - set in the surreal, suspended atmosphere of the Scalo Farini area in Milan, where nature unexpectedly makes its way through the concrete, - wearing languid, slightly sensual styles, designed to feel good.
www.etro.com
Fashion
Zegna SS22: The (New) Set
Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori explores the possibilities of both thoughtful tailoring and innovative fabric-making in the latest Zegna show. Filmed in both Milan and Turin, the fashion show invited the viewer to transcend into the unknown and magical realms of warm tones architecture, a labyrinth into the water of a stream which hosts a group of people who cheers to new beginnings. Zegna has been actively aiming to reset categorial designing in their collections, cleaning the slate for a restart that now takes the form of a New Set. Its fluid code enters the world by keeping the connotations of tailoring in both methodology and construction while redefining silhouette in new fabrications, adjusted to the needs of today. Fluid volumes and streamlined shapes allow for a new dialogue between clothing, body, and gestures. The precision of tailoring is used in a gently non-formal look that features unpredictable use of colors and textures. The collection is presented in the form of a film that plays off an energizing juxtaposition of freedom and restraint. The New Set silhouette includes collarless kimono shapes, utilitarian chore coats, long dusters, oversized overshirts, and a new generation of knitwear. This is the New Set. A tailored possibility for the modern world.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Women’s Cruise 2022 Show
This season’s cruise collection, filmed on the Axe Majeur, a architectural masterpiece near Paris, transforms a promenade into fantastical reveries. The sculpture reminds of a beautiful utopia, created by the late artist Dani Karavan, whose compassionate, peaceful works are scattered around around the world. It is an architecture of reconciliation, where water, light, wind, sand, concrete, stone, and steel create a felicitous relationship between nature, space, and time. The collection convinces the viewer with bold reds and blacks as well as mixed prints combined with vibrant boots. Puffy shapes and thick material add unknown dimensions to this collection. The Cruise collection proves once again, one needs nothing more than the most beautiful of passports: creation. As ever, it is unlimited and free.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
HUGO Louder
“HUGO Louder,” a new and exclusive music platform by HUGO that gives a voice to inspiring artists around the world, does more than share great music. Its mission is to amplify the voices of inspiring artists and young talents who want to change the world. HUGO’s brand ethos is closely linked to popular culture – especially music. In 2012, the brand launched “HUGO Tracks,” which showcased bands and acts from the electronic music scene. In more recent years, it has developed a strong partnership with singer-songwriter Liam Payne. Sparked by her enthusiasm, this edition runs under the slogan “Be your authentic Self". Launching on Friday, 4th June, Amelie will release a brand new track on HUGO Louder. Additionally, Amelie will play a live set at 6pm CET via IG live.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
BOSS Pride
Pride Month starts at BOSS with a capsule collection in support of ILGA World and a new campaign. BOSS is celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, underlining the message that love is for all and that everyone should have the freedom to be themselves. To mark this, BOSS has created a capsule collection, created in support of ILGA World – a worldwide federation of more than 1,700 organizations from over 160 countries and territories campaigning for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people. The new capsule features Pride flag colors and slogans, such as “Love for all” on unisex style essentials, from classic T-shirts to hoodies to bodywear. The dedicated Pride campaign features actor, writer, director, photographer, and activist, Tommy Dorfman, and Peter Zurkuhlen, who is Chief of Staff of Get Help and programming board member of the Los Angeles Chapter of StartOut which champions LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. Wearing the new capsule collection, Tommy and Peter are captured together to share their stories and speak about pride, freedom, and hope.
www.boss.com
Fashion
Sergei Polunin in Depeche Mode's "In Your Room" music video
Sergei Polunin in exclusive music video performance to Depeche Mode’s ‘In Your Room’, directed by Anton Corbijn In a new music video released today directed by Anton Corbijn, renowned ballet dancer Sergei Polunin performs a stunning contemporary dance to Depeche Mode’s 1993 hit song In Your Room directed by Anton Corbijn The powerful performance, choreographed by ROSS FREDDIE RAY, is filmed on vast, windswept sand dunes in TERSCHELLING, HOLLAND and evokes Polunin’s well-documented struggles within the confines of the ballet world and in his personal life, following his infamous rejection of the ballet establishment while at the height of his powers. It is a striking vision of a tempestuous figure who has so frequently courted controversy exorcising his demons alone against a harsh and unforgiving backdrop, providing the viewer an intimate glimpse inside this mercurial talent’s conflicted world. This video performance, produced by award-winning production company Merman, is an exclusive extract from the forthcoming feature documentary DANCER II, the recently announced sequel to the critically-acclaimed 2016 film Dancer, which charts Polunin’s meteoric rise to become the Royal Ballet’s youngest-ever principal dancer, and his self-inflicted fall from grace. DANCER II, directed by Corbijn and produced by Gabrielle Tana, will pick up from where Dancer left off, exploring Polunin’s return to ballet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrMwdQesnn4
Fashion
aeyde SS21 Campaign
The SS21 collection reinterprets into last season’s most popular styles, unveiling new shapes and color palettes to keep things cool as temperatures continue to rise. With peak summer upon us, WILMA and RENEE are the simple and sophisticated square-toe sandals to make the most of longer days and the warmth of the sun on your skin. DELIA and KELLY are reinterpretations of our bestselling ballerinas KIRSTEN. Designed with a rounded toe, the new flat slide and low-heel leather pump with an almond neckline are perfect for all of your warm weather occasions. Just in time to level up your summer looks, our top-selling styles also get a reboot with our brand new muted palette of snake-print tones and stone nappa leather.
www.aeyde.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani returning to live shows
The Giorgio Armani SS22 Men's Collection and the Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture shows will again be presented in front of a live audience, respectively on Monday 21 June and Tuesday 6 July.The Giorgio Armani fashion show will take place inthe courtyard of Via Borgonuovo 21, the venue that historically hosted the brand's fashion shows. The Giorgio Armani Privé fashion show will be held in Paris during the Haute Couture fashion week, at the headquarters of the Italian Embassy, a symbolic location that brings Italy to the fore in the capital of Haute Couture.The return to live attendance has been decided following the current general improvement in public health with relation to the pandemic. The organisation of the shows will comply with the distance and safety rules required by law and the actual holding of the events, in any case, will be conditional to the evolution of the pandemic.
www.giorgioarmani.com
Fashion
SAINT LAURENT: RIVE DROITE
Anthony Vaccarello has chosen to collaborate with the Italian design and architecture group Memphis as part of the Saint Laurent Rive Droite project. Enchanted by the timeless creations which have became object of his inspiration – Anthony Vaccarello will celebrate the collection hosting an exhibition of pieces part of the success of Memphis and its designers, such as the RING bed designed by Masanori Umeda, the CARLTON room divider by Ettore Sottsass, and RIVIERA chairs designed by MicheleDe Lucchi in 1981. Inspired by the magic of the ultra-graphic and very identifiable, playful and colored universe of its furnitures – Anthony Vaccarello has created for Saint Laurent an exclusive capsule of two multicolored checkerboard hoodies, two dresses, one shirt and two pairs of sneakers. These unique pieces combine classic models from Saint Laurent with the electric spirit of Memphis. A selection of rare books representing the history and works of Memphis will also be present in stores. The exhibition will take place from 19 May to 23 June, in both Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Versace La Vacanza
Allow Versace to transport you to the crystal-clear watersand blue skies of Liguria with the brand’s latest mini campaign. “With this shoot I wanted to create something fun that captures the spirit of a vacation. We all miss travel. We miss the excitement of being somewhere different, of meeting with friends and sharing experiences. These images are about enjoying life and feeling free, they encapsulate that summertime feeling of endless possibilities.” So Donatella Versace. A sequence of imagery and filmcapture candid moments of a very Versace vacation. Think sun-kissed models, glamourous seaside locations and iconic summer fashion. The brand’s Greca motif is ever-present throughout the series, ensuring the Versace DNA appears front and center. Shot by Camille Summers-Valli, the images highlight an offering of beach essentials, from swimsuits and silk shirts to travel bags and pool towels. A tongue-in-cheek video diary sees the models recalling how they spent their summer, but flashbacks reveal they’re notquite telling the truth. Playful and optimistic, the series hopes to spread a little Versace glamour this vacation season.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Anna Bella Geiger at S.M.A.K.
The first retrospective dedicated to the work of Anna Bella Geiger (b. 1933, Rio de Janeiro) opens in S.M.A.K. at the end of May. The exhibition includes over 170 works and spans a period of more than fifty years. Key series from the artist’s oeuvre will be shown alongside historical installations and Geiger’s works for the Venice and São Paolo Biennales (1980 and 1981, respectively). Anna Bella Geiger belongs to the first generation of conceptual artists in South America and is one of the most important contemporary artists in Brazil. Her unique visual language, which has been evolving since the 1950s, combines a critical examination of Brazilian history and identity with the development of experimental techniques. A pioneer of Brazilian video art, the artist has developed a radical art pedagogy and created innovative printing processes. Geiger’s quest for artistic autonomy is strongly related to the political and social reality of Brazil. During the repressive dictatorship (1964-1985), she used alienating body parts and world maps to comment on the shifting power relations in a poetic way. Through these visual tropes, she investigated the complex relationship between body, territory, image and power, without making an explicit political statement. As initial explorations of anthropomorphic and geographical space, they also constitute her approach to cartography as an ideological tool; a representation of reality that informs but also controls. The artist subverts the inherent claim to truth of these representations through the fluidity of language, printing and editing techniques and materials such as wax and yarn. In her discussions of this cartographic visual language, Geiger also includes reflections on the political and cultural hegemony of the West and the ensuing exclusions and stereotypes. She has also devoted series to the Brazilian art scene and the enduring dominance of modern art. Sporadically, she also makes self-portraits and incorporates more personal information into her work. In the process, we catch a glimpse of her own ‘peripheral’ position as an artist, as a member of a migrant family, bound to the domestic sphere, on the fringes of Western modernity.
Anna Bella Geiger’s work «Native Brasil / Alien Brasil» will be exhibited at at S.M.A.K. in Gent, from 29 May - 7 November 2021.
www.smak.be
Fashion
Gallery Weekend Berlin: Anna Uddenberg at Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler
In Big Baby, Anna Uddenberg takes the cartoon hyper masculine images drawn by gay manga artist Jiraiya and Czech nouveau baroque furniture designer Bo?ek Šípek as points of departure to create a new body of work. In the illustrations, Uddenberg views the butch bearish men as big, cute babies making masculinity equally submitted to dependency fed by consumer-culture as per her previous hyper gendered female figures. Formally, and removed of the human subject’s presence, the works, with their rustic wicker details could “pass” as Šípek’s postmodern furniture, or evoke the childhood comfort of the Swedish imaginary of “mys.” The gendered performativity of social use value in the tech aesthetics are sardonically questioned by the artist. It is worth remembering that, as per Victorian repression, puritanical tech companies today filter out sex, censoring nudity on social platforms, perhaps as part of a continuing project to keep the subject in a constant state of infantilization. In the 1973 Ted Post film The Baby, an adult male is held captive by a family who keep him in a state of infantilization. Baby is never permitted to speak, walk, or do things for himself and is forced to both wear and use diapers. He receives negative reinforcement in the form of beatings, restraints or shocks with a cattle prod whenever he attempts to try to break out of the baby role. Baby is forced to remain in his state of perpetual dependency and infantilism since his actual infancy. A female social worker tries to rescue him from his “prison” and is herself hunted.
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Courtesy of Anna Uddenberg; Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler, Berlin
Fashion
Volume and Elaborate Capacity
The Beak Bag is an integral part of the Bottega Veneta SS21 Salon 01 collection. It is a unisex belt bag, launched in various colors. The folded look of the Beak Bag creates a personal and padded effect for Salon 01. A tubular leather drawstring adapts the shape of the bag and emphasizes its volume and elaborate capacity. The design of the belt that wraps around the hips is made of a webbing strap and has a metal closure piece was inspired by the classic airplane seatbelt. This contrasts the soft, voluptuous look of the belt bag’s center piece and immediately directs the eye to the creative statement piece. The bag that comes in various leather shades from petrol to cream is also available as a full-on denim version. BOTTEGA VENETA’s creative director Daniel Lee’s Salon 01 collection gives way to the idea of domestic comfort fits combined with glamorous silhouettes of the 60s. He was inspired by the nostalgia of books, videos and records in the creative process of making the collection. This concept translates to the thick, bold, mostly knitted fabrics and is accentuated by the expressive color palette of green, yellow, black, violet and browns. The Beak Bag’s casual, effortless look and versatile color palette ties in perfectly with this philosophy. Lee himself summarizes his vision behind the new campaign saying: “I’m always interested in this idea, of how you can feel done up and elegant at the same time as feeling comfortable. That’s really my kind of mission for BOTTEGA.”
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Acqua di Parma x FILA
Two classic brands with Italian heritage join forces - ACQUA DI PARMA and FILA come together to celebrates FILA's 110th anniversary with a numbered limited edition set. With a heritage almost as long-standing as FILA, ACQUA DI PARMA has been a symbol of Italian excellence, craftsmanship and style since 1916 when Carlo Magnani created Colonia, a personal fragrance destined for timeless success. Synonymous with the most sophisticated Italian style, ACQUA DI PARMA today is a leading player in the international luxury landscape, a Maison that draws on tradition to reinterpret it, while innovating and evolving, exactly like FILA. FILA and ACQUA DI PARMA, meet under the Mediterranean sun to celebrate over a century of vibrant life.Available in 1.100 pieces, the kit includes the «Arancia di Capri» fragrance part of the well-known Blue Mediterraneo collection and a Fila terry-lined Tyvek windbreaker, a replica of the brand’s 1976 Aqua style.
www.acquadiparma.com
www.fila.com
Fashion
Independent Femininity
Following her guiding principles of holistic sustainability and respect for people, the environment and nature, Julia Leifert creates sustainable luxury wear for women. Her casually elegant, timeless designs stand for modern, independent and individual femininity in urban diversity and are made to empower. As an official member of UN Women Germany, part of the United Nations entity that works on gender equality and the empowerment of women, Julia Leifert’s message is strongly dedicated to social justice. The production process is focused on environmental sustainability, waste reduction and the idea of circularity. All materials used are organic and natural, as well as carefully sourced within Europe and made as durable and recyclable as possible. In line with the objective to reduce air pollution caused by transportation, the production takes place within a radius of 150 km in and around the city of Berlin under fair and transparent conditions. Julia Leifert sets a high value on closely monitoring the entirety of the manufacturing process to ensure the maintenance of the company’s standards of just working conditions and environmental compatibility. To avoid overproduction and waste of resources, there are no short-lived seasonal products, but products available as limited editions and can be pre-ordered and customized.
www.julialeifert.com
Fashion
Holographic Quest
For SS21 the German fashion house, MCM, continues its way into a virtual future by presenting their latest collection entitled Techno House. Inspired by the merging between natural and digital realms, the newest collection celebrates the brand’s visual inspirations and its unique design codes through a stylized nature-couture lens. MCM becomes the complete embodiment of utopian safaris in which reality and fantasy coexist, from lush arcadian landscapes to cyber-infused tundras. The collection presents a conceptual expedition through MCM’s DNA by reimagining its iconic design through solid geometric patterns and abstract motifs. The color palette is inspired by African landscapes, from sand dunes and quarries to tropical rainforests and seafront oases, the earthy tones juxtaposed with firefly red and holographic blues. The collection features clean-cut tailoring, deconstructed sportswear and function-driven silhouettes; each design tells a story of MCM’s heritage in a craft where form follows function and culture follows creativity. The latest collection introduces new silhouettes which explore gender-normative tensions in design through an epicene approach. The Tech Flower line is rejuvenating, a new rite of Spring, created by with holographic tendrils of intermingling florals and classic Visteos motifs, resulting in a wonderful contradiction of serenity and discord.
www.mcmworldwide.com
Fashion
Gallery Weekend Berlin: Adrian Ghenie at Juerg Judin Gallery
Adrian Ghenie, Rest During the Flight Into Egypt, 2016, (Detail).Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles. Generously gifted by the Abrishamchi Family Collection, M.2017.76
With his newest exhibition of paintings, Adrian Ghenie and the Juerg Judin Gallery conclude 15 years of collaboration, which began in 2006 with the group exhibition “The Cluj Connection”, which was followed by a solo exhibiton within a year. This marked Ghenie’s first appearance on the international scene. Since, he has established himself as one of the most successful painters of his generation – the internet generation. Ghenie’s response to this unprecedented flood of information, images and the technical “anything goes” was (and remains), his focus on the traditional, almost reactionary medium of painting. He can distinguish himself from other figurative painters by his profound understanding and utilization of art history, that he never exhausts of citation and an increasing virtuoso pay with different stages of recognizability. Now, in the ten paintings of the exhibition We Had Everything Before Us, all completed in the spring of 2021, Ghenie for the first time turns to his friends, neighbors and the buoyant pre-pandemic scenes of his home, Berlin. As the exhibition title suggests, the focus lies on the coming of age and the ensuing “lack of history”. It is about the moment when life is thought of exclusively in the present and future tense and the past tense seems a long way off.
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Adrian Ghenie, The Three Graces, 2021. © The artist. Courtesy Galerie Judin, Berlin
Fashion
Cartier: Tank Cintrée’s 100th birthday
The iconic Tank Cintrée watch turns 100 – to celebrate this Cartier will present a new limited edition model limited to 150 numbered pieces. Every single one of them has already been sold before the official launch. This creation exemplifies the successful reissues of legendary Cartier watch designs. The new Tank Cintrée draws heavily from the original model, venturing into the 21st century. Its sleek curved design, vertically oriented case, and the elegance of its "eggshell" dial make it perfect for lovers of stylish aesthetics. The watch gives the original Tank a more elongated shape and a curved case. The watch owes its name to the curvaceous shape for comfortable wearing. Thus, the watch gently nestles around the wrist. Even though the case height now measures 6.40 mm, it has lost none of its unmistakable features: rail decor, Roman numerals, apple-shaped hands, pearlized winding crown with sapphire cabochon and bracelet with pin buckle. This is the aesthetic signature of a great classic in the art of watchmaking, which has not changed since its introduction in 1921 and is now equipped with a manufacture hand-wound movement, caliber 9780 MC.
www.cartier.com
Art
Gallery Weekend Berlin: Ashley Hans Scheirl at Crone Berlin
Installation view, Ashley Hans Scheirl, Currencies of De*Capital Delirium, Galerien Crone Berlin, 2021
As part of this year’s Gallery Weekend, Crone Berlin is presenting a solo exhibition by the artist Ashley Hans Scheirl, who, together with her/his partner Jakob Lena Knebl, will be exhibiting in the Austrian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2022. Paintings, sculptures, and drawings merge in the gallery spaces to form a room-filling installation. They lead the visitor into an exuberant, seemingly insane dream world. Consumption and the search for meaning, restriction and freedom, greed and renunciation, excess and isolation, rebellion and resignation, identity and transformation, gender and hierarchy, individual lifestyles and the global economy of rejection collide here and culminate in a digital-anarchist-neutralized big bang, or at least in a new world currency that gives the exhibition its title: Currencies of De*Capital Delirium. Angela, Angela Scheirl, Angela Hans, Angel Hans, Zeze Hans, Ah, A A A A, Hans Scheirl, Hans, Hansi, Hansda, Hans von S/hit, Scheirl, Ashley Hans Scheirl was born in Salzburg (Austria), in 1956. She/He lives in Vienna. The work she did in the 1990s as part of London’s underground dyke scene contributed to the development of a conceptual practice that was constantly exchanging with the Viennese scene via the techniques of experimental cinema, painting, object art, actions in public space, performance and music, with all genres treated as equal. Indeed, in this artist’s practice, these “disciplinary techniques” are brought together to function on the model of a lesbian, queer sexuality. This transitioning of one fine arts category toward another was accompanied during these years when the artist was moving between London, Vienna, and New York by a metamorphosis of her/his own body, helped by the injection of testosterone. Her/his mutating name reflects this constant becoming which is never really static. Her/his recent self-expression in the use of painting, after multiple experiments with Super 8 and video cameras, encouraged Angela— now Hans—to transform her/his masculine look by a new phase of emancipation and to become Ashley, a painter who carefully cultivates her/his androgynous appearance.
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Jakob Lena Knebl & Ashley Hans Scheirl Seasonal Greetings. Kunsthaus Bregenz, Oesterreich, 2020/2021, Installation view, Ashley Hans Scheirl Das Labor, Operationssaal, 2020. Photo: Markus Tretter, Lindau
Fashion
Givenchy: 4G Bag
Givenchy introduces the «4G» bag. The latest design of the Maison was created by Matthew M Williams and is a sleek and graphic update on a classic shape. The rectangular 4G bag design comes to life in two versions: a flap bag and a chain bag. The two formats are conceived to adapt to multiple styles of wear. The 4G flap bag features a removable strap with Givenchy metal brackets that adjusts for over-the-shoulder or crossbody wear. The 4G chain bag version features the House’s new signature G-link chain in silver- or gold-finished metal, slips through metallic hoops to adapt to shoulder or crossbody wear. Both shapes are available in full-grain box-calf leather and feature various colors from neutral black to ivory, cappuccino beige, to seasonal shades of avocado green. More vibrant variations include baby pink, red and dark khaki. Special finishes showcase an all-over 4G monogram. This is achieved through high-frequency debossing on the calf leather for a three-dimensional effect and comes in ivory, pink or black. Additionally, patent leather versions in black or sky blue have a crinkled finish. www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent FW21 – Where the silver wind blows
Against the backdrop of hostile yet beautiful natural grounds, the FW21 collection by Anthony Vaccarello shakes up Saint Laurent’s bourgeois codes. Walking on black cliffs, black beaches, and endless fields of green. The collection is demonstrated in an ethereal way, swaying between fantasy and reality. Colors clash against the black scene - unshapely metal bodies come together with sixties tweed suits and fur hems, claiming their effortless nature. Nineties cult-musician Peaches inspired the glitzy imperfections taken from her wardrobe – embodied by the blur between cheesy and luxurious. Sharp metallic jersey bodysuits echo the gleaming cascades of fantasy jewelry, disguised as precious. The unnecessary is a featured performer, becoming necessary to revive the past. As designer Antony Vaccarello puts it, “Serious matters push you to take other things less seriously; finding the balance while staying on edge is a sophisticated aptitude.”
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Michael Kors 40th Anniversary FW21
For the 40th anniversary FW21 collection Michael Kors’ digital fashion show immersed the guests in this season’s inspiration: stepping out once the world opens up again. Opening night was the theme of the stream set in the heart of Broadway and at a musical performance of the singer, songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright. Beginning with a greeting from designer Michael Kors in New York’s Times Square, the collection debuted through a multi-faceted, digital experience, accessible on the brand’s digital channels. The brand’s short film was created by actor, director and producer Erich Bergen and features well-known celebrities and Broadway A-listers including Billy Porter, Bette Midler and more. The broadcast’s highlight: a full runway show, designed and produced by Bureau Betak, that was previously recorded on location throughout the theater district. Musically accompanied by Wainwright’s “City Lights”, “New York State of Mind” and “There’s No Business like Show Business” the runway film set an optimistic, festive tone. The collection is an expression of timeless glamour and urban luxury featuring neutrals of black, ivory, charcoal and smoky tones with splashes of metallic silver, bold scarlet and shimmering gunmetal. Impressive head-to-toe monochromatic dressing paired with tailored coats, as well as oversized coats paired with graphic animal prints make up the signature looks of the FW21 anniversary collection.
Fashion
HUBLOT x Sang Bleu
Hublot and London-based tattoo studio Sang Bleu reveal their collaboration consisting of three limited-edition Big Bang watches that explore new territories of color. Hublot and Sang Bleu are engaging again to produce a colorful new trio. The new Big Bang Sang Bleu II Ceramic watch will now be available in blue, grey, and white. Adding to their technical achievement of successfully creating perfectly and evenly colored ceramic, Hublot unveils a watch architecture that continues to defy tradition. With its sharp angles, its sculptural case, its multiple facets as if cut in diamond, the Big Bang Sang Bleu II designed by Maxime Plescia-Buchi and Hublot can amaze and astound. The designs combine the creativity of the tattoo artist with the technical expertise of the Nyon-based manufacture. The piece displays a radical, complex design that demands a closer look to appreciate its multidimensional appearance fully. The case, bezel, case middle, strap, and dial have been constructed with their own geometry, and, at the same time, they come together with seamless fluidity. The clue ceramic version is an embodiment of the name of the tattoo studio Sang Bleu (Engl. Blue blood), a term used in historical literature to describe the high status of a family. Each version of Big Bang Sang Bleu II will be available as a limited edition of 200 pieces.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
CELINE 10 - PARADE
In cooperation with Creative Director Hedi Slimane, CELINE created a visual fairytale fantasy to present the FW21 womenswear collection. The virtual catwalk shown in CELINE’s newest short film titled PARADE is set in the André le Nôtre Gardens at the Chateau de Vaux-Le-Vicomte. Slimane takes the viewer on what he defines as a utopian journey expressing a melancholic daydream of interrupted, yet eternal youth. The collection ties in with the narrative of medieval fairytale by drawing on contemporary elegance and Parisian chic, but also contrasts it through its modern streetstyle nonchalance. Hence, this season Celine presents a truly ready-to-wear runway collection, in celebration of vibrant youth and effortlessness. Utilitarian everyday wear is merged with high fashion luxury through a variety of unconventional combinations. Looks that layer metallic skirts and trousers with black hoodies, denim jacket or oversized plaid coats bring the spirit of Celine’s FW21 collection to life. Youthful elements like sequins and baseball caps are paired with more formal elements like tweed and structured hoop skirts that embody elegance with slight extravagance.
Fashion
BP Signature by Brioni
Brioni presents BP Signature, an exclusive capsule collection created in collaboration with House ambassador Brad Pitt. The Hollywood actor’s way of wearing clothes, whether formal, casual or black tie reflects his personality, rather than distracting from it. He embodies the relaxed elegance of a modern man with intrinsic ease and graceful confidence. The same idea guides BP signature. The collection expresses a simplicity that finds strength in sophisticated materials. In choosing Brioni to outfit him since 2019, Pitt selected muted colors for an understated wardrobe and soft fabrics that add texture to his looks. When it comes to formal wear, his preferred cut is a relaxed, laid-back one. Pitt’s personal style, combined with Brioni’s unmatched craftmanship drove the creation of BP Signature, forming a well-rounded wardrobe and an interesting interplay of textures. Referencing Brad Pitt’s impactful career, the evening pieces are modeled after the outfit he wore during the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony when he won an Academy Award for acting in Quentin Tarantino’s much-lauded film, Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood.
Fashion
BOTTEGA VENETA presents ISSUE
image by Elaine Constantine
Bottega Veneta swapped social media for a quarterly digital journal called Issue, of which it just released its Issue 001. The reveal of their journal explains why the Italian brand mysteriously vanished from all social platforms earlier this year. While other brands were launching Clubhouse accounts and joining platforms as TikTok, Bottega Veneta, one of the most popular labels of 2020, was making itself impossible to find. Daniel Lee, Bottega Veneta’s Creative Director, chose to get off the platform because it oversimplifies the creative process and believes it’s a homogenization of culture.
The content that lives on the digital journal is a mixture of creative campaigns and features a newly commissioned music video for Missy Elliott’s 1999 classic Hot Boyz. Content like that is supposed to make the audience sit with it as you would watch a movie. For the journal’s first Issue, Missy Elliott created a new record and posed for photographs by Tyrone Lebon; Biba’s Barbara Hulanicki made sketches; Rottingdean Bazaar styled a photoshoot. The journal also contains more capricious hues such as balloon art, jello handbags, and shoe hedges. The mix of serious and playful content proves that Bottega Veneta is the perfect mixture of sophisticated and whimsical.
www.issuedbybottega.com
image by Bindi Steel
Fashion
Prada Timecapsule
Prada unveils the fourth drop of the Timecapsule New Series, dedicated to knitwear. Prada Timecapsule is an exclusive product drop of 50 items, occurring once a month, each first Thursday. The newest drop presents a modernist sweater, combining jacquard patterns from the Prada Archive with a sportswear-inspired maxi triangle inlay. The Prada logo is reinterpreted on the front of the item. The triangle that stands out on the back includes the drop date.
The Prada Timecapsule drop will be available from April 1st, 2021 at 3pm CET for 24 hours only, exclusively on prada.com.
Fashion
Stone Island x New Balance
Global athletic leader New Balance and Stone Island co are joining forces to kick off a long-term relationship. The brands will unveil collaborative product releases later this year. Both brands share similar research and functionality values in their respective areas of expertise and take an analytical approach to innovative data-driven design. Now they realize their shared vision of developing a footwear collaboration that will roll out in several different waves over the next few years.
By transcending current trends, New Balance and Stone Island will bring their shared values to life in new and creative ways. “Our collaboration with Stone Island is not only rooted in performance innovation but elevating our mutual values of premium craftsmanship and superior product quality,” said Chris Davis, Chief Marketing Officer at New Balance. “Both New Balance and Stone Island are independently minded brands with solid aptitudes for calculated risk-taking. Each brand has strong family roots and a robust heritage and will open its respective doors to more profound research and experimentation to collaborate on exciting product innovations. “There are only a limited number of brands that can be referred to as iconic,“ said Carlo Rivetti, President and Creative Director at Stone Island. “They are so because of the consistency throughout their history, their strong vision and endless passion put into product making, always intending to serve the end-users. While this collaboration highlights how New Balance and Stone Island innovate, it exemplifies a more significant story from the brands that continue to tap creative partners with a unique approach.
www.stoneisland.com
www.newbalance.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton FW21
For this year’s Louis Vuitton FW21 collection, traveling is essential, not in space but in time. To feel the perks of traveling, it’s enough to reach back to the Golden Age, an era that forged the essence of our civilization. Everything is expressed so purely in Greco-Roman antiquity, the acme of an aesthetic whose primacy is uncontested. More than a journey, Louis Vuitton embarks on an odyssey with a FW21 collection that incorporates fabulous drawings by Fornasetti, the delicate, fanciful engravings of an enduring era. His imaginative strokes explore, illustrate and impart style. The story of humankind is also a story of the conquest of the body, heart, and mind. In the center stands humanity, with all its functional elegance, intellectual dominance, and earthly seduction. The astonishment of age-old principles endures and continues to guide us. One of them is contrapposto, which first appeared in the 6th century BC and lent statues a dynamic allure. Countless couture poses have been reprised since and still denote a certain stylistic tension in fashion.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Rick Owens FW21
Rick Owens presents its FW21 show in a very personal space, in front of his home on Venice’s lido. To the brand, the garden where the show is held signifies the Gethsemane, the garden Jesus prayed in the night before the crucifixion. It was a place of uneasy repose and disquiet before a final reckoning, a biblical drama relatable to the intensity and uncertainty of the past years. Just a 2-hour drive from his factory in Concordia, this year’s show offers a pared-down, no audience, home-based mood that feels suitable for the present moment. During the show, which showed the behind-the-scenes and different angles overlooking the show, smoke vails the models and mystifies the scene.
Holding the show with no audience and close to home turned it from a big spectacle into a private ceremony, which allowed the brand to reconnect to its roots after 15 years of Paris Fashion Shows. Skin-tight leather bodysuits underpin most looks, some with the top pulled down to hang off the hips, some are solidly sequined. Rick Owens has featured bodysuits for many seasons, initially to impose stiff volumes but gradually reducing to their current incarnation; self-contained and sealed body coverings. The bodysuits are topped by power shoulder capes that turn the body into architectural bulldozers or power shoulder bombers mocking male aggression and conservatism careening. These shoulders are a response to fear and anxiety, defiance in the face of threat. The masks shown with the shows during the pandemic were not because of protection but because they are a vote for responsibility and consideration and an acknowledgment of humanity’s immediate collective experience. Tailored jackets are made from recycled plastic waste and cropped with the sleeves ripped off and replaced with jumbo duvet snap-on sleeves. In the bible, the rending of one’s garments is an act of grief or rage — to violently tear the clothes one is wearing apart. This is the significance of the slashed black denim pieces in the collection, mirrored in the slashed graphics rendered in by-product shearlings and cowhides patchworked into coats and jackets.
www.rickowens.com
Photocredit OWENSCORP
Fashion
DIOR FW21
Fashion should be a form of escapism, a distraction from our everyday life where the time-space dimension is erased. For this reason, Maria Grazia Chiuri is taking the onlooker of the FW21 collection into the realm of fairytales with its intricate network of symbolism. A fairytale is never just a beautiful story, it is a direct social commentary, it serves to challenge and revisit stereotypes and archetypes, a narrative, which projects itself into the future. References to this fantastical world are to be found all throughout the collection. The toy soldier’s uniform is transformed into a series of blue cashmere coats embellished with touches of red and white, as if through magic, rich fabrics using gold and silver threads appear weightless as if they were floating and evening gowns in layered tulles seemingly evaporating in a froth of marvelous colors would be fit for any princess. Maria Grazia Chiuri herself is extremely fond of the original tale of Beauty and the Beast. An archival rose motif, based on an original drawing by Andrée Brossin de Méré, to whom the collection also pays tribute, permeates tartans evoking Grazia Chiuri’s favorite. The collection opens a subtle path towards new awareness, with a feminine sensibility that is able to merge memories of the past and maturity, as if by magic.
www.dior.com
Fashion
VERSACE FW21
‘Models are like actors, they bring the designs to life, just like when a performer portrays a character. During the filming of this show I saw how important it is to give the models time to “feel” the clothes they wear on the runway’. This quote by Donatella Versace expresses her inspiration for the Versace FW21 collection. She envisions deceleration for the fashion industry, in pursuit of true connection with the designs and the people in this fast pace era. Creatively, the collection features a reinvention of the iconic Greca motif in the form of a dynamic and immersive 3D maze, that feels like you can step into it. The new Versace La Greca code illustrates the Greek Key along with the Versace logo in various sizes and color combinations. Power and self-confidence are entrenched in the geometric pattern with sharp angles and clean lines. The womenswear line comprises shapes reduced in volume with rounded shoulders, cinched waists and A-line skirts. The trousers are cropped simply cut, foregrounding the upgraded La Greca print. The new pattern decorates modern daywear, signature metal mesh dresses, sensual eveningwear, bold sheepskin outerwear and is embroidered on denim. Harnesses that cross the chest like armor and add sharp detail through embellishment and contrasting shades accentuate the fierceness of the collection. Menswear cuts are slim and refined with a twist. The tailoring emphasizes the body with sensual intimacy. La Greca reoccurs in different ways from all-over jacquard-suits, to small rubber patches on the chest like soccer badges. The finishes include shiny vinyl, as well as matte wool. The FW21 collection also introduces a graffiti Medusa smiley that plays with the brand’s sense of humor and rebellious, subversive tendencies. Considered a symbol of celebration, freedom and dancefloor communities, it is framed by La Greca patterned border and appears on foulards, men’s outerwear and women’s shirts.
Fashion
Dries van Noten FW21
Dries van Noten’s FW21 collection is a call to passion. A troupe of 47 performers from the world-renowned contemporary dance companies Rosas and Ultima Vez, and a few from the Opéra National de Paris, presented the latest collection by dancing between purity and passion, masculine and feminine, genders fused and embraced. Most participants are women, dancers with a few models, though a few men dancers complete the group. Dancers became models,’ and models became dancers. Dressing a dancer’s human form required the designer to rethink styling choices, whose gestures range from meek to vaudevillian. The tailoring has gravitas yet is juxtaposed with the exuberance and glamour of the fluffy, shiny, and whimsical. Easy, elongated long shirt dresses, which are belted, wrapped, structured, and lose fit tailoring stand out in the collection.
The pieces vary in cut from couture to sportswear and are accessorized with roses as bags. Red lips and roses, pearls, sequins, and marabou are iconic representations of glamour. Embellished with Swarovski crystals and fancy trim in contrasted vivid tule and georgette redefine the outline of garments. The collection marks the return to essence and Dries Van Noten’s design roots by updating his take on a long white shirt dress for his first collection in 1981 as a fashion student. Caspar Sejersen shot the photography and film at ‘The Red Room’ of the Single Theatre in Antwerp. The models dance to the song “Angel” by the English trip-hop group Massive Attack.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
SPORTMAX FW21
The SPORTMAX FW21 collection and digital Milan Fashion Week runway show embody a retro-futuristic ode to fierce womanhood in anticipation of ‘All Tomorrow’s Parties’. Driven by interpretations of Greek mythology and female imaginaries across historical epochs, the collection frames an artistic play on time and space. Narratives invigorating female figures such as a Greek or a Botticellian, Renaissance goddess, a femme fatale from the 1940s, a 1960s psychedelic spiritualist, an activist of the 1970s or a 90s techno lover emerge and intertwine on the SPORTMAX runway.
The collection is an ode to unapologetic womanhood and female emancipation, fiercely brought forward by females that embraced the unconventional and transcended norms and stereotypes throughout history. Moreover, the designs make reference to the uncertain, yet hopeful atmosphere that defined the era of the 1920s, seeing part of it reflected in today’s Zeitgeist of stagnation and collective yearning for the future – awaiting the parties of tomorrow. The aesthetic form language of the SPORTMAX FW 21 collection juxtaposes maximalism and minimalism, femininity and masculinity and past and future. Inspired by Claude Cahun, the 20th century writer, performer and artist who trailblazed the gender-fluid and non-binary values that still endure today, the collection is characterized by a touch of androgyny clashing with glamour and austerity, as well as modesty and sensuality. Cahun’s spirit endures in the flowing contours of the Roaring Twenties played out in silhouettes that transform the body into a human art form. Dominant shoulder shapes and slimming drapery that accentuate the bust meet skirts and trousers with extended hems and unexpected parachute shapes. Materials borrowed form the masculine world, such as leather, flannel and pinstripe wool collide with raw textures and edges, amped up by fringe and studied tie die techniques that express innovative, bold femininity. Transparent interpretations of knitwear achieved through soft mohair threads reoccur throughout the collection, suggesting an intriguing contrast of lightness. The largely monochrome color palette is electrified by vibrant shades of yellow, reds, fuchsia and blues. Sac-shapes bags, boots with biker detailing, statement jewelry, sleek gloves and contoured eyewear inject the collection with a sense of bravado.
www.sportmax.com
Fashion
MÜNN FW21
The MÜNN FW21 Co-ed Collection focuses on the concept “CUT OUT”, which was intended to play and contrate on cutting off cutting out and cutting down unfamiliar parts of garments while concentrating on traditional sewing techniques. The show is set in a hall featuring a seemingly floating marble stage with spotlight features that the models walk around. The collection’s juxtaposed casual yet clean-cut and chic shapes are emphasized using keys and dog tags as jewelry, fascinator hats combined with pink hairstreaks. Jacquard fabrics are combined with leather jackets, and the colors used range from traditional black and white to more playful colors such as lavender and beige.
The collection is mainly based on using and exposing entire selvages in the designs, cutting out the neckline of a ‘classic’ blazer in the form of a crew neck line or giving the look of a clear raw-cut frontline. Fort hat the fashion house, used mainly Harris Tweed Wool and recycled Polyester. Inspired by vintage jacquard carpets, MÜNN created customized woven Floral Jacquard fabrics for the FW21 collection to bring the designs to life.
www.munnseoul.kr
Fashion
Furla FW 21: #Furlaillusions
Furla releases its third chapter of #Furlaillusions, an interactive digital platform for the Milan Fashion Week. The interactive platform unveils a selection of the most impressive pieces of Furla’s FW21 collection. This unique online experience allows the viewer to dive into the elegant and dreamlike Furla universe in a virtual space. Furla presents their new pieces in an endless and sky-like virtual room surrounded by soft floating clouds.
The brand’s creativity unfolds encircled by natural elements within the limitless space and glittering waters accentuated by colorful butterflies. The event #Furlaillusions spreads a romantic atmosphere and embodies the same mood of freedom and joyous elegance as #Funfurla, the recently launched institutional manifesto of Furla. Viewers are invited to join in on this experience on the platform through an animated video presenting this new creative space and highlighting Furla’s Fall-Winter 2021 hero bag – the Furla Portagioia.
In a See-Now-Buy-Now activation, the bags will be available in limited edition as a preview, and exclusively at Milan’s recently re-designed Duomo flagship store, as well as globally on e-commerce. The Furla Villa and Furla Vertigine lines are also featured on the website. Additional to the playful discovery of the new collection via the platform, the story of FW21 is told via surrealistic and poetic social media filters.
www.furla.com
Fashion
GANNI x Levi's
In collaboration with the Danish sustainable brand GANNI Levi’s presents a collection of Jeans, jackets, dresses and tops made of robust hemp-based cotton. Following their first conjoined upcycling collection in 2020, the two brands new line of clothing further elaborates their objective to bring innovatively designed sustainable and conscious fashion onto the market. Cottonized hemp as a substitute for conventional cotton avoids pesticides and fundamentally reduces water use in the production of the pieces. The hemp stems from rainfed agriculture and the fibers are then softened using an innovative biotechnical method that transforms the plant-based material into cotton-like fabric. Levi’s Chief Product Offices Karyn Hillmann expresses her enthusiasm for the collection and work with GANNI saying: ‘We are big fans of GANNI. In our collaboration, we combine the casual femininity of their designs with Levi's iconic denim looks and new sustainable materials like cottonized hemp’.
Fashion
MIU MIU presents: SHANGRI-LA by Isabel Sandoval
SHANGRI-LA, directed, written and edited by Isabel Sandoval, is the 21st commission from Miu Miu Women’s Tales. The acclaimed short-film series invites today’s most profound and original female directors to investigate vanity and femininity in the 21st century. Isabel Sandoval (she/her) is a Philippino director, writer, editor, producer, and actress who works from and lives in New York City. In 2019 she made history by being the first trans woman of color director to screen at the Venice International Film Festival’s Giornate Degli Autori’ section. The film called ‘Lingua Franca’ additionally has been nominated for the 2021 Film Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award. Isabel Sandoval’s directorial debut was the film Señorita, which earned her the Emerging Director Award at the Asian American International Film Festival. For Miu Miu Women’s Tales, the director herself plays the protagonist in SHANGRI-LA and is co-starred by Matthew Fifer (he/him), an actor-director whose film ‘Cicada’ premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in September 2020.
SHANGRI-LA is set in California during the Great Depression. The story follows a woman who confides her most intimate thoughts in a church confessional, who listens silently. The confession turns out to be no ordinary religious ritual seeking salvation as the protagonist, a second-generation Filipino farmhand, is coming clean about her love for a white American man during a historical period in which such interracial relationships were prohibited by law. Her confession box transforms into a time machine, with which she travels into several alternate futures in which she no longer lives in fear of the state but can love freely. SHANGRI-LA, inspired by the fictional place described in the 1933 novel ‘Lost Horizon’ by British author James Hilton, is the idea of earthly paradise, isolated from the world. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many immigrants who came to America imagined it to be a paradise of freedom and possibility found it quite the opposite. Isabel Sandoval explores the heavenly possibility of utopia and liberation, the America that could have been, through her unique perspective as a trans woman of color.
SHANGRI-LA digitally premieres on miumiu.com and Miu Miu social channels on February 23rd, 2021.
www.miumiu.com
Photo Credit: Brigitte Lacombe
Fashion
Marcell von Berlin FW21/22 at NYFW
Marcell von Berlin’s NYFW debut show presenting the FW21/22 collection aesthetically visualizes a play on the imagined liminal sphere between abstraction and reality, between the existing world and anticipated future. The German brand’s designer Marcell Pustull collaborates with Celebrity Stylist and Creative Directive Director Nicola Formichetti for his new FW21/22 collection. The collection expresses optimism for the ‘new normal’, embracing the unforeseeable instability of the current times and bringing across the persisting value of fashion and design. Marcell Pustull’s objective is to convey the message of hope and enthusiasm, while simultaneously expressing the current stagnating, insecure reality society is facing in the state of lockdown and recovery. This is also reflected in the different styles that meet in the collection: Rock and Roll Chic, Color Blocking and a touch of Disco. Power silhouettes in leather & denim, glamorous sequin and feather dresses and tailored suits in loud, bright colors, spell out the inner voice longing for change and euphoria for the new prevails. The choice of the Eric Lloyd Wright Residence in Malibu as the set-location for the NYFW show further embodies the symbolic value of the show, visualizing the Zeitgeist and message of Marcell von Berlin’s FW21/22 collection. The ruined building on the rugged cliffs of Malibu evokes standstill, while also capturing the wide view over the local landscape, reiterating the metaphor of hope and freedom.
Fashion
North Sails for 36th America’s Cup by Prada
North Sails has been selected as the official clothing partner for the 36th Prada America’s cup, the world’s oldest sporting trophy with a history dating back 168 years. The regatta maintains its status as a sporting event par excellence, and North Sails is proud to once again confirm its presence at one of the major international sailing competitions. North Sails’ has a rich history in the sailing sport and strives to “Go Beyond” with exploration and innovation as cornerstones of the brand. The brand is again partnering with this event and releasing an exclusive capsule collection centered around innovation and sustainability. Thus, the collection is made from recycled materials and designed for technical performance to the details.
All three styles of the capsule collection are crafted from recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating while features a stand collar printed on the inside with the America’s Cup logo lettering. America’s Cup heritage inspires the New York vest features a soft-shell back in recycled polyester, and high-performance Repreve padding obtained from recycled plastic bottles and is perfect for layering. The Hauraki half-zip jacket boasts a high-performance modular construction and a stand collar with a packable hood. The design features heat-taped seams for superior protection. The third piece is the Perth jacket, which is a reinterpretation of the iconic sailor jacket. The North Sails for the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada Capsule Collection is available at all North Sails mono-brand stores, the main chains in Europe, and the brand’s online store.
www.northsails.com
Fashion
KARA: 'YOU BE YOU' Campaign
KARA, a designer handbag and leather purse brand founded by Sarah Law, has collaborated with stylist Monica Kim for a glamour shoot. The brand, whose name is inspired by the word Karaoke (meaning empty orchestra in Japanese), strives to express personality and creativity. The shoot features untraditional individualistic people from Korea such as a female LGBQT+ advocate. For the content collaboration, KARA shines a light on non-traditional families, relationships, and identities in Korean communities. The partnership celebrates individuality and features various artists tattoo Artist, a stylist, a fashion merchandiser, a model, and a metal and leatherwork artisan, cofounders of the brand Teeth and a cat. The photo series includes futuristic disco elements that capture the modernistic designs of KARA, often including thick chains, neon colors, and crystal mesh. www.karastore.com
Fashion
DIESEL – ‘WHEN TOGETHER’
A portrait of desire, with absence fueling the fire. DIESEL presents ‘When Together’, a short film featuring eight real-life couples physically and emotionally reconnecting in bliss following periods of absence from each other’s lives. The leitmotif of the film directed by documentary film-maker Cheryl Dunn is isolation. The couples are portrayed in separation by walls, streets, borders or seas, before being able to engage in the ecstasy of reunion. ‘When Together’ is the first campaign formulated under DIESEL Creative Director Glenn Martens and embodies an authentic tribute to the intensity of love and passion. The DIESEL campaign draws on contemporary fears of remaining in collective isolation and times of unforeseeable crisis by looking forward to a world in which true, unrestrained connection may occur once again. It emphasizes the importance of human connection after being deprived of it. ‘When together’ is yet another of DIESEL's powerful campaigns known to be boundary-pushing advertising sought to challenge the status quo by normalizing taboos, highlighting social or environmental injustices, or commenting on the absurdities of society and/or politics.
Fashion
Prada presents: “China Cabinet” by Theaster Gates
Prada exhibits the “China Cabinet,” a project by Chicagoan artist Theaster Gates. Gates, who is not only a visual artist but also a performer, a professor, an urban planner, and a community activist, has reimagined the spaces of Prada Rong Zhai in Shanghai with his ceramics. For “China Cabinet”, Gates built a three-chapter visual story on the building’s first floor. The Prada Rong Zhai is a historic residence built in 1918 and restored with the support of Fundazione Prada before being reopened in October 2017.
In three chapters, the artist presents the underlying themes of reusing materials and architectural construction techniques. He references craftsmanship, spirituality, stereotypical imagery imposed on the African-American community, and symbols from the civil rights movement. The stationary objects’ staging tells a story, the first part of which is a delicate display as if they were in an antique Chinese porcelain cabinet. The second part is a reconstruction of Gate’s private potters’ workshop and lastly, he displays the pieces as if they were in his private home, therefore, transforming the artist from a guest to a ghost to a host of the Prada Rong Zhai.
China Cabinet is on show at Prada Rong Zhai, Shanghai, from March 11th – May 23rd, 2021.
www.prada.com
Fashion
FENDI: Moonlight Bag
FENDI is extending their FENDI Sunshine family with the cross-body Moonlight bag, launched as part of the Spring/Summer collection. As the name suggests, the satchel bag receives its name after its half-moon shape.
Following the iconic Sunshine Shopper bag's footsteps, the Moonlight bag features its distinctive details, such as the signature tortoiseshell effect acrylic glass as featured on the sunshine bag's handles. It also features a golden guilloche metal buckle with the iconic FF motif, which adds a luxurious feel. As one opens its flap, the hot-pressed FENDI Roma scripture reveals itself.
The carefully handmade tone-in-tone Selleria stitch, traditional to the fashion house, gives the bag a high-quality finishing. Made from 100% calf leather and exclusively produced in Italy, the Moonlight bag is available in black, brown, grey, green, yellow, and orange. It is a versatile bag that the owner can adjust to function as a shoulder or cross-body, which goes day to night seamlessly.
www.fendi.com
Music
Kaldewei: SOUND WAVE
Kaldewei is confronting plastic pollution, starting in the most intimate room of all, the bathroom. According to the Heinze Bathroom Panel, 12,000 tons of plastic are installed in German bathrooms in acrylic bathtubs and shower trays. That's why Kaldewei uses superior steel enamel that is fully recyclable. Now Kaldewei is revolutionizing the at-home spa experience with their sustainably produced SOUND WAVE audio system, which turns Kaldewei bathtubs into a resonating body.
SOUND WAVE is the acoustic innovation for every bathroom and compatible with all Kaldewei bathtub models. Six acoustic panels and two body sound transducers are attached to the tub's inside and remain invisible to create an exceptional sound experience. SOUND WAVE plays back any audio file via Bluetooth from a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or PC. Not only spa lovers are convinced of the SOUND WAVE, which revolutionizes the bath experience, even music professionals such as sound engineer Bryan Gallant from The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, Canada, has already installed the SOUND WAVE in the studio so musicians can experience a new way of listening to their own music after a session. The Warehouse Studio has hosted many of Rock's greatest such as REM, Nickelback, Billy Joel, Muse, Metallica, AC/DC, and Bryan Adams.
www.kaldewei.de
Fashion
CHANEL – The Haute Couture Salons
In collaboration with the Parisian interior designer Jacques Grange CHANEL open its new Haute Couture Salons at an emblematic address in Paris, the birth city of CHANEL Haute Couture. 31 Rue Chambon is home to the CHANEL boutique, the Haute Couture Salons, Gabrielle Chanel's private apartment, the Creation studio as well as various atelier spaces, and represents CHANEL’s prestigious legacy as the oldest Parisian Haute Couture House.
The new interior design of The Haute Couture Salons is inspired by the photographic archives entrusted to the decorator by the House and created in dedication to Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard. Unifying the past and the present, Grange incorporates characteristic elements of the space from Gabrielle Chanel’s times, like the play on reflection through the installment of mirrors and glass elements. Centered around the House’s iconic Art Deco staircase, the rooms have been restored in a very feminine and Parisian spirit. The color scheme based on shades of black, grey and white with touches of gold is selected carefully in accordance with the signature artistic vocabulary of the House. Overall, Grange brought a sophisticated and personal interpretation into being, enriching the aesthetic codes of CHANEL with his own conception of the décor.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
STONE ISLAND SS21
In pursuit of the expression of confidence, latitude and comfort the STONE ISLAND SS21 collection is driven by the interplay between sophistication and exploration, aesthetically combining elevated workwear and elements of ‘off-duty’ menswear. The creation of pieces that convey a state of mind of laid-back unconventionality is the central blueprint of the collection’s philosophy. Its neo-luxury framework is conceptually reflected in the innovative tones, materials and finishes. The seasonal color palette creates a dialogue between desaturated subtle to vibrant tones and a variety of neo-pastels. Desaturation in color compliments the visual and material lightness of menswear pieces created through semi-transparency, reflective nylon elements playing on light and external and internal resin finishes. Shapes guided by the form and functionality of military silhouettes are explored in transitional garments, such as shoulder pieces and overshirts. The application and translation of military patterns into the ‘perspective grid pattern’ emphasizes the SS21 collection’s contemporary, re-invented take on camouflage inspired design. It reoccurs throughout the collection and can also be found in accessories, footwear and graphic tees. Drawing on STONE ISLAND’s knitwear legacy, the collection also includes several knit interpretations based on the seasonal orientation.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
COMME des GARCONS Parfums: 'Rouge'
The new fragrance from COMME des GARCONS Parfums, ‘Rouge’, expresses a disruptive and rapturous blend of olfactive ingredients associated with the color rouge. Crushed clusters of spicy sweet pink peppercorns countered with the intense aroma Indonesian ginger, a certain heat often visually represented by rouge. A sensual blend of aromatic cistus and the woody scent of sticky incense, Egyptian geranium and vegetal roots provide a foundation for the scent that is both transcendent and grounded.
Shot by talented photographer Jordan Hemingway, ‘Rouge’ is a portal into the surreal, an open window through which one can escape into the endless. With deliberate and particular overdoses, this orchestration of that which is Earthly and that which is other inspires an exhilarating and seductive perfume.
COMME des GARCON ‘Rouge’ is available as of October 2020
Fashion
Jil Sander Men's FW21/22
To integrate a softer approach to menswear with the desire for formality worn in both outdoor and indoor settings, German designer Jil Sander debuts its FW21 collection with an immersive and rhythmic video by Stephen Kidd. With bejewelled long-neck collared sweaters, a reminder to love oneself, no matter the shifting of circumstances, our lives, we are all worth celebrating. With Art Direction by Heiko Keinath, under the Creative Direction of Luce and Luke Meier, with music by Frédéric Sanchez, the film by Stephen Kidd shows an extraverted yet understated form of the modern man.
The look is intimate, layered, utilitarian and the spirit is for all men unafraid of being, expressing and showing a depth of emotion. Handmade and technical elements meet seamlessly with pristine suits of dry wool, with straight elongated jackets and cropped trousers to be worn with pullovers instead of shirts. Uniform-inspired trenches in Tuscan double-faced wool or in coated, waterproof cotton adds to a cohesive collection of rich knit structures and contrasting intarsia with cashmere and silver necklaces with the hand-written word ‘Mother’ to denote the importance of kinship and preserving close ties with that which should be held closest in uncertain times.
The FW21 collection by Jil Sander, presented at Saint-Martin-Du-Tertre, France, has a lot to offer. The individuality, the idea of a man built for solitude and trying to open up, the idea that treasure is worth looking for, a multitude of lightweight coats and trousers expresses what words could never. Gold on the neck, worn on a varied background of ash grey turtleneck sweaters and knits, black and white, with soft fabric in camel colors and pastel tones.
Fashion
LVMH Watch Week 2021: Hublot
“Today, more than ever, we need to adapt to stay connected to each other, in a new, different and especially digital way. Innovation is key and the launch of our Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire is the perfect example: new material, new caliber, a perfect expression of Hublot's fusion art.” ”Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot LVMH Watch Week, renowned as a week during which to exhibit a variety of novelties within the heritage and core values of brands. Opulence in horology and watchmaking. Following the success of the inaugural LVMH Watch Weekin Dubai last year, Bvlgari, Hublot and Zenity, all subsidiaries of LVMH share their latest creative developments with clientele globally with a message of positivity to ring in the new year, 2021. Combining creative digital meetings using state-of-the-art tools that can show dependence in a world so fragile and chaotic, LVMH has partnered with Hublot, Bvlgari and Zenith. The watches unveiled during LVMH Watch Week truly reflect the creativity and array of expertise of each brand. Hublot has been manufacturing and processing sapphire glass for watch cases since 2015, their perseverance and philosophy of “always leading the way and being unique and different” still rings true.
For the 2021 edition of LVMH Watch Week, each of these Maisons have combined to provide a one-to-one physical presentation across 15 countries. Onlookers are promised a seamless and immersive experience to further discover the latest releases from each of the four luxury watch-makers. Hublot has launched a ‘Big Bang Integral Ceramic’. A monobloc architectural design, the watch itself fully self-winding, boasts technical and aesthetic qualities with a new tourbillon movement. Limited to just 50 pieces, the ‘Big Bang Tourbillion Automatic Orange Sapphire’ features a visible micro-rotor and three sapphire bridges in a new color for the range. The ‘Big Bang Integral’ is also being revamped in white, navy blue and grey. LVMH Watch Week 2021 will be taking place from January 25th to 29th digitally from the various manufactures.
www.hublot.com
www.louisvuitton.com
www.bvlgari.com
Fashion
Rick Owens Men's FW21
Suspended between the past and the future, rules are written and rewritten, we wait and watch for an ultimatum to make itself apparent. By the lone flame of a space-heater, models form a single file line at Rivera Santa Maria Elisabetta to debut the Rick Owens FW21 Collection during Paris Fashion Week. It is a disquiet, the muted rage inside man that exists within the Rick Owens FW21 collection. This season brings with it a palette of greys, browns, greens, blacks and whites arrive in different shapes and highly technical fabrics and a small assortment of accessories.
Heavy recycled cashmere sweaters contort around the body, whether peeled down to trail off the lower body or pulled up to double over itself for added warmth. Thigh high cowhide fur boots which feature a platform heel or a ballast sole are paired with tighty-whities with pentagram flys. These looks speak to the contradictions in the present day how this feeling can be expressed through contemporary menswear.
Dragging oversized jeans in 16oz warped black selvedge denim which has been custom woven specially for Rick Owens by Yamaashi Orimono on vintage sakamoto shuttle looms, adding to the ongoing DRKSHDW Capsule made in Japan. Diving deeper into the aesthetic of anger, the Paris Fashion Week show was soundtracked by an exclusive extended remix of ‘Hellrap’ by Ghostemane, which speaks to this suppressed male rage on every side of the moral divide.
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Men's FW21
Presenting their FW21 collection, debuting a performance art piece starring musical guest Yasiin Bey and Saul Williams and Kai Isaiah Jamal, posing insightful questions at a time when innovative thought is pivotal to humanity's future, reigniting a dialogue on the importance of upcycling while referencing art and literature in an extensive menswear collection; with set design by Playlab and Styling by Ibrahim Kamara along with films by Wu Tsang, Louis Vuitton has made its mark at Paris Fashion Week.
Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh, poses the question faced by every child on the cusp of defining who they are, “what do you want to be when you grow up”? A question that holds the promise of freedom to shape our own identity. As he sees it, people’s dreams and aspirations are widely personified by archetypes; the Artist, the Salesman, the Architect, the Drifter. Defined by their uniforms, the dress codes of so many are intrinsic to the professions, lifestyles and knowledge amassed in a lifetime. Abloh looks deeply into his own heritage and who he became in relation to his childhood. He cites his father, Nee Abloh, who grew up in the city of Tema, Ghana and worked unloading shipping containers in the docks at Accra, before migrating to Rockford, Illinois in 1971, who taught him the importance of keeping his head down while working hard and remaining persistent.
The collection explores the idea of unconscious biases instilled in the collective psyche of mankind, the biases that impede and inhibit our understanding of one another. People are so often reduced to archetypes and fall into a culture of dressing in order to conjure up an identity that is easily understood and familiar to others upon first glance. Virgil Abloh wields fashion to rock those preconceptions, keeping the codes while changing the values. As Abloh puts it “It is what makes us unconsciously trust the silhouette of a suit and distrust the contour of a hooded sweatshirt. But these are man-made inventions: systemic illusions.” The collection is thoughtfully conceived of, citing Neitzche’s Ubermensch theory, Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Soul of Man Under Socialism’ among other references throughout literature on the ideas of individualism and the trappings of conformity.
Whether it is a black and red wool-pinstripe padded vest with an iris flower appliqué or a rust-orange monogram-embossed work jacket worn with double-front jeans and a sky blue sheer roll-neck jumper: preconceived notions are discarded, today’s man is anything but expected.
Informed by James Baldwin’s essay ‘Stranger in the Village’ from 1953, which weighs the author’s experiences as an African-American man in a Swiss village to his experiences in America. The show is set between locations in Switzerland and Paris, playfully reinterpreting the notion of an art heist and studying the ideas around art ownership. With the help of Conceptual Artist, Lawrence Weiner, a series of aphorisms-as-patterns is tied to the premises “You Can Tell a Book by its Cover”, “The Same Place at the Same Time” and “Somewhere Somehow.”
“Within my practice, I contribute to a Black canon of culture and art and its preservation. This is why, to preserve my own output, I record it at length.” - Virgil Abloh, A manifesto according to Virgil Abloh, 2020.
Fashion
FENDI: Selleria Man GMT
Luxury Italian fashion house, Fendi, presents a new timepiece. Horology is not new to Fendi, with all the brand’s watches thoughtfully designed by the minds at Fendi and executed by highly skilled craftsmen in Switzerland since 1988. The art of watchmaking and distinctive Italian style find common ground in the new ‘Selleria Man GMT’. This new watch, designed specially for men, features emblematic codes of the Selleria line while, in a first for the Selleria watch, is designed with its own bracelet and GMT function embellished with signature Fendi aesthetics.
The functionality of any decent watch is an essential feature, in a celebration of the brand’s DNA, the new watch is accented with touches of the iconic Fendi yellow on its dial, providing enhanced readability to track a second time zone. The ‘Selleria Man GMT’ also has a 24-hour scale on the outer ring of the dial while its GMT hand is decorated with an airplane indicator. In a three-dimensional visual effect the watch displays a date aperture and a map of the world. Made in black coated stainless steel with a see-through sapphire crystal case back, the Selleria Man displays its inner workings, its folding buckle engraved with the Fendi signature.
With a simple rotation of the case back one can easily substitute the watch’s bracelet with a strap, thanks to an interchangeable strap system.
The new Selleria Man GMT is a fusion of ideas, understated yet elegant, offering an original perspective on time yet with an unwavering functionality.
This Was Hollywood
The Golden Age of Hollywood, the captivating lives of larger than life actors that graced the silver screen. From leading men and leading ladies like Carey Grant, Lana Turner or Joan Crawford, who infamously feigned illness and accepted her Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Mildred Pierce’ while confined to her bed, strange stories rise to the surface in this new book. The Golden Age of Hollywood is a time in history like no other. Writing about this history, Carla Valderrama, author of ‘This Was Fashion’, in collaboration with Turner Classic Movies has published a new book entitled ‘This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories’.
In the hard-cover book are former screen legends who have faded into obscurity as well as newly surfaced revelations about Hollywood’s biggest names. From Clark Gable’s secret love child to the film that almost brought Paul Newman’s whole career to an end, this one-of-a-kind history book is an enthralling mirage of yesteryear.
‘This Was Hollywood’ is Carla Valderrama's first book and is filled with a visually stunning catalogue of the lost history of Golden Age hollywood.
Fashion
Eleventy Men’s FW21/22
A self awareness, an alertness, the modern man who seeks his own style above all else. This is the driving force behind the new Menswear collection from Eleventy. Founder and creative director of the Milan-based fashion brand, Marco Baldassari, says of the FW21/22 collection “it is an elegance designed for oneself; it is a new way of thinking and being in the world that changes and renews itself.” Jackets are layered with over-shirts as an alternative to formal jackets, professional yet downplayed and casual. Baldassari’s concept of reflective elegance echoes throughout the collection.
Lightweight materials align with ideals of simplicity, relaxation and comfort that are so prized in today’s world. To achieve this, Eleventy implemented “double” fabrics, extremely unlined fabrics that require no less than 14 hours of careful work of expert hand-craftswomen. A wool-cashmere blend has an unmistakable softness applied to braided sweaters and knitwear utilizing a “seamless” technique which conserves otherwise discarded yarn. The pleated pants feature denim that is made unassumingly soft. The ribbed zipper bomber jackets are also soft to the touch, gauzed and doubled internally with an incredibly fine knit to create more precious and treasured garments.
Attention to details to create thoughtful and fine clothing for the colder months, Eleventy walks the line between functional and casual. The ‘Mountain Resort’ Capsule boasts luxurious comfort that holds up against harsh winter conditions. Made from precious shearling, wool and cashmere sweaters, along with accompanying accessories, arrive in color iterations of saffron yellow, dusty geranium, cream, honey and ash grey.
The FW21/22 collection from Eleventy is filled with a variety of unexpected pleasures.
Fashion
C.P. Company Opens New Milan Flagship Store
From January 2021, Italian sportswear brand C.P. Company, founded in 1978 by Massimo Osti, will open the doors of its new flagship store in Milan. This new store will replace the store at its previous Corso Garibaldi location. The new store will be situated at one of Milan’s most famous streets for shopping, Corso Matteotti.
This new locale is open to the public with the intention of creating a very immersive atmosphere for customers rather than a pastiche retail experience. Featuring a wall of shelves and cabinets built at a 30 degree incline as well as continuous fixed hook hangers that run all the way to the front facing store windows. The front of the store overlooks the city’s distinctive Corso Matteotti walkway.
As the old adage goes, “out with the old, in with the new.” This move marks a renewal of the brand’s dedication to its Italian roots as well as its dedication to staying fresh and creative in how it is perceived. With elemental materials used in the store’s construction like concrete, silver and for the store’s walls, iron. In contrast to these materials, portions of the store are awash with colors that recall the brand’s garment dyeing technique; the new C.P. Company location is a lightning rod for fashion-centric city-dwellers all over Milan.
The new C.P. Company flagship store is located at Corso Giacomo Matteotti, 7 and is open from January 2021.
FIAF: 'The Art of Perfume' with Frédéric Malle
The French Institute Alliance Francaise played host to a very special guest, Frédéric Malle, publisher and a leading authority in the world of perfume, for an online talk labeled ‘Rendezvous LIVE: The Art of Perfume with Frédéric Malle’. The talks took place at the FIAF headquarters in New York and was hosted by journalist Melissa Ceria.
Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, a line of fragrances created at the turn of the century, was so influential and significant that Rizzoli has dedicated a new book entitled ‘Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle: The First Twenty Years’. Exceptional raw materials and holding his perfumers to the highest standards, Malle imposes no time constraints, budget or marketing boundaries; seeking to bring out the best and encourage perfumers to seek out more unique and adventurous sensations in the pursuit of enlightened and surprising fragrances.
The minds that came together to create their masterpieces under Malle are a diverse team of perfumers from around the world and true masters of their shared craft. These creative and inventive individuals include Pierre Bourdon, Bruno Jovanovic, Olivia Giacobetti, Sophia Grojsman, Jean-Claude Ellena, Fanny Bal, Dominique Ropion, Carlos Benaim, Edmond Roudnitska, Edward Fléchier, Maurice Roucel and Ralf Schweiger.
The FIAF, one of the largest and most respected centers of French-American Activities in the U.S, proudly welcomed Frédéric Malle to find out more about the extensive process of creating this incredible collection of fragrances. Embracing every known style and olfactory family while striking out into bolder and more unexplored aromas was a shared mission among the perfumers. This rare event shed light on the art of perfume, lessons and stories on refining a craft and managing a team of exceptionally talented people working in the same field to great effect. French and American cultures met to celebrate a shared love of luxury perfumes and the magic that allows new and exciting fragrances to be brought into the world in this rare online talk.
www.fredericmalle.com
www.fiaf.org
Fashion
Louis Vuitton x Urs Fischer
Louis Vuitton have tapped Swedish contemporary artist, Urs Fischer, for their latest all-encompassing collaboration. In addition to ready-to-wear the Louis Vuitton x Urs Fischer collection will feature accessories, shoes and seven special-edition bags. Arriving in two colorways, the collaboration features reinterpreted versions of the signature monogram of flowers and the LV initials, these artist impressions are what Fischer calls ‘memory sketches’. The artist is known for a self-awareness and wry sense of humor.
Classic styles chosen for the collection include the Cabas, Keepall and Onthego, as well as two Neverfulls, Speedys and Pochettes Accessoires each covered in Fischer’s creative reinterpreting of the house’s motif. The tuffetage treatment applied to each bag creates a special texture and tactile relief on the velvet-like material, the end result is visibly unique to Fischer’s artistic intentions in collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Also from inside of the artist’s creative world, original characters emerge on a fine silk square flooded with a mirage of colors. Urs Fischer’s art, ever on the verge of what contemporary art can be, has been exhibited from Notre-Dame to Madison Avenue, Hong Kong to Paris, and now at Louis Vuitton.
The Louis Vuitton x Urs Fischer Collaboration will be available at Louis Vuitton stores worldwide January 2021.
www.louisvuitton.com
C.P. Company SS21: 'Natural Mutation'
What is natural? What is unnatural? We all consider ourselves to be some kind of normal, the phenomenon of life as we know it is a helplessly natural occurrence. In that beauty we find one another in so many unique and intriguing ways, as the sirens wail in the distance we know that there are always stranger and more involved, complicated times ahead. For whatever mutation of what we consider normal, C.P. Company ushers in their SS21 collection; ‘Natural Mutation’.
From the company founded in 1978 by a young Massimo Osti from Bologna, Italy, this SS21 collection reminds us we are all human no matter what we consider natural; we are all one and the same. Continuing the themes from January of 2020 with C.P. Company’s large-scale presentation ‘The Next Landscape’, this year C.P. Company explores a mix of natural and synthetic fabrics to better understand its relation to natural and man-made environments in practice. The design team questioned whether synthetic fabric can assume the tactile versatility demanded by the terrain while staying true to its lightweight and hydrophilic qualities.
The urbanity so commonly encountered in contemporary life is a common mountain that we all climb, the common thread between each of us is the tunnel vision that we climb it with. Demanding environments call for fabrics and design techniques that answer the call for hardy and intense, durable, flexible, versatile needs; C.P. Company delivers on these needs.
After years of continued respect for its customers, the design language of C.P. Company is more thoughtful, more functional and more authentic for SS21.
Fashion
Even in the Dark: Trinity de Cartier
Historic jeweler, Cartier, have released a new version of their iconic Trinity ring. The Trinity de Cartier collection was designed by Louis-François Cartier in 1924 with three different interwoven bands; one in rose gold, one in yellow gold and another in white gold. It has become synonymous with that intangible passion that fuels and binds lovers to go to great lengths for one another; symbolic of the heart’s longing for another, a soul’s embrace that is beyond comparison or mortal description. The Trinity ring has a storied history, a conversation between Louis Cartier and his friend, French film director, Jean Cocteau, on the topic of Saturn’s rings inspired the design. Another legend muses that the three colors are three interpretations of love’s complex meaning. Yellow gold as a reminder of trust and fidelity, white gold to remind the wearer of friendship’s integral role between lovers and the rose colored ring representing the passion that inspires love. The ring was only given the name ‘Trinity’ in 1998 and has evolved into an entire collection of Trinity de Cartier since; with bracelets and necklaces reiterating the grand emotional meaning behind the interlocking ring. Now, Cartier presents a new Trinity ring, substituting the rose gold band with a black ceramic ring in the signature interwoven design. A Trinity de Cartier for a modern world, the same love inspired by passion is a love that can appear from out of the chaos of a changing world; a love that faces any uncertainty with faith in one another, navigating dark times to define its own future.
This limited edition Cartier Trinity ring will be available from January 2021.
Fashion
YSL Women's SS21
Through hard times it can seem as though the more a search for meaning is carried out, the more elusive and distant answers become. Wandering and languishing in hopes of a sign appearing before us, even if that sign is a mirage. People stray far from their home, yearning for purpose and understanding in an enigmatic life so harsh and chaotic like the beating sun on rolling desert sands. In an ode to humanity’s shared search, Anthony Vaccarello has transported the Saint Laurent SS21 runway into the scorching heat of the desert. Runway looks that would usually be the jewel of Paris streets are wandering, as we all are, a difficult and trying year for finding any consolation or explanation after so many losses and so many questions. Small comforts are now our greatest treasures, taking comfort only in the clothes on our back. A collection dedicated to the freedom of movement, silk blouses, a vareuse with spacious pockets, a long jacket with neat shoulders like an extension of Le Smoking. The inside life is made all the more leisurely and comfortable with a fluid jumpsuit, a floral explosion of chiffon with fluffy marabout fringes; a sheer Liseuse emulates a purgatory between dreams and reality where the delicate fabrics contrast the coarse realities faced by many. Speaking on the Saint Laurent Women’s SS21 collection, Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello claims “the desert, to me, symbolizes that yearn for serenity, open space, a slower rhythm. The clothes are also softer, the spirit of the collection is more gentle, stripped back.” The collection features jewelry by Claude Lalanne that are luminescent against the muted colors of the garments.
The YSL SS21 Women’s collection has a distinct laissez-faire: while the desert is a serene backdrop visually, it is known for being severely hot under the sun and terribly cold under the moon. The desert demands an endurance of spirit and true fortitude of the human soul, the gentle spirit of this collection reveals a shared vulnerability ever present in mankind.
Fashion
Bottega Veneta Salon 01 London
In a year that has forced many to reconsider personal space, showmanship comes with its own set of burdens. Bottega Veneta have carried out their Salon 01 show at Sadler’s Wells theatre in London with a select local audience who were privy to an intimate runway on the ninth of October, conceived by Daniel Lee. A film of Salon 01 was produced and as of right now the tasteful and calming visuals are streaming on the Bottega Veneta website. The focus of Lee’s intimate London showcase is an assorted collection of objects, namely three books and a vinyl that artfully detail the influences and process of the collection. Lee’s book of influences is followed by German conceptual artist, Rosemarie Trockel’s book, Vol. 2. This volume presents collages, short stories and photographs that study the creative process of creating the collection as well as this creativity’s relationship to the clothing. The third and final book in the collection of objects is filled with the photography of Tyron Lebone, who some might know for his work on the video for Frank Ocean’s song ‘Nikes’. In the realm of sonic artistry, the singer Neneh Cherry voices dulcet spoken words; Neneh Cherry is also to thank for the soundtrack of the show. The film created of the show can now be seen in full on the Bottega Veneta website.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Adidas x Prada
Adidas and Prada come together for yet another explosive collaboration, this time launching the A+P LUNA ROSSA 21 silhouette for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team. Prada and adidas have long been inspired by athletic and performance wear and for this collaboration they move seamlessly to the sport of sailing, grappling with the innovation and technology required for such challenging and demanding sportswear. The designs are all based upon the new AC75 Luna Rossa boat, creating a wonderful unity between athletes and their mode of transportation and competition. With both brands defiant in their commitment to the environment, their new shoe has sustainability at ite fore, the shoe’s upper composed of PRIMEGREEN, a compilation of high performance recycled materials. Comfortability and practicality are also incredibly important, a hydrophobic E-TPU outer shell ensuring flexible and breathable support, Complimented by a futuristic campaign, the A+P LUNA ROSSA 21 silhouette shows beautifully the luminosity and weightlessness of such a meticulously designed new shoe.
www.prada.com
www.adidas.com
Fashion
CHANEL Métiers d'Art
Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collection was first introduced in 2002. Presented annually in December, it is a showcase of the many Maisons d’art, which are, throughout the year, in dialogue with Creative Director Virginie Viard enhancing the creations of Chanel. From feathermakers Lemarié and embroiderers Lesage to goldsmiths Goossens and millners Maison Michel, there are 38 specialized workshops in total. Following the regulations of staying home, Chanel followed suit, revealing the collection from the Château de Chenonceau. Located in the Loire Valley, this Renaissance castle might have more in common with Chanel than one might think. What links the castle and Chanel is the figure of Catherine de Medici. Coco Chanel had nothing but admiration and sympathy for the French queen, having experienced similar obstacles in her early life resulting in both women embodying the same boundary-breaking spirit. This connection has also left its mark on the house, most notable in the interlocked double C, Gabrielle Chanel’s beloved symbol, which bears a striking resemblance to the Queen’s monogram to be found all over the castle. The collection itself centered around the work of the métiers d’art. Pearl-encrusted latticework was used on fitted velvet frocks and leather jackets. The silhouette of the château finds itself replicated in embroidery on tea skirts and mullet dresses and the accessories are playing with velvets and pearls. The garments themselves also picked up on the Renaissance, sumptuous velvet gowns, ornate neck ruffles, often in black and white, only this time reimagined by Viard with a Chanel twist.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Lift Off
Launching Trigreca, Versace embraces the iconic brand codes that make the Italian brand so recognizable and loved, the Greca pattern, first seen in their Fall Winter 1988 collection. Applying these historical references to footwear, Versace takes a geometric pattern and motif long associated with ancient Greek temples and transforms it into a trainer design so wonderfully futuristic and contemporary in its appeal. In fusing new and old, Versace creates a trainer that is utterly timeless. The Greca pattern is featured on three parts of the trainer, the sole, the midsole and the decorative upper toe stripe. Moving beyond simply aesthetic, the trainer’s cork “Greca Cushioning System” also provides support and comfort as well as height and elevation for those looking for a little boost. The trainer comes in black, white, green, blue and red versions all providing an injection of vibrancy and color into any look, a great statement shoe.
www.versace.com
Fashion
For Champions
Dynamic, Modern, new, these are the words that have fuelled Prada’s, Linea Rossa Fall Winter 2020 campaign, that aptly features sporting legend, Gus Kenworthy amongst a pioneering cast of global talent. With the champion British-American freestyle skier at the fore, it is only right that this collection focuses on functionality and engineering, its garments achieving a streamlined high-tech aesthetic, long associated with Linea Rossa. This urban uniform, an exciting fusion between skiwear and mountainwear, presents sleek silhouettes built for extreme weather and wear, performance gear with undeniable sophistication. Defined by a black and Linea Ross red color palette, garments are bold and graphic in their appeal, a sporting combination of stretch jersey, nylon and tech-knit adding to their striking impact. With items designed to make their wearer excel, this new campaign channels the adversity and strength of their sporting muse Kenworthy, creating clothes that beg to be worn by winners.
www.prada.com
Art
Ulay Was Here
The Stedelijk Museum consecrates the life and works of the late Ulay, with the artist’s largest ever retrospective to date. Born Frank Uwe Laysiepen, Ulay spent much of his career based in Amsterdam, and therefore it feels a fitting location for such a monumental exhibition. Composed of around two hundred works, the late artist who for many is associated with his former partner Marina Abramovi?, was a pioneer in his own right, transforming Polaroid photography, performance and body art with his forward thinking approach. Four themes dissect this retrospective: performance and performative aspects of photography; his research into gender identity using his body as a medium; social and political issues and lastly his relationship with the city of Amsterdam where he lived and world for forty years. Ulay Was Here is a powerful image of an artist who gave so much to the world, the arts and to contemporary discourse as we know it.
www.stedelijk.nl
Fashion
A Touch of Color
Audemars Piguet is undoubtedly part of the select few houses which form the peak of the watchmaking business. The oldest fine watch manufacturer still in the hands of the founding families, the name Audemars Piguet has become synonymous with luxury and an incredible dedication to the perfection of the craft which has resulted in numerous masterpieces. This strive for perfection is deeply ingrained in the house’s DNA having continuously nurtured talented craftsmen who have pushed the limits to create rule-breaking trends. Unwilling to rest on its laurels, Audemars Piguet is constantly looking to improve their current selection. For this reason, the Code 11.59 receives a colorful twist, now shining in hues of burgundy, blue, purple and grey. The sunburst lacquered dials enhance the timepiece with a myriad of refined details, slight nuances in coloration depending on the angle from which the watch is seen. Each model is elegantly encased in an 18-carat white or pink gold case depending on the color and finished with an alligator strap in the color of the dial. Refined and contemporary these novelties will bring a touch of brightness to your wrist. The resulting watches are not only aesthetically appealing, but Audemars Piguet also equips them with their self-winding mechanism. Visible through the caseback, the wearer will be able to admire the intricate inner life, the beautiful micro-mechanics revealing the functions and components usually hidden from our sight.
www.audermarspiguet.com
Fashion
Architectural Knits
Iris von Arnim approaches each season with an assured sense of simplicity, creating looks that are beautifully refined in their return to staple silhouettes and effortless dressing. An earthy palette composed of rich terracotta and lighter tones of alabaster becomes an unsuspecting portal to the 1970s, where flower power and other like-minded trends and movements sought a return to the earth as a means of freedom and self-expression. Iris von Arnim does just this in her UOMO FW2020 collection, her signature stitch, the patent rib, forming sumptuous knits that beg to be worn in the brisk outdoors. Channeling the brand’s strong knitwear heritage, alpaca-wool sits alongside soft cashmeres and hand-knitting techniques, consolidating true craftsmanship and luxury quality as key aspects of her DNA. There is a real depth to the knitted pieces in the collection, something excitingly architectural about the sleek masculine silhouette of each jumper. The cable knit is a nod to a more traditional aesthetic that in the brand’s focus on minimalism, becomes surprisingly modern if not timeless. Iris von Arnim caters to the modern man, in a balanced collection that uses simplicity as a way to elevate subtly beautiful garments.
www.irisvonarnem.com
Fashion
Touch of Nature
“After millions of years of evolution, the nature that surrounds us holds the best designs”, with this in mind, Mathias Malm has tried to emulate the infinite creativity of nature with a new chair informed by his very own algorithm. The Norwegian born designer, graduate of the Design Academy Eindhoven, cleverly utilizes computer generated technology in order to reflect the unpredictable status of natural forms, bridging the gap between the man-made and the natural world. Recalling the skeletal structure of coral, through its digital genome, his chair the “Specie” references the threat of extinction of the world’s complex and critical marine ecosystem, whilst accommodating functionally to the human anatomy.
mathiasmalm.com
Fashion
Small Truths
Masterminded as “a creation in reverse” Hermès creates new life with petit h, a project that seeks to make new objects out of waste materials. In using what is left over, objects take on a gloriously unpredictable dimension, their starting points always new in their reinvention of scraps, as pieces of unsuspecting value. Using materials handed down by Hermès, each new item retains something of the house’s charm and identity, repurposed to create new and interesting narratives. Requiring intuitive and flexible design and vision, the house pushes its creatives to think outside the box, to imagine the potential that sits innate within their beautiful offcuts as springboards for entirely new creations. Accessories appear alongside small and at times nostalgic objects and jewelry, all encouraging in their support of a sustainable and pioneering future for Hermès.
www.hermes.com
Photo by Jonathan Frantini
Fashion
Small Pleasures
Envisioned by Armenian born Kris Ter-Ghazaryan, OUVERTURE, is a dazzling accumulation of the designer’s passion for fashion and design. Noting the absence of attainable, high quality, fine jewelry Ter-Ghazaryan set out to create her own brand, one which filled this much-desired niche. Through her consumer-based outlook, OUVERTURE delivers a thoughtful brand and concept, with a tasteful collection of desirable items. Though the jewelry brand is based in Berlin, where the design process itself begins, the products are in fact handcrafted in a small workshop in Armenia. Building upon the country’s 2000 year history of jewelry making, the brand is an ode to the designer’s roots, embracing the rich traditions of her birthplace. Exclusively using 14K (585) gold and precious stones, each piece is a small encapsulation of utter luxury. Ethically made, the brand promises its consumers a transparent and organic making process, one which leads the way as a sustainable and viable company model. All collections are permanent, designs offered in 14K (585) yellow, white and rose gold.
www.ouvertureberlin.com
Images: Frank Hülsbömer / OUVERTURE
Fashion
Armani Casa
Armani/Casa turns 20, two whole decades having passed since its launch in 2000. Reflecting on these formative years, Girogio Armani said “I began to structure the project of a total lifestyle, extending my vision and aesthetics to interior decorating”. With this aim in mind, it is clear that Armani has achieved his goal, this branch of his world renowned brand, a now “established design force”. From its Logo Lamp of the 1980s, Armani/Casa continues to seek out new and innovative stories to tell, crafting pioneering and enviable lifestyles out of humble objects in the domestic realm. 1930’s-1940’s aesthetics are moulded in a wonderfully contemporary vision, nostalgia presented with a strikingly modern and fresh touch. In interplaying past and present references, Armani/Casa evades any sense of normality or familiarity in their design, curating unique furniture and home accessories, through an unmatched understanding of history and the archive. Italian craftsmanship sings for their 20th anniversary, from delicate Murano glass to straw Marquetry, no detail is left unattended.
www.armanicasa.com
Fashion
To Be Free
Centred around the notion of freedom, Kate Moss joins Valérie Messika to head up a new high jewelry collection, lending their spirited sense of self to a beautiful set of pieces. The union between the fashion icon and the diamond jewelry designer is a triumph of spontaneous refinement, one which “had to happen”, according to Valérie Messika. Both women draw from an instinctive pool of creativity, and this assured sense of style is translated seamlessly on to each product. Inspired by Kate Moss’ own jewelry box, there is an international, art deco feel, that is startling new to Messika jewelry but also one that makes complete sense. Stones are imbued with a real sense of fluidity, sleek lines and supple design forming a shared vocabulary of daring luxury items, wondrously tantalising in their showcasing of a variety of diamond cuts and eclectic aesthetic. Asymmetric designs meet innovative earring shapes that encircle the ear along with delicate anklets and cascading rings. Responding to the body in an organic yet wholly dramatic and feminine way, Moss and Messika come together to show the mind-blowing possibilities of a collaboration of this pedigree.
www.messika.com
Fashion
Natural Union
Bryan Adams joins forces with KALDEWEI for a collaboration that could not be more pertinent in our current time. KALDEWEI which is a German-run Steel Enamel business, showcases washbasins in its latest campaign, emphasizing the importance of washing hands in beautifully artistic visuals by the renowned Bryan Adams. Themes ‘Natural Union’, hands come together in a Sistine Chapel like motif over colourful basins. Through these photographs the notion of connectivity and hygiene are brought to the fore with striking intimacy and tenderness. Commenting on the collection Adams said “we are all naturally connected and have a responsibility to look after each other and the environment - everyday actions like washing your hands have never been more important”. With this in mind, KALDEWEI’s collection becomes a hybrid of social responsibility and art, the running water adding an element of sensuality amidst the sculptural forms of the basins and the hands.
www.kaldewei.nl
Music
WOODKID - S16
LG: How do you approach song writing?
WK: In January 2016, we went to the studio for 2 months, I started thinking about reverse engineering the record, to start with production, sound and mix, even before we had songs we started to look at the spectrum of sounds, we made digital instruments, we made a lot of different sounds and collected keyboard sounds that I liked and percussion we went to different studios to try and find rare instruments and transformed the sound we really explored the sonic spectrum of the record even before I had the songs so that I could really get inspired by the beats almost like I was a rapper and i would ask for instrumentals and beats that I could rap over.
LG: How did it feel writing this album, it sounds as though it would have been very cathartic?
WK: I like to say the album is like a night of insomnia, where you go through all the spaces of doubt and delirium that comes with my state of slumber and you end with the day rising and suddenly everything becomes clear but you have to go through that cathartic, therapeutic moment where you make a big discovery and conscious analysis of the things that are good and bad about you. I think it's a very contemporary concept especially the concept of masculinity, what it is to be a man today, when you realize a lot of things you have been taught are probably wrong or not aligned with the world anymore, and there's actually a beautiful strength in admitting your fragility and your vulnerability and that there's a beautiful strength in asking for help and not doing everything by yourself and the idea of responsibility is not exactly what you think it is. I think it's very contemporary and it goes with the gender revolution and i really like that this album talks about that
LG: How has coronavirus and the lockdown impacted your creative process, has it made you more or less productive?
WK: The album was already finished by the time the coronavirus had started so it didn't really impact it, but it does impact the way i talk about it. I had a bit of a fear before I started the record, I didn't want to reduce it to an album that was talking about environmental questions or political questions but it is an album about the intimate and the personal, more talking about the monster inside than the monster outside. But the coronavirus and the lockdown kind of things back into perspective, I could talk about both at the same time, I think there's something very peculiar about confinement, it's a moment where the hyper intimate but also the outside world, the collective and the individual were being brought together. I then realized maybe it was time for me to be a bit more verbal in the emergence of my social and political thoughts and that maybe it was coincidental that my album was colliding with this moment in time. Maybe the album talked way more about the world than i thought it did and less about me than i thought it did.
LG: During this period, I feel like we've been given the luxury of time to reflect on ourselves and our work, has it made you want to change anything about your sound or your process?
WK: Not really about the sounds, but really more about my vision and how I treat my music and how I position the music in that world. It's a very ambiguous point of view because it is at the same time being more realistic about the non-importance of what I do. Because when I have been in the environment of talking about the promotion of your record, there is something much more big going on in the world, it puts everything into perspective but at the same time if as an artist i make the conscious choice to make a record today, it can't ignore the world, it has to have a wider concept.
LG: What does this album represent for you in terms of where you are personally in life and in your career?
WK: It talks about me a couple years ago, It doesn’t talk about me now, I don't think I would be able to handle that record today if I was in the same state. I needed to heal, I’m thinking about mental health here. If I was too fragile about this I wouldn't be strong enough to speak about it and to go on tour and share it. Really it is a record that talks about the beauty of support and the beauty there is in being helped. In the song Horizons Into battlegrounds i say: “why do I love you more when i’m wasted I only welcome care when I’m wounded”, there's always this idea of needing someone and i think thats something thats pretty new in my life, relying on other people.
LG: What does this album represent for you in terms of where you are personally in life and in your career?
WK: Yes! I think what has really inspired me more than making that record is the pain that I went through, I know I don't want to go through that again. It even comforts me that if I make more music and I want to make more music, that it will be even more on my own terms. I won’t take so much time anymore, I think that time was needed because I was going through a severe depression and I had to take care and deal with it. Politically this idea of taking time is also important. I’ve realised I want to work around this idea of temporality, make more ep’s and singles.
Woodkid's new album S16 will come out October 16, 2020.
www.woodkid.com
Images by Collier Schorr
All Rights Reserved
Fashion
Through a Filter
Driving us to action, Moose Knuckles’ FW20 Campaign inspires their international buyers. Known for their high quality outerwear, the Canadian brand “Bring The Heat” in a campaign designed to bridge the gap between product and emotion. In reference to the latest campaign, the brand’s Global Marketing Director Dominique Lagleva said “we’re inspired by the fearless community of creators who’ve kept pursuing their passions despite the many barriers that stand in their way.” With this adversity in mind, dazzling colors achieve a thermographic map-like filter, creating a digitized aesthetic startlingly in real life. Young Thug and Kehlani firmly roots the campaign in pop culture, referencing the music scene that is so enmeshed with the brand’s identity. With the looks crafted by Kyle Luu and captured by Sandy Kim, Moose Knuckles produces a memorable campaign with an impressive and vibrant cast.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Maison Margiela Spring Summer 2021
For Maison Margiela, our current time has been a catalyst to cravings of connectivity and togetherness, their Spring Summer 2021 ‘Co-ed’ Collection using dance as a medium to materialize a largely absent sense of intimacy. Through the vigor and vibrancy of the tango, chivalrous tailoring and dynamic drapery come alive, channeled through the impassioned movement of this paired choreography. Wet look effects heighten this sense of intensity, the ecstasy that comes from dancing in the rain, given a high end luxury sentiment by the historic Maison. Millefeuille jackets are layered with wadding, organza, butter muslin and tulle, given a sense of body through contrasting textures. Artisanal techniques also take on an alternative lens, industrialized and evolved through the House’s creative vision. Picking up on traditional colors of the tango, black, red, white and grey recall the classic gentleman’s wardrobe, the drama of this symbolic tradition, captured in the dark and foreboding hues of Argentina's most beloved dance. Building upon this visual reference, the collection’s accessories feature beautifully beaded evening bags, harking back to the 1960s, alongside raffias and straw bags. Maison Margiela out does itself, in a visual feast that imbues each look with a fresh and dynamic take on such a lauded and celebrated cultural phenomenon.
www.maisonmargiela.com
Fashion
Rick Owens Spring Summer 2021
In spite of being included as part of the Paris calendar, Rick Owens set his show in Venezia, Italy, just two hours away from his factory – with no audience, but the intimate cheers of Rick’s Italian design crew. The choice is one of the most sustainable and coherent, sharing that unconventional mindset Rick Owens has made clear over the years. The show was held just in front of the Casino at the Lido, a rationalist building from the 30s riming with Palais de Tokyo – the historical show venue for Rick Owens – built for the occasion of the ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne’ in 1937. “I spend my Summers on Venice’s Lido, the site of Thomas Mann’s novella ‘Death in Venice’. The main character, a writer ascetically devoted to his craft, develops an obsession with a youth and ends up dying on the beach from cholera during an epidemic with desperately age-defying hair dye running down his face in the hot sun. The word ‘quarantine’ originated from this area’s medieval response to the bubonic plague.” Rick Owens speaks of his time thinking about the show, about the meaning of his vision. Often working with the juxtaposition of elements and an idiosyncratic use of references, beyond fashion. Like Fall Winter 2017 with its coats, skirts, sleeveless jackets layered and twisted over the body recalling sacred costumes: to channel the need for a positive new beginning rooted in a sense of collectivity, of gathering together, of humanity in its social form. The idea of a procession in name of a better world in spite of the dark times, of ceremony-like ritual that bonds together societies, a theme Rick Owens explored since then. “My last fall runway shoulder-freak-out wasn’t about power, it was about defiance — defiance in the face of threat.” Likewise for Spring Summer 2021 the exaggerated shoulders “are an exaggerated middle finger to doom” That’s pure Rick Owens, and his declaration on intent is clear: in a moment of crisis you defy, you counter attack, opting for the bright rather than the dark. A dash of Bubblegum pink all over, red thigh high boots, “Neapolitan gelato” degrade stripe print on chiffon and crêpe, knits that double up, peel up and down “like a banana, covering or exposing at will”. And the “grim gaiety” of tulle geo-ruffles sprinkled with trailing gazar ribbons.
www.rickowens.com
Fashion
Christian Dior Spring Summer 2021
“To cut is to think, is to see […] Cutting structures language, but also clothing. It is an intervention into the traditional conceptions of representing and seeing a body or thing, and thereby produces a new sensation” The words of the late Germano Celant resonates in Maria Grazia Chiuri’s latest collection for Dior. The renowned Italian art critic - who sadly passed away this year due to novel coronavirus health complications – is only one of the many devastating deaths leaving a very big void in the art realm. His seminal essays have been the founding structure of some of the most relevant discourses on art and architecture, a constant reference and inspiration. In 1996 he was the appointed curator for the first edition of Florence Biennale of Art and Fashion, stressing the idea of art as a constant evolving practice strictly connected to the contemporary world, as the expression of a shared creativity. The work of Italian visual artist and poet Lucia Marcucci has also been a key inspiration for Maria Grazia Chiuri. In the short documentary by film director Alina Marazzi made to celebrate the artist on the occasion of the show, Marcucci dives into her early work made between the 60s and 70s: “In 1964 I was given the chance to go to a historical printing shop to work on collages, true technological manifestos that at the time I called “visual poetry”. I then also started to work on cinematographic poetry through collages of 16 mm films. Romantic movies, westerns, historical reports. […] Those were time of joy, of happiness, of playfulness. It was a time when artists believed deeply in what they were creating. It was both serious and playful. Subverting the status quo, in name of a completely different creation, tampering or rather exploring the languages used by mass media, these languages accessible to everyone, exploiting them, reassembling them, in order to surprise the viewer”. The artistic messages of Marcucci’s work, intertwined with the powerful image of a female artist operating during the time of extreme experimental ground in the Italian art milieu, were one of the starting points for Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Spring Summer 2021 collection for Dior. As For Maria Grazia Chiuri each season is a complex set of layers where research and experimentation continuously reflects and reinterpret Dior’s woman Romantic heroines, asser tive female leaders, resilient fighters, they are women who radically marked our history but paradoxically have been veiled by dominant male oriented culture, These are heroines emblematic of our time, now more than ever. The set design for the show also plays a poignant role: “Vetrata di poesia visiva”, conceived by Lucia Marcucci as an in-situ installation, transforms the show venue into a grandiose stage punctuated by immense light boxes, nodding to the sacred dimension of the stained-glass windows in Gothic cathedrals, and creating an powerful encounter with Lucia Ronchetti’s “Sangu di rosa” choral work with texts taken from the “Voceri” – the folkloric classical musical repertories associated with funereal ceremonies from mid 19th century Corsica.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Fear of God
Ermenegildo Zegna celebrates the official global launch of its new collection Fear of God with a series of simultaneous events worldwide. Hosted across continents, Chengdu, Milan and Los were all privy to specially curated events, each revolving around the exclusive collection. In Chengdu, China, Zegna opened its very own pop-up store, welcoming major celebrities and KOLs such as Dylan Wang, Sunnee, the beloved influencers Fil and Sam and DJ Maddox. The installation in Chengdu will be open until 7 October 2020. In Milan and Los Angeles events featured a live conversation in collaboration with Highsnobiety, with a futuristic twist as Zegna’s Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori guided guests digitally through the collection. Zegna’s Boutiques in Milan and Los Angeles also housed an exhibition, showcasing the collaboration until October 31 2020. Special guests included Michael B. Jordan, Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, Usher and Quincy Jones, with a live performance by DJ Samantha Ronson.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo Spring Summer 2021
During the past few months, each of us has developed their own way of dealing with the lockdown and the social distancing measures. Some have taken the time to learn a new skill or to rediscover past hobbies. For Paul Andrew, Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, this meant diving into classic Hitchcock movies. Watching these films in our current times was different than in the past, as the real world has seemingly become a strange and surreal place, not unlike the world depicted in Hitchcock’s films. Out of these worlds grew the inspiration behind the SS21 collections, with Hitchcock homages to be found throughout. Technical artisanship meets ravishing color with each look exuding resilience and beauty perfect for the heroines and heroes of the uncertain times ahead. Aside from the technically sophisticated details, such as embroidery and hand finishes, to complement the strong and vibrant colors, Andrew chooses light and generous cuts offering the wearer the freedom to move. To fully offer the guests and viewers online the real feel of the classic films, the show was opened with short film, produced by Luca Guadagnino. This short film offered us a glimpse of the collection in a Hitchcock-tinged evolution of suspense and anticipation set in Milan.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
C.P. Company Amsterdam
C.P. Company has come a long way since its founding in 1971, originally named Chester Perry by young graphic designer Massimo Osti. Initially renowned for its screen-printed t-shirts, the original Italian Sportswear brand is now well regarded for its entire range of clothing and accessories. As part of its journey, C.P. Company now celebrates its first flagship store in Amsterdam, an important marker in C.P. history. Located in Leidsestraat 23, the store is now resident on one of Amsterdam’s most famous shopping streets, a hub of the local fashion scene. Designed as an experimental retail platform, C.P. Company set out to create an immersive experience for its customers, an extension of the brand’s innovative approach to its clothing. The concept store features exposed brick work, 30 ° inclined shelving cabinets and a continuous hanger that runs futuristically through the store. Channeling an urban aesthetic, concrete and iron clad the walls, a grungy nod to contemporary streetwear culture. As C.P. Company’s first store in the Benelux Region, it promises to be an exciting new venture for the brand and its loyal customer base here in Amsterdam.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
BOSS Spring Summer 2021
BOSS plays with eyelets in their SS21 collection, subverting the traditional expectation of these practical fixtures as decorative details, which run through entire looks from head to toe. Sandals feature these oversized eyelets as well as the hems of dresses and other aspects of the menswear collection. Greyish blues are accented by the metallic hardware, adding another element to muted subtler looks. These colors then interplay with blacks and creams in shirts, jumpsuits also inviting this retro appeal. BOSS also introduces a graphic print, an illustrative depiction of spring summer, flowers animating a cream background. Single pieces and suits imagine this print in motion, its fluid looping lines building an exciting dynamism into each of the looks, the flowers an ode to blossoming nature. Deep pinks of maxi dresses and men’s suits are taken from the print, where select colours are integrated in the graphic design. BOSS presents Spring Summer, in a controlled yet wonderfully colorful display, the greens of nature, blues of water and a camel and beige neutral palette coming together in true artistry.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Max Mara Spring Summer 2021
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Max Mara Art Prize for Women, a biannual prize awarding female artists engaged in different visual and performative art forms, the time and resources to research in Italy and create a final artwork. Winner of the 2013-2015 edition, Corin Sworn investigated the theme of Commedia Dell’Arte, the seminal theatre form emerged in the 15th century Italy, and widely considered the very birth of modern theatre. Sworn visited Naples, Roma, Venice, three cities deeply steeped in the commedia dell’arte. A live oral art form performed with a set of archetype of figures engaging with everyday life. The early commedia dell’arte is placed in a historical moment, the Renaissance period, when the question of how people were socially read arises, when – in Sworn’s words - “the fixity of people’s lives under feudal system was opening up and shifting”. These are stories revolving around the meaning of “identity” itself. For Spring Summer 2021 Max Mara addresses this same crucial question during this complex historical time. The question of identity, of heroic rebirth, of renewal. Channeling elements of the Renaissance silhouettes and aesthetic, Max Mara creates volumes and gathered necklines scooped or straight across from shoulder to shoulder, like a 15th century portrait. Sleeves are slashed right through, suits are sharply tailored with palazzo trousers, parkas are constructed with utilitarian pockets, snap fasteners and drawstrings. The color palette blends earth tones, black and a dash of pasted blue and green hues. The signature’s Max Mara luxurious power dressing for modern women facing everyday life.
www.maxmara.com
Fashion
Missoni Spring Summer 2021: Viva l’Italia
Marking the beginning of Milan Fashion Week, Missoni presents breathtaking new visuals in the form of a short video. Presenting not only the clothes, but also the House’s broader project and mission. Shot by Oliver Hadlee Pearch under the creative direction of Angela Missoni, this video guides the viewer, explaining the vision behind the new campaign, told endearingly by the familiar voice of Angela Missoni herself. There is something incredibly familiar and personal about Angela Missoni's presence in the work, identifying the significant shift the brand has had to make in regard to its calendar presentations. In not presenting SS21 (which is in fact currently being sold to customers), but communicating a vision of FW21, Missoni’s evolution consolidates itself as a brand in keeping with the times, adaptable with a smart approach. Missoni speaks directly to its loyal buyer with a transparency that is as inviting as it is bold. This sense of intimacy is matched by the backdrop of the video, where Angela’s favorite locations are rendered in their full Italian glory: Varese and il Sacro Monte, imbuing each scene with a visceral sense of history and culture. An exchange between Angela and her beloved Italy, recalls the nostalgia of love letters, postcard visuals layered atop of location shots and marble statues. This campaign is an exciting glimpse of what will be a greater series, committed to redesigning the Grand Tour à la Missoni way. Italian patriotism runs through the campaign, the models starring in the film, Vittori Ceretti and Edoardo Sebastianelli themselves proud Italians; a portrait of a young hopeful generation. With the Italian saying, Viva l’Italia “straight from the heart” in mind, Missoni inspires a wonderfully emotional connection with their global audience- family is at the core of everything they do.
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Bauhaus Brilliance
Hanacha Studio is an international womenswear label headquartered in Korea. Hana Cha’s brand shot to new levels since graduating from London College of Fashion with an MA in Fashion, the same year she won “Collection of the Year 2012” at the V&A Museum. Celebrating the evolution of the brand, Hanacha Studio released their Archive Collection, highlighting the identity of the brand through a self-led exploration of the studio's unique theoretical background in art. Hanacha has developed a vast vocabulary, where research, art history and contemporary culture intermix to avant garde and eclectic effect. Bridging contrasts, oppositions and polarities, Hanacha unites “simplicity” and “complexity”, producing silhouettes and looks that are undefinable in their exchange of style, shape and color. The studio’s latest collection forms an academic and theoretical approach, an extension of Hana Cha’s dissertation “Simplification process in Bauhaus”, inspired also by “Assemblage”, a three-dimensional collage from Picasso’s sculptures. The Archive Collection pulls shape and color together, curating contemporary Bauhaus appeal, beautifully within a collection of clothes.
www.hanacha-studio.com
Fashion
MESSE IN ST.AGNES
Koenig Galerie presents MESSE IN ST. AGNES, its second edition following its first success in June this year where they welcomed over 4000 visitors in just 12 days. Taking place from September 12 till 20 September 2020, the former Church in Berlin Kreuzberg will be made accessible to the public for a second time, transformed into a spectacular gallery’s saleroom. MESSE IN ST. AGNES was initially set up as an experiment to compensate for this year’s cancellation of ART BASEL, but has since come into its own, becoming something of a niche event in the art world. Showing over 200 high ranked artworks from the primary and secondary market, pieces will be made available for sale. Works included are by internationally renowned artists, Rita Ackermann, Daniel Arsham, Georg Baselitz, Monica Bonvicini, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Nicole Eisenman, Katharina Grosse, Subodh Gupta, Sarah Morris, Man Ray, Tomas Saraceno, Lee Ufan and Cosima von Bonin amongst many others. This event aims to curate a unique and unprecedented insight into the contemporary art market, often a mysterious and impenetrable world for the humble art lover. In displaying the price of all exhibited artworks, MESSE IN ST. AGNES enforces real and exciting transparency, a completely fresh and alternative approach to art fairs. The fair’s first edition sold around 80 pieces, totaling up to 2 million euros, comprising works by the likes of Damien Hirst, Gerhard Richter and Neo Rauch. A no photo policy adds to the aura of the event, imbuing the brutalist church with a tantalizing exclusivity. Tickets are available online and at the gallery with free entry for children under twelve.
www.koeniggalerie.com
Fashion
Time to Change
Cartier launches its new Pasha watch, backed by a fresh cast of extraordinary and creative ambassadors. Since its beginnings in the 1980s, the Pasha watch has always embraced success and innovation. Setting its sights on a new generation, Cartier has crafted a watch for its growing clientele that are in search of the best the brand has to offer. Channeling the exceptional talent of the likes of Jackson Wang, Willow Smith, Maisie Williams, Rami Malek, Troye Sivan Cartier announces its most ingenious design yet. Catering to a young and contemporary audience who are constantly on the go, the new Pasha watch has an interchangeable strap, coming in steel, gold and leather. The strap can be changed multiple times in the space of a day allowing for a versatile accessory perfect for any occasion. It is these details that have made the House a pioneering force in the industry, their ability to evolve and adapt with the times an important key to their success. It’s varied and striking team of ambassadors bring their own cult following, introducing a dynamic aspect to Pasha’s legacy.
www.cartier.com
Berlin Brilliance
Bartending is rendered as an art form by 7585 in their new capsule collection launch ‘Dream Baby Dream’. Fittingly taking place at their favorite Berlin bar, the bar top is turned into an avant garde impromptu runway as models strut brazenly to the sound of booming techno. Made intimate by the space’s capacity, the launch is also an homage to the unity of Berlin creatives who have come together at such a critical time. The collection which has been designed and produced locally is also modelled by unique Berlin artist personalities, designs which were made in collaboration with the aforementioned “Dream Baby Dream” bar. This collection is a celebration of ethical fashion, craftsmanship and honest materials. Embracing the forward thinking essence of Berlin, all garments are unisex, seasonles spieces designed to be timeless statements of creative integrity. 7585 X DBD is all about locality, the organic cotton coming from a local supplier and the high wash resistant flex print folia from a local manufacturer. The collection is made up of wearable pieces all in black, except for one white piece with a black star/sun, an ode to the Berlin techno music scene.
www.7585berlin.com
Fashion
The New ghost
Explaining the inspiration behind their most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce to date, Rolls-Royce's Chief Executive Officer has a new generation in his sights. Male and female clients looking for a “slightly smaller, less ostentatious means to own a Rolls Royce” are catered for by the new Rolls-Royce Ghost which “distils the pillars of [the] brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet highly complex product”. In keeping with a “Post Opulent” design philosophy, superficial and traditional expressions of wealth are rejected in search of a new and refined aesthetic. Rolls-Royce uses a rigid aluminium spaceframe architecture, with all-wheel driving and steering to create a vehicle that exudes craftsmanship and quality. In addition to creating a visually pleasing car, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost also promises an effortless and reactive driving experience, the result of the world's first Planar suspension system. The car also fitted with hallmark 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, delivering 571PS and 850 nm. With ease and accessibility a formative part of the car, doors now open electrically. In keeping with the minimalist aesthetic a down lit Pantheon grille subtly illuminates the Rolls-Royce iconography. The new Ghost is an engineering feat that has a new and budding generation of clients at its core.
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
Fashion
“lo dico io”
Dior’s Autumn Winter 2020-21 campaign is a tribute to versatile femininity and the Italian feminist art that it inspired. T-shirts are printed with the words “I say I”, translated from the Italian “lo dico io” and taken from the introduction of the 1971 manifesto “La presenza dell'uomo nel femminismo” by Italian feminist, Carla Lonzi. Photographed by Paola Mattioli, the models are captured in a series of natural and spirited portraits that feel incredibly personal and intimate in their portrayal of free and effortless dressing. The ready-to-wear collection features key elements from the runway, eye-catching patterns composed of polka dots and checks animating the iconic Bar silhouette. The Dior Book Tote and Lady D-Lite Bag undergo a velvet makeover appearing strikingly new next to the new Dior Bobby and the House’s emblematic scarves. Dior continues transforming old classics, as it revisits the Bar Jacket that consecrated Christian Dior’s success back in 1947. Maria Grazia Chiuri creates a new version, producing form-defying structure with its knit silhouette. Opening the Fall Winter 2020-21 show, the Bar Jacket presented a huge challenge to the House’s ateliers, relying on 4 prototypes in order to render such impressive volume and shape. In its return to such a statement piece, Dior blends comfort and elegance, building upon the House’s diverse heritage.
www.dior.com
Fashion
It's up to you
BOSS is reborn in its Fall/Winter 2020 campaign, its international cast of up-and-coming models, hailing the new generation as leading lights in this chaotic, upturned world. With Fabien Baron as director, optimism is narrated surprisingly through a monochromatic lens, investing our sense of hope in these young men and women. Yet despite this intensity there is a weightlessness to the models, who in the accompanying short film directed by Baron, stride deliberately across the word BOSS, first as individuals and then as a group. The campaign cleverly reflects the gradual building back up of our world, as communities come together and people leave their houses into an unknown future. The BOSS aesthetic is seamlessly integrated into this fresh and effortless attitude and confidence. Tailoring becomes infused with a sense of purposes and outerwear designs reflect a contemporary cool. As the world finds its new normal and sense of balance, BOSS is defiant that this decade will become something, fuelled by the new generation.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo Fall Winter 2020
A shifted perspective informs Creative Director, Paul Andrew’s vision for Salvatore Ferragamo’s Fall Winter Campaign 2020. Its season’s shoes, ready-to-wear and accessories taking on a less obvious position in the campaign, in a considered move which sees its models and accessories decentred in a plight to curate a different kind of story. As viewers we are encouraged to seek out Ferragamo’s autumnal pieces, amidst a scattering of brightly coloured, blurred shapes, dispersed through the depths of each photograph. In doing so Andrew draws us into the narrative, encouraging us to look for the stand out pieces we admire most. There is something ostensibly painterly about the campaign, recalling the works of Miro or even Picasso in their bold coloured palettes, with models taking on the role of muse in their art historical renderings. In revising what a campaign should make us feel, think and say Andrew “invites the viewer to appreciate the craft and beauty in individual pieces”, showcasing the House’s depth and creative ingenuity effortlessly. Art is sold as part of our vernacular, the dynamic between humans and clothes a visual interplay of colour, texture and light.
www.salvatoreferragamo.com
Fashion
NEW HAW- LIN SERVICES X PB 0110
Philipp Bree was inspired by a conversation early last year with creative duo HAW-LIN Services, that touched on his conceptual understanding of objects. Elevating them from minor aspects of our vernacular, Philipp sees personal and beloved items as sites of higher meaning. Philipp is now pleased to present the results of these explorations, HAW 7-11. Jacob Klein and Nathan Cowen, with whom Philipp has been working since the start of PB 0110 in 2012, have designed a range of models that can be worn very close to the body. Distinguished by their reflectivity, accessories are designed to be worn closely to the body, feeding into his narrative on the intimacy of our chosen items and the relationships we nurture with them. The collection will be available online and in selected multi brand stores world wide.
www.pb0110.com
Fashion
STONE ISLAND SOUND
Stone Island and C2C Festival are coming together to create an exciting new project, STONE ISLAND SOUND. Born in the early nineties, C2C has been a historic figure in the contemporary music and art scene since the very beginning and this upcoming collaboration pays homage to its rich musical roots. Curating playlists, record releases and soundtracks to be played across all Stone Island stores, this new initiative centres contemporary music production as a way to promote local scenes and communities. Reflecting the cultural nuances of avant-garde, new pop, irregular sounds and original music productions, Stone Island stores will act as a kind of abstracted map, spotlighting the colourful and chaotic world of genres that make up the contemporary music scene. After premiering in stores, the music will then land on Bandcamp, Buy Music Club, Spotify, Tidal and other platforms, extending the reach and accessibility of its various contributing artists across these music channels. STONE ISLAND SOUND creates a community that starts in its stores and has the power to connect across the world.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Crafty 2020
Graffiti meets neo-expressionism in Louis Vuitton’s Crafty Collection 2020, its nod to a vibrant art history symbolic of the brand’s continued commitment to cultural monuments. Taking inspiration from the two artistic movements, Louis Vuitton travels back to the 1980s, immortalizing the transition of these urban underground trends into New York museums and galleries.
Ultra graphic prints have art deco appeal, the two colour schemes, cream and red and autumnal cream and caramel reviving the House’s most iconic pieces – Onthego, NéoNoé and Boite Chapeau Souple. The Archive holds instinctive appeal in this collection, its print also a blast from the past, paying tribute to the long and successful history of the brand and its synonymous print.
The Crafty Collection will be launched in Louis Vuitton stores at the end of July, spanning a full selection of trainers, accessories, ready-to-wear, travel and more.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
BIG BANG UNICO SKY BLUE
Formed between sea and sky, Big Bang Unico Sky Blue celebrates where two blues converge. Its own aquatic watch face an ethereal point of departure, instantly delving into a vocabulary of sun bleached hair, white sands and poolside drinks.
With its unmissable 45-mm diameter case, Big Bang Unico Sky Blue is a bold, sun-kissed statement, evocative of the tranquil blues of a Mykonos beach or a bay in St Tropez. Cut out of ceramic, Hublot maintains its trademark, its long affinity with the material consolidating its brand identity as strong and enduring. Ceramic also forms the deployant buckle clasp, tying the watch together adding welcome detail to its sporting velcro strap.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Santoni Men’s Spring Summer 2021
Riviera del Conero, Marmitte dei Giganti, Sibillini Mountains, places narrating the love for their own origins, Santoni’s soul resides in the genius loci of Marche region, at the heart of Italy. Its waters, its green mountains, the breeze of summer days. Nerofumo, Lava, Notturno, Adriatico, Sirolo, Terra Bruciata, Morro, Quercia, Urbino, Fabriano, Arancio Santoni are some of the shades that create an emotional visual narration of Santoni’s own native landscape. Named “Origini”, the Spring Summer 2021 collection introduces TRAMA: a modern highlight of the house’s craftsmanship with intertwined motives created on calfskin to confer a sophisticated tridimensional effect. The video also reframes some of Santoni’s iconic styles, like the double boucle in hand distressed red leather: merged in the primordial settings where the house’s values were founded, its fields, its hills. The collection presents a refined elegance at times embracing sportswear, sleek silhouettes and a contemporary edge. And Santoni’s signature flair.
www.santonishoes.com
Fashion
Dior Men's spring Summer 2021
As young child Kim Jones lived in the African continent, following his father traveling for work as a Hydrologist. Ethiopia, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and Ghana, the latter was one of the countries that most left a mark on the British designer’s memory. When in December 2019 Jones re-encountered the work of Ghanaian-born artist Amoako Boafo at then newly opened Rubell Museum during Art Basel Miami it was the staring point of a creative dialogue. A dialogue about origins. About the respective take on Africa and blackness, celebrating the story of a country rarely told, celebrating both artists' identities. Blossomed in the Dior Homme Spring Summer collection. Presented as a two-acts short film, edited and soundtracked by legendary video artist Chris Cunningham (Act 1) and directed by Jakie Nickerson with music by Max Richter (Act 2), it first and foremost tells the story of Boafo’s characters and his portraiture style, his finger-painting technique and the subtle atmosphere surrounding the celebrated “Black Diaspora“ artworks. One particular painting inspired Jones at the very beginning: a young man wearing an ivy shirt in all its flamboyant stillness, and mirroring Monsieur Dior’s very own obsession with gardens and foliage. It’s a genuine connection where the Boafo’s gestures are transposed – literally and metaphorically onto garments expressive of the maison’s Haute Couture techniques. Manière stripe, Dior oblique embroidery on tulle; embroideries executed by Atelier Vermont referencing the Archive piece; hats created by Stephen Jones; knitwear intarsia literally translating Boafo’s specific works; ribbed knits incorporating jacquard patterns recalling the rich structure of the canvas. As Kim Jones phrased: “We looked at the idea of focusing on his life, his subjects and his portraits, creating something that is very Dior but portraying an artist that I greatly admire” It’s an emotional journey enriched by the artistic direction of the camera work and soundtracks accompanying the tale of a synergy. The deem light, the sea waves, the colors, the brushwork, the voices.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Berluti Spring Summer 2021
During his two years at helm of Berluti, Kris Van Assche has been building his own aesthetic, expanding the Maison’s codes through an experimental and progressive approach. For Spring Summer 2021 Van Assche collaborated with ceramic artist Brian Rochefort embracing the desire for a dialogue on visual art and color research. As avid ceramic collector, Van Assche explored Rochefort’s vocabulary and oeuvre, where a natural set of shared values arose: Berluti’s color research and artisanal know-how on patina finds a common thread with Rochefort’s investigation on ceramic glazing. Inspired by volcanoes and exotic plants, the artist’s exuberant signature blends intuitively with the augmented natural texture and language exercised at the Maison established in Paris in 1895 and built by four generations of shoemakers. True to its conception a digital conversation between the designer’s home in Paris and Brian Rochefort’s studio in Los Angeles unveiling the behind-the-scenes of the collaboration served as a preview of the synergy between the two artists. Presenting the gestures of both Brian Rochefort’s modus operandi and Berluti’s artisans at work. The garments and accessories will be fully unveiled and launched in stores in January 2021
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Le Mythe Dior
Fashion houses this week are preparing to show the fruits of their labour, yet as the pandemic refuses to die down this ultimately begs the question, what does fashions future look like in a socially-distanced landscape? The past few months have seen houses moving to technological solutions, seen last month with the online debut of Chanel’s cruise collection. Today, in a more extravagant display, Dior presented an enchanting video in lieu of the usual fashion show extravaganza. The video titled ‘Le Mythe Dior’ was created especially for Dior by the Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone. The brief video was a clear effort to create atmosphere and infuse a sense of wonder without all the glamour of a fashion show. Viewers were transported into a fairytale forest complete with water nymphs, tree dwellers and even a handsome minotaur. With the creation of the 37 silhouettes, Grazia wanted to honor the work of five inspiring figures of surrealism, Lee Miller, Dora Maar, Dorothea Tanning, Leonora Carrington and Jacqueline Lamba. Shown in the extravagant details, the larger than life collection is dreamlike, existing between realities and timelines, to be appreciated like a fine artwork. “Surrealist images manage to make visible what is in itself invisible. I’m interested in mystery and magic, which are also a way of exorcising uncertainty about the future,” says Maria Grazia Chiuri.
www.dior.com
Fashion
A New Big Bang
Through their extraordinary design, the watches out of Hublot’s Big Bang series have become contemporary icons, with each representing the house’s commitment to tradition whilst fusing their outstanding craftsmanship with cutting edge materials and now, even the newest digital technology. Two years after first exploits into wearable technology, the Swiss manufacturer returns with the Big Bang E, a connected watch, a culmination of the latest technology and existing iconic codes. Following their ‘Art of Fusion’ philosophy, this latest model highlights the efforts to unite the innovation and technological sophistication of the digital smart watch with the time-honored Hublot aesthetic. The resulting piece perfectly fits with the Hublot watchmaking tradition with all the iconic codes being instantly recognizable by experts and enthusiasts alike. The first edition of the Big Bang E will be part of the #HublotLovesArt movement with a series of eight different dials stemming from the imagination of artist Marc Ferrero. Every three hours, the dial will change colors with each display being inspired by a specific color. Furthermore, every full hour is marked with the appearance of an animation, which lasts five seconds. For the first time in Hublot’s history, this watch will be available online aside from the traditional network.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
The Power of Writing
In a rather unconventional zoom conference this week, ZOO caught up with Montblanc and their panel of speakers for a discussion on “The Power of Writing”, followed by a brief calligraphy lesson by calligrapher Seb Lester. As we followed along, each of us experienced the subtle pleasure in gliding a above-par classic fountain pen across a smooth page. The discussion turned to the therapeutic qualities of handwriting, as well as how important it is to life today, even with all the technology at our fingertips. Creative Director of Montblanc Zaim Kamal spoke about his process, “I am what you call an old fashioned designer, when I think of an idea I have to just let it flow right onto the page rather than on a machine where the flow can be interrupted.” Furthermore, “There's nothing more satisfying than when you've gone through an idea and see the way you've gone from A-B.” Dylon Jones, Chief Editor GQ UK spoke about the visceral connection one feels when a handwritten note is exchanged and how in these past few months we’ve all spent time in isolation, longing for human contact in these strange times, and now more than ever a handwritten note can go an awful long way.
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
The Shade of It All
Christian Louboutin is a story of someone who literally built an empire with a pair of shoes. Not just an empire, but a legacy that we’re sure will surpass most other brands on the market. Louboutin has always shown himself to be a concept-driven artist of fine calibre. Therefore when he launched the nude collection back in 2013, it was apparent that this design was not about skin color, but about a concept, an artful representation designed to elongate the leg, blurring the line between the foot and the shoe. First launched with five shades and now growing to eight, the endlessly versatile Nudes have been reinvented repeatedly and show no signs of stopping now. The collection is and always has been an ode to inclusivity, regardless of skin color and now, of gender as for the first time the collection tailors to mens and unisex. Classics like the Louis Junior sneaker and Pool Stud slide appear in a selection of nude shades, however the highlight is the inclusion of the Loubilab pouch, a crossbody bag with a built-in wireless charger for both men and women. Iconic women’s accessories such as the Elisa have been given a new nude-y revamp. The collection sees a number of fine accessories suitable for anybody, regardless of gender, skin color or identity, Louboutin has cast themselves as being a brand that sees past boundaries and in turn catapults itself into the future, ahead of the game.
eu.christianlouboutin.com
Fashion
Berluti Fall 2020
Fashion is a handy tool used to further illustrate the image we wish to show the world on a given day. Berluti Creative Director Kris Van Assche has created a pre-collection for Fall 2020 that has this diverse nature in mind, mixing and matching styles for different moods. Using a range of materials, designs and production techniques the pre-fall collection presents a versatile wardrobe that plays on the contrast of formal and casual wear. As comfortable in classic heritage pieces as he is in trendy, innovative ones, the Berluti man proves modern timelessness is inseparable from true chic. Casual ready-to-wear pieces creatively embody the Italian houses identity. Asleek Alessandro suit takes on a vibrant cherry, while a new half-canvas construction travel jacket in naturally wrinkle-free virgin wool can be paired with jogging-inspired tapered trousers or trendy knee-length cargo trousers. The collection, rich in texture and utility elements is accompanied by a slew of accessories suitable for any occasion. A selection of formal shoes are released with statement makers, such as the new rock and roll inspired “Camden” creepers, worn alongside the “Odyssée”, a functional travel sailor bag with Venezia leather details. Featuring several bags this season, Berluti is unveiling its new signature canvas, a coated cotton material printed with a Scritto-inspired motif and a crest, from the “Explorer” backpack to a versatile tote, the accessories are perfect for business and casual moments.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Moment of Hesitation
Like electrodes deep in the synapses of our brain, this is the site where stories are told and thoughts connect; like frozen memories that somehow never thaw out. The harmony and disharmony of events that playout on Earth serve as inspiration for Graff’s Threads collection. Designed and manufactured in the label’s London atelier, the collection includes a wristwatch embellished with diamonds, designed with the expertise of Graff’s Swiss watchmakers. The family-operated company houses the largest rough diamond discovered since 1905, and Lesedi La Rona is its exquisite uncut gem, allowing it to get away with its more extravagant pieces and playful petit jewelry, designed as sweet gestures of affection. An eclectic range of accessories includes pendants, rings, and a tiara, crafted of great comfort and quality, all brandishing a clear visual connection; poetic, like fates intersecting. “Connections are almost instantaneous. Our design perspective was to explore the meaning of all those crossing points, each of which is meaningful in our lives,” says Anne-Eva Geffroy, Design Director at Graff. In handling the highest quality of diamonds, discovering the inimitable beauty in each individual stone is of vital importance. Each millimeter of every stone has been cut with high precision, its layers of relief offering another dimension to the very medium of jewelry.
www.graff.com
Fashion
Clean Statements
Today, everyday life feels confrontational, with can’t-look-away culture wars kicking off in our pockets and clicktivism calling us all (usually rightly) to account. Copenhagen Fashion Week was littered with bold statements, dramatic silhouettes, and commanding textures in every color. Designers and attendees alike uttered two words with remarkable frequency: fashion and sustainability. The event itself announced a three-year action plan to address sustainability, and plans to demand brands meet certain targets in order to showcase their collections at Fashion Week. The idea that less is more was eminent. Less fabric means fewer chemicals, ergo less damage. Oslo-based brand Holzweiler has taken things one step further with the release of its SS20 collection. The family business presented a line-up that was as fresh as the faces of the models it dressed. With a delightful selection of gender-neutral offerings, the palette was muted, spanning mustard yellow through to mushroom and bark, complimented by hues of shamrock green and authoritative indigo. Clean lines commanded with Scandinavian style, as sun-kissed models flounced to abstract electronica – a compelling contrast to the lightness of clothing on show. Orbs sculpted from recycled plastic counterbalanced weightless textures. Executive Director, Susanne Holzweiler, explained the ethos behind their formation, “The material used in the sculptures is plastic we, ourselves, cleaned up at Akerselva in Oslo, just recently. We wanted to showcase the many possibilities of recycling, this time in [an] art format, through sculptures.” Embodying the simplicity that comes with summer, the line was filled with clean tailoring: windy-day-at-the-beach chic. The contrast of chunky hand-knitted crochets and relaxed tailoring showcased ensembles that could work for any age, gender, or size. The brand’s fourth runway show was, once again, a “no phone show” to encourage people to experience the beauty of being present. It may have not worked 100 percent of the time – it’s a tricky habit to break – but the message cut through clear as day, just like the clever philosophy of the clothing at play.
www.holzweiler.no
Fashion
LV PONT 9
Louis Vuitton has been synonymous with the city of Paris since its establishment on Rue Neuve des Capucines in 1854. Since its inception all those years ago the maison has been successful in selling an image of luxury and always succeeding in superlative quality and craftsmanship. The fashionable essence of the brand is one of timeless chic boasting a sense of parisian mystique. Now with the release of the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag the maison embodies a new, updated symbol of its longstanding commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. Channeling its heritage and home, the house’s new LV Pont 9 leather line takes its name from Paris’ Pont Neuf bridge, an old and celebrated bridge that sits opposite the Louis Vuitton headquarters in Paris. The bag’s refined, rounded design is brought to life in smooth, lightly padded calfskin and finishes with the 1930s archive logo reinterpreted by Nicolas Ghesquière, the House’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections. The interior, in sleek and colourful leather, features a smart design with two compartments and two practical pockets. The new addition is available in a diverse range of striking colours such as an elegant noir and delicate crème, deep summer gold, feminine and rose dahlia and is available online now.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Diesel Upfreshing
Since almost the entire world has and is going through massive changes, we have begun to reevaluate our decisions, our routines and of course our shopping habits. A shift in thinking is underway in western society as we take a leaf from eastern cultures and start to consider a lean towards a more collective society, one that considers the needs of others rather than just our own immediate universes. Health, prevention and of course sustainability are the words buzzing around everyone’s brains right now and Diesel’s new technology is an ideal solution for these worries. Using technology, Diesel will take a limited amount of items from the Spring 2020 collection and give them a new life and finish with the innovative tech that provides a series of treatments that function as a wearable safeguard against bacteria and germs. Like most things, being fashionable today is equally about being responsible, Diesel ‘Upfreshing’ allows our clothes to be washed less, meaning less water and energy usage and of course less washes means an extended garment lifespan.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Mordechai
Texas trio Khruangbin challenges the outdated convention of musical genres. Their unique sound influences reflect their message of refusing to be pigeonholed into one particular genre or label. During this time we find ourselves searching for new content, looking for the perfect soundtrack to comfort in these times of isolation. The thai-funk band has recently announced the release of their new album, Mordechai, coming June 26. Known for blending global music influences, the band’s sound is a fusion of classic soul, dub and psychedelic. Fusing a range of sounds, the band's name symbolizes the international set of influences that shaped their formation. The genre of Khruangbin’s music is mostly instrumental, with their accent often described as soul, surf, psychedelic, and funk, providing soothing sounds and melodies.
www.khruangbin.com
Fashion
Galleries Return as Restrictions Ease
March 2020 saw the rapid closure of galleries and museums across the world as the spread of COVID-19 continued to accelerate, leaving such institutions battling for space in the online sphere in an effort to keep the art world afloat in these trying times. Now, as lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we are seeing rays of hope as galleries and cultural institutions plan to re-open. Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, is hoping to welcome museum visitors again on May 18, but will require social distancing in the galleries. While the Antwerp museum will open on May 19, as will the Old Masters Museum. Berlin has planned to reopen its museums on May 4, with precautions such as plexiglass dividers at ticket booths, self-scanning tickets, reduced visitor capacity, and more frequent cleanings. If these precautions are successful, other countries around the world will likely follow suit as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Fashion
Brands Giving Back: AGL
Another brand doing their part to combat the ongoing pandemic is AGL shoes. In an effort to express gratitude to the dedicated healthcare workers, 30% of the proceeds made on agl.com for the month of April, will be donated to benefit Doctors of Marche Region - Province of Fermo, Italy - and provide them with personal protective equipment.
“We are very fortunate to be able to stay safe at home and we think It’s our responsibility to take care of our families and be grateful. Above all, It’s time to utilize our resources to help others, in particular the people who are running the risk of their own lives to protect ours”, the Giuti sisters.
www.agl.com
Fashion
Brands Giving Back: Louis Vuitton
March 2020 saw the rapid closure of galleries and museums across the world as the spread of COVID-19 continued to accelerate, leaving such institutions battling for space in the online sphere in an effort to keep the art world afloat in these trying times. Now, as lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we are seeing rays of hope as galleries and cultural institutions plan to re-open. Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, is hoping to welcome museum visitors again on May 18, but will require social distancing in the galleries. While the Antwerp museum will open on May 19, as will the Old Masters Museum.
Berlin has planned to reopen its museums on May 4, with precautions such as plexiglass dividers at ticket booths, self-scanning tickets, reduced visitor capacity, and more frequent cleanings. If these precautions are successful, other countries around the world will likely follow suit as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Brands Giving Back: Zegna
As Italy is under lockdown, companies are scrambling to aid those at the front line. Italian luxury menswear group Zegna has entered the battle with the ongoing pandemic, repurposing two of its factories in Switzerland and Italy to manufacture 280,000 hospital suits, as well as announcing a €3 million donation to Italy’s Civil Protection Agency. Aiming to help doctors, nurses, researchers, and volunteers operating on the front-line as well as donating to the Piedmont region in northwest Italy. “The pandemic we are all facing is a call for people around the world to take action. Each of us must do our part, in every way possible, to stop this global emergency,” says Gildo Zegna, CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Travel Books
It is not in our nature to be grounded in one space for so long, looking at the same scene every day can leave much to be desired as we feel unnaturally caged, like animals in a zoo. Yet we can escape, we can go wherever we want from our own homes with a good book, an exhilarating film or a beautiful painting. We are blessed to know that no matter where we are, we can still go anywhere. Louis Vuitton’s travel book series is an invitation to real and virtual voyages, enriched by intellectual stimulation and poignant moments. Launching in May 2020, the LV Travel Books embody a contemporary vision of travel and explore the cities and travel destinations through the eyes of artists who are less familiar with them. Featuring both renowned and up-and-coming artists covering some of most beautiful cities the world has to offer. French painter Marc Desgrandchamps shows us Barcelona while American artist Kelly Beeman portrays Saint Petersburg, “I drew inspiration from Hokusai’s prints and Warhol’s first pen-and-ink illustrations.” The books tell the stories through a range of modes including drawing, painting, collage, illustration, cartoons or manga.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Fendi Timeless Bags
Synonymous with taste and even fashion itself, Fendi is renowned for creating iconic style moments whether it be in the form of a bag(uette) or a simple pair of sunglasses. Now, the Roman brand has gathered together two of its most iconic products that have supplemented the brand 's prestigious reputation, the Peekaboo and Baguette. Under the creative direction of Silvia Venturini Fendi, the Roman maison shines a light on these iconic pieces in a contemporary manner alongside the Colibrì shoes and FF Boots. Now a timeless creation, the Baguette is a simple style and comfortable handbag to wear close to the body while the Peekaboo has been interpreted as a refined accessory which can be worn in different ways depending on the occasion. The two bags, symbol of FENDI, have been reinterpreted over the years in countless materials, sizes, colours and have been the protagonists of special projects such as #BaguetteFriendsForever and #MeAndMyPeekaboo. More than cult objects or mere accessories, these iconic attaché’s stand out as timeless symbols of creative sophistication and expression of the labels craftsmanship.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
BOSS ALIVE Capsule Collection
With the release of the BOSS Alive eau de parfum, a complex scent that invites you to live life to the fullest, BOSS Womenswear introduces an eight-piece capsule collection to match. Through contrasting notes of vanilla, citrusy apple, rich plum and jasmine scents that burst with positive energy. A play on this juxtaposition, the Alive capsule mirrors both masculine and feminine ideals throughout with both sharp tailoring and softer silhouettes, in a palette of white, black, and shades of pink.
A relaxed, double-breasted suit in white stretch cotton is a focal point of the capsule, paired with the “Feel ALIVE” slogan-print T-shirt. The collection also includes a number of joy-bringing numbers such as a soft merino wool sweater in blush pink, an essential addition to every woman’s wardrobe. With options that allow one to adapt to whatever the day might bring such as a flowing silk dress with a short-sleeved blouse in sheer black silk taking the collection from day into evening. Tailoring to a diverse range of women, the BOSS Alive capsule collection has options for everyone with versatile, timeless designs.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Ermenegildo Zegna Luxury Leisurewear
As the days are finally getting longer and we witness once again those wonderful sun-stretched evenings we breathe in a thankful breath - summer has finally arrived. A casual summer ahead for most of us no doubt, as we plan for a summer full of lounging and relaxation. We now look towards the brands offering casual yet stylish clothing, and above all, comfort is key.
It seems Zegna’s Luxury Leisurewear collection has arrived at precisely the right time. The collection consists of a versatile and casual wardrobe for a stylish contemporary man. Catering for both a cosy and exclusive look, the collection features a selection of semi-casual leisurewear that exude a luxurious sensibility. Featuring a brown micro-structured linen overshirt with flap pockets on the chest as well as stylish patches on the sleeves as well as a favorite being knitwear hoodies made from cotton, wool and cashmere for maximum comfort, functionality and style. The range is quite basic offering wardrobe staples like linen blazers and silk-blend polos, but is well rounded in the fact that it offers a contemporary and summery take on the usual ‘loungewear’.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Premiata SS20 Sizey Collection
With credit to the internet and to social media we are now living in the age of nostalgia. Looking back has always been part of fashion evolution, as new generations take snippets from the past and remake past-trends into modern fashion moments. From parent-style shoes to super-sporty high tops to soaring spice girl platforms, the 90s spawned a style evolution that only got bigger as the years went on. Now taking inspiration from 90s basketball sneakers, Italian footwear brand Premiata presents the Sizey collection, with international best selling sneakers Sharky and Drake. The styles are named after dragons and sharks, creatures that exist beyond the real or predate the world ultimately generating urban symbols of power. Constructed from fine Italian leathers and fabrics, Premiata shoes take sublimate features of the 90s basketball sneakers to devote a daring composition of the upper and a complex joints bottom on the mythical air system. Using sophisticated production techniques, premium fabrics, eclectic symbols and interesting color contrasts the styles take a trend and build on it to create something ultimately modern, contemporary and unique.
www.premiata.it
Fashion
Woolrich Hike and Seek SS20
Taking inspiration from earthly elements, the Woolrich SS20 sustainable collection is designed to embrace the privilege of the outdoors. Referencing the challenges of the Appalachian Mountain Trail, the campaign focuses on durability and utility. Inspired by iconic shapes such as the Hunting Jacket, and patterns like the Shadowbark camouflage from 1987, the pieces reflect the will to merge tradition with novelty. With an emphasis on layering, the garments in the collection are multi-purpose, an example being the quick dry merino wool that works as a super-stretch second skin. For their SS20 collection Woolrich have utilised sustainable technology and methods that minimize fabric wastage. Featuring materials such as Cordura, Pertex and Solotex the range boasts attributes like extreme durability, high air permeability, and a super-stretch essence that tie in to the theme, Hike and Seek. Where possible, they employed a focus on biodegradable composition of materials as well as a Green Cycle approach guided by a ripstop recyclable nylon. Already available online, the collection will be in selected retailers as soon as they reopen their doors.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
GUESS x J Balvin Colores
Iconic fashion brand teams up with international superstar to create an exclusive ‘GUESS x J Balvin Colores’ capsule collection. For their second collaboration Guess and Balvin have developed a collection inspired by the Colombian artists new album Colores. The campaign, directed by Nicolai Marciano showcases the vibrant clothing throughout the kaleidoscopic streets of Medellín, the city Balvin hails from. Incorporating red, yellow, green, blue and purple tones in each piece the robust collection for men, women and kids successfully blends J Balvin’s musical stylings with a colorful ready-to-wear collection. Styled by model and DJ Sita Abellan and shot by fashion photographer Tatiana Gerusova, the campaign shows Balvin accompanied by fans of all ages showcasing the beauty of Colombia as well as “the surging artistic vibes throughout the city and country.” www.guess.eu Following their first successful collaboration The Vibras collection, Colores has allowed the artist to further expand his role in the creative and design process. “It provided wonderful creative inspiration to envision a new album and corresponding new fashion collection together from the beginning – both connected to how I’ve been exploring new music through a lens of individual colors.”
www.guess.eu
Fashion
FF Earrings
From handbags to phone covers to sunglasses, the Fendi ‘F’ has become a distinctive emblem of elegance, craftsmanship, innovation and style synonymous with the Roman brand. Though the garments themselves usually scream feminine grandeur and dignity, Fendi accessories have branched out to become statement makers that complete the image: A Fendi woman exudes a unique confidence and exudes a luxe sensibility. We have witnessed the Fendi symbol worked into jewelry but now the Maison has taken it a step further presenting the FF Earrings, straight from the Women’s Spring/Summer 2020 catwalk. Paying homage to the Maison’s signature FF logo, these contemporary and feminine pieces combine Fendi’s sophisticated design with a new futuristic flair. Available online and in FENDI boutiques worldwide, The FF Earrings are realized in plexi with gold-finish metal ware and come in two sizes and four color combinations. The design allows the pair to be worn on both ears with a single F or on the same ear recreating the FF logo with hues of brown with a tortoiseshell-effect, as well as yellow, green and transparent plexi.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
DIOR Future Relics by Daniel Arsham
Opened October 1946 in a time of rationing and derivation following WWII, Christian Dior’s couture house was established with a hope to allow women to rediscover joy, elegance and beauty. Soon enough his name became synonymous with French luxury all over the world and still is to this day. The french maison has long been a household name that still resonates across women and menswear. This season's SS20 menswear featured the stand-out work of contemporary artist Daniel Ashram. An unforgettable runway, the set had been transformed into a sugary pink space adorned with monolithic sculptures that spelled the word DIOR. Now, Artistic Director Kim Jones and Ashram are collaborating once again. Together they are bringing life to some of the maison’s classics—the treasured inspirations and objects of Christian Dior himself. The range features a selection of objects given a timeless and contemporary twist, including Monsieur Dior’s 1951 book ‘Je Suis Couturier’ which has now taken shape as an eroded jewelry box studded with crystals. Transforming these objects into must-have editions to your personal art collections each Future Relic is housed in a custom art crate, delivered with a pair of white gloves, a certificate with numeration and a specially crafted sand timer all colored as per the menswear SS20 show’s decor. Every item is handmade in Ashram’s New York atelier and are only available in Dior boutiques.
www.dior.com
Fashion
FÉST Opens Flagship Store
Nowadays people look to invest in pieces that they will love today, tomorrow and for years to come. Buying a piece of furniture say, a sofa for example, is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and often the shopping experience proves to be more stressful than pleasurable. Whether it’s for a home, co-working area or commercial space, the purpose and function of the piece is just as important as the aesthetic. Dutch brand FEST have been rapidly expanding since its foundation in 2013 and have recently opened a flagship store in Amsterdam West. Built on the idea that well designed furniture can be affordable, the brand has been making waves worldwide with their collection sold in over 20 countries. Furthering the brand success, the Financial Times named it as one of Europe’s fastest growing businesses last year. On the back of this success the new store in Amsterdam West aims to revolutionise the interior shopping experience with their new ‘mini cinema’. Designed by SPACE Projects, customers have the option to book the cinema in advance and experience the furniture as they would at home. Pepin Smit SPACE projects spoke about designing the space with a focus on choices and interconnectedness, "This I try to translate into an interior where everything is interconnected - like the words in a poem. For me, the store kind spatial poem: ``Poetry of Space".
www.fest.amsterdam
Fashion
Borbonese’s Fall Collection 2020
Picture a timeline that showcases the evolution of women’s fashion over the last century, a combination of the key moments and trends that have shaped fashion today. Borbonese’s Fall collection stems from this concept, embracing iconic design details for the brand’s 110th year anniversary. Accessories such as the 110 bag and thick-framed sunglasses seal the message. Dorian Farantini and Matteo Mena have fashioned themselves a parallel dimension where time has f bundled together into one capsule collection that is reflected in solemn silhouettes, 70’s style patterns and 80s power-tailoring.
www.borbonese.com
Fashion
Liu Jo's New Spring/Summer Campaign for it's 25th Birthday
Back when Madonna and Whitney were topping the charts, social media was a distant dream and the DVD was only just announced, Italian brand Liu Jo made their debut to the fashion world. Known for offering contemporary styles that exude sensual power and gentleness the label has featured a slew of famous faces for their campaigns from Karlie Kloss to the iconic Kate Moss.
In celebration of their 25th anniversary Liu Jo has teamed up with Kendall Jenner as the face of their 2020 campaign with the hashtag #Bornin1995. The hashtag reflects the milestone that is this birthday (which Jenner shares with the brand) but also looks toward the future with a new beginning. Chosen for her global influence, Jenner’s face and personality will be at the heart of the project which plans to go beyond the usual campaign strategies, creating a new communication system that retains a message preaching empowerment and femininity. Kendall will act as the brands symbol and voice who’s language will resonate with the newer generations.
www.liujo.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Dunhill Men's Fall/Winter
Mark Weston spoke about a new view of deconstruction: “dismantling it and putting it together in a different way. It is also about how to build and engineer clothing. It is a mindset that is not lofty, but it is exciting in its technicality. His aesthetic for Dunhill has been building up an incredible new identity imbued with craftsmanship, English tailoring savoir-faire, elegance, classic staples. But also and foremost a sensual fluidity, a modern approach on colors and textures. The patent leather trousers declined in pitch black and lipstick red, blue, and paired with loafers, capes or tailored outwear. Silk satin for blazers and shirt conferred that flamboyant allure we have loved since the start in Weston’s Dunhill, but also his romanticism. Just listen to the poem by James Massiah performed for the show with music by Moses Boys: ”So here they are, present self’s, past self’s, we are in the passenger seats of your car Where you are gonna go, how far? How you are gonna pass the time?” www.dunhill.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Louis Vuitton Men's Fall/Winter
René Magritte loved to represents everydaylife objects, placing them in context to sparkle a different perspective on the world. Hidden messages allowing the viewer to reflect on the meaning of “reality” itself, and on the meaning of items, elements, outside of preconceived settings. Magritte loved to imagine and depict the mind mechanisms. For his fifth show at Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh choose a Magritte sky to merge his models. Walking down the space built ad oc inside the Tuileries gardens, they moved around objects of everydaylife with exacerbated proportions. One among all a tailor’s scissor. What is the meaning of its job at Vuitton? And as designer in toto? These are the questions Virgil Abloh answers today. Abloh’s new perspective already turned toward a more tailored dress code since a while, but exploring the meaning of boyhood, of that childlike pure perspective on the world. The suit is now declined into a myriad of variations, engaging into that Magritte-like color palette with figurative freedom, distancing itself from the normcore of streetwear. With the superlative Louis Vuitton atelier’s craftsmanship Abloh delivers a collection through his updated vocabulary. “De-appropriation”, “Corporate”, “Cloudification”, among the others. And above all “Flouncification: a method which imbues the lifeless with life by way of flounces. The twisting of the familiar into something new”.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Valentino Men’s Fall/Winter
Pierpaolo Piccioli never chase to delight with his Italian nonchalant savoir-faire on the classic dress codes for Menswear. Tailored and at the same time relaxed silhouettes for coats, blazers, technical outwear. These are classic staples you will want to find back in your wardrobe each time. Sartorial pieces that are a mirror of Piccioli flawless personal style. Romantic and definitely timeless. For this season Piccioli collaborated with photographers duo Inez and Vinoodh on flowers images patched throughout the whole collection. Delicate flowers that at a closer look disclose a powerful gesture: the carnation, the peony, the lily, the anemone, all symbols of strength, love, fragility. French artist Melanie Matranga work through words also castellated the collection: “NEED”, “BAD LOVER”. The mesmerizing voice of FKA Twigs dressed in a breathtaking white couture dress from the Beijing collection set the stage for the show by singing three pieces from her latest album. Sensitivity, delicacy in a spontaneous spirit.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
A Piece of Italy Abroad
In fashion, there are three cities in this world which stand head and shoulders above the rest, Paris, London and Milan. For a brand like Versace, it seems crucial to be present at all three locations. By opening two flagship stores, the Italian house sets the tracks for the future, without losing sight of its heritage and instantly recognizable design aesthetic. Located in the cities’ prime locations, Rue Saint Honoré and New Bond Street respectively, both stores will offer a full collection of men’s and women’s wear as well as accessories. Realized by renowned architect Gwenael Nicolas, both locations mirror the brand’s strong vision and offer tailored concepts for an immaculate display of the Versace products. As LEED Gold certified spaces, both were created with the highest sustainability standards, which do not just apply to the resources used. Both stores will open their doors to the public in Fall 2020.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week 2020 - Salvatore Ferragamo Men's Fall/Winter
Ferragamo starts out the new decade with a bang. Returning to the Milan Men's Fashion Week, Creative Director Paul Andrew takes us on a journey to explore the notion of masculinity at the dawn of a new decade. Through six archetypes of men and their uniforms, the businessman, biker, racing driver, soldier, surfer and sailor, Andrew showcases the increasingly fluid and non-conformist masculine attitudes, parting ways with the once-rigid assumptions they enforced. Clothes and especially uniforms can define us, but at the same time they give us the power to transform, to change the perception of us whenever we so choose. As Andrew has put it himself, 'A man today is not obliged to assume a single, set role: he can be a multitude, and he can change his worn identity any time he wishes. That's the freedom we want to explore in 2020.'
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Northwave: The reissue of iconic Espresso
In 1991 Northwave, previously known as the Italian company Calzaturificio Piva founded in 1972, created a new sneaker: Espresso. Combining a classic sneaker silhouette with the typical fat boy snowboard boot sole. A unique design bringing the feeling of the snowboard look to a wider audience. A celebration that Japanese brand's identity acquired in 1989 by the then Calzzaturificio Piva and that in the 80s took the snowboard industry by storm becoming #1 in the sector. After a relaunch in Japan in 2014 now Espresso will get again a reissue in two different materials – suede and leather, and 4 colour ways: black, off-white, red and royal blue.
www.northwavesnow.com
Art
NJG Studios: ‘Desire’
In the new book designed by NJG Studio the early lives and art of Patti Smith & Robert Mapplethorpe are explored through the lucidly expressive and of-the-moment photography of Lloyd Ziff. ‘Desire’, depicts an era of impassioned cultural defiance in New York during 1968 and ’69. As the author Hunter S. Thompson put it, the end of the 60’s was the reluctant quelling of a bittersweet revolution, he mused that “you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look West, and with the right kind of eyes you can almost see the high-water mark—that place where the wave finally broke and rolled back”. Now, with the release of ‘Desire’ this movement can be seen through the eyes of some of the icons of the time.
With over 65 unpublished works and many New York street photos over 128 pages in a hardback cover, ‘Desire’ comes fittingly housed in a hand-sewn paper bag. There will only be 600 copies of ‘Desire’ published with 100 of them being marked ‘Strictly Limited Edition’. Robert Mapplethorpe counts amongst the most critically acclaimed artists of the late twentieth century. Most notably, Mapplethorpe is known for his black-and-white portrait photography and his documentation of New York’s S&M scene in the late 70s. Artistic freedoms were alive in Smith and Mapplethorpe during the end of the 60’s, Ziff captures their knack for never quite fitting in or complying with authority and capitalism. Their natural disposition was to being outstanding, Ziff captures these dying embers as they burned their brightest.
www.njgstudio.com
Fashion
RRD Opens Showroom in Milan
Tuscan design company, Roberto Ricci Designs, have opened their first showroom in Via Tortona 31, at the heart of Milan’s fashion and design district. Of the new showroom, Ricci has said “it is a further step in the consolidation of the brand in Italy and its internationalisation”. The location speaks to the core values and soul of the designer, freedom of movement. The RRD project seeks “to offer clothing that is a hymn to the extreme freedom of movement of the body. The dynamic that follows the coordinates of daily life and is able to express energy.”
The Milan showroom will also be a meeting ground for international customers, buyers and journalists to better understand the philosophy of Roberto Ricci Design and explore their malleable Lycra creations. Ricci goes on to explain “it integrates all the elements of our inspiration, from the wave images of Australian photographer Ray Collins to the giant images of moving bodies in our Lycra. “We are in search of the true essence of things and have therefore sought the right synergies, combining driftwood with industrial metals, transparent and opaque glass”, RRD has found a home in Milan for its motifs of liberated movement and liberating design to be expressed and discovered.
Fashion
COMME des GARÇONS SS20
The meaning of gender identity, of transformations, of blossoming love, the sexual allure of crossing gender, but also a fantasy world, a otherworldly atmosphere.
Virgina Woolf’s “Orlando” is about all these themes: her peculiar mind has been one of the most prolific and admired as one of the most brilliant writers of the 20th century. But it’s her relationship with her friend Victoria that also deeply inspired her: the wish to love freely, to be far from social constrains. The hardship of living as woman in a timeframe when restrictions were of natural routine for women is indeed a recurring theme in Virginia Woolf’s Orlando.
It goes without saying that when, about 4 years ago, it was announced that acclaimed Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth and Rei Kawakubo were about to collaborate in a opera adaptation of Woolf’s Orlando, we all felt a gasp of excitement. Fascinated by the several facets of life, from politics to art, psychology, and diversity, Olga Neuwirth has been always working on complex Opera working with Nobel Prize Winner Eilfriede Jelinek and writer Barry Gifford.
“Transformation and liberation through time”, Rei Kawakubo’s work around the narratives in Woolf’s Orlando has been rendered in three acts: the first presented in June for Comme des Garçons Homme Plus and the second for Spring Summer 2020. The third will be on stage during the world premiere of Neuwirt’s Opera at the Wiener Staatsoper in December.
If the first act was channelled through the questioning around male wardrobe expressed from ungendered garments to ruffled petticoats matched with frock coats, Comme des Garçons Spring Summer 2020 was a pure blossoming. Flowers, abundance of colors in vibrant hues: red, pink, green, light blue, purple, yellow, white. A grandeur of embroideries, jacquards, knotted structures and cocoon-like silhouettes. Kawakubo’s power of imagination for Spring Summer 2020 travels through different period, from Elizabethan era to 19th century, till futuristic injections.
It was a collection celebrating the female gaze – see the gigantic skirt as dress/cocoon in one of the look or the flower-like bulb in full blossom in another. We are looking forward to seeing the final act in Vienna
www.comme-des-garcons.com
Fashion
Isabel Marant SS20
The streets of Rio’s Copacabana through the work of iconic landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, a key figure of Brazilian modern art and design. His lifetime call for the preservation of Brazilian endangered forests, and his aesthetic influenced by peculiar attention to nature but also cubism, and abstract themes.
Isabel Marant Spring Summer 2020 celebrates this very special figure together with another two key South American artists: Colombian sculptor, painter and graphic artist Omar Rayo and Salvadorian painter Gennaro De Carvalho
The collection is imbued with geometrical motives next floral prints. Big ponchos worn over relaxed denim, cropped crochet tops, shorts matched with fluid shirts, jumpsuits. The collection is playful and sensual reminiscent of Marant’s love for both travel and the daring 70s allure.
Jewels are adorned with ropes and feather, charm-like accents adding that playful motion signature of the brand.
www.isabelmarant.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto SS20
When exactly one year ago we interviewed Yohji Yamamoto in his Paris headquarters top floor – an apartment-like space filled with stunning Jean Prouvé furniture – he told us how, loosely paraphrasing his words, it is never about black or colours but about darkness and light.
The Spring Summer 2020 collection unfolded around all this with a crescendo of light as the models walked in look after look.
It was not only the succession from black to write looks. Looking closely the construction of each garment delineated carefully this vision: constructed in soft black cotton canvas, hand painted with big brush strokes creating a subtle see-through and adding a hardened structure.
When two looks of 30 meters hand knotted write silk crepe and hand painted in a multitude of colours – the colours Yamamoto addressed his entire career as “light”: a particular shade of yellow, purple, blue, red – entered the space at the Grand Palais we all felt deeply moved.
It was a poignant moment unfolding in a crescendo of intricately constructed looks that filled the room with awe: masterfully tailored long dresses with cut-outs elements at the waist depicting fallen pieces put back in an attempt to recompose what was broken.
The Japanese vision of seeing what is broken as beautiful through Kintsukuroi comes to mind.
Declined also in embroidered half cut-out flowers as if captured in the motion of falling, to find further Yohji Yamamoto’s reflection on Mother Nature’s fragile status. If his blazer as seen during his exit had No Future embroidered at its back, his peculiar ironic nature tells us that this is not a message but a question we must answer ourselves.
The last looks were an overwhelming surprise: white canvas long shirt dresses with their bottom structured as mimicking 18th century robe à la française, with intricate hand embroidered sequins motifs at its inner side and hand painted brush strokes from the outside to further “hide” the embroidery work.
Yohji Yamamoto worked on several layers. Transparencies surfaced with a dark and erotic atmosphere. This is a collection that touched us deeply. Thank you Yamamoto-san
Fashion
Musings on Fashion & Style: Kate Moss @ Saint Laurent Rive Droite
The Museo De La Moda has published a book of ‘Musings on Fashion & Style’. In the book, published by Rizzoli, documents pivotal moments in fashion history. As the book’s guest editor Moss introduces readers to a personally curated selection of her favorite couture and costume pieces from the museum. With a storied legacy in fashion and iconic looks from runways in all major cities, the mind of Kate Moss is a treasure trove of fashion knowledge. The book, a collaboration between Chile’s Museo De La Moda, Rizzoli and herself, features dresses owned by fashion greats like Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. The museum also boasts the largest privately owned collection of Marilyn Monroe dresses.
The museum houses dresses and garments that span all the way back to the baroque period. Museo De La Moda is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of fashion history. Home to more than 17,000 dresses, the museum also has collected sketches, accessories and decorative arts. As an institution it is focussed on offering an introduction to the history of costumes and the evolution of fashion. With the large collection left to him by his parents Jorge Yarur Banna and Raquel Bascuñán Cugnoni, Jorge Bascuñán has maintained the Museo De La Moda’s status as a home for historic moments in fashion. It was fitting that Saint Laurent Rive Droite, home to a plentiful intersection of art and fashion, should host a book signing. Kate Moss arrived at Saint Laurent Rive Droite where she graciously signed copies of ‘Musings on Fashion & Style’ for fans of herself and fans of fashion culture alike.
www.ysl.com
www.museodelamoda.com
Fashion
Max Mara SS20
Natasha Walter, writer of spy-thriller ‘A Quiet Life’ has observed a turning tide, “Fiction needs more female spies” for the simple reason that it would make sense. Women can be inconspicuous, manipulative, powerful and discreet; all highly regarded qualities in secret agents. Charlize Theron’s character in the film Atomic Blonde was one of the more recent female spy heroines yet it is only a beginning and a long awaited one at that. Adding to this the new Bond film will have its screenplay looked over by BBC America’s “Killing Eve” screenwriter, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Creative Designer, Ian Griffiths poses the question, how would these spies dress?
She wears shorts that graze the knee and multi-pocketed shirts in eau-de-nil, shell pink and powder blue. The look is sleek, ever graceful and infallibly professional in sweeping trench coats, sharp shouldered trouser-suits in ‘Sharkskin’ and ‘Prince-de-Galles’ colors. Tasteful discretion and precise tailoring provide a cunning visual feast in Max Mara’s SS20 collection. At the core of this design was the notion that spy thrillers and spy novellas are missing intuitive and highly trained female characters and by doing so, letting down an entire demographic. Max Mara have brought this idea to life, the jet-setting woman with her ear to the ground in any city, effortless style to match, is passionately evoked on the runway of Milan Fashion Week.
Art
Montblanc de la Culture Patronage Award 2019
The Montblanc Cultural Foundation has been honoring patrons of art around the world since 1992. The Montblanc de la Culture Patronage Award is given to patrons of the art world that contribute greatly to an enlightened public. This year in Germany the award was bestowed to Dr. Michael Haerdter, founder of Künstlerhaus Bethanien and director until the turn of the century. His award was graciously accepted on his behalf by Christoph Tannert, one half of the Künstlerhaus Bethanien’s managing directors. Tannert cheerfully remarked “the fact that we have won the Montblanc de la Culture Patronage Award 2019 is a great honor for us and a very special tribute to our work.”
Dr. Haerdter has underlined the importance of artists communicating through a higher medium than just verbal discussion, he has forged a generous amount of space in which rising artists can express their unique world view.“We are really delighted to celebrate this year’s Montblanc de la Culture Patronage Awards at Ku?nstlerhaus Bethanien, such as extraordinary and international center of art,” says Elvir Johic, managing director of Montblanc Germany and Northern Europe.
After introductions and speeches from Elvir Johic, Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath the win was celebrated greatly in Berlin where Montblanc hosted a party for people to celebrate and dance long into the night in recognition of Dr. Haerdter’s pivotal cultural contribution. Montblanc’s theme for the party echoed the Bethanien’s current exhibition, "Milchstraßenverkehrsordnung", “Space is the Place”. More than 150 members of the German arts and culture scene were in attendance for the ceremony and festivities. Thanks to the Montblanc Cultural Foundation this particular exhibition was supported with accompanying prize money of €15,000.
Kreuzberg’s Künstlerhaus Bethanien hosts a diverse group of artists through its ‘Artist-in-Residence’ program with 25 studios in which artists can refine their craft and truly flourish. The facilities also include an enormous basement for exhibition facilities. The contemporary visual arts venue and workspaces pioneered by Dr. Haerdter are an exceptional home for art.
www.montblanc.com
www.bethanien.de
Fashion
2 Moncler 1952 + Valextra: NYFW in SOHO
To celebrate their 2 Moncler 1952 + Valextra collection being made available in all their boutiques around the world, the doors of their Soho, NY boutique swung open to greet fans of fashion week. Moncler hosted a cocktail party for the ages. In their collaboration Valextra provides Moncler with a healthy amount of traditionalism as the foundation on which Moncler can test the inventiveness of designers Veronica Leoni, in charge of the women’s collection and Sergio Zambon for the men’s. Their strong Milanese heritage and innovative craftsmanship met with Moncler’s restless search for the new results in the best of both worlds. The Moncler boutique in Soho provided the perfect venue for the 2 Moncler 1952 + Valextra festivities.
Like a dream that’s so real you could get lost in it, bouclé wools, fishnets and macro ginko prints add to padded tailoring and detachable linings for more customizable fits. One of Sergio Zambon's trademarks in his work with 2 Moncler 1952 is the collaboration between graphic artists and fine artists. For this collection he joined forces with Romon Yang aka ROSTARR, an abstract artist, calligraphist and director who lives and works in Brooklyn. Oversize, cross bodies and all the extraverted down shapes produced by Moncler are still very present and pronounced in this collection. To surround oneself with nature and the divine outdoors while also maintining a life in the heart of your city, this is the ethos of 2 Moncler 1952 + Valextra. With their collaboration now available world-wide, they could not have chosen a more electric city than New York to celebrate in. It was here they poured up a range of colorful drinks and showed their guests around to explore their vivid creations.
Fashion
Net-A-Porter: THE VANGUARD 2019
Introducing the Net-A-Porter VANGUARD class of 2019. In its second year and third season, four designers have been chosen to receive mentorship within THE VANGUARD program. For the first time the chosen brands were discovered through Instagram. Net-A-Porter, with its talent incubator for up and comers, seeks to provide a comprehensive education on every aspect of the business. For emerging designers, this means having privileged access for developing the practical business skills.
Who else could be so discerning in the quest for wave makers in such a vast industry? With their prestige and omniscient coordination over 170 countries, Net-A-Porter paves the way forward. THE VANGUARD ensures that Net-A-Porter can muster the very best from their newest recruits, four very talented designers. ‘BITE Studios’, ‘Le 17 Septembre’, ‘Natura Sacra’ and ‘The Sant’ are Net-A-Porter’s chosen few; we can expect great things from each of them in their own unique way. From elegant and eco-friendly to unique shapes and artistic craftsmanship, there is little to dispute among the talent at hand.
This year the challenge designers were faced with a quandary that every brand is faced with, lessening their environmental footprint. Four designers were selected for their innovative tailoring methods, eco-friendly design practices and not least for their aesthetic qualities. The mentorship program provides winners with a path on which to better forge their career. THE VANGUARD will be supported with a visual campaign highlighting the four new brands for Fall/Winter ‘19, alongside previous winners from Net-A-Porter’s last season. Previous alumnus that went took up the mantle of THE VANGUARD include Anne Manns, Peter Do and Ratio et Motus. The program is followed by an ‘accelerator scheme’ through which The Vanguards will meet with a team of Net-A-Porter’s best and brightest, a treasure trove of refined industry knowledge.
www.net-a-porter.com
Fashion
Bally Haus
For a brand like Bally it is crucial to be present in certain cities all around the world. Milan, the epicentre of Italian fashion, can definitely count itself among these prestigious locations. For this reason, the Swiss brand opens its first Bally Haus in the heart of the North Italian city.
As Bally CEO Nicolas Girotto explains, “Bally’s flagship in Milan is a celebration of our brand identity.” Indeed, the building is an embodiment of the house’s aesthetic codes and principles. Bally Haus was designed by Casper Mueller Kneer Architects with the aim of capturing all the qualities which Bally has continously stood for, in order to not onlt create a new retail location but a true home for the brand. Its tranquil state of permamence recalls the Swiss brand’s legacy and craftsmanship, incorporating Swiss pillarts of art, architecture and natural materials.
The internal tiled-ceramic façade reflects the tiles from founder Carl Franz Bally’s original home, whereas the large illuminated windows are patterned to pay homage to the historic storefronts seen in photograph’s from Bally’s archives.
Bally Haus brings Swiss excellence to Italy and infuses it with the identity of its new Milanese home. To celebrate the opening of the store and to position it as veritable flagship store in Italy’s fashion capital, Bally Haus merchandise will be availble exclusively from the store.
Fashion
Frédéric Malle presents 'Rose & Cuir'
Frédéric Malle has called upon close collaborator and highly skilled perfumer, Jean-Claude Ellena, to concoct the latest fragrance in Malle’s “Editions de Parfumes” collection. They have named the fragrance, for the first time personably appearing under the name of the perfumer himself, Jean-Claude Ellena, ‘Rose & Cuir’.
A teasing of rose leads us to that smell of power withheld in fine leather, this is followed by custom extractions of timut pepper and geranium bourbon scents. Ellena maintains his signature minimalism, attained as a disciple of legendary perfumer Edmond Roudnitska , while brandishing less common and intricately selective aromas.
Notes of vetiver and cedar elevate an already present maturity in ‘Rose & Cuir’. The initial pleasantry of rose is almost an introductory formality; in order to cleanse your palette for Jean Claude’s more prized scents. ‘Rose & Cuir’ was inspired by the storied Mistral winds that grow faster and faster as they sweep through the south of France and up toward the Gulf of Lion.
In Grasse, France, the exact ingredients that Jean-Claude requested were then created by Frederique Remy, the owner of Floral Concept, the most advanced natural extraction laboratory in the world. The meeting of these minds and their shared intentions have brought to life a seductive, rich and curiously controlled crescendo that needs no musk or additives to finish. Ellena ensures that there is no singularly overbearing scent, in his own words “perfume is a soft caress, nothing must shock, nothing must shout”.
www.fredericmalle.com
Art
Rinus van de Velde Special Edition Stamp
It might have been a while since you last put a stamp on an actual letter before posting it. It is true that traditional mail has found itself largely replaced by e-mails and other means of electronic communication, making letters and stamps artifacts of the past.
Despite having lost most of their daily use, stamps remain a desired collector’s item, a prized artifact defined by its beauty and historical significance. Their illustrations are gateways to a different time, a snapshot of the period’s social and political realities, depicting an important event, institution or person that have become recognizable symbols of the issuing nation’s traditional heritage.
The Belgian Post pays homage to Rinus van de Velde, dedicating a special stamp to the Belgian artist. The stamp depicting a charcoal self-portrait is a recognition of his invaluable input to the Belgian art scene and his contributions to elevating it onto the global stage. It might seem insignificant at first, but these stamps will be a lasting witness of the national importance of van de Velde’s artistic endeavors, cherished by a nation and a global audience alike.
www.timvanlaeregallery.com
Fashion
CELINE Haute Parfumerie
In 2004, Hedi Slimane helmed a trio of scents at Maison Dior, the first new fragrances launched by the Parisian Maison since 1947. Now at CELINE, as new Creative Director, Slimane continues his olfactory project with the launch of the first Haute Parfumerie collection, the house’s first return to the world of scents since its 1964 Vent Fou for women.
The collection, comprised of 11 perfumes, draws upon the rich tradition of French perfumery reviving the tradition of the ‘couturier parfumeur’ at the French Maison. The newly created scents reflect the characteristics and stylistic codes, which have defined Slimane’s career. Deliberately avoiding the labels of masculine or feminine, the compositions are a harmonic blend of traditionally masculine and feminine notes, challenging outdated notions of identity and masculinity.
Based on the Slimane’s olfactory jounal, the collection has a very sentimental and emotional core with each perfume reminiscent of a distinct memory, emotion, place or encounter. The complex and sophisticated scents, harmonize natural and high-quality materials, capturing the Parisian Spirit and the elegance of its couture heritage.
The first nine perfumes from CELINE’s first Haute Parfumerie collection will become availabe in the Fall 2019, with the remaining two fragrances being launched in 2020.
www.celine.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton's Art of Travel
The House of Louis Vuitton and the art of travel are deeply interconnected. Highly conscious about their heritage, the French Maison has not forgotten about its early origins as luggage manufacturer. After all, it was the lightweight, flat-topped trunks out of the Parisian house that would make travel as comfortable as never before.
With the addition of four new titles to its Fashion Eye series of photography books, the French house stirs up a restlessness, a wanderlust, which invites us to set off to discover new horizons. We receive the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the worlds of four very distinct photographers visiting and documenting some of the planet’s most exciting places. Whether it is Baron Adolphe de Meyer’s travel across the mysterious Japan of the early 1900s, Slim Aaron’s carefree take on the fantastic glamour of the 1970s French Riviera, Osma Harvilathi’s documentation of everyday life in the legendary Mediterranean port Saint Tropez or Sarah Moon’s beautiful journey on the fabled Orient Express, each title has been created with the utmost attention to detail, from the selection of images, which capture an authentic feel, to the type of paper and methods of printing and binding used during the production process.
Through the diverse photography in each title, Louis Vuitton sets out to capture the true soul of travel. It is an homage to the inherent expressive nature of images and their inherent significance as archival treasures, invaluable references to past times and distant regions, as much in terms of their approach as their aesthetics.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Tabitha Simmons and Stuart Ververs: Coach in Full Bloom
Coach, a brand praised for its synchronicity with New York style, and Tabitha Simmons, acclaimed designer, running her own forward thinking shoe brand since 2009, is a dream pairing. Simmons, once style editor for American Vogue and CFDA winner for her work with accessories, was met with open arms at Coach. Coach Director, Stuart Ververs, recalled bumping into her at a Greenwich hotel, “she happened to be wearing a floral print dress from the Spring 2016 collection. We knew it had to be the starting point for our collaboration".
The collection features Simmons’ very first handbag design, inspired by the shape and colors of Coach bags from the 1950’s. The Coach Floral print from 2016 appears in different imaginings, floral-printed velvet dramatically appears on the collection’s urban hiker books, complimentary of Simmons’ unwavering devotion to the confident, doubtless modern woman and Ververs’ tireless perfectionism for designing fine leather goods.
Simmons mused on their collaboration, "It has been incredible working with him to bring our collaboration to life in a way that honors both of our brand's aesthetics. I love the contrast between whimsical, feminine florals and a little bit of a punk and edginess, there is something for every woman in this collection”. With Tabitha’s new cross-body bag reimagined from Coach’s 1973 Suspender Pouch, Simmons and Ververs are quite simply in full bloom.
www.coach.com
Fashion
Berluti's Marble
There are certain parallels between the house Berluti and the iconic Italian marble, deeply rooted in Italian tradition, timeless and sophisticated, yet with a certain edge. With his FW19 collection, Berluti’s Creative Director visualizes this obvious connection.
Hidden in the Berluti manifattura in Ferrara, you will find old marble tables. For decades, these have been used by the craftsmen to hand-dye the patina of Berluti’s iconic shoes, a process that has left its marks on the creamy deep whiteness of the marble surface. The circles, stains and botches, left in all different hues and colors by year’s of applied polishes, merge with the stone’s natural marbling contrasting the noble and the rough.
Photographed and unedited, this dye-splattered marble becomes the fundament for Kris Van Assche’s collection. Interpreted as one of the collection’s signature prints, it finds use across the collection. The shirts, overcoats and range of accessories in this fresh print offer visual accents, whilst creating a subtle connection to the house’s rich heritage as shoe manufacturer.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Riders of the Knights
The female struggle for political rights is largely associated with the popular movement of the early 20th century, as it laid the foundation for the position of the modern woman in society. But, there have been strong women, whose struggle for self-determination and independence well predates the last century.
Inspired by medieval heroines, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine or Elizabeth of England, who boldly transcended social limitations in an attempt to shape their own destiny, Francesca Amfitheatrof creates Riders of the Knights, Louis Vuitton’s newest Haute Joaillerie collection. The collection is an homage to these women’s determination and independence, mirroring their inner radiance and noble intentions in a dazzling display of thousands of diamonds and precious gemstones in rich and deep colors.
Reflective of their noble status, the carefully crafted pieces evoke the magnificence of dynastic jewels and sovereign power, in a breathtaking presentation of exquisite craftsmanship and materials with The Royaume alone featuring about 1600 precious stones. The collection’s strong aesthetic is loaded with symbolism, drawing upon medieval architecture, codes of chivalry and heraldic crests, with each of the 50 pieces telling a story that speaks to the confident and successful Louis Vuitton woman of today.
Exceptional and imposing, Riders of the Knights is no a tale of boundless wealth and male power, but a celebration of female courage and strength that has changed the course of history.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
#MeAndMyPeekaboo - Majorie Yang & Dee Poon
Most of Europe’s luxury heritage houses share an identical story. Initially founded by a single person or family, they have developed over time into international businesses until the only remaining remnant of the distant beginning is the founding family name.
One of the exceptions is Roman house FENDI. Since its foundation in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, the Fendi family has remained central to the company over three generations with a family member, Silvia Venturini Fendi, taking over as Creative Director in 2019. With the #MeAndMyPeekaboo campaign, the FENDI honors the family values so closely associated with the history of the house. Throughout the campaign, ten of the world’s most iconic families have been captured in their most authentic and intimate moments accompanied by FENDI’s iconic Peekaboo bags. For the newest edition, FENDI focuses on the special bond between mother and daughter by the example of Majorie Yang and her daughter Dee Poon.
Remaining faithful to the narrative, the video portraits the strong relationship between the two highly successful women, captured during intimate moments in Hong Kong. Just like the special family values, the Peekaboo bag, defined through great form and design, never goes out of trend and is treasured by younger and older generations of independent women alike.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Griffin x Woolrich 'Second Life'
It was only a few decades ago that humans started to recognize their negative impact on the natural environment. Nevertheless, this uncomfortable truth has been repressed in our collective mind and life continued just as it did before.
Fast-forward to the year 2019. Protecting the environment has become a pressing global issue, with the effects becoming more visible day-by-day. No longer can this important issue be put off and the time has finally come to act. With the consumer’s growing awareness and the increasing demand for sustainability, the fashion industry started to modify its wasteful ways.
For the third time, Woolrich teams up with Griffin Studio to reveal the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, distinguished through its minimal environmental impact. Throughout the collection, Woolrich and Griffin present three methods of sustainable production, tackling fashion’s biggest sources of pollution. On the one hand, the Woolrich branded Eco Ramar Cloth, used for the Griffin Reversible Parka, is printed instead of dyed, cutting the water usage by 70%. The America T-Shape and Sleeping Bag Coat, on the other hand, are produced in an eco fabric, gained from recycled plastic garbage with over 40% harvested from the sea. Special attention is directed toward the four ‘Second Life’ styles. This highly limited capsule collection uses reappropriated surpluses of the high-end Italian fabrics, which would otherwise have been discarded for a variety of reasons. This highlights the idea of reusing and recycling, legitimizing it as modern way forward. Produced 100% in Italy, all components were sourced within 30km of the production site.
Woolrich and Griffin Studio combine their typical modern urban aesthetic and functionality with a sustainable way of production. By proving that recycling is still a great source of untapped potential for the fashion industry and that sustainability does not have to come at the expense of style, they hope to not only showcase its inherent value but also positively shape the customer’s ways of consumption.
The collection will become available in the winter of 2019.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Givenchy Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019
Haute Couture represents the high point of fashion, the merging of the finest craftsmen and the finest materials, with its essence deeply rooted in time-honored traditions. In a bold and beautiful collection, Clare Waight Keller interweaves the threads of the gilded past into a radical future.
For the first time, the designer imbues her modern approach, instilled throughout her previous experience in prêt-à-porter, with a glamorous and elaborate aesthetic reminiscent of the chateaux, villas and stately homes, which stand at the origins of the grand tradition of Haute Couture. With Noblesse Radicale, Waight Keller inflects the traditions of Givenchy Haute Couture with new textures and volumes.
In line with haute couture’s traditions, the collection shivers in delightful embellishments. The exquisite materials, inspired by impressions of the past, from flowering wallpapers and rich upholstery to heraldic silverware, in combination with elaborate displays of precious beading and sequins, feathers and lace dissolve into the modern contrast of deconstructed evening wear. Old techniques and conventions meet modern materials and construction, accentuating a vibe of rebellious grandeur which defined the whole collection.
The looks are finished off in a daring retort to pomp and ceremony, with crested mohawks, pearl chandelier earrings and decadent palladium crowns blooming with curling 3D petals. This show connects the past and present and relates the elements of fantasy and indulgence that have made couture such a compelling practice with a hint of rebellion.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
HUGO x Liam Payne
The highly anticipated HUGO x Liam Payne capsule collection was finally launched at Berlin Fashion Week. Over 1.000 people, including Winnie Harlow, Stella Maxwell and Lena Gercke, attended the party that included a live performance by the man himself to get a first close-up look at the garments co-designed by Liam Payne.
The ten streetwear-inspired pieces reference the artist’s unique personal style and blur the lines between formalwear and athleisure. The capsule collection is defined by easy-to-wear silhouettes, fused with reflective tape trims and statement logo graphics for the desired urban-inspired vibe.
Apart from Liam Payne’s live performance, the guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the HUGO Spring Summer 2020 collection which was inspired by Berlin itself. The evening concluded with DJ sets from object blue and Sebo K that took the party into the early morning hours.
The HUGO x Liam Payne capsule collection will be available on hugo.com and in selected stores around the globe from July 5th.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Juun.J Spring Summer 2020
Juun.J returns to show at the beautiful Ècole de Medicine. It was a celebration of all the pieces and silhouettes we have loved this brand for.
Born more than 10 years ago, Juun.J has build a aesthetic imbued with beautiful modern tailoring: blazers with sharp oversized shoulders matched with leather shorts or leather overalls (black leather was definitely one of the key element), and suits with fluid palazzo pants declined in a beautiful grey English check, both for men and women. But also the brand’s signature oversized windbreakers styled as always by being placed on the head pushing further ¬- as the models storm in - that fluidity Juun.J is fond of.
Fluidity and breeziness we found as well in dresses played around transparency and asymmetrical layering, in beautiful lemon yellow or the signature metallic.
Juun.J’s love to reinterpret military clothing codes was also a focus: boxy pants, sleeveless jackets and overalls with multiple pockets at times generously oversized in green or with camouflage print.
www.juunj.com
Fashion
Dior Homme Spring Summer 2020
The notion of time, stretched and relative, where past and future are intertwined. It’s the idea of imagining our present in thousand of years, “the past of the future”.
Approaching the show venue of Dior Homme for Spring Summer 2020 we saw a clock eroded by time, almost crumbling as we speak, few steps further a desk, two chairs, some books as touched by decades, perhaps centuries. All in white, reminiscent of 1971 George Lucas’ “THX1138”: the same eerie white, looking at our far future where human might have almost completely disappeared.
For Dior Spring Summer 2020 Kim Jones worked together with artist Daniel Arsham to create the set and atmosphere surrounding the show. The American artist has been working around the concept of “fictional archaeology”, taking iconic objects of Dior heritage, including objects from Monsieur Christian Dior’s life as gallerist, his interest in art and his office being a central place, and imagining how they will be in 10000 years, replicating a geological transformation. Like the huge letters forming the word DIOR on the catwalk: they look like they are falling apart but if you look closer there are crystals growing in their fractures, perhaps leading to a new completion of the letters.
It’s an interesting coincidence how exactly around this period of the year, precisely the 30th of June, almost 115 years ago, Albert Einstein formulated his special relativity theory, reshaping the concept of time.
Kim Jones has always been fascinated by the concept of time channelling his imagination of future, technology and of travel he has created a strong impact on his poetic.
For Dior Homme 2020 Kim Jones explored transparency, feather-like garments but also combined with sculptural elements where the leather pieces are cut and sliced like it would be if they were cut by a frieze machine. Starting by printing from the inner side of the garment and then constructing the whole piece with layering the singular elements on the outside. It is like a modern way of sculpting and almost like contemporary embroidery.
Another wonderful couture technique is the different panels hand pleated silk crepe put together and applied on jackets and tops. Hand tacked into the organza base, pinned together to create different directions of curved surfaces, almost like geomagnetic field. The plissé panels were dyed by hand and then each applied on the singular garment to control each the sense of movement, almost feeling like a liquid surface.
Beautiful shades of grey, bubblegum pink, royal blue, neon orange, white: the entire colour palette felt modern and alluring. Alluring as the first collaboration with Rimowa presenting a capsule collection, including a champagne case, a backpack, a clutch and a cabin suitcase.
Kim Jones also continued the idea of draped volant sashes in jackets from Fall Winter 2019, now declined in beautiful floor swiping length marking the pink sand floor of the set.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Valentino Men’s Spring Summer 2020
Fantastic landscapes with graceful stones of otherworldly colours. Imaginary islands with beautiful creatures and a moody heavenly atmosphere. Artist Roger Dean - who designed album covers of the most progressive English rock bands in the 70s and 80s - channelled the Pierpaolo Piccioli’ s vision for Valentino Menswear Spring Summer 2020.
It’s a collection where different elements come together as in a long travel, at times as a free spirited meandering of human mind with all its colourful facets: the breezy capes, the flowing silk shirts paired with pant with sporty details and the updated version of the Rockrunner Plus sneakers.
At a closer look the couture embroideries and beading on shirts and outwear don’t fail to amaze us. The collection is an ode to the free-spirited Pier Paolo Piccioli’s own mind that we already had the pleasure to witness constantly during Womenswear.
The accessories carefully played around the idea of a camping mood are revealing beautiful mixes of textures: technical fabrics, suede, butter soft leather. One in particular caught our attention: the small squared boxy bag declined in different colours and prints. Reminiscent of a insulated lunch bag, it’s already the new it-bag.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Max Mara Art Prize for Women: Helen Cammock
The Max Mara Art Prize for Women was established in 2005 in collaboration with the Whitechapel Gallery. The only visual art prize for women in the UK, its mission is to nurture and promote female artists with the gift of time and space in the form of a six-month Italian residency. During this time, the chosen artist to realize a new and ambitious project, which is then presented in the Whitechapel Gallery in London and the Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia.
The seventh winner of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women is Helen Cammock with her exhibition ‘Che si può fare’, translating into ‘What can be done’. In this exhibition, Helen Cammock explores the idea of lament in women’s lives across histories and geographies. Throughout her six-month Italian residency, the artist excavates the expression of lament of unheard, buried and hidden female voices in the archives opened by historians, musicians, artists and singer across all of Italy.
Cammock’s multimedia approach embraces text, photography, video, song, performance and printmaking in order to present a new body of work, challenging mainstream historical narratives around womanhood, poverty and vulnerability.
The exhibition will be open to the public from the 25th of June until the 1st of September in the Whitechapel Gallery in London and from the 13th of October 2019 until February 2020 at the Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia.
www.maxmara.com
www.whitechapelgallery.org
www.collezionemaramotti.org
Fashion
Tambour Slim Rainbow
Virgil Abloh is a disruptor in the fashion industry and nobody embodies the rise of streetwear quite as he does. As the streetwear trend was slowly taking off, it was designers such as Virgil Abloh that elevated it to the next level, bridging the gap between the established high-end fashion and the newly emerging luxury streetwear.
Streetwear arrived at Louis Vuitton with Abloh’s appointment as new Artistic Director in 2018. As expected, he immediately made his presence felt and injected the French heritage brand with an urban vibe through his different approach to design and references to street art. F
or the new Tambour Slim Rainbow, Abloh references back to leather accessories of the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, translating its aesthetic to the watch. With a fluorescent rainbow X, the dial’s motif perfectly captures the spirit of the leather goods and accessories, also defined by the contrast of bright and fluorescent colors on a black background.
The simple exterior might be deceptive, but this watch is yet another proof of Louis Vuitton’s expert craftsmanship and watchmaking expertise. In meticulous steps, the 42 layers forming the bright X-motif are hand-transferred color by color, a process so time-consuming that it requires the same number of hours than the rest of production.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
FENDI Spring/Summer Menswear 2020
The inspiration behind the FENDI Spring/Summer 2020 Menswear becomes apparent at first sight. The location itself, the handsome gardens of the Villa Reale, acted as a first hint, reinforced by the show’s opening look, a workwear inspired overall rounded off with a clipping basket and gloves to achieve the desired gardening look.
Silvia Venturini Fendi is said to be a passionate gardener herself and she translates this passion as the starting point for her creative journey. Running through the collection like a red thread, the gardening references are not always as literal as in the opening look, but are instead infused with a certain lightness and the exquisite FENDI elegance. The natural materials, in a natural earthy color palette with soft greens, are combined with floral motifs to fit Silvia Venturini Fendi’s nature-inspired vision.
Luca Guadagnino, a long term friend of the designer comes aboard as guest artist. His help was invaluable in the design process. Not only did he provide sketches - that later acted as inspiration for some of the prints and introduced elements of the almost formal Japanese workwear - but his input was also invaluable in terms of art direction, show location and the soundtrack, which was composed by Japanese Ryuichi Sakamoto.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2020
Amongst all the seasons, summer has a special place, after all, it is the most liberating of all the seasons. Giorgio Armani tries to capture this summer spirit with his eponymous SS20 collection. For this occasion, the first time in nearly 20 years, Armani’s mainline menswear show returns to the decade long headquarter at Via Borgonuovo in Brera.
The SS20 collection was built around tailoring, through which Armani has achieved his legendary status. In line with the lightheartedness associated with the hottest season, we see a more relaxed and lighter interpretation of the tailored suits, balancing and harmonizing the world of formal attire with the more sporty one. Nonetheless, the label maintains its sartorial essence, limiting the more elaborate escapades into athleticism to the Emporio line.
The collection is defined by looser silhouettes, fitted around the shoulder but loose around the body. Armani seeks to replace the rigidity of the suit with freedom of movement and comfort, implementing light materials and looser fits. The chosen color scheme is unusually intense for the label, implementing a variety of bright hues in combination with the brand’s staples Armani blue, white and black.
www.armani.com
Fashion
M1992 Spring/Summer 2020
References to the world of celebrity cult and fame are found throughout Dorian Tarantini’s newest collection for M1992. Keeping with the fame theme, paparazzi, limousines, private jets and holiday destinations become photo prints repeating themselves on shirts across the whole collection.
In his work, the designer deliberately adds a dose of tackiness, as the allover Swarovski glitz, challenging the slim boundary between glamour and tackiness, so closely related to the world of fame. Adding to the overall fame theme, Tarantini’s work has a very apparent ‘50s and Sixties aesthetic. M1992 combines the sharp tailoring reminiscent of the ‘50s rebels with a ’60s-inspired silhouette, to create neat garments and faultlessly tailored suits evoking a genuinely rebellious vibe. This quality is underlined by the use of buckles and chains to outline the sharp silhouettes.
The necktie acts as the starting point for the designer’s creative journey. In collaboration with Neapolitan manufacturer Marinella, Tarantini presents his new take on the most corporate and conservative men’s accessory, revealing a surprisingly progressive quality in it. The collaborative aspect does not only limit itself to the ties, but also includes an adjustable case for a tablet. In collaboration with HP, this multi-functional bag will be limited to only 80 pieces available through an online contest.
www.m1992.eu
Fashion
A Ferragamo Homecoming
For his first men’s collection, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Creative Director Paul Andrew puts Florence center stage. The city, so synonymous with the house itself, sets the new aesthetic direction, the style code for a new era. Andrew’s vision for Ferragamo is inspired by Florence, at once gloriously ancient with rich traditions and at the same time stunningly modern and forward-looking.
In his new collection, traditional sartorial menswear codes are infused with more modern stylistic elements in order to articulate Andrew’s envisioned multigenerational concept. With a high-craft and high-tech approach, innovation and quality craftsmanship remain the beating heart of the house, in combination with unconventional and inventive ways of mixing materials and manufacturing.
With a mixture of skins, natural and synthetic fibers, the collection’s broad palette of earth tones and natural shades is contrasted with saturated incursions of candy pink, luminous mint green and deep night. Through his collection, Paul Andrew presents his personal vision of the modern Ferragamo man, who distances himself from inflexible gender norms and takes the freedom to redefine the classics for a new era.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Berluti Shadow
Nowadays, everybody is wearing sneakers. Previously reserved for certain youth cultures and athletes, the sneaker has evolved into an absolute must-have item in every shoe closet. Following the likes of other global brands, Italian shoemaker Berluti presents its first ever sock sneaker, the Shadow.
The brand’s forward-thinking and innovative attitude takes shape in a sneaker, defined by its impeccable lightness and durability, deriving from the use of durable and light nylon knit. The Shadow collection is Berluti’s latest undertaking to present a sophisticated alternative to formal footwear. They merge Berluti’s outstanding know-how and craftsmanship with the contemporary athleisure aesthetic and a modern attitude.
Available in classic black, navy and minimalist white the sneaker suits a variety of tastes and urban styles, whilst guaranteeing core Berluti ‘Made in Italy’ values.
The shoes will be available in stores and online.
www.berluti.com
Art
David Zwirner at Art Basel
It is hard to imagine that any of the founding members knew what Art Basel would evolve into. Art Basel kept growing year-by-year, adding the new locations of Miami and Hong Kong, to eventually become the world-leading art fair. Their shows do not only connect collectors and galleries with established and emerging artists alike, but also offer the broad masses a glimpse into an otherwise opaque art world.
David Zwirner has witnessed Art Basel’s development as the gallery returns to Basel for the twenty-first consecutive year. For this year’s edition of Unlimited, the spotlight falls on Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ complete set of puzzles created between 1987 and 1992, Kerry James Marshall’s RYTHM MASTR Daily Strip (Runners), previously featured at the 2018 Carnegie International and Franz West’s interactive installation of sofas clad in colorful fabrics, on show for the first time since debuting in 1994.
Besides showcasing new works of a variety of artists, other highlights presented at the booth include new paintings by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, featured at Venice Biennale and Oscar Murillo, who was just nominated for the Turner Prize 2019.
In addition to this, David Zwirner announced the launch of Basel Online. Available from June 10th, this Online Viewing Room is David Zwirner’s digital exhibition space, offering visitors the possibility to explore new works by gallery artists as well as curated online-only exhibitions and special collaborations.
Art Basel will be open to the public from 13th to 16th of June at Messe Basel.
www.artbasel.com
www.davidzwirner.com
Fashion
Nothing But Pride In #MYCALVINS
We have come a long way concerning LGBTQ+ rights. Despite massive strides over the past decade, discrimination based on sexuality still prevails. CALVIN KLEIN, long a supporter of the LGBTQ+ movement even, reconfirms his beliefs with the CALVIN KLEIN Pride Capsule collection.
In celebration of Pride, the new limited edition capsule collection sees apparel, accessories and underwear shine in the symbolic ultra vivid rainbow colors associated with the LGBTQ+ movement. Various CALVIN KLEIN staples, such as the iconic underwear or the classic trucker jacket are reimagined adorned with rainbow color palette.
Despite recent backlash about a campaign this year, CALVIN KLEIN, still one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly brands, does not falter in his support of the LGBTQ+ community and pledges a donation to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
The collection is available in CALVIN KLEIN stores and online.
www.calvinklein.com
Art
Dirty Socks
The creative mind works differently sometimes. It manages to find extraordinary beauty in the most mundane objects and settings and transform them into artistic expression. Nordic duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, collaborating since 1995, have time after time investigated this sculptural dimension of the most quotidian objects.
In their latest exploit, titled Dirty Socks, they prove that even our dirty socks, detached of their utility and radically recontextualized, can evolve into an artistic sculpture. Showcased on only a gilded lower body, crossing its legs, the white socks become the visual focal point.
Dirty Socks will be on show with the König Galerie at Art Basel from June 13th to June 16th.
www.artbasel.com
Fashion
Royal Ballet Flanders x Ermenegildo Zegna XXX
After a successful world premier at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, French choreographer Benjamin Millepied brings the Bach Studies (Part 2) to Antwerpen. In his Belgium debut, Millepied collaborates with the famous Royal Ballet of Flanders and Ermenegildo Zegna XXX.
As long-time friends, Alessandro Satori finds inspiration for this special collection in Millepied’s bold yet delicate choreography. Both discover a similar characteristic in their respective work, the fusing of traditional craft and knowledge with modernity. Designed with an intention to capture the energy of the beautifully moving body, the ecclesiastic silk and jersey dresses, in a combination of tonal or combined black and off-white, complete the silhouettes like a fourth dimension, making the performers seemingly fly on stage.
The performance is open until the 26th of May in the Opera Antwerp.
www.operaballet.be
Fashion
Birkenstock x Hotel Il Pellicano - Il Dolce Far Niente Collection
At first sight, the collaboration between the German traditional sandal manufacturer Birkenstock and the iconic Italian Hotel Il Pellicano seems a bit peculiar. After all, they do not seem to share a lot of similarities besides their worldwide renown.
Marie-Louise Sciò, Creative Director of Pellicano Hotel Group and herself an avid lover of the cult shoe explains that the heart of both lies a passion for materials of the highest quality and a timeless aesthetic.
Setting out with the goal to capture the spirit and style of the Tuscan hotel, they create a unique collection perfectly encapsulating the Italian Dolce Vita. The resulting Arizona sandals perfectly mirror the hotel’s understated and simple elegance, by only combining high-quality materials and craftsmanship with an eye for the details.
Seven designs are set to be launched and are available at the Hotel Il Pellicano or MATCHESFASHION.COM. Pre-orders of the collection launch on May 15th on MATCHESFASHION.COM, with the worldwide release scheduled for June 15th.
www.1774.com
Fashion
Berluti x Thélios
When Kris Van Assche was appointed new Creative Director at Berluti, the legendary Italian brand famous for its custom made shoes, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation for the new breeze this visionary designer would be able to bring.
Kris Van Assche knows how to take the elements of a brand’s heritage and bring them into his own aesthetic. For his Berluti first show, he worked on emotional elements dear to the brand: the white marble table used by Berluti’s artisans since 1895 in Ferrara to polish the renowned shoes, photographed and used in the entire FW19 collection. You can see every mark left by the colored shoe polish over the years – the spirit of the time.
But also the appeal of manipulated leather with the legendary patina finish (a technique known for the iconic shoes of the Maison) used since the fists look from garments to accessories.
Introducing the very first Berluti and Thélios collaboration, the collection of sunglasses for FW19 presents several variations on Kris Van Assche’s main points of fascination at Berluti, in green, red, yellow and blue hues giving a new light to the maison’s heritage.
From aviator to acetate round shapes, Kris Van Assche designs merge timeless shapes with understated luxury details like the “B” logo discreetly placed over the hinges or nose pads. The sunglasses feature lenses crafted with a mirror treatment in blue and red. Available in stores from 1 July 2019.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Double Birthday
To celebrate the ten year anniversary of its signature Peekaboo bag, the Italian luxury house FENDI continues its #MeAndMyPeekaboo campaign. With a series of videos in an intimate setting, featuring famous families, the Peekaboo bag is celebrated as if it had become an invaluable family member itself.
Following the likes of the Kardashians, the McGregor sisters or the pink-haired twins Ami and Aya, is the Italian businesswoman, entrepreneur and influencer Chiara Ferragni. It is for the occasion of her birthday, that FENDI has thrown the Italian an absolute dream of an luxury surprise party in its own Palazzo FENDI in Rome. The invited guests only counted the most inner circle of her family, the husband, rapper Fedez, her mother Marina di Guardo and the two sisters, Francesca and Valentina.
FENDI spares no cost, presenting her an imposing birthday cake, matching the breathtaking setting, which had been additionally decorated with a variety the brands exquisite leather bags.
With its campaign, FENDI celebrates family values. Just as you become part of the FENDI family, the Peekaboo bag will become a part of yours.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Travel Transformation
A transformation for one night into an adventures experience.
Montblanc introduced its new travel line. This time in Berlin, the energetic, electric and engaging city, which also happens to be a common destination for travelers. Due to this, it made the perfect fit for the launch of Montblanc’s new travel campaign.
The campaign is all about reconnecting. Reconnecting with the world to set the mark of the brand due to experience by giving guests the opportunity of visiting a cultural spot, which has been shut down for years. The guests were journeyed through a travel tunnel to arrive in the heart of the Metropol, surrounded by projections of a variety of urban destinations. Among the entire travel destination discoveries showed, a central wall sculpture of trolleys was created by Marc Jung that reflected artworks on the Berlin wall, marking the 30 years since its fall.
Montblanc created a new generation of entrepreneurs, trailblazers and urban explorers travelling the world with new Montblanc Nightlight Silver Trolley and the reimagined Extreme 2.0 collection. Created as lifetime companion’s crafted through the skills and quality of the Maison.
To read more about the event and Montblanc's travel collection, go to www.montblanc.com
Art
Spotlight
Sawaru is the new project from Flos that does away with excess and focusses on simple, compact devices that provide a clean aesthetic and simple functionality. A LED light source cylinder 43cm in length and 13 cm in diameter, Sawaru is constructed from aluminum and is available in finishes from black and white to bright gold and blue gray.
Two independent cylinders restfully lean up against one another for support, intercepting at a perpendicular angle; one acting as the supportive base and the other as a light source shooting out a beaming spotlight. The angle can be modified to the individual’s taste in three different stages – 25, 40 and 60, simply by inserting a pin attached to the base. Once again, Flos proves its commitment to designs that are user intuitive and simple; minimal in appearance and minimal in hassle.
The dimmer pedal regulates the intensity of the light and the color temperature, warm and cold, and one’s ideal combinations can be set by keeping the pedal pressed down. The LED indicators on the pedal supply information about the status of the light source.
flos.com
Fashion
A Magical Place Where Devils are Good
The only connection that matters is the one with mother earth. In the middle of the Argentinian Andes, near the frontiers of the west, is a small town where everything is the opposite in order to re-define meaning. This place is called Uquía, which is located between Tilcsara en Humuaca and contains many different cultures and ethnical groups who already live together in harmony for ages. These people have one happening in common: Carnival! The northern Carnival connects everyone and is a festive whereon devils are good.
This magical place formed the ultimate podia to tell the story of the Premiata Spring / Summer 2019 collection. In this town can you find the impressive Iglesia San Francisco de Paula, a church that has two versions the other one is located in Havana, Cuba. The church is a magical place because it is on the Salinas Grandes, a large salty plateau located 3350 meters above sea level that emerged from a lake that dried up during the Holocene. This exact point is able to bring light, earth and sky all together in a magical way, so at night you can admire one of the most bright starry skies in the world.
Besides the great variety of cultures and ethnical groups, also a fusion originated through the years. One that is dominated by colorful devil costumes, adorned with mirrors to keep real evil spirits away. The Carnival is a ritual in which each individual and the community itself will re-connect with the purest joy in life. Premiata decided to support this very special celebration to maintain the survival of these authentic cultures.
www.premiata.it
Fashion
Silhouettes Reimagined
In Balanciaga’s Winter 2019 collection, cuts, volume and fabrics reflect the inventiveness and attitude of the typical city dweller. Shapes are suspended and allow for unexpected movement with shoulders being shifted upwards and sleeves to be raised above shoulders. Hooded coats and incognito collars feature, as do lengthly trench-coats and robes which conceal a form and creates a concealed sense of mystery and anonymity. In classic Parisian style, outer-layers can be opted for wrapping and allow silhouettes to flow freely.
The brand enlists a more modern, mode take on the cocoon shape made from fake shearling and soft outer-layers. Kick skirts follow this theme, constructed from embroidered tweed and fake leather. Almost horned at the shoulders, biker sleeves are reworked to create volume, as are the extended and cropped pants.
Angularity and fluidity mingle with one another in this Winter 2019 collection. Building atop of the existing Balanciaga vocabulary that defies convention, new logotypes interplay with old ones, creating a harmonious balance between practicality and tension.
www.balenciaga.com
Fashion
Rick Owen's Women's Fall 2019/20
It has been exactly 2 years, when backstage after his Fall 2017 show Rick Owens mentioned how he was tired of being a downer, wanting to be more optimistic celebrating humanity and life.
Rick Owens is certainly the real living high priest of fashion who true to his words continues to surprise us. For next Fall Owens led us to an incredible dose of sexiness and glam we have never seen before: alluring bodysuits and short dresses twisted and knotted with long floor-swiping trails nodding to Hollywood gala. Some featuring the famous Fortuny prints.
Matched with tailored blazers and coats with sculptural shoulders once again recalling – following Menswear 2019 – his hero, American designer Larry LeGaspi, who dressed the likes of Grace Jones, and the likes of legendary rock bands Kiss, Labelle, Divine in the 70s. Adolescent Rick Owens was deeply fascinated by the avant-garde gender-blurring LeGaspi’s work and later this year we will see a monograph about the designer authored by Owens.
But there is another source of inspiration in the collection, another legendary American designer who later that evening after the show was celebrated at Joyce Gallery at the Jardin du Palais Royal with a small exhibition and the launch of a book with preface of Rick Owens himself: Charles James.
James lived in the legendary Chelsea Hotel and was a master in building a sculptural shape for evening dresses but also was interested in developing new shapes. In one of the archive pictures shown at the gallery we see a young Pat Cleeveland wearing a pair of shorts he creates in 38 and decades later developed into leather.
A series of reversed blazers with silver cowhide or nylon puffer are certainly playing references between James and LeGaspi.
Owens staged a spectacular collection. And the alien-like make up by prodigy Instagram talent Salvia - an ode to body modification - was the perfect element to further take ours breath away.
Fashion
LEE Jeans Campaign by Legend Jamel Shabazz
Steeped in 130 years of denim excellence, the Lee Jeans aesthetic is imbued with authentic hip hop stylings, its legacy sustained by the likes of LL Cool J, RUN DMC and Grandmaster Flash who all reference the heritage brand in their music, making Lee Jeans one of the most coveted pair of pants on the street and stapling its legacy and presence as a proud cultural icon.
Grounding the collection in its own rich history, Lee Jeans have sifted through their archives reimaging the old school attitude and iconic hip-hop aesthetic of the 1980s for their Spring/Summer 2019 line.
The generation-defining and legendary streetstyle photographer Jamel Shabazz who is responsible for having captured some of the most enduring imagery of the era has been enlisted for Lee’s Spring/Summer 2019 campaign. To mark the occasion, this collaboration between Shabazz and Lee Jeans will culminate in a limited-edition tribute book titled ‘Back in the Days’; a throw back to his original book of the same name containing the very best photographs from the SS19 campaign shoot in the original streets and neighbourhoods.
Straight-legged Lee Jeans double layered with Lee Rider Jackets are completed with tan, suede Wallabees and Adidas superstars in traditional urban street style finished with Kangol Bucket Hats and Cazal Sunglasses, savouring the spirit of the era for a new generation.
www.lee.com
Fashion
A Darker Side of Prada
This time at the grand hall of the Deposito, Prada unveiled to us its darker side. The Fall / Winter 2019 collection seems to take inspiration from the fantastical. Boxier forms and heavy tops feature, a look that combined with the plaited hair cannot help but remind us of the precocious Wednesday Addams. Crimson red makes its expected appearance throughout both in accessories and in the garments themselves.
Prada does however stay true to its roots with some staple pieces, the women's décolletage flattered in a wonderfully tasteful and feminine fashion, the dresses sensually slimming down the form, creating silhouettes that are ultra feminine. The former looks however, are a stark polar opposite - much preppier and defiant.
Fashion
A Chorus of Voices
One house hosting a conglomerate of different voices. A creative hub of concentrated genius channels multiple energies and pushes visions that speak to all generations of customers. Moncler has thrown out the rulebook, promoting access as the very highest form of inclusivity for contemporary customers in this digital era.
Unveiled on 20th February in Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, the Genius collections consists of works from the likes of Pierpaolo Piccioli, Simone Rocha, Craig Green and Hiroshi Fujiwara.
Moncler will open the Moncle Genius building to the general public on 24th February. Different rooms harbour different visions, each one operating singularly and isolated from one another, the sum of which manifesting as the Genius Moncler identity.
The classic human form is utterly redefined through the use of artful language and unique lenses from the designers. Swirling silhouettes swarm the space in the couture lines, the extravagance confirming the freedom philosophy of the brand, unshackled by conformity. International heritages from vintage to urban to military to tech are made full use of, showcasing an open roof of ambition and relishing in demolishing boundaries.
Manipulating fabrication with a keen awareness for space, Moncler joins the body with materials and with the space they inhabit in a incomparable, thrilling way: a multiplicity of identities melting into one.
Art
The Visual Spheres of Günter Rössler
Günter Rössler is one of the early leading Eastern bloc photographers that exposed the everyday life of the DDR. At a time that was characterized by scarcity and limited access to cultural influences, in particular Western pop culture, Rössler developed his own autonomous signature. He represented the DDR with a typical aesthetic that not only told the story but also made it feel as though you are part of it.
Günter Rössler studied photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Leipzig. In 1951 he started his empire as a freelance fashion and journalistic photographer. His work intriguingly told the various stories about the DDR’s social life. After a number of years, Rössler started to focus on fashion photography and grew into a true pioneer. His authentic and spontaneous approach created exceptional photographs that told a personal story and at the same time expressed a certain aesthetic.
The work has been published for years in East Germany's leading fashion magazine, Sibylle. In 1981 Rössler was admitted to the Verband Bildender Künstler der DDR (Association of visual artists of the DDR). In 1996 he also became a member of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Photographie (German Association for Photography). After his breakthrough as a fashion photographer, Rössler became one of the pioneers that introduced nude photography as a movement in modern art within the walls of the DDR. His first solo exhibition in 1979 presented in the Kunsthaus Grimma had a big impact. His nude models were exposed as strong natural women with a lot of self-confidence, which made them seem almost sculptural. Rössler's signature was in contrast with the standards of Western nude photography, which was less subtly produced. His work has depth and went beyond merely showing a naked woman. His work was therefore also noticed outside the walls of the DDR, magazines such as Fotographie, Fotokino-Magazin, Das Magazin, Modische Maschen, and even Playboy published it regularly.
After an impressive career as photographer and artist, Günter Rössler died in 2012. He left a memorable oeuvre behind that will always be remembered as one of the leading signatures in German photography. APITIS Studios / Berlin is therefore presenting ‘Akt und Mode’, an exhibition that covers his most important visual spheres through the years.
‘Akt und Mode’ is presented in APITIS Studios in Berlin from 15 February until 28 April 2019 and has free access.
www.capitis-studios.de
Fashion
Travel Essentials
A front leader in efficient and ergonomic clothing design, Roberto Ricci Design have synthesised clean, essential cuts with unexpected nuances for their Spring / Summer 2019 collection. The outerwear emanates warm tones of yellow that transcend into almost neon flourescence along with intense oranges, optical whites and classic blue denims. Silver and gold metal fibres also make an appearance.
The garments are simply ideal for the traveller in virtue of being extremely light and foldable, able to be fitted into travel luggage and smaller cases. The urban section features lightweight lycras that are highly breathable and suited for warm Spring temperatures. Classicism also infiltrates the entire collection with simple cut shirts and trousers from sartorial models. Soft to the touch fleeces are enriched with Oxford fabrics.
Fuss and excess are deliberately stripped away in the search for pure essentiality and necessity in designs. Technical glamour blends with colours, shapes and fabrics in perfect Italian style.
Fashion
The Saddlebag is back
True house icon, and ultimate symbol of Dior’s unique and long-established mastery in crafts. Creative director Kim Jones reinterpreted Dior its iconic saddlebag into a fantastic new modern version for the summer 2019 collection. The design came up for the first time almost 20 years ago in 2000 in the Women’s Spring-Summer 2000 ready-to-wear show. Its saddle-shaped form can be promptly recognised. Jones added a Jacquard strap featuring the inscription “Christian Dior”. The bag is finished with a raw industrial- inspired buckle specially developed for this occasion by designer Matthew Williams. This typical adornment is created in Florence, Italy and reflects the finesse of the house’s leather goods.
www.dior.com
Art
ELECTRIC CO - RE-Couture
Enchanted by clear pencil lines that tell more… Designer Conny Groenewegen captures her imagination into spatial drawings that make you almost part of it. The boundaries between 2D and 3D are a continuing signature in her art.
With a background in Art and Fashion, specifically knitting, she created a special relationship with interlocking loops coming from one continuous thread. When you make another manoeuvre, the pattern breaks. In conclusion: “you cannot impose or force anything without causing damage.” This theory turned into a philosophical approach for Groenewegen that resulted into the Fashion Machine-project; a suggestion to reconsider fixed archetypal forms. By changing forms, textures, materials and settings, new interesting insights appear and create another perspective to redefine the type.
The ELECTRIC CO artwork is a creation of a plastic monofilament that carries a rigid knitted structure in combination with softer, woollen yarns. The constructed 3D element emphasizes the upper body’s muscle contours and re-codes. At the same time the archetypal shapes of classical sweaters and bomber jackets accommodate ELECTRIC CO’s vibrant dynamics > electricco.co.
Photographer Anouk van Kalmthout photographed the artwork and created a mystifying universe. The picturesque, colorful and especially abstract landscapes give a dreamy feeling which impersonates this association of free interpretation. The lively use of light and shadow in fusion with the disorienting perspective gives this artwork a free sense to express. These photographs are an infinite vision full of the world’s fortuitous.
Credits:
Photography: Anouk van Kalmthout; model: Iheomy Nahr; make-up & hair: Yokaw; set assistant: Juliette Lizotte; production: Charlotte Corstanje; creative direction: Conny Groenewegen
www.connygroenewegen.nl
Fashion
The Sophisticated Unconformist
Unconformist, powerful and assertive, this Spring/Summer 2019 capsule from COS is catered for the sharp, sophisticated working professional seeking to build upon a staple wardrobe, channelling creativity and unapologetically making a statement in the process.
The sculptor’s hand is palpably discernible, the garments clearly envisioned with the wearer’s form in mind, regarding the body as the crucial central canvas to be built around. Conceived of in three dimensions, the pieces caressingly float and fit the shape of the wearer. We see this thematic pattern replicated in the absence of busy, fussy decorations, rendering the collection a stark, simplistic, modest and unostentatious slate, nonetheless creative and unconformist in attitude.
An understated, unaffected, minimal palette of clean whites, strong blacks and varying blues is realised to its fullest potential, a direct result of Anna’s propensity to resist high frequency turnover trends and to reject external logos, prints or patterns. Peter Saville contributes the only patterned item; a limited edition silk scarf incorporating graphic prints. In this manner, the collection is fit for studio work, formal meetings, after parties and can be maintained for a lifetime.
Fashion
Escaping Routine
In the AW 19/20 show, William Fan dived into the eclectic karaoke nightlife of Hong Kong. An environment in which everyday culture diminishes as soon as it becomes night, and the alter ego emerges. Fan, is fascinated by the diverse palette of personalities that this city and its karaoke bars by night posses: from formal suit wearers to colorfull adolescents. As soon as they show up under the neonlights, old memories emerge and they all come closer to their icons and idols.
This euphoric change is an immense inspiration for Fan. His collection forms a tribute to various personalities, individual songs and memories from back in the day. By using animal prints, variations of loud colors and textures, a playful effect arises in the light of the mirror pole that characterizes the mystique of the karaoke nightlife.
www.williamfan.com
Fashion
An ‘It’ Bag Revived
Fendi’s ‘Baguette,’ one of the original ‘it’ bags, is back for Spring/Summer 2019. And while the Men’s Fashion Week show in Milan showed that even the boys are loving it, there is no shaking the little bag’s status as a feminine classic. With three storylines to its name and a host of stylish starlets among its fans, this is definitely a bag to unbox for a night out with your girls. Fendi’s new #BaguetteFriendsForever project celebrates the revival with three friendship-themed shorts set in Shanghai, Hong Kong and New York.
The first episode — The Baguette is Back— is set in Shanghai and stars actresses Tan Zhuo and Qiao Xien, as well as fashion influencers Yu Wei and Yoyo. The Missing Baguette, the Hong Kong instalment, follows Taiwanese DJ Dizzy Dizzo, Japanese model Hikari Mori, Korean DJ Peggy Gould and ‘it’ girl Yoyo Can as they search the city for their objet du désir.
The One and Only Baguette, set in New York, sees influencers Caro Daur and Natasha Lau and models Ebonee Davis and Melissa Martinez, racing to buy a Baguette.
All three films are scored with Groove Armada’s My Friend.
The accessory — designed by Silvia Venturi Fendi in 1997 and subsequently seen on anyone who was anyone in the Nineties — made a strong resurgence during the brand’s S/S19 womenswear show, embellished and embroidered, fashioned in brightly-coloured, ‘FF’ detailed leathers and befitting any socialite’s wardrobe. For the men’s show this month, the baguette was re-imagined in nylon and leather cross-body iterations, with the classic hand-held style appearing on the catwalk in shearling and faux fur.
www.fendi.com
Art
The Process of Existence
Art duo Vera Lehndorff and Holger Trülzsch have opposite backgrounds, but when they coalesce, an interesting socially critical manifesto emerges. Lehndorff, better known as “Veruschka” was a fashion model and developed through her career a critical view on the human body as a whole. Trülzsch started to look for social limits at the student movement in Munich during the sixties, where he mainly questioned art, music and politics.
Both were fascinated by the idea of "transformation", a concept that caused a lot of commotion in the 70s and 80s. Through bodypainting and photography, the duo challenged the media to mix traditional roles and question them instead of merely embodying and emphasizing them. Veruschka redefined the expectations of her as a regular model, she didn’t portray just one common version she transformed and hid herself beneath many.
Their work created a counter-reaction against the norms of capitalist society, especially the strict standards of beauty and presentation. The duo converted existing art methods into new symbolic expressional forms, with which they presented the complex stages of the human existence process in a new and less conventional way.
The sixties, seventies and eighties were times of change, and the work of Vera and Holger contributed with great success. They were criticized and rejected, but today their ideals are used as inspiration, that is why the SR Contemporary Art gallery in Berlin now officially display these leading controversial artworks.
www.srcontemporaryart.de
Fashion
Dior Homme Fall 2019
Inside the monolithic black temporary structure built at Plateau Joffre stands a 76 meter long moving walkway where models stood still. Kim Jones is sure to have a particular sense of spectacle: he created a wow-effect by a simple gesture where his new collection was carried monumentally, stripping back the stage and downsizing it compared to his previous Tokyo show.
The heritage of Dior together with the contemporary and experimental Jones’ attitude produced an elegant and smart collection with tailoring declined in couture techniques and materials.
A Mona Lisa reinterpretation and other pen work by American artists Raymond Pettibon infused across the collection giving a strong graphic spirit. Pettibon was always a strong influence since Kim Jones’s teenage years.
What strikes is the silk stole applied around a pinstripe suit or along a cashmere coat extending till the floor. It is so subtle but so showstopper.
Kim Jones created a new masculine attitude at Dior Homme taking also elements dear to Monsieur Dior like his 1947 panther print, reinvented in this collection alongside other animalier gestures that extend to scarves, jackets and sweaters. Kim Jones stays true to his own language: jackets have removable leather sleeves , hybrid garments, nylon mirroring silk and accessories composing a whole with the entire collection. The saddle bag is reinvented once again and worn cross body on the tailleur oblique. The high craftsmanship and elegance of Dior fuse with the techno fascinations of Kim Jones vision.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Multi-Influenced Antony Morato Collection Arrives
As the Spring/Summer 2019 season creeps up on us, Antony Morato introduces us to his new collection inspired by a myriad of vibrant themes, culminating in a maximalist style that reflects this array of artistic influences.
The first inspiration submerges us in the nautical world of deep blues and denims, sands and melange greys. This simplicity is embellished with cute, charming anchor stripes and rope prints.
British culture also seeps into this lively collection - a bold Rock&Go theme reminiscient of the UK hardcore punk scene with ever distinct red-black tartans and playful prints such as bulldogs, flowers, comic-style lips.
Organic, raw fabrics transport us to the animal kingdom with natural cotton and prints featuring leaves, flowers and animals, more apparent in the hybrid jacket with bomber sleeves and two colour yellow/khaki jacket.
A dusty darker palette of burgundys, mustards and muddy browns are accompanied by excessive print, patterns and embroidery characteristic of gipsy folk culture.
www.morato.it
Fashion
90's Nostalgia
Marina Hoermanseder is another designer who sparks joy with her creations and brings a sense of humor to her work. Here FW19 show took us back to the days of glorious sitcoms like ‘Married with Children’ and ‘The Nanny’ as well as iconic Tonya Harding costumes with just a hint of ‘The Dukes of Hazard’.
The designer lays the 90s elements on thick as evidenced by the collection's first look already: purple cycling shorts, a modification of her strap skirt and a neon-colored, short sweatshirt. Strong country influences counteract the over-the-top nostalgia: Western buckles can be found on the typical strap skirt, sheriff stars are there as emblems and cowboy boots and hats finish the look. All this is an empowering spectacle and nod to strong, at times grossly underestimated, female characters that have shaped todays Gen Z, Hoermanseder's loyal followers.
www.marinahoermanseder.com
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli’s Fall Line Tailored for the Debonair Gentleman
The Brunello Cucinelli Fall 2019 menswear collection personifies the wardrobe of the dapper modern gentleman. Fusing together a look that marries plush comfort with simplistic elegance, a distinctive retro flavour can be detected with some statement items and most notably in the liberal use of corduroy, velvet and moleskin fabrics.
No more is the stress on comfort epitomised that in the loose fitting pants and jumpers, quintessentially evocative of cutting, crisp winter evenings. Hearty, earthy understated tones of camel, burgundy and smalt blue with splashes of grey, concoct a palette that suffuses class. The range features all the conventional pieces you would expect from Brunello Cucinelli, from cashmere turtlenecks to poplin shirts, from tweed jackets to padded gilets. However it is the strong, stiff suits accented with muted silk pocket squares and the uninhibited use of atypical materials that really sets this collection apart.
A sheer sense of balance and attention to finer details allows for a cool, crisp finish appealing to the suave, dignified debonair gentleman exuding elegance and sophistication.
www.brunellocucinelli.com
Fashion
Grand Hall Bulbs Light Up For Prada
The grand hall of the Deposito hosted the Prada Fall/Winter 2019 show this past weekend displaying the very latest in Men and Women’s wear. The setting, a cold industrial floor dimly lit by sparsed out singular lightbulbs. This performative landscape injected a sense of theatre and spectacle whilst cultivating an atmosphere of mystery and discovery, evoking the Tesla-Edison experiments of a bygone error and tropes of science fiction.
In the spotlight, layers of clean, simplistic lines in deep, warm hues are set against decorated accessories and dizzying, colorful, almost psychedelic patterns — echoing the futuristic motif of the show. As always, and in characteristic Prada style, the collection does not shy away from colour and embellishment, oozing looks that ring fresh whilst still retaining the sense of class and classicism so staple to the brand.
www.prada.com
Fashion
The Zegna Way to Play: Holiday Gifts, Iconic Leather
Italian luxury fashion house Zegra celebrates the magic of this holiday season. Ermenegildo Zegna created three new characters: Romeo, Enzo and Luigi. All of them are made from iconic fabrics, whose playfulness and sense of humor reflect the joy of the festive season.
For the stylish, the sporty, or the man about town, Zegna presents an exclusive gifts collection which is made from lightweight and versatile leather - pelletessuta. A story in fabric, this woven leather is made from placing extremely thin strips of nappa leather on special looms, thereby replicating the traditional way of weaving cloth. Holiday Gifts available in major Ermenegildo Zegna stores and also online.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Fendi Mania
Fendi-Mania - an extreme enthusiasm or desire; an obsession for Fendi. Every collection is a celebration for Fendi; pandemonium is in the air again with the Fendi-Mania capsule collection.
Fendi has the city of Rome coursing through its veins and deep into its DNA. There is an air of the city in Fendi and the city is awash with Fendi. But Fendi is bigger. Fendi is a universe filled with inspiration that has evolved into a glowing exchange of positive energy.
Enter center stage, Fendi-Mania. A capsule collection inspired by the streets, the millennials and the ironic soul of the brand. The FENDI/FILA logo popularised by Instagram creator @hey_reilly sets the tone for the collection drenched in sporty, musical references, dripping in some of the loudest colors on the spectrum in patterns that astonish as they dazzle.
Shot entirely on iPhone, with entirely millennial models Fendi-Mania feels free and fearless. Ready to wear, encompasses, men, women, and kids with accessories aplenty, available from October the 16th.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Y/Project Spring 2019
It is rare to see designers who have the guts to challenge their comfort zone as much as Glenn Martens has constantly been doing. For Y/Project Spring 2019 the Belgian designer went one step further.
Deconstructed and juxtaposed pieces gave space to new sophisticated silhouettes: the pants merged with long skirts at its back, mimicking the motion of a fluid skirt in a frontal wind blowing motion when the fabric adheres to the legs. The imaginative power of Glenn Martens is superb and definitely this is one of his most ambitious collection showing us a deep knowledge not only in staying true to his poetic but also in cut and costume history.
Cable knit skirt with a deep V waist line, oversized sweatshirts with an incorporated bra, tulle overlaying garments like skirts, dresses and coats. But it’s in the surprising glamour of the finale that the audience was literally taken into awe: a fluid silk satin dress, a suit with its blazer cut on the shoulder line all adorned with contrasting feathers in tulle reminiscent of a dramatic '30s Marlene Dietrich boa.
www.yproject.fr
Fashion
Highlights from Milan Fashion Week
Max Mara Spring 2019
www.maxmara.com
Emporio Armani Spring 2019
This year Armani returned to its home again, Milan. And with that return they took over 170 looks with them to the airport where the show took place. It was a great mixture of textiles running from wide jeans to classic suits, and basically everything that comes in between. One thing is sure: Armani proves us his great variety of fabrics and styles for upcoming season.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Diesel x Mustafa Capsule Collection
Diesel have their tongue firmly lodged in their cheek for their new collaboration. A campaign that sees the Italian Denim Brand propose that the coolest brands are found in the coolest places. A proposition that has landed them in the diverse metropolis of Berlin to collaborate with “the only true artist in berlin”, Mustafa.
Mustafa’s Gemuse Kebap to be exact. Known quite simply as the best kebap in the world. With a minimum wait of 20 minutes Mustafa’s kebap has a collosal reputation one that quite literally busts the block. Diesel is not without their own reputation of course. Collaborating with a kebap stand despite its iconic stature in pop culture defies normality. This is the game.
Graphics combining the logo of both esteemed brands adorn the T-shirts, sweatshirts and caps that complete the 14-piece capsule collection availavle in Europe, China and the USA.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Rimowa celebrates its 120th anniversary
Famous German company of premium luggage Rimowa celebrates their 120th anniversary with their first globally integrated campaign.
In honor of this milestone Rimowa invited a host of celebrities to New Yorks, 7 World Trade Centre. The famous faces included men’s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh, Dior Men’s jewellery designer Yoon Ahn, model Adwoa Aboah, international chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa and Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer. Rimowa gifted each guest with a personalized leather luggage tag, graffitied by American artist Curtis Kulig with his signature "Love Me" to mark the occasion. Guests also took time to share their personal interpretations of what travel has meant for their lives.
“What makes this campaign very different than any other is that these aren’t typical endorsements, these are people who have been traveling with Rimowa for many years,” says Muelas. “Their own suitcases are in the campaign.”
The campaign also marks the beginning of an exclusive partnership between Roger Federer and RIMOWA that will extend to various projects over the next two years.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Woolrich releases new capsule collection designed by Ms. Lauryn Hill
American brand Woolrich announces ‘Woolrich: American Soul since 1830’ Fall/Winter 2018 starring the iconic Ms. Lauryn Hill in her first ever fashion campaign. This campaign marks the beginning of a new era for Woolrich rooted in authentic creators who define American innovation and reflect the creative magic in the soul of the brand. Ms. Lauryn Hill – American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress designed and customized the new limited-edition capsule collection. It will launch in Woolrich stores worldwide and in collaboration with top retailers in North America and Europe.
“The opportunity to work with Ms. Lauryn Hill was the perfect start to our ongoing ‘American Soul’ project, highlighting Woolrich’s American heritage. We wanted Ms. Lauryn Hill to bring her unique artistic eye to the product and DNA of the brand so we invited her to put her own spin on these classic Woolrich styles, reflecting her interpretation of ‘American Soul.’” – explained Andrea Canè, Creative Director of Woolrich.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Aesop opened a new signature store in Nuremberg
Australian skin care brand owned by Brazilian company Natura opened a new elegant store of 40 square meters in Nuremberg. New shopping space situated on Fleschbrucke and designed in-house by Aesop, and executed by Munich-based design studio einszu33.
The space appears almost as a cinematic tableau. Screed concrete, velvet, visible from pavement outside that swathes a wall behind the display window and rusty iron — invite tactile exploration and realize a sense of refined domesticity. Clients can explore skin care products and also products for body and hair, distinguished by botanical and laboratory-generated ingredients of the highest quality.
www.aesop.com
Fashion
Wood Essence by BVLGARI
Italian luxury brand BVLGARI introduced a fragrance ‘’Wood Essence’’ with the energy of nature for the cosmopolitan man living in harmony with his environment.
The new perfume sensation is made by master perfumer Alberto Morillas who combines intense woody tones with bright citrus accents. This fragrance is an exciting addition to the BVLGARI Man collection.
BVLGARI Man Wood Essence included coriander extract and zest of Italian lemon, Cypress wood and Haitian vetiver extract, Benzoin from Siam cedar wood and amber chord. The result: a final touch of invigorating power. This eau de parfum proves that the perfect balance between city and nature is not only possible, but also necessary.
www.bvlgari.com
Fashion
Versace Menswear Spring Summer 2019
“Versace, Versace, Versace, Versace, Versace…” the campaign video featuring a noticeable selection of supermodel reciting the brand’s name infinitely in a sort of spell-like chant for the Spring Summer 2018 marked a new air in the house in celebration of this iconic Italian maison’s 40th anniversary.
For Men’s Spring Summer 2019 the powerful link between past and present, that attitude on life “so Versace”, defines once again the new collection.
In the show notes Donatella Versace mentioned how this collection takes into account the free spirit of Versace’s men. “These are men who do not care about the rules and that is exactly what it love: they have an opinion and make their own style choices”, hinting also to the various range of garments, inspired by many different kinds of masculinity.
Printed piton ensembles, powers suits in neon colours, relaxed knits, but also track suits with newspaper print where the season’s motto “It’s Versace not Versachee!” delivered a playful collection with contrasting elements through a contemporary take.
Also this season a Womenswear capsule collection joined the show at the stunning family palazzo in via Gesù, where a cascade of wisteria adorned the inner courtyard ceiling in a mesmerising backdrop.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Weightlessness - Ermenegildo Zegna SS19
Fusing performance and speed of sports, Alessandro Sartori’s Spring Summer 2019 collection for Zegna elaborates a clean and sophisticate sense of lightness and linear functionalism.
The airy silhouettes unveil hybrid forms, playing with experimental collars and double sleeves. Mantaining a sobrious yet contemporary language, a very pale color palette reinforces the outlines of Sartori’s metropolitan aesthetics. The collection includes bombers, parkas and anoraks, which are combined with tailored high-waisted double pleat trousers. Perforations, degrade checks and souvenir prints enhance the feel of immateriality.
"Creation for me always stems from a technical challenge. I am presenting shapes that are bold and voluminous, yet very light, in layers of meshes, wools, silks.” says Zegna artistic director Alessandro Sartori “I found the same challenge in the architecture of this space. It is the perfect place to unleash the Zegna crew of individuals who recognize themselves in the XXX logo, which runs from the clothes to the set-up, unifying the message: a symbol of couture craft that is also the most personal and unexpected expression of Zegna”.
Fashion
Prada's Cartesian Space
A psychedelic, futuristic atmosphere unveils the unreal set that Prada has chosen for the Spring Summer 2019 Fashion Show.
The normally rough architecture of the venue in Via Fogazzaro in Milan, is transformed into a a grid, reinforcing the idea of a serial design. Numbers and symbols allude to geographic coordinates of remote locations.
Like in a cyber punk movie, cold lights projected on the inflatable stools by Verner Panton, produced by Verpan for Prada, intensify the surreal sense of lightness and transparency, questioning the recent practice that sees show sets as explanatory efforts to contextualize collections.
www.prada.com
Art
Italian elegance in the big city
In the heart of Manhattan, at 160 Madison Avenue, a modern and unique store is opening its doors. This is the first Flagship Store of Moteni&C, Dada, and UniFor, joining forces to project the classic and elegant Italian style into New York City. A collaboration between aesthetic and cultural harmony mixed with personality and imagination.
Showcasing the concept of a modern art collector’s house, the store hosts a collection of works by contemporary artists. Discover monochrome sculptures by Santo Tolone and pop hieroglyphics by Stephen Felton alongside the works of young artists.
Designed by Vincent van Duysen, the store also creates a platform to support artists in the height of their creativity that will be presented at the Molteni Museum.
Music
News from another planet: King Krule performs live on the moon
Just stop for 30 minutes, wear your astronaut gear and let him overwhelm you with his warm voice and brazen sight.
As a matter of facts, Archy Marshall aka King Krule has relocated to the moon to record his latest music video, performing 8 tracks from the most recent album “The Ooz”. In a very short sequence, the video opens with the singer laying down on the bad looking at the moon, which is then mirrored in his blue eyes.
Afterwards, we find him wearing a space suit and the performance begins. Is it a dream or is it reality?
Over the years, the Londoner has been able to show the world an innate talent in experimenting with different music genres, which continuously float between punk, jazz, hip hop and loading them with an intensely dark sound.
Besides that, his fascination and approach to visual cultures expands the comprehension of his music, making its concept even more psychedelic and somehow referential. If Lizard’s state (2014) black and white video is an open tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, on the other way around, in “Dum Surfer”(2017) we are absorbed by a creepy scenario where both the band members and red curtains are reminiscent of David Lynch Twin Peaks’ character the Giant.
“Live on the moon” would perhaps recall another British dude who bring his music on another planet in 1969. Space oddity, anyone? There is a lot of material, though.
Yet originality lies in trasforming exhisting things in totally new ones, and Marshall is undoubetely trascending the more diverse languages to create his own style.
The turbulent soul will tour around USA starting from April, while for those like us who would love to see him live in Europe will have to wait because after all, he just started walking 6 feet beneath the moon.
The video can be watched on the webpage: oozdelalune.com
Fashion
Shine on: Christian Louboutin launches their new sparkling Lip Glosses
There is no need to say that Christian Louboutin knows exactly what glamorous women want: to shine as stars do.
For this summer and as a gift to fashion lovers, the iconic designer introduces a very sparkling collection of high-shine lip glosses.
Loubimirior is a glassy vinyl presenting a very slick finish. Enriched with Vitamin E and shea butter to improve idratation and reducing fine lines on lips, this glossy lacquer intensifies lips’ fullness and natural beauty, as well as it can be layered over any Lip Colour for a bold effect.
With its irresistible color-changing effect, the Loubilaque Lip Gloss is available in four different shades featuring a metallic finish on lips, which is highlighted by irridescent glitters and pigment pearls.
Yet Louboutin takes the gloss formulas to the highest level thanks to an attentive focus on the teardrop applicator’s precision and functionality for both the versions, which are additionally enriched with a delicate feminine scent.
As if they were jewels reminiscent of Art Deco movement, the lipstick cases’ design represents one-of-a-kind treasure to wear as a pendant. Indeed, the vial is carved with a marmaid tail pattern and enclosed with a turret-like crown, which is in turn threaded with a delicate silk ribbon.
Loubimirior and Lubilaque lip glosses set up the make-up rules for the upcoming season, irradiating summer days with their brightly feminine and super seducing features.
Fashion
LIFEWEAR: Uniqlo + Tomas Maier
Japanese brand Uniqlo has announced the launch of their very first resort collection, released in collaboration of iconic Tomas Maier. Thought as a versatile escape from everyday life, the new series for both men and women will combine the two houses’ aesthetics, with a key focus on confort and wide use of innovative and high quality materials, such as AIRism fabric, extra-fine cotton and 100% cashmere for the knitwear. The womenswear includes tops, dresses, a polo-shirt and a stylish swimwear piece that can be used as loungewear too. The mens’ proposals focus on jackets, t-shirts, polo shirts and shorts that function as swimming trunks, unveiling a color range of navy blue, black and khaki hues. Starting from Thursday the 17th of May the LifeWear series will be available online and in 19 stores worldwide, celebrating the flexible, relaxed freedom of modern elegance.
Fashion
Highlights from Paris Fashion Week
It’s now turn for Paris to showcase the most cutting-edge designers and their proposals for Fall 2018. In less than a day, the vibrant appointment with fashion has already turned into an inspiring cultural hub.
With a mood inspired by Morocco, Jacquemus unveils a very original interpretation of this warm land. The collection is an exploration sandy tones and primary full colors that highlights the depth of necklines. Sensual and extremely sophisticated, light knits dresses are worn like a second skin. In addition, cuts and layers alternate with flowing fabrics that uncover the body, yet inform a strong sense of modern elegance.
Mini-dresses and hyper-structured shoulders define the stylish attitude for the vertical silhouettes that Anthony Vaccarello selects for Saint Laurent. The imaginary brings back to the rock scene of the Eighties, as well as the richness of embroideries and transparencies underlines a youth spirit taking over the rebellious cuts. Although a dark palette drives the mood of the collection, materials and details such as velvet, studs and trimmings enrich jackets with a sophisticated touch of glamour.
When the attitude is revolutionary, then a reference to youth movements in 1968 is mandatory. With her collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri opens Dior show with a sweater featuring “C’est non non non! permeates the atmosphere with lot of vintage fashion magazine covers on the runway floor, unveiling a wearable chic students-wear that combines sporty tailored jackets, printed T-shirts and transparent shirts, long dresses and and skirts.
Earthy colors, leaves prints and a giant tree setting the stage. This is how Lacoste presents their collection in Paris, and everything seems a gentle ode to the essentiality of nature. Both men and women take their walk in a relaxed allure, which combines street-style elements with a more sober elegance.
Casual sweaters enriched by natural drawings are paired with wide trousers, while maxi turtleneck ponchos comfortably flow over the body. For the women, dresses feature asymmetrical cuts and flaring sleeves. The menswear works on layers, unveiling casual combinations of hoodie sweaters under classic suits and interesting proposals for the outerwear.
Precise cuts, oval collars, tone-on-tones long asymmetrical duchess dresses in satin revealing plunging necklines are embellished by adjustable belt and precious details. Sober and linear, Lanvin collection is highlighted by luminous shades of orange, fucsia or emerald green. Leather midi pencil skirts in different shades are paired with tight turtleneck sweaters creating a modern look, while a fluid peachy shirt-dress achieves romantic elegance with a cascade of little treasures on the front. This is Olivier Lapidus' language and vision, which the digital couturier brings at the historical Maison.
Set in the marvellous Hotel de Ville, Dries van Noten presents an incredibly rich collection. Light blue, deep purple, warm orange and several green hues, from watery tones to distinctive neon shades set the base for something like a magnetic elegance. All the jackets are oversized embodying masculine cuts, while floral prints and the abundance of embroideries take over long, fluid dresses. Classic pencil or pleated skirts are infused with metallic panels and paired with soft sweaters and luminous wide blouses, which glorify the feel of powerful femininity and grace.
Fashion
Highlights from Milan Fashion Week
With over 64 fashion shows, Milan Fashion Week is likely the most outstanding event of the year. From the 20th to the 26th February, several brands have unveiled their energetic womenswear proposals for Fall 2018, once again consolidating designers’ ability to interrelate the world of fashion with art and topics of sociological relevance.
Radically political, Prada presents a neo-retro-futuristic collection narrating the Milan’s night cityscape and focusing on how women feel when walking alone during the night. Set in the newly constructed Tower by OMA, everything is intensified by the darkness of the floor, where models wear layered looks, featuring workwear elements combined with organza, tulle and tweed. Fluorescent digital prints as well as new Prada neon signs illuminate the atmosphere and work as signage over technical materials. With her collection, Miuccia Prada once again use the artistic mean to mark an important statement strongly standing up for women and their freedom.
Alessandro Michele loves reinterpreting past cultures. With his new collection set in a claustrophobic operational room, the designer invites us to be overwhelmed by the complexity of the creative process. With models carrying baby dragons, chameleons and severed heads, Gucci Cyborg is a complex imaginative ensemble of fine materials and vintage quotations. Showcasing knitted balaclava, lurex jackets, feathered sleeves, organza dresses combined with iconic american Paramount Logo or cult movies like “Faster, Pussycat! Kill, Kill!”.
Apparently, truth is out there. An extraterrestrial fantasy leads the mood of Moschino by Jeremy Scott, who gives form to a conspiracy theory according to which Jackie Kennedy was an alien. Therefore, face-painted models with vintage 60's looks in pop neon and pastel tones on skirts, pumps and pillbox hats playfully underlining the bright spirit of the brand.
One of the most recognizable aspects of cyber punk aesthetics is the one of imagining hyper technological future landscapes intersecting vintage design features. Skin and earthy tones in brown and pale olive green determine the romantic outlines of shouldered dresses and pleated skirts. With their collection presented in Milan, in a similar way Fendi re-elaborates different elements from the structured looks from the eighties and the vertical silhouettes of the Forties to underline and re-define a conscious and self-confident femininity.
Fashion
Peter Hujar's first full- scale retrospective exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum
Vulnerable figures, dramatically portrayed in black and white over diagonal compositions, form the language of Peter Hujar, whose artistic production was recognised for the spontaneous yet touching immediacy of his ‘difficult subjects’.
Over a span of 30 years, since the beginning of the mid-fifties, Hujar’s production has faced and been influenced by shaking moments of cultural history, including the public unfolding of gay life between the Stonewall and the AIDS crisis, the emergence of punk performances in art and music and downtown subcultures during the Reagan Era, as well as the meeting with influential personalities, such as Susan Sontang (who contributed to Hujar’s 1976 monograph).
The interest for subcultural forms of expression and drag performance, led him to meet with Warhol Superstar Candy Darling, who asked Hujar to make her a portrait as “a farewell to the fans”. Set in a hospital room where Candy was admitted for lymphoma, what should have been resulted in an unpleasant image of death was actually transformed in an elegant atmosphere highly suggesting a calm serendipity.
On the one hand, the artistic authority that Hujar's work has achieved overtime collects an immersive and wide contemplation of human bodies and their shapes, investigating on the transient fugacity of life, highlighting both their corporeal presence and interiority. On the other hand, additional works (such as the shots taken at the Palermo catacombs in 1963) featuring still-life, landscapes and animals unveil his sophisticated and melancholic sensibility for existence as a whole.
Peter Hujar died of AIDS in 1987 and more than thirty years after his death, his photographies are gaining worldwide traction more than ever.
For the first time and at The Morgan Library & Museum until the 20th of May 2018, a full-scale retrospective presents 140 photographs of this great artist, displaying the prints how Hujar wanted his work to be exhibited: flirting with disorder to let the viewer dive in the deep storytelling of each single image.
Fashion
OFF-WHITE™ C/O Jimmy Choo pop-up at KaDeWe
On the 21st of February, the prestigious KaDaWe store in Berlin will inaugurate the launch of the OFF-WHITE ™ collaboration with Jimmy Choo collection, which will be showcased in an exclusive pop-up store for over two weeks.
For the first time, the luxurious brand Jimmy Choo collaborates with a ready-to-wear designer, unveiling a commercial collection that combines Virgil Abloh’s youthful exuberance in design with their high-end heritage.
Imbuing the princess heels with an intriguing, conceptual use of plastic tulles and hothouse florals, generate a fresh and appealing identity to the special collection.
The collection will be available from the 21st of February until Tuesday the 6th of March.
Fashion
The Buffalo-era: Astrid Andersen pays tribute to the iconic youth culture for her FW18
There have been so many youth cultures inspiring worldwide designers. Especially in the eighties, the Buffalo movement was about one of those radicalization of clothing daring society with cross-generational, cross-gender and cross-cultural aesthetics.
For the launch of her Fall Winter 2018, Astrid Andersen takes inspiration from this pioneering language that has greatly anticipated the contemporary scenario and celebrates diversity with an innovative tribute to their energetic and authentic London street-style. Far from rules, she set up an unlimited space for creativity. She designer plays with tweeds, tartans and glitter organza, as well as silk jacquards, technical puffers and custom-printed silks. The rich color palette floats between sparkling golden yellow and full primary colors, cross-exploring wide ranges of possibilities.
The eighties' imaginary spreads out trough the collection's spirit, from Georgia Hworth (daughter of Jeny Howorth) walking in the show to original shots by photographer Mark Lebon portraying Jeny Howorth styled by Caroline Baker, which take over sporty-chic hooden dresses.
The looks have been incorporated into the menswear show (and wholesales in Paris) as an underlined, positive declaration of genderless fashion, while the full womenswear range has been presented during Copenhagen Fashion Week on the 1st of February.
astridandersen.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Menswear Fall 2018
There are many tales surrounding the legend of Shuten Doji, one of strongest demons in ancient Japan folklore, who kidnapped young noble women to devour them at night. It is narrated that at the end of the X century the legendary samurai Minamoto no Yorimitsu and his warriors successfully killed the demon on the Mount Ooe in Kyoto prefecture.
It is not by chance that the painting by Utagawa Yoshitsuya representing these events was imprinted on Yohji Yamamoto’s invite envelope where on its inside sat a small thin sheet of paper. In black colour.
The collection seemed a deep thought on our times, on the recurring human cruelty, on the lack of compassion and values.
There are always many interpretations to Yohji Yamamoto’s poetic and at times ironic view on themes. Even the tight seating felt a key element to read the collection. The urge to be on our toes, to feel the tension, while the models slowly walked in the space of Rue Saint Martin – headquarters of the brand – on the sound of Jiro Animoto’s voice and guitar.
Skirts, tunics, blazers and coats layered to create splendid slouchy ensembles recalling a samurai robe, tightened on the waist by leather belts. In few looks the overcoat was worn on one sleeve underling the flawless fluid tailoring of Yamamoto.
The collection continued with knitwear revealing stitching as a gesture of keeping together lacerated flesh during a battle. Again the poetic of the imperfect, of the ruined.
Shades of blue, grey and deep red looks for deconstructed coats. A photo of Yohji Yamamoto himself was featured on one of them with small glittery blue tear embroidered along one of his eyes. In the final series of monastic black silhouettes John Lennon ‘s “Imagine” pinned a crescendo of emotions in a collection beautifully true to the poetic of this unwavering Japanese master.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2018
Kris Van Assche has been inspired by music since his young age channelling the New Wave and the 90s into Dior Homme’s identity.
The set at the Grand Palais with 3 tall glass cases enclosing an installation of intermitting disco light and fog machines, set a rave mood on the sound of Alphaville’s “Forever Young”. But it’s the first looks which disclosed a broader perspective on Van Assche’s Fall Winter 2018 for Dior Homme: variations on suiting.
Sleek and extremely slim, with the blazers narrowing at the waist point.
It was an inspiration drawn from Monsieur Dior himself and his iconic Bar suit. With an horizontal seam on the wasp-waisted cut and the recurring stitched eyelet on blazers,
Van Assche delivered a beautiful perspective on suits with a distinctly modern elegance and cool emphasis.
A myriads of subtle but significant details constellate the several looks on the theme: crossed lapels with a buttoned edge, three-buttons or double breasted with diagonal overlapping conferring a geometrical shape, two buttons with the reinterpretation of tribal graphic images part of that 90s culture.
The collection featured also sporty and relaxed looks with puffer jackets, wool coats, high waist denim trousers, simple. The choice to leave all the shoe laces untied conferred a certain naïve feel, a youthful gesture, recalling the unconventional, the unplanned, the head in the air of a young self.
As ultimate gesture echoing the heritage of the house permeating equally the Mens department: enlarged label stitched on blazers’ sleeves featuring “Christian Dior Atelier”
www.dior.com
Fashion
THIS IS NOT A F*CKING STREET STYLE BOOK
The one about streetstyle being a hardened enemy of high fashion is such an old story. In the digital era and trough the empowerment of individual communication over everyday aesthetics, we witness continuous splices between collection proposals and catwalk attenders.
Thanks to the amazing works of photographers like Adam Katz Sinding aka Le 21eme, it has been shown how streetstyle has gradually evolved into trend empowering new emerging figures, especially in the fashion area.
In facts, the influencer and photographer has attended more than 20 Fashion shows around the globe, capturing with his camera the greatest designers, models, stylists and contemporary fashion icons.
With the publication of “This Is Not a F*cking Street Style Book” Sinding’s first monograph, fashion and photography lovers will have the chance to leafing trough a captivating documentary on paper, which gathers the best images taken on the street and behind the stages.
The book is also accompanied by a conversation about the streetwear phenomenon between Adam Katz Sinding, Virgil Abloh and MENDO. Made by MENDO, it is available for pre-order now and will be released by February 2018.
www.mendo.nl
Fashion
lala Berlin X König Souvenir
lala Berlin teams up with König Souvenir for the release of a collection of 10 limited edition pajama sets, featuring digitally printed silk made by artist Corinne Wasmuht.
The collaboration splices the experimental vision of the urban firm with the 2017 König Souvenir project, which aims to give artists the opportunity to transfer their work into other medium. The 3D artistic approach that characterizes Wasmuht’s work is therefore communicated by the prints and cut of pajamas, which intensify the multidimensionality of the perceived image.
Presented trough a dance performance by 13-year-old Hip-Hop Dancer Leonie Ozeana, the collection comes alive, creating a transition between reality and dreams, art and fashion. The limited edition collection will be available from the 20th of January at König Gallery.
www.lalaberlin.com
www.souvenir-editions.com
Fashion
Gucci Garden
When past, present and future are linked together, their linearity is transmuted in a circular movement and the magic of eternal return begins.
A giant neon eye artwork illuminating the façade of Palazzo della Mercanzia last 9th of January has celebrated the opening of Gucci Garden, a great project designed by Creative Director Alessandro Michele and meant to completely regenerate the functions of the old archive.
Starting from the ground level two rooms, respectively Gucci Osteria and the Boutique, host a restaurant and the retail store.
The Osteria is the result of a creative collaboration with chef Massimo Bottura, who decided to propose a menu combining Italian cousine and the influences from his travels worldwide, as a reminder that “Florence has always been a centre of cultural exchange”.
With its floor of hand painted wooden boards with purple ribbons and vines on a pale green base, the bazaar-like store recreates the atmosphere of vintage florentine shops resulting from the enormous work of restoration of old furnitures (tables, sideboards and cabinets) and precious decorations in a range of florentine shades. The boutique will sell Gucci Garden’s exclusive products, including bags and shoes in special materials and the silk bomber jackets featuring the Gucci Garden gothic script.
With the help of Italian curator Maria Luisa Frisa and contribution of artists Jayde Fish, Trevor Andrew and Coco Capitan, the Gucci Museum has evolved from a more classic archive into a multifunctional space devoted to the creativity and celebration of art and fashion.
For this reason according to Frisa, in the gallery the displays follow purposefully no chronology. Rather, they create a fluid harmony suggested by items organised by themes and intensify the dialogue between old and contemporary pieces.
Gucci Garden Galleria’s six rooms on the first and second floor (Guccification, Paraphernalia, Cosmorama, Cinema da Camera, De Rerum Natura and Ephemera) tells not only the brand's history, but also homages the splendour of florentine architecture as much as its craftsmanship traditions. Each of them explore several aspects concerning the gradual transformation of the brand overtime, with a focus on the double G or the brand's historical icons evolutions.
Other rooms instead dedicate space to diverse projects, such as the red velvet cinema auditorium with a selection of experimental movies or De Rerum Natura showcasing the narrative behind the iconography of animals and gardens. Once again, Alessandro Michele’s astonishing project is the metaphorical (de)materialization of time and memory into an incredible structure, which definitely confirm the aesthetic and philosophic vision of the House.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Woolrich Teton Capsule Collection For The Brave Souls
Alaska is a land of extremes and ever-changing weather conditions, always challenging the people living in this mysterious and wild area of the United States. Woolrich is the oldest manufacturer of outdoor wear in the USA, drawing its inspiration from this magical no man’s land and its untamed nature in order to create the Teton Capsule Collection. Since 1967, Teton is Woolrich’s high performance label, inspired by the eponymous mountain range near the Yellowstone National Park in North America with peaks reaching 4,000 meters and a high popularity amongst top climbers. The creation of a high-performance collection as a support for brave souls was a forseeable outcome. The Teton Capsule Collection features high-end comfort, resistance and lightness to fight extreme conditions in every setting, while impressing with an emblematic and fashionable style.
The garments of the collection are transitional pieces, which can be worn both in the great outdoors and in the city, perfect to go for a hike in the mountains as well as a laid-back winter stroll. The Teton Capsule Collection features a complete family of products, including high-functional ones like the Rudder Jacket, warming and down-filled garments such as the Expedition Bomber and the Explorer Parka. Both are using the waterproof, windproof and breathable advantages of GORE-TEX®. A field jacket and a parka out of Teton Stretch are lightweight, breathable and suitable for every season, while a line of knitwear pieces completes the collection.
www.woolrich.com
Travel
A New BVLGARI Resort Opens In Dubai
A coral texture, filtering the sun, creating a decorative motive imbued of a Mediterranean style halfway in between the creation of a goldsmith and a sophisticated natural element. Designed by the Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the new Bulgari Resort Dubai is a play between the Italian heritage of the maison and the suggestive surrounding landscape.
Exclusively situated on the manmade seahorse shaped island of Jumeira Bay, connected by a 300m bridge to central Dubai, the 1.4 million-square-foot property is a first-of-its-kind development for Bulgari, both in terms of scale and magnitude. With its Mediterranean village charm, the complex features the Resort, joined by six residential buildings of 173 sea-facing apartments, 15 private mansions, a Beach Club, and Bulgari’s first-ever Marina and Yacht Club. The resort includes 101 hotel rooms and suites and 20 hotel villas.
Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Bulgari wished to create a whole new hotel concept. Throughout the Bulgari portfolio this concept is seen in innovations such as the rooms’ square-shaped floor plan to allow windows of natural light; a niche alcove doorway and entry vestibule for privacy and soundproofing from the bedroom. A flow that renders the living experience something more akin to apartment living.
While the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection has evolved to include a new location, a Bulgari property is always born of the same Roman spirit. Throughout the property, a repeated use of the custom-design ‘Maglia Pantheon’mesh pattern recalls the ornamentation of the historic Roman Pantheon’s floor, as it is a part of the architectural tradition of Baroque Rome: an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Bulgari. The pattern features intricate bronze lattice-work, as well as Bulgari’s eight-pointed star motif which appeared first as an inlay in the vestibule of Bulgari’s flagship Via dei Condotti boutique.
Recalling a Mediterranean garden, La Limonaia, the hidden ‘lemon garden’ homes the resident array of birds and wildlife. Sculpted as a geometric Italian garden with a birch walkway, La Limonaia recalls an ancient Roman garden. Bulgari’s landscape designers also brought hundreds of trees onto the island, including Australian baobab trees, to establish a natural, verdant setting, a Mediterranean garden in the middle of the sea.
In every Bulgari property guests find a similar design philosophy: clean lines, peerless materials and furnishings, and a welcoming feeling of spaciousness. Iconic Bulgari photographs, often of vintage celebrities dating to the Dolce Vita, are framed above common areas with a nod to BVLGARI’S red-carpet connections. Original jewellery sketches from the Bulgari archives are placed within rooms or in hallways, recalling the 130-years of Roman jewellery design history.
www.bulgarihotels.com
Fashion
Storytelling Through Clothing
For several years now, the fast fashion trend has gripped the industry, but signs of a change heading into a more sustainable direction are being watched. The former fashion consultant and communications director, Lina Miccio, recently launched the label Speaking Garments. Focusing on creating less, but with more meaning, the brand is offering highly personal pieces that are meant to outlast seasonal trends.
The collections exist at the edge of fashion and fine arts, because the brand collaborates with international cross-disciplinary artists each season. The first collaboration is with Cologne-based artist Michail Prigelis, who highlights the beauty of disused airplane fragments, which are sourced from a discarded DC-10 aircraft and flown in from the Mojave Desert of California to his studio.
In the Speaking Garments production facilities, they are then repurposed as brooches onto a limited edition collection of sweatshirts. The garments are limited to 100 pieces, each hand sewn, outfitted with a detachable airplane part and sold with a certificate hand-signed by the artist. In addition to the sweatshirts, T-shirts, depicting a black and white photograph of Spanish-French clown Charlie Rivel, which was once a Pan Am publicity, are concluding the collection.
This is making each garment a desirable piece of art. Speaking Garments focuses on telling compelling, unusual stories. The label reinvents each garment as a canvas for artistic freedom rather than exploiting it.
www.speakinggarments.com
Fashion
Wim Wenders Shot Jil Sander’s Spring/Summer 18 Campaign
The German luxury brand Jil Sander has chosen the director Wim Wenders to shoot their SS 18 campaign starring the first collection by the new creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier.
The German director filmed a short movie of five episodes, which is called “Paused By” and setted in Berlin, marking his first collaboration with Jil Sander. The foregoing trailer already indicates the sense of expectation that spreads throughout the films as they are paused at intense moments, leaving the viewer captivated and curious to know what comes next.
Not missing the expressive style of Wim Wenders, the five different scenarios consist of mysterious shots which are, like the soulful collection itself, an ode to pure emotion and a delicate balance between innocence and sophistication.
The episodes will be released by the beginning of December 2017 and the frames of the movie will serve as the advertising campaign images.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
Moncler Celebrates Opening Of Hong Kong Flagship Store With Art-Installation
On November 16th the brand Moncler celebrated the opening of the renovated flagship store at Hong Kong’s Harbour City in Canton Road with a flash art-performance installation called Destination Hong Kong. This is the last chapter in Moncler’s history of collaborations that intertwine the language, imagination and inspration of creatives with the brand’s signature style and vision. The vital melting pot Hong Kong and its futuristic skyline make it the ideal setting for the artistic performance.
A multitude of more than 10,000 Mr. Moncler 19-inch statues – the brand’s symbolic ambassador in, a humurous product of pop culture – has been positioned in several key locations in the city. With this project Moncler pays tribute to the residents of Hong Kong and celebrate the multicultural and universal message of art. The renowned street artist Craig Costello customized a limited number of 350 unique Mr. Moncler figures, that became an instant collectible gift for the people who were luckily present at the selected locations.
www.moncler.com
Fashion
Diesel Says No To Uncool Wool
The innovative denim and lifestyle brand Diesel has set up a new campaign this winter, fighting uncool Christmas sweaters with the help of a sheep in a creative and unconventional video starring creative director Nicola Formichetti. Leaning on their campaign “Go with the Flaw”, Diesel invites the audience to part with their Christmas sweaters, which have already lost their irony a long time ago. This Christmas season, a real professional will help out in the fight against bad taste knits: a sheep. Because, who else knows more about wool than this cosy animal. Framed by this campaign, Diesel has created a Christmas product-guide on the brand’s website.
www.diesel.com
Art
Mystical Symbolism: The Salon de la Rose + Croix in Paris
Mysterious, mythical and visionary themes, often drawn from literature, will be presented by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in an exhibition called “Magical Symbolism: The Salon de la Rose + Croix in Paris”. It’s the first museum exhibition showing the highlights of a series of Salons, which were annually held in Paris from 1892 to 1897. At these art gatherings, images of femmes fragiles and fatales, androgynous creatures, chimeras, incubi and sinuous lines, attenuated figures and anti-naturalistic forms were the norm. Including approximately forty works by a cross section of artists, the possibility to take a fresh look at the legacies of late nineteenth-century symbolist art is provided. The exhibition is taking place until January 7th 2018 at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
www.guggenheim-venice.it
Fashion
Gucci Cruise Advertisng Campaign 2018: Roman Rhapsody
Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s Creative Director, chose his home town as the backdrop of the Italian brand’s latest cruise campaign, taking us on a journey to Roman apartments and neighborhood parks. Unfiltered portraits, taken by the British photographer Mick Rock present real people in real places. Rock’s experience in capturing legends such as David Bowie, Syd Barrett, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Blondie, Talking Heads, the Ramones and the Sex Pistols on camera, stood him in good stead on this assignment for the Gucci cruise ‘18 collection. The title, ”Roman Rhapsody”, already implies the rock’n’roll atmosphere of the pictures. A wide portfolio of mainly Italian talents star in the vintage-inspired images, celebrating genuine non-conformists and eccentrics. The flamboyant portraits were created in the talents’ homes, local gardens and during intimate studio shoots. In addtion to the quirky fashion shots, still-life images of everyday objects are placed randomly throughout the campaign. A film component, shot by Chuck Grant, completes this unique project.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Spring/Summer 2018
The sound of Yohji Yamamoto’s guitar and his slow chant of a few verses in French that sounded like a melancholic ode to the passing of time served as the backdrop of his show in the harsh concrete space of Cité de Mode et du Design along the river Seine. Walking at a slow, almost meditative pace, forty looks slowly approached the audience. It’s not the first time that Yohji Yamamoto staged a show far from the usual fashion speed where models storm in walking at a frantic tempo. It’s his own way of refusing the routine of the fashion system, the unbearable seasonal timing and the glossy world in toto.
For Spring Summer 2018, the Japanese master worked on one of his favourite elements: the button. Appearing in white, black and red it served as the focal element in order to form impressive deconstructed silhouettes in the designer’s signature black, with splashes of white, grey and red. Intricate forms were the absolute protagonists. Knotted, layered, attached, draped in outwear, jackets and dresses.
It felt like a return to the radical Yohji Yamamoto from the early years, the Yohji Yamamoto who, just last season, reflected on the passing of time, on death, on the future of his brand. Few dresses with organic transparencies and the floating scarves in skirts in other looks suggested the soft fragility of the feminine identity, its fluctuant form in constant motion. The final dresses with an unexpected open back on a pristine and composed front like that of a shirt and high collar dress, once again played with the idea of duality, of contradiction. Themes dear to this master whose vision is still as strong as ever.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Lover’s tryst at Givenchy Spring/Summer 2018
Former Chloé Creative director Claire Waight Keller opts for a cool Parisian allure and reinvents Givenchy for her debut at the Palais de Justice. The collection builds on the power of duality and romance. His becomes hers – it’s a transformation of seduction happening right under the eyes and ears of Hubert de Givenchy. The collection is influenced by his colour palette of black, white and navy touched up with vermillion red and mint. The garments fall in sharp line with bold shoulder cuts. Graphic clover prints inspired by the 1960s, animal motifs and velvet are combined with sportive breton knits. Polka dots and soft point d’esprit tulle add a touch of femininity, while satin bows and a caped back pay a modern homage. Vichy checks, brocade and moiré on skin indicate a luxurious club atmosphere. This collection certainly makes Claire Waight Keller a duly successor to Ricardo Tisci and one to watch for her upcoming seasons at the head of the iconic French brand.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Desert Winds: Dior Cruise Collection 2018
Artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri never fails in making her collections a feminist statement. For Dior’s cruise collection 2018 she took inspiration from the desert and the unique work of the American artist Georgia O’Keefe. Chiuri describes her as a modern shaman, who painted the sands of New Mexico with such a majestic and solemn look. Her paintings are illustrating the search for the inner self and diffuse a soft but strong feminine identity, which is strongly connected to nature. Maria Grazia Chiuri came across O’Keefe on her quest for inspiration, when she became interested in the desert. For the collection’s campaign, the actress and muse Jennifer Lawrence was phtographed by Brigitte Lacombe, an ongoing collaborator of the house. The series of images was created in a setting of organic outlines and a gentle atmosphere. A laid-back wanderlust mood and modern western spirit is transported through the photographs, which are embodieing the singular femininity of the Dior cruise collection 2018.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2018
A little white silk scarf as the invitation. The dual meaning of its simplicity and its connotation as a blank canvas upon which to create anything possible.
The canvas of what Dries Van Noten declared to be one of his main inspiration for this season? Picasso’s Femmes à Leur Toilette, the artwork created in 1938 by using the technique of collage comprised mostly of found wallpapers scraps.
Within that same spirit Dries Van Noten’s Spring Summer 2018 is a collage of different prints, silhouettes, textiles, and decades, carefully and exceptionally matched together as only Dries Van Noten is able to create, with a splash of pink hues over the entire collection.
A joyful and positive message against the dark times we are facing daily, as the Belgian designer declared backstage
There were slip dresses in monochrome powder pink, followed by checked suits with 90s shoulders and a tulle veiling over it, beautiful scarf-dresses reminiscent of the 70s, and of course the kimonos, the sparkling jacquard , the bomber jacket, the oversized sweaters over silk scarf-skirts .
All the Dries Van Noten elements in a vortex of mismatched prints and colours. It is almost contradictory how the collection comprised of all these motifs resulted in an extreme elegance, whispered, confident. Dries Van Noten is one of the few designers who can work with such a broad palette of codes and emotions while staying true to his rhetoric.
As the collection was presented in the dazzling space of the Hotel de Ville - dazzling as the make up created by Peter Philips with crystals laid along the lower lip and around the eyes – it gave a sense of romantic nostalgia when the a cappella version of “Be my Baby” resonated as the first look walked in. And we can’t help but humming that tune.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Woolrich Present the New Footwear Line
Woolrich expands its already vast offering to include footwear with a project that echoes the brand’s values and focuses around iconic garments like the Arctic Parka.
The contemporary, urban and bustling landscapes of Berlin and London act as the backdrop for the latest collection styled and shot by Highsnobiety.
Here, the typical traits of hi-tech outdoor shoes meet contemporary design making for a succesfful crossover between sophistication and outdoor elements, hi-tech features and city styles.
The line features two soles created exclusively for Woolrich by Vibram, renowned for their mountaineering-friendly footwear. These guarantee maximum quality come rain or shine and for the most rugged of terrains, providing comfort and lightness. The first model is based on the legendary ‘carrarmato’ mountain sole while the other features a brand new sole incorporating the brand’s iconic check as a technical element.
High quality materials and construction techniques are paired with Italian design in the collection that is divided into two model categories. The classic Running Shoes available in different versions and the traditional mountain Boot are both revitalized classics, rejuvenated through the use of the most modern manufacturing techniques.
The collection’s stand-out piece, however, is the Hiker Boot: a fusion between a genuine walking boot and a sole that stands its ground in the city thanks to the special Vibram compound.
www.woolrich.eu
Fashion
Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2018
“American horror, American dreams” was the underlying theme in this year for Raf Simons’ vision for Calvin Klein. It was a combination of suburbia’s bouncy cheerleaders and Hollywood’s flashiest gore. Hitchcock inspired blonde beauties were decked out in rubber lab coats and latex surgeon's gloves, and pixie-haired damzels strode down in flimsy nightgowns à la Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby.
Once again, Simons has collaborated with artist Sterling Ruby, this time for the runway design: metal buckets, axes, and falling pompoms hung from the ceiling. Reminiscent of old blockbuster horror flicks, the show seemingly could have taken a sinister tone. Instead, it felt lighthearted and embracing of over-the-top carnage and theatrics; perhaps a playful hint of how the world perceives America as a whole?
www.calvinklein.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles Fall/Winter 2017 Campaign
Moose Knuckles, founded in 2007, was established based on the goal of creating the leanest, toughest and most luxurious sportswear. And no one would be more adept at making indestructible outerwear than the Canadians: the Moose Knuckles’ design family is based in Montreal, its furs are sourced in Toronto and traditional factories are located in Winnipeg. Their first two iconic styles, the Stirling Parka and the Ballistic Bomber, became instant success stories, and have kept many Canadians, and snow bunnies worldwide, warm since then. Moose Knuckles have continuously delivered resistant and stylish waterproof coats, lightweight jackets, knitwear, shirting and accessories.
For their new campaign, Moose Knuckles took us many years into the post-apocalyptic, barren future of the year 6969. Capable of surviving even in that climate, thanks to their toasty outerwear, a group of four fearless women and men travel perpetually in search of food, supplies and, most importantly, joy. The pack venture into the great northern wilderness of Canada, braving harsh winds and snowstorms, and come upon a civilisation build on the love of music, company and celebration. A perfect companion in our dark times, Moose Knuckles snug apparel will most definitely get you wherever you want to go in the harshest of climates.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Travel
The Weinmeister: The Heart of Berlin Mitte
If you are planning a trip to Berlin, you won’t want to miss the raw, energetic street art that overran the Mitte district after the Wall came crumbling down in 1989. Right in the middle of this colorful cultural hub is the Weinmeister hotel, which welcomed the art style that made its neighborhood famous: signature rooms and staircases were “paint bombed” by outstanding graffiti artists such as René Turrek and The Paint Club collective, giving the hotel a chic, modern ambience.
Its proximity to Museum Island and contemporary galleries, such as the C/O Gallery or KW Institute, make it a popular destination for a young creative crowd angling for inspiration. Fashion hunters can flock to the nearby Herckescher Markt to discover the latest German designers, or get their high-end fix at the Friedrichstrasse. And you mustn’t worry about finding your way home once the sun goes down: the Weinmeister’s gleaming metal facade, which has earned it the nickname “the Golden Cage,” makes it impossible to miss.
A five minute walk from Alexanderplatz, the Weinmeister is in the perfect location to explore the best that Berlin has to offer, day or night. But if you are not up for being sucked into the hustle and bustle of the busy city, you can still breathe in the atmosphere while enjoying a glass of champagne on the private rooftop terrace overlooking Berlin’s iconic TV tower.
www.the-weinmeister.com
Fashion
Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
The fluidity of a soft blazer, a silk kimono wrapped over relaxed pants and a shirt. A confident look without being loud. A soft toned collection, with a hint to workwear and a beautiful relaxed tailoring.
This is Dries Van Noten at his core, the Dries Van Noten who voices the darkness of life and doesn't feel the urgency to talk always in bright coloured notes. The Dries van Noten from the early years.
It is always extremely overwhelming to experience a show of this celebrated master. The integrity and the strength of his poetic vision. For this season the show was held in the historical offices of the iconic left wing French newspaper Liberation.
As we climbed up to the venue at the top floors of the 8-storey building from its parking ramps, we were gradually feeling this atmosphere, the weight of history, of knowledge and of thoughts.
Mustard, khaki, or zabaione as the show notes pointed out, the colour palette led to an elegant but youthful menswear collection true to the brand's signature.
Shorts with linen boxy shirts, oversized and slouchy sky blue blazer paired with a shirt in cerulean shade and classic pants, belted trench coats.
It’s that relaxed attitude in Menswear that several designers have been embarking on lately, that cool oversized look that Dries van Noten has created 25 years ago.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Juun.J Spring/Summer 2018
Continuing from last season Juun.J showed Men’s and Women’s collection together once again underlining the genderless aspect of his vision.
Declinations of crisp shirts, white, light blue, or with pin-stripes. Layered and gently floating. Juun.J delivered a beautiful collection in an informal setting where the models circled around a standing audience.
It's a collection that channels a sophisticated summer look where oversized long shirts are wrapped around the body together with the signature's bomber jackets and hoodies.
For her a blue pinstriped over the knee skirt would embrace the body layered over the swiping floor shirts. For him, oversized outwear or deconstructed hoodies would do the game. Sometimes it would be just as beautiful as hard to distinguish the male models amongst the female ones.
White, blue, black, military green interlacing with one beautiful red pleated maxi dress at the end
A series of pin-striped declinations of oversized suits for him an her were certainly the eye-catcher of this season. Long double breasted blazers matched fluid pants, a long split skirt or slim trousers.
Sometime emblematic sentences would resurface from shirts or t-shirts. Almost as an ode to the work of all the young designers who have been building painstakingly an identity like this Korean designer over the last 10 years.
“Life opportunities contracts or expands according to one’s courage” . We can’t but agree.
www.juunj.com
Fashion
Fendi's Fall/Winter 2017 Menswear campaign is here!
Fendi’s new advertising campaign for its Fall Winter 2017 Men’s collection is the perfect embodiment of the positive, energetic spirit of the brand’s latest menswear collection designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi.
The Fendi Vocabulary serves as the collection’s main inspiration and is echoed in the array of simple, modern and desirable pieces that comprise a truly multifaceted collection rife with street style and formal elements; diametrically contrary but complementary nonetheless. From ready-to-wear and fur to bags, shoes and accessories, the entire range is permeated with an uplifting optimistic mood that is echoed on the garments themselves through the word of the Fendi Vocabulary.
When times are tough, optimism remains a shiny beacon of hope. Fundamental values of the past that have been instilled in us like trust, friendship, “LOVE” and “HOPE” carry an unmistakeable energy that urges us to face fears and challenges head-on.
Silvia Venturini Fendi was inspired by the immortal message of these little words and journeyed into a vademecum of Ernest Hemingway, picking up universal, key words like “LOVE”, “TRY”, “HOPE”, “LISTEN”; in their simplicity these short utterances convey an immortal message of positivity and optimism that can help us in difficult moments.
The campaign’s video, shot in the Canary Island of Lanzarote, highlights the bond between nature and city, humanity and nature, effortlessly bridging notions that may seem disconnected at first glance. C
Chosen for his contagious energy and positivity, model Nicolas Ripoll is seen running and jumping as if in a tribal dance of sorts through the incredible and awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes of the island promoting the brand’s idea of clear-headed optimism and joy in the sight of the future – no matter how rocky it may become.
Check out the preview video here
https://youtu.be/jyJ3FB4LbIc and head to www.fendi.com to discover more from July 14th!
Art
Lunar Garden
"After spending many years traveling to Japan I became fascinated with the dry gardens in Kyoto, specifically the way in which the gardens are permanent yet completely ephemeral and remade every day,” said Daniel Arsham, an american artist who studied at the Cooper Union in New York. His new solo exhibition is on view at Visionaire in New York until the 5th of November. The work, titled “Lunar Garden,” is a combination of architecture, sound, and an immersive environment that reinterprets the traditional Japanese rock garden: surreal and dreamlike, Arsham’s oasis uses a vibrant pink color scheme, features a moon-like orb spanning 3 meters, and peculiar patterns in the sand that the artist freshly rakes every day. Traditional greenery, such as the bonsai, has been replaced by a petrified tree and a lantern. For Arsham, the use of color is a new experiment. Previously, he has relied on a palette of black, white and gray tones. The reason for this shift is that Arsham is colorblind, but has recently been able to see vibrant colors thanks to special glasses: the radical change is his sense of sight and perception of color has prompted an important new visual language for the artist which can be witnessed for the first time in “Lunar Garden.”
Fashion
Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
Japanese style is synonymous with clean lines and simple silhouettes, tailoring does the talking and superfluous intricacies are omitted for the sake of refinement. This clearly hit a nerve with Mr. Armani who, for his Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2018 menswear collection, looks to establish a dialogue between East and West that shuns the cliché of Japanesque folklore-based collections.
Elegant tuxedos and martial arts-inspired Kimonos walked the runway alongside urban and sleek suits that were Armani through and through, upholding years of tradition.
The Far East may have served as Mr. Armani’s main inspiration this season but it was incorporated in the pieces in a way that was far from ostentatious. Elements of Japanese iconography were discreetly present on sporty boxy jackets and parkas that were in turn layered on ankle-length culottes or breezy silk cargo pants.
Armani’s trademark colour, dark blue, helped tie the collection together, grounding it in modernity and rendering it classically elegant and simultaneously modern and inspired. To contrast the darkness flashes of lacquer red were added to the mix while silk, the collection’s main fabric appeared in floral jacquard, printed with cherry blossoms or graffiti and abstract calligraphic prints.
Familiar and Armani, yes. Ordinary, not so much.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2018
An air of positivity and optimism breezes through Paul Smith’s bright Spring/Summer 2018 collection for men and women. Inspired by Paul’s early visits to 70’s New York where he would source Hawaiian shirts from SoHo and his signature floral prints that these inspired later, this was a collection that professed its love to summertime.
Floral and aquatic motifs formed the core of the adornments for this season seen embroidered on tuxedo lapels or hand-painted on leather and appliqued onto tote bags. Technical outerwear developed with performance-wear in mind also play host to the marine print bringing modernity and functionality to the fore. Elsewhere a midnight beach scene on landscape jacquard appear on a bomber jacket for men and is reinterpreted in a blazer for women.
Patch-worked floral print dresses play with louche summer shirt collar shapes and Japanese carp dive across silk georgette slips. Patterned lining take on new life on a brushed cotton two-piece suit for women where tropical flowers are revere printed, giving the impression of sun-bleached fabric.
The tailored shapes for men and women are a nod to Paul Smith archive pieces from the 80’s given new life in a colour palette that spans from the soft pastel hues of cornflower blue and dusty pinks and takes us all the way to midnight tones and French navy, culminating in a crescendo of striking yellows and hot turquoise.
www.paulsmith.com
Fashion
Plein Sport Spring/Summer 2018
This season the vision for Plein Sport was a futuristic gladiatorial combat, in a world where survival of the fittest becomes a way of life. As pole dancers perform on stage, fighting cages are lowered into the arena and twenty pro wrestlers and boxers set the tone for what’s sure to be a fashion show that has Plein written all over it. Both literally and metaphorically.
As Plein Sport warriors take to the runway, one thing becomes apparent, functionality is of the utmost importance: sweatshirts, hoodies, leggings and vests are produced with technical, intelligent fabrics for a line that strives to be perceived as an innovative performance kit rather than a series of fashion statements in leisure wear.
Pieces are designed to move with the body, accompanying its every step with stretch materials and netting that stand the test of intense exercise and high temperatures whether you’re on the streets, the ski slopes of the treadmill of your gym. Motivational mantras complete the garments, emblazoned across sear pants while metallic fabrics pay tribute to the silver masks of El Santo, Mexico’s iconic wrestling hero.
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger… Plein Sport shows no signs of slowing down just like a determined, disciplined athlete hungry for the win.
www.philipp-plein.com
Fashion
Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Summer 2018
For his debut Summer collection, Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori embarks upon an exploration of fantasies both conscious and sub-conscious while clashing innocence and sensual masculinity. In a futuristic garden outfitted with tangerine lawns in the historic courtyards of Milan’s Universita Statale, outdoor life crossed paths with the indoors for a collection permeated with fluid fabrics and delicate silhouettes uplifted by colors.
Sartori’s interplay of proportions sees classic shirts replaced by deconstructed tops in various volumes, double tank tops and scoop neck sweaters that play with active yet tailored trousers and joggers. The sporty allure of the collection is further enriched by oversized handmade pockets, hoods and the iconic Triple Stitch logos.
The collection appears almost weightless with the inclusion of fluid washed silks, Century Cashmere and pure mohair while giro inglese and mesh jacquards along with perforated and intarsia leather give hints of an ethereal substance.
Delicate and naturally-inclined the color palette features shades of walnut, deep cypress green and bleached aqua and optical white is afforded some much-welcomed color flashes.
This season’s offering remains quintessentially Zegna but looks to the future nonetheless. It’s a fresh take on the fashionable man’s wardrobe that allows for personality and individual style to seep through while remaining routed in Ermenegildo Zegna’s timeless allure.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Amsterdam Trail: A Unique Art Route
From the 5th to the 7th of May 2017, the sixth edition of The Amsterdam Trail and its unique approach to art are coming to the Dutch capital. The trail combines ethnography with contemporary arts and this year’s edition will concentrate around the Spiegelgracht, Amstelveld and Jordaan areas. Unexpected combinations that explore time and origin arise as artworks dating back to 3000BC, Egyptian mummies and contemporary videos are visited.
Jaap Wagemaker’s artworks will be shown at the Borzo Gallery in conjunction with objects from Oceania inspired by his original ethnographic collection.
Gallery Lemaire will host an installation from artist Jan Hoek in which ‘The Pattaya Sex Bubble’, central image of the piece, is surrounded by images from Africa, Indonesia and New Guinea. Additionally sculptures, jewellery, images and even chairs designed by Wieki Somers who drew inspiration by the austere furniture still in use in China, will be shown.
As the lines between ethnography and contemporary art seem to fade into each other we are left to wonder what constitutes contemporary art and what is ethnography. Take Izaak Zwaartjes’ artworks that is very close to a fetish mask from Mali and will be exhibited at the Upstream Gallery.
www.amsterdamtrail.nl
Fashion
Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2017
Fluffy fur - fake fur - in a deep shade of lilac, literally covering the sits, walls, columns and the grand stairways of the spectacular concrete architecture of Palais d’Ièna designed by pioneer Auguste Perret for the Exposition Universelle held in 1937.
Miuccia Prada is not new to strong statements during dark times like the current political atmosphere. And she does it in the most dramatic and fun way we have known her for. For Fall Winter 2017 Miu Miu’s girl is covered with fake fur of all the possible sorbet colours: lemon, papaya, green apple, vanilla, tangerine. Mix-matched with sultry embellished silk gowns in soft powder pink and multicolour sporty striped knitwear.
A powerful woman who is not afraid to show off her girly femininity. Miuccia Prada knows how to energize a tired crowd at the end of an intense fashion week calendar. It was all about that: being positive, energetic, alive. Wrapping oversized fuzzy coats, at times embellished with bejewelled belts, but also matching furry caps, and obviously the spectacular portfolio of accessories to give the final blow. It’s pure glamour, a bit 40s, a bit 70s. It’s Miu Miu on the nth degree and we cannot but love it.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Céline Fall/Winter 2017
“The spectator is caught under a cloudy or a starry sky, surrounded by ocean waves or masses of people running towards him, while he is entranced by the dramatic actions of the central round arena. The division between acting and the audience no longer exists. Words, light and music no longer have a set place […] The director alters position and spatial forms and mercilessly subjects the audience to the dynamics of his imaginations”.
Walter Gropius’s words during 1934 Volta congress in Rome resonate strong in Phoebe Philo’s setting choice for her Celine Fall/Winter 2017 show. It’s not the first time that a fashion designer is fascinated by the visionary ideas of the Bauhaus pioneer for his Total Theater, where the audience was supposed to revolve during the performance, shifting the spectators and the stage area to alter the viewer's scale of values and forcing them to participate in the act.
We have known Phoebe Philo for her no-nonsense vision and relaxed, elegant silhouettes as the embodying of the powerful, confident working woman who has no time for superfluous fuss. The catwalk was populated by a tribe of women, with their different life, different tempo, like we would find in any busy street.
At first glance Celine Fall Winter 2017 is just all that. Exceptional tailoring and gimmick-free looks: the long trench coat, oversized tuxedo blazers, long tunics with matching fluent pants for the day and a modern version of emperor dresses for a more dress-up feel, a crisp white shirt.
But Philo’s masterly created a collection again beautifully lying in the details, revealing its stance dramatically at a closer look.
The collection featured beautiful origami-like seam lines as mimicking the movement of the body and its presence. Like when you bend your harm and a crisp fabric would inevitably crease. It’s real life that Philo delicately suggests. Real women who don’t need to scream.
www.celine.com
Fashion
Acne Studios Fall/Winter 2017
When everyone is playing urban street-wear, Jonny Johansson used a romantic and soft approach for his Acne Studios Fall/Winter 2017.
The creative director is transforming the Scandinavian brand known for years as a denim forward label with a minimalist approach. For a while now we have seen Acne Studios feeding a new direction, a new light in terms of the brand’s identity increasingly far from the street. Acne Fall Winter 2017 is a spontaneous and playful collection with a strong sense of individuality and easiness.
Soft oversized mohair knits with polka dots, gently alluding to a sense of naiveté. Floral prints combined on a big selection of fabrics, from cotton to silk plissé. Long coats, in beautiful classic textiles, pin striped or checked, evolving into tunic-like dresses turned back-to front.
Johansson plays with the notion of tailoring almost as an ironic gesture, to vouch for the idea of an uncomplicated way of living, a different way of feeling the notion of femininity itself.
The designer’s love for accessory research once again was expressed with the beautiful statement jewellery in metal and enamel, together with the large oversized bags with wide straps and graphic knots. The asymmetric shades matching the floral deconstructed dresses and creating a further contrast to the soft organic feel of the whole collection gave the perfect youthful accent. We see a confident woman, she is intuitive and optimistic. No matter what.
www.acnestudios.com
Fashion
Rick Owens Fall/Winter 2017
Sweatshirts and tees wrapped around the head, mimicking early ritual ceremonies. Coats, skirts, sleeveless jackets layered and twisted over the body recalling sacred costumes.
Rick Owens for Fall Winter 2017 designed a collection channelling the need for a positive new beginning rooted in the idea of collectivity, of gathering together, of human kind in its social form. It had a sense of austerity, of deep hope for a better future. As the model walked in the dry space of Palais de Tokyo, one following the other and randomly walking around the space it felt as a vortex of shapes, volumes and lengths was wrapping up the audience.
Deconstructed silhouettes of puffa jackets, blasers together with leather dresses pulled down and worn as captured in the second of taking them off. There was a strong sense of moving on, of change and positive transformation for a designer who has been building his reign on shades of darkness. Rick Owens chose a colour palette recalling his early work: olive green, khaki, black, shades of brown. It was as if the designer was looking for the initiation moment. The rebirth, the celebration of a future soon to come.
www.rickowens.eu
Fashion
Marina Abramovic - The Cleaners
Marina Abramovic, one of the most recognised artists of our time, has often utilised her body and the concept of presence as her primary artistic media. Her self-exposure as a means of artistic expression has garnered her criticism and praise in equal measure. Controversial as she may be, her work has earned her a place in the spotlight, a place that she continues to uphold to this day.
Abramovic's first major retrospective in Europe, entitled The Cleaner is being housed in Stockholm's Moderna Museet. It presents several of her best-known performances, including the Relation Works with German artist as well as former collaborator and partner, Ulay. The works take the form of live performances, films, installations and photographs dating back to the 70s and taking us all the way to the present day. Early paintings, and works on paper – some of them exhibited for the very first time – are also part of the exhibition.
A tumultuous childhood and an upbringing rife with religious and revolutionary undertones, shaped the Belgrade-born artist's worldview and played a pivotal, highly influential role in her career. Her work seeks to decipher and explore complex concepts such loss, memory, being and pain. Abramovic doesn't shy away from existential questions and interprets them in ways that may both provoke and move her audiences, delving deep into both the physical and the mental pain threshold in her own unique way. In The Lovers (1988) Abramovic and Ulay undertook a 90-day walk from opposite ends of the Great Wall of China. Their halfway meeting marked the end of their love affair and more than ten-year partnership.
A selection of the artist's performance works will be re-performed in the exhibition by specially-trained performance artists who will lend their talents to works such as Cleaning the Mirror (1995) where one person carefully scrubs clean a human skeleton in a confrontation with morality, Freeing Series (1975) where voice, memory and body are set free, and Art Must Be Beatiful, Artists Must be Beautiful (1975) where the same phrase and actions are repeated obsessively, almost like an incantation.
A new work by Abramovic, in collaboration with Lynsey Peisinger will also be performed at the Moderna Museet's Eric Ericson Hall from the 27th of February to the 5th of March.
The exhibition will run from the 18th of February to the 21st of May 2017.
www.modernamuseet.se
Fashion
Raf Simons presents his Fall 2017 collection for Calvin Klein
Raf Simons' debut collection for Calvin Klein was a hotly-anticipated event in this year's New York Fashion Week calendar.
Remaining true to his allegiances, Simons enlisted the help of friend and artist Sterling Ruby, giving him free reign to imagine artwork appropriate for the iconic brand's headquarters. Ruby imagine America.
Raf Simons and Calvin Klein Creative Director, Pieter Mulier created a collection that featured both women's and menswear for Fall 2017 and is in itself an homage to America. “It reflects the environment” said Mr. Simons. “All of these different people with different styles and dress codes. It's the future, the past, Art Deco, the city, the American West... all of these things and none of these things. Not one era, not one thing, not one look. It is the coming together of different characters and different individuals, just like America itself. It is the unique beauty of emotion in America.”
This was a collection in which each piece communicated with the rest; one material impacted another and one style impacted the upcoming ones even in the same silhouettes making for a collection that echoes the essence of diversity.
Marching band uniforms, plastic coated protection, power broker tailoring and antique handcrafted quilting, workwear and westernwear made for this unique parade. The collection finds equal merit in folk and function, food court and courtroom in a romantic and filmic outsider's view of the uniqueness of America.
www.calvinklein.com
Fashion
Pal Zileri Spring/Summer 2017
British actor Matthew Goode fronts the new Pal Zileri Spring/Summer 2017 ad campaign perfectly embodying the mix of elegance and contemporary tradition that defines the brand's aesthetic.
Shot by German photographer Dylan Don outdoors in the ground-breaking Muralla Roja compound is Calpe, Spain, designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofil, Goode displays a unique and controlled attitude against the sun-soaked hues of the buildings.
Color, light and the graphic lines of both the location and the clothes play a key role in expressing the essence of the collection and its distinctive mismatch of 3D textures, volumes and shiny/matte effects, all awash in terracotta red, turquoise, plum, sky blue and burnt orange. The striking architecture of the Muralla Roja building, characterized by interlocking strairs, platforms and bridges, exalts a lifestyle appeal that Goode elevates with his effortless and dynamic sprit, melding time-honored savoir-faire with a fashion-forward twist.
www.palzileri.com
Fashion
Lala Berlin's Persian Punk revolution
Lala Berlin's Fall/Winter 2017 collection epitomises the metropolis of Berlin in an anarchic big-city chic way with a fresh attitude. Thus is born an ode to the unconventional yet elegant women that reinvented themselves as Persian punks.
Beautiful arts and crafts in architecture and textiles are the inspirations for a wardrobe that mixes punk and ethnic elements in such an authentic and modern way. A boheme and avant-garde style is conveyed in a variety of silhouettes from H-lines to flowy A-silhouettes and oversized asymmetric overlays. Feminine cuts, kimonos and tunic dresses give birth to the Lala’s punk-chic evening wear.
The color palette fades within dark chic colors like khaki, dark red, ink blue and black mixed with warm saffron yellow and cream interjected with vibrant and lush elements from middle eastern traditional art. Vibrant print ideas are reimagined in Berlin 80’s punk fused with Persian décor and floral elements are transformed into something new and fresh that reminds us of a mosaic print.
Frayed edges and star lace trimmings give a certain sense of poetic punk bohemia to dresses, skirts and shirting. Knits, iconic elements of Lala’s wardrobe that incorporate jacquards with frayed details are a sumptuous tapestry of textures.
The Persian punk girl gets out her Dr. Martens and leather accessories to inspire an anarchic revolution, to think about the future while redefining her style and inspiring change for the better.
www.lalaberlin.com
Fashion
The adventurous gentlemen of BOSS Fall/Winter 2017
Gentlemen who voyage across the world without ever losing their style, inspired Hugo Boss for its latest collection, dedicated to those ready to take on the world.
Adventurers and explorers’ outfits that combine performance and functionality with Boss’ key foundations: precise cuts and construction. The modern traveller wardrobe will be composed of wider 80s silhouettes mixed with slimmer, modern cuts and long and short designs. Love for details is never forgotten by the brand that for this collection added a touch of maritime influence in pea coats and duffels secured with buckled straps and chunky fastenings in the style of nautical equipment.
Fabric research is just an added value to a proposal that puts quality first. Boiled wool, bonded leather and cotton to provide protection and create incredibly à la mode oversized shapes. Fisherman-style knitwear is crafted in chunky constructions and zipped closed with ring pulls to be functional and masculine at the same time. The color palette varies from off-white to burgundy and olive green passing through navy shades.
Modern travellers can sleep soundly: their luggage will always be fashionable.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
SANKUANZ Fall/winter 2017: the chemistry collection
Standing for the reversal of an established system and breaking away from political correctness, that is what epitomises the Sankuanz Fall/Winter 2017 collection that explores space and chemistry.
Designer Shangguan Zhe's latest collection holds man's relationship with space and chemistry at its core, proposing garments that overlap with the idea of consuetude. Military uniforms with raw edges, primitive top-stitched suits and parkas, jumpsuits with industrial strap and bio-chemical protections, just a few examples of Zhe's research-based project. Zhe, indeed, created his own textiles mixing industrial materials and aramid fibers, usually used for spacesuits to give birth to his undoubtedly contemporary and updated vision.
Silhouettes are completed with accessories like visored bucket hats, pop military backpacks and high-top sock sneakers in a color palette that is everything but boring.
www.sankuanz.com
Fashion
Osservatorio Prada: the love story between cultural statements and fashion
An invisible thread silently connects fashion with art, a thread that only a few can pick up and follow. A feat that when achieved unlocks the secret behind timeless designers like Miuccia Prada.
Famous not only for creating garments and accessories that are considered pieces of art, Miuccia, has never hidden her devotion to art. Therefore, dedicating the famous Fondazione Prada based in Milan to art, seemed only natural. Collecting the most interesting exhibitions and pieces from contemporary and modern artists, Fondazione has become one of the most coveted destination for art-o-holics. Last December saw the opening of a new venue of Fondazione Prada that pays homage to photography and celebrates visual languages: Ossevatorio Prada.
Based in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the core of the Milanese fashion area, Osservatorio is a place of exploration and research of the latest tendencies and expressions of contemporary photography. Photography is, indeed, the contemporary epicenter of the global flux that digital communication is going through; that is why Osservatorio wants to unveil the cultural implications that it has on our society.
“Give Me Yesterday” by Francesco Zanot was the inaugural exhibition for Fondazione Prada's latest venue. A collection of more than fifty pieces of Italian and international artists that explores the usage of photography presented like a personal diary that travels from the 2000's to the present day.
Fondazione Prada’s contribution to the Italian art scene will leave an indelible mark, just like a photograph does.
www.fondazioneprada.org
Fashion
Kenzo Fall/Winter Menswear 2017
Imagine the backstage of a show brought on stage, in the spotlight, able to witness it at 360°, as in Walter Gropius’s Total Theatre: from the make-up to the models line-up, from the food banquet to the backstage photographers roaming around, from the seamstress fixing the last detail seconds before the start to the laughs between models.
Humberto Leon and Carol Lim created this unexpected backdrop for Kenzo Menswear and Womenswear Fall/Winter 2017 collection in the name of the environment, making clothes the real stars of the runway and leaving the backdrop in its neutrality in order to give funds to environment organizations instead of making a wonderful yet costly set.
A vision that was reflected all over this Arctic inspired collection. The triggering Arctic changes and the – unknown to many – Arctic surfing were, indeed, the paths followed by Leon and Lim who presented a multitude of over-layered looks in an impressive colour palette. It was overwhelming and, as Kenzo’s signature, fun and youthful.
The dip-dyed long knits in rainbow colours with matching ski masks worn under solid coloured puffa jackets and graphic digitally printed technical ski suits.
The Womenswear collection followed up in a more gentle and feminine declination. We saw easy urban long cable knit dresses, A –line coats, teddy handbags and delicate dresses with transversal side cuts, revealing floating strings, as a sort of intellectual reference to the increasingly undergoing destruction of our Mother Earth.
www.kenzo.com
Fashion
Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2017: Between High Fashion and Mother Nature
The uneven fight between humans against a powerful and merciless nature is the chore of Jil Sander's latest collection that brings us an incredible taste of glacial novelty for the upcoming Fall/Winter season.
Inspired by 'Independent People' by Nobel Prize winning author Halldor Laxness, the collection plays with the colors of Icelandic landscapes ranging from chalk grey to yellow. Shades of ice, brown and lava are chosen to give life to coats, parkas, heavy felts and comfortable shapes designed to face the harsh temperatures of Nordic winter in style. Military cotton and heat-sealed waterproof wool make coats and blousons, put together by big Velcro stripes.The collection's prints are a new take on glitch art that plays with disintegrated images.
“Rather keep your mind free and your path your own”said Laxness, and Jil Sander looks to have learned the lesson perfectly.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
A sporty-chic Z ZEGNA at PITTI 2017
The latest Z Zegna collection takes you on a vintage ski trip for Pitti Uomo 2017, a sporty-chic mood that nobody expected but many welcomed.
It is no secret that the Florence fashion fair was created to bring innovation and prêt à porter all around the world and Zegna knows that well. For the first time the Italian brand presented a line that combines tailoring and performance evolution. For the slopes and the streets, the proposal is a Techmerino total look that takes a quintessential role in this season where layering is key. A foundation of matte black, optical woolen, asphalt grey mélange, light camel and pine leaf green in combination with sportswear graphics take us back to the late 70’s ski seasons in Sankt Moritz where sport never strays too far from fashion and elegance.
The brand decided to converge comfort and excellence in a savvy colour palette that pays tribute to the textile innovation Z Zegna is known for.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Colette x UNDEFETEAD: the hypes’ sneaker exchange
The hype around sneakers has never been so present. Parisian it store Colette, one of Europe's biggest go-to destinations for street-wear designer apparel has partnered with LA-based label UNDEFEATED for the much-anticipate “Sneaker Exchange”. Included in the exchange are no less than 84 brands like Bodega, END, Kith and Slam Jam just to name a few.
Two limited edition and revamped Adidas sneakers to be launched during Paris Fashion Week will be part of this January's exchange. The redesigned editions of iconic models, the Campus 80 and EQT Support. The Campus 80 is bright, in white leather with a royal blue heel while the EQT Support's darker influences are manifested through its deep navy blue shades.
Both models are playing with the concept of opposites, pairing and simultaneously contrasting influences, ideas and cultural currencies, personifying perfectly the concept of the exchange.
www.colette.fr
Fashion
The Givenchy Tribe
Givenchy's latest campaign has just been released and the abundance of the brand's signature codes do not go unnoticed. Shot by photographers Mert and Marcus and designed as a double page spread, the campaign plays on the concept of duality and features powerful men and women whose intrepid natures manage to withstand space and time.
A well-balanced blend of feminine and masculine elements that remain classic and chic are the focal points of the campaign. Two girls become twins by dressing identically and a boy plays fashion chameleon by rocking a formal and a streetwear look in a Mars-like landscape. Pair the adventurous nature of the above with the tightly cropped portraits of Givenchy's personality gang and you are given the impression that, although they appear different they do in fact to belong to the same style-savvy tribe.
Of course, Givenchy's now iconic Horizon and Cross Body bags could not be left out of the equation. Serving as a mark of recognition for the brand, their presence encapsulates the luxury label's long-standing fame while looking towards a future of duality.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
K•Swiss Turns Camo for its 50th anniversary
K•Swiss opted for a stylish celebration for its anniversary. The sportswear brand teamed up with Japanese street fashion label AAPE BY A BATHING APE to launch a limited edition collection.
For the occasion, the American tennis brand turns its classic '66 model into a fashionable camouflage sneaker featuring, its now famous, ape-inspired pattern. This makes for a fresh, new take on the brand's most iconic silhouette.
K•Swiss’ signature five stripes, classic D-rings and the unique three-piece toe design along with an all-covering printed pattern fuse together to creates a blend that reflects the DNA of both K•Swiss and AAPE.
www.kswiss.com
Fashion
Coach and The Webster: between ready-to-wear and Baseman’s designs
Many were the brands that presented their upcoming collections at Miami Art Basel, but it was Coach’s collaboration with The Webster and artist Gary Baseman that transformed it in a special universe of fashion pieces and design sketches.
To celebrate the arrival of the Women’s pre-spring collection and an exclusive preview of the Men’s Spring 2017, the three joined forces to create customized objects based on Baseman characters and his signature “Wildbeast” print.
American iconography is reflected all over the collections through juxtaposing unexpected images and familiar, nostalgic themes. Moreover, at the heart of the project a tougher take on masculinity takes over, celebrating those who are brave and bold enough to subvert conventions and status quo.
During the event, Baseman, gave attendees a sneak peek of the collection’s mood, hand-painting three one-of-a-kind motorcycle jackets.
Exclusive design for an exclusive experience.
www.coach.com
Travel
Le Narcisse Blanc: pure Art de Vivre
Like a bright flower blossoming in the heart of Paris, Le Narcisse Blanc is a contemporary pleasure dome where guests can breathe the magic of the French capital.
Situated between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, this 5-star hotel and spa casts an incredible view to the Seine and the most majestic Parisian buildings from its bohemian terraces. Le Narcisse Blanc offers the proper Art de Vivre feeling through its cozy sitting rooms, luxurious spa with swimming pool, hydrotherapy massage jets and sauna and last but not least its 37 spacious bedrooms and suites in silky champagne tones.
Designed in luxurious and refreshing taste by "Laurent & Laurence", the hotel creates a perfect balance between Art Nouveau and Art Deco that are fused with contemporary elements, serving as an homage to the perfect Parisian lifestyle. Because, in the words of Victor Hugo “Respirez Paris, preserve l’âme”.
www.lenarcisseblanc.com
Fashion
The Unpredictable Everyday – Dior X Kaws
In 2019, Kim Jones presented his very first show as the Creative Director of Dior Men, embarking the House on a new chapter by reinterpreting its legacy. Passionate about art and collaborating with creative minds from all horizons, Kim Jones is this time working alongside the New Yorker, Kaws. Street artist, painter, illustrator, Kaws became one of the most influential names of the international artistic scene, creating art that questions, that discusses with its environment in an audacious way. For Dior, the creative minds of Kaws and Kim Jones united, designing a joyous capsule collection, bringing together their inspirations, similarities and differences.
Key element in the capsule, the “Dior” logo is revisited with a snake wrapped around its letters, symbolizing the fusion of modernity and legacy that characterizes the collection. This motif is declined on cotton faille bermudas, knitwear and quilted shirts. A line of sports ensembles, jackets and accessories completes the capsule comprising leather goods, the Rider 2.0 bag and the B33 and B35 NXXT sneakers. Under the banner of vibrancy, the Dior and Kaws capsule collection celebrates the art of dressing, brightening the everyday with boldness.
www.dior.com
Art
Hennessy X Jean-Michel Othoniel: A Precious Gem
Hennessy had partnered with renowned artist Jean-Michel Othoniel to create two decanters for the X.O collection. X.O by Hennessy is the first extra old Cognac and stands as a testament to the brand’s unparalleled expertise in blending and aging fine spirits.
This collaboration forms a continuation of Hennessy’s dedication to partnering with esteemed talents in art, fashion and culture to create exquisite works of art further elevating the Hennessy experience.
Jean-Michel Othoniel first crafted the X.O Masterpiece decanter seamlessly blending tradition and innovation as well as the artist’s signature style centering on a fascination with light and reflection. This Baccarat crystal decanter – destined to become a collectors item – is encased in hand-carved oak wood, reminiscent of Hennessy’s iconic barrels,shielded and protected akin to a precious jewel.
The collection is completed by the Hennessy X.O Limited Edition, which puts a more dramatic and avantgarde twist onto the meticulous design. This piece presents the decanter as a ruby red gem hidden beneath an intricate gold structure, which has a special opening mechanism allowing for bottle replacement or refilling in line with the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Each edition is a testament to the power of reimagining familiar objects and infusing them with new meaning and beauty to create new magic paying meaningful tribute to the Maison’s long heritage.
www.hennessy.com
Art
ALL TOMORROWS SONGS at Kühlhaus Berlin
Kühlhaus Berlin proudly declares their hosting of the interdisciplinary group exhibition ALL TOMORROWS SONGS, featuring individual projects by 16 young artists who participated in ‘Making It’ – an international workshop centered around exploring contemporary socio-political issues through a wide range of artistic mediums.The workshop, the project, and the exhibition—was initiated by JAŠA.
ALL TOMORROWS SONGS functions as a public moment of representing the collective and cross-disciplinary effort, where artists from differing backgrounds collaborated side-by-side, to create unified, thematic works. A blending together of different forms and unique perspectives into one cohesive and deeply relevant multifaceted experience. Each project acts as a testament of the artists’ remarkable growth during the workshop, individually but also as a group. The whole process was a chance well embraced, to cultivate their capacity to listen, observe and conceptually intertwine, but most importantly – to connect with each other and their surroundings on a profound level.
The young artists’ projects each offer a distinct and deeply personal response to the current socio-political climate – with questions of positioning, self-expression and voice emergence, along with the perspective of responsibility to be a vehicle for others. Sharp poetic insights into the concept of ‘Nowness’ by these young, meaningful voices, who have recognized it as their sole reality. The overarching aim – a call for unity rather than isolation.
The exhibition will be held at Kühlhaus Berlin on November 8th 2024, from 6PM to 11PM.
www.kuehlhaus-berlin.com
Fashion
Westwing Collection X MEISSEN – A New ABC
In a perfect storm of tradition and innovation MEISSEN and Westwing have come together to release a collaboration of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary chic design. MEISSEN has been the company for fine and diligently crafted porcelain since its foundation in 1710 while Westwing has gained a cult following since its start in 2011 for its stylish approach to living spaces. Despite more than 300 years standing between the two companies’ humble beginnings, today they are both joining forces in the here and now. Together they are launching a collection of porcelain bowls hand painted with the letters of the alphabet allowing for endless possibilities of combination and presentation.
Ushering in this new release on November 5th, 2024, Westwing hosted an event at Berlin’s legendary China Club / Medini's, perfectly displaying the beauty of this collection through personalized tablets featuring the first letter of each attendant’s name. Bridging the old and the new and providing personalized sophistication for everyday and special events. An ideal gift for the holidays– especially for those that already seem to have everything!
www.westwing.de
Fashion
Introducing Philos - the New Origins of Running
Recently launched Dutch brand Philos – focusing on everything running for the passionate female – has opened the doors to their first store in Amsterdam.
The new store is located in one of the Dutch capital’s most breathtaking areas, Spiegelgracht, emblematic of the city’s radiant scenery – a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural landscapes and striking architectural Rafinesse.
A visit to Philos can only be described as an exquisite experience, inspired by the ancient origins of running. Upon entering, one will be welcomed into ‘Philos Temple of Running’, inspired by the sport’s ancient roots.
Philos Running’s innovative concept, focusing on the specific needs of women in running sports, importantly broadens the growing female specialized high quality sportswear market. The brand’s concept, with its deeply personal history of origin, is fitting for a city like Amsterdam, with its progressive character and powerful community of female runners. Putting females first through creating a community of powerful women, inspiring and supporting each other.
Running is more than just a sport. It is a way for us as humans to connect with each other – through unleashing our innate need for self-expression.
The store – hosting the ‘Running Armor’ collection and ‘Philos Athena’ running shoes – can be visited at Spiegelgracht 21 in Amsterdam.
www.philos.run
Fashion
Marsèll Fall Winter 2024
In a campaign at the core of which lies art, Marsèll creates the path for innovation and architectural designs in fashion. In the latest Fall Winter 2024 collection, viewers are presented with the fundamental principles of the Italian brand: bridging two extremes – the celebration of materiality and functionality and the pursuit of essence and spirit.
Titled Fondamenta, translated from Italian to “foundations”, the new line introduces what initially feels like a Brancusian silhouette. The designer of the House shocks through a futuristic and structural shape which outlines the Fasma clutch. The star of the show, Fasma reflects the core values of Marsèll, blending art with technology, and craftsmanship with elegance. In the colors black, mist, and mortar, the minimalist clutch is crafted with fine leather which molds to the sharp edges and curves, which are brought together by the thin gold chain.
Representing the innovative thinking of bridging the gaps between art, fashion, design, architecture, and sculpture, the campaign has a clear and defined aim of professing renewed loyalty to the brand’s origins, creating a solid foundation upon which to keep reinventing its idea of the future repeatedly. Marsèll’s creative team pushes the boundaries of innovation in the Fall Winter 2024 campaign, and proposes minimalism as the next trend, while respecting tradition and the heritage of the brand.
www.marsell.com
Fashion
CHANEL Spring Summer 2025 PFW – A Bird Set Free from Its Cage
The Spring Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection marks CHANEL’s return to the Grand Palais – and what a Grande Affair it is!
The collection is presented under the theme of taking flight and breaking free from the proverbial bird cage to pay tribute to the Maison’s founder who broke with so many norms of her time to lift us up into a brighter future. The location perfectly represents this message as the Nave resembles an aviary within itself and the aforementioned birdcage is there in actual larger than life form.
The fashion itself speaks to CHANEL’s illustrious heritage and blends staples such as the suit, little black dress, tweed and jersey with feathers, fringes and embroidered transparent pieces that make the classic contemporary. The color scheme speaks to day, night and the ever-changing sky. The looks embody the modern CHANEL woman: classic and sophisticated with an invigorating modern twist.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Hermès PFW Spring Summer 2025 – Sensual Summers Yet to Come
Step into the artist’s studio where silhouettes are composed through movement and where the sensuality of light reveals a multifaceted femininity that is forever evolving.
That is the atmosphere of the Hermès Spring Summer 2025 collection presented at Paris Fashion Week. Strongly anchored in the heritage of the artisans workshop this collection employs a deceptive simplicity that turns leather and fabric into a pathway for new perceptions. The materials skillfully outline the lines and curves of the body with silk mesh revealing glimpses of the skin beneath. The looks have a throughline of an assertive sensuality that is a celebration of the body also in its color scheme with garments focussing on the full spectrum of brown tones. The clothes are like a second skin, but not a thing to hide behind but something highlighting the beauty and confidence beneath.
Additionally, the collection focuses on a beauty in the use of your clothes, in the individual choice on how to wear them. This is demonstrated through the Birkin Bag turned inside out and carried upside down or sideways scrunching up the leather. People have become increasingly precious with their bags and this show highlights the free spirit they were supposed to evoke. Outerwear pieces adapt from a coat to a bomber jacket or a gilet, reminding us of the coexistence of style and function and the joy in versatility.
While a lot of the collection focuses on lines and curves with rather simple monochromatic colors there is also a refreshing use of patterns that lead back to the role of artisans and the joy of creation.
This collection is like a warm summer wind inviting you to a sensual adventure soon to come!
www.hermes.com
Fashion
KASSL Editions x TRETORN
October 4th can’t come soon enough for fashion and design lovers. The day bears exciting news, as KASSL Editions will open the doors to a new Amsterdam pop-up store, which represents a meaningful collaboration with the Swedish brand TRETORN. Envisioned by spatial designer Dennis Vanderbroeck, the space brings out the true aesthetic of KASSL and both brands’ dedication to make rainy weather fashionable.
The capsule collection clearly introduces the vision and the aim of the two brands – born in Amsterdam and Sweden – to combat bad weather in style. The collaboration presents functional rubber shoes and boots that are complementary to the rest of the KASSL Fall Winter 24 line. Reinterpreted by KASSL, a key element of the capsule collection is TRETORN’s iconic waterproof rubber shoe. Combining functionality with style, the renowned shape is meant to allow the wearer to perform daily tasks, and look cool and trendy while doing it. In spite of the Northern European weather, everyone should be able to go on with their lives with elegance. In addition to the water repellent shoe, the launch also adds a high boot and two ankle boot designs to the brands’ heritages, as well as a clog and a loafer. The common denominator in this capsule line is the sustainability oriented ethos, the drive to create something that stays fashionable in a responsible manner.That's why the shoe creators experimented with technical, eco-friendly materials that offer flexibility, allowing designers to incorporate intricate details. The collection explores a fall coded color palette, with Black, Coffee Brown, Moss and Cherry shades at the center of it.
Unique and creative, the concept store will soon be available not only at Van Baerlestraat, but also at de Bijenkorf in Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. Co-founder Bart Ramakers invites guests to dive into the joy of the collaboration: "At a time when the industry is dominated by large luxury brands and independent brands are struggling to survive, we are looking for meaningful partners who understand our values [...] We are excited to invite our customers to our pop-up that physically embodies the world of KASSL Editions.”
www.kassleditions.com
www.tretorn.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Bed Trunks
Labeled by Louis Vuitton himself as “a unique collector’s piece”, the iconic Bed Trunks are brought back by Maison’s creative directors, Nicolas Ghesquiere and Pharell Williams. First introduced in 1868, the Bed Trunk is a symbol of the everlasting savoir-faire of Louis Vuitton, honoring his work and the house’s heritage as a trunk maker.
The two new versions of the Bed Trunks are a testimony of Louis Vuitton’s love for travel, and reflect its core principles of innovation, creativity, and excellence. A blend of the traditional and the contemporary, the trunks were initially created for travelers, yet over the years became an object of admiration, frequently exposed at fairs, international exhibitions or campaigns. Respecting the classic design, the newly launched trunks feature a folding bed frame which holds a mattress covered with a topper secured with woven cotton straps, which helps travelers keep their personal belongings safe.
Standing in opposition to one another are the creations of Women’s Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière and Men’s Creative Director Pharell Williams. Incorporating elements from earlier collections, Ghesquière’s Bed Trunk introduces a modernized, futuristic vision of luxury travel. Taking inspiration from the Cruise 2023 collection for the outside and from the Spring Summer 2018 for the inside, the artistic director uses engraved metal plates and reinvented corner pieces. A combination of floral motifs and innovative materials gives Nicolas Ghesquière’s design a sense of forward-thinking creativity, adding to the avant-garde element of Louis Vuitton. On a more classical note, Pharell Williams follows a timeless, archival design on the outside, which he combines with a red and white stripe pattern on the inside, embellished by the “LV Lovers” embroidery.
Available for a limited period at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés store and the Hôtel Cheval Blanc in Paris, the Bed Trunks are a celebration of continuous inspiration and appreciation of the past.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Diesel MFW Spring Summer 2025 – Traversing the Indigo Wasteland
The Diesel MFW Spring Summer 2025 show was more than a runway show, instead audiences were offered a full immersive experience. This presentation bridged the gap between sustainability, art, innovation and the heritage of the Diesel brand.
The runway is made up of 14.800kg of a giant rectangle of denim scraps (to be repurposed after the show), which the models walked down in intricate choreography. Over the speakers music is joined by a voiceover of a monotone voice discussing the history and creation of denim. Both elements are equally contradictory as well as perfectly aligned in a strange and haunting way. The eerie elements are elevated by the models in various hues of contact lenses, from full white and black to piercing green and blue – they are beautiful aliens walking through the waste of our world.
As could be expected based on the set the collection centers denim in all its shapes and forms especially distressed. The models walk through the mounds of denim waste in clothing made from the same material, blending in and standing out. This highlights the beauty in waste and a parallel to the purposeful distressing of the new collection with a focus on true circularity. Instead of mere claims to change and attempting to hide the waste of fashion, Diesel is embracing it and has taken on the challenge to be circular yet innovative.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
Tod's Spring Summer 2025 MFW - Nostalgia for Summers Yet to Come
True craftsmanship is found in the little details. Tod’s MFW show brought out the finest designs for the Spring-Summer 2025 collection. Reflecting essential values and adding to its Italian heritage, the show is a testimony of research and experimentation, of the playfulness that can be found at the core of fashion.
Celebrating iconic silhouettes that give us summertime nostalgia, the collection is inspired by a journey along the Mediterranean coast, adding new leather goods to the brand's distinguished repertoire. Each piece echoes the timeless elegance and ease of coastal living, with a modern twist. One standout item is the Gommino, Tod's iconic loafer that has become synonymous with the brand. In the refined version, the shoe showcases a series of interlocking rings, creating a fresh, signature motif. Other footwear designs feature the Barretta accessory, a thin metal band that takes the shoe from casual day to day wear to night elegance with ease.
Fine materials take shapes and volumes of a relaxed wardrobe, introducing jackets and shirts in crepe mélange – a shade that rhymes with the broader palette of the ready-to-wear collection. The color scheme, inspired by the natural beauty of Italian landscapes, evokes the earthy tones of stone, sand, and sea, evokes the rugged beauty of Italy’s landscapes.
Creative Director Matteo Tamburini puts on display the show of the season, inviting guests to explore the latest additions to the Di Bag Folio family. Tones of bronze and ochre echo on the brushed calfskin that wraps the fantasy of Di Bag Swing. In collaboration with artist Lorenzo Quinn, the venue surrounding the runway was decorated with sculptures of two hands that hold crossed leather ribbons, hinting at the exquisite artisanal skill.
www.tods.com
Fashion
BOSS Spring Summer 2025 MFW – 5 to 9 Finds Against the 9 to 5 Grind
BOSS, usually the essence of tailored business wear, has made a turn towards the comfortable, daring to ask the question: What possibly happens after work?
While fashion week is a stressful time and definitely not the time to value comfort over style, BOSS is inviting us to take a breath. The Spring Summer 2025 show at Milan fashion week was a clear pivot from earlier demonstrations of hyper-tailored garments with intense powerful silhouettes and embraced concepts of leisure and comfort for the wearer into the garments. The theme is “Out of Office” giving in to the longing for freedom from the daily grind and the increased value young people today see in their time off.
This collection makes use of BOSS expert skill of traditional men’s formal tailoring and uses these tools to create structure in new and exciting ways such as tailoring darts on the sleeves of bomber jackets and well fitted silhouettes utilizing wrap dresses and tops that can be adjusted to the wearer's comfort. Blending style and interesting silhouettes in a truly wearable way. While the traditional power suit continues to have a strong allure and is a staple to own, wearing one on a daily basis is an exhausting feat especially in those precious hours after work.
The new BOSS approach bridges the gap between formal and casual through the introduction of sleepwear and sporty elements – modeled among others by fantastic contemporary athletes – and results in looks that are so wearable and understated that I would not be surprised to see them at after work drinks coming spring. With their “Out of Office” collection the German House has created looks that are the perfect fit for contemporary elegance in every situation.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Fendi MFW Spring Summer 2025 - One for the Ages
The Fendi Spring Summer 2025 runway at Milan fashion week is monumental, and I am not merely talking about the column silhouettes prominently featured. This collection designed by Kim Jones is presented in celebration of the Houses 100th year in business. A grand feat speaking to its strong standing as a family business passed down through matriarchal line with an illustrious heritage, as well as an ability to go with the forever changing tides of fashion.
The collection draws from the year Fendi was founded – 1925 – with dropped waists and intricate embroidery and fringes. Additionally, the designer worked with and considered the four generations of Fendi women who set the course for the brand’s success and history and through its direct discussion over the speakers at the show allows the audience to reminisce alongside the family business.
Altogether, this results in a celebration of womanhood and female fashion. Walking down the runway are all different types of Fendi women, sporting looks ranging from sheer ornamental celebrations of the female form that are simply jaw dropping displays of craftmanship to more androgynous looks that radiate contemporary chic.
All are united in their confidence and certainty. They are a Fendi woman.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Neverfull Inside Out
Fame is the state of being widely known or recognized. This is what pops up online when we look up the definition of fame. This is also what characterizes Louis Vuitton’s classic Neverfull bag. The original bag, released in 2007, was an immediate hit, remaining a go-to choice for some to this day.
Following the success Louis Vuitton has seen in the past 17 years thanks to the versatile bag, Maison announced the release of the Neverfull Inside Out, a bag specially designed to fit everyone’s style and to complete any outfit. With meticulous attention to detail, the bag is flipped so that the original inside becomes the outside, making the possibilities of wearing it endless. The bag serves as a crucial element, highlighting the importance of versatility and innovation in fashion. By incorporating playful, interchangeable pieces, Louis Vuitton emphasizes how mixing and matching different elements is a central aspect of modern style, allowing individuals to express their creativity and personal flair.
The Neverfull Inside Out comes in various sizes, just like the original – the BB small version, the MM, and the GM, a seasonal, perfect for traveling look. Adding to the multifunctionality of the bag is the adjustable leather strap that comes in the same colors as the new leather goods, including black, khaki, red or bright pink. A signature of the Louis Vuitton bags, the intertwining L and V are customary to the design, whether we find them on the inside, the outside, or the strap.
Showing off the long-standing relationship with the house, Sophie Turner will feature in the campaign, taking the stage for an elegant and captivating display of style, embodying the essence of the brand's timeless sophistication. The Neverfull Inside Out will be available on September 20th.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Sultry Summer Nights with Versace Eros Energy pour Homme
Out of the 7 types of love, eros – the love of the body – has always been associated with passion and vigour. This is nowhere better represented than in Versace’s fragrance Eros Energy pour homme which combines sultry notes of musk and patchouli with refreshing citrus scents of bergamot, lemon and grapefruit just to name a few. Through its simultaneous refreshing and sensual nature, it represents a Mediterranean summer flirt in a bottle.
Similar to the best love affairs, the six different citrus notes that form the head of the perfume mirror the first spark of appeal and attraction, the refreshment of meeting someone’s eyes on a hot summer’s day. The heart notes deepen the fragrance with Pink Peppercorn, Blackcurrant and White Amber and form a delicious blend that complements the citrus headnotes and provides a whiff of passion and desire that lingers beneath the first infatuating spark. Lastly, the fragrance exhibits a strong base of Patchouli, Musk and Oakmoss which turns the sensual elements into a bodily feeling and provides an earthy balance reminiscent of those summer nights where anything can happen. Together they form a warm embrace that invigorates and envelopes the wearer and those around him.
The bottle itself adds perfectly to the opus of the Eau de Parfum – the sunny yellow color highlights the fresh citrus notes within while the classic Versace Medusa forms the center of the bottle creating strong visual emotions even at just one single glance. The Versace Eros Energy Eau de Parfum pour homme is the perfect blend of passion, elegance and strength as well as the undeniable joie de vivre experienced on a Mediterranean summer vacation.
www.versace.com
Fashion
Krug X Flower Concept Bar
For over 150 years, Krug has been an industry leader, known for one of the most refined and of the utmost quality champagnes. Founded in Reims, France, by Joseph Krug, the essence of the Maison lies in its mastery and innovative creations that redefine Champagne making, delivering exceptional quality and an unparalleled sensory experience with every bottle.
Each year, the Krug House highlights a unique ingredient in its culinary creations. To celebrate a decade since the event first debuted, Krug chose flowers as this year’s ingredient. Paying homage to ancient civilizations, the use of edible flowers blends beautifully with the sparkling taste of champagne, forming a harmonious fusion of history and elegance that enhances the sensory experience of each glass. From the Romans' use of rose petals in salads and omelets to the Victorians' candied violets on desserts, flowers have long been celebrated in cuisine. Most recently, Maison Krug has partnered up with Maximilian Gradl, owner of the Ory Bar in Munich, and German chef Jan Hartwig, for the opening of Krug x Flower Concept Bar, a concept that pairs champagne with flowers. Starting on September 11th, visitors will be able to delight themselves with Michelin star amuse-bouches, accompanied by a glass of the finest Krug Grande Cuvée or Krug Rosé.
As a symbol of culinary innovation and historical appreciation, Maison Krug continues to carry on Joseph Krug’s legacy as a visionary and an artist.
www.krug.com
Fashion
Gucci FW24 – Exploring Harmony in Contrast
The Gucci FW24 women’s campaign presents a world of harmonious contrasts and a strong link to the brand’s heritage through accessories.
Compared to recent Gucci Ancora campaigns living in abstraction this collection seeks to create a narrative between personalities and clothes. In an intimate setting every look and expression adds to the continuous dialogue between model and garment. A juxtaposition of delicate embroidered slip dresses and rich wool coats creates a wearable sensuality that defies notions of frailty and embraces unconventional notions of femininity. Moreover, the classic soft earthy tones of fall and winter are complemented by surprising bursts of color to brighten up the colder months.
The center point of this campaign can be found in its accessories, especially bags. The Gucci B bag is a new take on archival pieces originating from the 1950s. The relaxed and oversized silhouette is both effortlessly chic and practical for daily wear.
Additionally, the GG Milano bag is making its debut, paying homage to the vibrant creative city it bears the name of as well as Creative Director Sabato De Sarno’s personal reflection on Milan as a continuous source of inspiration.
Lastly, the continuously adored Gucci Jackie is available in new colorways, a fresh take on a timeless staple.
www.gucci.com
Travel
Coqui Coqui X H&M Home
H&M Home is collaborating with lifestyle and fragrance brand Coqui Coqui Residences & Spa, launching a 26-piece collection for a curated home and a stylish getaway available now.
This collection includes many reinterpretations of classic Coqui Coqui pieces that have become synonymous with the brand such as blankets and pillows rimmed by tassels in shades of beige reminiscent of sandy beaches in tropical places. This is complemented by new additions such as a porcelain tea set with a palm tree motive and gold accents which perfectly goes with the gold stainless steel tray table for a perfect feeling of comfortable decadence in the home. Additionally, travel enthusiasts can find joy in the beach bag and towel featuring the Coqui Coqui logo in a prominent yet sophisticated manner.
The centerpiece of the collection though is formed around the two new fragrances specially created in Grasse for this collaboration. Flores de Yucatan and Vétyvers du Pacifique are available as room sprays, diffusers, scented candles and scented cards, allowing for a sensory island getaway from anywhere. This collaboration makes it possible to create a true home away from home and is now available in select stores and online.
www2.hm.com
Fashion
Breitling Pop-up in Paris
Breitling, the renowned Swiss luxury watch brand, has inaugurated its newest pop-up store on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Marking a significant milestone, this establishment is not only the largest watch boutique on the Champs-Élysées but also one of the largest worldwide. The opening of the store coincides with the celebration of Breitling's "140 Years of Firsts," in the journey of its historic achievements.
Located at 76 Champs-Élysées, the 400-square-meter lifestyle space offers an immersive experience of Breitling's world. From July, watch enthusiasts can explore a wide selection of items that seamlessly blend innovative technology with exquisite design, representing the brand’s various themes. Moreover, this pop-up store will nestle down in Paris permanently in 2025, at 78 Champs-Élysées, to welcome Parisian customers. The pop-up store will host special events, gatherings, and exclusive partnerships to celebrate the brand’s anniversary, emphasizing the connections between time, adventure, and innovation. In particular, visitors can also personalize their watches with a variety of straps with after-sales service.
www.breitling.com
Fashion
Blauer FW24 Campaign
Blauer’s FW24/25 campaign, titled “The Soul of Seoul,” explores the Korean wave against the backdrop of the extraordinary metropolis in South Korea. The true Korean essence infuses the dynamic energy of the city into Blauer’s iconic archive pieces, which reference police and military-inspired designs.
Once again shot by the renowned James Mollison, his distinct sensual vision created captivating scenes where an exotic urban vibe merges with Blauer’s American identity. The FW24/25 collection features leather and shearling jackets, as well as down jackets, combined with archival pieces in various fabrics such as knit, wool, nylon, and denim. These elements offer a relaxed feel while presenting a new vision of freedom that transcends borders and remains timeless.
The campaign showcases South Korea's cultural diversity, featuring various local artists including tattoo artists like Greem Jeong and Hyo Seong Kim, professional models such as Guy Park, Daria, Alexander, Hwan, Dain, and David, as well as sports trainers, musicians, and DJ Minju Kim. Filming took place at some of Seoul’s most iconic locations, including Sindang-dong, known for its Jung-ang market frequented by young artists, and the Hongje Yuyeon gallery beneath the Hongje River bridge. Other hipster areas include Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Greem Jeong's studio in Hongje, the Han River with Jamsu Bridge, and the Undept Café. Moreover, the Haebangchon district, known for its breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul, conveys the city's beauty. Overall, the FW24/25 campaign is a tribute not only to fashion but also to the vibrant culture and creativity that Seoul represents today.
www.blauerusa.com
Fashion
TOM FORD PRE-SPRING 2025 WOMENSWEAR
The Tom Ford Pre-Spring 2025 Womenswear collection encapsulates the glamorous, seductive aesthetic that lies at the core of the brand. Connecting past and present fashion, the latest womenswear collection redefines Tom Ford's iconic style, infused with sophisticated modern elegance. This glamorous, nostalgic collection is inspired by Veruschka, the legendary German model and artist. Back in late 60s and 70s, her iconic bohemian maximalist style was an inspiration for prestigious photographers and big brands such as YSL, Tom Ford, and Dolce & Gabbana. Now, Veruschka’s influence seamlessly blends with Tom Ford's essence in this resort collection, evoking nostalgia for the brand's glamorous past.
Slinky trouser suits, mini skirts, and cotton-drill jumpsuits reveal body silhouettes, while glamorous flyaway caftans and mini dresses with ruffle details highlight feminine allure, embodying a luxurious and modern ethos in Tom Ford. These pieces present subtle nods to iconic images of Veruschka, showcasing her in outfits such as an Yves Saint Laurent 1976 safari jacket or an A-line micro-dress with a cross-ribbon neckline. Indeed, the collection embodies contemporary feminine glamour with a slight touch of retro, evoking the heyday of the brand and paying homage to its rich history and heritage.
www.tomford.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Store Opens in Düsseldorf
Louis Vuitton brings exciting news to German customers with the opening of a new store in Düsseldorf on July 5, 2024. The new store embodies the synergies of fashion, art, and the architecture of the lively city, offering the essential dimensions of Maison Louis Vuitton.
The store's atmosphere revolves around a modern spatial concept, highlighting refined materials such as natural stone and exquisite wood to provide customers with a unique shopping experience. Especially, the architecture and interior design were crafted by New York architect Peter Marino, featuring linear silhouettes and modern, minimal elements. A sophisticated lighting setup guides customers through the contemporary and elegant space, allowing them to delve deeper into the exclusive heritage and craftsmanship of the house. The store presents both womenswear and menswear, including ready-to-wear items, accessories, small leather goods, shoes, and jewelry. Moreover, in keeping with Louis Vuitton's dedication to the essence of travel, the store also offers Louis Vuitton signature travel pieces, such as the iconic Keepall and the innovative Horizon trolley designed by Marc Newson.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
GUCCI INTERLOCKING WATCH COLLECTION
A global luxury brand, Gucci unveiled a new interlocking watch collection that fuses its iconic signature and timeless design in modern watches. The eye-catching Interlocking G motif slips into the watch collection, encapsulating the essence of modern elegance and sophistication crafted by the Maison’s expertise in design and watchmaking.
The new line consists of two distinguished models. One has a sporty yet refined look, while the other is an exquisite statement piece, blending strength and grace with a contemporary spirit.
The sporty line includes two 41-mm automatic versions and three 41-mm chronograph variants. The 41-mm automatic timepieces feature the iconic Interlocking G motif at 6 o'clock, serving as the seconds hand, staying faithful to the Maison’s refined design. Meanwhile, the chronograph timepieces come in black, blue, or green and enhance precise time measurement with three sub-dials and two pushers. In short, both automatic and chronograph designs combine a sporty yet sophisticated appeal, crafted for those who value precision and personality.
Another line, focused on elegant, exquisite details, comes with two 29-mm versions, embodying graceful femininity. The watch pieces are embellished with diamonds, exuding a sumptuous aura. The eight diamond markers and sleek G motif accents harmonize every detail, creating a balanced and refined look, while the stainless-steel bracelet sums up the contemporary aesthetic of the brand.
Whether sporty and sophisticated or elegant and feminine, the new Gucci interlocking watch collection offers diverse charms and unceasing allure on your wrist.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
LOUIS VUITTON MEN FW2024 CAMPAIGN
Louis Vuitton has unveiled the latest campaign for the Men’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Dreamed up by Pharrell’s vision, the FW menswear pieces were staged against a sprawling desert with a distant view of snow-capped mountains in the campaign. And there is the hero, cowboys, and horses.
For the FW season, the Louis Vuitton Men’s collection centers around the iconic cowboy. The cowboy-themed collection depicts a magical display of savoir-faire, inspired by workwear with roots in the American Western wardrobe. The campaign captures the adventurous journey of cowboys through both images and stylishly filmed videos. The cowboy models in the campaign are subtly mysterious yet stylish, while exuding grandeur, transforming the frontier fashion through sophisticated aesthetics and styling. The cowboy-inspired ensembles represent a unique yet elegant look: cowboy hats, cowboy boots, blanket coats, embroidered shirts, jeans, suits, and leather jackets.
Above all, the classic American Western style is elevated with delicate embellishments of pearls, metal studs, and turquoise button accents on most outfits. In particular, a blue Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is a key piece to achieve the Louis Vuitton cowboy look, adding vivid color accents to the Western cowboy style.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Doucal's
Luxury Italian brand Doucal's showcased its timeless Italian shoe collection during Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy. Doucal's Spring/Summer 2025 collection embodies the “slow life” focused on timeless and authentic Italian charm, woven by the skillful touch of artisans while highlighting the brand's 50-year legacy of enduring craftsmanship and excellence in shoemaking.
The slow life concept invites the audience into a timeless Mediterranean experience, infused with Italian spirit and rich heritage, presenting the journey as an inspiring and sensational voyage envisioned by the Italian brand. Revolving around the "Mare Nostrum," a metaphor for the profound journey, the SS25 collection defines Italian timeless elegance and aesthetics through hand-crafted shoes.
Among the collection's pieces, the new full penny MARIO model stands out as the ultimate interpretation of this exploration. As a re-edited version of the iconic Penny Loafer, launched to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary, the new full penny MARIO model features semi-lining and is produced with Soft Blake workmanship. Its memory foam midsole features elegant yellow leather and the brand’s monogram and offers great comfort. Moreover, the light leather sole boasts the iconic Golden Cream tread, enhanced with a non-slip rubber insert. The choice of materials and hues is diverse, ranging from five color variations in suede to three color choices in Nappa calfskin leather. The sumptuous Italian material exudes a formal yet soft and light quality, fitting the shoe like a glove. The elegant loafer is perfect for achieving a classic Italian style, with versatile options like casual denim or classic long trousers. This Mediterranean-inspired collection offers an enchanting voyage into contemporary elegance with a truly Italian timeless appeal.
www.doucals.com
Fashion
Men’s Paris Fashion Week – Louis Vuitton
After his beloved debut collection for SS24, Creative Director and producer Pharrell Wiliams returns to the runway with a vision that focuses on humanity, culture, and celebrates the core values of Louis Vuitton. The campaign represents a collaboration with Air Afrique – a cultural platform dedicated to Afro-diasporic art, conversations, and knowledge – inspired by the legacy of the airline with the same name.
From cropped tailored jackets to camionneur-collared knitwear, the SS25 collection features silhouettes that invite the audience to indulge in the fantasy of details. It is dominated by the Snake-o-Flage motif, the embossed Branded Monogram, and other patterns and textiles that evoke the central theme: the unifying spirit of the global mentality of Louis Vuitton. With a total of 81 looks, Pharrell introduces a line of Soft Leather Goods that brings back iconic pieces of the brand like the Alma, the Christopher, and the Neverfull reinterpreted for travel in graceful, highly luxurious leather. The highlight of the new line is the fully covered rhinestones Keepall.
In association with Air Afrique, the French luxury brand displays a series of travel-inspired logos with elements like Damier chequers and blueish-green tartan that contribute to the series of hand-crafted bags. Similar to the purse collection, shoes are adapted to a traveler’s style and explore exotic combinations of leather, colors, and patchwork. Accessories such as aviator caps, cowboy hats, velvet gloves, silk ties, and opera scarves complement the chunky coloured wedding rings, tennis necklaces, and pearl stud earrings, paying tribute to the travel concept of the runway.
Hosted in Paris’ La Maison de l’UNESCO, the show reflects another success for Pharrell Williams and welcomes guests to act like the world is theirs - “Le Monde est à vous”, translated from French.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Tod’s Milan Fashion Week – Men’s SS 2025 Collection
Aiming to revolutionize fashion in the same way artificial intelligence revolutionized the tech world, Tod’s SS 2025 campaign introduces Artisanal intelligence. With this collection, the team at Tod’s, led by Creative Director Matteo Tamburini, shifts its focus to offering the ultimate quality, while adding contemporary elements that bring the savoir faire of authentic Italian style.
While artificial intelligence still casts uncertainty over its capabilities, Tod’s artisanal intelligence plays an important role in encouraging customers to express confidence and embrace high-performance attitudes. Part of the Pashmy project, the collection draws the creative team closer to their goal of using exclusive materials known for their softness, lightness and silky touch.
The essence of Tod’s Spring - Summer 2025 is captured by the sixth look of the collection. Inspired by timeless elegance, Matteo Tamburini creates a sophisticated silhouette using pashmina as his central component of the look. The pashmina jacket – a piece of the Pashmy project – paired with the Bubble Gommino and the T Timeless shopper bag become essential items that contribute to the sense of classicism of any wardrobe. Complementary to pashmina are the fine leathers used to transport customers to a world of luxury, where relaxation and opulence meet.
Artisanal intelligence is the first ever Men’s collection designed by Matteo Tamburini, who places the development of individuals in the center of the creative process.
www.tods.com
Art
MONTBLANC HAUS Exhibition: INSPIRE WRITING | FILMMAKING
In Montblanc’s headquarters city, Hamburg, the first-class craftsmanship brand Montblanc unfolds its 100-year story of the Meisterstück with a temporary exhibition titled INSPIRE WRITING | FILMMAKING, presented at MONTBLANC HAUS.
The Meisterstück is one of Maison’s iconic writing instruments, boasting a high standard of performance, quality, and style with the signature Montblanc emblem. Over the past century, this sought-after writing instrument has undergone endless evolution, and its compelling story is celebrated through the exhibition.
Opening on June 6th, 2024, the exhibition honors the glorious journey of the legendary Meisterstück fountain pen, emphasizing the pivotal role of writing in filmmaking. It also showcases the new anniversary campaign dreamed up by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Wes Anderson. The exhibition takes visitors on a compelling journey through the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of the filmmaking process. From a source of inspiration progressing through ideas on paper to a re-imagined studio set for the brand’s campaign film, these unique installations offer sensory experiences to visitors in the filmmaking world.
Since its opening in Hamburg in 2022, MONTBLANC HAUS has been dedicated to narrating Montblanc’s history, craftsmanship, and the impact of its writing instruments. The INSPIRE WRITING | FILMMAKING exhibition highlights the value of writing in helping people express their full potential, emphasizing the profound connection between writing and the art of filmmaking.
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
A New Destination
On June 3rd, the first Vacheron Constantin boutique in Munich opened its doors, inviting guests, collectors, and flâneurs to venture into the Maison’s world of horlogerie. Located at Maximilianstraße 27, this stand-alone boutique is synonymous with Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to excellence.
Adorning the windows and interior of the boutique is the bespoke art installation “From Past to Present” by Munich-based artist Ruben Benjamin. Drawing inspiration from the flow of time, the pieces are defined by light and vibrant hues, filled with volume and texture that evoke a joie de vivre. Characterized by a pursuit of perfection, overcoming technical challenges and achieving virtuoso know-how, the installation aligns with the Maison’s values. Through the use of materials like acrylic glass and mirrors, “From Past to Present” creates a floating impression that transports visitors to the otherworldly realm of Vacheron Constantin.
Inside this one-of-a-kind interior, which features the Maison’s own design concept, guests can explore the Maison’s collections in comfort and elegance. Featuring all collections – Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Historiques, Overseas, Fiftysix, and Égérie – as well as exclusive in-boutique models, the Munich store stands as a living testament to the Maison’s rich heritage. This legacy is deeply intertwined with Germany, where Vacheron Constantin has nurtured an enduring and close relationship since 1847, when the first watches were sold to German clients.
The boutique also features a VIP area, which offers an intimate and private atmosphere, as well as exclusive services such as strap personalization. Additionally, a Watchmaking Panel provides a comprehensive overview of the crafting stages of the Maison’s iconic watches, including processes such as polishing, straightening, chamfering, and many others. Guests have the unique opportunity to meet an in-house watchmaker inside the boutique, adding a distinctive touch to their visit.
Combining heritage with modern aspects, the first Munich boutique of Vacheron Constantin is a must-see piece of art. From Benjamin’s art installation to the emblematic watchpieces, every small detail is meticulously thought through, reaching a standard of excellence that is embedded within the Maison’s DNA.
www.vacheron-constantin.com
Travel
Juvia by Paul & Shark
Juvia by Paul & Shark Paul & Shark, an Italian luxury clothing brand, draws upon its identity rooted in a passion for the sea for the upcoming project, Juvia by Paul & Shark.
A creative concept inspired by the history and identity of the island led the brand to a fantastic project on the island of Formentera: a stylish restaurant, the Juvia by Paul & Shark project. Continuing its summer customization project since 2023, Juvia by Paul & Shark is ready to serve customers for the summer of 2024 in the heart of Es Pujols, offering a fabulous ocean view of the island's crystal-clear waters. The island is a distant oasis suspended in time, and the restaurant's mesmerizing setting embodies the sophistication of the brand. The venue features light-colored, porous wood furniture and blue hues, all crafted primarily from recovered materials. In this spacious outdoor setting, customers can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and an array of signature cocktails, against the breathtaking backdrop of the sunset.
Beyond offering a luxurious dining experience, Juvia by Paul & Shark is dedicated to supporting the local community, which has always been at the heart of Paul & Shark's mission. Through the collaboration with Vellmarí, a local association focused on researching and protecting nature and the marine ecosystem, they continually contribute to planting vital aquatic plants, responsible for reducing Co2 in water and fostering biodiversity.
www.paulandshark.com
Fashion
Aeternal Splendor
Bulgari unveils its sensational new campaign featuring global ambassadors Anne Hathaway, Zendaya and Liu Yifei, celebrating personal renewal through ceaseless rebirth.
Since its creation in 1884, the Roman jeweler has been constantly renewing itself, finding an inexhaustible source of beauty and elevation.
Paying tribute to its 140 years of heritage, Bulgari invites on a journey of personal growth inspired by its majestic creations, symbols of strength and self-confidence.
Directed by Nathalie Canguilhem and photographed by Zoey Grossman, the campaign captures Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Liu Yifei exploring Rome through a sequence of mirrors, reflecting their evolution and multiple facets. In the light of a Roman dawn, they shine in exceptional pieces from the Aeterna collection. Rome, an eclectic fusion of eras and styles, is captured in a new light, representing heritage and modernity.
This timeless city and Bulgari's incomparable jewels embody the ability to constantly reinvent oneself.
The Aeterna collecton launches worldwide on May 28, 2024, accompanied by a digital activation and a contemporary installation in the Piazza di Spagna, creating connections between legacy and future.
www.bulgari.com
Art
Golden Design
Kaldewei, the renowned German manufacturer of high-end bathroom solutions, has been awarded the prestigious iF Design Award in Gold for its innovative FlowLine ZERO shower channel solution, designed by Studio Aisslinger. This recognition follows on from winning the German Design Award 2024.
Launched in spring 2023 and available since autumn 2023, FlowLine ZERO impresses with its patent-pending Click'n Clean mechanism, which combines both ease of use and aesthetic design.
The international iF Design jury praised the product with “full marks for innovation” and described it as an “outstanding example of product design that combines aesthetics with great functionality and ergonomics.” The shower channel solution, available in five exclusive finishes, impresses with its timeless elegance and an ingenious mechanism for effortless cleaning of the hair filter.
The iF Design Award is one of the world's most prestigious design awards, with almost 11,000 entries from 70 countries, of which only 75 received the coveted Gold Trophy. The award is presented by the iF Design Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes design and its social significance worldwide.
www.kaldewei.com
Fashion
The Grand Meisterstück Hotel
In honor of the Centenary of its fountain pen Meisterstück [Masterpiece], Montblanc unveiled a special campaign, called "Through the Eyes of Wes Anderson", for which the fabulous American filmmaker created and starred in a small commercial film. Wes Anderson also designed his own Montblanc pen, a limited-edition called the Schreiberling [The Scribbler], that will be released in 2025.
The brand celebrated this unique anniversary campaign with a grand event at the Paramour Estate in Los Angeles. Guests such as John Legend, Emma Roberts, and Emilia Schüle attended the evening, celebrating the Meisterstück's legacy amid the glamour of Hollywood's golden age.
Wes Anderson short’s film was unveiled, revealing to be set against the backdrop of the fictional Montblanc Headquarters atop Mont Blanc, the campaign features an ensemble cast including Rupert Friend, Jason Schwartzman, and Wes Anderson himself.
The guests were then able to explore a special exhibition showcasing the evolution of the Meisterstück design over the past century.
Opening the festivities to all cinema and writing lovers, Montblanc Chalet Pop Up in Beverly Hills is to be discovered until July 31st, offering an immersive experience to experts and the curious while celebrating the heritage of Montblanc's Meisterstück pen, and the unmatched cinematic vision of Wes Anderson.
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
H&M STUDIO RESORT CAPSULE
H&M’s most directional, fashion-forward offering, H&M Studio line has unveiled the Resort capsule collection. Inspired by dreamy Italian palazzos, swirling Venetian glass, and magical shell-encrusted grottoes, the collection channels a holiday state of mind. Drawing on the vibrant summer vibe in Italy, the collection purposed the summer holiday essential for escape to Italy. The optimistic, upbeat vibe comes with a feminine silhouette, and joyful prints while the Italian aesthetic is reflected on the sunset palette of tangerine, honey-yellow, and flashes of pistachio, with richly textured embroidery pieces. In particular, the eye-catching prints, golden-hour gowns along jet- set swimwear perfectly epitomized the easy beach style.
Overall, the collection is daring and dreamy. Especially, a slinky V-necked patterned dress and a honey-colored oversized suit are evening stand-outs. Moreover, the entirely beige tone outfits reminiscent of pure summer mood, such as the ruched two-piece consisting of a skirt and off-shoulder top as well as the crocheted detailed top evoke a feminine mood yet hold boldness. Also, elegant timeless black features several pieces, like a black ruffle-trimmed maxi kaftan, tailored blazers, and printed metallic swimwear. Meanwhile, bold accessories complete the maximalist mood such as gold leather sandals with distinctive texture, and a matching mini bag alongside sculptural and beaded jewelry.
The H&M Studio Resort capsule will be available in selected stores and online stores from May.
www.hm.com
Fashion
Art Champenois
Ruinart opened "Maison Ruinart 1729" last night, Wednesday, April 24, at Oranienburger Straße, Berlin. The event marked the House's second "Carte Blanche" collaboration, inaugurating a wonderful pop-up.
It will welcome visitors to the heart of the Champagne House's history from April 25 to 29.
For the occasion, Berlin's crème de la crème of artists and celebrities were invited to a festive and chic event dedicated to art and champagne.
The evening showcased the work of Henrique Oliveira, Marcus Coates, and Thijs Biersteker, three artists who have created unique installations for Ruinart, inspired by the treasures of the Champagne terroir.
It was a journey for the soul, as after admiring the works on display in the Art Gallery, guests were invited to take part in a multi-sensory experience based on the House's heritage. The trendy Veronika restaurant rounded off this sensory journey with culinary delights enhanced by Ruinart's new Chardonnay champagne, Blanc Singulier, which made its German premiere.
The event ended in music with a performance by the fabulous DJ Noah Becker, delighting special guests such as Maria Ehrich, Paul Schrader, Lea Zoe Voss, Kristian Schuller, and Annabelle Mandeng, and kicking off the wonderful Berlin "Maison Ruinart 1729" pop-up store.
www.ruinart.com
Fashion
A Puffy Silhouette for Cold Seasons
GG Milano is the new Gucci it-bag! Designed by Sabato de Sarno for the Italian House and unveiled during Fall-Winter 2024 Milan Fashion Week, the handle bag presents a puffy silhouette and is declined in stunning colours.
The GG Milano is an evolution and a reinterpretation of the GG Marmont silhouette and the emblematic codes of the House. Enhanced by the iconic Double G hardware, it takes the Fall-Winter silhouette to a new level and is the perfect fit for a cozy winter day or a crazy night out!
Sabato de Sarno said it to be a personal reflection on his arrival in Milan as well as a tribute to the vibrant city; infused with art, fashion, design, and a never-ending creative energy.
The GG Milano will be available worldwide, from September 2024, just in time for the fall glow.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Rokh H&M Collection Event in London
In the heart of London, at Haymarket, H&M and Rokh celebrated their first-ever collaboration, “rokh H&M collection” with the fashion crowd. Numerous celebrities and influencers turned up to celebrate the festivities in the immersive setting designed by the visionary set designer, Jabez Bartlett while accompanying the classic melodies by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, inspired by Hwang’s love of cinematic scores. The blessed guests, later, also enjoyed the exclusive DJ set by the experimental musician Arca, dressing the complete look of the collection, blending her genre-defying sense of style.
The one-of-a-kind collection, rokh H&M explored the complexities and possibilities in garments which tapped into both impeccable and delicate tailoring, showcasing exquisite silhouettes and attention to detail. The designer Hwang also added extra layers to his garment, merging and cutting the items, as well as transferring elements from one style to another, which is clear in the trench dress. The collection pieces are highly customizable in multiple ways. They can be either layered or adjusted or even worn backward. They also feature removable, adjustable elements, such as hems with hook-and-eye details and button-up seams. Focusing on multi-functional design, it allows the wearers to experiment and create the styles on their own, resulting in a one-of-a-kind style.
The rokh H&M collection will be available in the selected stores and online from April 18, 2024.
www.hm.com
www.rokh.net
Fashion
Dior and the City That Never Sleeps
The Dior Fall Ready-to-Wear 2024 collection, unveiled on April 15, 2024, in New York, pays tribute to New York and its influence on the life and work of Christian Dior.
From Christian Dior's beginnings in Paris in 1947 to this day, New York has always held an irresistible fascination for the designer. The House's history with the American fashion capital began with the creation of the New York ensemble by Christian Dior, with its sleek, infinitely modern style.
In Christian Dior's autobiography, the chapter dedicated to his Paris-New York trip opens a dialogue between the fashion capitals, highlighted by Maria Grazia Chiuri through two key prints: the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower.
The show took place at the Brooklyn Museum, which had previously hosted the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition in 2021, and here perpetuates its history with the house.
For this collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri chose German-American actress Marlene Dietrich as her muse, a Dior icon both in life and on screen. The Dior Fall 2024 silhouette is inspired by the actress and her phantasmagorical charisma.
Printed dresses, straight but light silhouettes, and loose bar suits are all elements of Dior's Fall 2024 wardrobe, celebrating Christian Dior's love of the two emblematic fashion cities.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Monogrammed Lifestyle
For Milan Design Week, Louis Vuitton introduces its latest Tableware collection, now in a chic beige hue, blending classic and contemporary styles. Crafted from exquisite Limoges porcelain, the Monogram Flower set exudes timeless elegance, featuring delicate watercolour motifs of the iconic Monogram flowers on a pristine white backdrop. From graceful plates to generous bowls and teapots, the collection sets a dreamy tone for every dining experience.
Complementing the Tableware collection are the exquisite Twist Glasses and Flower Carafes, available in a range of captivating hues, hand-blown by artisans in Murano glass. Each piece reflects Louis Vuitton's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and individuality. The collection is now available online and in a selection of stores.
In another tribute to its legacy, Louis Vuitton presents the Bed-Trunk, a fusion of tradition and innovation. Inspired by the 1865 original, this updated version boasts the iconic Monogram Canvas exterior and a modern, aluminum, and beechwood interior. Designed for the discerning traveler, it seamlessly transforms into a comfortable bedframe, complete with a memory foam mattress and adjustable headrest. Available for pre-order starting April 16th, it's a testament to Louis Vuitton's enduring dedication to luxury and functionality.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Cynematic Wrist
Gucci High Watchmaking achieves unprecedented excellence through its latest innovations, seamlessly blending groundbreaking technology with its distinctive aesthetic. The House introduces the exclusive Gucci-signed minute repeater, a testament to its commitment to pushing horological boundaries. This remarkable timepiece celebrates the beauty of sound, employing cymatics for the first time in watchmaking while also paying homage to the harmony between nature's geometry and human artistry.
Additionally, the collection welcomes masterpieces showcasing cutting-edge innovation and precision. Among these groundbreaking releases is the GUCCI 25H Minute Repeater, marking a pinnacle in Gucci's watchmaking journey. Featuring a unique carillon minute repeater movement, it delivers a rich and complex sound akin to a musical instrument, activated innovatively by a rotating bezel.
The collection also includes the GUCCI 25H Skeleton Tourbillon line, boasting transparent sapphire glass and avant-garde design elements. The introduction of Gucci Interlocking introduces a fusion of flying tourbillon and jumping hours complications, housed in a striking cushion-shaped case.
To complete this line, the G-Timeless Planetarium dazzles with its rotating precious stones surrounding a central tourbillon, offering a mesmerizing display of color and light.
Each piece reflects Gucci's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, ensuring a truly exceptional horological experience.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
On the Road
Amidst the winding roads, casting a glance at the path already traveled and the one awaiting footsteps, a new adventure begins. Maison Montblanc embarks on an exciting journey, unveiling its Spring/Summer 2024 leather collection. With a seamless harmony of style and functionality, the designs pave the way for innovation. As a nod to the Maison's traditions, heritage motifs are reimagined, taking on fresh formats and colors that resonate with the evolving tastes of a new generation of Montblanc customers.
Combining functionality with a sleek contemporary style, the Montblanc Extreme 3.0 collection ensures durability and performance. Completed by small accessories like wallets and card holders, the assortment serves as a reliable companion for a fast-paced lifestyle. Available in warm yellow and ink blue hues, the Montblanc Extreme 3.0 brings structure to unexpected daily adventures.
As an ode to the art of handwriting, the Sartorial collection emerges. From ink bottle shapes to envelope-like construction of the bags, this signature business collection is an aesthetically appealing masterpiece. As the protagonist hue of the new Sartorial assortment stands mastic, an elegant neutral brown tone that adorns bags and small accessories. A warm clay tone also plays its part, enriching the selection of small and medium-sized bags. Adding a playful touch, shades of steel, dusty blue and coral decorate wallets, card holders and pen pouches.
With a texture reminiscent of tree bark, evoking the origins of paper, the Montblanc 4810 collection offers a sensorial experience. Elegance intertwines with smart organization solutions, rendering it a perfect fit for the business world. Featuring a pale tone of green, pewter, as well as a light tone of gray, steel, the collection introduces new medium-sized shapes: the Montblanc 142 Bag and the Mini Messenger.
Tailored for business travelers, the #MY4810 lightweight trolley is ideal for those on the move, whether for overnight work trips, weekend escapes or far-away journeys. This collection presents three trolley sizes in new colors, clay and pewter, ensuring both style and practicality on the road.
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
The Duality within the Singularity
In a captivating dance of contrasts, the Dior Fall 2024 collection emerges, seamlessly blending light and shadow, black and white, and the interplay between feminine and masculine elements. Drawing inspiration from the timeless glamor of actress Marlene Dietrich's iconic style, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri envisioned a daring array of designs that boldly challenge the boundaries of convention. Delving into the depths of these contrasting concepts, like the plurality within the nature of femininity, the collection embodies a fusion of sophistication and naturalness.
From the enduring elegance of the 1950s to the contemporary flair of today, each ensemble within the collection is intricately weaved from such dual motifs, creating a harmonious symphony of contrasts. Below-the-knee pencil skirts and lace-encrusted petticoat dresses are given a subtle sensuality, revealing glimpses of lingerie that add an unexpected charm while maintaining an air of elegance. Miniature editions of Dior bags, including the emblematic Lady Dior, allow for freedom and movement, ensuring a comfortable look without giving up style.
Through a convergence of refined silhouettes and fluid movements, the Dior Fall 2024 collection narrates a story of delicate balance amidst forces, achieving a singular unity of excellence through the duality of motifs.
www.dior.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW - LORO PIANA
The Loro Piana Fall/Winter 2024-2025 Womenswear and Menswear Collections encapsulate the essence of the House's 100-year history, celebrating its heritage through a captivating exploration of fibers, fabrics, and silhouettes. With a focus on exquisite tactility and graceful design, the collection is a tribute to the founding values of Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana.
At the collection's heart lies the symbolic "fiori di cardo" thistle flower, representing Loro Piana's unique craftsmanship and elegance. This motif, historically significant in the Maison's coat of arms, guides the journey across iconic materials woven into garments with sophistication and refinement.
The collection seamlessly blends masculine and feminine elements, incorporating outdoorsy yet elegant touches alongside delicate silk and satin pieces. From Pecora Nera® Spagna jackets to flowing silk dresses, each garment reflects a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity with a color palette of creamy neutrals, deep burgundy, and classic black and white. Eveningwear features elongated silhouettes and refined details such as embroidered lapels and all-over sequin dresses. The Menswear collection assembles soft tailoring with unconstructed blazers and versatile outerwear.
In addition to apparel, the collection introduces new leather goods and jewelry inspired by the Maison's heritage. Pieces like the Ghiera shopper and the Loom bag in cashmere and zibeline leather embody Loro Piana's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Throughout the collections, the House's commitment to excellence and innovation shines through, reaffirming Loro Piana's status as a beacon of timeless elegance and quality.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – SAINT LAURENT MENSWEAR
Anthony Vacarello created the event by presenting his Menswear show to close the Womenswear PFW, a week after revealing his Women collection.
A few brands had men on the catwalk during this FW, from Miu Miu to Marine Serre, but presenting a Menswear-only show was a real gamble, and Anthony Vacarello pulled it off brilliantly, revealing a successful, timeless collection.
With suit ensembles consisting of double-breasted suits and extra light pants, the silhouettes could have been very classic, but the trouser falls, loose fit, and square shoulders gave them a modern, timelessly chic look. The tailoring was as flou as Yves Saint Laurent knew how to do it, revealing the impressive all-time craftsmanship of the Saint Laurent ateliers.
Anthony Vacarello dresses the man of today while respecting the codes of yesterday, a discreet but genuine tribute to the signature style of the House's founder. The major silhouette of the collection was a thoughtful recreation of Yves Saint Laurent's iconic silhouette, dark suit and black glasses.
Vacarello refuses to let Menswear get sidelined and proves it with this unique Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection, timelessly elegant.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – LOUIS VUITTON
Nicolas Ghesquière celebrated his 10th anniversary as the Creative Director of Women’s collections for the House of Louis Vuitton.
He thus presented a Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection resulting from a coherent blend of new silhouettes and reinterpretations of his former creations.
It was a collection celebrating fashion and imagination, with many references to science fiction and travel, two of Ghesquière's main inspirations.
Even the venue was a nod to the past decade, indeed the show took place at the Cour Carrée of the Louvre, the place, where, ten years ago, in 2014, Nicolas Ghesquière presented his first collection for Louis Vuitton. The cuts were precise and well thought-out, as we're used to from Vuitton. The House's legendary expertise in leather is also part of the collection, reflected in soft leathers and vibrant colors, presented in jackets, skirts, and tops. Embroidery, gilding, furs: the looks were dazzling and playful, as a living celebration of fashion.
As a throwback to his first decade at Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière presents a retrospective collection. Without being nostalgic, he reminds us of his past creations and shows how he sees his future within the House.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
PARIS 2024/FW – HERMES
Hermès has revealed its Fall-Winter Womenswear collection on a dark, slick, and rainy runway, introducing the silhouette of the equestrian-biker lady.
Fusing the worlds of biking and equestrianism, Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, Creative Director of Womenswear for Hermès, delivers a collection made of slick leather, cowboy boots, and outdoor garments, stamped with the high-quality materials for which the House is renowned.
The silhouette is fitted, tailored pants inspired by riding gear are paired with pointed-toe cowboy boots while flowing, slit skirts and dresses are worn with motorcycle boots. An audacious and interesting mix, blending lighter fabrics with the rightness of leather boots. As always with Hermès, the fabrics are very well chosen and the leather is soft and luxurious.
The details are well thought-out, with studded jackets reminiscent of both the equestrian and biker worlds. Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski unveils a truly wintry collection. With thick jackets, high collars, and shaved shearling, the Hermès woman is active and faces the cold with the chic that characterizes the House.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW – GUCCI
With the Gucci Fall/Winter 2024-25 Collection, Sabato de Sarno honored legs in a collection of skirts, dresses, and coats. Not a pair of pants in sight, it was time for over-the-knee boots, in an aesthetic inspired by the world of equestrianism, so dear to Gucci. Miniskirts, heels, and short coats, the line features modern cuts, reinventing the color shades emblematic of Gucci's heritage.
Olive greens and deep blues mingle with sensual blacks, while Gucci's iconic Ancora red was also in evidence, sublimating short, slim-fitting coats and elevating silhouettes with high-platform heels. Lingerie is silkily apparent, sublimated by dresses so seamless they could merge with the models' skin. Prints and embroidered details in shiny plastics added a touch of fantasy and modernity to the collection, as did the collars of the shirts, forming an open tie over the décolleté, captivatingly feminine.
Both sensual and vintage-inspired, the Gucci Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection celebrates femininity with timeless cuts enhanced by fresh details.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW - PRADA
The Prada Autumn/Winter 2024 collection by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons is a fashion embarkation with fragments of history. Exploring beauty in a contemporary but shaped by the past, world.
As often with Prada, romance is in the air but this time, explored through time's eye. Here, history defines the collection, borrowing materials and silhouettes from another time to make them contemporary and modern. Contemporary garments such as biker jackets, knitwear, and bomber jackets are deconstructed and mixed with other, more timeless, close-fitting pieces. An ode to fashion that transcends the ages.
Materials seemingly intended for men's fashion are reworked to become intrinsically feminine. Knots, frills, and ruffles, associated with feminine fashions of other times, are redefined and modernized. As other accessories inherent to the image of womanhood, make-up, and sunglasses are combined, and handbags are suspended. Skirts are made of delicate silk, asserted by straight cuts, while hats and shoes feature exaggerated, almost theatrical shapes, reinterpreting the very notion of femininity in an Instinctive Romance.
www.prada.com
Fashion
MILAN 2024/FW - ARMANI
Giorgio Armani has presented the show of his eponymous brand in an ode to the cycles of nature and the cycles of life.
The catwalk was opened by Gina di Bernardo, the timeless face of the brand during the 80s and the 90s, giving a powerful message about the ageless beauty of women.
The show was constructed in a way that represented the blooming of flowers during winter in an elegant and timeless collection, imbued with the designer's signature codes. Thus the collection displayed a palette of blues, blacks, and dark greens matched with brighter, joyful colors representing the blooming of the Winter Flowers in a harmonious and poetic ensemble.
Loyal to his codes, for his Fall/Winter collection, Giorgio Armani worked with shiny, delicate materials such as velvet and silk, bringing light to dark seasons. The use of sumptuous embroidery and bouclé wool finish off this collection's light, timeless look, sublimating women at every stage of their lives.
The daytime silhouette is composed of flared sleeves jackets and long coats to face the cold with elegance, while in the evening, the Giorgio Armani woman is attired in long dresses that poetically sweep over her ankles. The Giorgio Armani woman is a flower that blossoms, even in the middle of winter, regardless of the time that goes by.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Bulgari x Constantin Film, a celebration of fine jewelry and cinema
As in every year, the Berlin Film Festival took place at the start of February. This year, the director Martin Scorsese was awarded an honorary Golden Bear for his entire career.
To celebrate this festival of the 7th art, Bulgari organized a sumptuous party attended by numerous personalities from the cinema world.
Bart deBoever, CEO of Bulgari, Martin Moszkowitz, CEO of Constantin Film, Oliver Berben, co-CEO, and Thorsten Koch, CEO, invited prestigious guests to celebrate cinema and fine jewelry during a remarkable evening.
Brand ambassador Emilia Schüle was present at the event, as were many actors and actresses, to celebrate cinema and discover Bulgari’s new creations.
Lisa-Marie Koroll, Aylin Tezel, Heike Makatsch, Katja Riemann, Daniel Donskoy, Jannis Niewöhner, Emilio Sakraya, and Jannik Schümann were among the guests at this lavish party, which was also the occasion to celebrate Bulgari’s B.ZERO1 jewelry line.
Finally, to crown this prestigious event, Bulgari unveiled exclusive new models from the B.ZERO1 collection. www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Paul&Shark SS24: “A Father and Son Tale, Chapter 2”
Paul & Shark, the Italian luxury outdoor clothing brand is launching its new Spring Summer 2024 Collection. This collection is once again embodied by the world-famous actor Pierce Brosnan, and his son, Paris, reunited in a new chapter of "A Father and Son Tale".
Photographed by Giampaolo Sgura and styled by Anna Dello Russo, the father-son duo was captured in a series of portraits that exude a sense of complicity and elegance. The neutral decor focuses the eye on an emotional and authentic intergenerational exchange. In a highly poetic way, this shoot reveals a collection of sea-inspired shades while reviving the iconic blue of Paul & Shark.
The brand remains true to its roots, revealing an elegant, high-performance collection of faded pullovers, linen trousers, and knitted cotton polo shirts. Lightweight field jackets made from Typhoon Platinum waterproof and windproof material complete this new line, ensuring a comfortable and elegant outdoor experience, enhanced by a myriad of light blue nuances.
The Paul & Shark SS24 Collection will be available on all official Paul & Shark channels from 13 February 2024.
www.paulandshark.com
Fashion
Chanel Spring-Summer 2024 Haute Couture Collection
Buttons and Ballet - the two defining ingredients behind Chanel’s Spring Summer 2024 Haute Couture Collection. In a mission of discovery to find new ways of telling enchanting stories, the house's Creative Director Virginie Viard recognizes dance as evocative of all emotions she considers close to her heart and as an integral part of Chanel’s DNA. In convergence with a Chanel-characteristic code as the button, old iconographies merge with new tales to sing in harmony. It was no one less than Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself who envisioned the button as a symbol of emancipation, allowing women to rid themselves of everything that had prevented them to move freely. The touches of ballet become evident in dazzling lace, tulle skirts or on royal ruffles on collars and sleeves, exuding an Elizabethan glamour. Merging with masculine figures on emblematic suiting silhouettes, the creations give rise to a unique affirmation of a triumphant feminine body. This celebration of feminine philosophies also manifests through sequin, coquette bow or floral patterns, reminding of beautiful bouquets. A century following Gabrielle Chanel’s initial creations for ballet, this haute couture collection, dominated by aquarelle tones of pink and white, draws its tender color accents from the influence of Ballets Russes of Léon Bakst and Sergei Diaghilev. In this couture collection touched by grace and wonderment, the worlds of fashion, theater and music come together, constructing a piece of tangible poetry.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Dior's Spring-Summer 2024 Couture Collection
Presented as an exploration of the feminine aura, Dior unveils its Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2024 Collection created by Maria Grazia Chiuri. All garments being infused with the spirit of that explorative quest, the collection manifests as a deep-dive into the plural beauty of textiles. Twenty-three disproportionate silhouettes, which all exert an enchanting playfulness, grace the dreamy weft-scenography conceived by Isabella Ducrot. Refined moiré, a defining fabric of this couture collection, drapes beautifully and uniquely on bodies under novel interpretations of coats, skirts and dresses reminding of waves, as it pays tribute to archive piece La Cigale, an iconic dress dreamed up for the collection of Autumn-Winter 1952 by Christian Dior himself. Moreover, we recognize an architectural elegance in coats with imposing collars, wide skirts revealing exaggerated cut-outs and in the masterly layering of pants and jackets. Velvet on other garments amplify the tenderly elegant energies of the collection, while floral ornamentation enchants its onlookers even further. Added onto by a feathered cape, the auratic, sculptural and metamorphic value of this collection once again highlight the exquisite craftsmanship as well as the poetic passion, which both lie deep in the DNA of the house of Dior.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton's FW24 Collection
Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams is bringing American cowboy cool to French luxury in the latest FW24 Collection. With travel at the heart of Louis Vuitton’s genetics, the theme LVERS, as a bridge between Virginia and Paris, stands as the leitmotif of this iconic collection. Elegant suit silhouettes, symbolic of Louis Vuitton’s enduring legacy of fashion-forwardness, encounter country and western motifs, such as cacti and horseshoes, which exude the bold spirits of the Wild West. Emblematic of this marriage, a heavy wool coat finds its bottom edges adorned with a fringe, making cowboy aesthetics runway-ready. The brand’s exquisite craftsmanship is applied to embroidery techniques for key iconography of American Western wardrobe: the iconic country-cool ornamentation and beading manifests on workwear and suit silhouettes alike. Typical for cowboy aesthetics, we see a lot of leathers, whether it is on an edgy fringed biker jacket or on cowboy boots, a piece which could not have been left out in a collection of this kind, Louis Vuitton’s dedication to excellent craftsmanship shines once again. Staying true and authentic to the theme of American Western theme, Williams has also teamed up with artists from indigenous Dakota and Lakota nations across accessories and even for the show’s staging and soundtrack. In collaboration with Creative Director Dee Jay Two Bears, native to the Rock Sioux Tribe, Williams dreamed up an avant-garde Speedy bag, messenger bag and travel tote, all embroidered with Dakota Flower symbolism. Merging true authentic Americana of the Wild West with French savoir-faire, William’s has created a collection that stands as a true marker in the history of fashion.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Marsèll's first flagship store in Milan
Marsèll, the esteemed Italian footwear and accessory brand has inaugurated its first flagship store in the fashion district of Milan with an event during Pitti. 400-square-meters stretch out over the two-level space, that now showcases Marsèll’s genderless and limited-edition leather goods. Dedicated to the study and exploration of form in every sense of the word, the boutique is a result of an eight month collaboration with Berlin design studio Lotto Studio, embodying a modular environments inspired by Marcel Breuer’s architecture and calming atmospheres conceived by Carlo Scarpa. Apart from housing the brand’s iconic garments, the novel flagship also opens the doors to art projects in a gallery. The design incorporates carefully chosen materials, such as travertine for the women's area, walnut wood for the men's area, stainless steel, glass, leather, and Marsèll's signature colors. The innovative use of materials and the flexibility of the space reflect Marsèll's commitment to design and craftsmanship, creating a timeless and unclassifiable environment that encapsulates the brand's philosophy over its two-decade history. Creative Director and Founder of Marsèll, Marco Cima, emphasizes the importance of this moment as the brand engages in direct dialogue with its audience.
www.marsell.com
Fashion
Levi’s X Beams Capsule Super Wide V2 Collection
A fruitful collaboration that has withstood the test of time: Levi’s and BEAMS unveil their fourth collaborative capsule collection that centers all around new super wide fits. Inspired by the iconic Americana allure of Levi’s 1944 denim archive, the pair has dreamed up a novel expression of denim while ignoring previous conceptions of wider silhouettes. A true homage to Levi’s heritage, the collection features new bold and widened pieces derived from classic styles and washes. The combination of the skillsets of Levi’s, as the pioneer of modern denim, and BEAMS, as a leading figure in Tokyo’s fashion, is what makes this capsule collection so remarkable. As a derivative of the 1944 Levi’s jean jacket, the Super Wide V2 Type I Trucker, made from heavy 16-ounce custom Orange Tick selvage denim, features just four shanks, a custom super wide leather back patch, doubling the width of the iconic Two-Horse Pull patch, and a BEAMS exclusive tab. For a full denim look, the Super Wide V2 Type I Trucker pairs beautifully with Levi’s x BEAMS Super Wide V2 Jean, which is inspired by the 1944 501 Jean. Also made from Orange Tick selvage denim developed exclusively for BEAMS, it features the BEAMS exclusive tab and custom reworked leather back patch. This limited-edition capsule collection is available in select Levi’s and BEAMS stores and online starting January 9, 2024.
www.levis.com / www.beams.co.jp
Fashion
FENDI x FRGMT x POKÉMON
FENDI joins forces with the iconic Hiroshi Fujiwara's Fragment, introducing a special collection that transcends boundaries and celebrates the Year of the Dragon with Pokémon. Kim Jones, FENDI's Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear, expresses admiration for Fujiwara, describing him as an influential figure in Japan's club, youth fashion, and streetwear scenes. The 'Friends of FENDI' initiative, curated by Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, brings together diverse projects, emphasizing sincerity and friendship over strategy. Hiroshi Fujiwara, renowned as the 'godfather of streetwear,' seamlessly blends fashion, music, art, and design, shaping global fashion with his multi-modal creativity. The FENDI x FRGMT collaboration unveils the 'FF Fragment,' applying Hiroshi's signature on the iconic FF jacquard logo. The disrupted design graces women's Peekaboo and Baguette bags, while men's staples incorporate the FRGMT disruption with yellow contrast zips. Taking a playful turn, the FENDI x FRGMT x POKÉMON collection merges FENDI's iconic bags with the beloved Dragon-type Pokémon to commemorate the Year of the Dragon. From inlays and prints to 3D marquetry, the collaboration showcases the Maison's mastery of leather goods. The lineup extends to jewellery, clothing, and even a rare collector's item—a meticulously crafted Dragonite available in a limited series. This collection will be available worldwide in selected FENDI boutiques and online from January 4th, 2024, marking a new era in the fusion of high fashion, streetwear, and pop culture.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
ZEGNA Now in Saint Moritz
In a grand stride towards alpine elegance, ZEGNA, the trailblazing luxury menswear brand, has opened a new store in the Swiss haven of Saint Moritz. Nestled on Via Serlas, this 75m2 boutique stands as a testament to the brand's reinvention under the artistic helm of Alessandro Sartori. Channelling a 'mountain resort' ambience, the store introduces patrons to ZEGNA's meticulously curated Luxury Leisurewear and Luxury Outdoor collections. Embracing the open-air ethos of Saint Moritz, these wardrobes showcase the perfect fusion of style and functionality. The spotlight, however, falls on the Triple Stitch Vetta—the crown jewel of ZEGNA's iconic Triple Stitch lineage. Named after the Italian word for 'peak,' these shoes encapsulate the spirit of the Alpine landscape that connects Saint Moritz with Oasi Zegna in northern Italy. Crafted from deerskin and suede, and boasting an innovative Vibram Arctic Grip Sole, the Triple Stitch Vetta is a stylish companion for both mountain terrains and urban landscapes. A nod to sustainability comes through the Oasi Cashmere featured in the Luxury Outdoor collection, with ZEGNA's commitment to certifying the fibres as 100% traceable by 2024. The colour palette mirrors the earthy tones of the natural world, creating a collection that is both stylish and environmentally conscious. The Saint Moritz store encapsulates the brand's dynamic strategy, offering patrons a glimpse into the future of ZEGNA's Luxury Leisurewear and Luxury Outdoor collections.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
Levi’s and New Balance Footwear Collaboration
San Francisco, December 1, 2023 – Levi’s® and New Balance pay homage to the birthplace of mountain biking with their latest collaboration, channelling the spirit of 1970s Marin County, California. Originating from the unforgiving trails of Marin's mountains, Levi’s denim became the uniform of choice for pioneering mountain bikers due to its durability, protection, and timeless style. The new footwear collection merges Levi’s durable fabrics with the iconic New Balance MT580 silhouette, reissued with a modern twist. The MT580 features a RollBar-equipped trail design, combining a slimmed-down toe, reduced collar height, and faithful recreation of original materials. The midsole incorporates C-CAP and PU for durable support and flexibility, enhanced by a RollBar stability post system. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Levi’s 501 jeans, each shoe integrates Levi’s signature Shrink-To-Fit™ denim. The collaboration offers two distinct colourways—a Grey Blue version with nubuck uppers and overdyed denim, and a Beige Black version with hairy suede uppers and washed black denim. Launching on December 6th, 2023, the collection tells the story of mountain biking's birth through special packaging. Each shoe, adorned with a classic Levi’s Red Tab, comes with three sets of laces.
www.levis.com
Fashion
NARS Cosmetics Holiday 2023 Collection
'Tis the season to dazzle, and what better way to make a statement than with the NARS Cosmetics limited edition Holiday 2023 Collection. This collection is a curated blend of bestsellers and rising stars, featuring exclusive, radiant sets. The 'Endless Nights Eyeshadow Palette' promises an unforgettable night with its nine highly pigmented, seductive eyeshadows. From shimmering neutrals to vibrant pinks and violets. Embrace the festive spirit with captivating colours like "Let Loose," a shimmering peach-champagne, and "Starlet," a glittering bronze gold. 'All That Glitters Light Reflecting™ Cheek Palette' is a limited-edition palette featuring six vibrant Light Reflecting™ blush shades, adorned with glitter for that extra touch of glamour. From the metallic cool pink of "Silver Screen" to the satin terracotta-red of "Sabrina," each shade is carefully curated to enhance your natural glow. In other news, NARS proudly marks the 10th anniversary of the essential Radiant Creamy Concealer, with a commitment to inclusivity, the Concealer boasts an extensive range of 30 shades, catering to all skin tones. What sets this concealer apart is its infusion of Multi-Active Botanical Blend Technology, tightening the skin, reducing redness, and fortifying the skin barrier. Its availability in a mini size makes it the perfect on-the-go companion. Discover the timeless Radiant Creamy Concealer and the Holiday 2023 Collection as a celebration of all things glitter, glamour, and boldness.
www.narscosmetics.com
Fashion
Marciano By Guess Holiday Campaign
Get ready to glam up this holiday season with MARCIANO by GUESS's stunning new Holiday campaign. Shot against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como in Bellagio by the talented Alina Troyan, under the creative direction of GUESS. Featuring the Ukrainian beauties Iryna Dzhagarova and Diana Zotova, alongside Sicilian model Simone Bonaccorsi, the campaign showcases an array of glamorous dresses and apparel that embody the essence of MARCIANO by GUESS. From silky sateen dresses in monotone or bold festive patterns to elegant mini dresses adorned with shiny appliques and sequins, the collection exudes sophistication and glamour. Draped in flawless pleats, ruches, and revealing slits, the garments elegantly follow the body's contours. The holiday lineup also includes exclusive pieces like a corset top and cropped sleeved dress, featuring an all-over gold embroidered motif, as well as long skirts with satiny ruffles. Complete your holiday ensemble with the winter collection of accessories all infused with MARCIANO's iconic retro-glam style. Whether you opt for flamboyant feather necklines or intricate embroidery, the 2023 MARCIANO by GUESS Holiday collection promises to turn heads and make a statement on every festive occasion.
www.guess.eu
Fashion
Breitling’s Avenger Collection
For more than two decades, Breitling's Avenger has soared through the skies as a symbol of precision, durability, and unparalleled design. The new Avenger collection, recently announced in a press release by CEO Georges Kern, is set to redefine aviation watches with its elegant detailing, wear-resistant materials, and the formidable Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 in the chronograph models. The watch pays homage to the brand's pioneering HUIT Aviation Department, which crafted precision instruments for aviation and pilot chronographs. The collection, available in three versions - 44mm Chronograph, Automatic GMT 44mm, and Automatic 42mm - promises not just style but substance. The Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 and Night Mission, powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, boast a 70-hour power reserve, a five-year warranty, and COSC certification. The bold design choices, including coloured dials and a stainless steel rotating bezel, make a statement both in and out of the cockpit. The Avenger Automatic GMT 44, tailored for pilots and frequent travellers, features a red GMT hand for easy Zulu time reading. With a steel case and a choice of dials, it's a compact companion for globetrotters. The Avenger Automatic 42, a well-balanced timepiece in a 42mm diameter, offers robustness in a compact form. Its COSC-certified mechanical automatic movement ensures precision, while design options cater to varied tastes. The Avenger can withstand the toughest conditions in the cockpit and never backs down. The redesigned collection is not just a watch; it's a statement, ready for action-packed adventures in the sky.
www.breitling.com
Fashion
ZEGNA X Real Madrid
In a seamless fusion of Italian Luxury and sports spirit, ZEGNA, the eminent menswear house with a heritage dating back to 1910, proudly continues its exclusive partnership with Real Madrid, the iconic football club that has been dominating the pitch since 1902. With the motto “Every king needs a tailor,” the collaboration between these two reinforced their shared values and commitment to surpassing limits. As the Official Luxury Travelwear Wear Partner for the 2023-2024 season, ZEGNA will dress both the football and basketball first team of Real Madrid in exclusive outfits tailored to perfection. The first Champions League Trip of the Season unveils their new wardrobe, showcasing ZEGNA’s ALBA Overshirt, GHIACCIO Blouson in Oasi Cashmere, jogger bottoms, crewneck, and the latest version of the Triple StitchTM shoes. The made-to-measure collection, goes beyond fashion, extending into a commitment to excellence, hard work, societal responsibility, and a continuous pursuit of new frontiers, blending the heritage of both brands. It is now available in selected ZEGNA boutiques globally. ZEGNA and Real Madrid, with their respective championships in luxury menswear and on the football pitch, epitomize the idea that success is not just about the destination but also the journey.
www.zegna.com
Art
Brionvega Exclusive Cherrywood Finish for rr26 fo-st Radiofonografo
In a celebration of timeless design and craftsmanship, Brionvega introduces the Cherrywood finish for the iconic radiofonografo, originally designed by the Castiglioni brothers in 1965. Limited to only 100 numbered pieces, this exclusive edition invites passionate enthusiasts to become the custodians of a truly unique art piece, destined to be cherished across generations. Following the global success of the limited Canaletto walnut edition in April 2023, the Cherrywood finish is set to captivate aficionados with its dual nature—symbolic of strength and compactness, yet embracing the gentleness and elegance associated with cherry blossoms – a tree representing rebirth and beauty. Each radiofonografo undergoes meticulous handcrafting in Italy, the natural grain of the cherry wood adds a unique character to every piece, elevating the radiofonografo into an embodiment of rare and timeless beauty. Available for customer orders from July 1, 2023, this limited series offers partners an exclusive pre-order opportunity in June 2023. Brionvega's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the concept of creating products designed to be enjoyed for a lifetime and beyond. As Brionvega continues its mission to globally relaunch the icons of Made in Italy design, the Cherrywood radiofonografo stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to the preservation of timeless beauty.
www.brionvega.com
Fashion
Paul Mescal and Xiao Zhan Star in the Gucci Horsebit 1953 Loafer Campaign
Through the campaign starring actor and Ambassador Paul Mescal and Global Brand Ambassador Xiao Zhan, Gucci proudly celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Horsebit 1953 loafer, an enduring symbol of the maison’s rich heritage and savoir-faire. The Gucci Horsebit loafer, introduced in 1953, revolutionized the world of footwear, bringing together comfort and sophistication. The loafers are especially characterized by their distinctive design, featuring a miniaturized horse bit which gives the footwear their iconic name and which quickly became one of Gucci’s distinctive marks, bridging the gap between past heritage and contemporary fashion. Throughout the decades, the Gucci loafers have evolved to become a staple piece in every man’s wardrobe thanks to their versatility and elegance, which allows the wearer to pair them effortlessly with every outfit. The Gucci Horsebit Loafers are a synthesis of high-skilled Italian craftsmanship, America outdoor lifestyle, and classic British equestrian aesthetic. The new campaign starring Paul Mescal and Xiao Zhan showcases the timeless allure of the loafers and of the Gucci style, perfectly capturing the feeling of ease, comfort, and classic elegance that the Horsebit Loafers embody. The portraits of the campaign are proof of how the loafers’ heritage and silhouette continue to inspire and captivate generation after generation.
www.gucci.com
Art
Hublot Design Prize 2023
Hublot, the renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker, recently held the prestigious Hublot Design Prize award ceremony at the new extension of the Kunsthaus Zurich on October 2nd. Since its inception in 2015, the international competition has recognized and celebrated original design, with a focus on designers under 40, spanning diverse realms of creative expression. This year's ceremony witnessed the spotlight on two exceptional talents. The Hublot Design Prize 2023 was awarded to Aqui Thami, whose fluid multidisciplinary practice encompasses graphic and social design, art, and performance. The jury commended Aqui for her deep activist engagement, evident in every aspect of her work, showcasing a profound social impact and inspirational approach. The Pierre Keller Prize found its deserving recipient in Gabriel Fontana, lauded for his innovative use of sport as a catalyst for redefining societal roles and norms. Fontana's work aims to create a positive impact, challenging preconceived notions of identity and inclusion. His exploration extends to developing non-stigmatizing clothing for sports and community activities. The Hublot Design Prize serves not only as a recognition of exceptional talent but also as a springboard for young designers' careers. The ceremony at Kunsthaus Zurich brought together the six finalists, the esteemed jury, and an invited audience, marking another milestone in the ongoing commitment to celebrate and foster creativity on a global scale.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
BOSS | Samsonite Aluminium Capsule Collection
In a harmonious fusion of elegance and durability, BOSS and Samsonite have joined forces to create a capsule luggage collection, ensuring that you can always travel in style. This collaboration marries BOSS's commitment to bold, self-determined style with Samsonite's legacy of durable travel solutions, reflecting premium quality, innovation, and timeless design. Crafted from high-quality aluminum, the BOSS | Samsonite shells are embellished with an anodized signature BOSS monogram pattern in a tone-on-tone black motif, adding a sleek luxury touch. The interior features the iconic BOSS camel color, complemented by prominent branding and adjustable packing straps for convenient organization. What sets this collection apart is not just its aesthetic appeal but also its thoughtful design for fashion-forward explorers. Co-branded leather handles, paired with high-performance wheels, a secure TSA lock, and the option to add your personalized touch through initials, exude sophistication. Samsonite CEO Kyle Gendreau expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing both brands' dedication to delivering high-performance products. The luggage seamlessly aligns with the new BOSS FW23 collection. Available in limited edition from October in select BOSS and Samsonite stores and online, the BOSS | Samsonite capsule collection offers four models, including a cabin, two check-in suitcases, and a trunk. For those who refuse to compromise on style, this collaboration is a passport to jet-set elegance, marking a new era in the intersection of fashion and travel. As the collection extends its availability in 2024, it promises to continue offering fashion-forward travelers the perfect blend of sophistication and functionality with ever-lighter and stronger products.
www.samsonite.de/boss_samsonite/
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week - Dior
Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative force behind Christian Dior, delves into the intricacies of time and feminism in her SS24 collection, seamlessly weaving together past, present, and future. In a collaboration typical of Dior's visionary approach, Chiuri joins forces with artist Elena Bellantoni in designing the show’s space. ‘NOT HER’, the video installation covering the walls in an electric mix of pink and yellow, is unmissable. The 7-meter-high LED screens respond to sexist advertisements with counterpoint phrases challenging the dominant stereotype. From the neon pink and yellow hues to the dark, Parisian neo-grunge vibes on the runway, Chiuri's vision is a powerful statement against the conventional norms of fashion. The collection draws inspiration from iconic women rebels like Ingrid Bergman and Maria Callas, bringing a sense of empowerment to the designs. Opening with a statement of black lace gowns, metallic knitwear and bewitching accessories, all elements converge to create a spellbinding visual journey. Witches as custodians become emblematic figures in this narrative—symbols of feminine strength and independence. The Middle Ages provide a historical backdrop, interpreted in an abstract and contemporary manner. Prints and embroideries draw inspiration from the celestial, featuring phases of the moon, suns heralding seasons, medicinal herbs, and fantastical animals. A modern twist acknowledging Dior's historical Bar jacket and '50s haute couture, the iconic jacket is transformed with eased waists and frayed hems, and the pleated New Look circle skirt is disrupted with leg-flashing slits and bold prints. Chiuri rejects the notion that collections must adhere to a single reference: beyond being a showcase of fashion, they hold the duty to empower women. SS24 reflects the need for fashion to be relatable, the exploration of feminism through time and the rebellious spirit of witches, offering a wardrobe that allows the personalization of style.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Ferrari
Ferrari unveiled its SS24 collection at Teatro Alcione during Milan Fashion Week, focusing on the power of desire. Connecting to the strength and the passion that has always driven Ferrari, the collection focuses on the unconditional passion and the continuous dedication that traces the contour of the legendary brand. The collection is built around a sentiment that constantly strives for excellence and elegance, be it in design, performance, or innovation. Ferrari’s Creative Director Rocco Iannone leans towards a new dimension of complex simplification, focusing on feelings that guide the path to emotions, resulting in a collection that exudes Ferrari’s powerful allure through fashion. The brand’s style codes, racing, workwear, and tailoring, are filtered through the creative director’s lens putting the body and its silhouette at the center stage. The silhouettes are carved, molded, and exaggerated through volumes and sharp lines, which also contribute to the dynamic feel of the garments. Iannone goes to the core of forms and materials, de-saturating colors to emphasize the shapes. Through tightness and voluptuousness, a new language of the body is born as a symbol and the expression of the brand’s perpetual desire to create, innovate, and communicating the passion that drives it.
www.ferrari.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - Bottega Veneta
The Bottega Veneta Summer 24 collection presented at the Milan Fashion Week is the continuation of a journey of transformation and escape following the vision of Matthieu Blazy, Bottega Veneta’s creative director. In this collection, the travel is both literal and metaphorical, encompassing an array of influences from all over the world. The models traverse the world of the show walking across the continents and oceans that spread before them in a quest for inspiration through dislocation, at the border between reality and imagination. The trope of the journey becomes the emblem of the effortless passage between ordinary and extraordinary, encompassing both the manmade and primitive world. The clothing showcases the ethereal nature of this journey through simple silhouettes that challenge the notion of “getting changed”. Clothing from the previous season is metaphorically shed, brought in oversized, basket-woven intrecciato bags. The collection explores all kinds of journeys, from the city commute to the journey of a castaway. The notion of a “national dress” transforms into that of an “international dress”, which borrows and takes inspiration from cultures all over the world. Newspapers are morphed into foulard bags, and highly crafted leathers take on a new meaning, in this collection where everything appears to be possible.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week - FENDI
In the brand’s SS24 womenswear collection, FENDI’s Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear Kim Jones takes the city of Rome, the founding place of the brand, as the main source of inspiration. The garments in the collection explore an ease of dressing with a certain Roman freedom. Throughout this collection, imperfection becomes a more human perfection, and luxury is found in comfort and quiet. The clothing and accessories allow the wearer to feel fully themselves in them, exploring a sense of duality that permeates the whole collection. The garments are simultaneously pragmatic and playful, crafted with masculine tailoring and materials but applied fluidly and femininely with elegance and sensibility. The materials and textures range from the finest kid mohair to silks and knits. The garments are fluid and everchanging: a washed silk evening dress is able to slip into the day-to-day, while a folded-over waistband reveals a pair of trousers’ inner construction. The way the outfits are put together also reflects FENDI’s dualistic approach, such as pairing a masculine, heavy coat with ballet shoes. In this collection, masculine utility and comfort come together with a feminine flourish with the agency of the wearer in mind. The collection caters to both style and comfort, effortlessly revealing the elegance of the FENDI woman.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Gucci’s New Jewelry Campaign
In his first campaign for the brand, Gucci’s new creative director Sabato De Sarno presents the Maison’s new jewelry campaign starring Polish-Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy. The campaign, centered around Gucci’s Marina Chain jewelry collection and photographed by David Sims, is a celebration of Sabato’s past debut in the fashion world and its current debut as Gucci’s creative director. The Marina Chain jewelry collection is inspired by the chain of an anchor, and it was first introduced with a bracelet in the late 1960s. Throughout the decades, the Marina Chain collection has come to represent an iconic element of Gucci’s history and jewelry line. The campaign’s shots have a free, light, and elegant feeling to them. The aquatic theme perfectly embodies the Marina Chain’s source of inspiration, the sea, now reinvented with an eye that looks at the future. Daria Werbowy and David Sims showcase perfect symbiosis between model and photographer, effortlessly bringing to life the character at the core of the campaign, and perfectly representing the classic and innovative aspect of the Maison of Gucci. The campaign was shot at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, perfectly capturing De Sarno’s vision of an unfolding, meaningful story.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Ralph Lauren Spring 2024 Women Collection
On September 8th, 2023, Ralph Lauren showcased its new Women’s Collection in New York with an immersive fashion experience transporting guests to the core of the brand’s values and personality. The event was a romantic and artistic celebration of Ralph Lauren’s classic American style. The collection dresses a cool and sophisticated woman, giving her the freedom to craft her style. Faded denims and painterly florals contrast black and gold shapes, giving life to an eclectic mix of colors and patterns that is elegant and sophisticated. For the event, a utilitarian warehouse in the heart of New York’s Brooklyn Navy Yard was transformed into a world of romance and rusticity with a modern feel. The location is an ode to artists' retreats, and it is a reminder of the Spring 2024 runway backdrop, with glimmering chandeliers, artfully draped canvases, and wood textures. The collection features a classic spring palette that is innovative in its mixtures of white and blue hues, eclectically combined with denims and embroidered patterns. The black and gold juxtaposition brings vibrancy to the pieces, emphasizing self-expression and originality. Ralph Lauren’s Women Collection for Spring 2024 celebrates female self-expression, emphasizing the importance that personal style and individuality have for the modern woman.
www.ralphlauren.com
Fashion
Sacai X CARHARTT WIP
Marking a creative joint offering between Sacai and Carhartt WIP, the extraordinary pieces from Sacai men’s 2023 Fall Winter Collection and Sacai 2023 Fall Collection will be launched on on September 8th. By embracing the essence of utilitarian wear, Sacai has teamed up with Carhartt WIP and crafted an array of men's and women's silhouettes that fused with the resilient, functional attributes and hardware associated with both brands, at the same time, incorporating Sacai's distinct design language. The collaborated collection displays delicately intertwined design elements of Carhart WIP's iconic duck fabric jackets and Sacai's distinctive nylon twill, which elevate the typical workwear into stylish daily ensembles. Emphasizing a deconstructive aesthetic, the unique items were unveiled in a unified manner, reimaging the traditional chore jacket with Sacai's distinctive signature. Moreover, displaying Carhartt WIP’s iconic colors, the collection presents an intricate color match ranging from khaki and light blue to warm brown and black. Meanwhile, the accompanying campaign features a cast drawn from Carhartt WIP’s skate team, including Pepe Tirelli, and Tolia Titaev, as well as Dede Lovelace and Kasper Kacia. Captured through the lens of filmmaker Joaquim Bayle, the visuals spotlight rituals, and peculiarities that define skateboarding. Elsewhere, a series of special pop-ups will exhibit the collaborated pieces at multiple locations worldwide. While Saci has been defining technical deftness and elegant style with an avant-garde touch through comprehensive and innovative silhouettes, the exclusive collaboration with Carhartt WIP, brings a unique aesthetic to the brand. Sacai x Carhartt WIP collection is available at both Sacai’s online and offline stores as well as Carhartt WIP’s online store. www.sacai.jp www.carhartt-wip.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet’s New Pieces in Collaboration with Matthew Williams
The renowned Swiss horlogerie brand Audemars Piguet announces a collaboration with the American designer Matthew Williams, founder of the fashion label 1017 ALYX 9SM. The partnership results in four new editions of Audemars Piguet’s iconic Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models, plus one unique piece of the Royal Oak made of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. What makes the watch unique is the duo-chrome bracelet and the signature touch of both brands, which is distinguishable on the dial. The one-of-a-kind Royal Oak was auctioned off in Tokyo on the night of the collaboration’s launch, raising $1 million to benefit underprivileged children. The new pieces combine the unmistakable design features of the manufacturer and the sophisticated signature style of Matthew Williams. This cooperation gives life to a modern collection that aims to be enjoyed by fans of urban fashion. The timepieces allow for the expression of individuality, effortlessly combining modern fashion with the classic practice of wearing a watch. A shared avant-garde worldview, great attention to detail, and the advocacy for a holistic and sustainable approach unite Audemars Piguet and Matthew Williams. Their collaboration on the design of their Royal Oak Watches showcases elegance and attention to detail.
www.audemarspiguet.com
Fashion
Elie Saab X Aubade - New Capsule Collections
Aubade announces its collaboration with haute couture brand Elie Saab on three luxury lingerie capsule collections for winter 2023. Through its lingerie, which celebrates glamour, beauty, and strength, Aubade aims to express the essence of French sensuality. It does so through high-quality materials, seductive designs, and a purpose to bring joy and comfort to whoever wears their lingerie and nightwear. Aubade’s pillars pair perfectly with the brand Elie Saab, known for its dedication to high craftsmanship and its dreamy collections. Elie Saab pays particular attention to understanding the female body and creating sophisticated compositions that pay homage to it. The two brands have created lingerie and nightwear collections that bring the feminine form to the forefront, embracing every silhouette with flattering materials and designs. The “My Desire” lingerie collection and the “Whimsical Affair” nightwear collection are designed with a playful seduction in mind which materializes in feminine forms through the workings of a chiaroscuro effect on the skin. The collections are available in two color palettes, “Naughty Black”, a deep black, and “Love Affair,” a nude rose. Elie Saab’s understanding of the female body, and Aubade’s sophisticated glamour, evoke a sensual interplay through beautiful details and careful use of materials and fabrics.
www.eliesaab.com
www.aubade.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta Supports Biennale Danza for the Third Year
In lieu of its ongoing collaboration with Biennale Danza, Bottega Veneta is supporting the event for the third year in a row. Biennale Danza is the International Festival of Contemporary Dance, which, this year, marks its 17th edition. The festival is famous for its international, diverse program and for representing a platform for new and emerging artists on the international dance scene. The new Biennale College Danza’s project is titled “When I Am Facing U” and developed under the supervision of notable Chinese dancer Xie Xin. Bottega Veneta is not only supporting the event for the third time but is ever present in the show. In fact, the costumes worn by the dancers of Biennale College Danza during their performances have been designed by Matthieu Blazy for Bottega Veneta. The costumes feature denim silhouettes replicated on viscose silk, thus creating an interesting contrast between the rigidity of the pictured denim and the fluidity of the silk. The lightness and malleability of the shapes and the feel of the clothing reflect the sensuality imbued in the choreographies performed. Through radical minimalism and departure from form and context, the show leaves a lot of space for improvisation and freedom of interpretation. The choreographies are explorative and experimental, perfectly enhanced by Bottega Veneta’s costumes.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Berlin Fashion Week - Fassbender
“Original” is the provocative title of Fassbender’s SS24 collection presented at the Berlin Fashion Week 2023. The collection indeed plays with the meaning of the word “original,” which stands for both the real thing that already exists and something completely new. The Hamburg-based label, formed by Christina Fassbender and Matthias Louwen, combines elegant and sophisticated tailoring with comfort and functionality, resulting in a unique style that appears effortless in its complexity. The brand was founded in 2017 alongside Christina’s brother, Sebastian Steinhoff. With a strong focus on sustainability, the brand uses the most innovative techniques and findings to ensure that its garments are made sustainably throughout the process without compromising style and affordability. Fassbender believes in a solid circular economy, contributing to the well-being of nature and living beings. The garments manufactured in Europe are made to adapt to a constantly evolving wardrobe: they are versatile and wearable on multiple occasions. Fassbender’s passion for innovation is evident in their interest in using AI in fashion design, something the brand’s creatives are eager to integrate into their process. One of the brand’s goals is to draw attention to the work of craftsmanship that takes place behind the scenes of every collection. The care that goes into crafting each garment is part of the sustainability behind the brand, which poses itself in direct contraposition to the culture of fast fashion, emphasizing the timelessness of their clothing.
www.myfassbender.com
Fashion
Berlin Fashion Week - William Fan
At the 2023 Berlin Fashion Week, William Fan brings a collection focusing on the play with different materials, finishes, and colors. The German designer, whose homonymous label has been producing clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, furniture, and objects since 2015, conceptualizes his designs according to the critical Euro-Asian dialogue he conducts within himself, thus honoring his Asian roots. Indeed, his designs mix European elements with Chinese influences, resulting in a proper merge between the two cultures. Indeed, according to the designer, the inspiration for his collections comes from his past and future experiences and environment. In this context, the city of Berlin represents a significant source of inspiration for the designer, as it is a melting pot of different cultures and a place where it is easy to live immersed in the art scene. The collections focus on neither gender nor age, adopting gender neutrality as one of the main principles of the brand. Instead, the clothing is directed towards expressing Fan’s purpose of telling a story through his fashion shows. William Fan has studied fashion and worked in the industry in The Netherlands, London, Hamburg, and Berlin, where he finally founded his brand in 2015. The brand has been a part of the Berlin Fashion Week since its beginning and still views the event as a major support to its growth.
www.williamfan.com
Fashion
Mixing of Dress Codes in Louis Vuitton’s Men Prêt-à-Porter Fall 2024 Collection
For its Fall 2024 Menswear collection, Louis Vuitton adopts a dual wardrobe approach based on the elevation of everyday clothing that can adapt to an array of situations. Professional and casual dressing is hybridized according to Maison's practice of code-switching, resulting in a transitional wardrobe. The Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme designed the collection as a standalone proposal. Every look is styled by mixing different dress codes and with accessories that diverge from standard archetypes. The visual elements that distinguish the Maison also take on a different character, as is showcased in how the emblematic Epi is brought to life using various materials, creating optical effects. An element that characterizes this menswear collection is the use of accessories, specifically their role in morphing with the clothes. The LV Pacific slip-on shoe exemplifies the blending of formal and casual styles, combining a sneaker sole and a suede upper. In the jewelry, corduroy and Maison’s classic Epi are fused in embossed metals with an aged gold finish, to be found on bracelets, necklaces, and band rings. A different interpretation of the Epi leather is translated on the red Maxi Epi texture on the Alma bowling bag. At the same time, the classic Louis Vuitton monogram emerges in two new colorways (olive-green canvas with orange lining and blue canvas with brown lining) on various bag models. This menswear collection fully captures an innovative light on Louis Vuitton’s iconic style.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
An Archaic Past is Revived in Dior’s FW23/24 Collection
Maria Grazia Chiuri presented Dior’s FW23/24 Haute Couture Collection in the afternoon of July 3rd. The collection is constructed around the idea of time, reflecting the care that is put into creating couture. The past is integrated into the present: the sketched form is immediately translated onto the dress without making use of any paper patterns. The forms are simple, morphed into archetypal sartorial elements such as the peplum, the tunic, or the cape. Maria Grazia Chiuri has worked on the collection presentation with the artist Marta Roberti, transforming the catwalk into an art gallery that evokes archaic artistic elements such as goddesses and animals. The artist assembles these elements to represent myths of a distant world where the female figure was revered above all else. The Mediterranean region is a reference point, as the ancient cultures in those areas produced the anthropomorphic and zoomorphic images present in Roberti’s art for the Dior fashion show. The models' composition recalls divinities through a vertical silhouette and flat shoes. The main colors are white, beige, silver, and pale gold, with coats evoking the shape of classical statues. The shimmery dresses are intertwined with pearls, symbolizing purity. Overall, the presentation of this collection aims to represent the strength and fragility of femininity through the cult of goddesses, enhancing sensitivity and attention to detail.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles’ Partnership with the Prism Prize for Music Videomaking
The Prism Prize, awarded yearly to videomakers, has partnered with the Canadian clothing brand Moose Knuckles. The Prism Prize yearly awards videomakers with the Heatmakers Grant. One of Moose Knuckles’ priorities is to support emerging creatives, and the brand is excited to uplift promising Canadian artists that can have a positive impact on the future of the hip-hop scene through their videos. This vision pairs perfectly with that of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, which aims to promote and encourage local artists. The award, which can be worth up to $35,000, is intended to promote the production of high-quality videos in the Canadian hip-hop scene. The winners of this edition, announced by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, are Sean Leon, iaamSam, and Skiifall. The three artists are a diverse representation of the Canadian hip-hop music industry. Sean Leon, who was awarded the title of “Ambassador,” has been present on the Canadian music scene for over a decade. iaamSam is a self-taught multidisciplinary audio-visual artist, while Skiifall is a music creator quickly building visibility. The commission awarding the Heatmakers Grant is composed of music and fashion professionals, such as Canadian all-round musician Kardinal Offishall and Moose Knuckles’ Global Artistic Director Carlos Nazario. With more than 170 applications from all around the country, the committee had to shortlist 25 artists to determine the three recipients. The winning artists will work alongside a creative team to bring to life the music videos financed by the Heatmakers Grant.
www.mooseknuckles.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent’s SS24 Men’s Collection
‘Each man kills the thing he loves’ is the expressive title for Saint Laurent’s SS24 men’s collection, dreamed up by Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello. In line with Saint Laurent’s world tour, the SS24 show revealed the designer’s deep appreciation for Berlin – a landscape that speaks to his own past. The impressive Neue Nationalgalerie, designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and representative of classical modernism, set a certain novel-inspired mood to begin immersing the guests into the collection’s atmosphere. As a continuation of the womenswear line, the word evolution comes to mind when thinking about Vaccarello’s future aspirations. A desire to transcend gender codes is also apparent, opening up space to leave behind limitations. Sharp tailoring remains central: shedding special attention to structure and volume. Boxy suit jackets with broad shoulders are purposefully combined with delicate silhouettes, appearing weightless. Mousseline de Soie, as well as the timeless leopard print and polka dots provide elegance while retaining a certain sensual touch – seen in trench coats, tank tops with décolletés, and blouses. Trousers rise high and are narrow at the waist, while also cut at the ankles to accentuate heeled boots. After the show, guests were led to the Kraftwerk Berlin club for some dining and dancing. It was only fitting to finish off with a nod to Berlin’s intense party scenery.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Virginia is for LVERS
In his much anticipated first show as Men’s Creative Director of Louis Vuitton, Pharell Williams looks to the sun as the ultimate source of inspiration. The sun is a guiding light, a source of life, and a vital source of empowerment across cultures and creeds that are laced into the fabrics, the graphics, the palette, and the decorations of this collection.
The collection presents this vision through fresh twists and new approaches to familiar, foundational elements of Louis Vuitton. The heritage Damier pattern morphs with a camouflage print, birthing "Damoflage" across accessories, workwear, denim, knitwear, fur, and more. Imagination runs wild as Damier is also expressed in primary color treatments featuring the revived Louis Vuitton Marquee Déposée logo, new digitized patterns by American pixel artist ET and hand embroidery with pearl decorations on denim sets. The collection is rich with new takes on prized Louis Vuitton bags, from Monogram Copper materializations that transform in the gleam of the sun to embroideries and pixelated images of artists Henry Tailor and ET respectively.
Embodying a connection between Paris and Virginia, the home state of Pharell Williams, the SS24 collection was presented on Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris with a backdrop view of the Louis Vuitton studios. This relationship is epitomized through design choices that amplify classic American styles such as the varsity jacket. Through the re-contextualization of Maison’s Parisian ateliers, the sporty staple is adorned with intricate pearl embroideries or monograms signifying the new wave of LVERS while nodding to the slogan of Pharell Williams' home state: “Virginia is for lovers”.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Drawing a New Circle
A circle of sustainable solutions, a circle of imagination, a circle of cross-cultural influences, and a circle for an inclusive, ongoing dialogue of creative minds in the contemporary style scene. Corneliani’s Circle project sees an expansion this SS24 season as it opens up from a style-focused space to a creative platform for collaborations that bring together the domains of the Arts.
In its first act, the narrative features Paris-based design and architecture duo Gaëlle Gabillet and Stéphane Villard, who conceived a circular pavilion to be donated to the city of Milan after the end of the sales campaign to welcome a wider community. In the days before its presentation at Milan Fashion Week, the duo hand-built a majestic mosaic dome from giant tiles of marbled paper produced in Italy by Riccardo Cavaciocchi and tinted individually by French painter Matthieu Lemariè.
The circular arena became the immersive stage for the SS24 Corneliani looks, displayed both in and out of its perimeter. For the SS24 collection, Corneliani highlights their commitment to sustainability through organic and certified materials in a natural, minimalistic yet elegant color palette evoked also by the dome. Timeless, refined menswear archetypes, and relaxed and lightweight silhouettes are conceptualized through a language of elegance and savoir-faire. Sleek, luxurious finishes add depth and distinction to each piece, from co-ords to layering staples. Bold twists of green and red, and textures such as Prince of Wales plaid, elaborate stitching, and seams with painstaking details add an invigorating twist conferring depth and distinction without complication.
www.corneliani.com
Fashion
Men’s Milan Fashion Week – Brioni
For its Spring 2024 menswear collection during Milan Fashion Week, Brioni transforms a quality embedded in its spirit into a creative perspective. Lightness becomes this season’s guiding principle, providing ease and freedom to enrich possibilities of self-expression. Instead of being overpowering, the new garments dissolve into the everyday: a practical tool to fit the wearer’s daily needs and occasions. Intrinsic to life, clothing becomes your best companion in exploring new ways to look at the world and live in it accordingly. This season, the embodiment of this newly embraced perspective is what Brioni is about.
At the top floor of a stern-looking, hard-edged building, guests are immersed in Brioni’s world of light as the aerial view of the city unfolds in front of their eyes, setting the ambiance for the collection’s presentation. Nodding to the history and spirit of Brioni, the collection is suffused with painterly Roman hues. Formalwear remains impeccable in craft, but attains a certain softness with a relaxed fit and construction achieved through fuller volumes and hollowed shoulders. Similar levity is found in the treatment of nubuck leather and suede, while at night, lightness takes on a mantle of muted shine.
The circularity of intents defines a fluidity of new perspectives.
www.brioni.com
Fashion
Tod’s SS24 Men’s Collection
Giardino Italiano, Tod’s SS24 men’s collection, zeros in on the passion of handmade that affords Italy its unique position in the world. Not surprising then, Italian craftsmanship and excellent quality form the very essence of this season’s collection. For its all-round Italian homage, the historic Milanese location linked to the Tod’s brand, Villa Necchi, sets the scenery for the presentation with a traditional Italian garden. To go with Tod’s Italian lifestyle, casual tailoring is even more relaxed, made from high quality materials in warm tones of brown and ecru. A triangular leather pattern becomes a recognizable symbol on the jackets, which ensure a simultaneously timeless, refined, and relaxed style. Key garments of the Italian wardrobe are indispensable, such as the short and light cabans which never compromise a man’s elegance and taste for quality. Further undisputed protagonists are the Bubble Gommino and the iconic Gommino, combining the classic tradition of the driving shoe with a modern twist. Typical of Italian craftsmanship, the leather handmade construction process is clearly visible in the moccasin. Tod’s Riviera Slip-on with tassels marks another symbol of the Italian lifestyle, while bags and belts become the foundation of the contemporary man’s looks. Italian know-how meets continuous experimentation with Tod’s.
www.tods.com
Fashion
FENDI’s SS24 menswear collection
Dedicated to excellence in fine leather goods, the new FENDI Factory in Capannuccia becomes the desired destination for the artisans of the future. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, FENDI’s SS24 menswear collection pays homage to this new adventure and historic return to Florence – a place entrenched in FENDI’s history. The collection and show are a metafictional reflection on process. Exploring the liminal space distinguishing man and machine, past and future, nature and innovation: the industrial and handmade are linked in perpetuity. This season’s silhouette celebrates the archetype of the ‘corporate artisan’. Patch pockets of workwear belts, the apron as halter neck collared shirts, and the zip-off suit trousers indicate that a game of proportions is afoot. The presence of the Tuscan landscape is not only visible in the factory’s space, but heavily informs the color palette: a stratum of mineral shades from burnt umber to deep indigo is diffused by a soft haze of sage, limestone, and chalk. For the SS24 accessories collection, the ‘corporate artisan’ is taken up through an exploration of tactile expressions: structured and deconstructed bag shapes complement new styles, textiles, and patterns. Punctuated by the FENDI KENGO KUMA project, the accessories form part of a new artistic dialogue between Italy and Japan.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Gucci's Green Doors Reopen
Gucci is reopening its newly renovated boutique in Saint-Tropez, between the port and the Place des Lices. The store is situated in a classic Saint-Tropez house at 72, rue François Sibilli characterized by green shutters that typify the surrounding landscape. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a world that blends Gucci’s spellbinding summer charm with the immaculate beauty of the French Rivera.
Through pastel hues, local materials, and classic design elements, the interiors of the boutique are perfectly complementary to the pristine beauty of the French Rivera. Liberty-style mosaics on the floors, natural oak on the walls with woven rattan finishes, and newly designed brass racks come together in harmony to immerse guests in a unique Gucci experience. In the private garden which crowns the boutique, guests can relax around a preserved well and enjoy the greenery, sunshine, and fresh air.
Within the space, which spans over 200 square meters over two floors, visitors can explore pieces for both men and women, from ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories to the house's signature handbag lines and a selection of precious jewelry. The boutique additionally showcases the Gucci Valigera collection, designed for the dream holiday.
Gucci also imprints its unique aesthetic in collaboration with the renowned Loulou Ramatuelle Beach Club. After a captivating transformation, the beach club will host a temporary Gucci pop-up. An exclusive Saint-Tropez capsule collection will be available alongside the Summer Stories collection and a special selection of cocktails and menus by Giardino 25 from June 1st until the end of September.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Smells of Well-ness
The dramatic landscape and extravagant beauty of America’s Pacific Coast form the inspiration for the ethereal scents of Louis Vuitton’s Cologne Perfumes. Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud has captured the magnetic energy of Los Angeles, creating an olfactory adventure within each bottle. Each member of the Cologne Perfume collection has a personal story about the light in the city, from the gentle glow of the dawn to the sparkles that light up the streets at dusk. The newest addition is “Pacific Chill,” inspired by the detoxifying fresh breath of morning light on the skin.
California’s cool and purifying vibe is not only attributed to the regenerative vigor of its ocean views and energizing force of its green rolling hills but also its renowned health and wellness culture. Pacific Chill was crafted in line with this sense of balance and well-being, an exhilarating scent that caresses the skin with an uplifting spirit. Belletrud drew further inspiration from characteristics and experiences unique to the LA lifestyle – beloved detox smoothies and energizing morning hikes before the heat settles. The scent palette opens with blackcurrant, held aloft with cedrat and lemon, amplified with coriander and ambrette seeds, basil, peppermint, and orange essence – an impeccable attention to detail. Iridescence is brought out of an essence extracted from carrot seeds with apricot, date, and fig. A hint of May Rose is the final seal offering a floral sweetness.
Los Angeles-based contemporary artist Alex Israel has collaborated with the Maison on their previous Cologne Perfumes and once again paints an exclusive image to accompany Louis Vuitton’s latest scent upon a Fragrance Trunk and Travel Case.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
One Stop Shop All Summer Season
Mr. Porter, a destination for discovery for men around the world seeking inspiration for all styles, has an unparalleled product offering. Through a seamless online shopping experience and express worldwide shipping, Mr. Porter offers something for everyone: from the most sought-after menswear and lifestyle brands to exclusive capsule collections. Their latest campaign and their biggest to date, Summer Stories, is a celebration of the sun-kissed festivities from June to August. The standout collection features 125 brands and 49 exclusive ranges that embrace the warm weather for every occasion.
The campaign began on May 29th, with 5 multi-faceted chapters encompassing ready-to-wear, swimwear, shoes, accessories, luxury watches, jewelry, and lifestyle that will be unveiled throughout the next three months, solidifying Mr. Porter as a one-stop destination all season long. The capsule began with “For Sun, Sea And Sky,” with the foundations of a vacation wardrobe and poolside essentials that promise unforgettable memories to come. “Al Fresco” will be released on June 19th, consisting of the unmatched Italian brands and craftsmanship that are loved worldwide. On July 10th, “Bohemian Spirit” will be released, a selection of designer and contemporary brands catered to the adventurous hearts and souls unleashed through warm-weather activities. With a focus on new watches and exclusive jewelry, the offerings of “At The Bazaar'' will gleam under the summer sun from July 24th. And last but not least, “Pacific Dream” will round off the season with laid-back ready-to-wear for long, lazy evenings after days full of adventure.
www.mrporter.com
Fashion
A Higher Standard of Luxury for Golf
Loro Piana, the Maison known for its distinctive understated elegance and celebration of Italian excellence, has announced that they will once again collaborate with Team Europe for the Ryder Cup, Golf’s greatest team contest. The greatest team contest in Golf will be held at the “Marco Simone Golf & Country Club” in Rome from September 25th to October 1st. Loro Piana will dress the athletes and their entourages for all the official events, inspiring players through the highest standard of clothing and the savoir-faire that has been the Maison’s hallmark for six generations. Through meticulous design and craftsmanship, the garments will be functional and comfortable, without cutting short on style and elegance. Loro Piana used 3D technology to stimulate the clothing’s reaction to the fine movements of golf, guaranteeing ease of movement for each and every swing. Six looks especially designed by the Maison will include a short-sleeved polo, a high-neck shirt with a zipper, a waterproof vest, and classic tailored trousers. The technical materials of each have been chosen for maximum softness and stretch, as well as for special features that enhance ergonomic performance to guarantee unparalleled wearability. In addition, a selection of the Team Europe uniforms, collectors’ items, complete with the Team Europe and the players logos, will be available in the Maison’s boutique in Rome exclusively during the competition for golf lovers to experience the wardrobe for themselves.
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Old-fashioned Craftsmanship and Modern Design
C.P. Company explores new ways to incorporate handmade and old-fashioned craftsmanship techniques in its forward-thinking, cutting-edge design process. A special capsule of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and shirts made in complete antithesis to serial mass production and elevated through the use of such artisanal techniques. Not to mention that they also keep alive the know-how of Italian printers and graphic designers.
This special capsule includes both prints and designs developed with the Italian artists of the Stamperia Artigiana Marchi, as well as handmade pieces made with modern digital screen-printing techniques. The Stamperia has been running since 1633 and specializes in wood block printing. Quantities are limited and each piece is unique as the manual technique causes slight imperfections. The prints are crafted using a method employed since the shop’s foundation. The process begins with the realization of the mold, carved by hand from pear wood. The natural pigments are fashioned by the printer, who then spreads them on the mold and beats it with a wooden hammer to transfer the design on the T-shirt, which is then dipped in a special liquid and hung to dry. Also producing one-of-a-kind garments, which are numbered with the date and time of their creation, are the designs developed by screen printing the outline of the iconic British Sailor and dampening the fabric with a cloth while the ink is still wet – producing smudges, an unpredictable expansion of pigments, and stains which are then fixed into the fabric.
This special capsule is now available in stores.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Cut Throat Waves
Creating with the future in mind, for the second year in a row Kim Jones, the Artistic Director of Dior Men, has collaborated with Parley for the Oceans, an environmentally conscious organization that works to combat threats to the ocean. Parley for the Oceans, started in 2012 has been protecting marine life through a strategy called Parley AIR: Avoid, Intercept, Redesign. Together, Dior and Parley have created a Men’s beachwear capsule collection that reflects the deep connection Dior has with nature whilst making sure to protect the said nature through conscious designs and meticulous attention to detail.
Christian Dior is well known for his passion for flowers and gardens, however, this collection was deeply inspired and formed around his love for water and the ocean, first blooming when he was lulled by the song of the waves in Granville. Kim Jones, sharing Christian Dior’s passion, created a collection made from 96% recycled materials to ensure the presence of beaches in the future of our world to wear these garments at. The garments relay a confident relaxation– bold colors catch the eye and a joyful declaration of living is embedded into each fold and thread of the garments. From mules to bags to wetsuits, this capsule collection has integrated every aspect of the beach. The wetsuit accompanied by a dazzling surfboard, sports a graphic water overlay under the iconic Dior logo, embracing the natural elements and playing into the function of the garment. The surfboard, also embellished with a graphic overlay of splashing water is sure to increase your speed as you cut through vicious waves.
www.dior.com
www.parley.tv
Fashion
Dior’s First Boutique in Hamburg
In March 2023, Dior opened its first boutique in Hamburg. On April 27th, to celebrate the occasion, Dior organized an in-boutique cocktail, followed by an exclusive dinner at the premises of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Bathed in natural light thanks to large bay windows, the reinvented building where the boutique is housed offers a breathtaking view of the Bleichenfleet canal. Inside the building, the unique space – spread over nearly 500 square meters and divided over two floors – hosts the different universes of the Maison, from ready-to-wear to accessories.
Starting from the ground floor, we come across Victoire de Castellane’s creations, as well as iconic women’s shoes and bags, such as the Lady Dior, the new 30 Montaigne Avenue, and the Dior Book Tote, embroidered with Plan de Paris or Dior Petites Fleurs prints. Moving on to the second floor, Dior’s SS23 ready-to-wear line by Maria Grazia Chiuri is enhanced by wood sculptor Etienne Moyat’s artwork, whereas Kim Jones’ wardrobe is staged in a refined atmosphere, adorned with an abstract painting by Scottish artist Peter Seal. Combining the purity of white and the naturalness of wood with elegant touches of beige and gold, the sophisticated setting features emblematic Dior fundamentals throughout the entire space, such as the Versailles parquet floor. To complete this eye-catching environment, designer furniture adds an ultra-contemporary touch, while the grand staircase is punctuated with white canvases from the haute couture ateliers, a poetic fresco inspired by 30 Montaigne. The boutique conveys Dior’s savoir-faire, and its constantly renewed inventiveness.
www.dior.com
Fashion
The Third Edition of the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS
With a mission to celebrate inspirational and talented contemporary women, the third edition of the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS ceremony was held on April 26th. The start studded award show dates back to Bulgari’s initiative on March 8th, 2016, named after the Roman goddess of dawn, a symbol of intelligence and creativity. The first edition of the award ceremony was held in China in 2019 to pay homage to contemporary Chinese women’s creativity and transformative power. Full circle, in collaboration with the official media partner of the luxury brand Marie Claire, the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS ceremony is back in China to celebrate and highlight the achievements of Chinese women.
The third edition of the awards ceremony hosted many iconic and talented names among them were, Mr. Vincenzo Pujia, Bulgari Retail & Customer Experience VP and Greater China Managing Director, Mr. Emanuele di Lorenzo Badia, The Charge' d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Italy to the P.R.C., Bulgari brand ambassador Liya Tong, Wen Qi, Fan Chengcheng, Bulgari PR ambassador Kai Xu, Famous actress Kara Wai, Zhuo Tan, as well as celebrity friends of Bulgari - Nazha, Li Zhang, Duling Chen, Lingzi Liu, Keni Zeng, Yunrui Li, Keran Lu. Moreover, the ceremony was also blessed by the appearance of this year’s nominators and the winners of this and past years’ BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS.
Dedicated to honoring the creative and transformative power of modern Chinese women, and constructing discourse about their journeys of growth and innovation – the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS ceremony celebrated a total of seven nominators and nine winners from fields such as film, art, and dance. These winners include the versatile actress Jingyi Zhang, the coveted young director Dongmei Li, swan-like dancer Jiejing Zhu, and more powerful and awe-inducing women.
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
New Dimensions in The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu
In his third collaboration with Hublot, Maxime Plescia-Buchi inks the art of tattooing into watchmaking. Just as his tattoos have the power to unleash a new identity, he reimagines the strokes and architectural design of The Spirit of Big Bang. He infuses Hublot’s DNA, the enhanced three-dimensional and ergonomically enhanced design of an iconic timepiece, with the geometry and symmetry of Sang Bleu. The Salone del Mobile of 2023 in Milan saw the unveiling of The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu.
The Spirit of Big Bang takes on the Big Bang’s original features in a 42mm diameter barrel-shaped case. Maxime retains its distinctive quality with three limited editions with a perfectly proportioned design that becomes one with the case. The Sang Bleu signature is instantly recognizable in each model: 200 units in titanium, 200 in All Black ceramic and 100 in King Gold. In addition, two models are set with 180 diamonds weighing approximately 2.4 carats, in titanium and King Gold. Each indelible line is chiseled, beveled, polished and satin finished, while hexagons, diamonds and triangles overlap to create a new mysteriously magnetic interpretation of volume. A sapphire dial disc displays the HUB4700 automatic skeleton chronograph movement. The back of the case has been arched to ensure the watch fits flush across all wrist sizes, for both men and women.
In a quest for perfection, Maxime has revisited each component of Hublot’s The Spirit of Big Bang, ultimately creating a tattooed chronograph that embodies the Hublot philosophy ‘Be First, Unique and Different.’
www.hublot.com
Fashion
An Unforgettable Afternoon with Breitling
To celebrate its newly launched models of the Top Time Classic Cars and Premier B01 collection, Breitling delivered an unforgettable afternoon with the Style & Speed Event 2023 in Berlin. Breitling CEO, Georges Kern, invited guests, friends of the brand, VIPs, media and concessionaires for a full immersion into Breitling’s impressive world. The energic afternoon kicked off with an exclusive Breitling diner, followed up by a spectacular live concert by the country rock band The BossHoss.
“We are going after that sense of freedom and fun with the 1960s-inspired Top Time Classic Cars collection, and are thrilled to once again partner with Ford to introduce the new Thunderbird model, along with updated versions of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and Shelby Cobra chronographs”, says Georges Kern. The four watches feature the colors and emblems of their 1950s and 1960s sports car counterparts, and now all come with one of the most highly regarded chronograph movements in the industry, the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. The manufacture movement provides an approximately 70-hour power reserve, a five-year warranty, and a water resistance of 100m with the enhanced Top Time case. However, the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 now also features in six new Premier models, introduced with a heritage-inspired design. Willy Breitling – who designed the Premier line, a series of elegant chronographs with the best materials, finishes, and calibers – has been an incomparable inspiration within the Swiss watchmaking brand. The new Premier B01 Chronograph 42 assortment lives up to Willy Breitling’s uncompromising technical standards.
www.breitling.com
Fashion
Horizons Truly Never End with Louis Vuitton & Lionel Messi
As a football legend and recent world champion, it is rather inevitable that Lionel Messi is frequently on the move. Entirely fitting, then, is the fact that Messi stars in Louis Vuitton’s new travel campaign, Horizons Never End. Captured by fashion photographer and filmmaker Glen Luchford while seated in an airport terminal with his legs stretched out on his Horizon rolling cabin bag or seated upon the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk amidst the planes of the airport apron, Messi appears ready to take on countless adventures with his Horizon luggage by his side.
With this Horizon luggage collection dreamed up by Marc Newson, the Maison remains devoted to its founder’s art of travel, while also reshaping it with Newson’s numerous contributions. Newson developed “the ultimate contemporary backpack” for his debut collaboration with the Maison, as well as designed and engineered many Louis Vuitton travel essentials. His new-iconic Horizon collection marked a true accomplishment for the Maison’s luggage family in terms of design, durability and functionality when it was first launched in 2016. Packaging space, a crucial necessity for an itinerant, is optimized through a generous, flat-bottomed interior, whereas a highly maneuverable exterior trolley system with silent, miniature wheels grants 360° directionality. The Maison’s trunkmaking legacy peeks through with the ultra-lightweight cases in molded mesh composite, covered in specially developed Monogram or Damier canvas and trimmed with natural cowhide.
Starting April 14th, 2023, the first chapter of the Horizon collection will debut internationally in print and on Louis Vuitton social channels.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Seventh Edition of the Loro Piana Knit Design Award
The seventh Edition of the Loro Piana Knit Design Award, an international competition between talented students dedicated to a creative interpretation of iconic yarns that represent the excellence of the Maison, has recently come to a happy ending. Since 2016, the first Edition of the Loro Piana Knit Design Award, students from the most prestigious international design schools have participated in the exciting competition. The theme for 2023 was “Regenerate” and the students from the six participating schools– the Fashion Institute of Technology of New York, Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, Donghua University Shanghai, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Università IUAV di Venezia, and Institut Français de la Mode– were requested to develop a creative idea with a focus on sustainability and recycling, which will in enhance the value of Maison’s exclusive yarns in the long term.
After the initial brief, the competing students were given a chance to fly to Italy to see first-hand Maison’s extraordinary heritage and a general outline of the production process explained meticulously by the Research and Development team through guided tours of the wool mill. The finalists, presented on the 6th of April, were judged by international experts and internal representatives including but not limited to CEO Damien Bertrand. The winning pair were students Sumin An and Blake Dewitt of the Fashion Institute and Technology of New York. An and Dewitt were graciously celebrated for their win, leaving Italy with a prestigious Loro Piana Knit Design Award 2023 handmade silver trophy, along with a scholarship and an employment contract with the company. Loro Piana’s efforts to merge teaching and professional experience allow for the company to shorten the distance between education and the job market– providing youthful creatives with an opportunity to showcase their talents to the world with no time to spare.
An and Dewitt’s finished pieces, supported by expert artisans, will be exhibited in Pitti Filati, to be held in Florence from the 28th-30th of June.
www.loropiana.com
Travel
An Italian and Japanese Dance in the Sky
On the 4th of April, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts celebrated a momentous occasion: the opening of the brand’s newest luxury hotel, the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo. The new hotel combines Italian tradition and glamor with Japanese history and culture to adorn the 40th-45th floors of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, a new ultramodern skyscraper overlooking the iconic Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace Gardens, all the way to Mt Fuji.
This incredible addition to the Tokyo hospitality scene was first celebrated by a ribbon cutting ceremony led by the Bulgari Group CEO Jean-Christophe Babin with the Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike, Italian Ambassador to Japan Gianluigi Benedetti, famed actress Anne Hathaway, the singer and actor Tomoshisa Yamashita, Executive Managing Officer of Mitsui Fudosan Co. Yutaka Kawamura, Executive Vice President Bulgari Group Silvio Ursini, General Manager of Bulgari Hotel Tokyo Yuji Tanaka and President of Bulgari Japan Vincent Reynes in attendance. The acclaimed group of individuals was later joined by 400 guests on the 40th floor to enjoy early performances by Simona Molinari and later on DJs Ami x Aya and Alisa Ueno. The night ended with Miyavi, a star guitarist, surprising the crowd and joining DJ Alisa Ueno on stage for an impromptu live collaboration!
A devout follower of the essence of audacity and bravery, Bulgari associates each of its glamorous hotels and resorts with a rare and precious gem. The Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is married to the pink diamond – an elegant homage to the beauty and harmony threaded into Japanese culture and Sakura season. As Babin expertly states in the brand’s press release, “Jewelry and hospitality combine perfectly to meet Bulgari’s client’s expectations of a high level”.
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton’s Unveilings at Milan Design Week
This Milan Design Week, from 19 to 23 April 2023, Louis Vuitton’s latest Objets Nomades, the Cabinet of Curiosities by Marc Newson, and the Marc Fornes pavilion will all be showcased at Palazzo Serbelloni.
The Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades collection grows with the unveiling of 11 new innovative furnishings and objects created by a renowned selection of international designers. Creations from Atelier Oï, Raw Edges, Atelier Biagetti, Marcel Wanders, Zanellato/Bortotto, Studio Louis Vuitton, and Campana are exhibited in a space especially curated in the historic Palazzo Serbelloni. Amongst the new additions are designs inspired by Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram, such as Atelier Biagetti’s Flower Tower lamp, with 15 glass bubbles that appear to float when lit and Studio Louis Vuitton’s Flower Carafe and Twist Glass, handmade by Venetian artists.
Louis Vuitton will also premiere the fascinating Cabinet of Curiosities by Marc Newson. A hard-sided travel trunk transformed into a presentation case with 8 doors and secret compartments by the Australian industrial designer. The trunk houses 19 leather-covered metal cubes in 3 sizes and 3 colorways. The cubes can be arranged in over 1,000 configurations to display books, art, souvenirs, or anything the heart desires.
Finally, the Maison presents its annual exhibition of nomadic architecture in the palazzo’s courtyard. Architect Marc Fornes designed the structure from 1600 uniquely shaped anodized aluminum sheets. The structure resembles a coral-like, living entity, and will host a series of events throughout Milan Design Week.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
BOSS Legend Series: Bruce Lee
BOSS has announced their latest capsule collection as part of the inspiring BOSS Legends series. The next instalment is a tribute to the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. The collection celebrates and channels his pioneering and courageous spirit; a call to be your own BOSS.
Bruce Lee is a true, global icon. He created a legacy not only in martial arts, with his unique hybrid philosophy, Jeet Kune Do, but also in pop culture, where he bridged the gap between East and West. In both worlds Lee was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and is still well-known today. He transcended the idea of having a single goal, instead seamlessly combining his passions to revolutionise martial arts and cinema. From his massive impact on centuries of fixed styles and systems in martial arts, to his trailblazing career as a movie star and director, Bruce Lee’s legacy is exemplary of the unbelievable feats that one can achieve through the power of self-belief.
The capsule collection has a laid-back, casual and gender-neutral style, but each piece packs a punch. Black, white, and blue T-shirts and hoodies are printed with snapshots of his signature, unforgettable moves. A baseball cap with 3D embroidered calligraphy rounds off the collection. His popular stage name, “Lee Little Dragon,” is spelled out in traditional Chinese characters throughout the collection. This capsule is next in the series, which has previously spotlighted Freddie Mercury, Muhammad Ali and Frida Kahlo.
www.boss.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger x Shawn Mendes
Tommy Hilfiger and Grammy nominated multi-platinum singer songwriter Shawn Mendes launched a joint Spring 2023 collection of menswear and womenswear. Tommy x Shawn Mendes Classics Reborn prioritizes comfort, inclusivity, and sustainable materials while breathing a fresh, contemporary life into Tommy’s timeless and iconic take on American prep.
Uniting in their shared vision to create a more responsible future for fashion, Hilfiger and Mendes pillared the collection on four innovative principles. Color Reborn utilizes the Recycrom™ technique, reprocessing factory fiber scraps into vivid dyes. Materials Reborn ensures a more circular life cycle for the fibers that are used in the collection, with recycled and regenerated industry-certified materials used throughout. Self Reborn reflects a modern approach to fashion highlighting diversity in ideas, passions, and perspectives. Community Reborn emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support and inspire you to be your best self. The collection therefore marks the brand’s development towards “fashion that wastes nothing and welcomes all,” as said by Tommy Hilfiger.
Creative directed by Team Laird and shot by Cass Bird, the designs were revealed in a campaign featuring the pop-stars friends and family, from his sister to other multidisciplinary talents. The launch was celebrated with a tour of presentations at key Tommy Hilfiger stores in Amsterdam, London, Berlin, and Milan with new channels for engagement such as AR mirrors to digitally try on the collection and embroidery workshops to inspire upcycling practices. Parties welcoming Hilfiger, Mendes, and many other VIP and press guests ensued.
www.tommy.com
Fashion
Prada Frames: Materials in Flux
The Prada Frames symposium, presented by Prada, aims to spark reflection and innovation to define a new reality with an environmentally conscious approach. International scholars and professionals from a full disciplinary range are brought together to explore the complex interactions between design and the environment. Fusing a transdisciplinary approach with an ecological lens, Prada Frames explores how these dynamics can be improved to ensure a brighter future. The event is curated by Formafantasma, a research and design studio based in Milan and Rotterdam that investigates the ecological, historical, political, and social forces that shape the discipline of design with the goal to use design to initiate vital transformative interventions.
In 2023, the second edition of Prada Frames is held in Hong Kong and Milan, with the theme ‘Materials in Flux’. Inspired by the work of British anthropologist Tim Ingold, one of the many contributors to the event, the concept is focused on how materials and matter are interconnected, with an endless life cycle.
In Hong Kong, the symposium began on March 21 and 22 at the M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, inaugurated by its architect Jacques Herzog.
On April 17, 18 and 19, during the Salone del Mobile, the symposium will continue to unfold in Milan’s Teatro Filodrammatici, one of the oldest theaters in the city. The program includes sessions and talks titled ‘Conceptualizing’, ‘Contextualizing’, ‘Designing’ and ‘Valuating’, ‘Governing’ and ‘Re-inhabiting’, unpacking every step and process that makes up global waste infrastructures, and delving deep into the relationships between matter and ecosystems.
Admission to Prada Frames in Milan is free, but there is a limited availability. From April 6th it is possible to register for attendance on the Prada website.
www.prada.com
Fashion
W&W Vacheron Constantin: The Essence of Watchmaking
This year, the very essence of watchmaking art took precedence above all else in Vacheron Constantin’s show at Watches & Wonders in Geneva. While in the past we saw “Classic with a Twist” and “The Anatomy of Beauty”, this year’s theme, embodying the spirit of the manufacturer, is Less’ential. The Maison took technical mastery and the originality of artistic crafts as its guiding principles for its new novelties, as well as its new booth architecture. The outcome? A perfect balance between shape and design; a new form of elegance and sophistication; timepieces where mechanical complexity and a meticulous attention to detail devote themselves to beauty. All the new designs symbolize Vacheron Constantin’s artistic priority. The Overseas moon phase retrograde date, a sporty-elegant steel watch, combines the precision moon phase – an astronomical complication – with the retrograde display. Inspired by the 1950s designs, the Patrimony retrograde day-date watch’s hour markers and hands follow the gentle curve of the dial. The Traditionnelle tourbillon retrograde date openface watch expresses an avant-garde aesthetic, where the opening onto the architecture of the 2162 R31 movement highlights the watch’s mechanical power. Among the new releases we encounter new pieces for the Overseas collection. Yet, one of the most eye-catching designs is a one-of-a-kind double-sided watch in white gold: Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication, which captures 11 noble horological complications in one refined casing. Vacheron Constantin’s new releases are a celebration of excellence, featuring mechanical perfection enhanced by the combination of creative inspiration and refined skills.
www.vacheron-constantin.com
Fashion
Etro Makes Sail
Vela is the first bag designed by Marco De Vincenzo, Etro’s new Creative Director. It takes its inspiration from the nautical world. With a sharp silhouette, like a sail by the winds of the sea, it is molded with dynamic curves and contours. It takes its name from this image, as “vela” is “sail” in Italian.
Natural and timeless, the bag is finished with innovative and captivating details, like its V-shaped closure with a flexible zipper. Vela is adaptable, with a double detachable shoulder strap that allows it to be worn on the shoulder or across the body. The zipper features a distinct chain to which a medal is attached; engraved with the same technique used to mint coins, the Etro logo shines on one side, and a Pegasus on the other. The Vela Bag is made of a luxurious calfskin, available year-round in black, ivory, and gianduja chocolate, along with a rotation of seasonal colors.
The bag was released with a series of editorial images featuring Italian top model Bianca Balti. Like a siren in the sea, she exemplifies an audacious and alluring femininity. Centered in an essential background with colors reminiscent of the open ocean, she creates a sensual connection with the Vela Bag that embodies its timeless beauty.
www.etro.com
Art
Blue Makes Radiofonografo Infinite
Blue is infinite: the color of the endless sky, the relaxing constancy of the ocean’s waves, the four walls of our earth. Since the beginning of art, blue has been an emblem for loyalty, courage, and beauty. Now, the radiofonografo becomes blue. Brionvega will present the latest version of its radiofonografo in a deep, unforgettable blue alongside many other new products at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in April 2023.
Brionvega’s radiofonografo was originally created in 1965 by designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, but it is much more than a modern design object. Originally conceived to flawlessly reproduce music, the radiofonografo is a true work of multi-sensory contemporary art. It has become a key figure in stories and memories, an ebullient companion that brings people closer to music and technology.
The radiofonografo was and is a friend for life for some of the greatest icons of the 20th and 21st century. David Bowie was a tireless collector of art of every kind. His love and devotion to the radiofonografo represents one of the greatest tributes to its one-of-a-kind design. Francis Ford Coppola, one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema has expressed his fascination with Brionvega over the years, particularly his admiration for the unmatched performance of the radiofonografo. The radiofonografo has, as such, gained value over time. Owned by icons of the present such as Kendall Jenner, it will continue to prevail as it is passed onto future generations.
www.brionvega.com
Fashion
Exclusive Chocolate Creations, Dior You Can’t Wear
As Easter approaches, the House of Dior reveals a delectable approach to honoring their history and founder, Christian Dior. The art de vivre and gastronomy were cherished by Christian Dior, who was proud to describe himself as a “gourmand”. The House cultivates and shares this passion, with a series of exclusive chocolate creations.
Delicate and delicious; they are works of art that can be held in your palm and melt in your mouth. The distinct and exquisite sculptural forms take the shape of three iconic Dior silhouettes. The sculptures are exceptional recreations of some of Dior’s most emblematic creations. The magnificent petal skirt of the Junon dress, the swirling movement of the Tourbillon dress, and the timeless Bar jacket exemplify a convergence of mastered skill, from couture to the culinary arts. The chocolate dresses are presented at La Pâtisserie Dior, located at the 30 Montaigne boutique. The heart of Dior, 30 Montaigne and its neighboring buildings are a fully immersive world that take you back to the beginnings of the couture house.
The elegant experience of the chocolate dresses can be carried home in a poetic box, kept and savored for over a year. They can also be enjoyed on the spot at La Pâtisserie Dior as a truly unique and cherishable memory.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Beauty Threaded in with Speed
A provocative and bold analysis of beauty, what it is, and what it means – Ferrari’s FW23 collection explores the ins and outs of beauty as a concept. The brand’s Creative Director Rocco Iannone masterfully outlines what beauty is for the brand driven by speed: “Beauty is the pleasure that derives from speed, captured in its initial burst, in its full symbolic and design potential. It is the movement that stems from an idea, the aesthetic that captures the uniqueness of the transient, the sign of what is about to take place”.
The collection features beauty sewn into motion and speed, the ultimate signifiers for the luxury brand. The garments, sleek and dutifully inspired by the elusive world of racing are crafted to produce silhouettes that are aerodynamic, outlining the body and providing the foundation for further acceleration. The colors are bold, classic black is contrasted with a pop of blood red or magnificently saturated yellow. The beauty is observed in the details.
The color red symbolizes Ferrari's universal identity and elegance, and within the spaces of Palazzo Citterio, a historic building housing the Brera Art Gallery, it reaches full saturation. A highlight garment from the collection, workwear-inspired by practical elements as well as the world of racing, the loose suit paired with a blue leather jacket is adorned with blood-red fur lapels and heels lined at the sole with the same omnipresent hue. The monochromatic cohesiveness and the conscious disruption enhance the vitality of the silhouettes and the entirety of the collection.
www.ferarri.com
Fashion
Porsche x BOSS
Porsche and BOSS’s collaborative SS23 collection features an intimate pairing of innovative designs and a distinctive L.A. essence. The brands’ collaboration celebrates the notable friendship between the luxury fashion brand and the renowned German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance luxury sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. Putting forth a collection perfect for a multitude of activities on a warm day, Porsche and BOSS once again showcased their potential as a duo.
In January, the beloved Colombian singer Maluma was announced as one of the faces of the global campaign. The world-renowned singer is also featured as the lead in the Porsche x BOSS collection.
The SS23 collection features a series of transcendental athleisure garments and premium casual wear pieces imbued with the charisma of seasonal colors such as bright white and warm royal blue. The silhouettes feature several jersey and nylon styles, such as polos, hoodies, and more, which are embellished with color-gradient detailing that imbues the garments with notions of speed and adrenaline. Lightweight essentials: jackets, sweatpants, hoodies, and sneakers are adorned with white stripes and piping inspired by elements of the active warm-weather lifestyle. The allure and excitement of the collection are sewn into the essence of smart casual wear paired with the elevated L.A. vibe.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
The Chosen Four
Succeeding C.P. Company’s 50th Anniversary project, the SS023 ADV campaign follows the stories of four individuals. Stemming from diverse cultural backgrounds while also differing in age, gender and interests, the chosen four interpret seasonal looks with their own personal style. They represent the brand as an engine for social change and innovation by virtue of their experiences.
The ADV campaign is attended by five-year-old Leo and his father Diego, who frequently skates at Milano Centrale, a source of aesthetic inspiration. The brand’s attention to detail prompted an immediate attraction during his search for practical jackets, essential for wintertime skating. Representing his story, Diego wears a workwear-inspired Ba-Tic Light jacket together with his own camouflage cargo pants. The brand’s affinity to pursue utility and functionality is shared by Louison Bahurel. The brand’s garments, he explains, are fashioned as tools, “helping you preform actions more easily thanks to their ergonomics and adaptability.” Wearing a 50 Fili Tr-P jacket with a concealable hood is Gabriel Moses, a successful photographer and video maker from South London. This versatile jacket with a military inspired fabric and a polyurethane coating secures an ideal hard-wearing outwear piece. Sofia Pace, a New Yorker, found herself a one-of-a-kind piece for her closet. Representing the brand’s wide array of experimental fabrics, she wears the reflective Kan-D jacket with a detachable hood, crafted using a flattened monofilament nylon yarn.
This entrancing partnership epitomizes C.P. Company’s pioneering urban sportswear and its hybridization of functional menswear and Italian fabric innovation – characteristic of all pieces.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama’s New World of Infinity
Louis Vuitton has collaborated with artists for years, an impetus which continues with perhaps the pre-eminent global artist of the 21st century. Yayoi Kusama’s transformative imagination is embraced by the Maison, taking over all its product lines. The gift that sparked their relationship in 2012 exemplified their shared vision. Kusama hand-painted her characteristic INFINITY DOTS, known for giving a glimpse into infinity, onto of the most timeless, emblematic Louis Vuitton objects - the trunk.
This collection unites the two in their pursuit of crafting fantastical objects with an investment to detail and infinity in mind. A cascade of Kusama’s captivating motifs in vibrant, joyful colors furthers the limits of Louis Vuitton’s savoir faire in Drop 2 of their collaboration.
In stores starting March 31st, 2023, PUMPKINS, FLOWERS, FACES, INFINITY DOTS, and INFINITY NET encompass the ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, accessories, luggage, trunks, and fragrances available to men and women. The winsome form of PUMPKINS is integral to Kusama’s hallucinatory world. They take center stage, inspiring new forms, and playful new designs on iconic pieces. The women’s world receives special attention inspired by the psychedelic FLOWERS painting from 2004, with delicate embroideries and prints of elegant hyper-florals. FACES, especially chosen for the collaboration, are married with the new signature blue of Louis Vuitton, combining chicness with chaos especially in ready-to-wear. A second wave of INFINITY DOTS introduces enthralling new colors to accessories and men’s footwear. Finally, the Capucines bag is entirely enveloped in the mesmerizing rhythm of Kusama’s INFINITY NET motif.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Longchamp’s New Ambassador
Longchamp has revealed its newly appointed ambassador: South Korean singer and actress Kim Se-jeong. “We are delighted to welcome Kim Se-jeong to the Longchamp family,” comments Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine. “Not only is she an exceptionally talented performer, but her joy and energy make her great to be around.” In addition to making a name for herself in her native country, the talented actress shot to international stardom with her award-winning role in the SBS romantic comedy series Business Proposal – one of the most popular non-English shows on Netflix in 2022. Her lively and relatable personality is the key source of her burgeoning fan base. Her Instagram account, where she tells us to keep an eye out for her future work with the brand, has over nine million followers. “It is an honor to collaborate with Longchamp, which to me epitomizes the style of the Parisienne,” Se-jeong explains. “I feel we can maximize the relationship by playing to our strengths and similarities”. With her natural warmth and sparkle, Se-jeong was the ideal choice to embody the energy and authenticity of Longchamp as well as to front its SS23 campaign. The visuals shot in Seoul display Se-jeong modeling key looks from the SS23 collection, characterized by a synergy of bold colors, prints and materials, in combination with Longchamp’s star bags, such as the new Box-Trot in natural canvas and leather or eye-popping candy-pink. The Longchamp SS23 campaign with Kim Se-jeong is available for purchase on the brand’s website.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
PFW - Transforming Perception with Miu Miu FW23
For FW23 Miu Miu collection, Miuccia Prada is “focused on the instinctive process of looking, […] and how an act of observation can, in turn, transform the object of its focus.” As models walk down the runway with messy hair, tights over tops and no trousers, it becomes clear that – to transform how we visually read looks – the structure of how we dress, what lies underneath and outer layers are redefined through fabrication, styling and perception. A casual yet elegant line with a youthful attitude is put together as familiar clothing items take on new arrangements and meanings. In the Palais d’Iéna, Mia Goth initiates the show as she walks down the lifted runway wearing Miu Miu’s iconic prim cardigan and slingback heels with a matching purse on her wrist. Transparent chiffon reveals commonly concealed elements: bright tights are exposed, lowered waistlines and layered fabrics create complexity, dresses are overlaid and the trending only-panties-look is notably embraced. A muted color palette, emphasis on comfort, and broad-shouldered silhouettes characterize the looks – as seen on a mustard corduroy jacket, hooded sweatshirts and twinsets. Conforming with the collection’s spirit is the show’s accompanying installation by artist Geumhyung Jeong, whose work examines “the relationship between her own body and clothing”. The youthful touch is not only visible throughout the collection but also in the character cast, including Amelia Grey and Emma Corrin among others, and the incorporation of male models for Miu Miu’s genderless philosophy introduced by Prada. This amusing collection has something for everyone’s next wish list.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
“Freedom, Pleasure, Experimentation, Play”: Diesel FW23
The post-apocalyptic and sex-positive FW23 collection showcases the brand’s core values moving forward. “Freedom, pleasure, experimentation, play”, these four concepts imbue the collection with a youth-like acceptance and embrace of the erotic. The Italian fashion house successfully explores new creative territories whilst initiating valuable discourse, embellished with a preview of its forthcoming capsule collection with Durex, which drops in April 2023.
The importance of individual freedom and the value of safe sex is sewn into the commentary of the showcase as well as the garments such as jersey T-shirts featuring the Durex logo with the D of Diesel. “We have to remind everyone that safe sex is still important, we cannot forget,” says Glenn Martens, the Creative Director of Diesel.
The models strut on the dynamic runway built around the grandiose sculpture of 200,000 Durex condom boxes completed with captivating electronic music with a pornographic audio break. Aside from the valuable social commentary, this collection once again highlights the brand’s mastery over denim. The garments allude to the movement of the past, and future. Heavy distressing and intentional fragility can be seen on almost every garment - leather jackets made to look cracked, jeans that appear to be falling apart, and dresses and gowns only supported by metal detailing featuring the emblematic D logo. However, it’s important to note that the fragility that lines the garments is expertly coupled with practical and utilitarian elements. This dichotomy between the use of materials does not diminish the urge to display the body. All garments possess a specific temporality - whether they conceal, display, or protect the body: the dynamic use of fabric and material saturates the collection with the feeling that the garments are meant to be taken off.
The Diesel FW23 collection commits to exploring a territory too often deemed taboo in high art and does it with intense artistry and creativity.
www.diesel.com
Fashion
PFW - FW23 - Alexander McQueen: Anatomy
What lies beneath - Alexander McQueen’s FW23 collection Anatomy is a divine exploration of the anatomy of the human body, clothing, and flowers. Sarah Burton, Alexander McQueen’s Creative Director delicately communicated the brand’s dramatic and romantic essence through an extensive study into tailoring and its implications. Women and men’s garments shared similar values of smooth lines, structured silhouettes, and a display of intricate sensuality, further emphasized by the displays of the flower of love, the orchid. The garments asserted a confidence associated with an intimate relationship to the proportions, lines, and composition of the human body- seemingly displaying and playing with it. Suits with dramatic shoulders, narrow waists, and trousers that go past the nipples - McQueen displays a desire to subvert classic expectations of the mysterious aesthetic. The collection grows more experimental, knitwear hugs and forms the body akin to parts of the body, the orchid takes a central role, and leather is used to create garments that imbue the idea of a wild second skin. The role of leather in the collection is best observed in the stand-out look of the beautiful dark purple belted trench coat, accessorized with monochromatic leather gloves and a black leather tie. Apart from the energy imbued into the collection through exquisite tailoring, the intentional use of the orchid print and motif reinforces the dark, sultry, and romantic aura of Anatomy. The orchid, much like Anatomy personified, is the embodiment of individuality, beauty, and power. Sarah Burton successfully continues the legacy of Lee Alexander McQueen by breaking traditional conventions of tailoring and experimenting with the vast possibilities.
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
PFW - Saint Laurent FW23
A collection highlighting the dichotomy between masculine and feminine, opulence and simplicity, seduction and power- the Saint Laurent Women’s Winter 23 collection exhibits a masterful expression of play. The Italian fashion designer and the current Creative Director of the brand infused the familiar aesthetic of the tailleur-jupe with the ethos of the classic Saint Laurent style and his own codes of creative expression. The outcome is a collection that provides women with aesthetic agency.
The collection comprises garments that embed elements found traditionally in masculine tailoring juxtaposed with a traditionally feminine silhouette. The color scheme is heavily focused on neutrals such as brown and black and supplements the play between the masculine and feminine. The subdued color, harsh cuts, and exuberant shoulder pads allow the models to shine. As suggested by the seductive garments underlining the oversized garments of outerwear, the women are given agency. The collection orbits around the desires of the feminine- fostering the temporal modes and roles of women, the garments break conventional boundaries of tailoring and mix practicality with elegance and feminine power.
Playing with the relationship between opulence and simplicity, the venue pays homage to the ballroom of the Intercontinental hotel where the brand showcased its Haute Couture collections for over 25 years. With an eye for detail, Vaccarello makes it clear that the Saint Laurent woman is above the values of tradition.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
H&M and Mugler announce their Spring 2023 Collection
Last week, the Swedish brand H&M announced its upcoming collaboration on a Spring 2023 Collection with the fashion house Mugler. H&M has a star-studded history of designer collaborations- Karl Lagerfeld, Maison Martin Margiela, and most recently Balmain. Through these creative collaborative relationships, H&M has made high fashion more accessible for the majority of consumers worldwide. This collection, infused with the atelier’s unique essence, will be designed under the Mugler Creative Director, Casey Cadwaller.
The exciting H&M and Mugler Spring 2023 Collection will be made available online and in selected stores.
www.hm.com
Fashion
MFW - FENDI FW23 - A Timeless Wardrobe for a Contemporary Woman
Over the years, Tod’s has established itself as an icon of Italian design. At its very core is the realization of a lifestyle – one that, according to the brand, merges “elegance, creativity and savoir-faire with supreme artisanal quality”. A way of life that is once again put into the limelight in Tod’s women’s FW23 collection, designed by Creative Director Walter Chiapponi and presented at Pirelli HangarBicocca – home to a non-profit organization in Milan. The collection resonates with the demands of the modern-day woman. The central idea? A refined and contemporary elegance combined with a strong sense of identity. This winter wardrobe reveals classic and timeless pieces featuring clean lines and a monochromatic color palette – a combination of soft caramels, browns and creams with black and white pinstripes. Natural fabrics and precious leather add a dash of softness and sensuality. Knit dresses hug the body while polos star in countless looks. Masculine features transform into sophisticated femininity. A slight playfulness with proportions, and iconic details together with functional elements make up elegant silhouettes with a hint of practicality. Shoulders stick out while the waist is accentuated. Hourglass leather dresses walk down the runway, skirts come in all types of lengths and pockets become a refreshing feature. Not failing to carry on the Tod’s legacy of traditional Italian craftsmanship are the collection’s accessories. The iconic Di Bag can be taken apart while the T Case is soft to the touch. In Tod’s world: functionality, structure, style and elegance are not mutually exclusive.
www.tods.com
Fashion
MFW - Emporio Armani FW23
Emporio Armani brought an air of humor to the FW23 fashion show in Milan. The backdrop of the catwalk was a throwback photo of model Noemi Ditzler, setting the stage for the timeless collection. Models carried looks inspired by old Elizabethan theater, with dazzling smiles that put a subtly ironic twist on Armani’s classical elegance. The collection draws a joyful inspiration from stage costumes, met with everyday wearability that can carry one from day to evening. This was represented in the clothing from asymmetrical jackets, pin-tucked trousers and breeches, to accessories such as miniature hats, shirt collars as necklaces, and grosgrain straps. The characteristic fluidity between masculine and feminine seen in Armani’s designs did not fall short. The styling brought together precise and sophisticated silhouettes featuring tailored jackets accentuating sharp shoulders and bodice belts to define waistlines, with youthful short hems and flowing trousers. Black, white, and gray dominated the runway, but dramatic and playful flares of magenta and graphic patterns provided radiance. Layers of texture and volume brought the drama of the theater to the runway. Embossed velvet, mohair and faux fur effortlessly met with silk, canvas, and sequins. Armani consistently suggests clothes that bring out the person, bridging the attitude of the catwalk with the drama of the theater to introduce an unusual and ironic take on classicism.
www.armani.com
Fashion
NEW YORK - Michael Kors Collection FW23
Fashion has the ability to capture the current zeitgeist, maybe better than any other creative discipline. Despite being able to spark desires in the here and now, the fashion industry has never failed to pay homage to those who came before. And each decade has its own icons, whether it is certain places, ground-breaking designers, or tastemakers, whose impact still reverberates decades after. With the new FW23 collection presented in New York’s Greenwich Village, Michael Kors celebrates these forever icons, whom he calls his influencers, who have left a lasting impression on his work, highlighting timeless glamor whilst at the same time paying homage to the rule-breaking spirit which has defined Greenwich Village for decades. To put it in Michael Kors’ own words, “I was really thinking about the things that influenced me when I was coming of age in the 70s, the women who influenced me, the neighborhood that influenced me, and the combination of big city glamor and bohemia that I found in Greenwich Village at the time.” Throughout the collection, we can see Kors play with proportions, interlacing sweeping coats and dramatic capes with leggy dresses, skirts and shorts whilst also using clever slashes and slits to frame the body. With this collection, Michael Kors plays to its own strengths with the designs, defined by clean lines, having a familiar feel whilst keeping us on edge with modernizations in terms of detailing and materials.
www.michaelkors.com
Fashion
White Canvas: LV Trainer in Residence
Over the past decades, the sneaker has undoubtedly become a must-have item in all our wardrobes to the point where a brand like Louis Vuitton would feel incomplete without sneakers in their collections. With this in mind, the former Artistic Director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, designed the ultimate luxury sneaker. The LV Trainer, first unveiled for SS19 and an instant icon in the sneaker community, is fusing the authentic codes of basketball shoes with the iconography and savoir-faire of the Maison with each pair requiring no less than seven hours of manufacturing. Now, this special sneaker is becoming the foundation for Louis Vuitton’s newest project, the White Canvas: LV Trainer in Residence exhibition. The idea for this exhibition goes back to the late Virgil Abloh who saw the LV Trainer as a perfect canvas for artistic collaborations. For the first instalment of this recurring artistic exchange program, the French Maison is partnering up with three artists shaped by the 80s New York underground scene, Lady Pink, Lee Quiñones and the Estate of Rammellzee, who each put forward their own unique spin on the iconic LV Trainer. It’s an embodiment of Louis Vuitton’s ongoing fostering of free expression and creative conversations bridging the gap between diverse domains of knowledge and genres. Lady Pink was born in Ecuador and was a leading figure in the rise of graffiti-based art which made her a cult figure in the hip-hop community. Lee Quiñones was born in Puerto Rico and was pivotal in bringing street art above ground and Rammellzee rose to fame through the rich expression of his artworks across multiple disciplines. Exhibited in Garage Traversi in Milan, the centerpiece of the exhibition will be the three original hand-painted sneaker adaptations. But Louis Vuitton created an overall experience which allows the visitors to immerse themselves within the context of the works through multimedia installations charting the collaborations. Aside from being a display of the works, the exhibition will also act as an exclusive point of sale for commercialized versions of each collaboration made available in limited quantities.
The Louis Vuitton White Canvas: LV Trainer in Residence exhibition will be open to the public from February 24th until March 16th at Garage Traversi in Milan.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
The Art of Genius
Every industry has its own calendar, its own rhythms which determine the course of the year. Fashion is by no means an exception and functions by its two-season model with luxury houses presenting their new collections twice a year. But more and more are moving away from this traditional modus operandi. In this spirit, Moncler launched Moncler Genius in 2018 as a continuous flow of newness. Another core principle behind Moncler Genius was the power of collaboration. Over the past five years, Moncler has relentlessly amplified the concept, engaging in collaboration with some of the world’s greatest creative minds in the industry providing innovative ways of curating, communicating and sharing creativity with the world, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist and continuous evolution embedded in its DNA. This platform is now taking the next step forward, going beyond fashion and exploring the boundaries of creation at the intersections of art, design, entertainment, music, sport and culture. To introduce this year’s roster of co-creators, Moncler presents The Art of Genius. This event, a live show on a grand scale, features some of the world’s premier creators from various industries who present their creative visions bridging different formats and disciplines.
The Art of Genius will take place on February 20th and will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a world of creativity with all its beauty and emotional power.
www.moncler.com
Fashion
COS x YEBOAH
COS was founded with the concept of offering its customers a more minimalist, uncomplicated wardrobe, less trend-oriented, modern pieces taking inspiration from the effortless and nonchalant Nordic lifestyle and aesthetic sensibilities. With the launch of its newest global collaboration entitled Metamorphosis, COS signals first hints towards a new direction. For this newest 40-piece collection, COS partners up with London-based brand Yeboah, founded by Reece Yeboah and presents a blend of elevated wardrobe staples and street-luxe garments with an interchanging color palette of dark tones accentuated with eye-catching yellow. It is a coming together of two brand’s creative languages, a masterful blend of functionality and style enriching COS with new creative impulses. Unveiled in an experiential presentation in a unique London venue. There the guests were immersed in a striking light presentation, kaleidoscopic patterns taking guests on a journey of metamorphosis inspired by butterflies. Additionally, it was James Messiah who created a bespoke soundscape for the presentation whilst also performing a live spoken word pieces reflective of the overall narrative for the evening.
The new COS x YEBOAH collection will be available from February, 1st, 2023.
www.cos.com
www.yeboahonline.com
Fashion
Hublot BIG BANG ZERMATT
A shared sense of “Swissness” is something that has united the watchmaker Hublot with the Alpine resort Zermatt since their first collaboration in 2017. Located just at the foot of the Matterhorn, a behemoth of nature, the village of Zermatt has drawn in visitors since the mid 19th century, for its proximity to the iconic Swiss site, as well as its uniquely Alpine charm – winding alleys and old-fashioned brown chalets.
A Swiss brand at heart, Hublot has long cherished its connection to the region and its unique ability to draw ties with the culture and landscape. Setting up one of its most traditional boutiques at the center of the resort, Hublot took care to design its flagship such that it complemented the surrounding traditional architecture of the town.
The new BIG BANG ZERMATT is another ode to the bond between the brand and the resort town, combining integral elements of Swiss tradition with modern watchmaking. The timepiece also derives inspiration from the Matterhorn itself, playing with materials and light in order to mimic the changing faces of the vast mountain. The watch comes in two editions: the men’s model and the women’s model, both supplied in a steel case and with unique detailing. Both are powered by a self-winding chronograph. The colors, slate gray and snow white, imitate the surrounding environment of the namesake village of Zermatt. HZ
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Paul Smith at Paris Fashion Week
Debuting in Paris, inside the American Cathedral, Paul Smith’s FW23 Collection is a true testament to the designer’s past. As ever, designer Paul Smith has stayed unfalteringly loyal to the integrity of his craft, with each new collection a reflection of a high caliber of tailoring and fabrics.
This season, Smith took a new approach to the art of tailoring. A contemporary take, including more modern items such as the puffer jacket, a crew neck vest in place of a waistcoat, or simply oversized everything, gave the collection a distinctly 2023 feel. A looser narrative structure defined Smith’s vision for this collection, leaving more space to explore different avenues. One such avenue of inspiration was the modernist movement, from which evolved many of the collection’s silhouettes, defined by sharp, geometric lines.
Paul Smith carried some of his signature motifs into this new line. His penchant for bold and saturated color, evident in the vibrant cobalt blue and bright candy pink, plays out against a backdrop of more somber autumnal colors – the whites, beiges, browns and blacks that form the basis of the collection. Smith’s vivid graphics ripple across the clothing as well, for example in the Big Floral or the Signature Stripe, a fun and youthful juxtaposition to the tweed, houndstooth and bouclés of the collection. HZ
www.paulsmith.com
Fashion
Celestial Bodies
Long, thin, elegant shadows swept anti-clockwise around the circular room in the grand finale to the Saint Laurent Men’s FW23 show. Accompanied by a tense musical score emanating from a grand piano, the entire experience created an air of intrigue and mystery, not least owing to the inordinately elegant looks being presented, but also to the room itself. On the eve of Tuesday, the 17th of January 2023, Saint Laurent laid claim to the rotunda room of the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection. Reimagined by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando in a project spanning three years, the architectural elements he introduced to the centuries-old building were envisioned to act as a dialogue between the old and the new. Such was especially the vision behind the rotunda room, whose modern-concrete-cylinder lower half meets together with a magnificent fresco cupola.
Somewhere between the past and the present, Saint Laurent joined this dialogue with a statement of timelessness of its own. The collection, elegant to a fault, represented Saint Laurent’s progressive vision of genderless clothing. “I really want them to be almost one person,” said Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello. “So women could be the men, and the men could be the women. No difference. I want more and more to put them at the same level. No distinction.” In this spirit, the FW23 “menswear” collection seemed to cater much more to entities than genders, through uniformly long and svelte silhouettes. As they cascaded along the runway, the models of Saint Laurent seemed to be floating more so than walking; blending in rather more with the angelic figures on the celestial ceiling above them than the mere mortals watching from below. HZ
www.ysl.com
Fashion
FENDI FOR THE FALL
FENDI unveiled its newest, and perhaps coolest, collection to date. The surrounding setting complemented the free-spirited ethos of the collection, the interior taking on the form of a giant roller disco pinball machine. Elements of nostalgia permeated the collection and show, with a distinct nod to archetypal 1970s disco styles. Especially the one-shouldered neckline was a motif that ran throughout, apparently inspired by Silvia Venturini Fendi’s enthusiasm for one-shoulder styles while partying at Studio 54 in the 1980s. The detailing served as a touch of thrill in a collection that otherwise emphasized comfort and luxury. Shades of dove grey, oatmeal, burnt umber, mocha, mauve, lavender, deep navy and black create a feeling of understated elegance. Swaddled in cashmere, engineered leathers or jacquard silks, the models of FENDI exuded sophistication above all. Accessories added to this effect, infusing the rest of the more sober-colored collection with a touch of playful glamor. Bags stood out as a particular highlight amongst the accessories collection – the Peekaboo, the Baguette and the new hobo satchel were particular stand-outs. Suave, sexy, cool. The new FENDI Men’s FW23 Collection designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi is a testament to the simultaneity of elegance and opulence that emanates from each new FENDI collection. HZ
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Finding Balance
“Balance of life”, Brioni’s FW23 Collection, is a testament to the ethos of the brand – the creation of stylish, timeless, high-quality pieces. As the name suggests, the collection and accompanying campaign does exude an acute sense of serenity. One contributing factor in this most definitely the color palette of muted brown, grey and cream tones. Especially accented throughout the collection are the shades of turquoise and tobacco. An emphasis is placed on the guiding principles of subtlety and intimacy, as is by now a deeply entrenched philosophy at the Maison of Brioni. A stark contrast to the brash loudness to much of the outside world and fashion industry, the brand stands like a quiet and steady sanctuary, like a place of solace and subtlety. Not just the men are lucky enough to be graced with new looks this season however, the women’s capsule collection “La Donna” has also been extended to include eight more full looks. Like the men’s collection, the women’s looks are distinguished by an exquisite attention to tailoring and fabrics. Brioni brings balance through its personal process of taking the time and care to bring a piece to life, using only the finest handcraft to allow the elements of the clothing to shine through. In this process, it also allows the wearer to shine through, more so than the item they are wearing. The soft material and tailoring of the garments allows for more fluid movement in the wearer, creating ease of movement and thereby a balance between the inner and the outer. HZ
www.brioni.com
Fashion
Golden Sunshine
“My wine overbrims a whole summer;
My bowl is the sky,
And I drink at my eye,
Till I feel in the brain
A Delphian pain -
Then follow, my Caius! then follow:
On the green of the hill
We will drink our fill
Of golden sunshine,
Till our brains intertwine
With the glory and grace of Apollo!”
- John Keats (1818)
Written shortly before his death, Keats wrote this poem as an appeal to Apollo, the Sun God. Drinking up the golden sunshine – the glory of Apollo – with his eyes, he remains, until the pain becomes un-withstandable.
If only Keats had had the adaptable pantoscopic lenses, anti-fog technology and sleek metal accents, all offered within the LV 4MOTION sunglasses! A Maison-favorite, the model equips its wearer to drink in the sunshine while looking chic and sporty. With their universal fit, the shades are expected to be an essential statement accessory on the runway for the Spring/Summer 2023 "Rainbow Playground" men's wear collection. The LV 4MOTION sunglasses will be available in store starting February 2023. HZ
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Memories of Beauty
Prada’s “Memories of Beauty” campaign for the Lunar New Year 2023 features some of the most familiar faces of Chinese youth pop culture today. Singer, songwriter and rapper Cai Xukun (better known as KUN) graces the campaign, alongside actress Li Chunxia, actor Bai Yufan and model and actress Du Juan. The campaign is shot by Nick Yang, the Shanghai-native emerging photographer with a special eye for intimate images. His work is often characterized as sensitive, perceptive; a poetic take on the fashion industry. His images, playing on deep shadows and tight framing, take on a cinematic quality that echo the sensual and surreal aspects of everyday life.
The campaign looks not only to the stars themselves, but also to the everyday objects that bear witness to specific moments from their respective pasts. These tangible items – a vinyl player, a telephone, a flower pot, a camera – pay tribute to the individual’s story. The collection of images thus takes care to balance past, present and future, looking to tokens of the past while preparing for the year ahead. The campaign is extended onto a social media project that invites WeChat users to create their own personal time capsule. The new ready-to-wear collection is available from January 2023 online and in selected Prada stores. HZ
www.prada.com
Fashion
Rudolph on the Rondelle
What is Christmas? To some, it’s going home for the holidays, hugging family, meeting old school friends over a piping hot cup of mulled wine. To some, it’s big sweaters, fuzzy socks, Christmas baking, snuggling up in front of a fire (if you’re lucky enough to have one – the rest of us just pull up a convincing YouTube clip of a fire on the TV). Dinner parties, Christmas gifts lining the trees, arguing with relatives over the dinner table. To some, it’s just another Christian holiday. For those who celebrate it however, Christmas is undeniably an exceptional time of year. To mark the occasion of Christmas, the jewelry brand Dodo announces a remake of its Rondelle bracelet, in a new version made up of 9 karat rose gold, which can be personalized with the edition of an adorable Rudolph pendant, or individual letter pendants that together matter-of-factly spell out ‘XMAS’. It’s a chance to prolong the special occasion, to treasure the homely and cheerful memories of Christmas time.
www.dodo.it
Fashion
Welcome to The Party
“People were not invited – they went there… Sometimes they came and went without having met Gatsby at all, came for the party with a simplicity of heart that was its own ticket of admission.”
With the onset of the holiday season, Valentino introduces its new “The Party Collection 2022”. The collection of ready-to-wear garments and Valentino Garavani accessories are an explosion of light and color. Vibrant emeralds, purples and yellows lay the foundation of the collection, with bold gold, rhinestone and sequins acting as splashy details on an all-around splashy selection.
The campaign emulates the kind of house party most can only dream of attending at some point in their life. Glamorous, Gatsby-esque figures draped in beautiful sparkling attire indulge in the joy of the moment and the company of friends. The collection, dedicated entirely to the art of merrymaking, comes at a historical time at which people all over the world have real cause to celebrate: the first holiday season after nearly two years inside.
A series of six short films shows a group of friends gearing up for the big festivities; blowing up balloons, unveiling the cake, singing karaoke and so on. A sense of joy, extravagance and coming together is what defines this collection – an invitation to party like Gatsby, swathed in the latest and greatest of Valentino.
The Party Collection 2022 will be available in Valentino’s boutiques, as well as on Valentino.com, until the close of the holiday season. HZ
www.valentino.com
Fashion
C.P. Company x Palace Skateboards
Palace Skateboards was born in 2009 out of London’s South Bank, an area known for its vibrant skate and art culture. By now a seasoned collaborator, the brand has often been applauded for breathing fresh wind into the oftentimes stiff and serious world of high fashion. With its wit and youthful energy, it reflects the zeitgeist of modern skate culture and the South Bank that it hails from.
C.P. Company, “the Original Italian Sportswear Brand,” has, since 1971, been an industry leader in the creation of functional menswear. Like Palace, C.P. Company’s founder, Massimo Osti, took subtly non-conformist approaches to the business of fashion. Among the first to develop the technique of garment dyeing, C.P. Company is a pioneer in fabric innovation.
For the first time, C.P. Company and Palace have joined forces to create an exclusive collaboration, remixing the former’s technical expertise and sportswear legacy with the latter’s youthful, tongue-in-cheek attitude. The result is a collection that brings together staples of both brands, such as the C.P. company’s revered duffle coat and Palace’s bomber jackets and sweatpants, saturated in colorful palettes and playful overtones.
The collection will be available online on C.P. Company and Palace official websites and official flagship stores worldwide from December 16th, 2022. HZ
www.palaceskateboards.com
Fashion
BOSS X KHABY
Khabane “Khaby” Lame, aged 22, has done the unthinkable: in an era where near-everything revolves around social media, and all social media tries to be Tiktok, Lame has conquered the behemoth. The clips that created his enormous fame (with over a proud 150 million followers on Tiktok) were refreshingly simple, a sarcastic answer to overly complicated DIY-hack videos that dominate certain corners of the platform. His worldwide appeal lies, ironically, in his silence. Relying on facial expressions, body language and pure comedic timing, he is able to resonate with audiences across the world using the one universal language in everybody’s arsenal.
As the by now most-followed person on Tiktok, Khaby has certainly received his fair share of attention, both from everyday people and brands. The new BOSS x Khaby collection is dedicated to his worldwide community of fans, a limited edition time-capsule infused with Khaby’s own personal brand of fun and playfulness. BOSS’ signature B-monogram pattern in black is placed, alongside the collection’s logo of Khaby’s likeness, against a colorful ombre background for this new collection, appearing on a versatile range of pieces including a tracksuit, hoodie, belt bag, and phone case. The new BOSS of Tiktok thus lends his inimitable wit and personality to the BOSS brand. HZ
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Breitling x Deus Ex Machina unveil new Top Time in Limited Edition
Dating back to 1884, the Swiss brand Breitling SA has long championed the art of watchmaking. A favorite of anyone from Jerry Seinfeld (who wore either a Breitling Navitimer or Chronomat in nearly every episode of Seinfeld) to Sean Connery as James Bond (who is given a Breitling Top Time with a geiger counter in Thunderball to track down two stolen nuclear warheads), the Breitling watch is a timeless favorite.
The Breitling “Top Time” watch was first developed in 1965, designed to offer a more dynamic and contemporary feel to the chronographs that had been at the center of the brand’s watchmaking. In a second collaboration with the Australian motorbike and surf apparel brand, the Top Time is reinvented as a watch designed for the modern adventurer. “Deus Ex Machina” derives from Latin, meaning literally “god from the machine,” and is used to denote persons or things that bring order out of chaos. Casual, robust, and stylish, like its wearer, the Top Time does just that, bringing order into the open-road adventure it was designed for. The color scheme is new, yet the underlying details are the same. Limited to only 2000 pieces, each Top Time Deus is delivered together with a travel bag produced out of fine linen. The Breitling x Deus collaboration extends on to an entire clothing and accessories line, to be found in six of Breitling’s flagship stores worldwide. HZ
www.breitling.com
Fashion
Cartier opens new Amsterdam Boutique
For almost 45 years, Cartier has been charming all the residents and visitors of Amsterdam connecting to the city through its incredible designs and savoir-faire in an unforgettable manner. Since 1994, the Maison’s main boutique has been located in the Dutch capital's most prestigious shopping street, the P.C. Hooftstraat. After all these years, Cartier was proud to announce the opening of their new boutique, remaining on the same street just a few doors down at P.C. Hooftstraat 129. As Valérie Ahner-Boudier, Managing Director of Cartier Benelux & Nordics, puts it, “The new boutique will be an open window to timeless design, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship. A perfect reflection of Cartier’s distinctive blend of tradition and innovation.” It marks a new chapter for Cartier in Amsterdam. The design of the new store was headed by Studio Parisien and inspired and supported by local Dutch talents. Throughout the store, one can find hints reminiscent of the rich Dutch heritage, its world-renowned painters the Dutch Masters, the innovative design language such as De Stijl and the various local characteristics that define the city. A perfect embodiment of this is the playful and welcoming ceramic façade designed by Amsterdam-based artist Eva Crebolder who took inspiration from the imperfections of Amsterdam’s canal houses. In addition to this, all the ceramic pieces were created in the world’s oldest operating tile factory, the Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum. Stretching over multiple floors, the new boutique offers clients a complete offering of the Maison in an environment that isn’t solely aesthetic but also meets the highest ecological standards as directed by the globally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.
The new Cartier Boutique is located at P.C. Hooftstraat 129 in Amsterdam.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
A quiet retreat
December, 2022. FENDI unveils its new store in Düsseldorf, located in the Königsallee. The two-storey boutique stretches out over 460 square meters, creating a spacious and airy interior feeling. Wide windows, marble floors, and FENDI’s characteristic arched LED lights tie in to this feeling of space and quiet comfort, with plush seating and lush plants forming elegant centerpieces to the rooms. The store is imbued throughout with a soft color palette and smooth materials – ivories and pinks, champagne metal shelves and silky green backdrops – that adds to the serenity of the space. FENDI handbags, clothes, and shoes line the smooth metal shelves.
The entire upstairs area is dedicated to FENDI’s ready-to-wear collections, and is a visual continuation of the airy elegance of the ground floor, using alternating elements of Arabescato Vagli marble and gold to complete the picture. The highlight of the store design resides on the first floor – a floating mirrored glass walkway that connects the glass elevator with the rest of the first floor. The intimate VIP area is a quiet retreat: with azul metal walls, a light blue marble floor and ivory velvet curtains, it brings the customer into an even deeper state of peace and meditativeness.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Dior's Winter Wonderland
Enter into a dream at the Dior Exhibition at Harrods this winter. A display of childlike wonder awaits visitors. The miniature dollhouses are not only tiny reproductions of iconic Dior sites, such as via 30 Montaigne or the Château de La Colle Noire, but are also made entirely from gingerbread and biscuit. An incredible eye for detail accompanies the entire exhibition, with golden lights and arabesques carved into the surface of the confectionery walls, adding to the fairytale scenography.
Walking through the exhibition takes you on a dreamlike sequence through the history of Dior. Tiny silhouettes of iconic Dior designs peek out within and alongside gingerbread replicas of Dior’s most loved houses, and gingerbread men feature as tiny employees hard at work in the Dior ateliers. White lights made to look like falling snowflakes dance on the surface of the little houses. A gingerbread Christian Dior sits at his desk smiling over his designs. Faces on flowers, as if in a scene from the Nutcracker, skate around in the gardens of La Colle Noire.
The Fabulous World of Dior is a fairytale escapade from beginning to end that calls out to the inner child, whilst taking one on a journey through the heritage and inspirations of the House of Dior. HZ
www.thefabulousworldofdior.com
Fashion
LOUIS VUITTON WATCH PRIZE FOR INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
A watch is a moving construction, the coming together of a puzzle of hundreds of small parts to form a whole. The watchmaker is a true craftsman, a creative who dares to build and deconstruct this puzzle time and again paying utmost attention to every little detail. It is a time-honored craft, but as Jean Arnault, Director of Watches at Louis Vuitton, puts it, “watchmaking is not a dormant industry, it is not inaccessible. Young generations of watch enthusiasts are passionate and want to see new innovations on the market.” For this reason, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton is pleased to announce the establishment of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, to be awarded on a biennial basis. This initiative is a celebration of the creative talent, savoir-faire and audacity of the independent watchmaking industry, supporting and recognizing the bold visions and independent thinking of all those who are challenging the present and defying the boundaries of time. Open to all, watchmakers, designers, entrepreneurs, recent graduates and creatives from all around the world can submit their projects from the beginning of 2023 through the end of 2023. The same year, a commission of international and independent experts will short-list 20 semi-finalists before narrowing it down further to five finalists based on the criteria of design, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship and technical complexity. Out of these five finalists, the emerging winner will receive a grant, as well as a one-year mentorship by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton tailored to the needs of their creative project. As part of this programme, the winner will be supported in multiple aspects, ranging from corporate legal aspects to communication and marketing.
www.louisvuittonwatchprize.com
Fashion
Italian hospitality
In time for the new year, Valentino unveils its plans for a new store concept. With an interior design that brings together elements of 1930s Art Deco with a bold 1970s aesthetic, the resulting atmosphere strikes a refined yet eclectic balance. Marble floors with geometric motifs and elements of onyx and wood create an air of refinement throughout the store. Textile walls in muted tones pay tribute to the tailoring busts used in haute couture. In order to produce unique objects to ornament the spaces, the Maison brought in specialist craftsmen – the result: an array of handmade ceramic door handles, decorative geometric compositions in brass, delicate chandeliers, Camaleonda sofas, and more.
The new design story places the central focus on the client and the customer journey. In line with its Italian heritage, the brand sets out to create a feeling of welcoming and hospitality throughout its line of stores. Each store is subtly enhanced with details connected to the local culture. The space is designed to create a sense of intimacy with the customer, to aid Valentino in its increasingly “human-centric” approach to business. The Maison has begun the redesign of its global locations in November 2022, with a few flagship stores such as in Jeddah, Madrid, Venice and Shanghai. It plans to roll out its new boutique designs in New York and Paris by springtime of next year. HZ
www.valentino.com
Fashion
A timeless timepiece
A collaboration between MR PORTER and IWC Schaffhausen has resulted in the Big Pilot’s Watch 32 MR PORTER EDITION 1. This special edition watch features a reduced 43mm bronze case, titanium case back, and black dial with gold-plated hands. The idea of the Big Pilot Watch 43 model is to mimic the style of an easily readable cock-pit instrument. It was specially chosen as the limited-edition timepiece for its simplistic yet sophisticated dial design, which creates “an amazing presence on the wrist with excellent wearing comfort.” The limited edition model – with only 500 pieces globally – is made further unique by the bronze case and crown. Through the process of oxidization, each individual piece develops its own patina over time – a green or brown film that arises on the surface of bronze materials. This bronze material also contains aluminum and iron, thus making the alloy used for the watch about 50% harder than standard bronze. The watch furthermore features IWC-manufactured 82100 caliber to automate the movement of the hands, a highly efficient self-winding system developed in the 1950s by IWC’s then technical director Albert Pellaton. “A unique take on an iconic collection,” the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 MR PORTER EDITION 1 is available from now until February 2023 exclusively on the MR PORTER website. Afterward, it will also be available for purchase in IWC Schaffhausen boutiques.
www.iwc.com
Fashion
A partnership of perfectionism
A new partnership between Italian fashion house Herno and Catalan sports behemoth FC Barcelona marks the beginning of a new era for both companies. For the first time in its history, the women’s and men’s football and basketball teams of FC Barcelona will all be attired by the same design house. Despite coming from very different industries, the two houses have one key commonality - the aspiration to excellence in their respective fields.
Founded on the banks of the Lago Maggiore over seventy years ago, the brand Herno has distinguished itself as a fashion house par excellence in creating high-quality, innovative designs while staying true to its long-standing Italian sartorial traditions. In the context of this new collaboration, Herno has commented that it looks forward to the challenge of “dressing players of very different physicalities,” in pursuit of making everyone “feel comfortable and well dressed” in their off-field appearances. Aided by its investments in research and design innovation, the Italian heritage label seeks to pioneer the industry in unifying style, functionality and technology. In this sense, the brand represents a good fit to one of the most beloved sports clubs in the world. Boasting over 140,000 members and hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, the club known as “more than a club” holds the eyes of the world. Coming January and through the next three seasons of 2024/25, so too will FC Barcelona’s official partner Herno. HZ
www.herno.com
Fashion
DIOR Maison Cruise 2023
Vibrant greens, reds and yellows in intricate ornamental patterns adorn the new Andalusian-inspired dinnerware collection by Dior Maison, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s first ever female creative director. Much like the women’s fashion line of the same name, the earthenware collection brings to mind the vitality of the southern Spanish peninsula. The attention to ceramic craftsmanship, bold colors and ornate motifs all closely mirror their significance in the Andalusian culture of pottery and ceramics. The Dior Cruise 2023 show, presented in Seville, heavily drew inspiration from flamenco and was especially an ode to Carmen Amaya, or ‘La Capitana’, the revered Spanish flamenco dancer. Aside from the design choices that serves as direct nods to cuts and fashions from the region, the venue, production and line itself also featured heavy elements of the rich and diverse blend of different cultures characteristic of the region, where Muslim, Gypsy, Christian and Jewish cultures met. This blended heritage is beautifully reflected in both collections. The strikingly rich colors of the ornaments evoke the intensity and passion of flamenco, while the intricacy and detailing of the patterns recall Arabic influences, as seen on the vaulted ceilings of the Alhambra or in the palaces of Seville. A “festive ode” (in Dior’s own words) to the art of entertaining, the Cruise 2023 line brings more than just dinnerware, but also the energy and spirit of Andalusia, to the table. HZ
www.dior.com
Fashion
Dior Maison: La Colle Noire Collection
At the Château de la Colle Noire the French couturier Christian Dior found a place to enjoy a sunny and peaceful interlude, symbolizing French art de Vivre. The tranquil Provencal haven in Montauroux surrounded him with a mesmerizing and inspiring atmosphere evoked by century-old trees and the subtle fragrance of rare flowers.
Now, Dior Maison introduces a vibrantly hued collection, which revolves around the Maison’s founder’s love and passion for nature and botany, thus picking up the name of the magical château. The flowers of the extraordinary garden, including lilacs, lilies, roses, carnations, tulips, and papavers are referenced in delicate and beautiful sketches which adorn dinner and dessert plates, mouth-blown glass decanters, hand-painted glasses as well as napkins and embroidered placemats. The glasses are labeled with the plant’s names in romantical cursive handwriting and feature, depending on the flower, a colorful edge. This color scheme is continued on the napkins, which show an embroidery of a flower in its respective color. Beyond these exceptional items, colored glass candle holders round off this botanical collection. Crafted in Italy thanks to virtuoso savoir-faire, they offer an enchanting and surprising finishing touch. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
ARTYCAPUCINES CHAPTER 4
It has long been established that fashion and the fine arts are intrinsically linked and connected. Fine arts are not only an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the various luxury houses’ designers, but through collaboration, fashion’s creations can also become a blank canvas for artists to bring their visions to life within a three-dimensional object. In this spirit, the French Maison Louis Vuitton has started Artycapucines, bringing together the stunning creativity of chosen artists with the unparalleled savoir-faire of its masterful artisans. The starting point is Louis Vuitton’s timeless and feminine classic, the Capucines bag, named after the Rue Neuves-des-Capucines, where the Maison’s founder Louis Vuitton opened his first store in 1854. For the fourth chapter of this special collaboration, Louis Vuitton partnered up with six global artists, Daniel Buren, Kennedy Yanko, Park Seo-Bo, Amélie Bertrand, Peter Marino and Ugo Rondinone, who have all brought their unique visions to the bag. Daniel Buren’s Capucines features a trompe-l’oeil design with his trademark stripes in white and black; Kennedy Yanko’s interpretation of the bag is constructed of 3D-printed leather defined by its hand-applied metallic patina and Park Seo-Bo recreates one of his signature Écritures paintings on the textured and embellished calfskin. Amélie Bertrand in turn hand-sprayed her vision resulting in a bag in shifting colors and phosphorescence, whereas Peter Marino’s variation is a powerful all-black and studded creation featuring an exclusive clasp. The last of the six artists, Udo Rondinone created a harlequin-style bag, delightfully playful and colorful due to its over 14,000 hand-stitched beads. The resulting bags are creating veritable contemporary artworks, as diverse as the artists themselves. Highly limited to 200 per artist, the bags will be presented in their own specially designed gift boxes. Artycapucines bears witness to Louis Vuitton’s desire to put its innovative spirit and artisanal expertise to the service of artists and their creativity.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
A-COLD-WALL* x Eastpak
A-COLD-WALL* and Eastpak teamed up for the first time to create a new collaborative collection. United by their vision of freedom of movement, they are releasing three pieces in iconic Eastpak shapes reimagined with A-COLD-WALL*’s signature look. They thus combine complex materials with an unmistakably crafted feel. Beyond that, bold colors and experimental techniques define the designs. Reflected elements embellish the unique pieces, which thus fit perfectly to the urban adventurer.
Part of the collection is the ACW Padded, distinguished by the shape of the iconic Padded Pak’r. Clashing materials, colors, and prints, it is composed of dual front zippered panels, contrasting trims, and co-branded logos.
Another piece included in the collection is the ACW Orbit, shaped as the classic compact daypack. The look is reminiscent of A-COLD-WALL*’s unique take on British streetwear as it juxtaposes the organic shape with asymmetrical forms, extra-long coated zipper pullers, and functional jacquard webbing. Furthermore, the collection features the ACW One, a mini shoulder bag that incorporates the same contrasting jacquard webbing, elongated zipper pullers, and reflective components as the above-mentioned model. Zippered front stash pockets round off the design, which is available in black and gray.
Designed to get you through the challenges of city life, these items connect style with functionality. JW
www.eastpak.com
www.a-cold-wall.com
Fashion
Colmar presents pink skiwear
Colmar heralds the ski season with an astonishing Fall Winter 2022/ 2023 collection, revolving around the motto Pretty in Pink. Skiwear has a long tradition within the renowned fashion and lifestyle brand, which provides Winter athletes with wonderful skiwear since the 1930s.
This season Colmar introduces an outstanding ski suit in a light pink color. The quilted jacket is made out of ripstop fabric and is distinguished by its water-resistant materials. Thus, it can withstand any weather conditions and brings you dryly to the end of the ski slopes even in snow and rain. A special touch is given by the logo details on the jacket’s sleeves, significant to Colmar. The beautifully crafted jacket can be worn combined with matching pants, which mirrors its soft color and water resistance. Together, the light-colored set brings joy to the mountains and defies any winter weather, no matter how gray.
Both of the products, the jackets as well as the pants, are part of the Colmar Green Path Projects, which focuses on sustainable production for an environmentally conscious future. Thus, the brand takes an important step, while offering an elegant, unique and functional ski suit. JW
www.colmar.com
Fashion
Loro Piana participates in Les Journées Particulières
Just a couple of weeks after Milan Fashion Week, Loro Piana draws once again attention to the fashionable city as it will participate in the fifth edition of Les Journées Particulières. The event is an initiative of the LVMH Group, which thus offers a rare opportunity to look into the outstanding artisanal heritage that characterizes the LVMH Group design houses. First introduced in 2011, Les Journées Particulières provide a unique experience, giving visitors a better understanding of the brand’s exceptional savoir-faire.
96 locations in 15 countries will be participating in the event this year, including museums, wineries, private residences, shops, and studios. Among them is also the Palazzo Cortile della Seta in Milan, where Loro Piana’s new headquarters are located. It is hence one of 19 locations in Italy, which will be involved in Les Journées Particulières. Putting an installation in the shape of an hourglass on display, Loro Piana will give visitors an extraordinary and comprehensive insight into the brand’s history. Photos, videos, archive documents as well as famous garments, exquisite fabrics, and fascinating source materials will take them on a unique journey behind the scenes of the LVMH Group and Loro Piana.
Les Journées Particulières will be open to the public from October 15th to 16th, 2022 at Palazzo Cortile della Seta. JW
www.lvmh.com
www.loropiana.com
Fashion
Hermès opens new flagship store in NYC
Parisian elegance meets New York dynamism at Hermès’ new flagship store at 706 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side. Testifying to the Maison’s love for New York City, this new address exudes its lively and creative spirit. In order to provide a spaciously sized and unique store, the Parisian architecture agency RDAI connected three existing buildings, one former bank building adjacent to townhouses. The interior of the several distinctive salons that form the store is inspired by New York’s Art Deco past, thus pure yet decidedly anti-minimal, linking angular geometry with curved manifestations. The now fully renovated premises stand out due to their carefully chosen materials and neutral color palette as some aspects, including a coffered ceiling, recall the history of the buildings. The highlight is an arresting stone staircase running all the way to the fourth floor, which is adorned with an astonishing artwork collection on its supporting wall.
On the floor ground, one can find fashion jewelry, the silk universe, perfume, and beauty as well as men’s silk, leather goods, and equestrian collections. The second-floor houses the men’s universe in a warm atmosphere which transitions into the comfortable aura of the women’s universe on the third floor. A moment to rest is offered by the bars on the third and fourth floor, which also lead to the enticing roof garden, a rare treasure in New York.
Various iconic Hermès designs have been revamped for this special occasion, including the American Quilt, celebrating this exciting opening. JW
www.hermès.com
Art
The Conservatorium Hotel and Van-Gogh-Museum create a culinary homage inspired by Gustav Klimt
To celebrate the upcoming exhibition Golden Boy Gustav Klimt of the Van-Gogh-Museum in Amsterdam, the museum partners up with the renowned Conservatorium Hotel. Amid the museum district of the Dutch capital, the hotel fits perfectly within the exhibition’s context of exploring Klimt’s life and body of work, including his inspirations. For this reason, Taiko Cuisine & Bar is going to serve a special three part culinary homage, dedicated to the famed artist and the exhibition. To honor Gustav Klimt through the culinary experience, bar chef Marios Ragkavis created a wonderful Gin-Cocktail with a tincture of gold, a color significant to Klimt’s art. Translated by toasted almond, passion fruit, bergamot, lime, and grapefruit, the Golden Treasure cocktail is a revelation of taste. This is followed by the main course, created by Hugo Engels, Executive Sous Chef of the Taiko. It consists of a black taiko-style bao bun painted with copper and gold tones, which is filled with umeboshi plum, duck, and sansho pepper, combined with a gold-trimmed Sichuan tree of life cookie and fresh edible flowers. The inspiration for this exceptional dish was offered by Klimt’s The Tree of Life. His painting Judith is referenced in pastry chef Maikel Vet’s dessert, as it mirrors the shapes and patterns, underlined by the elegant taste of almonds and chocolate, rounding off the menu. JW
www.vangoghmuseum.com
www.conservatoriumhotel.com
Fashion
Stella McCartney presents SS23 at the Centre Pompidou
During Paris Fashion Week, Stella McCartney presented the Spring Summer 2023 collection at the Centre Pompidou piazza in a democratic demonstration outdoors, a brand first. Mirroring the facade of the renowned museum, the catwalk was composed of colored paths which created a link between art and fashion. Art was furthermore incorporated into the collection, as it featured the work of the Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, who inspired the collection as a whole with his slogan “CHANGE THE HISTORY”. His illustrations of big-eyed girls, sinister children in animal costumes, and activist slogans can be found on various iconic pieces such as stretchy crinkle knit dresses, t-shirts, and bias-cut dresses. These unique items already give a taste of the upcoming unisex capsule of Stella McCartney in collaboration with Yoshitomo Nara.
In its minimalism and sensuality, the garments are characteristic of Stella McCartney, clashing the casual with the formal. Furthermore, it underlines the sustainable approach of the brand in using conscious materials and vegan alternatives to leather, protecting animal rights dear to Stella McCartney. Another highlight is the evening garments, including cut-out dresses, fluid tops, and asymmetric skirts, glamorous due to their crystal embellishments. These can also be found on the iconic Falabella clutch as well as on S-Wave party bags, which among other accessories round off the outstanding collection. JW
www.stellamccartney.com
Fashion
Dior SS23 revisits history
The French Maison Dior unveiled its new spring-summer 2023 ready-to-wear collection, designed by the creative director of Dior women’s lines Maria Grazia Chiuri, at Paris Fashion Week. To gather inspiration for the garments, the Italian fashion designer turned to the Dior archives, from which she took an image of a map of Paris featured on a scarf from the 1950s.
The designer was also influenced by Catherine de Medici, an Italian noblewoman who came to France in 1533. As she portrays the early relationship between women and power, Maria Garzia Chiuri was mesmerized by her political intelligence. Pioneering innovations in fashion such as heeled shoes and the corset, Catherine de Medici influenced the designs and silhouettes of Dior skirts. Beyond that, the collection also incorporates raffia coats, characterized by nature motifs. Set in a scenography designed by the artist Eva Jospin that reinvents Baroque grottos, the dancing and choreographic duo Irme and Marne van Opstal offered an astonishing performance. Striking a stunning balance between the beautiful and the disconcerting, they complemented the Dior fashion show and enhanced the presentation of the elegant garments of the spring-summer 2023 ready-to-wear collection. JW
www.dior.com
Fashion
Zinédine Zidane is the new face of Montblanc
Montblanc announced Zinédine Zidane as the new Mark Maker as well as the new face of the Montblanc Legend perfume, starting September 2022. As a world-renowned soccer player and coach Zidane has always done what appealed to him, thus being consonant with Monblanc’s philosophy of What Moves You Makes You. With the national team, the French player won the European championship and the World Cup. Beyond that, he also celebrated great successes with the clubs Juventus Turin and Real Madrid, not to mention his success as a coach.
He explains how he himself identifies with the brand and its values: “Montblanc is a house of culture and quality that emphasizes the importance of sharing ideas and thoughts through writing. A belief I share as someone who inherited the values and culture of my father and family, which I also try to pass on. Personally, I write in my notebook every day... I don't just hand out autographs!" Making Zidane the face of Montblanc Legend is the brand’s way to honor his achievements as a footballer and coach which rightfully earned him the title of legend. With his strong passion, his exceptional skills, and his strong determination he reflects the mindset of those who strive to write their personal legend by their own effort. JW
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
The Furla METROPOLIS REMIX dives into music
In the course of the Milan Fashion Week 2022, Furla launched the new METROPOLIS REMIX. This special bag is representing the newly established connection between the Italian brand and the world of music. It thereby also takes the position against the gender gap in music and fosters a more equitable opportunity for women in the music scene. To gain more attention for this current and relevant topic, Furla partnered up with She Is The Music, a non-profit organization founded by Alicia Keys in 2018, which pursues the goal to increase the number of women working in music, thus developing the next generation of women in music. For the organization to continue its educational programs, Furla has come up with a special donation campaign. During the Milan Fashion Week, customers directly supported She Is The Music by purchasing the METROPOLIS REMIX, as Furla has decided to donate the proceeds to the non-profit. Furthermore, the bag and the project was presented in a short fashion film, called Music of the Metropolis, featuring Kim Turnbull who talked about her career as a female DJ.
The design of the crossbody clutch made in Italy is defined by the soft calf leather and a bow shape, reminiscent of the Furla Metropolis. JW
www.furla.com
Fashion
Jimmy Choo extends its Varenne family
Jimmy Choo introduces the Varenne Avenue Collection for the coming season of Autumn 2022 as an extension of the beloved Varenne family. This new series of exceptional handbags exudes the spirit of the Jimmy Choo muse’s glamorous world and of the cosmopolitan cities in which they live as it embodies a dynamic lifestyle. The design is distinguished by the new matelassé pattern and adorned with statement gold hardware as well as the iconic JC monogram. Modern yet timeless in its sensory feel, the collection stands out due to its playful colors of pink, gold, burgundy, and black. Each of the pieces of the Varenne family is made in Italy, ensuring high quality and dedication to craftsmanship, significant to Jimmy Choo.
The collection includes a square quad, shoulder, and clutch with gold and leather chain strap as well as the pouch clutch and small leather goods. Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo concludes: “Our new Avenue quilting pattern lends a graphic depth and richness that animates our signature Varenne’s personality. The linear pattern draws inspiration from our urban habitat, the avenues we navigate daily dreaming with every step of arriving somewhere full of wonder.” JW
www.jimmychoo.com
Fashion
Eastpak x Denham
In an astonishing collaboration, Eastpak and Denham revamp Eastpak’s most iconic silhouettes, releasing them in contemporary denim style. The Amsterdam brand links its unique take on jeans with the function-first approach of the bag manufacturer, thus combining the pioneering spirits of both brands. A two-part collection emerged, stylish and intelligent, adapting to the wearer’s needs.
The first model is titled Padded Denham and depicts Denham’s version of the classic Eastpak Padded Pak’r backpack. It is distinguished by a modern patchwork of contrasting denim fabrics, adorned with traditional Sashiko embroidery, Japanese knotted zipper pullers, and other signature design elements. While the design undergoes an enhancement, the functionality remains as the backpack is equipped with multiple accessory pockets, a number of detachable pouches, and a detachable bottle holder. The Padded Kerr is based on the shape of the iconic Eastpak shopper and resembles the model mentioned above in its multifunctional aesthetic and Eastern-inspired design, implemented in the same denim patchwork. Both of these pieces, the Padded Denham and the Padded Kerr, are characterized by Denham’s unique style, reinforcing the functionality significant to Eastpak. JW
www.eastpak.com
www.denham.com
Fashion
The new JEANY icon bag by LIEBESKIND BERLIN
Continuing the exclusive “THE EDIT” collection, LIEBESKIND BERLIN introduces its new “JEANY” icon bag. Manufactured in a Tuscan factory and made of the finest Italian leather, the bag stands for high quality and craftsmanship. As the limited edition comes out twice a year, the brand decided to reinterpret one of its classics, which echoes the progression of the brand over the last 19 years, as Gina Condé, Creative Director of LIEBESKIND BERLIN explains.
The bag is available in two sizes, ranging from small to large, which come in different leathers. They are either fabricated in fine nubuck, modern crinkled patent leather, or natural Nappa leather. With great attention to detail, special touches have been added to the handmade bag, including the bonded leather lining in contrasting colors inside the bags, alternating between classic and bold colors. Furthermore, the different versions of the JEANY are embellished with a hand-turned leather handle and brass accessories, which define the overall look of the leather goods as it gives them a modern note. Combining Italian artisanry and the Berlin atmosphere in the brand’s spirit, the bag is a unique piece, distinguished by its luxurious and timeless design. JW
www.liebeskind-berlin.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton and Mory Sacko unveil restaurant
Louis Vuitton ventures into the world of culinary as it joins forces with the Michelin-starred chef Mory Sacko. In June the renowned French Maison unveiled the “Mory Sacko at Louis Vuitton”, a seasonal restaurant at the White 1921 Hotel in the heart of Saint-Tropez, taking Louis Vuitton’s art of travel to the next level. Located at the central yet calm Place des Lices, Mory Sacko creates a unique and sophisticated gastronomic experience, distinguished by his travel-inspired menu. For the dishes he offers in the restaurant, Sacko fuses local foods with inspirations from all over the world, creating true explosions of flavor. An exemplary but comprehensive impression of the culinary skills of the young chef is given by the tapas on the dinner menu, ranging from vegetarian aubergine tacos to a selection of grilled amberjack to mango salad to much more.
For the design of the venue, Louis Vuitton and Mory Sacko worked closely together. An ethereal and artistic Moongate welcomes the guests into the restaurant, whose interior is defined by the materials of travertine, wood, rope, and ratan. Monogram flowers, significant to the Maison, can be found all over the restaurant as well as redesigned Objets Nomades. The surrounding creates a tranquil yet fresh atmosphere, maximized by the savoir-faire of the Maison and the culinary expertise of chef Mory Sacko. JW
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Miu Miu presents a short-film by Carla Simón
Carta A Mi Madre Para Mi Hijo (Letter To My Mother For My Son) is a short film directed by Spanish film director Carla Simón. As the 24th commission to Miu Miu’s acclaimed short-film series, Women’s Tales, it premiered at the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori 2022. Women’s Tales features films by female directors, in which they explore vanity and femininity in today’s world.
At the beginning of her short film, Carla is shown pregnant and naked, reflecting photos of her mother when she was pregnant with Carla herself. After this sequence, a family of grandparents, uncles, aunts, fathers, and great-grandparents is depicted in a series of Super 8 shots. The film then proceeds to follow the journey of a young woman, growing from the 60s to the present day, who in the end meets the pregnant Carla in the idyllic atmosphere of the Catalan coast.
In this work, which the Spanish Director dedicates to her son, Carla Simón wants to create a family history, as it is something that she never had. When she was only six years old, Carla lost both her parents to AIDS. She explains that “Cinema has the power to repair what is missing”, leading her to make this short film composed of real and fictional memories, echoing the lifelong process of understanding who we really are. JW
www.miumiu.com
Art
Espace Louis Vuitton München presents From South Africa
As part of the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s “Hors-les-murs” programme, Espace Louis Vuitton München is presenting the exhibition From South Africa, featuring photographic artworks by the two African artists Zanele Muholi and David Goldblatt. The gallery showcases a powerful series of colorful landscape photographs shot by Goldblatt. In these images, the artist portrays the complex relationship between South African people and their land, while he also explores the true meaning of architecture in the post-Apartheid era. Zanele Muholi presents the series Faces and Phases which consists of portraits of Black members of the LGBTQIA+ community from South Africa. Alongside those works, the exhibition also includes Muholi’s series Somnyama Ngonyama which shows the artist in autoportraits, evoking stereotypes of African women.
The two artists met in the Market Photo Workshop, which was initiated by Goldblatt. Muholi became the mentee of Goldblatt and got inspired by his political stances far beyond his death. Their activist aim of challenging their country’s past and present history regarding the human rights of black people and members of the queer community became significant to their body of work.
The exhibition From South Africa by Zanele Muholi and David Goldblatt will be open to the public from the 9th of September, 2022 to the 8th of January, 2023. JW
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Saucony’s take on Saucony
Fusing innovation, style, and culture, the performance running brand Saucony is releasing an addition to the Saucony x Saucony collection. Using premium materials and treatments, which are usually exclusive to collaborations, the line depicts Saucony’s take on Saucony. For the design of the collection’s latest Sneaker, the Shadow 6000, Saucony drew huge inspiration from the Japanese art form and ancient tradition Kintsugi. It involves fixing broken pottery by filling the cracks with liquid gold, leaving strings of gold on the reassembled object. Translating this technique onto the sneaker, the Shadow 600 is characterized by metallic gold embroidery stitching together the individual parts of the shoes, creating little imperfections as an exciting element. It refers to the core idea of Kintsugi which revolves around embracing one’s flaws and imperfections in order to heal and grow stronger than before.
Testifying to Saucony’s expertise in shoemaking, the sneaker is distinguished by a perforated nubuck base, specked midsole, and an embossed tongue. The overlays are crafted in premium suede, as the design focuses on a weathered and worn-looking leather, unique in its raw-edge contrasts. The Saucony x Saucony collection joins the brand’s previous creations in the tradition of only using the highest quality material, ensuring comfortable and durable sneakers. JW
www.saucony.com
Fashion
202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit talks sustainability
202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit returned this season during Berlin Fashion Week for its 4th edition. Located at the Colosseum Theater in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg, the sustainability conference dealt with the overall topic “Fashion for positive Impact: Regenerative Transformation”. The summit welcomed more than 50 speakers of various fields to discuss the urgent topics of the industry and possible solutions in 34 sessions in the course of three days. Directed to thought leaders and progressive minds, various exhibitions and side events accompanied the sustainability conference in the fashion forward German capital. With the goal of creating a positive impact in mind, the participants explored our dependance on the planet as well as the possibilities of building connections to the biosphere, technosphere and metasphere. The event was divided into six thematic blocks. During the first day, the participants focused on the protection of the environment while the second day was all about new and innovative technologies. Finally, the speakers discussed the world of virtual fashion, including NFT’s and digital designs on the third and last day of the conference. In doing so, 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit created a new perspective on how to sustainably approach fashion, rewriting the current definition of sustainability. JW
Photo credit: Roland Justynowicz
www.202030summit.com
Fashion
SUSUMU AI at Berlin Fashion Week
On the occasion of Berlin Fashion Week SUSUMU AI has shown its new Spring Summer 2023 collection in the Samurai Museum Berlin. The garments of the Berlin-based fashion label were presented by professional Taiko performers. Taiko is a special drum style which originated in Japan and revolves around an exchange of energy: While the drum remains just a tool, the players themselves become the instrument.
Japan plays an important role within the brand as it sources its high-quality fabrics from the Eastasian country as well as draws huge inspiration from it. It therefore seems obvious that SUSUMU AI has chosen the Samurai Museum in Berlin as the event location since Samurai are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Surrounded by collections of historical objects and multimedia installations, the brand set the stage to present its new collection of clothing. Founder and Art Director Alisa Menkhaus explains that traditional craftsmanship is the core of SUSUMU AI, which blends perfectly with the scenery of the Museum. After she and Keiho Menkhaus greeted the guests with a short introductory speech, the performance of the drum playing models began and Japanese culture was spread across the room, enchanting the audience. JW
www.susumuai.com
Fashion
WILLIAM FAN launches SS 23 during Berlin Fashion Week
WILLIAM FAN launched its new collection ETERNITY, which the brand presented during Berlin Fashion Week. For the Spring/ Summer 2023 season, the fashion designer was inspired by the nightlife as it gives you the feeling of letting go together. It creates a moment of weightlessness, in which posed evening encounters become unfiltered. The clothing items of the collection are defined by sharp tailoring and astute patterns which are combined with fresh, asymmetrical silhouettes and experimental draping. The crafting of the garments reinforces the effect of their movement as a hand pleated fusion of skirt and trousers is reminiscent of a skirt slipping down the hip while dancing. For ETERNITY, the fashion designer revamped the “Wyona” jacket by embellishing it with a metallic zipper as an athletic element, which is characteristic to the collection. To further add a special touch to the clothing items, various pleats and open cut edges were incorporated. The color palette of the collection is defined by shades of black, gray and brown as well as hints of gold and silver, while shimmering sequins in green and blue accentuate coats. For the first time WILLIAM FAN included his chinese sign in some of the garments. Echoing the energy of going out, the styling of the collection re-explores the familiar, trying out new things. JW
www.williamfan.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Louisa Gagliardi at Rodolphe Janssen
Rodolphe Janssen is presenting the third solo show of Swiss artist Louisa Gagliardi, Around the Clock, in the course of Brussels Gallery Weekend.
As a base for her artworks presented in this exhibition, Gagliardi approached the method of loci, often referred to as the ‘memory palace’. The method serves to train the recollective memory by creating a familiar structure, in which new information can be easily navigated. The artworks by Gagliardi construct a world that seems familiar yet ambivalent to our presence. The artist leaves it open, who actually looks at whom and if the viewers are actually welcome to look at the scenery. Nevertheless, we become equal actors as our view is led in a triangular way through the artwork, freezing the moment.
The Zurich-based artist creates digital-based paintings made in Photoshop and printed on PVC banners. At this point of the production, Gagliardi makes adjustments by hand, using gel medium or nail polish to add accents. This process results in the depiction of a dreamlike world filled with avatars and conveyors, folding together nostalgia and memory.
The exhibition Around the Clock by Louisa Gagliardi will be open to the public from September 8th to October 22th, 2022 at Rodolphe Janssen in Brussels. JW
LOUISA GAGLIARDI
Tête-à-Tête, 2022
Gel medium, ink on PVC, 370 x 1100 cm
Courtesy of the artist and Rodolphe Janssen, Brussels
www.rodolphejanssen.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - TR Ericsson at Harlan Levey Projects
On Brussels Gallery Weekend, Tom and Sue, an exhibition by TR Ericsson, opens at Harlan Levey Projects. At its center are two extensive artworks: The portraits of Tom and Sue. Besides them, Ericsson’s first painting since 2002 is displayed in the exhibition.
Sue, the mother of the artist Tom (TR Ericsson) is portrayed in a seven-volume book collection of letters written by herself to her son, called All My Love Always No Matter What. The artwork creates the image of a lively and humorous woman, despite the hurdles that life had in store for her. More than 20 years of collecting, organizing, and arranging letters, audio recordings, and video messages eventually led to an artwork, purely narrated by the mother. Ericsson pursues the goal of spreading his mother’s life story through his art, as he perceives his works as a symbol of her love, devotion, and selflessness. The portrait of Tom, the artist himself, consists of 107 oil paintings, created between 1992 and 2002 during an eventful and emotional phase of his life and after which he quit painting for some time. As a kind of self-portrait, the artwork depicts a young man who is searching for himself and his voice. The title Sad Young Man on a Train refers to a cubist painting by Marcel Duchamp from 1911/12, showing a fragmented figure on a moving train.
Exhibited together, the two artworks complement each other, portraying the love between a mother and her child. They tell the stories of two people, directly and inevitably connected to one another; stories of ups and downs, of grief and joy.
The exhibition Tom and Sue by TR Ericsson will be open to the public from September 8th to December 17th, 2022 at Harlan Levey Projects in Brussels. JW
TR ERICSSON
Family Picnic (Sad Young Man on a Train #076), 1992-2002
Oil on linen, 61 x 71,1 cm
Courtesy of the artist and Harlan Levey Projects, Brussels
www.hl-projects.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend - Jean Katambayi Mukendi at Waldburger Wouters
Opening during Brussels Gallery Weekend, Waldburger Wouters is presenting the exhibition f’low by Congolese artist Jean Katambayi Mukendi.
Born in 1974 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and based in Lubumbashi, the capital of the Haut-Katanga region and second biggest city in Congo, his artworks often revolve around Congolese society. From an early age, Jean Katambayi Mukendi developed a passion for the fields of technology, mechanics, geometry, and electricity, which later led him to graduate as an electrician and study mathematics at university. The impressions he gathered from these experiences as well as aspects of his daily life now inspire and define his work as a visual artist. For this exhibition, opening on Brussels Gallery Weekend, Jean Katambayi Mukendi created art installations, fragile and complex at the same time, which are driven by sophisticated electrical mechanisms.
The exhibition f’low by Jean Katambayi Mukendi will be open to the public from September 8th to October 22nd, 2022 at the gallery Waldburger Wouters in Brussels. JW
JEAN KATAMBAYI MUKENDI
Concentrateur
Photo credit: Koen Vrancken
Courtesy of the artist and Waldburger Wouters, Brussels
www.waldburgerwouters.com
Fashion
Alexander McQUEEN AW 22 collection
Alexander McQUEEN presents its fascinating new imagery for the Autumn/ Winter 2022 collection, featuring Awar, Lucia, Florence, Celina, and Achenrin. Shot by Paolo Roversi, the series is defined by a striking, yet classical visual language, characteristic to the Italian photographer.
The collection includes garments, handbags, and shoes that are mostly held in black with a hint of red, green and yellow. Furthermore, it features various pieces of silver jewelry. A range of beautifully crafted dresses depict the highlight of the collection. One of them is the exploded pleated bustier dress in black. It is composed of a wrap skirt and a bustier top with slashed detailing and a back zip fastening. Fabricated in black beetled poly faille, a recycled polyester yarn, the strapless dress constitutes a modern and edgy look. Extraordinary in terms of design is a black, single-breasted jacket, distinguished by the once again exploded neckline, which forms an impressive silhouette. The jacket is made of certified wool and mohair, ensuring high quality of the production process and the material. Leather garments are also part of the collection, such as the leather twisted biker jacket in black. Deviating from a classic biker jacket, this design is defined by an open neckline as well as a buckled waist belt, accentuating the figure.
These unique pieces are imposingly staged in the brand’s campaign, which enhances their cool character and the elaborate crafting. JW
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
Exquisite by Gucci
Inspired by the wondrous world of cinematography, Gucci presents its new imagery Exquisite, set in motion by the brand’s creative director Alessandro Michele. The Italian fashion designer has long been fascinated by the cinema’s visionary power to tell stories. For this reason, he always imagined his “collections as films able to convey a cinematography of the present”. Exquisite honors the work of Stanley Kubrick, a philosophic filmmaker and a great master in his field. Admiring his experimental approach to creating films that do not belong to a specific genre but blur their boundaries with exceeding significance, Michele draws great inspiration from him. Taking his liberty of decomposing, altering, and reassembling, the designer produced a film and images which depict various of Gucci’s creations from the last decades in captivating sceneries. The Adidas gown is presented as a Victorian costume, followed by a dress designed by Laura Whitcomb, popularized by Madonna in the 90s, and a dreamy evening dress, fabricated in tulle. Furthermore, a philosophical approach is incorporated in Exquisite, as it arises questions about meaning in life.
In the film and the pictures, the “clothes get closer to bare life”, telling the story of the human, shattering and enchanting at the same time, explains Alessandro Michele. JW
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles presents cozy outerwear
Tough but cozy. For its Fall Winter 2022 collection, the Canadian outerwear and ready-to-wear brand Moose Knuckles creates new versions of its bestselling “Bunny” hoodie and new sherpa jackets in fresh silhouettes and colors.
The imagery for the collection is shot by renowned photographer Luis Alberto Rodriguez and styled by Carlos Nazario, Artistic Director of i-D Magazine. In the course of Moose Knuckles’ “Heatmakers” initiative, it draws attention to rising talents, such as R & B singer Kaash Paige, skateboarder Lil Dre, and model Jaychelle, who are shown in a ‘90s-inspired fantasy of what cozy means for creatives on the street. The unisex “State XL Bunny” is one of the highlights of the collection, as it creates a generously oversized silhouette and can be worn over everything. It is the first piece that is entirely fabricated in the brand’s sumptuous faux fur on the exterior rather than on the inside of the garment. As the hoodie version of the “Debbie Bomber”, the “Bergen Bunny Bomber”, made for the city woman stands out from the collection as it features the shearling hood ruff, pom poms, and J-seam detailing. Revamped with a monochrome, dark sapphire look, and faux fur, the “Classic Bunny 3” stands out for men, suitable for layering in the unpredictable autumn time.
The oversized and plushy garments allow a free range of movement in a highly comfortable way, breaking the rules of “tough exterior”. JW
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
The Dior Jardin Capsule Collection for Men
Recently Dior launched its new Dior Jardin Capsule Collection for Men. In remembrances of the Maison’s founder Christian Dior, the designs of Kim Jones allude to the Monsieur’s love of nature, by incorporating a studded rose, the “Queen of Flowers”, in various pieces. Throughout the collection, it can be found in each of the Dior emblems, which it artfully entwines.
The magnificent blooming single rose is emblazoned especially large on the back of the polo shirts and hoodies, striking in its pink color on white cotton piqué or in green shades on black fabric. In another variation, which adorns among others an overshirt and slim-fit jeans, it is shown in an all-over tonal jacquard pattern, that highlights the individual rose petals and places them together in a dense structure. In an ensemble, including comfortable fitted Bermuda shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, made of silk twill, the rose represents itself in a pattern of multiple single roses. These models are also available in the two color combinations of white-pink and black-green. Furthermore, the collection features a variety of accessories, such as a tie, socks, bandanas, a backpack, and bags as well as sneakers and derby shoes.
Honoring Christian Dior, British fashion designer Kim Jones created a collection that radiates joie de vivre. The motif of the rose adds a touch of romance and a refreshing splash of color to the elegant everyday wear. JW
www.dior.com
Art
Irina Ionesco passes away at 91
To our great dismay, on July 25, 2022, photographer Irina Ionesco passed away at the age of 91 in her hometown of Paris. Throughout her lifetime, Ionesco had made a name for herself with her images of seductive and sensual women, displayed in dark and theatrical settings. The artist was born the daughter of a violinist and a trapeze artist in Paris in 1930. Neglected by her parents, she moved to her grandparents in Romania when she was only four years old. It was not until 1951 that she returned to the French capital, where she first started working in the cabaret. She took up photography, when Guillaume Corneille, with whom she was in a relationship at the time, gave her a first camera. In 1974, her first exhibition was presented at the Nikon Gallery. The black-and-white photographs on display often showed single, half-naked women adorned with lace, fur, and flowers. Their faces were covered with striking makeup and their bodies were graced with jewelry and pearls. Their surroundings conveyed a surrealistic feeling, evoked by its gothic and fetishistic decor, in which the women appeared like a role in a film. Ionesco had been captured and enraptured by Orientalism from an early age. She spent her childhood with her grandmother who raised her in the Turkish quarter in Constantinople. From a young age, she experienced the city’s strong diversity in culture, counting the many mosques and Byzantine Churches, with their Saints dressed in gold and covered with gems nurtured by virgin Icons. The buildings oftentimes are not only decorated in splendor on the outside but have unique inside atmospheres, the air sated in the murmur of prayers and the scent of incense. All these experiences inspired and shaped her later body of work. Among the many subjects, she has captured you will find models such as Sylvia Kristel, but also nude Yakuza, the notorious Japanese gangsters, who bared their full-body tattoos to Ionesco, sitting stoically in public bathhouses. Through her imagery and her work, Ionesco left her mark on Western photographers working today in fashion, art and music. From the 2000s onwards, the artist devoted herself to fashion photography and created works for Givenchy and Vogue Japan, among others. In 2014, Reflex Amsterdam showed some of her photographs in an exclusive exhibition. Irina Ionesco has and will continue to be an inspiration, and through her work, she has left a mark and strong influence on many Western photographers in fashion, music, and art.
Fashion
#HUGOYourWay
In the brand’s spirit of encouraging and empowering its audience, HUGO now consolidates this message in its digital-led Fall/ Winter 2022 imagery. For this matter, HUGO formed a trio of inspiring artists, including Korean American rapper Big Matthew and Guyanese American rapper SAINt JHN as well as the American model and singer Selah Marley. The two rappers have been named brand ambassadors for the previous season and return now, keeping up the energy from the branding refresh. Each one of the ambassadors set an example of doing one’s own thing, staying true to one’s self and thus, creating their own look.
In order to connect with youthful fans and to spread their message and values even further, HUGO expanded on Tiktok, posting videos made by some of the platform’s most cherished and creative content creators. Always using the hashtag #HUGOYourWay, customers get to discover the world of HUGO on various social media apps. In its posts, HUGO is teasing its new collection for FW22, in which the brand focuses more on its denim products as well as the brand’s colors of red, white, and black. A highlight of the collection is the introduction of the new HUGO monogram, which will be spread as an all-over graphic on various styles, such as sweatshirts and footwear. JW
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
PRADA EXTENDS TOKYO
Prada Extends is a series of live events focused on and designed for creatives in different hubs around the world. This concept with the aim of creating a connection between like-minded figures, encapsulating the identity of each locale and its creative community. First launched in London in November 2021, Prada Extends now travelled to Tokyo for its newest edition. For the first time, the underlying idea was extended resulting in a duo of events: a conversation and a celebration. For this edition, a part of the “The Sound of Prada” experience, the emphasis was on music as a means of bringing people together. Plastikman aka Richie Hawtin came on board to create this special concept. The first part, an intimate discussion between Richie Hawtin and Naohiro Ukawa, took place at the Prada Miyashita Park store, followed by an event at Terrada, a center for art and music, featuring music and visual performances curated by Hawtin, including his own performance. It was a celebration of Japanese culture, to which Hawtin shares a deep bond, music and its creative communities which were connected to the whole world.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Alexander McQueen Sprint Runner
Regardless of one’s age, sneakers have become an intricate part of all of our wardrobes. From fast fashion retailers to luxury houses, everybody has recognized its popularity and has included a selection of sneakers in their selection. Formerly considered as footwear suitable only for casual dressing or athletic activities, the sneaker has now overcome this limitation and can be worn at ease with either casual or formal attire. Nothing might exemplify this development more than the new Alexander McQueen film, directed by award-winning director and visual artist Sophie Muller. The focal point of this film is the Sprint Runner sneakers work by singer, songwriter and renowned dancer, Mettenarrative. The Sprint Runner is a modern and streamlined variation of a classic running sneaker. First unveiled to the world at the women’s SS23 show, the shoes with their sleek design prove to be versatile and suitable for any situation. Sophie Muller’s film finds its inspiration in Mette’s fiercely beautiful physicality and is an ode to the ultimate expression of empowerment through clothing. The dresses Mettenarrative is wearing, corset dresses with oversized hook-and-eye detailing and asymmetrical dresses, which beautifully accentuate the body and its movements are matched with the Sprint Runner in classic white, the perfect shoe granting ultimate freedom of movement.
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
New Version of the LV Trainer
Louis Vuitton is presenting a new version of its iconic LV trainer that pushes the concept of sustainability even further, without compromising on the French Maison’s superb standards of quality or creativity. The shoe is a perfect blend of creativity, sustainability and eco-design, a perfect embodiment of Louis Vuitton’s innovative spirit. This new icon is breaking new records, with the utterly graphic silhouette being produced from 90% recycled and bio-sourced materials. Boasting the Maison’s signature Sustainable Development logo, designed by Virgil Abloh, it is a visual example of Louis Vuitton’s upcycling philosophy. The conscious sourcing of the materials is not limited to the shoe itself, also the box is made entirely out of recycled and recyclable cardboard and due to an ingenious handle, turns into a bag - a strategy saving as much as 70% of materials to ensure the lowest environmental impact in terms of transportation and storage. This new sneaker with all its sustainable innovation is part of Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan in line with the LIFE360 program. Through this program, Louis Vuitton and LVMH take six lines of action in order to preserve natural resources and impact society in a positive way.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Stella McCartney and the Frayme Mylo
Stella McCartney has long been known to push sustainable practices and was a pioneer in proving that sourcing responsibly and consciously does not oppose the concept of luxury. On the contrary, sustainability has since become one of the key topics in luxury fashion. Despite most brands now steering toward a more sustainable future, Stella McCartney remains a pioneer for conscious luxury continuously pushing the boundaries. It should therefore come as nobody’s surprise that the British brand is the first to introduce the first-ever luxury bag crafted from Mycelium to be sold at a commercial level. This launch marks a milestone in the implementation of vegan leather, counteracting the leather industry and its huge environmental impact as one of the most polluting industries in the world. The Frayme Mylo showcases the capabilities of Mycelium, the next-generation materials produced from the root-like structure of fungi. The bag itself is handcrafted in Italy by craftspeople especially trained to work with this new alternative to leather. The Frayme is a new Stella McCartney icon, re-energizing classic brand codes and showcasing the versatility of the new material.
The Frayme Mylo will become available exclusively in Stella McCartney Boutiques.
www.stellamccartney.com
Fashion
FENDI Couture FW22
Fendi was founded in Rome in 1925 and ever since that moment the luxury house has proven its continued commitment and dedication to its hometown, the Eternal City. Rome is in Fendi’s DNA and vice-versa, yet Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear recognized the need to, as he puts it himself, ‘place Rome in a global context. In this collection, we are looking at fragments of different cities, Kyoto, Paris and Rome. The fragmentary nature of things is echoed throughout the collection, like snatches of memory or the impression of things past, present and future.’ The starting point for the collection is the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto and its sartorial history, the historic kimono traditions and the intricate crafts behind it, notably Kata Yuzen, a century-old, painstaking hand printing and painting technique, which is utilized in the Fendi creations. The collection itself highlights various contrast, East and West, masculine and feminine, the natural and the man-made, traditional and the modern, yet it creates a sense that contrasts do not equal opposites, in the case of the Fendi FW Couture collection, they are equally important parts of a greater whole. In this sense, the Kata Yuzen dresses are echoed with their continental counterparts, sinuous and glittering dresses, reflecting the spirit of Paris in their construction and fabrication or with nods to masculine codes of tailoring with a more Italian take on the tailleur. The collection bears witness to the supreme skills of the Fendi atelier, a fundamental pillar of safeguarding couture traditions.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
TOMBOGO x Saucony Butterfly
Saucony belongs to those brands that have a long heritage attached to it. Despite all the tradition and history, the brand has long recognized that one can not solely rest on its laurels, but there is a constant need for novelty and innovation in order to ensure continued success. As part of this year’s Paris Men’s Week, Saucony unveiled its collaboration with TOMBOGO, combining the creative forces and impulses of both brands in order to create a brand new silhouette, the Butterfly. This shoe strikes the perfect balance of the three elements which define both brands, functionality, form and performance. The shoe was unveiled in the House of Originals, where friends of the brand were able to get a sneak peek of the collaboration between Saucony’s performance know-how and TOMBOGO’s innovative design language, expressed through the modular nature of the shoe, and interchangeable color system, allowing every wearer to make the shoe their own.
The TOMBOGO x Saucony Butterfly will become available in selected markets over the course of the year.
www.saucony.com
Fashion
Paul Smith Reinterprets Traditional Menswear Codes for SS23
For its SS23 men’s presentation in Paris, Paul Smith revisits the ’80s art scene to offer a redefined take on classic menswear silhouettes. Silhouettes throughout the collection reinterpret the norms of formal menswear and translate them into a casual spirit in multiple combinations, including a waistcoat-inspired vest, oversized shorts, belted jacket, and car coat. Traditional shirting stripes are subverted, mixed and matched, and used across sportswear and technical styles. These include an oversized pullover windbreaker, work jacket, collarless shirt, and knitted vests. Paired with these pieces, are footwear that reinforces the contrast between traditional elegance and sporty modernity, with high-shine cut-out leather loafers set atop a lightweight sole and classic crossover sandals on hiking-inspired commando soles. Prints throughout refer to ’80s artistic techniques and media. Within the collection is a “Hot Summer” floral, seen across shirting and outerwear, and the “Glow Polka” print, taking its cue from contemporary light installations and features across shirting and neon knitwear. Another key theme is the painterly finish in the “Untitled” stripe print, created using an innovative combination of hand-painting, spray-painting, and screen-printing. Also highlighted, is the interplay of texture and print. Innovative techniques are employed to showcase patterns that emphasize the contrast between formal and casual, blending traditional shirting poplin and worsted suiting materials with lightweight silks and technical nylons. Presented in Paris at a former post office, an industrial backdrop reinforces the collection’s artistic inspiration. This, in hand with an eclectic mix curated by renowned British DJ Gilles Peterson, reflects the season's vibrancy and the ’80s club scene. GH
www.paulsmith.com
Art
“Torso Reloaded” - Homage to Andy Warhol
On October 1st 2022, the solo exhibition “Torso Reloaded” by Nadine Dinter will open at Haze Gallery in Berlin. 10 years ago, Dinter developed the concept while working alongside a long-term companion of Warhol, Christopher Makos. Here, the artists traveled with former erotic model and tattoo artist Benjamin Godfre, who is a passionate Warhol fan. Using this, Dinter and Godfre spontaneously decided to photographically recreate Warhol’s legendary Torso series from 1977. Now, Nadine Dinter has recreated the series using the different body types of the current generations of men, with Warhol’s spirit as the continued inspiration. Alongside Benjamin Godfre, six representative men are presented: from a model, influencer, wrestler, computer scientist, and photographer. Shifting away from Warhol’s initial project of capturing the front and back of the models in a tight, close up shot, Dinter’s wider framing gives them more space, adding impact to individual characteristics such as tattoos, scars, and musculature. As a result, the bodies seem close enough to touch without being overtly sexualized. The exhibition also addresses the female gaze on the male body, while documenting the exploration of the body cult in contemporary society. These contemplative body shots were taken using only natural lighting between January and April this year. Each image captures its own story, transforming the bare image into a unique photographic profile. GH
Image: Nadine Dinter; Traegi, Cologne 2022 © Nadine Dinter courtesy HAZEGALLERY
www.haze.gallery
Fashion
Palm Angels Set Up House in Milan
Palm Angels has opened its first European store in Milan, in the heart of the city’s “Quadrilatero della moda.” The brand founded by Francesco Ragazzi has a new place to call home. The space presents a unique concept that combines the brutalist aesthetic typical of buildings in Los Angeles and the more classical and traditional Italian style. Designed by the Francesco Ragazzi and the renowned Parisian firm Gilles&Boissier, the store plays on the harmony of contrasts. The ground floor’s decor features geometric lines, shiny surfaces, and a color palette of cool tones, camouflaging itself with the clothes on display. Then, a staircase leads to the lower floor, where customers can immerse themselves in an atmosphere reminiscent of a Californian landscape. Connecting the two levels is a large glass window with a fuschia frame that disrupts the minimalism of the interiors with a blast of contemporary pop attitude. Instead, reflecting Palm Angels’ chaotic and creative style is the eclectic structure. The Milanese flagship store also displays the first drop from the home collection designed by Francesco Ragazzi: cushions, bedspreads, notebooks, candles, and other objects that lend a touch of Palm’s “art de vivre” to the home. VB
www.palmangels.com
Fashion
Alessandro Michele and Harry Styles Presents GUCCI HA HA HA
A friendship and contamination of collective ideas are the elements that have given life to Gucci HA HA HA, a collection designed by Creative Director Alessandro Michele together with British singer-songwriter and actor Harry Styles. HA HA HA is a title made up of the first letters of their names that also reflects the onomatopeic sound of the written essence of an emoji, the "laughing face," representing their complicity. Met a few years ago when Alessandro Michele made his debut at Gucci and Styles released his first album; they immediately started a mutual exchange of creative thoughts. It is a friendship based on a sincere revelation and dedication of oneself towards the other, without duplicity and displays of power. From this dialog between the two, a playful collection was designed, crafted with liberating codes that eliminate the ritual complexities of fashion collections. Jackets, coats, pants, shirts, and accessories evoke a new masculine elegance focused on the materials, forms, and volumes. Gucci HA HA HA also merges many elements that characterize the creative paths and peculiarities of both artists, for example, English tailoring garments that come reinterpreted with romantic accents through the eccentric use of Prince of Wales checks to create double-breasted coats. In addition, to complete the collection are sartorial suits, treated denim jackets, and velvet suits in irregular hues, paired with unexpected printed pajamas and bowling shirts. VB
www.gucci.com
Fashion
A Basketful of Summer
The Emporio Armani Men's SS23 Collection evokes the summer season with a distinct feeling of lightness. Clothes and accessories have been designed to bring the holiday spirit, characteristic of this period, to the city and give any holiday the appropriate fresh and composed sensation. The brand, created by Giorgio Armani, is an original container of possibility that, on this occasion, has presented a collection in which shirts take center stage combined with soft trousers cut from the same fabric. Jackets and tunics complete the look. New deconstructed blazers in jacquards reaffirm a cornerstone of the Armani style. Everything has been thought of in detail: slits, vertical openings, and cuts reveal the skin giving the clothes a vibrant sensuality, while the new silhouettes are soft and graceful. The garments barely touch the body, allowing it to breathe vital energy. Lastly, the color palette includes different shades of blue, natural tones, as well as the black of the night. Emporio Armani has created a show that fully recalls the magic of summer, its beauty, joy, and serenity. VB
www.armani.com
Fashion
Missoni Women’s Main Spring’23
Missoni’s women’s spring SS23 collection speaks to the masses, with a fluid range of garments that acknowledge age as only a mindset. The collection involves an essential and extensible system of garments such as cardigans, shirts, tops, pencil skirts, trousers, and slip dresses. The colors range on a vibrant light spectrum with yellow, magenta, and cyan tones, as well as the primary colors and their endless permutations. Graphic black and white additions are added to the pieces to bring further lightness and structure to them. The wardrobe is designed to be worn every day in an effortless yet elegant way. Prints include seductive monochromes, maximizing color in a single note on a range of textures. A variety of patterns are also included, the founding motifs of Missonism: fiammato, zig-zag, patchwork, and rachel are blown up, combined, and morphed. Applied crystals and shimmers create new dimensions of height, drawing patterns and refracting glimmer. The collection overall creates the perfect blend of timely and timeless pieces that speak to all. GH
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Alexander McQueen FW22 Pre-Collection: The Bow Bag
For the FW22 Pre-Collection, Alexander McQueen has presented a new iconic accessory, the Bow Bag. Inspired by the bows seen in Alexander McQueen's ready-to-wear collections, which have become a symbol of femininity and decoration for the brand, this item is an emblem of empowering femininity, as well as a functional object. The instantly recognizable silhouette is given by the precious leather, sliced and folded to create a bow shape that confers to the handbag a bold and straightforward look. Then, the splicing of materials such as leather, raffia, and denim echoes the unlikely fabric juxtapositions and patchworking that are an Alexander McQueen signature. The new Bow Bag comes in classic colors and bright and muted seasonal variations and can be carried in hand, leaning on the shoulder, or across the body thanks to a longer strap. VB
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Art
Carl Hansen & Son Presents the VLA26 Vega Chair by Vilhelm Lauritzen
Carl Hansen & Son has introduced the iconic VLA26 Vega Chair by internationally renowned architect Vilhelm Lauritzen to its collection of design classics. Pioneer of Danish functionalism, Vilhelm Lauritzen is known for his creations, from buildings to furniture to doorknobs, thoroughly down to the smallest detail. In 1956, he worked on the construction of Vega, a building conceived as a universal meeting place for the labor movement that 40 years later has been turned into a concert venue to promote the cultural life of Copenhagen. For this building, the architect also designed chairs, tables, wood panels, friezes, and chandeliers, and it is indeed among these works that the VLA26 Vega Chair can be found. The VLA26 Vega Chair is a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture made combining steel, wood, textile, or leather, all materials that give it a slender and refined look. Instead, the dynamic curve of the back of the chair confers a distinctive character to the object, while the legs elegantly finished with wooden feet bring out exceptional craftsman-like detail. Today, the VLA26 Vega Chair becomes part of the Carl Hansen & Son Collection, and it will be produced in collaboration with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, who celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2022. VB
www.carlhansen.com
Fashion
Looking For Lightness
Hermès launched a new collection of objects for the home during Milan Design Week 2022. In a quest for lightness, the French Maison built a colorful set inspired by brutalist water towers, whose forms were replicated with voluminous wooden structures covered in translucent paper. Each construction was conceived as a cocoon concealing the latest furniture and accessories. The focus of this year's exhibition is home textiles. The objects are made in cashmere, a delicate natural fiber that combines a taut hand with bright colors, reworked with different manufacturing techniques. Plaids are manufactured with strips of cashmere crafted in a patchwork motif or geometric shapes using a relinking method that evokes stained-glass windows. A bed cover features remarkable hexagons gained mixing patchwork and the precision of quilting, crafts well-known by American artist Carson Converse. Then other objects, such as porcelain tableware recalling the color of the sun and a delicate canework seat in the shape of a chair, complete the collection. The final result is a magnificent play of lights that brings out the delicacy and poetic allure of every single piece. VB
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Paul Smith x Mini – Recharged
Paul Smith and Mini have once again joined forces to convert a classic Mini from the 1998 MINI Paul Smith Edition and install an electric engine in a project that marries heritage and tradition with innovation and modernity. The vibrant blue body was first exhibited at Salone Del Mobile, Milan’s premier design festival, the blue reflects a swatch taken from one of Paul’s favorite shirts. The lime green accents and battery box reflect the 1990s color sensibilities. The car has been restored and redesigned, branded as MINI RECHARGED, and engineered by a specialist team at “Recharge Heritage Limited”, who are responsible for implementing the MINI RECHARGED project. When discussing the recharge, Paul Smith has said: “Three things describe this car perfectly: quality, sustainability, and functionality […] we have made a 1990s car totally relevant for today”. The project follows the success of last year’s MINI STRIP, a radically reduced sustainable concept car that “stripped away” extraneous design details and pushed the limits of automotive design. Both models will be exhibited at Paul Smith’s showroom, which has been redesigned to mirror the aesthetic of MINI RECHARGED as part of Salone Del Mobile. GH
www.paulsmith.com
www.mini.com
Fashion
Cartier Introduces New Ambassadors
Cartier has unveiled the new ambassadors of the Maison: Paul Mescal, JISOO, and Austin Butler. First is BAFTA TV Award winner and Emmy nominated actor Paul Mescal, who made a red carpet debut at the 75th Annual Cannes Film Festival wearing the Pasha de Cartier Grille watch. Known for playing the lead role of Connell in the adaptation of the Sally Rooney novel "Normal People" directed by Lenny Abrahamson, the actor showed up at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès with two upcoming films in competition, "God’s Creatures" and "Aftersun." Then, the Korean artist and singer of the BLACKPINK JISOO is the newest member of the Panthère community. With her elegance and innate charm, she has been able to captivate an entire generation becoming the perfect embodiment of the magnetic aura of the panther. Last but not least, Austin Butler, the actor who played Elvis Presley in the much-anticipated Baz Luhrmann-directed movie, Elvis. Austin, recognizable for his chic and classic approach to fashion, also attended the Cannes Film Festival wearing Cartier creations. VB
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Bulgari unveils Eden the Garden of Wonders
“Eden the Garden of Wonders” was recently presented in Paris, unveiling a collection of 140 breathtaking jewelry pieces, each representing the wonders of the Garden of Eden. For the first time in the brand’s history, more than 30 creations are included dedicated to the magnificent emerald. The Flower of Eden necklace displays blossoms of flowers made of mother of pearl inlay and buff top emeralds, perfectly capturing the richness of the collection. An oval Colombian emerald surrounded by exquisite emeralds and diamonds evokes the slender silhouette of the iconic Eiffel Tower. The Mediterranean Reverie Necklace is one of the most precious creations ever created by the Roman jewelry house. Boasting a timeless elegance, the sophisticated chain combines platinum, baguette-cut sapphires, and a host of other diamonds in various cuts. The collection became available on June 6th and will be on display for the coming days at Bulgari’s boutique in Place Vendome. Also on display in this showroom will be the brand’s first NFT jewel, “Beyond Wonder”. GH
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Alexander McQueen AW22 Women’s Pre-Collection
British fashion label Alexander McQueen has unveiled a new creative project that involves a group of twelve artists to highlight the brand’s AW22 women’s pre-collection. Titled “Process,” this special art collaboration illustrates the fact that creativity emerges from countless perspectives. Sarah Burton, Creative Director of the brand, expressed her willingness to give these artists the freedom to reinterpret the garments she created for this season. Each of them had the possibility to choose a look from the collection and work on that through their preferred medium, engaging in a creative dialogue with the house. Among the collaborators can be found the names of Ann Cathrin November Høibo, Beverly Semmes, Bingyi, Cristina de Middel, Guinevere van Seenus, Hope Gangloff, and many others who realized exclusive artworks according to their points of view. The artists’ projects have been displayed alongside the McQueen pieces they relate to in a temporary installation. In addition, Alexander McQueen has created a detailed zine to tell each artist’s personal story and journey about how they engaged with Sarah’s work. VB
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Art
Colnago x Tod’s: Riding The Italian Lifestyle
Tod’s has presented a new special project during Salone del Mobile 2022. First, the Italian brand has unveiled the second edition of its iconic products: the Tod’s Tabs sneaker and the two-tone windbreaker. The shoes, recognizable by the use of rubber pebbles on the heel, come in a combination of white monochrome leather and inserts of leather and suede to obtain well-defined contrasts. The jacket is made of technical nylon materials in blue, tobacco, and khaki and embellished with the iconic T-Lion pocket. Then, in partnership with Italian bike maker Colnago, Tod's produced a high-tech bicycle. The Colnago x Tod’s T Bike in carbon fiber features a color palette of greens to oranges. The collaboration, representing the true Made in Italy, celebrates the active spirit and energetic lifestyle of the new generation with a focus on eco-mobility. The limited-edition series of 70 unique T Bikes, and the apparel items, will be available from June 13th on Tod’s website and in select flagship stores worldwide. In addition, the brand boutique in Via Montenapoleone in Milan will also accept Bitcoin cryptocurrency transactions. VB
www.tods.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton x NBA New Collection
Louis Vuitton and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are back with a new collaboration inspired by travel. This year’s edition continues to celebrate the values of basketball, a legendary sport that emanates uplifting energy, so much appreciated by Virgil Abloh and reflected in all the pieces he created for the Maison. Dedicated to luggage, the new Louis Vuitton x NBA Collection features The Christopher backpack, iconic Keepall 55, Dopp Kit, and Pocket Organize, together with two exceptional pieces: a case that can store eight watches and the signature Malle Courrier. Every piece presents different exclusive motifs as an oversized LV signature in the shape of a basketball that boasts the NBA logo colors, a basketball net combined with gold chains and metal details, and the iconic NBA colors. These unique items, made of Monogram-embossed electric blue Taurillon leather, represent the perfect mix of Louis Vuitton and NBA’s aesthetic codes and spirits. In addition, the French House, which invented the “Art of Travel,” has created an exceptional new Official Travel Trunk for the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy, the pinnacle of basketball achievement. The new trunk is a reinterpretation of the original model that the Maison has been producing for over 160 years. This version features an exterior covered in emblematic Monogram canvas with heavyweight brass closures and fittings and an interior lined with soft microfibre and sporting the NBA’s 75th Anniversary logo. VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
CHANEL 1932
Ninety years ago, Gabrielle Chanel created "Bijoux de Diamants," the first High Jewelry collection, with only one purpose: giving women's bodies freedom and adorning them at the same time. Today, the French House, taking inspiration from the legendary original collection, has created a modern version that retains the same theme of the heavenly bodies, the purity of the lines, and the freedom of the body. The "1932" High Jewelry Collection, designed by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, is a journey out of time. The new jewels are ethereal as if belonging to a dreamy dimension, suspended in a timeless space between planets and stars. The Comet line, with twisting spirals and shooting stars, is like a charm that watches over the destiny of the woman who wears it. The Moon, made of 18 pieces, pays homage to the most mysterious heavenly body in the solar system, the only one that does not emit light but reflects it. To end the collection is The Sun, a series of 24 exceptional pieces crafted in white and yellow gold and white and yellow diamonds to resemble the brilliance of the Solar System's central star. In addition, in line with Chanel’s philosophy about the freedom of the body, the "1932" High Jewelry Collection includes 13 transformable creations able to wrap around the human figure and follow its movements. VB
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Paul Smith Presents a Cinematic AW22 Men’s Collection
Inspired by the world of arthouse cinema, Paul Smith has presented the AW22 Menswear Collection, a combination of otherworldly photo prints, lavish textures, and a cinematic palette. The new collection is a one-of-a-kind revival of the distinctively visual techniques of film's greatest auteurs, from the 1930s monochromatic films to the 1960s and the emergence of technicolor. Padded down jackets, checked duffle coats, cropped bombers, as well as jumpers, and shirts are adorned with psychedelic Zig Zag prints, Shadow Floral prints, and other bold graphic elements in an homage to avant-garde directors such as David Lynch and Wong Kar-wai. Instead, photo prints, a long-time signature of Paul Smith, resemble vintage movie posters and old cinema interiors, while the heady Starlet print is a reference to the studio headshots of silver screen stars. In terms of fabrics, the collection offers a wide range of materials: from tweeds and wool for both tailoring and sportswear to matte satin, rich shearling, mohair, and jewel-toned leather to portray Hollywood Golden Age and a return to dressing up. Surrealism and opulence are mixed, giving life to a unique fashion show held at the spectacular Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry headquarters in Paris. VB
www.paulsmith.com
Fashion
Prada Linea Rossa: “Water on the Moon”
Prada Linea Rossa and Red Bull have an ongoing partnership that aims to promote events and special initiatives focused on sport and innovation, by working alongside athletes and supporting their talents, improving their skills, and helping them achieve the ambitious goals that they set themselves. Watersports rider Nikolas Plytas is the newest member to be supported by this collaboration. Since he was a teenager, Plytas has been a huge talent on the Greek waterski scene, positioning himself to smash records, push his limits, and take on the best in the world. Within the collaboration, the goal and vision of the Greek champion was to create a video that would portray his strong connection with the sea. For this, having the perfect technical gear was important, making the custom board from Prada Linea Rossa and the Luna Rossa Team valuable. The board was a mix of wakeboard and waterski, fast, with sharp edges, and directional for great stability at high speeds. Prada Linea Rossa items, focused on technical detailing and made of pioneering textiles, provided Nikolas with the perfect match for comfort, high-performance, and style-consciousness for his challenge. GH
www.prada.com
Fashion
Dioriviera Capsule Collection
Celebrating luxurious summer living, Dior has launched a brand-new capsule collection including ready-to-wear fundamentals and beach day living essentials. The Dioriviera summer capsule collection is an invitation for us to get away and holiday. Continually reinvented, the collection plays with the house’s fundamentals; ready-to-wear, leather goods and shoes are illuminated with florescent shades of blue, orange, and pink – a palette inspired by the Fall ’22 collection. The toile de Jouy is a timeless symbol for those in the know. Instantly recognizable, the motif is identified by its ink-like vignettes of the French pastoral scape. Throughout this capsule, this emblematic symbol is revisited and featured on skirts, dresses, shorts, swimwear, and the house’s iconic accessories. Also adorned with this classic pattern, are the Lady D-Lite, Dior Book Tote, and Diorcamp bags, as well as the Dior Travel clutch. Complementing this sunny wardrobe, the Dior Maison essential Is envisioned for summertime are also being unveiled, including a surfboard emblazoned with the “Christian Dior” signature, a skateboard, a pool mattress, a parasol, beach games, and fans. A series of decorative objects, stationary cushions, and placemats prolong this celebration of art de vivre. GH
www.dior.com
Fashion
Think Positive and Green: DoDo & Tenaka Together Again
DoDo and Tenaka are back together, launching a new collaboration to support environmental protection. This year, the iconic pendant and jewelry brand, which has always been active in projects to protect the planet, has joined forces with French social enterprise Tenaka to support the Coral Reef Restoration project in Tioman, Malaysia. Their partnership began in 2020 with the restoration of a thousand square meters of the world's most resilient and biodiverse coral reef, followed by a one-of-a-kind project to save a mangrove forest in the state of Sabah in 2021, to finally get to the current collaboration to expand Malaysia's coral reef with 300 new corals planted. For this project, DoDo realized a bracelet and necklace made of silver and recycled plastic inspired by the colors of the ocean to symbolize the new commitment. It is a call to all to respect and protect the sea. VB
www.dodo.com
Fashion
Palm Angels x Vilebrequin New Capsule Collection
Palm Angels, the brand founded by Art Director and Photographer Francesco Ragazzi, has announced the release of a new project in partnership with VILEBREQUIN. After the first collaboration launched in 2021, the new Palm Angels x Vilebrequin capsule collection represents the second drop of the coolest swimwear for Summer 2022. Both brands stand for durable tailoring and sartorial construction combined with a playful and joyful design. The new beachwear pieces, in line with their stylistic codes, introduce five new different prints: camouflage and animal prints, an art-deco inspired motif with the Palm Angels logo, a bold tropical sunset as viewed from a pristine Hawaiian coast, and, lastly, the classic teddy bear with ultra-trendy paisley motifs. The color palette ranges from bright yellows, blues, and classic black to perfectly embody the summer season. These clothes will be available starting May 31st on VILEBREQUIN and Palm Angels’ websites and select stores. VB
www.palmangels.com
www.vilebrequin.com
Fashion
Dior: Archi Dior
Since 2014, Victoire de Castellane has paid tribute to Dior’s origins through her Archi Dior collection. This year, the Archi Dior jewelry collection is enriched with eight new pieces, three of which are inspired by the famous Bar suit. First presented in 1947 in the very first collection by the House of Dior, with a pleated skirt cut from four meters of black wool and a natural shantung jacket with soft curves and a peplum emphasizing a wasp waist, the sculptural design became emblematic of the Dior look. Its new jewelry incarnation, Bar en corolle, features a white gold ruffle and diamond belt, appearing as a luminous bracelet and necklace. Completing this, are fan-shaped earrings, set with a pear-cut diamond that may also be worn as a simple stud. Also celebrated from 1947, is the short-sleeved Aladin dress, which was decorated with bows and caused a sensation. This is celebrated with the ultra-contemporary Diorama earring. Designed specifically for either the left or right ear, the jewel is placed high on the ear and allows a glittering ribbon to unfurl, illuminating the silhouette. This year, the line also gives rise to three new Archi Dior Milieu du siècle creations in the form of a necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings. GH
www.dior.com
Art
Art Rotterdam 2022: Artist From All Over The World
During Art Rotterdam, people will have the possibility to dive into the creations of hundreds of artists from all over the world. From France, UN-SPACED Gallery presents the new work of Lilah Fowler on show in the New Art Section. The British-Japanese artist is famous for her complex and layered installations that represent the geopolitical layers of our globalized virtual and analog landscapes, as well as how these parallel worlds occasionally overlap. Her woven works, photography, sculpture, and video art explore the effects and consequences of technology on contemporary society. The Belgian booth curated by Galerie Felix Frachon, instead, showcases the art pieces by Brazilian artist Mano Penalva. His works are based on everyday objects collected during his many trips to major world cities, especially at popular street markets. These items are, for him, examples of material culture and globalization. What fascinates him is the new, poetic values that these objects gain once they are taken out from their original context. Then, representing the Netherland, one of the galleries that take part at the fair is STEVENSON, presenting the new masterpiece by Viviane Sassen. Her creations are characterized by sculptural representations of bodies, often surreal and anonymous. VB
www.artrotterdam.com
Art
OBJECT Rotterdam: Jubilee Edition From May 20 till May 22
OBJECT Rotterdam opens its doors to the public from May 20 till May 22, presenting the artworks of over 150 designers, of which more than 50 recently graduated. Held at the modernist HAKA building, this design fair is an incubator for creative talent: a place where to discover new trends and meet upcoming artists. Inspiration and innovation are the keywords of the event. This year’s edition will offer a mix of products, furniture, fashion, lighting, and graphic design, in addition to giving free access to all visitors to the Euromast, a pop-up platform where various designers from Rotterdam present their works. OBJECT Rotterdam is also famous for its well-balanced combination of commercial and conceptual designs that are not just on view but also sale, giving the possibility to the creators to connect with consumers, collectors, agents, gallery owners, and curators. Among the artworks and artists, people can discover the colorful textiles by Lola van Praag, new furniture by the Italian Lisa Brustolin, and poetic sculptures by German artist Cengiz Hartmann. Next to these names, also many young designers get a head start at OBJECT. These newcomers, selected by Anne van der Zwaag, owner and director of the design fair, represent the most interesting 2021 graduates from KABK, HKU, Rietveld Academie, ArtEZ, the Design Academy, MAFAD, and the Rotterdam based WDKA. VB
www.objectrotterdam.com
Fashion
MM6 Maison Margiela SS23: “Avant-Premiere”
MM6 Maison Margiela celebrates the arrival of summer’s freedom and long, balmy nights in its “Avant-Premiere” SS23 lookbook. Shot in the queue outside La Java, one of the most loved nightclubs in Paris, it portrays an eclectic group of revellers who are drawn together by the common purpose of relishing nightlife. The imagery depicts the unexpected beauty discovered in the process of their making. A forest green wool blazer features appliquéd circular elbow patches, being a playful geometric adjustment of the traditional oval shape as well as a nod to the status that the circle has acquired as an MM6 Maison Margiela “non-logo”. Tapered tailored trousers are given a five-pocket treatment typical of workwear pants, and easy-wearing ribbed tanks and striped cotton jersey t-shirts are vertically spliced with stepped crew necks; in some experimental iterations, they are reimagined as sarong-like trails with multiple armholes that drape around the body, offering the wearer a sense of creative autonomy. Curious experimentation is also presented in knit abound, with lightweight argyle vests in scarlet and black reversed, making an unexpected spectacle of the typically concealed side of the fabric. The eccentricity exhibited does not stop there, with broderie anglaise-trimmed pillowcases fashioned into cropped tops, circular-flat pattern viscose dresses printed with imagery shot in the reflection of this season’s polished spherical jewelry, sandals that give the impression that the foot is sinking in the shoe’s bright molten sole, and an innovative collar system found across cotton shirt dresses, denim jackets, and zip-up cardigans. Depictions of the house’s Parisian headquarters feature across the knit sweaters and shorts, and a printed version of the Japanese bag features scans of MM6 Maison Margiela’s most emblematic pieces. GH
www.maisonmargiela.com
Fashion
Omega teams up with Athletic Legend Allyson Felix
Omega has been the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, therefore, it seems fitting that legend of athletics Allyson Felix joins the Swiss brand. One year after gaining her first professional contract at the age of 18, Felix earned her first Olympic Games medal, winning silver in the 200m event at Athens 2004. Since then, she has won an overall 11 Olympic Games medals, 7 of which are gold, along with 18 World Championship titles and 5 Diamond League titles. When discussing joining the Omega family, Allyson Felix has said “It’s been an honor to rely on their precision for some of my fastest ever moments and I’m thrilled to wear their watches as a symbol of the brand’s quality”. The brand has a fast-growing family of sporting ambassadors, including other Olympic Games stars such as Michael Phelps, Shaun White, Noah Lyles, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, Dalilah Muhammed, Yulimar Rojas, and Ma Long. Each with the values of precision, accuracy, consistency, and strength – all key assets to a watchmaking brand that prides itself on excellence. GH
www.omegawatches.com
Fashion
Debut of luxury label Maeden
Luxury label Maeden has made its debut with the launching of a designer bag to be worn and enjoyed for generations to come. The brand has been launched as a homage to Dutch design, local craftsmanship, and true luxury at its essence. Founder and Creative Director Christian Heikoop launched the brand with the intention of fulfilling the potential of leather ateliers and tanneries in the Netherlands, pairing designers and craftsmanship. According to Heikoop, “by pairing the two you can reach true innovation by challenging and learning from one another”. Whilst offering a solidly made, sustainable product that goes against fast fashion, the brand labels itself in between high street and traditional luxury, being more visible to those who position themselves between the two. With its first collection of bags emerging from experts in the fields of jewelry, fashion, product design, and textiles, the pieces offer a fresh and much welcomed take on shape, material, crafts, and innovation. Possibly looking simple at first glance, the bag designs are technically complex and incredibly detailed. Summarized in one word: pure, the pieces are therewith in line with Maeden’s definition of genuine luxury. GH
www.maeden.nl
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Unveils The New Collaboration With Yayoi Kusama
Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has nurtured strong ties with the art world, coming together with a series of artists, and rewriting the rules of creative collaborations between luxury brands and artists. Today, the French Maison presents chapter two of its partnership with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. In 2012, the two teamed up for the first time to create exhibitions, one-of-a-kind window installations, and a startlingly lifelike mannequin modeled by the artist. Yayoi Kusama, famous for combining different techniques in his artworks, from sculpture, painting, and installation, to filmmaking and photography, is considered a precursor to Pop and Minimal art, even if her diverse art practices resist any singular classification. She is a cutting-edge artist that takes inspiration from the hallucinations she has experienced since her childhood to express her inner self and investigate the mysteries of life. The new collaboration celebrates their long-lasting relationship, unveiling a handful of leather goods created by Nicolas Ghesquière for the Cruise 2023 fashion show and reinterpreted by Yayoi Kusama’s obsessive dots. The new products will hit stores worldwide in January 2023. VB
www.louisvutton.com
Fashion
The Big Bang Unico UEFA
The meeting of the biggest clubs and players at the UEFA Champions League is measured in Hublot time. This partnership is a shared passion for bringing people together and consequently giving them lasting memories. According to Richard Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, “Hublot measures the moments that people remember long after the game”, a true depiction of the brand’s importance to the UEFA Champion’s League, the decisive factor in the competition. To celebrate seven years of collaboration and great football, Hublot is now presenting an exclusive edition, the Big Bang Unico. Limited to 100 copies, the piece is made of glass bead blasted ceramic crafted and clad in iconic UEFA Champions League blue. The crucial moments on the Speifeld are measured with the Hublot manufacture chronograph movement Unico 2, a highly complex and advanced movement that ensures impeccable reliability. Today, the UEFA Champions League is the most-watched annual sporting competition in the world, and the most popular among players, clubs, and fans. Hublot’s dedication to football makes this the perfect partnership, capturing the moments that make history. GH
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Stone Island x Supreme SS22
The seventh collaboration between Stone Island and Supreme is dropping on May 12th, with yet another expansive collection that focuses on both outerwear pieces and classic wardrobe staples. The exclusive pieces begin with water-resistant resin-coated nylon Reversible Faux Fur Parkas, as well as heat-sensitive pigment printed Reactive Ice Camo Ripstop Jacket. The Reversible Faux Fur Parka has one side that is made in Formula Steel, a nylon oxford with a PFC-free anti-drop treatment, and the other made of thick faux fur. The back of the faux fur side is woven in darker-color faux fur hair from a large Wind Rose motif. Many of the pieces were designed in a versatile way that is fitting to multiple weather conditions. For this collaboration, the two brands have gone above and beyond, creating everything from reversible faux fur coats with the Stone Island compass logo imprinted on the back, to hoodies and t-shirts with the Mona Lisa printed atop, tracksuits, and unique accessories. GH
www.stoneisland.com
www.supremenewyork.com
Fashion
Bulgari And Save The Children Campaign: “My Wish For You”
To celebrate Mother’s Day, Bulgari has teamed up with Save The Children in a unique campaign titled "My wish for you." Their partnership started 13 years ago, and since the beginning, Bulgari has donated more than $100 million to the charity organization helping 2 million unprivileged children worldwide through four different areas of intervention: education, poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and emergency response. This time, the fine jewelry brand, thanks to this new initiative, not only portrays Mother’s Day in a beautiful way but also contributes to funding programs to support children in difficult humanitarian situations, giving Save The Children €75 for each piece they will sell. Bulgari wants to offer everyone a life full of love, where children feel supported in their own choices and decisions, where they can pursue their ambitions and achieve their goals. VB
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Premiata Presents The Second Release of John Low Sneakers
Premiata has teamed up with Sciarada, a historical manufacturing company, to create a second release of the John Low model in the name of Circular economy. Sciarada, based in the largest leather-producing district of Tuscany, is specialized in suede production. For this collaboration, the tanning company has developed a new, extremely innovative material called Evolo. It is a type of suede produced respecting the environment, able to eliminate six out of sixteen passages compared to the standard production process. Evolo saves 66% of water and 36% of chemical products while lowering CO2 emissions by 50%. It is a one-of-a-kind eco-friendly material. Furthermore, Premiata realized the new shoes using the LIMONTA upper in regenerated nylon with ECONYL® yarn produced with pre-post-consumer waste and natural and recycled fabrics for the bottom part. The new shoes will be available in shades of white for women and classic colors such as grey, navy, powder blue, and pink for men. VB
www.premiata.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton SS22 Eyewear Campaign
Louis Vuitton has unveiled the SS22 Eyewear campaign featuring British 18-year-old, Emmy-nominated, SAG Award-winning actress and UNICEF Ambassador, Millie Bobby Brown. The new house ambassador is portrayed wearing Louis Vuitton sunglasses in a series of images shot by the photographer Steven Meisel in her first-ever campaign for luxury fashion accessories. "I met Nicolas Ghesquière 6 years ago and have been a fan of his work with Louis Vuitton ever since. Today, I am proud and honored to be joining the Louis Vuitton family. Truly a pinch me, full-circle moment!" says Millie Bobby Brown. Together with her, model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss and the Congolese-Belgian singer and model Lous and the Yakuza appear in the photos, with styling by Joe McKenna, hair by Jimmy Paul, and makeup by Pat McGrath. They are framed against gradient backgrounds of blue, dusty rose, and terracotta that suggest the enthralling way the sunlight changes from dawn to nightfall. VB
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
C.P. Company SS22 Mille Jacket
For the SS22 Collection, C.P. Company has reimagined one of its iconic designs: the Mille Jacket. A true challenge for the brand that has chosen to make the new product out of the KAN-D, a C.P. Company proprietary technology fabric similar to the original cellophane candy wrappers. It is an extreme, transparent material that requires meticulous construction and sewing techniques since every seam is visible. Also, the KAN-D, which stands for “Klear Achronic Nylon Dyed,” can only be utilized in the imbalance shrinkage dyeing process and garment dying form. In addition, C.P Company has also presented a contemporary version of the Cinquecento Jacket, a timeless outerwear piece designed by Alessandro Pungetti in the early 2000s and inspired by the Mille Jacket. This season’s edition features the same pockets’ structure as the original look but designed with a regular fit, and made in LCM and Gore-Tex Infinium, two waterproof and breathable textiles. VB
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Chanel at The Venice Biennale 2022
The CHANEL Next Prize is the brand's latest initiative to support the arts and contemporary culture, reflecting its founder's aim to be a part of the "ce qui va arriver" – "what happens next” prize. The French house has celebrated the ten winners of the new biennial award at the pre-opening of the 59th edition of the Venice Biennale, awarding them €100,000 each. Jung Jae-il, Keiken, Lual Mayen, Marlene Monteiro Freitas, Rungano Nyoni, Marie Schleef, Botis Seva, Wang Bing, Eduardo William, and Precious Okoyomon represent 11 countries and diverse art forms, from theatre, film, dance, gaming, the visual and performing arts. As winners, they also had the opportunity to test ideas, strengthen artistic networks, and find inspiration for future projects by participating in different activities such as joining the preview of this year’s exhibition “The Milk of Dreams,” and a celebratory dinner in their honor. Jurors Tilda Swinton and Sir David Adjaye, as well as creative thought leaders and partners from the CHANEL Culture Fund, took part in the events. VB
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Indomptables de Cartier
For their newest jewellery and watchmaking collection, Cartier is presenting unexpected encounters between animals, capturing the wild and untamed spirit through the image of the tiger, giraffe, crocodile and zebra. With this collection, Cartier dares to create jewellery hybrids characterized by the strong, graphic pieces featuring powerful volumes. The design of the pieces is clean and precise with an emphasis to every detail, resulting in the ultra-realistic designs. While the animal’s heads stay true to their natural image, the bodies are transformed; the scales of the crocodile adorn the zebra, while its stripes are passed on to the panther. Each animal of the collection are characteristic of Cartier’s menagerie, which is ruled over by the Maison’s ultimate emblem the panther. As Pierre Rainero, Director of Image, Style and Heritage puts it so eloquently, ‘With their shapes, colors, forms and effects of volume and stylization, the tête-à-tête bracelets of the collection reveal an unprecedented dimension of Cartier’s menagerie and its symbolic power. Animal jewellery has the ability to reflect the personality of its wearer, as well as their mood, attitudes and character traits. It’s an opportunity to deliver a message.’
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Colmar SS22: New Optimistic World
Lightness and freedom of movement characterize Colmar’s SS22 collection, perfect for the changing of the season. Colmar is renowned for observing the present, looking to the future inspired by the surroundings: technology, art communication, style, material, and thoughts. Each innovative collection is divided into four themes according to fit and occasion, the first being fitting to spring. This makes everything perfectly adaptable to the user’s own needs in everyday life. Being eco-friendly is a focus of the collection, representing a more conscious approach to the garments, as they are made from recyclable fabrics that always respect the environmental conditions. The second theme is biodegradable, each garment is made from biodegradable nylon fibers in collaboration with Amni Soul Eco. This allows for the garments to be degraded within five years, providing they are placed in the designated disposal areas. Thirdly, the collection presents a range of garments for spring’s changeable weather. This includes woman’s and men’s jackets are made of a three-layer fabric, created by processing elastic stretch material and soft jersey. The fourth theme, daylight saving time, consists of light garments, colorful designs, graphics, and personalization for a stylish summer look. A special addition to the imagery named “Matchy Matchy” divides into two different designs, themed father and son. The first plays with reflective logotypes and rainbow effects, while the second represents the connection between Colmar, the mountain, and skiing. GH
www.colmar.com
Fashion
HOGAN: A Story to Tell
How do you define iconic, a true classic? In some cases it’s possible that it is a story yet to unfold and to be told, which has begun but not quite ended. A narrative that creates a sense of anticipation in the way books, movies, or art pieces can. Drawing on this idea, Hogan has a long tradition of presenting its iconic shoe models as a medium for storytelling. Marking the beginning of its legacy in the late 80s, Hogan and sneakers have long been an inseparable dyad. In 1986, the label took its first steps toward a groundbreaking idea: the conceptualization of a luxury sneaker. The Hogan Traditional was the first, future- shifting luxury sneaker introduced by a lifestyle brand and now defines Hogan’s signature style. Since then, it has remained a popular staple piece. At the time, sneakers were primarily considered as a part of sportswear. By introducing the sneaker in the luxury fashion context, Hogan redefined the boundaries of activewear and paved the way for luxury athleisure – casual, and comfortable yet chic clothing designed to be suitable for everyday wear. Disregarding every existing stereotype and reversing the cliche?, Hogan set new rules with the Hogan Traditional. With the launch of the iconic model, a new category in footwear was born. Now as then, Hogan encapsulates the pioneering idea of casual luxury that suits every possible occasion featuring contemporary and dynamic, yet laid-back and elegant lifestyle pieces. Taking inspiration from this tradition, Hogan is never losing sight of any opportunities to reinvent itself and paving its way forward into the future. Developing the vision of what is considered classic, ever perfecting the balance between tradition and modernity, Hogan’s future lies in its established roots. 35 years after the introduction of its industry-changing Hogan Traditional, Hogan introduces a new classic to the market: a re-edition of the original model, with sustainability at its core. As part of the Hogan-3R project the new edition is a confluence of genderless, cutting-edge pieces inspired by the world of cricket. Subtle, yet unconventionally elegant, it is destined to become timelessly iconic. The three “R’s” in the project title stand for the concepts Hogan applies to its sustainability philosophy: recycle, reuse and reduce. Other keywords like rethink, respect, or revolutionize can also be read into the idea. Hogan aims to centralize sensible use of available resources, reducing waste and bringing unique, valuable and durable pieces to life. The footwear is an expression of sober, yet unconventional elegance, an embodiment and expression of its sustainability commitments. The sneakers are manufactured from low environmental-impact materials, which becomes visible in the ultra- lightweight outer sole of the pieces. The 3D design of the sole is made of materials including leftover, unused industrial materials, which contributes to the label’s waste-reduction and sustainability goals. The 3R edition also includes essential, yet multi-faceted pieces of clothing and accessories that draw inspiration from the dynamism and skylines of the world, the technologically innovative smart cities. Born out of a dedication to the environment and all beings inhabiting it, the project puts the earth at the center, as our home and host, highlighting its vulnerability and campaigning for its protection. Hogan-3R embodies the values that are at its core: from responsible innovation and conscious use of resources to waste reduction. As a label with Italian roots and a strong international outlook, Hogan is known to fuse tradition and design innovation with the finest quality materials, celebrating that “our future is a canvas we will paint together.” Thinking forward and in awe of heritage, Hogan continues its story, referencing the past and narrating the future by encouraging the new generation to write a new chapter. A love story – a declaration of devotion for storytelling and nature through creation.
www.hogan.com
Fashion
Gucci Bamboo 1947
Creative Director Alessandro Michele has presented the Gucci Bamboo 1947, a reinterpretation through a contemporary lens of the design of the iconic Bamboo bag. Part of the signature Gucci Beloved lines, the new Gucci Bamboo 1947 act as a bridge between past, present, and future. This iconic item was designed for the first time by Guccio Gucci during Italy’s post-war era. This period, in which traditional raw materials were difficult to find, gave him the possibility to experiment with new goods, giving rise to a unique bag with a handle crafted with lightweight and durable bamboo. The Bamboo bag became an instant emblem worn by Hollywood’s leading ladies and the international jet set. Today, the Gucci Bamboo 1947 comes with interchangeable leather and Web straps that are detachable and adjustable, making the bag a highly versatile accessory suitable for different occasions. With a vibrant color palette and a sophisticated silhouette, the bag features exceptional levels of craftsmanship, featuring pieces of bamboo that are hand-picked according to the Gucci design specifications. The Gucci Bamboo 1947 is a worldwide icon that the Creative Director also decided to celebrate by involving in the launch of the new line 9 international creators that produced various digital projects, each of which presented a personal take on the revisited bag. VB
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Prada Linea Rossa SS22
Prada sub-label Prada Linea Rossa fits right in wherever there’s a sport, founded with the remit of exploring progressive styles, evolving materials, and moving to the future. For SS22, the brand is worn by models playing a futuristic form of table tennis, demonstrating the inherent versatility of Prada Linea Rossa’s garments. Photographed by Johnny Dufort, the clothes are captured in fast-paced, dynamic, ceaseless action. The trim, lightweight SS22 garments allow for entirely unhindered mobility, enhancing the capabilities of the everyday seasonal uniform. The base layers are cut from a bio-ceramic polyester piquet that balances the body’s internal temperature irrespective of the environment. Also introduced is new nylon woven from threads made of castor plant seeds. The result of this is simultaneously lightweight, wear-resistant, and antibacterial, requiring none of the care demanded of its organic peers. The iconic Prada America’s Cup sneaker is exhibiting a relaunch with a new dimension offered: customization. Through this, the user can personalize their own taste to the styles, choosing from leather to laces, with a spread of colors and even the possibility of embossed initials. The collection truly embodies the brand’s tendency of producing metropolitan clothing, engineered for tomorrow. GH
www.prada.com
Fashion
PB 0110 x ___hagenkoetter
Rethinking the development process of a collection and upcycling century-old fabrics, PB 0110 and ___hagenkoetter teamed up to present new collaborative products. Past and present woven together. On one side, PB 0110, the label by Philipp Bree, known for fine bags of natural leather and linen, and on the other ___hagenkoetter, which works with traders who specialize in sourcing antique fabrics crafted by hand on small looms in the 19th century and kept carefully preserved. Both of them involve local manufacturers preferring traditional production methods to machine production. The collection presented features one-of-a-kind models realized with different fabrics, each of which, has its own story. The result of this collaboration is a classic tote bag in two versions: the HB 01 consisting of a soft, light divan previously used as a cover on beds or upholstered furniture, and the HB 02, a bag made of light linen fabric, almost 100 years old, utilized for tablecloths, workwear, bed covers and more. Both are complete with the PB 0110 vegetable tanned leather from the tannery in Belgium. PB 0110 x Hagenkoetter products are available exclusively at PB 0110, SSENSE, Online, and CIBONE, Japan. VB
www.pb0110.com
Fashion
Palm Angels New Iconic Bag
Expression of uniqueness, strong personality, and free mindset, Palm Angels has presented the new Palm Beach bag, designed to become the brand's new iconic bag. Francesco Ragazzi, the founder of the brand, has created an object of desire reminiscent of the feminine spirit of the House. Made for Palm Angels girls, the new bag is an accessory that allows our imagination to travel, even in metaphorical places. It is a unique combination of non-conformism, passion, and research for details. The Palm Beach bag, crafted with calfskin leather, is offered in the small version as a crossbody bag, while it features an adjustable shoulder strap in the medium and large versions. But the true protagonist of the bag is the palm tree, a closure in shiny gold and faceted 3D metal. This element, which revokes both the freedom of beach life and a metropolitan attitude, is the symbol of the relaxed and unconstructed lifestyle that the brand wants to convey. Then, to create an even more dreamy atmosphere, the new bag has been realized in a color palette that reminds of the shades of a sunset by the sea: bright yellow, faded pink, and light blue combined with more classic colors such as black and brown. VB
www.palmangels.com
Fashion
Quatre Novelties
Boucheron has unveiled the new SS22 jewelry in a reinterpretation of the Quatre Collection. The new pieces feature four bands, the Grosgrain, the line of diamonds, the Clou de Paris, and the Double Godron, that reflect the signature codes of the Maison. Each band, in its singularity, gives the jewelry a timeless spirit so that everyone can wear them in any combination. The collection presents a variety of products, from pendants and bracelets to necklaces and earrings crafted in yellow or rose gold, silver, and with the addition of magnificent diamonds. The collection created is a celebration, a pure delight, poised to embrace Spring with style. The season of renewal, expression of optimism and excitement, is enhanced by Boucheron in its Spring Colors campaign. Featuring ambassadors Alexa Chung, Nour Arida, Hannah Quinlivan, and Youn-Jung Go, the images are an invitation to enjoy the pleasure of the moment. Here, the women have fun playing with the XXL pieces of the Quatre Collection, while other photos portray them on a monochrome background that reflects their true essence. VB
www.boucheron.com
Fashion
Miu Miu Women's Tales #23: House Comes with a Bird
Miu Miu has presented "House Comes With A Bird,” the 23rd installment of the short film series Women’s Tales. The program, launched in 2011, aims to bring together today’s most profound and original female directors to investigate vanity and femininity in the 21st century. This year Miu Miu teamed up with American film director, producer, and screenwriter Janicza Bravo to realize a new movie that features singer and cellist Kelsey Lu and actress Natasha Lyonne. Known for her films Zola, Lemon, and Gregory Go Boom, Bravo has expressed her love for short films and described her latest work, House Comes With A Bird, as a marriage of text and beautiful clothing. The short movie portrays a series of clipped social encounters, each of which denotes dynamics of power in gender, race, and class. The whole surrounded by an airy, languid mood that is the quintessence of the late afternoon Californian sun. Janicza Bravo’s new episode for Women’s Tales made its debut in Los Angeles, and now it is available on Miu Miu digital channels and MUBI globally. VB
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Colmar SS22: New Optimistic World
The Colmar SS22 contemporary designs radiate an energy of inspiration, emerging from technology, art, communication, style, materials, and thoughts. A wide variety of cuts were designed to adapt to the four themes that are in each collection, perfectly adapting to a person’s individualistic needs in everyday life. The first theme is derived from welcoming spring, expressed by lightness and freedom, the pieces reinterpret well-known classics for better functionality. Within this theme is a versatile array of garments in both men's and women’s collections. The men’s collection includes a range of various types of jackets, suitable for the season and give a sporty look, three of these are water-repellent and made of polyester microfiber. Nine feminine garments are in the women’s collection, ranging from pastel shades and bright colors to classic, neutral tones. These are embellished with accessories with a silver finish that makes the jacket more radiant. For the second season in a row, Colmar Originals is focusing the collection on environmental friendliness, using the mottos “Recycled” and “Biodegradable” making these the second theme. The brand has put great efforts into ensuring that the men’s and womenswear are made of durable materials that are as eco-friendly as possible. The third theme of the campaign, mid-season, presents a range of garments for spring’s interchangeable weather. Unlined jackets can be paired with sweatshirts, polo shirts, or t-shirts, while there are all jackets made of a three-layer fabric, which is created by processing elastic stretch material and soft jerseys. The fourth theme consists of light garments: colorful designs, graphics, and personalization for a stylish summer look. Available for men are a wide range of polyester-cotton sweatshirts, swim trunks, and more. For women, similar but more pastel feminine designs are available to be paired with palazzo trousers and shorts. An additional special campaign was introduced as part of this, the first themed father and son, while the second represents the mountains and skiing, a true connection to the brand. GH
www.colmar.it
Art
Reflex Amsterdam: Daido Moriyama ’71 New York
Reflex Amsterdam has announced that it will premier the first exhibition featuring a large selection from Daido Moriyama’s Another Country in New York. The photographs featured are all in the artist’s signature style: rough, out of focus, and grainy. This represents the photographer’s belief that the art of photography should not be used as a sharp tool, but instead to capture reality in its essence; exciting and chaotic. The collection displays Moriyama’s first trip to New York in ’71. The miscellaneous frames, dynamic digital compositions, and flashing lights capture the overwhelming sense of the urban landscape. After being printed 20 years ago, the photographs have never been shown in completion and have been hidden in the archive, making the exhibition so much more special for lovers of vintage photography. The title of the series is based on the book by James Baldwin, Another Country. Reflected in the photograph series, the book illustrates the urban buzz within New York City. The blurriness of the works displayed are not to be mistaken as an attempt to solve the urban mystery but are simply there to capture its essence. This sense of mystery is reflected in the double prints, where two images are paired that reveal stark oppositions or overwhelming impressions of the city. Born in ’38, Daido Moriyama became an independent photographer in ‘64, publishing his first books Nippon Gekijo Shashincho in ’68 and Shashin yo Sayounara in ’72, both depicting the darker sides of urban life and the city of Tokyo. The exhibition is due to open on March 26th alongside some solo exhibitions at Reflex, Amsterdam. GH
www.reflexamsterdam.com
Fashion
Alan Roura Is The New Hublot Ambassador
With less than 1000 days to go before the start of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, Swiss watch manufacture Hublot has appointed skipper Alan Roura as the new brand ambassador. The Genevan skipper, who has spent 27 of his 29 years on water, can count on this long-term collaboration and top-tier partner to reach his ambitious goal: to win the 2024 edition of the "Everest of the seas" – the world's most challenging sailing race. Since the brand's inception in 1980, Hublot has had historical links to sailing. Nearly 25 years later, the watchmaker has chosen Alan Roura as the figurehead for its return to racing. Following its "First, Unique, Different" philosophy and its commitment to promoting 100% Swiss Made products, Hublot will support him in this unique human adventure and magnificent sporting challenge. Alan Roura will skipper the IMOCA 60 HUBLOT in every race on the calendar for the next three seasons before embarking on another round the world voyage in 2024. The IMOCA 60 HUBLOT is a 60-foot monohull used for the Vendée Globe. These yachts, made from composite materials, are designed to be both lightweight and fast while retaining the necessary strength to withstand conditions on the high seas. They are unique prototypes and a fusion of state-of-the-art technology. Especially, this new ultra-high-performance craft in black, yellow, and white livery will propel Alan Roura into a whole new dimension, offering him the opportunity to reset his sporting ambitions. “Now I have the resources I need to succeed, three years to prepare, and a real rocket to take me there. It's down to myself and to my partners to push it to its absolute limits. When you want something, you have to be relentless. Which is fortunate, because neither Hublot nor myself are the relenting types!" - Alan Roura. VB
www.hublot.com
Fashion
It Is Electrifying
Maserati is the first Italian luxury automotive manufacturer to produce fully electric vehicles, announcing the launch of the Folgore model. Through the evolution of its designs, Maserati has always led the way in automotive fashion, with unique cars, elegant yet sporty, always with highly personal, distinctive lines. In 2021, the Italian brand experienced a robust year-on-year sales growth of 41%, with 24,269 vehicles sold to customers worldwide. So, strengthened by these outstanding results, Maserati has decided to introduce on the market a new all-electric, two-door sports car. The new GranTurismo is the first vehicle in Maserati's history to use 100% electric solutions combined with cutting-edge technology from Formula E, outstanding performance, comfort, and elegance. Manufactured at the Mirafiori production center, the car will launch in 2023. In addition, next year brand new SUV Grecale will also be available in an electric version, and by 2025, all Maserati models will be available in a fully electric version: the MC20 supercar, the new Quattroporte sports sedan, and the future Levante luxury SUV will complete the Maserati Folgore range. Maserati's plans are part of Stellantis' "Dare Forward 2030" strategy. The new Maserati models will be 100% designed, engineered, and produced in Italy, using electric powertrains to deliver innovation and high performance, typical of Maserati's DNA. VB
www.maserati.com
Fashion
Missoni’s New Creative Direction
Missoni takes on a new creative direction. The Italian brand appointed Filippo Grazioli, a young designer with 18 years of solid experience in prestigious fashion companies, to head up the Men and Women’s Collections. The new Creative Director has joined Missoni’s team to improve the brand’s image in the luxury market and further strengthen the modernization process already initiated. Filippo has immediately made public his excitement for the new position at Missoni, a brand that he considers to be a leader in the history of Italian style and design with its remarkable integrity over almost seven decades. He is ready to bring his vision but maintaining the joyfulness, freshness, sense of color and positivity that are the core qualities of Missoni. Filippo Grazioli took over his role from Alberto Caliri, a long-serving member of the company, right-hand man of Angela Missoni, and successful designer of the last two collections, that from now on will develop Missoni Home Collection and Missoni Sport. Alberto Caliri will have the possibility to continue to fully express his passion for architecture, art, and design, as well as having the opportunity to work closely with Rosita Missoni. Thanks to these two new appointments, the company aims to strengthen its foundations for the future, pursuing its goal to enhance the “total Living” concept of the brand. VB
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo appoints Maximillian Davis as Creative Director
Manchester-born Maximillian Davis has been appointed as Creative Director for Salvatore Ferragamo, effective from March 16th, 2022. Chief Executive Officer for the brand, Marco Gobbetti, has expressed his thrill with this change, proclaiming that “through his [Davis’] lens of contemporary sensibility, he will write a new, exciting chapter for this house built on a heritage of creativity, craftsmanship, sophistication, and outstanding human values”. Maximillian Davis graduated from London College of Fashion, and founded his eponymous brand in 2020 at Fashion East with his first collection in SS21, immediately attracting international recognition. His Trinidadian-Jamaican origins are essential to his identity and a strong inspiration for his work. The designer’s confidence, sharp elegance, innate sophistication, sense of color, and culturally hybrid point of view have been translated into garments seen on Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, and Dua Lipa. Davis has announced, “I am deeply honored to be joining Ferragamo and grateful for the opportunity to build on the rich and profound heritage of the house”. GH
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Cartier x sacai for Fashion Week 2022/2023
Trinity for Chitose Abe of sacai is first and foremost an encounter between the designer and founder of sacai, Chitose Abe, and the Maison’s creative studios. Six modular reconstructions of the Trinity ring have been made to achieve a new balance. These completely reinvent the wearer’s style without ever compromising on elegance. The collaboration consists of two rings, a bracelet, a choker, an earring, and a versatile piece that is both an earring and a ring. Truly present throughout this is the famous chromatic trilogy of white, yellow, and rose gold rings. However, the distortion of the rings changes in regards to their position on the skin and their function. The capsule was seen for the first time at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris during the sacai FW22/23 fashion show, inspired by Cartier red. This exclusive, limited-edition collection will be released initially in Japan in summer, then in Paris, London, New York, and Seoul in FW22. GH
Fashion
Clarence Ruth Is The Winner of The New Legacy Challenge
Tommy Hilfiger has announced Clarence Ruth as the winner of the New Legacy Challenge, a design competition developed through a partnership between Tommy Hilfiger’s People’s Place Program and Harlem’s Fashion Row. Launched in 2020, the People’s Place Program draws inspiration from Tommy Hilfiger’s first store of the same name opened in 1969 in his hometown of Elmira. This program was created to amplify the company’s efforts to increase opportunities and visibility for underrepresented communities within the global fashion and apparel industries. And, it is following the brand mission that the New Legacy Challenge has been born. This event aims to support emerging Black talent on a global scale giving them the possibility to bring their unique designs to life. Held at The EDITION Times Square Hotel, the latest edition of the New Legacy Challenge, saw the three finalists Megan Smith, Johnathan Hayden, and Clarence Ruth presenting their inspirations, concepts, and collections in front of a jury. Mr. Tommy Hilfiger, Grammy-winning, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated performer Anthony Ramos and HFR executives, then awarded Clarence Ruth, the founder of the brand Cotte D’Armes which explores denim from a vantage point, with the first prize, giving him the opportunity to co-design a capsule collection alongside the Tommy Hilfiger design team. VB
www.tommyhilfiger.com
Fashion
Hermès FW22
“It’s really about how do you translate classicism and sophistication and chic into the idea of a woman really assuming her femininity? The fact that sex is ok-it’s not something to be ashamed of”, said Hermes Creative Director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski when describing the message behind the brand’s FW22 ready-to-wear collection. Showcased during Paris Fashion week, the imagery presents us with the female-gaze point of view on the subject of skin exposure that is emerging from a rising generation of female designers across the United States, Europe, and China. An example of the presentation is body-mapped shorts, in abbreviated, engineered shapes of knitted onesies and form-hugging leather. Another is the manipulation of opaque-sheer techniques in narrow stripe formation, this shadow-play geometry is seen on sweaters and flared skirts with its vertical stripes of leather interlinked with semitransparent lacy panels. Despite exploring the body-con trend and other features of modernity in a wonderful way, the collection sticks to the brand’s well-known features that maintain the label’s attraction. This attraction is in its signature coats, whether they be formal, country, or to be worn in the city. The minimal, easy-to-style coats in a variety of black, white, and brown shades maintain the signature of Hermès outerwear being built to carry on its super-luxe heritage. GH
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton for UNICEF
Aside from bringing unique designs to the world, Louis Vuitton has had a partnership with UNICEF since 2016 to help bring vulnerable children life-saving humanitarian support all over the world. This includes UNICEF’s emergency programs, responding swiftly to catastrophes worldwide. In response to the tragic situation unfolding in Ukraine, existing funds within Louis Vuitton for UNICEF’s partnership are being made available as quickly as possible, as well as an additional one million euros that will be donated immediately to UNICEF to help children and families touched by the conflict. This will contribute to providing children and families in Ukraine with humanitarian aid including access to clean water, healthcare and education supplies, child protection services and psychosocial care. In addition, Louis Vuitton invites you to support and donate to UNICEF through the link below. GH
https://help.unicef.org/ukraine-emergency/louis-vuitton
Fashion
Intelligent Informal
Titled “Intelligent Informal,” the FW22 Collection presented by Salvatore Ferragamo has shown how casual clothing can be made, selected, and worn with the same care, craftsmanship and detail as an evening dress or coat. The 20s of this millennium increased a global shift toward the concept of casualization, and together with recent events and the values of new generations, habits have changed and fueled the decline of sartorial style and formal eveningwear in favor of a more informal attitude. The FW22 Collection highlighted this change featuring deconstructed and revisited clothes through a more fluid approach. Knit, leather, shearling, and sustainable nylon were combined to give origin to maxi-rouches garments, dresses, jumpsuits worn under mini skirts, and trench coats with shawls for multiple uses. In addition, maxi cuts out, and juxtaposition replaced a formal style with irony and informal intelligence. The result is a final look that gives off a contemporary personality. Salvatore Ferragamo with FW22 Collection exhibited in the neoclassical Sale delle Cariatidi of Palazzo Reale, in Piazza Duomo, in an immersive atmosphere, has demonstrated how casualwear became the new glamour. VB
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Diesel FW22
Diesel presented the FW22 Collection, a disruptive, sexy, fluid yet fun catwalk show realized by Creative Director Glenn Martens. For his debut, Glenn Martens unveiled clothing celebrating Diesel world: experimentation, rebellion, play, and the inevitable denim are the star for this season. The FW22 Collection, divided into four chapters, is a constant research that combines denim, utility, pop, and artisanal. Design themes run throughout, like the raw attitude of utilitarian belts, the sexuality of hook-and-eye, the play of trompe l’oeil, the energy of asymmetry, and the denim cuts from Diesel Library, the brand’s core range of more responsible denim. Materials clash and contrast, textures are pumped up, and every look has freedom and control. In addition, the collection includes the first-ever pieces created from fully recycled denim, cotton, elastane, and indigo-dyed without water. It is an important step forward for Diesel that gives life to an innovative, positive new line: Diesel Rehab Denim, in partnership with fabric sustainability specialists Tejidos Royo. VB
www.diesel.com
Fashion
MSGM And The Magic of The Stars
For this season MSGM addressed the stars. The FW22 Collection took inspiration from these celestial bodies, and in detail, from the feeling known as Astrophilia: the love for the stars. The stars, constant features in everyone’s lives, visible by all corners of the globe, are travel companions and a compass not to lose the way. They are the light in the dark or the twinkle in the night, they are bright and beautiful, and it is from these characteristics that Creative Director Massimo Giorgetti developed the Astrophilia® Collection. He presented night-time atmospheres expressed by a dark palette broken up by shimmering tones and shiny, precious materials while introducing, paving new and unexpected territory, minimal clothing in black and silver and embellished with outline embroidery, beads, and sequins. Then the stars appeared everywhere and multiplied on the garments in infinite graphic variations: on lycra turtleneck tops, wide jacquard dresses, and oversize poplin shirts worn with embroidered bras. Mini dresses and long skirts are crafted with reflective plexiglass stars, denim is finished with inlaid stars, and necklaces and accessories take the shapes of glittery stars. It is a physical and metaphorical trip to the infinity of Space. Because, in a period of challenges, tensions, and new conflicts, Space seems to be a horizon of escape and hope, a suspended horizon, a page yet to be written that opens up a thousand possible ways of living yet to be experienced. VB
www.msgm.com
Art
Saint Laurent Rive Droite, Robert Mapplethorpe
Creative Director of Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello has paid tribute to the works of Robert Mapplethorpe through an exhibition of original works displayed in the Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles. This is in collaboration with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, whose goal is to continue the artist’s legacy of promoting photography as an art form and supporting HIV/AIDS medical research. Mapplethorpe mastered the light, shadows, and shapes through compositions of still lifes, both male and female nudes and portraits. These were to challenge the standards of classical aesthetics. His widely known work contributed to a new perception of photographic art, and at the same time elevated fine art photography to the level of respect and attention given to sculpture and painting. His vast, provocative, and powerful works have established him as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Saint Laurent Rive Droite Paris and Los Angeles will host an exclusive selection of original artwork by Robert Mapplethorpe. The exhibitions will include silver gelatine photographs and Polaroids of still lifes, portraits, and nudes, courtesy of Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in Paris and Morán Morán Gallery in Los Angeles. In connection with this, Vaccarello has designed a unique lifestyle collection in collaboration with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. This limited edition includes bags, leather goods, clothing, porcelain, and pillows available to purchase in both stores. GH
www.ysl.com
www.mapplethorpe.org
Fashion
Prada Mode, Los Angeles
From February 16th-18th, Prada presented the seventh iteration of Prada Mode at Genghis Cohen, featuring an immersive installation by L.A based artist Martine Syms, coinciding with Frieze Los Angeles. Prada Mode is a traveling social club that focuses on contemporary culture, featuring fashion, art, music, conversation, and food, offering its guests a unique experience across diverse locations worldwide. Prada Mode in Los Angeles took place in the iconic restaurant and music venue Genghis Cohen, located on the historic Fairfax Avenue. Martine Syms’ interactive installation title “HelLA World”, transformed the location into one of her signature works that feature a perfect mix of conceptual grit, humor, and social commentary. The work shown was a text and video installation, equal parts live performance, narrative exposition, and casual conversation with a stranger. The installation consisted of monitors that make exchanges contributed by the guests public, revealing the possibility of the collective unconscious writ large. With the possibility of being scripted or spontaneous, the backdrop of texts suggested the banality and frisson of texting with a stranger. Members could join the experience at any time over the course of the two-day event to view the site-specific installation, attend talks, performances, and culinary revelations. GH
www.pradagroup.com
Fashion
Armani Exchange SS22 Collection
Armani Exchange has launched their SS22 collection entitled “Everything from A to X”. Taking inspiration from a 1992 advertising campaign, the project redevelops and emphasizes the same idea through a sustainable lens. The collection is characterized by sustainable materials, as well as displaying versatility through making essential items easy to use, mix, and personalize. The concise selection of simplistic black and white pieces can be combined from head to toe for any occasion that might present itself in modern city life. Pieces in the collection include organic cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts, windbreakers, parkas, chinos, shorts and wool blazers as well as white box sneakers and a nylon backpack. This system of elements can be freely mixed and matched without the need to add anything else. The collection is upholding the brand’s reputation of being accessible to most. The simplicity of the elements makes the items so authentic as anyone who wears them can mix and match freely, expressing their personality whilst also showcasing their individual taste. GH
www.armaniexchange.com
Fashion
Valentino Is The Sponsor of The Italian Pavilion at the 59th Biennale di Venezia
Creative Director of Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli, and Chief Executive Officer Jacopo Venturini will support the curator Eugenio Viola and artist Gian Maria Tosatti for the Italian Pavilion at the 59th International Art Exhibition of Biennale di Venezia. The luxury Italian house continues its commitment to promoting and sustaining culture with projects that aim to a cultural comeback and reciprocity. For the first time, the international exhibition will feature one sole artist’s work to represent Italy, titled “History of Night and Destiny of Comets”. This is a large environmental installation, with an optimistic perspective that offers a striking vision of the current state of society and its prospects. The 59th Biennale, “The Milk of Dreams”, will be curated by Cecilia Alemani. Le Gaggiandre of the Arsenale, where the Italian Pavillion will be hosted, is also the location where Pierpaolo Piccioli presented his Couture show in July 2021, “Valentino Des Ateliers”. Once again, the Creative Director wants to pay a homage to the city of Venice and to its cultural panorama, Piccioli views it as the natural perceptive scenario for a conversation between art and fashion, where a creative mind can envision its creations. Work featured by Gian Maria Tosatti is constructed as an intermediate that merges a plurality of languages, from literary references to visual arts, theater, music, and performance with the intent of creating new awareness, poised between dreams and errors. The 59th International Art Exhibition will be open to the public from April 23rd until November 27th, 2022. GH
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Etro launches "Love Hats" for Valentines Day
Expressing love through the joy of colors and positivity, Italian house Etro celebrate Valentine’s Day with the new “Love Hats” capsule collection, featuring a selection of unisex bucket hats. The hats feature the brand’s iconic paisley pattern in two different color schemes that both include the famous pegasus logo, creating a style statement to fall in love with. The hats are a true reflection of the brand’s tendencies of transmitting features that display curiosity, art, innovation, and community. Etro has defined Italian style globally since 1968. The acclaimed paisley prints styling luxury clothing since 1981 has become the Milanese fashion house’s signature design. Starring in a digital campaign shot in the streets of Paris, the hats are decorated with rubberised details and contrasting embroidered messages that speak of love, a perfect accessory for the holiday of love. The “Love Hats” are available from January 28th online and in Etro boutiques. GH
www.etro.com
Fashion
The Glamour of Pomellato Jewels
This year Pomellato becomes more glamourous than ever, adding new pieces to the NUDO and ICONICA collections. Synonymous with creativity and color, the Italian fine jewelry House is known for its eye-catching gems that, through innovative stone cutting and setting techniques, define the unmistakable and unique style of Pomellato. The ICONICA collection, with an unequivocally Milanese understated style, presents a new set of rings and earrings with a simple but meaningful design. Combined with bright sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds, the earrings have a double loop structure, while the rings feature two round gold spirals joined by a flat, transverse link that creates a greater whole. These shapes express the power of the union of two elements in a typical Pomellato approach. For the NUDO collection, Pomellato introduces NUDO RIVIÈRE: four flowings semi-flexible necklaces that combine the purity of the Nudo style with the sophistication of the Clessidra cut. In addition, double-row earrings and a NUDO pendant, both realized with white, blue topaz, and rose quartz, give a radiant elegance to the Pomellato line.
www.pomellato.com
Fashion
Paul Smith + PORTER Released a Bold New Bag Collection
For the SS22 season, the British company Paul Smith has teamed up with top Japanese luggage brand PORTER to offer a new line of bags and accessories. The main qualities of both brands are highlighted in this collaboration, which combines Porter's iconic shapes with Paul Smith's signature code of color and stripe. The collection includes traditional Porter pieces like the helmet bag, duffel shoulder bag, and wallets, all of which are made of the brand distinctive nylon twill, a lightweight and durable fabric. These items are then reimagined via Paul Smith's unique perspective. The designer incorporated his graphic stripe montage, which combines a variety of lines of different sizes and hues in an eye-catching style. In addition, the collection celebrates the great outdoors and a return to nature thanks to a color palette with organic tones blended with white and red that recall hues seen in the sky at sunrise. The Paul Smith + PORTER collection will be on sale online and in selected Paul Smith and Porter’s shops from February 16th.
www.paulsmith.com
Art
Rinus Van de Velde: Inner Travel
BOZAR will exhibit the start of the second part of the “Europalia Trains & Tracks festival” with the flagship exhibition, Rinus Van de Velde: Inner Travels. The exhibition entails a diverse media ranging from drawings to sculptures, installations, and films, Van de Vedle creates a mirror universe where elements from reality and imagination coalesce into a unique kind of visual storytelling. Europalia trains and tracks celebrates the forms of travel that are depicted by the train as an everyday journey of the commuter to mythical and imaginary journeys. The work presented is born out of the inner journeys that the artist undertakes each day, that take place in the strict privacy of his studio. During these journeys. Van de Velde meets multiple other artists through which trigger episodes of his fictional autobiography, forming a common running thread through his work. The exhibition is further enriched by a series of talks and performance programme in which Dolares and Charlotte Bouckaert, Monster Chetwynd, Rita Hoofwijk, Gaëtan Rusquet and Damien Petitot being a wider outlook to the theme of travel and encounters. The exhibition is being shown at BOZAR from February 18th until the May 15th 2022.
www.europalia.eu
Fashion
44 Label Group Presents the FW22 Collection Screwed UP
"Screwed up", the FW22 Collection by 44 Label Group, has been presented during Milan Fashion Week, marking the brand's debut on the calendar. The brand founded by German techno artist and producer Max Kobosil is the result of his hard journey. The DJ, who was born and raised in Neukölln, has amassed a loyal worldwide following among nightlife people and the underground; people who identify with his music. And it is this sense of belonging that distinguishes his brand 44 Label Group. Started as a merchandise line with t-shirts at its core, today it includes a wide range of products. The “Screwed up” collection introduces a new level of cutting-edge fashion that embodies the uniform of Kobosil’s neighborhood. Puffer jackets, pants, and denim, with the collection’s screw print, evoke 90s gym wear, while other looks reference German festivals in rainy summers. This collection represents Kobosil’s background and vision, from his failure to his successes to prove that talent leaps over formal education at times.
www.44labelgroup.com
Fashion
LV VOLT
The LV Volt collection designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director for Jewellery and Watches, opens a new chapter. A Reinvigoration of the iconic aesthetic, the L and V initials, so representative of the French House, come to life radiating vibrant energy. Simple, yet cheerful, the pieces showcase a contemporary design language, whilst reflecting all of Louis Vuitton’s expert savor-faire in a rich variety of textures and patterns, a perfect blend of subtlety and sophistication. Symbols of casual elegance, the pieces, such as the new bracelets, feature an interchangeable band, available in different hues, perfectly complementing the two iconic letters in yellow gold. Suited to a modern customer, each piece represents a graphic representation of joy and the architectural metaphor of an electrifying pulse.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Viktor&Rolf Haute Couture SS22
For their first runway show in over two years, Viktor&Rolf launched an iconic collection that plays on fear, inspired by the figure of the vampire itself. Constructed on corsets worn under each look, the designers achieved an effect similar to the allure of Dracula in old Hollywood movies, creating a “surreal shoulder”. It is not unlike Viktor&Rolf’s iconic Hyeres collection from 1993 that featured exaggerated, high shoulder lines that created distorted, elegant silhouettes. A source of inspiration paired with the overpowering sensation of fear created their haute couture collection. The garments appear as if the human figure is stretched to a maximum, glorifying the head and face while protecting the neck. This play with proportions is typical for Viktor&Rolf’s stylistic vocabulary. Using the symbolism behind Dracula, the fear of societal change, as a theme for the collection is genius as a reflection of today’s uncertainties. The notion of fear is amplified in the show with additions of horror music and ghoulish makeup. Most of the outfits are stark and monochromatic, with a “gothic” feel similar to that of Dracula’s tuxedo with its cape. Furthermore, a wide variety of dresses is shown, ranging from billowy sheaths to sculptural ballgowns, as well as trench coats, tuxedo jackets, and shirts. Fabrics are either crisp or gauzy, yet always compact to support the architectural shapes. The colors play on the contrasts between dark and light, all muted, with some delicate pastels, chalk white, and the occasional pop of cerise red. The collection is complemented with the third season of Melissa / Viktor&Rolf vegan shoes.
www.viktor-rolf.com
Fashion
Miu Wander: a Step Towards Sustainability
Miu Wander is the new bag presented by Miu Miu for the SS22 season. A shoulder bag with a classic hobo design characterized by the iconic matelassé motif associated with Miu Miu’s best-loved leather goods. Embellished with a tonal metal lettering logo, the accessory comes with a removable mini pouch. The Miu Wander bag is crafted in lightweight Econyl, regenerated nylon produced from recycled and purified plastic materials collected in the ocean, fishing nets, and textile waste fibers. This material shows the brand’s increased commitment to sustainability. The Italian brand is no stranger to such initiatives, as evidenced by the upcycled collections it has produced in recent years. Miu Miu tries to reduce the usage of land, energy, and waste by switching to eco-packages and implementing sustainable and reusable nylon projects, such as this one. The Miu Wander is built on a juxtaposition of opposites following the Miu Miu codes, where the utilitarian nature of the nylon meets the intricacy of the process involved to achieve the depth and plumpness of the matelassé surface.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Jude Law and Raff Law Are The New Ambassadors of Brioni SS22 Campaign
Brioni, the Italian luxury menswear house, has announced Jude Law and Raff Law as new brand ambassadors, with the SS22 campaign marking their official debut. Jude Law is one of the most enigmatically compelling actors working today, having held roles in highly acclaimed movies and TV Series. One perfect example is “The Young Pope”, thanks to which he also formed a special connection with the city of Rome where the brand is also based. He is an actor of unparalleled versatility, a great master of his art, and his son, following in his steps, is considered a rising talent in the same universe. Both have a strong personal style and natural complicity, to put it in the words of Raff Law, even though they have different tastes and perspectives, they share the same love for Brioni, its craftsmanship, and quality, both key features of the brand. The Laws naturally embody elegance and class, making them the perfect pairing to reflect Brioni’s modern vision of menswear, in which distinctions of age are blurred by a shared passion for genuine craftmanship.
www.brioni.com
Fashion
Dries Van Noten FW22
The Dries Van Noten FW22 Collection hits the screen bringing along a dreamy atmosphere, diving into the past, evoking a life that we lost. It is all about having fun again, touching and kissing people, living carefree. Shot by Casper Sejersen, an interplay of decadence and rebel glam, reminiscent of artists like Bowie and Kurt Cobain, the collection has seemingly no boundaries. Ease and freedom are the keywords of this spectacular show. Pajamas, sportswear and suiting are mixed without adherence to the traditional rules of menswear. Both feminine and masculine shapes are evoked through wide, sharp, cigarette shoulders and soft padded tailoring, alongside skirts and slip dresses. Realized with a variety of materials such as nylon, velvet, recycled cashmere, raw denim and satin, the collection is the result of a combination of glamourous and technical pieces. The presented garments have vivid tones that contrast the base of black and white and are adorned with an abundance of prints and embellishments that challenge traditional themes: flower prints, sequins and jewels. The Dries Van Noten FW22 collection also features various accessories and footwear that span from traditional shoe styles to wedge boots resulting in very interesting contrasts on the runway. The collection is a tribute to life and light-heartedness.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Fashion
A BATHING APE® × Woolrich
The new year has brought with it a new and unique collaboration between BAPE® and Woolrich, a representation of American heritage design with a streetwear feel. Woolrich, America's oldest outdoor brand with a history of over 190 years, is pairing up with A BATHING APE®, one of Japan's leading streetwear brands. Together, they are launching a collaborative collection consisting of three main pieces embodying the essence of both brands: Woolrich's Arctic Parka, the Blankets, and Ape Head Cushions. They are all presented in a light, with a modern twist, while maintaining their high degree of functionality. The three items integrate BAPE®'s distinctive graphics into Woolrich's traditional red and black buffalo check pattern. While the Blanket has a maxi collaboration logo in jacquard, and the collaboration label embroidered on the front, the Arctic Parka is presented with a double-sided collar with Woolrich and BAPE® logo badges. The BAPE® × Woolrich Collection, the first collaboration between both brands, will be presented on Saturday, January 22, 2022. The pieces will become available in all A BATHING APE® authorized stores, Woolrich Flagship Stores, as well as on their websites.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Isabel Marant Homme FW22
A grungy spirit comes to life in the Isabel Marant Homme FW22 collection. Crafted from unexpected blends of prints, color, and fabrics, the silhouettes of the garments exude a casual chic. Looking back to the 90s as an ode to the legacy of Kurt Cobain, cuts are baggy, check shirts are tied around the waist and washed denim meets versatile stripes. Convinced that layering is key, pieces and shapes are overlapping for an urban look. For an eye-catching streetwear look, the Isabel Marant man wears a pair of Bumkeeh, the reinvented men’s version of the iconic wedge sneaker Balskee – one of the house’s most known pieces. With adventure at heart, a love for the great outdoors becomes evident in boxy parkas, patchworks of shearling, and oversized windbreakers combined with warm knitwear pieces. Perfect for cold winter weather, the steppe-colored pieces are contrasted by the introduction of color block activewear pieces where royal blue, bright yellow, mint green, and fiery red clash.
www.isabelmarant.com
Fashion
Y/PROJECT FW22: Pourquoi ne pas s’amuser?
Glenn Martens, Creative Director of Y/PROJECT, presented his FW22 collection: a continuation of his play with contemporary silhouettes but with a fun twist. In fact, rather than imposing a uniform, he proposes a set of “cartes blanches”; which incorporate some of the highlights of the Y/Project wardrobe alongside suits, shirts, dresses and more that show Gaultier’s signature style. This as a result of a collaboration between Y/Project and the ready-to-wear line of the French designer. Glenn Martens has specially tapped into the designer's spirit of mockery: nude bodies printed on denim pants and jackets, sweaters, adorned with the likeness of female breasts, with a masculine shape. And following this creative process he introduced also a new form of pants with a rounded cut called the “Banana”. With this collection the Belgian designer could have fun both in shapes and colors, using brilliant hues and deconstructive techniques resulting in "Peel Off" pieces with layers that can be removed and silhouettes that can be transformed. So the collaboration between Y/PROJECT and Jean Paul Gaultier turned out to be a logical and well done union. This relationship between the two designers began when Glenn Martens started his career under the direction of Gaultier and is carried forward with Gaultier welcoming Martens as Creative Director for a single season.
www.yproject.fr
Fashion
Missoni Men's FW22
Art has always been at the center of Missoni’s sense of creation. This season, the world of art deeply influences the house's FW22 menswear collection. Precisely, the informal abstract art movement which developed in Italy during the 1940s forms the point of departure for the distinctive graphics and harmonic color palette that characterize the collection. The style is openly informal, featuring effortless versatile pieces that emanate a sense of spontaneity. The textile excellence is highlighted by the neutral and timeless shades of gray and blue, combined with vibrant touches of bright tones, such as red, yellow, orange, and green. The collection offers a realistic wardrobe designed for men with a dynamic lifestyle, willing to embrace elegance and comfort. In line with the brand’s tradition, knitwear is the star of the collection. Timeless icons, such as the zigzag and the rashel, find space next to new jacquards featuring abstract motifs with an impactful graphic appeal. Patchwork, one of the techniques rooted in the brand's tradition, pops out with a denim jacket enriched with knitted inserts. The collection exudes timelessness while keeping its gaze towards the future through the language of innovation.
www.missoni.com
Fashion
Dolce & Gabbana Menswear FW22
In the spirit of the Dolce and Gabbana FW22 menswear show at Milan Fashion Week, Gabbana says: “We’re challenging ourselves. We’re questioning everything we’ve been used to. Things are changing, and we welcome that change; we want to experience the new, which makes us evolve and move forward”. To express this gusto for innovation, Dolce and Gabbana reiterates its excitement for high-style pyrotechnics and spectacular entertainment. Deeply inspired by the lightweight freedom radiated by the young generation, the FW22 menswear collection embraces the idea of deviating from all conventions. Based on the conviction the concept of a coherent, monotonous wardrobe is outdated Dolce and Gabbana showcases a diverse selection of garments. This season, the house proves that opposites indeed attract. The show’s dynamic rhythm and ecstatic visual storytelling is an ode to the fierce style created by Gen Z’s hunger for individuality and self-representation. A movement that is fearless, striving to make an echoing statement. Accentuated by a performance by Machine Gun Kelly, the rhythm of the show was undeniably captivating. The extremism of the season is brought to the next level through the exaggerated proportions of the garments, creating a majestic, almost galactic look.
www.dolcegabbana.com
Fashion
Spyder FW22
For this season, Spyder Korea portrays its understanding of New Normality. The label perceives our present times as a state in which different forces and inspirations coexist, creating a new order. The collection is an expression of the quest to find balance in a world ruled by uncertainty while sending out a message of hope and positivity. Spyder Korea imagines the wardrobe of a dynamic, eclectic individual tackling the challenges of daily life with a sense of effortless style. Titled “Coexistance”, the garment collection is an ode to diversity and a multifaced fashion proposal. Reimagining the emblematic codes of its sportswear, Spyder investigates the intersection between athletic wear and leisurewear. The most advanced technologies are combined with an elaborate sense of contemporary style. For the presentation of the FW22 collection, Spyder Korea unveils on the catwalk a joyful, young, and fresh lineup, celebrating the sense of freedom rooted in an active, energetic lifestyle. “Coexistance” puts into practice how athletic clothing can have it all – quotidian and extraordinary, casual and chic.
www.spyder.co.kr
Fashion
Eleventy FW22
For Milan Fashion Week, Eleventy presents its FW22/23 menswear collection, honoring the sartorial heritage of the brand’s legacy. While saluting tradition, the collection embodies the pursuit of innovation and creativity. A fusion of past and future emerges, featuring a mix of materials, styles and colors which meet in a winter collection with a strong contemporary flair. This season’s outdoor wear made with wool or cashmere includes versatile, reversible features. Having undergone an extensive manufacturing process the pieces are soft and unique garments characterized by an “extra fine” look and feel. Jackets and suits rigorously undergo hand-made processes and are the rendering of a new formal elegance. The carefully made knitwear is contemporary and refined, thanks to elaborate finishing techniques and special treatments. Knits are inflated by reeling, then softened with special washings and smoothened with double or triple raising steps. Enveloping light and modern yet war, Eleventy’s FW22/23 menswear collection is a range of timeless additions to everyone’s wardrobe.
www.eleventymilano.it
Fashion
TOMMY JEANS x AAPE BY *A BATHING APE® Capsule
Introducing a collection of outerwear, cold-weather accessories and collectible skateboards, AAPE adds a streetwear tone to TOMMY JEANS’ iconic street prep. For an eye-catching prep-pop look, APPE’s classic camo print is reinvented in red, white and blue – the classic TOMMY JEANS colors. The TOMMY JEANS plaid makes an appearance in deep green for an unexpected twist in the color palette. Key styles include the camp flag puffer jacket, the 2-in-1 plaids sherpa fleece windbreaker, the classic TOMMY JEANS flag denim jacket and the reversible camo vest jacket. Merging the established high-quality tailoring of TOMMY JEANS and the boundary-breaking street-inspired style of AAPE BY *A BATHING APE® the new collaborative capsule is an expression of fashion-forwardness. The documentary-style campaign to the collection follows four NYC skaters through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Lower East Side of Manhattan and Brighton Beach in Brooklyn.
www.tommy.com
www.bape.com
Fashion
G-Star: The Rhythm of Denim
Tap dance emerged in the early 19th century, quickly developing into a dance style that was seen as a form of communication. With a powerful part to play in the Roaring Twenties, the dynamic art form grew so popular, it was frequently featured in Broadway shows in New York. Fast forward to 2022 and tap is making a modern revival across the globe in a new street dance variation of classic tap. The new G-Star denim campaign tells a story narrated through an immersive dance performance. Titled The Rhythm of Denim, the new campaign is inspired by the urban tap movement that is taking over the world by storm. Showcasing the motto “tapping into the new year”, the denim collection in combination with the dance campaign expresses this season’s longing for novelty and reimagination. An artistic encounter between two world-class tap dancers - World Tap Champion, Kamira Samuel and successful Broadway performer, Lee Howard – is captured in The Rhythm of Denim. The two extraordinary dancers communicate and express themselves solely using the language of dance. G-Star gives a stage to what becomes a spectacular dance performance using the mode of interacting through body movement only. Dance becomes a dialogue and the denim pieces their uniform. With The Rhythm of Denim, G-Star emphasizes and explores its artistic side to present the collection. Creating a bold, immersive experience for the viewer, the campaign is a strong celebration of different modes of human expression, foregrounding the beauty of dance and the abilities of the body. Choreographer Jack Evans describes the production saying: “The simple premise of two characters in separate locations communicating transcendently through rhythm gives a contemporary lens for us to view tap dance in its rawest, most authentic form.”
Fashion
The Year of the Tiger
Celebrating the lunar year of the tiger, Versace presents an exquisite capsule collection comprising a compilation of new styles and reinvented signature looks. The tiger motif adorns a selection of ready-to-wear pieces in the form of prints on jersey sweats and t-shirts, as well as elegant embroidery details on sportswear-inspired jackets alongside a button-up knit sweater. The tiger as the spirit animal of the collection is represented by a vibrant new year red color that runs throughout the designs. The classic La Greca print is featured in the same shade and plays out across a selection of women’s and men’s styles. Golden Medusa buttons reiterate Versace’s eternal muse and are applied to selected pieces. They become an additional red thread to the emblematic capsule collection. Limited-edition accessories are typically playful and luxurious, with exclusive variations of La Medusa bag and phone case in red with gold-tone metal hardware for women, and a men’s coated canvas backpack and multi-functional pouch, both finished in La Greca print accentuated by tiger stripes. A glamorous campaign presents the capsule collection, with an acrobatic performance telling the story of retro and expressive Versace new year celebration.
Fashion
Lay Zhang appointed Hublot Brand Ambassador
With the objective to fuse style and art, Hublot is proud to present Chinese pop star Lay Zhang as part of the Hublot family. Bringing his unique approach to the world of music and performance the new Hublot Brand Ambassador is an individual whose strong ambition is a constant pursuit of excellence. Often called a non-stoppable allrounder, Lay Zhang is an award-winning Chinese singer and songwriter, dancer, music producer and actor with a successful career in music, as well as acting. As an artist with a distinct vision he pushes the boundaries of performance and creates a novel style that is unique and groundbreaking. He expresses various facets of his multicultural identity as a performer, dancer, singer, and actor, while also showcasing the Chinese culture of music and performance. The result is a revolutionary fusion of seemingly different modes of artistry: Chinese traditional culture and Streetdance Building on his extraordinary musical talent, Lay Zhang combines classical elements of Chinese music with modern music styles and carries Chinese music to the world. Within a time frame of only a few years Zhang has become one of the most important persons in the Asian music scene. Lay has been a collector of Hublot watches for years. His personal attitude - be “First, Unique and Different” - has now led him to join the ranks of the Hublot family.
Fashion
Schiesser Revival
Schiesser was founded in 1875 and has since become a staple in many people’s wardrobes all across the world. For the FW21 season, 70 years after its initial release, the German house, rich in tradition, re-launching the original double-rip, an absolute cult classic. This revival revamps this legend with the zeitgeist of today. It is also an expression of the house’s growing sense of responsibility and commitment when it comes to sustainability, the classic double-rip now being crafted from 100% organic cotton. This commitment is not solely restricted to Schiesser’s double-rip, other bestsellers like the Karl-Heinz now also appearing in a new more sustainable fashion. The pieces of the collection shine in a myriad of colors, deep purple, red, rust, brown, olive and blue, complemented with rich textures, floral prints and subtle details. With the established retro athletic look being updated for a new generation of customers, each piece’s design bears witness to Schiesser’s home town, as well as the house’s longstanding commitment to premium quality.
www.schiesser.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta: Bottega for Bottegas
Bottega Veneta unveils its newest project, an initiative to support and promote Italian creativity. The name Bottega Veneta translates into “Venetian Workshop” as the name indicates. Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, who produced leather goods with a strong emphasis on precise craftsmanship. The pandemic has shattered artistic industries, forcing smaller brands, art collectives, and independent artists to deal with the threat of closure and insolvency. To counteract the repercussions of the pandemic, the luxury fashion house initiated a project that aims to help, support, and foster artisans in Italy. For the special initiative, Bottega offers Italian artisans advertising spaces, websites, newsletters, and store windows to provide a display space for the unique works of Italian artisans, which are as versatile as Bottega Veneta itself and ranging from mosaic artistry to distilleries of well-researched gin. Among the many impressive artisans is the Amatruda family, known for their passion for papermaking for almost 750 years now and which is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit organization, dedicated to encourage responsible management of the world’s forests. The initiative supports and perpetuates the work and establishments of artists that represent Italian creativity and excellent craftsmanship, which coincide with the values Bottega Veneta was founded on.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Parisian Prestige for AGL
Paris, Boulevard Hausmann 64. Since 1865, the iconic French department store Printemps has been located on this prestigious street that runs through Paris parallel to the curve of the Seine. Exhibiting the latest collection of the top-tier high-end brands, Printemps Hausmann is known for not only the luxurious assortment but just as much for its impressive architecture. With high ceilings and a dome adorned in blue glass mosaics, the department store offers a backdrop that is aligned with the decadence of the brand it represents. The floors are organized in plots, some of which are reserved for temporary stores – ensuring an ever-changing and engaging layout that offers customers to explore new spheres. Throughout December until the beginning of March, the Italian shoe manufacturer AGL is represented on one of these plots. Plexiglass walls separate the different collections of AGL shoes, whereas straight and curved lines intertwine in the design of the interior. The shoes are enthroned upon industrial cement blocks, creating a minimalistic contrast to the seating furniture which is held in soft, warm colors and dusty pink tones. The effortless and contemporary design of the temporary AGL store reflects the modernity and dynamic approach of the brand - currently in the third generation and led by the three Giusti Sisters, AGL persuades with exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design – a result of traditional origins paired with an evolving vision.
www.agl.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani's New Beginnings at Königsallee
After a thorough renovation, the Giorgio Armani boutique on the Düsseldorfer Königsallee has reopened its doors to its customers just in time before Christmas. Located in the prominent luxury shopping district of the city, the Giorgio Armani store exhibits Italian tailoring on three sizeable floors. The façade of the building already prepares the customer for the ambiance inside – with green granite surfaces and platinum-colored finishing, the impressive windows allow a glance into the luxurious retail space. Going with the times, the retail experience has been enhanced by an interactive digital wall on the ground floor, showcasing the women’s accessories collections and Armani beauty. The first floor is reserved for women’s evening wear and the Giorgio Armani fine jewelry collection, whereas the second floor presents the men’s collections and Made to Measure services. Just as the sartorial lines, the space consists of substantial, sophisticated elements: satin-finish furniture with metal detailing, silken wall panels that reflect the marble effect of the floors and armchairs from the current Armani Casa collections. Special dedication has been devoted to the lighting arrangement, making the most of the natural light that pours into the space through the windows, softened and re-directed by delicate gold-mesh metal screens. The Giorgio Armani boutique appears refined and fluid, exuding elegance and warmth in a classical Armani manner.
www.giorgioarmani.com
Fashion
A Monk’s Habit
G-Star replenishes their collaboration with an unusual project: together with the brothers of the brewery La Trappe, the denim brand has created a monk habit. What might seem to be a surprising collaboration at first glance, soon turns out to be a unique joining of forces – with the values of sustainability and circularity at the core of both the Dutch denim pioneer’s manifesto, as well as the ethos of the long-standing brewery, the collaboration between the two brought forward an intriguing example of how interdisciplinary companionship can introduce new ways. The design process of G-Star for the monk’s habits led back to a sketch, perpetuated in a hand sketch in an over 80-year-old book, the La Trappe monks had in their archive. The sketch turned out to be surprisingly modern – with a cut that enables minimum waste production, a solution to reduce the impact of textile production that G-Star pursues in their design process as well. The monk’s habit shows strong proportions, alluding to the Bossche Schule, a traditional movement of Dutch architecture. Entirely composed with Cradle-to-Cradle Gold Certified Denim, the habit stands for G-Star and La Trappe’s commitment to thinking further than the present. The denim material is made from 100% organic cotton and colored without any chemical dyestuff. During the production process, special attention was paid to reducing water usage to an absolute minimum – nodding to La Trappe’s mission of carefully considering the resource of water during their brewery process.
www.g-star.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta: Opens New Store in SoHo
To celebrate Bottega Veneta’s new store at 101 Greene Street in SoHo, New York, the luxury brand invited notable guests, such as rapper ASAP Ferg and Lil Kim, as well as actresses Tommy Dorfmann and Tracee Ellis Ross and initiated an intimate dinner at Saint Theo’s. Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy, and has been transformed and regenerated by Daniel Lee in 2018 - into one of the most important global players in the fashion industry, perfectly in tune with the zeitgeist. Lee expanded Bottega Veneta’s assortment, introducing ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, accessories, and jewelry to the range. The most distinctive recognition feature of the Italian luxury brand is a particular weaving technique called “intrecciato”. This technique allows the designer to weave thin leather into thicker, more durable products and resulted in Bottega Veneta being synonymous with fine craftsmanship. The new SoHo store features furniture, crafted from folded aluminum and designed by Vanderbke Andreu, specially made resin and stone floors and marks the second permanent Bottega Veneta store in Manhattan. The new store concept perfectly matches the contemporary and experimental aesthetic of Bottega Veneta’s displayed ready-to-wear clothes and continues to prove an unparalleled sense for highly recognizable and elevated aesthetics, now under the wings of the newly appointed creative director Matthieu Blazy.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Art
Heliotropo 37 – Fondation Cartier
Fondation Cartier announced the exhibition named Heliotrop 37, by Graciela Iturbide, who carries the W. Eugene Smith and the Hasselblad price – two of the most distinguished photography prices to exist - and has been practicing the métier of photography for over 50 years. This exhibition in Paris marks the debut of the Mexican photographer in France and shows collected works from, captured between the 1970s and today. Heliotropo 37 – which is an acronym that alludes to the address of Graciela Iturbide’s studio in Mexico City, presents over 200 images, from iconic works to more recent, unshown ones. Graciela Iturbide, whose photography is determined by a black-and-white color scheme, has further implemented a unique, entirely unedited color series into Heliotropo 37. Her works sound out the depth of human mysticism, leveling off somewhere between a raw, documentative style and poetic depiction of the obscurities of life. The artist herself describes her profession as a ritual, where picking up the camera is inevitably followed by the search for symbolism. “I look for the surprising in the ordinary, which I couldn’t have found anywhere else in the world,” is how Graciela Iturbide defines the driving force between this search. With the striking character of her photos, the exhibition promises to leave a lasting impression on the viewer, inciting a dialogue that revolves around the strange beauties of humanity, the animal kingdom, seemingly ordinary objects and the bond of nature.
Heliotropo 37 by Graciela Iturbide is on show from February 12th to May 29th 2022 at Fondation Cartier Pour L’Art Contemporain Paris.
www.fondationcartier.com
Fashion
Fashion
Emporio Armani x C.P. Company: A Celebration
Emporio Armani and C.P. Company fuse their exceptional brand DNA to celebrate their 40th and 50th anniversary respectively. C.P. Company was founded by Massimo Osti in 1971 and today his son Lorenzo Osti continues to embrace the principles the brand was founded on, the experimental approach, practical design, and innovation in terms of materials and dyes. Both brands are synonymous with innovation and a unique instinct for the complex needs of customers in contemporary society. The collaborative anniversary collection transports the common vision of innovation and fuses the distinctive elements of the brands, such as C.P. Company’s iconic goggle parkas, blousons, and anoraks, often inspired by military shapes and Emporio Armani’s signature bomber, raincoat, and stand-up collar jacket in a straight-lined, simple aesthetic. The color palette ranges from deep blues to a pale white, and the garments are made out of WOOL GUM waterproof wool, A.A.C. laser-cut microfiber, and DYSHELL bi-elastic nylon knit, which alludes to both brands’ strive for innovative materials. The clothes presented by Emporio Armani and C.P. Company are visual embodiments of both brands’ DNA and in combination offer a new vision for the future of fashion. The collection will be available from Saturday, 4th of December at the C.P. Company and Armani stores in Milan and from the 10th of December as well online.
www.armani.com
Fashion
CHANEL Metiers d’Art: An Homage to Craft
CHANEL presents the Metier d’Art collection and pays homage to all the ateliers d’art that have enriched the Parisian Maison with their high craftsmanship and knowledge. The French luxury house was established by Gabrielle Chanel in 1910 and is today creatively led by Virginie Viard, who is known for her youthful approach with an emphasis on soft femineity with a rock n’ roll edge. For the SS22 collection, CHANEL chose a special venue, imagined and designed by the Maison itself together with architect Rudy Ricotto - Le19M. The digit 19 stands for one of the emblematic numbers of Gabrielle Chanel and represents the 19th arrondissement of Paris where all the arts and crafts ateliers, such as the embroiders Lesage, the goldsmith Goossens, the hatter Maison Michel and the shoemaker Massaro, the feather worker Lemarie and the pleater Lognon congregate. Le19M is a large, open architectural space with a façade enhanced in white concrete and with large galleries, which open up the possibility to hold exhibitions and invite like-minded people for cultural exchanges. The collection features signature styles that are deeply anchored in the CHANEL vocabulary, induced with a contemporary twist, such as tweed jackets with sweatshirt sleeves, sequin embellished CHANEL logos on cardigans as well as beige and black Mary-Janes with heels adorned with pearls. The looks of the collection take up the structure and elegance of the building itself and are, as Virginie Viard herself stated: “very metropolitan yet sophisticated.’’
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Dior Cruise 2022: Dior Vibe Sneaker
Back in July 2021, when Maria Grazia Chiuri unveiled the Dior Cruise 2022 Cruise show, the collection featured a new shoe creation - the Dior Vibe Sneaker. The athletic shoe resembles the shape of a running shoe, exuding truly sportive aesthetics while remaining true to the elegance that the French Maison is known for. With a distinctive play of transparent materials and fabric inserts, the sneaker exhibits an intriguing mix of textures. The flexible rubber sole delivers functional performance, while the delicate details balance the dynamic character of the shoe. Dior’s iconic star emblem, the magical code dear to the founding couturier, decorates the sneaker. Finished with a “Christian Dior” signature, the Vibe sneaker combines the world of sportswear and true Dior styles. The sneaker is available in a crisp white with warm golden details, as well as a snow-white version with cooler silver elements. The Vibe sneaker bestowed the collection with a sportive touch, building a contrast to the refined and graceful looks and served as a breach of style bringing a casual and laid-back touch with urban flair.
The Vibe sneaker is available from now on in Dior boutiques, as well as online.
www.dior.com
Fashion
PB0110: Coming Back, Carrying an Important Message
For the upcoming weekend, PB0110 announces a special action to improve the brand’s ecological footprint, setting an example for the rest of the fashion industry and in particular the harmful impulse buying tradition of the Black Friday Week. PB0110 was founded by Philipp Bree in 2012 on the concept of producing leather goods in Europe with a great emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and high craftsmanship. PB0110’s differently shaped and sized bags and backpacks are made out of naturally tanned leather or signature linen and brass. Now, Bree has made it his goal to take a step further towards a sustainable planet with his brand by presenting a new plan of action. PB0110 offers CO2 neutral shipping from now on and is planning to plant four trees with every purchase placed during the Black Friday weekend, in an undertaking of counteraction the environmental impact the sales period has. In addition to that, each customer receives a complimentary CM39 along with their pick-up. The CM39 is a small coin case with a unique opening design, in which overlapping leather parts keep the coins securely inside instead of making a traditional zipper. Besides cherishing the importance of longevity for his leather goods, Bree significantly contributes to a more sustainable and less harmful fashion industry, by ecological relief.
www.pb0110.com
Fashion
Audemars Piguet “Beyond the Limits”
Once again, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet takes its experience and knowledge in precision and innovation to action. This time, not to develop an exceptional watch but to curate an exhibition under the wings of the Dubai Watch Week, named “Beyond the Limits.” The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through the luxury watchmaker’s tireless strive for innovation in terms of design and materials. It showcases the creative process of the Royal Oak Offshore watch, which was launched in 1993. The watch broke the conventional boundaries of horological aesthetics and went down in history as the predecessor of sizeable timepieces, inspired by different lifestyles and extreme sports. The exhibition gives a unique insight into the history and research process of Audemars Piguet, from its inspirations, drawn from air- and space travel and the automobile industry, material experiments with ceramics and gold to the turnaround of technological and horological improvements in the 80s, that led to one of the world‘s most historic watch, ergonomic and exceptional timepieces. The Royal Oak Offshore, presented in the exhibition, visually reflects the core principles of mastery, innovation, and independence Audemars Piguet was founded on.
www.audemarspiguet.com
Fashion
MCM Revived Classics
With a constant eye on innovation, MCM is reinterpreting one of the most prominent classics in the world of leather goods—the Tote bag. MCM—which stands for “Modern Creation Munich” was founded by Michael Cromer during the creative renaissance of Munich, as the name suggests, in 1975. The luxury leather goods company is best known for its leather bags and backpacks, designed with an emphasis on functional innovation and contemporary music, art, and travel. The most distinctive recognition features of the brand, which resurface on the reimagined Tote bag as well, are the caramel-brown color and the monogram bearing the initials of MCM. The Tote bag comes with an additional small pouch bag, and is defined by its versatility. It is large enough to fit in everyday essentials as well as optional extras, and through the detachable shoulder belt, the Tote can be transformed into a crossbody bag and therefore liberates the wearer to be able to move with free hands. The square-shaped bag is available in the signature caramel-brown and a fresh cognac white and is characterized by an elegant, clean and streamlined silhouette. Due to its versatility, the Tote bag is perfectly in tune with the complex needs of customers around the world.
www.mcmworldwide.com
Fashion
Breitling: Sky is The Limit
To honor and celebrate the history of aviation, in which Breitling was significantly involved as a pioneer for flight instruments, the horology pioneer released a new series of precise and handcrafted watches named Super AVI. The Swiss luxury watchmaker was founded in Grenchen, Switzerland in 1884 and designed the world’s first high-end Swiss luxury watches and quickly became very popular amongst aviation pilots. Breitling equipped the British Royal Air Force during the Second World War with innovative precision cockpit clocks and Astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a Breitling Navitimer Timepiece during his orbital flight in 1962. In the 50s, the luxury watchmaker elevated and developed their flight instrument design into a smaller, wearable version, the Co-Pilot Ref. 765 AVI. Known for its emphasis on precision, reliability, and durability, the luxury watchmaker has become a pioneer and a trusted choice amongst pilots by equipping its watches with chronometer-certified movements. The Super Avi collection is inspired by the bespoke watch, Co-Pilot» Ref. 765 AVI and by four legendary air crafts, such as combat-, naval aircrafts, the so-called “Wooden Wonder”, the fastest plane between 1940 and 1950 as well as the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, a master of agility. The distinctive and robust aesthetic of the watches and the calfskin bracelet with decorative stitching are visually reminiscent of leather aviator gear of the cited era. With the Super AVI collection, Breitling embraces its rich heritage in aviation and visualizes it in form of a new, exceptional aesthetic and highly crafted clockwork.
www.breitling.com
Fashion
Max Mara 101801 Light: Sartorial Timelessness
For the SS22 Resort collection, Max Mara decided to dive deep into its archives and created a special garment based on the iconic 101801 coat, narrating a rich history that dates back to the early 80s. Max Mara is a visual archetype of the luxurious and sophisticated spirit of Italian fashion. Max Mara was brought to life by Achille Maramotti in 1951 and has continuously developed classical shapes and designs, reinventing them in a contemporary context context ever since. The emblematic 101801 coat has been revived, reimagined, and conformed to the fashions of every new decade for almost 40 years but is still defined and recognized by the same quality attributes. The coat is characterized by an oversized fit, soft deconstructed sleeves, a distinctive notched lapel, and a double-breasted closure. The successor of the coat, the 101801 Light is made out of a techno-luxe jersey and available in soft dreamy pastels, ranging from a fresh minty green over cotton candy blue to a warm lemon yellow. The 101801 Light is largely defined by its versatility. The coat is light enough for layering, while the material distinguishes itself through the ample protection that defies any weather condition.
www.maxmara.com
Fashion
Armani Exchange in the Heart of Cologne
Armani Exchange, which has been launched in 1991, was initiated to address a younger audience. Rewriting urban codes for two decades, the offshoot of the Italian high-end brand is opening a new store in one of Germany’s up-and-coming cities: Cologne. On November 25th, the doors of the new Armani Exchange store will open to the public – accompanied by an outdoor media campaign around the new store and the connecting streets. The new retail location, which counts 200 square meters of space, is a point of sale for the men’s fashion and women’s fashion collections, as well as for accessory lines. Combining urban elements with an industrial backdrop, the store impeccably represents the contemporary spirit of Armani Exchange. Concrete floors serve as a base for delicate and minimalist shelving, whereas lighting elements are used to highlight special attractions. On the occasion of the launch, the two sizeable front windows are decorated with neon light installations of the typical “A” and “X” letters of the brand, leaving a lasting impression on the numerous passerby’s. Located at Cologne’s well-visited Schildergasse, the store finds itself amid one of the most vivid pedestrian shopping promenades of the German town. The Schildergasse, which is the second oldest street of Cologne, is one of the most frequented shopping streets in Germany. With the opening of the Armani Exchange store, the saunterers are offered to explore the accessible, versatile clothing of Armani Exchange, which cater to a wide audience regardless of age, gender and background, all while replacing conventions with individual expression in true Armani signature style.
The new Armani Exchange store is located at the Schildergasse 72-76, Cologne, Germany from November 25th onwards.
www.armaniexchange.com
Fashion
Tiffany & Co.: Seasonal Display at KaDeWe
On November 16th American jeweler Tiffany & Co. brought their renowned holiday window display from their Fifth Avenue flagship store (NYC) to Germany and celebrated the unveiling of the Christmas window installation at the iconic department store KaDeWe in Berlin and at Oberpollinger in Munich. All ten façade windows of KaDeWe in Berlin are decorated in this year's Tiffany & Co. Christmas campaign. Inspired by the creations of Tiffany designer Jean Schlumberger, this year’s festive windows enchant with dreamy opulence and modern lightness. Schlumberger’s legendary "Bird on a Rock" design from 1956 comes to life as the main protagonist of this year’s theme and embarks on a fantastic journey from New York City across the Atlantic Ocean to Berlin, landing at the Brandenburg Gate. This is brilliantly featured in the window scenery. Architectural icons and design codes from both cities merge in this magical world and storytelling. Visitors are transported into a dreamlike fantasy world, evoking associations of a theatrical "Nutcracker" suite. In addition to the "Bird on a Rock,” the windows feature Schlumberger’s iconic "fish" brooch design and many of his other animal motifs which decorate each portal and are painted by hand. Colorful gemstones adorning the “Bird on a Rock”, from yellow diamonds to deep blue tanzanites to pink kunzites, result in a festive backdrop for Tiffany’s High Jewelry creations. Iconic collections including Tiffany T and Tiffany City HardWear are showcased in these magical window vignettes set off with glittering chandeliers and brought to life with the help of digital animation. The occasion also marked the reopening of the brand’s store within the luxury boulevard of KaDeWe. Numerous artists and creatives from the film, fashion, and music industries heeded the call and were treated to a private concert by international artist Alice Merton following the unveiling.
www.tiffany.com
Fashion
YUSE Fall 2021: Re:Yuse: In Sync with Nature
The FW21 collection is a prime example of the refreshing, contemporary, and sustainable approach of the design of Korean brand YUSE. The brand was founded on the principles of finding a better solution for a successful interaction between human society and the environment. YUSE identifies itself with a new generation of fashion brands, defined by consciousness, intelligence and a focus on finding solutions. The brand puts an emphasis on sustainable and transparent production, which is indicated in the name of the latest collection—Re:Yuse, a pun alluding to the term “re-use”. Finding inspiration and unorthodox materials in the exceptional sides of nature, the brand designed tube tops, imprinted with its signature nature-inspired pattern and made out of PET bottles. The pattern showcases a vision of the seaside, glimmers of natural light and mystic forests. YUSE’s clothing production results in a transformation of former plastic waste that pollutes the Earth into extraordinary garments that can be worn with a clean conscience. The showcased dresses, blouses, and various knitwear pieces are created with an asymmetrical shape and are available in different earthy shades of brown as well as an azzurro blue and pomegranate red. YUSE’s design approach creates no boundaries between minimalism and boldness but rather highlights the individuality of a person through clothing.
www.yuse-shop.com
Fashion
Chanel Resort 2022: Irreverence and Refinement
The Resort collection of Chanel took place in May at the Carrières de Lumiéres in the midst of the French Provence. The according campaign has been captured in front of a backdrop of long stretches of sand, complete with murmuring waves, the collection imagines a trip to the beach in the Mediterranean part of France. Chanel defines the spirit of the collection with “In the art of contrast, irreverence meets refinement” – the collection combines expressive black and white looks with a strong aura with delicate organza flowers, silk crêpe fabrics and macramé elements. Mixing velvet, suede, satin and patent leather with the emblematic use of Chanel tweed, the collection exudes the effortless French style that Chanel has been known for since its founding. The collection exhibits a new free-spiritedness and sense for experimentation, incorporating elements such as chokers and Mary-Jane shoes. The playful side of the collections is balanced out with punk rock influences, coming to terms with alterations of band t-shirts and little black dresses, feather timed and adorned with silver chains. The Resort collection also showcases embellishment as a recurring detail, expressing the finesse and attention to detail that Virginie Viard has continuously carries forward in all the Chanel shows.
The Chanel Cruise collection is available in boutiques from November 9th 2021.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Aiguille D’Or for Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo
2021s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève has awarded Bulgair with the “Aiguille d’Or” price. The “Aiguille d'Or” is the most prestigious category of watch-honoring awards and has been dedicated to the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar, one of the four watches which Bulgari has entered into the contest. The Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar consists of no less than 408 components each aligned and coordinated into one entity that masters the art of time with extreme finesse. The sleek, thin watch case marks the thinnest in the world, setting a world record for the seventh time in a row. Created in 2014 in the wake of a complete overhaul of fine watch-making by Bulgari, the Octo Finissimo has redefined the limits of contemporary horlogerie. Concentrating on thinness, the Finissimo line radically renewed the genre of valuable watches, leading several Haute Horlogerie brands to follow suit. To acquire the flat watch case, the engineers of Bulgari had to explore new solutions, sounding out the ideal ways of using each minuscule space between the components while considering the dimensions the mechanical clockwork requires. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of the Bulgari Group, comments: “This prestigious award rewards the in-depth work initiated by Bulgari to redefine the fundamentals of Haute Horlogerie in terms of Art of Miniaturization. It rewards finally Bulgari’s spirit: boldness, disruptive and innovative.”
www.bulgari.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent Rive Droite Exhibition Honoring the Work of Jeanloup Sieff
To celebrate Paris Photo 2021, Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Saint Laurent, decided to host a unique exhibition, including the work of artist Jeanloup Sieff at the luxury brand’s Rive Droite store. Jeanlouf Sieff was a French photographer, best known and still admired for his unique talent of capturing well-known personalities and politicians as well as iconic black and white landscape images. Sieff thoroughly studied the body in dance, resulting in a very erotic signature appearance on his photographs. The photographer is deeply connected with the brand since he shot the most legendary picture of the couturier and founder of the brand, Yves Saint Laurent— a nude portrait. Sieff's poetic approach on nudes, women, and the infinite interpretations of space and nature, grasping a relationship between fashion and storytelling is alluring. It perfectly matches the quintessence of the concept on which Rive Droite was established— an accessible, playful, and ironic equivalent to Rive Gauche. The cultural nod to Rive Gauche is not only a store with a versatile assortment but a platform for like-minded people to meet at performances, exhibitions, and events for cultural exchanges. The exhibition will be displayed at Saint Laurent Rive Droite, Paris, from November 4th until December 7th 2021.
www.ysl.com
Fashion
Gucci Parade SS 2022: An Imaginative Escape
“People dress how they feel, not just for fashion but for representation of ego, and personality…it's about human beings,” Alessandro Michele´s latest declaration of love applies to all the different glamorous sides of Hollywood. The creative director of the globally renowned and admired brand Gucci is known for translating his wishes, dreams, and beliefs into bold, magnifying clothes with a poetic approach. For the Gucci Love Parade show, Michele draws inspiration from iconic personalities and moments of Hollywood that have been an imaginary escape from the grey and dreary reality since his childhood. For the Love Parade collection, Alessandro Michele lives up to his reputation of being a provocateur, designing special jewelry pieces, which upon closer inspection reveal themselves as sex toys. Star-studded nightgowns finished with furry volant details are complemented with cowboy hats, resembling the confident and eccentric charisma of a Marilyn Monroe or Veronica Lake. Lingerie-inspired dresses and skirts matched with blouses are adorned with Michele´s captivating signature patterns and dipped in bold colors. A reimagined, glittery version of Tom Ford’s legendary velvet suit is worn by unorthodox models, such as Macauley Culkin or Jared Leto. With the show, Alessandro Michele creates a wonderful world where neither the past nor future are of substance, only the power of imagination.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
PB0110- CO2 NEUTRAL LEATHER: With Small Steps Into a Climate Neutral Future
The urgency for eco-friendly alternatives and climate neutrality is ubiquitous and concerns every occupational group. PB0110 meets today’s ecological standard by working closely with a certified tannery in Germany. The family-run tannery was founded in 1899 and ever since lives up to their aspirations of continuous improvement, producing high-quality leather, that stems from by-products of the meat- and milk production. The tannery is tested by ECO2L, a German labeling system that controls the energy and emission variables during the tanning process, and certified with the gold standard of the Leather Working Group, a highly recognized brand, representing responsible leather sourcing to the industry and consumers. By investing in CO2 certificates, ECO2L also supports a wind project in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and therefore contributes worldwide to reduce the risks of global warming. PB0110 Neutral Leather collection features shoulder bags in different sizes and shapes, ranging from sack- to square-shaped bags as well as shoppers accompanied by a long shoulder strap. The color palette ranges from bright blues and reds to earthy nuances, such as brown, black and dark green. The Neutral Leather collection represents a small step for the leather industry to reduce its CO2 emission and foster climate-neutral production as an immanent part of the fashion supply chain.
www.pb0110.com
Fashion
Levi’s x The Woolmark Company: Unifying Strengths
Levi’s and the Woolmark Company are united by sustainability and performance, which are deeply anchored in the success vocabulary of the two global conglomerates. The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognized and respected symbols for natural fibers, assuring the highest quality for the international textile and fashion industries. The company is a subsidiary of the Australian Wool Innovation, owned by more than 24.000 woolgrowers, who invest in the development and research of Australian Wool. The renowned brand Levi’s decided to collaborate with the company, combining forces and creating a new silhouette, the Torsten Quilted boot. The casual boot guarantees high quality from the moisture-managed sole through the upper constructed, breathable leather to the recycled lacing. The inner lining of the shoe is made out of Australian merino wool. The Woolmark certified merino Wool equates to a large extent with a renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable fiber. The utilitarian-inspired design is combined with an eco-Cordura quilted effect and is available in an autumnal color palette, ranging from mustard to black. The Torsten Quilted boot perfectly highlights the versatility of the natural fiber and sustainably conscious produced options.
www.levi.com
Fashion
Cartier: A Unique Experience
A place where exceptional savoir-faire and remarkable creativity meet- the first Pop-Up boutique in De Bijenkorf, the Netherlands of world-renowned luxury Maison Cartier. By choosing Amsterdam as a location for its Pop-Up boutique, Cartier found the perfect location that coincides with the brand´s deeply anchored values- an unparalleled sense of adventurism and eclecticism. The elegant white interior design is adorned with gold accents and perfectly matches with the iconic gold jewelry pieces, that are showcased in the store, resulting in an ideal union of form and design. The boutique´s assortment includes the most memorable and innovative designs of the luxury conglomerate. Cartier showcases its iconic watches as well as extraordinary rings, bracelets and necklaces, that were designed and crafted at the beginning of the 20th century but due to their timelessness are still popular today. Another notable aspect and proof for Cartier´s deep-rooted originality is an area in the boutique, referred to as Touch&Try, which revolves around a thorough study of the quintessence as well as the origins of Cartier´s iconic jewelry. A visit to the debut Pop-Up boutique of Cartier in Amsterdam is an unparalleled experience, where one encounters a fusion of timeless elegance and precision in jewelry as well as interior design.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta: Salon 03 Detroit
Inspired by the golden age of intimate couture shows, Bottega Veneta presented its latest collection through Salon 03, a format called to life in October 2020, that presents the ready-to-wear collections of the house with an exclusive take. Each season, the Salon takes place in a new city, intertwining the shown looks with the urban spirit of the according town. The third edition of Salon was presented in Detroit. Inspired by the city’s appreciation of technical and creative design, Daniel Lee, creative director of Bottega Veneta, encapsulated Detroit’s pioneering role in pushing forward American retail, techno music, automotive innovations and the architectural modernism movement. Celebrating the ingenuity of the city, the collection revolves around the notions of progress and joyful futures. Interpreting sports- and workwear with a modern, high-performance daywear lens, the looks exude individualism and freedom. Referring to the industrial innovations of Detroit, the collection’s looks come with a technical glamour that does not compromise in function. Metal yarns, rubber elements and an overarching theme of manipulated, voluminous silhouettes bestow the looks with a avant-gardist nature. The collection was simultaneously presented at their newly opened Detroit Firehouse, which represents a space where local creatives come together, exhibiting diverse art works an design projects. The architecture of the old fire station, which is still true to its original composition, offers a minimal and vast backdrop for the multidisciplinary projects, including for example a pop-up record shop by Detroit’s Underground Music Academy and a library dedicated to the publishing history of Detroit, curated by Asmaa Walton. Alongside the creative outlet, the space doubles as a retail point for the commissioned projects.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Valentino Re-Signify Part II
Valentino takes pride in its legacy by reviving significant memories and moments time and time again. As an homage to the profound identity and legacy of the house, creative director Pierpaolo Picciolo has opened the doors of SKP South’s T-10 exhibition space in Beijing, to showcase the second edition of Valentino: Re-Signify. Th exhibition, described by Valentino as a “liquid reading”, immerses the audience into a universe of interpretative takes on classic Valentino codes. 17 artists spanning different mediums and disciplines have lend their creative vision, whereas each of the artists’ works have been paired with Valentino’s designs, either separately exhibited in a complimentary way, or incorporated directly into the art works. This time, the exhibition features artists such as Cao Fei, who merged together the themes of Valentino Haute Couture and cosplay and Gioele Amaro, a digital artist who created physical artefacts that play with the limits of eye sight in synergy with six Valentino Couture dresses. Cheng Ran curated a multi-video installation that levels off somewhere between documentary and fiction, depicting four prêt-à-porter looks from Valentino’s Act Collection. As the name of the exhibition hints, Valentino Re-Signify Part II is a revived memory, a revisited archive of the house’s history, given a new signification through the synergy created by the artists. The re-contextualization of these Valentino anecdotes is exhibited in a perceptible and readable way for the viewer.
The exhibition Valentino: Re-Signify Part II is on show from October 16th to November 7th 2021 at the T-10 space of SKP South in Beijing.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Adidas x C.P. Company: Cinquanta
Functionality and intense fabric research, as well as innovation, are deeply anchored in the success vocabulary of the Italian sportswear brand. This year marks a milestone for C.P. Company, the 50th anniversary in business. For a long time, football and fashion lovers combined pieces of the iconic Italian brand with their German equivalent Adidas. In honor to celebrate C.P. Company’s anniversary, the two pioneers finally decided to officially fuse their DNA in an exceptional range of garments. Chester Perry, later renamed as C.P.Company, was founded in 1971 by Massimo Osti, a man who would later go down in history as the “godfather of urban sportswear”. Sports played a significant role in the implementation of C.P. Company´s experimental streetwear pieces into the mainstream. Both brands are closely connected to football. The limited collection, launched under the name Cinquanta, features signature styles and pieces of Adidas such as the Haslingden jacket, infused with C.P. Company’s core identity. The Adidas icon is revived in a 1970s Italian camouflage print and made out of C.P. Company’s signature fabric 50 Fili. Aside from that, a special team was assigned to the task of revisiting the archives of both brands, resulting in the Adidas Italia SPZL, a white full-grain leather sneaker, adorned with green and red details. Another noteworthy aspect is that the collaborative sneaker comes with an additional pair of outsoles, to provide an extended lifetime of the Adidas Italia SPZL. C.P Company and Adidas are a striking example of a successful collaboration between pioneers, blending their strong identities harmoniously together.
www.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Arte Gia “The Divine Feminine”: A Love Letter
ArteGia is an Amsterdam-based brand who identifies uncompromisingly with feminine energy and inclusion. The family-run brand is founded by Gianita Brinkman, her daughter Kimberly Tarifa and her son Baqua Jody. ArteGia’s core identity, the idea it was founded on is the power of the woman. The family's Indonesian heritage is the greatest source of inspiration for their latest collection “Mamuli”. ArteGia’s idea was to create a love letter, an homage to the Grandmother Marianne, which is transformed into an exceptional range of hand-made jewelry pieces. The collection includes remarkable pieces, earrings and necklaces, made out of sterling silver with an 18-carat gold layer. The pieces of the collection showcase the Mamuli symbol, which unites all the virtues Arte Gia stands for - inclusivity and compassion for every human being no matter their identity, gender or social situation. The symbol has its roots on the Indonesian island of Sumba and represents fertility, creation, healing as well as growth. The most important value of ArteGia is their authentic belief system, which is not only reflected in their jewelry but also in their dedication and support in Bali. The family has made it their mission to especially help the creative and LGBTQ+ communities, by providing basic needs such as rice and food packages. Through their Indonesian heritage, the ravishing Mamuli collection is to be seen as more than just beautiful pieces of jewelry but spiritual reminders of compassion, love and devotion.
www.arte-gia.com
Fashion
Royal Folklore at Etro
Few historic remnants carry as much symbolic value as a crown. Signifying responsibility, majesty and decisiveness, the crown embodies an epitome of fortitude. While royal sovereignty as a form of government and the idea of sole reigns are passé, the figurative symbolism around royalty still marks a significant tool of empowerment. Etro found inspiration in this empowerment for the Crown Me line and interpreted majesty in a modern manner for their customers. Etro launches the collection as a metaphor and shared invitation to love and appreciate, representing the idea of a more powerful, daring and valiant every day feel for its wearers. The Crown Me line consists of a collection of bags, small leather items and accessories like belts, jewels and headbands, featuring classic styles including a hobo-bag, a bucket bag and a tote. The key element of the collection is are rustic embellishments of square studs that achieve a three-dimensional touch. The crown-like assemblage of the studs is featured in two color options, an antique tinted silver galvanic with turquoise cabochon and brass galvanic with black cabochon. The combination of the stud decorations, Etro’s signature paisley print fabric and high quality leather marks the meeting between heritage and contemporary creativity and evokes a folklore feel.
Crown Me is available in Etro Boutiques, online and at selected international retailers from now on.
www.etro.com
Fashion
Messika by Kate Moss: A Sensual Homage to Femininity
Following a previous collaboration, Messika created another series of jewelry, working together with the one and only supermodel legend Kate Moss. The jewelry designer Valérie Messika is known and admired for her beautiful jewelry pieces, enhancing female beauty and a blend of the timeless with a modern twist. This collaboration marks a milestone for Messika’s and Moss’ partnership because for the first time it is presented as a real, ravishing runway show, staged in an equally glamorous environment as the jewelry collection itself, the Hotel Ritz. The guests included Cardi B, Toni Garrn and Tina Kunakey. The collection features an exceptional range of extravagant necklaces, unique earrings in precious colored gold, refined with colorful gems, malachites, turquoises as well as diamonds. The pieces can be worn traditionally around the neck and on the ears as well as on the forehead as a modern version of a crown. “The emotion appears when the imaginary becomes real’’ is a mantra of the brand Messika, perfectly capturing the creative process behind their collaboration. Kate Moss drew inspiration from elements of bohemian chic that sensually enhance femininity. This idea was transformed in versatile jewellery pieces, which represent perfect elevating additions to an everyday look.
www.messika.com
Fashion
Arthur Arbesser FW 21: Fashionable Art
In the FW21 presentation the Milan-based designer Arthur Arbesser, best known for his personal and design language, proves that one can draw inspiration from everything, even a painter’s palette and a harlequin doll found on a flea market. Something that sets Arthur Arbesser’s FW21 collection apart from others are the prints, which act as a mirror of the designer’s personality and give us a very private glimpse of his soul. Striking prints with symbolic, geometric motifs resemble the works of British artist Joe Tilson, heavily appreciated by Arbesser. Tilson is famous for his designs referencing ancient cultures, reinterpreted in a pop-art aesthetic. Another noteworthy aspect surrounding the prints, presented in this collection is sustainability. The brush-stroked printing from the SS19 collection is revived, previously used fake-fur is dyed and made into impressive hats and silk as well as cotton are rematched in new garments. Further pieces of the FW21 collection also include silk pyjama sets, mohair jacquard skirts, sweaters and pleated skirts in a beautifully composed styling. Bold colored and radiant yet soft and easy to wear. The collection is photographed in an artistic environment- a painter’s studio with lots of canvases stacked in the background, which perfectly resonates the clothes. It seems that the art on the canvases is come to life by the captivating and colorful prints on the clothes. The collection does not only feature beautifully put together garments, but with every piece of clothing, a bit of the designer Arthur Arbesser himself.
www.arthurarbesser.com
Fashion
VERSACE SS22: Celebrating Comebacks
This season is all about revisiting iconic archival Versace trends, while having the first live fashion show since the pandemic has started. Donatella makes strong use of the typical Versace vocabulary, the vibrant colors, sleek latex dresses and what comes first to mind when thinking about Versace, the brands multifunctional signature piece: the foulard. Aside from the fact that the runway location is wrapped with the silk scarf, it appears on a range of different garments such as flowing dresses, pajama sets, Bikini tops and for the men’s collection in form of the infamous silk shirt. The SS22 collection is youthful and playful, strongly oriented to the needs of the Generation Z for ´90s revival trends. It includes the short, bold colored party dresses as well as the iconic safety pins, which serve two purposes, decorative embellishment and functional fastening of the pieces. The collection also features the iconic pinned black pencil dress, worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1994. The colorful mix of colors and ornamentation details is intriguing to look at and at the same time acts as a teaching lesson for anyone who wonders how the mind of the Gen Z generation processes impression rich social media such as Tik Tok.
www.versace.com
Fashion
MM6 Margiela SS22 to Bring Back the Fun in Fashion
The brand is rediscovering the playful side of fashion, in a literal way with a lot of chess patterns on a range of different garments. True to the brands core identity, you can find a lot of playful contradictions in this collection. The most expressive pieces on this runway are faux fur wheeled luggage items in collaboration with Eastpak, silk evening dresses and long chess patterned skirts paired with rubber gloves, one would usually associate with cleaning dishes. Sleeves and gloves are the main focus this season, taken out of context and displaced on ecru colored blazers or wrapped around bold colored leather jackets. Another interesting detail is the fabric manipulation in form of boiled cotton, that gives off the impression of leather. This process could be compared to Trompe l’oeil, a technique popular among surrealists, as it gives an optical illusion of something, that isn’t there. All these rebellious aspects give us a hint on the main inspiration behind the new collection, the female surreal artists, among them Claude Cahun, Leonora Carrington and Dorothea Tanning, whose influence is especially noticeable in accessoires like the broken pearl earring. A perfect balance between casual and avant-garde pieces, the MM6 SS22 collection is an ideal example of the free-spirited play with clothing, ignoring any rules, that is deep-rooted in Margiela’s DNA.
www.maisonmargiela.com
Fashion
Boucheron: Animaux de Collection Wladimir
Boucheron’s history of incorporating animals into their collections dates back to the 1860s. With their collection Bestiary Tale, Boucheron brought to life a series of minuscule animal figurines, perpetuated in the finest jewelry. The French brand has revived its inspiration from the animal kingdom with its Animaux de Collections in the past years. Through this collection, each animal - among others a leopard, a hedgehog and a parrot - Boucheron has created personal talismans that represent the unique character of their wearer. The fauna of the planet earth has always been deeply connected with us humans. Domesticating animals, pet ownership and the anthropomorphising of animal characters show the incomparable bond between humans and animals. Now, the collection is replenished by a new character – Wladimir, the cat with vivid gemstone eyes and diamond-studded fur. The inspiration for Wladimir comes from Boucheron’s urban mythos tale of a cat watching over the Boucheron boutique in Paris. Available in two different ring forms, a simple pendant necklace as well a sturdy collar necklace, Wladimir represents a feline lucky charm, making for a perfect gift that is enriched by the wearers personal association. The according campaign features Alexa Chung, whose carefree and playful elegance embodies the blueprint identity of Boucheron’s customer – and Wladimir’s human guardian.
www.boucheron.com
Fashion
Stone Island x New Balance
Collaborations have proven to be very effective ways for a brand to not only connect with a new audience but also offers a possibility to reflect on the essence of the brand itself. Faced with a different brand’s heritage, its different approach and aesthetic, one is forced to reflect on one’s essence and how it can be combined to create a new and innovative product truly representing the best of what both partners have to offer. This becomes especially true if the partnership isn’t just for one season, or one specific drop, but rather over a longer period of time. The Italian house of Stone Island and the footwear company New Balance are about to embark on such a journey. The first chapter of this long-term partnership is a reinterpretation of the RC elite racing and training shoe. The resulting shoe is the combination of New Balance’s expertise as shoemakers, whereas Stone Island brings a new stylistic direction, as well as all their accumulated material knowledge. Perfectly adjusted to the needs of runners, it features the updated FuelCell technology and the upper is produced in a 3D knit, lightweight, thin and breathable. The most visible reminder of this partnership is the strategically placed logos, the New Balance graphics on the right foot and the iconic Stone Island Compass on the left.
www.stoneisland.com
www.newbalance.com
Fashion
Furla’s Re-Candy Bag
In the wake of Milan Fashion Week 2021, Furla celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the signature Candy tote handbag by re-inventing with a forward-thinking, conscious vision while remaining true to the brand’s authentic traditions. The Candy bag, distinguishable by its reduced and contemporary design, has been elevated into a sustainable version. To ensure maximum expertise, Furla has turned to the professional knowledge of Italian companies who are trailblazers of sustainable solutions, such as Nativa, a regenerative design business. Circularity has been a centerpoint in Furla’s undertaking towards an ecological Candy, which is why the Re-Candy is made from recycled plastic and produced in a factory powered exclusively by electrical energy from renewable sources. In an endeavor to encompassing sustainability, the Re-Candy name and logo have been embossed onto the bag instead of using dyes. Although the Re-Candy has been designed to last a lifetime, the bag is fully recyclable once it is disposed of. The Re-Candy comes in vibrant colors, from vibrant pink, saturated purple, bright orange to lime green and embodies a lifestyle balancing urban dynamic with the serenity of being at ease with the environment. The Re-Candy was presented in the midst of multicolored inflatable flowers, with the event serving as a propeller of conversation and change.
www.furla.com
Fashion
BOSS x Russell Athletic Pre-Spring 22: Game Day Energy
BOSS x Russell Athletic Pre-Spring 22: Game Day Energy On the occasion of their second collaboration, Boss and Russell Athletics presented their looks in a classic American manner on the lively baseball field of the Kennedy Sports Center in Milan. The show was opened by Gigi Hadid, sporting an emblematic blouson jacket, uniting the tailoring experience from BOSS with the casual designs of Russell Athletic. Gigi’s opening set the bar for a plethora of celebrities featured in the show, such as Irina Shayk and Joan Smalls, who presented the 60 looks of the collection. In an encompassing way, the show reproduced compelling game-day energy with a marching band, cheerleading teams and a jubilant crowd, including personalities like Chiara Ferragni and Tik-Tok star Younes Zarou. The SS22 collection champions team spirit and companionship with matching looks, featuring classical sportswear elements such as varsity jackets, crewnecks, hoodies and jerseys. Tapping into the design potential of team merchandise elements with pithy logos and slogans, dynamic stripes and oversized silhouettes, the collaboration extrudes the legacy of casual streetwear. The neutral color palette ranging from camel, black, white and navy as the basis of the collection delivered the perfect playground for color coding with orange, red and teal accentuations, resulting in visual unity yet immediate affiliation to imaginary sports teams - creating a replica of the fashion seen in stadium stands.
www.boss.com
www.russellatheletic.com
Fashion
David LaChapelle for Moose Knuckles
With the production of the latest Moose Knuckles FW21 campaign, David LaChapelle has once again captured a surreal and phantasmagoric setting bursting with vibrant colors. Utilizing his distinctive exaggerated and expressive photography DNA, LaChapelle enacted a winter wonderland of the unusual kind. The icy location conveys a bubbly kitsch with a subtle computer-generated imagery atmosphere in which the campaign faces Emily Ratajkowski, Pete Davidson and Adwoa Aboah seem like comic figures. Artificial ice waves in life-size, iced versions of motorcycles and other surreal gadgets juxtapose the extreme and abstract with the familiar. Directly depicted in the snowy landscape and put to practice in the action-loaden shots, the looks style by Kyle Luu exemplify what Moose Knuckle’s expertise stands for: impeccable function with style. Focusing on puffer jackets and vests, Moose Knuckles FW21 collection offers bold color options such as lime colored check patterns and neon palettes. The development of the collection concentrated on minimizing weight and permeability, while increasing warmth, mobility and personality.
The FW21 collection from Moose Knuckles is available for purchase online as well as selected luxury retailers worldwide.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: The Rise of Butterflies
María Magdalena Campos-Pons is one of the most renowned artists from the post-revolution era in Cuba in the 1980s. Her powerful and poetic voice is known countrywide and is now displayed in Europe within her exhibition The Rise of Butterflies at Galerie Barbara Thumm in the wake of the Gallery Weekend *Discoveries. The central pieces of her art revolve around race, religion and class, taking into account the individual and collective stories touching upon mythology, traditions and symbols of the African diaspora. Campos-Pons makes use of a multidisciplinary expression, creating from a multitude of mediums such as paintings, videos and photography, sculptures, installations as well as performances. In The Rise of Butterflies, the Cuban-based artist translates the situations of life that stem from hybrid cultural upbringing. Separation, memory and fragmentation play a major part in her work in which she also incorporates personal narratives of her youth in Cuba and the following relocation to the United States. “My work speaks to an ancestral knowledge and tradition to give a voice to the darkest narratives with grace and aesthetic elegance. Fragility, ephemerality, and a transient quality of a time and place are visible components in my vocabulary” is how Campos-Pons defines her artistic mission. The exhibition centres around the topic of metamorphosis – the bringing down of the evil, the budding and blossoming of the new beginnings and the hope that springs from this rebirth. Floral symbolism, culturally rich semiotics and colour explosions are the golden thread in her work.
The Rise of Butterflies by María Magdalena Campos-Pons is exhibited at Galerie Barbara Thumm, Berlin, from September 18th until December 31th 2021.
www.bthumm.de
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: Senorita Latifa Sharifah
Sculptural collages made from peculiar objects are the centerpieces of Jasmin Werner’s first solo exhibition at Guido W. Baudach Gallery. The exhibition consists of two of Jasmin Werner’s latest series, Wholly Family and Schloss der Republik Burj Khalifa OFW. The common ground of the two series that together make the exhibition Senorita Latifa Sharifah is the display of peculiar and arbitrary objects, puzzled together into assemblage-like sculptures which exude cryptical and allusive allegories. As such, the exhibition features sculptures in which combine construction mesh prints with light installations. Many of the assemblages feature quirky objects such as children toys like chopping cart that are turned into extension cords that power the light work or miniature ladders, inducing a change of perspective and size distortions. The Cologne-based German-Filipino artists used mostly recycled materials from former works at Städtische Galerie Bärenzwinger in Berlin. Through the new interpretation, in which she dissects the former scaffolding sculptures and images of buildings, she connects the locations of the Palast der Republik, the Berlin Stadtschloss and the skyscraper Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Senorita Latifa Sharifah by Jasmin Werner is exhibited at Guido W. Baudach Gallery, Berlin, from September 11th to October 16th 2021.
www.guidowbaudach.com
www.jasmin-werner.de
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Art
Gallery Weekend *Discoveries: Starter Kit
Cudelice Brazelton IV is a Frankfurt-based artist who channels subcultural happenings into hybrid art installations. Sculptures and paintings are his preferred vehicle of artistic expression. Through the combination of sculptures and paintings as well as sound accentuation, Brazelton creates unusual installations that induce the experience of tactile, auditory and visual stimuli. By engaging multiple senses, Brazelton creates a performative context that points towards a specific source of inspiration. Through his installations, Brazelton refers to black, punk and queer culture. For the artist, these cultures represent the driving force behind his profession, which is why he ensures to represent current events, controversies and critical discourse through his artistic outputs. DIY elements and the idea of clubs as a meeting point play a significant role in the actualization of the sculptures. Brazelton’s installations showcase a spectrum of industrial, abstract, delicate and crafty elements. Canvas, electronic supplies, chains, pipework – the materials used are diverse, yet Brazelton’s installations feature distinctive handwriting. Alongside more rustic materials, Brazelton incorporates photographs and paintings into his sculptures, often featuring a human face or body part. The hybrid nature of humanity, technology and objects that is reflected in his sculptures evokes an absurd aftertaste that poses questions of identity and belonging, which directs back to the inspirational essence from which subculture emerges.
Starter Kit by Cudelice Brazelton IV is exhibited at Barbara Weiss, Berlin, from September 4th - October 7th 2021.
www.galeriebarbaraweiss.de
www.cudelicebrazelton.com
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Fashion
Armani Casa: The Home as the Horizon
With the recent happenings that implied a turn towards the own four walls as the site of daily life, the meaning and significance of the notion “home” has shifted. Our living space turned into an ever-changing cosmos, representing our dispositions, feelings and situations – or as Armani puts it the home has become the horizon of everyday life. Giorgio Armani himself has attempted to find answers during this shift of perspective, contemplating the blurred lines between day-to-day activities and the home as a safe haven for relaxation. Eventually, bowing to a strong wish to reconnect with the sparks of the outdoors instead of the indoors, Giorgio found his inspiration in nature: “We live on this planet, and we need to be in touch with the earth. Natural elements give us calm and serenity and provide the background against which we can express ourselves.” Lightness and light play a major role in the design outcomes, with a focus on function, quality and elegance. Decorative details support the definition of visual continuity between the different areas of the home, creating compartments that define yet merge the areas of the home. The collection features items including slender desks, bar cabinets, sitting accommodations. Many of the pieces simultaneously serve as room dividing furniture.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Cartier's Santos Collection
For their latest eyewear launch, Cartier once again took inspiration from their design legacy. This time the origins of the new eyewear line date back to 1904 – which is when Cartier crafted one of the first wristwatches for famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. The wristwatch’s design was aligned with the typical aviator hints, such as exposed screws and geometric shapes. With its gender-neutral popularity, the watch rapidly ranked as a classic defying the hands of time. Cartier has extended the aviator watch into the Santos collection, a series of eyewear items that pay tribute to Santos and the design cues of his profession. The frames of the Santos collection is characterized by confident metal shapes, luxuriously finished with signature screw details and geometrical temple tips taken, directly adapted from the original Santos watch. The men’s collection features a contemporary take on the idea of aviator leather jackets with soft leather blinders. For the first time, the Santos launches a women’s collection too, showing lightweight profiles with delicate frames with beautifully nuanced lenses with gradient glasses, taking on a modern interpretation of highly recognizable and sophisticated design through delicacy and subtleness.
www.cartier.com
Art
Brussels Gallery Weekend: Rosa Rosa Rosae Rosae
The exhibition rosa rosa rosae rosae features the knowledge, transmission and history of language as a subject of discussion. With twenty contributing artists of multiple origins the exhibition achieves a diverse representation of how language shapes world views and creates barriers and clarification at the same time. The exhibition has taken inspiration from Jan Vercruysse’s photograph Rosa/Rota ll, in which the Belgian poet plays with the modification and purposeful interpretation of the Latin language. The photograph depicts two panels, one with the declension of the Latin word rosa (rose) and one with the Latin word rota (destiny). Getrude Stein’s infamous poetry verse “rose is a rose is a rose is a rose” reinforces contemplations around the literal meaning of words by emphasizing rhyme, rhythm and the fluidity of poetry. Derived from these references, rosa rosa rosae rosae revolves around the deceptive power of language. Since language is immanent to passing on knowledge, words inherit the ability to influence depending on personal language bias. The exhibition visualizes the reflection of a world with permeable borders where language unconsciously intermingles with discussion values, individual viewpoints and expression habits. This language bias is summarized in rosa rosa rosae rosae as a matrix that clarifies and confuses as it surrenders to interpretation.
Rosa rosa rosae rosae is exhibited at La Maison Pelgrims, Brussels, from October 10th - October 23rd 2021.
www.brusselsgalleryweekend.com
Art
Art for Days: Brussels Gallery Weekend 2021
From renowned museums to exquisite galleries, small artist’ ateliers and café exhibitions – Brussel’s cultural repertoire is of an impressive spectrum in which the traditional and old-school aligns with the urban contemporality. Since 2008, each year in September the art hubs of the city become the showplaces of the Brussels Gallery Weekend, an undertaking that highlights this diverse art scene and its spectators. A dynamic program of exhibitions, panel talks and gallery tours enables the visitors to immerse themselves into the local art scene. A special exhibition named Generation Brussels supports young talents by providing them with an opportunity to show their art. With 46 participating galleries and 14 guest venues, the weekend promises a plethora of exhibitions. Free spirits create their own routes and roam through the galleries as they please, yet for those who enjoy some guidance, seven routes of an hour and a half accompanied by an expert are offered. In addition to the exhibitions, the Brussels Gallery Weekend includes special occasions such as book launches, exclusive visits, performances and more.
The Brussel Gallery Weekend takes place from September 9th until September 12th 2021. The opening hours are 11am to 7pm, with an exception to the opening day on which art enthusiasts can visit the galleries until 9pm.
www.brusselsgalleryweekend.com
Fashion
Hermès Hippomobile Tea Service
During the Milan Design Week, Hermès has presented their latest home collection creation Hippomobile– a joyful and playful tea service inspired by the iconic equestrian notes the French brand is known for. The tea service is composed of a teapot, various plates varying in size, several types of cups and saucers, a creamer, a sugar bowl, as well as a cake and a tart platter. The colorful designs of the items allow for mixing and combining on the whim - no matter the occasion, the porcelain adds a cheerful touch to breakfast, morning coffee, afternoon tea or any other time of the day that could use a touch of playfulness. Gianpaolo Pagni, the artist behind the distinctive designs, drew his inspiration from jockey silks. Pagni’s inspiration unfolded in an unexpected way as he interpreted his vision with round, contrasting shapes taken from the cartoon world. “I envisioned a horse with an elongated back that could hold several riders. A kind of limousine horse”, is how the Italian artist explains the idea behind the horse motif that stretches over the items and gives an illusion of the items belonging together while being interchangeable at the same time. The horses are covered in graphic friezes that abstractly remind of jockey outfits. Together with the vivid, almost 3D like backdrops painted onto the items, the design catches the eye of the observer and induces a geniality that lets imagination run free. For the graphic elements on the horses, Pagni crafted stamps that would imprint the motifs onto the porcelain – a technique that is known for creating a slight quiver in the pigment distribution and thus creates a unique look for each piece.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Gina Stiebitz for DoDo Charming Jewelery
Gina Stiebitz, a German actress known for the internationally successful Netflix series Dark is the new face of DoDo’s latest campaigns. The young actress has made a name for herself within the German film industry especially, with an expressive charm and memorable confidence. With the new campaigns, newly opened boutiques and new jewelry collections, DoDo pursues its values of sustainability and inclusiveness by spreading heartfelt messages of love, friendship and freedom through its famous charm items. The collaboration between Gina and the Italian jewelry brand is a match made in heaven – as for both the values of inclusivity, empathy, unity and empowerment are of indispensable significance in all of their undertakings. The young spirit of DoDo, which launched in 1994 aligns with Gina’s age and together they aspire to convey the open-mindedness their generation is known for. In 2021, DoDo has planned and launched three collections – Bollicine, Stellina and Holiday – each of which features a campaign with Gina. Bollicine concentrates on versatility and daily wearability with a focus on layering, stacking and the currently on-trend mixing and matching of minimalistic pieces. Stellina presents itself in a true DoDo manner, in which star shapes shine away with precious gemstones and diamonds, making for a modern, evolved style for young women especially. Lastly, Holiday is a special collection for the festive season, presenting the iconic DoDo charms such as the heart, moon, clover and stars with a sparkly and celebratory twist.
www.dodo.it
Fashion
Montblanc Meisterstück x Pirelli Limited Edition
When two pioneers of traditional European craftsmanship unite their uncompromising skill and aspiration of quality, the result is guaranteed to be a masterpiece. For their latest writing instrument, Montblanc has paired up with Pirelli, bringing together the art of writing with the art of making tyres. Whereas the collaboration seems unexpected at first glance, these two brands share a strong bond that reaches back to their very beginnings, namely the material that defined their origins: rubber. Back in the day, Pirelli manufactured rubber products of various kinds, while Montblanc crafted their first writing instrument from ebonite, a special kind of rubber received from vulcanizing natural rubber. With a subtle anecdote to Montblanc’s signature Rouge et Noir fountain pen and Pirelli’s choice of red as a brand color, this Meisterstück edition presents itself in a classic color combination with unconventional graphic design. Inspired by these origins, the deep, saturated black of the ebonite rubber and the accentuating bright red, the Meisterstück Great Masters Pirelli Limited Edition 1872 reflects the legacy of Montblanc and Pirelli at once. The special edition features an engraved pattern on the cap and on the barrel that pays tribute to the historic graphic pattern of the Pirelli logo from 1966 and resembles the surface of tyres. A stylised running tyre with the Montblanc emblem at its centre further expresses the proud collaboration of the incumbent manufacturers, that both carry the virtue of craftsmanship, precision and quality at their core.
The Meisterstück Great Masters Pirelli Limited Edition 1872 is available from September 2021 at Montblanc boutiques worldwide.
www.montblanc.com
Fashion
Dior Talks with Felicity Jones
Dior invites the curious listener to experience the contemporary mind of the French Maison. At Dior Talks, persons who directly shape the creative direction of Dior meet with those whose artistic, cultural or intellectual views inspire the narrative of it. Hosted by journalist Justine Picardie, the sixth season of this podcast series revolves around feminism and features strong female characters from different professional backgrounds. Following talks with poet and author Robin Morgan, international ballet start Eleonora Abbagnato and artist Eva Jospin; the latest episode features actress Felicity Jones. Jones, who has been a part of the movie industry for over 25 years, touches upon acting, gender roles and her opinion towards all-male environments, specifically in regards to the recent shifts and developments in the acting world, which have been unfolding since the #MeToo happenings in October 2017. Picardie and Jones get to the bottom of the shortcomings and pitfalls of the male-dominated film industry and discuss the importance of women-led projects – in front of and behind the camera. Jones has admired Maria Grazia Chiuri designs at Dior for their ability to empower women, and for the Maison’s modus operandi of tying together unapologetic femineity, freedom and feminism all in one.
www.podcasts.dior.com
Fashion
Max Mara: FW21
Italian Heritage brand, Max Mara, unveils its FW21 ‘Camesole’ - highly technical fabrics depicted on two strong incredible women, in a series of shorts directed by Tracy Doyle. With cinematography by Cecile Zhang, themes of hope are explored, the idea of the impossible or improbable dissipating with the presence of hope. In these videos which were produced, directed and starring women, ‘Portraits of Women’ focuses on two subjects from two different parts of the world. The camel hair is finely interwoven with recycled polyester made in Italy, the result is a resilient padding to protect against the harshest elements. The FW21 collection is made up of 10 pieces which include five styles of coats, one jacket, two hoodies and a short and long vest.
The Senior Director of Talent for Vogue and Condé Nast, Helena Suric, is filmed by Dagmar Weaver-Madsen starting her day at eight in the morning. The ritual of dressing is the focal point, a brief moment of vulnerability displayed as one studies themselves in the mirror before taking off into a cold world or inner city night. The video’s nighttime subject is CEO of Nova Universal, Jasmine Xie, shot in Chengdu, China at eight in the evening, filmed with the help of cinematographer Cecile Zhang. Both subjects, armed with CameLuxe from the Cube, embraces all possibilities and opportunities offered up by both night and day this fall season.
The application of camel hair on its coats is a process at the heart of Max Mara, cameluxe, an ultra-fine material. The Cube, Max Mara’s modular outerwear collection arrives in colors of caramel, rock salt, black, coal, dark and dark blue. All materials used are certified by the Textile Exchange to meet the Global Recycling Standard.
Fashion
Hublot’s Rainbow Watch
With a passion for pop art and bright tones, Hublot’s latest creation is abundant of color. A vibrant gradient adorns the Big Bang Tourbillion Rainbow - no Pantone color is unattainable - not even the rainbow color palette. Since 2017, Hublot has incorporated all the rainbow colors in different ways in the watches, but until the Big Bang Tourbillion, the seven colors of the rainbow have not been set together in one watch. This August, the watchmaker presents these two exceptional high jewelry pieces, which radiate cheerful decadence from the bezel to the watch case to the bracelet. The Big Bang Tourbillon model is available in two versions, one in king gold and one in white gold, which reveal the fascinating movement of the automatic winding under sapphire glass. Nearly 36 carats, 484 invisibly set baguette-cut stones, and seven different types of stones reflect the seven visible colors of the rainbow spectrum: bright red rubies, fuchsia sapphires, ultraviolet amethysts, Yves Klein blue topaz, lush green tsavorites, lemon yellow sapphires, and bright orange sapphires. The smooth transition between the seven types of stone emphasizes the artistic character of the timepiece. 1,200 hours of work were required to select the stones themselves and their color nuances, to cut and set them according to the color gradient plan, and ultimately to imitate the perfection of nature. Once again, Hublot combines innovation and know-how, high horology and high jewelry in a superlative watch.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Carhartt WIP x Civilist
For the SS 21 collection, Carhartt has collaborated with the iconic Berlin skate brand Civilist. The capsule collection consists of nine pieces. From cotton jersey hoodies to short-sleeved shirts, as well as skating decks and a neck pouch, the collaboration represents a holistic strategy to street style credibility. The approach of Civilist brings a playful side to the renowned streetwear and skateboard brand, by emblazoning the Carhartt styles with graphic smiley faces, whose facial features are derivations of the Carhartt logo and the Civilist logotype. The smiley reappears as a warped 3D iteration on a kaleidoscopic background throughout the nine pieces. Civilist, which was founded in 2009 in Berlin-Mitte evolved from a skate shop to an apparel retailer. Despite the gentrification of the area, the Civilist shop remains a cultural hub and meeting point for the city’s skaters, not least because of their steadfastly and reassuring authenticity. Civilist has collaborated with renowned brands in the past, including Nike, Vans, Converse and Stussy.
Carhartt WIP x Civilist is available from now in selected Carhartt WIP stores, selected skate shops and online.
www.carhartt-wip.com
www.civilistberlin.com
Fashion
Electric Horology at CHANEL
For their latest take on watchmaking, CHANEL seeks inspiration from the mantras of electro subcultures. Referring back to the roots of a music genre that cherished being different and original, the capsule collection CHANEL Electro borrows the graphic codes of vibrant night scenes and the rebellious atmospheres, going against the grain of classics and traditions. Given the all-encompassing, sensory, auditory and visual experience of electronic music, the electro era marked a turning point for performance which gave rise to an authentic culture with distinctive aesthetics. As an honor to this fully-fledged artistic genre, CHANEL immersed into the visual effects of electronic music to find impulses for color combinations. “White is illuminated by color, color is intensified by the depths of black” is the essence of the flickering that accompanies the clubbing scene. Arnaud Chastaingt, the director of the CHANEL watchmaking studio, applied these visual performance programs onto four classic watches, the J12, the Première, the Code Coco and the Boyfriend. Using elements of black ceramic and black steel in combination with vibrant color accentuations CHANEL steps out of the conventional way of design. The Code Coco and Boyfriend styles feature bright diamonds and neon pink leather straps, while the J12 exhibits accents of bold colors in its numerals. The Première comes with a chain bracelet that has an interwoven multicolored leather detailing. The campaign is accompanied by the exclusive launch of seven electro-music pieces, all true to style on a vinyl record, as well as Spotify, specially composed for CHANEL by French DJ Pedro “Busy P” Winter.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo: Holiday Collection
In the 2021 Holiday collection Salvatore Ferragamo serves up an unexpected array of festive garments. Sidelining the typical santa reds, pine greens and gold tones, the Italian brand presents a new take on holiday colors. Turning upside down the conventional Holiday dress code, Salvatore Ferragamo includes a range of items that offer choices aside from the obvious – all while revering the most iconic elements of the brand. The women’s items are categorized into four themes: pretty in pink, sparkle is the girl’s best friend, mini is the new black and mint is a state of mind. The F heel, the Gancini symbol and the Viva bow are represented in metallic-glitter versions, bubblegum pinks and minty pastels and even with integrated mirrors. The men’s collection is significantly less unusual, opting for classic footwear pieces including a pair of loafers, a classic lace-up low shoe and a pair of sneakers. Travel goods cater the driving-home-for-Christmas look and persuade with various size options. Despite the scaled down character of the men’s collection, the attention to detail that shows in the women’s items, steals the spotlight of the gentlemen too. The Gancini buckle adorns the belt options in gold and silver versions, with geometric cuts and relief work. And for the last minutes Christmas gifts, Salvatore Ferragamo included a gift box with a duo of interchangeable buckles inside.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Stone Island FW2021: Shadow Project
Research, experimentation, function and use are the four matrices that define Stone Island’s brand identity. The Italian brand revolutionizes contemporary menswear by focusing on design and practicality at once, without compromising in terms of style. For the F/W 21 collection, Stone Island curated Shadow Project, a product line that focuses on serving the wearer. Utilizing attentive research into the behavioural pattern of wearers, Stone Island manufactured the individual pieces in a way where true functionality shows in the daily usage. Herein, the process of wearing the garment plays a significant role, the pieces of Shadow Project By reducing typical functional details, relying on internal storage solutions and tailoring with a generous fit, the garments provide freedom and comfort to the wearer. The collection is split up into two chapters and engineered to meet the alternating weather conditions of two seasons and their transition time. Shadow Project is a response to futuristic and current world scenarios, in which contemporary menswear evolves to a fusion of performing aspects, material innovation and style.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Alpine Capsule: Skiing with Dior
As an ode to the Alps’ winter wonderlands, Maria Grazia Chiuri designed a capsule collection that fusions Dior’s elegance with sporty skiing attires. Concentrating on looks that combine style and high-tech functionality, the designs are not only suited for going down the slopes but for après ski occasions as well. The capsules’ color palette consists mostly of white and black alpine looks accentuated with red and navy details. Voluminous puffers, trousers and the classic book tote are available in leopard print for an extra dash of glamour that creates an unusual contrast to the snowy landscapes of the mountains. Knitted sweaters with patterns that distantly remind of traditional alpine garbs complement the aim of the collection to meet athletic as well as leisure purposes. The brand’s signature logo pattern - the Dior Oblique, as well as the infamous camouflage and the Dior lucky star motive, are featured throughout the designs as well. For the maximum coordinated look, accessories like an ultra-matte ski mask and logo-emblazoned sunglasses are part of the Dior Alps collection too.
The Dior Alps capsule collection will be available in-store starting mid-September.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Technical Skill & Creative Flair: Berluti’s Fly Sneaker
Berluti has replenished its FW 2021 sneaker collection with a new version of the classical Graphic sneaker. Fly unites the 70s elements of the original sneaker with the sporty details of bicolor soles and a geometric heel. The combination of leather and rubber creates a clash between modernity and retro vibes, making the sneaker stand out with a bolder style than expected from Berluti’s designs. The combination of rich leather, vibrant tones and dynamic details taken from Berluti’s DNA and reinterpreted with an effortless and lightweight approach result in a bootmaker-inspired final outcome. The Fly sneaker comes in three characteristic designs. Two of them are made from leather, featuring a version with black and white stripes that parade a red outsole detail and a white-silver version with a grey outsole detail. Both of these feature the house’s signature zig-zag stitching and perforated details. The third version is a derivation of the Venezia accessory collection crafted from calf leather with a special patina, presenting a more toned-down color palette with a saturated brown and black detailing. The Fly sneaker embodies the dedicated craftsmanship and the unique combination of technical skill and creative flair that Berluti stands for.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo & Wim Wenders present: A Future Together
For the FW21 collection, the Italian house Salvatore Ferragamo is partnering up with legendary filmmaker and three-time Academy Award-nominated Wim Wenders to create the fashion film “A Future Together”. It’s a post-modern, multidimensional and layered reflection upon the exciting potential futures – a myriad of positive possibilities – that await us all. The short film was shot in Milan and the storyline follows a stylish young film director, brought to life by Gaia Girace, who is working on a sci-fi adventure with a powerful cast and costumes, the Ferragamo FW21 collection, which itself offers a fresh perspective through its technologically advanced and futuristic concept. Onset, she meets a handsome sound engineer, played by Felix Sandman, marking the beginning of a personal story full of adventure. Through their story, Wenders created an optimistic and exhilarating campaign, which is light yet deeply profound, compellingly optimistic and perfectly highlights the luxurious and proactive nature of the collection produced by Ferragamo’s expert artisans. Wenders himself had the following to say: “Developing a positively energetic story inside the framework of a futuristic setting is a challenge at a time when the future is generally regarded as bleak and dystopian. But sometimes, when the cards are stacked up against you and you have to fight many obstacles, the result can achieve an extra aura of beauty. This was definitely the case at our Ferragamo shoot. Not only did the sun break through the grey sky of Milan, so that the futuristic sites could show their best potential, but also our two young stars were luminous and enchanted. Most of all the collection, when it was finally revealed and worn by the actors, turned out more radiant and spectacular than in our wildest dreams. All we had to do as a film team was to capture that sudden explosion of glorious beauty in front of us.” The collection looks towards the future, trying to appeal to all of those who are determined to shape the new and positive fashion, whilst also embodying Ferragamo’s progressive heritage, the combination of technological and aesthetic innovation which is reflected in designs capturing the now whilst revealing their timelessness in the future.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Dressing for the Summer
When the summer is coming around and the temperatures are rising, we abandon our coats and jackets and opt for clothing that is light and gives our bodies the chance to breathe and to be touched by the sunrays. What emerges from under the many layers of fabrics are real jewels, literally. Now that the clothing has been reduced to a minimum to stay cool, jewelry takes center stage and becomes a very prominent part of the perfect summer look. For this reason, NET-A-PORTER presents its yearly High Summer Fine Jewelry, the perfect selection to capture the essence of summer and the free-spirited aesthetic of the season. As Charlie Boyd, NET-A-PORTER’s Fine Jewelry and Watches Editor explains, the standout trend this season is layering, whether it be a striking stack of bracelets made to be mixed and matched or necklaces with unique pendants or earrings defined by their shapes and colorful gems. Their selection is extensive, featuring not only universally beloved staples but also newly launched brands like gigi CLOZEAU or Marie Lichtenberg. The NET-A-PORTER High Summer Fine Jewelry selection offers each of us a myriad of possibilities and the perfect pieces to give every summer look your personal touch.
www.net-a-porter.com
Art
Gmunden.Photo
When you visit Gmunden today, you will find 29 shipping containers placed on the shores of the local lake. Shipping containers are the perfect metaphor for the global interconnectivity, as they are at the base of international trade, with thousands being shipped all across the globe on a daily basis. With the ongoing pandemic, we are not able to travel the world, making them the perfect reminder that we are part of a global community, which despite unfortunate circumstances and physical separation continues to exchange and grow together. In this case, the containers’ content is photographs taken by 23 different photographers, young and upcoming talents and internationally established stars alike. The containers currently house an exciting exhibition curated by the Swiss Beda Achermann, putting the Austrian photography scene into an international context. It bears witness to the role of the relatively new medium within the contemporary art scene and the constant innovation to be found within. Photography as a medium is changing; it’s becoming more and more of a hybrid, which finds itself paired with painting, sculpture and other forms of digital art, fortifying its place as a living and diverse artistic medium. The exhibition covers a large variety of different photographic styles, classics such as documentary and portrait photography, but also their new iterations by new generations of artists. It also witnesses its contemporary relevance, as we often perceive the present solely through images, whether it is the environmental destruction or the seduction of an aspirational life on the Internet. The exhibition features photographers from 8 different countries, not only showcasing their work but also displaying the power of images as a universal language to be understood and appreciated by people all across the world.
Gmunden.Photo will be open to the public until August 15th at the Seeviertel in Gmunden, Austria.
www.gmunden.photo
Credits:
Roe Ethridge – Untitles (Alexis Bittar)
Simon Lehner – Balance study with boy
Fashion
Armani Privé Haute Couture FW2021/22
As for many fashion houses, the guests were also allowed to return to Giorgio Armani’s Prive Haute Couture show yesterday, which was hosted for the second time in the Italian Embassy in Paris. For a seasoned designer like Mr. Armani himself, heading an established house like his, the pandemic might not have been as cataclysmic as for smaller and less established houses, but by no means can one say that this 16-month halt did not leave a mark nevertheless. With a certain post-pandemic awareness, Mr. Armani states that, “I do not feel more emotional about my work after the pandemic, but now I want my work to show emotions in a clearer way. I think that, during this period, we have discovered a feeling of something true, something powerful, something enriching, something energizing, and I want all this to come true, also through my work.” His newest haute couture collection definitely bears witness to this. Fittingly entitled Shine, the collection is luminous. It focuses on the brilliance of fabrics that almost seem liquid, the sheen of satin interwoven with ultra fine metallic thread paired with Armani’s signature filtrage, the layering of transparent fabrics, which created as Mr. Armani put it himself, “halos around the body”. The garments radiate light and levity, celebrating the excellence of the materials. In a nod to the timelessness of his creations, Mr. Armani, whose clothes are never made for just one season, also filtered into the collection 15 garments from the audience-less show in January, because he wished for people to see them up close.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger store Berlin
Tommy Hilfiger opened the doors to its new Berlin flagship store, located in one of the German capital’s most prestigious streets, the Kurfürstendamm. The store itself has been expanded and redesigned in order to reflect the contemporary Tommy Hilfiger and to create the necessary space to showcase all the Tommy Hilfiger collections, menswear, womenswear and accessories. It is a fusion of the brand’s DNA and heritage with clean lines, modern finishes and a bright airy aesthetic. the concept takes inspiration from the nautical lifestyle, one of Tommy Hilfiger’s long-time sources of inspiration. In addition to this, the location now includes Tommy’s Coffee, a 40-seat movie theater space and café area. Not all the changes in the store will be visible at first sight. In line with the brand’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and have all its locations being powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2025, the store utilizes LED lighting both in its shop front wall and in-store paneling. The new Tommy Hilfiger Berlin flagship store, located at Kurfürstendamm 217, will be open to the public from July 1st, 2021. The opening happens in accordance with local Covid-19 guidelines, strict precautionary measures and services will be implemented throughout the store to protect the health and safety of staff and consumers.
www.tommy.com
#TommyHilfiger
Fashion
Thom Browne SS22
Premiering as part of Mens’ SS22 Paris Fashion Week is the show by Thom Browne in the theme of “Looking Forward to Tomorrow”. The film depicts the comfortable loneliness of a marathon runner intraining. His comfort in being alone is truly inspirational. Set in the expansive flatlands of northern New Mexico, the film follows our runner as he prepares to compete against the current world record-holder. He wakes at dawn and trains until dusk, day after day. As he trains on the open roads and rests each night in his open-frame house, the runner is alone but never lonely. When event day arrives, his world becomes a new adventure. He and his fellow competitors celebrate the event day and compete as animated versions of Thom Browne’s drawings. In his signature colors, the runner moves through the city and finally into the stadium.
www.thombrowne.com
Fashion
Dior Men's SS22
Even in 1947, Christian Dior understood that one had to look beyond the confines of then war-torn Europe. He understood that across the Atlantic Ocean lays a land that does not only represent a potential market for his garments, but is also full of inspiration. When he travel to America to celebrate his debut collection, the country and especially the state of Texas left a lasting impression, with, to quote his words, “the zest for life and self-confidence” which radiate from the American spirit and ethos, marking the beginning of a special connection between the couturier and Texas. For the SS22 Men’s collection, current Creative Director Kim Jones draws inspiration from this link and pairs up with Texas-born rapper, songwriter and record producer Travis Scott to create Cactus Jack Dior, drawing its name from Scott’s record label. The collection itself is a conversation between two friend and two cultures, exploring at once the identities of a heritage Parisian couture house and a modern musician. This dynamic is represented in the show’s set, a recreation of Christian Dior’s rose garden which evolves into a cactus garden representative of Scott’s native Houston. In typical fashion, the collection’s pieces bear witness to the incredible savoir-faire of the French house giving a modern take of Dior’s 1956 Arrow line finished with through hand-painting and embroideries and a reimagined logotype by Travis Scott. This also marks the first time that Kim Jones collaborates with Dior Joaillerie Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane on a high-jewelry piece, a cactus necklace, blooming with precious gems. The color palette of the collection is inspired by Texas’ natural landscape, the grand canyons and dusty deserts, featuring sun-bleached tones of mauve, café, pistachio and pale blues. As with previous collections, Kim Jones once again works with a celebrated artist, this time George Condo. These works created especially for the show will be auctioned off with the proceeds being used to support future generations of creative talent through scholarships.
www.dior.com
Fashion
UNDERCOVER SS22
The SS22 Men’s Collection “ONCE IN A LIFETIME” by Undercover is inspired by the translation of an idiom known by the Japanese tea master “Sen no Rikyu”. For this collection, Jun Takahashi, Creative Director worked in a great environment which is a brand new studio located in a mountain where he could walk down to the beach and learned to cherish the ordinary. The collection reflects his wish to create designs that are not excessively decorative but deeply rooted in everyday life.The style of music and graphic designs created by the Japanese rock band “OGRE YOU ASSHOLE”, one of the collaborators of this season, embodies his feelings. The collection reflects visually that even on an ordinary day, any moment in life cannot be repeated. Treasure every single day of your life is the theme for this collection interpreted in monochrome looks with intricate prints and construction, yet simple in form.
www.undercoverism.com
Fashion
MSGM Mens SS22
MSGM’s Men’s SS22 collection named Canon Infinito - like a musical composition that unfolds in circular melodies.The title of the song by Lorenzo Senni, the project’s soundtrack, encapsulates the atmosphere of the entire collection, of a story that follows the moments of a long day, on a desert beach, composed in an intense joint effort by Massimo Giorgetti with Francesco Nazardo, the No Text Azienda and Senni. Canone infinito, like the dazzling light of the sun that hour after hour becomes gentler before giving way to night and returning in the morning, repeating its dance in a stubborn perpetual motion. Infinite like the horizon where the sea melts into thesky. Artisanal washes and the watercolour prints are reminiscent of liquid patterns of water reflected on rippling water; solarised dyes, almost a new tie dye, created surprising effects on the clothes as if they have been left to fade under the heat of the sun. Like chromatic clouds, melange items in woven cotton webbing recreate organic, rough and three-dimensional textures. Wet clothes stick to the skin, along with the scent of salt. Elements embodying an underwater imaginary world appear everywhere. www.msgm.com
Fashion
Prada Mens SS22
The Prada Men's SS22 show should feel, in co-creative director Miuccia Prada's own words, like "A sense of the utopian, the ideal, of hope, positivity. To expose yourself to nature, to go to the beach—it's freedom. It is utopian. That is a primary need—an intellectual need, too." This concept translated beautifully in a collection of skin-heavy pieces, reminding of a moment of rebirth for the brand after the pandemic. The show started inside a long, blood-red tunnel, which the models had to escape to emerge into the world ahead. Short romper suits with nautical motifs such as octopi, mermaids, anchors, and fish reminded of 1960s tattoos and were styled with functional bucket hats with slits at the front to allow sunglasses to be slipped in them. In the setting of the beach in Sardinia, the presentation changed from classic runway to something freer, "The primary feeling is one of joy. It's almost like that memory of a child, the joy of a child going to the beach. The simplest and most honest of pleasures. In all its simpleness, it's also something very meaningful and timeless.", so Raf Simmons. The collection included terry hoodies, skorts with matching tank-tops, bucket bags, and even a biker jacket in bright yellow or red and double-waisted pants.
www.prada.com
Fashion
BRIONI
Brioni introduces the F/W21 advertising campaign featuring House ambassador Brad Pitt. Shot by photographer Mikael Jansson on the terrace of Suite 64 at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, the images show Pitt’s relaxed confidence and style. The campaign features garments which reflect the House’s sartorial heritage combined with a contemporary twist. Looks in tonal colors, including eveningwear crafted from RWS sustainable wool and ultra soft knitwear, are inspired by Brioni’s traditional tailoring but also embrace new and more relaxed styles.The Roman nonchalance, integral to the ethos of House, is inherent in the fabric and construction of the garments.
www.brioni.com
Fashion
FENDI Men’s FW 21/22
The FENDI Men’s FW 21 advertising campaign is directed by the Italian artist Nico Vascellari. The video is a cinematically surprising slideshow that portrays the collection designed by the Artistic Director of FENDI Accessories and Menswear Silvia Venturini Fendi as an optimistic adventure framed within a game of illusions. The color palette stays vibrant and includes saffron, orange, fuchsia, cobalt and periwinkle color-blocked against black, camel and charcoal, as linings, inlays and slashed seams flash with contrasting textures and shades. The campaign was filmed in a metaphysical set, and plays with the signature looks of the collection, a broad spectrum of menswear classics twisted with FENDI playfulness; resulting in a vivid celebration of color and light, emerging from darkness into full Technicolor. Throughout the collection, multifunctionality and form unite in reversible workwear and relaxed outerwear silhouettes. Diagonal quilting inflates all manner of silk jacquard separates from a shawl collar lounge coat to pullovers, shirt jackets and bermuda shorts in a luxuriant expression of cocooning comfort. The season’s cosmic spirit is further emphasized by a series of psychedelic and multicolour artworks realized in collaboration with the multidisciplinary artist and performer Noel Fielding, including an abstract version of the FENDI logo in his signature stream-of-consciousness scribble art.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Kaldewei x WWF
In honor of World Oceans Day 2021 on June 8th Kaldewei fights with WWF against plastic in our oceans. The brand is not only ensuring that the use of sustainable, 100% recyclable steel enamel for minimizing plastic in a minimization of plastic in sustainable bathrooms. The Ahlen-based family-owned company has also been a partner of the WWF since 2017. This is because one of the focal points of the cooperation is the support of the WWF's Marine Conservation Program, which focuses on the fight against plastic waste in the world's the world's oceans. Ocean's Day is an initiative of the United Nations. The "World Day of the Oceans" has its origins in the 1992 Earth Summit and has been celebrated since 2009. The aim of the day is to raise global awareness of current challenges related to the oceans. in connection with the oceans. Kaldewei would like to use its underline the importance of the oceans for global food security and the environment. global food security and the climate. As a sponsor of the WWF marine conservation program, Kaldewei is supporting a model project in the Mekong Delta (Vietnam) to combat the causes of plastic waste in the world's oceans. The aim of the project is to reduce the entry of plastic waste management system to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the sea. With the help of Kaldewei sponsorship, it was possible, among other things, to carry out a feasibility study on separate recyclable and waste fractions was carried out. Based on this, a system for the collection and separation of waste at the household level has been established. By improving waste management in the Mekong delta, the recycling rate of recyclable materials is significantly increased and less plastic enters the sea, which also protects vital ecosystems.
www.wwf.com
www.kaldewei.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton: Capucines bag
As a timeless feminine icon, the Capucines symbolises the quintessence of Louis Vuitton, its quest for excellence, creativity and craftsmanship. Named after Louis Vuitton’s very first store, which opened in 1854 on rue Neuve-des-Capucines in Paris, the Capucines has established itself as one of the Maison’s most iconic models. The Capucines is both versatile and an everyday companion. This summer, it will be available in three sizes, Mini, BB and MM, embracing the various styles, desires and moments of the day.The black and arizona Capucines with its textile strap featuring embroidered Monogram flowers is a casual chic bag, perfect for every day. It portrays an authentic allure in natural raffia and caramel calf leather, or a more mysterious character in playing with textures featuring intertwined embroidery and silkscreen-printed patterns that echo the 1854 Jacquard canvas.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Colmar's A.G.E.
The italian outerwear brand Colmar presents its third collection of Colmar Advanced Garment Exploration (A.G.E.), a hyper modern fashion label focused on experiementation and product innovation. Created three years ago, Colmar A.G.E. has hosted international artists such as Shayne Oliver and White Mountaineering to reinterpret the brand archives. For the project’s third collection, Colmar appoints Iranian designer Morteza Vaseghi as the Creative Director. The internationally acclaimed designer is most known for his publishing porjects Recens Paper and Wallet that he co-founded with cultural entrepreneur Elise By Olsen. Translating his fascination with conceptual thinking from paper of the printed pages Vaseghi applies a laboratory approach to his fashion practices. Under Vaseghi’s creative direction, Colmar A.G.E. introduces futuristic organic forms that could translate an advanced vision of the holistic coexistence between humankind and nature.
www.age.colmar.it
Fashion
LOEWE Foundation – Craft Prize 2021
The LOEWE Foundation presents their 2021 Craft Prize in a new manner – in the form of a digital exhibition. In this fully immersive presentation, the viewer is able to virtually walk around 3D model of the Great Hall of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and see the finalists’ works. TThe winner of this year’s Craft Prize is Fanglu Lin, selected for its breathtaking skill and monumental scale. Special mentions are awarded to sculptor David Corvalán of Chile and ceramist Takayuki Sakiyama of Japan.
The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize exhibition will be online from 24 May - 30 September 2021.
www.craftprize.loewe.com
Fashion
Carhartt WIP x Clay Arlington
Carhartt WIP has worked with artist and designer Clay Arlington for ist SS21 campaign, creating a series of images that reference the artist’s past body of work, as well as the brand’s own cultural rooting. Fire extinguishers, floral motifs, and basketballs – in this case, one created by Spalding for Carhartt WIP S/S21 collection – all draw from Arlington’s signature aesthetic, and are combined with text- based works that offer a knowing interpretation of the brand’s DNA. One image features artist and model Ivy Johnson, her back turned to the camera while wearing a white hoodie, with the words “it’s just work” scrawled on tape across the bottom. These works, created by Arlington, have appeared on billboards in cities such as London, New York and Los Angeles. On the 13th of May, Carhartt WIP will release two t-shirts featuring them, combined with other text-based components. Each t-shirt will also come with a limited edition posterzine.
www.carhartt-wip.com
Fashion
Berluti SS21
Berluti is introducing a new line with eye-catching braided leather details, displaying a new kind of savoir-faire and craftsmanship for SS21. Inspired by the Maison’s ongoing collaboration with Brian Rochefort and by Rochefort’s trademark texture play in his sculptures, Berluti’s braided leather technique is featured on a selection of bags, small leather goods and sneakers. Using the iconic Signature canvas as a base -with its grained texture and its motif merging Berluti’s logo-, new bags from the Summer 2021 collection include a large white logo crest printed on the front side of each piece, outlined by a braided calf leather stripe. Available in a black, white and yellow or a black, white and blue colour combination, the tricolor stripe is braided following a perforation pattern on the canvas, thus obtaining an exceptional visual and textural play through an innovative, luxurious technique imbued in Berluti’s DNA. Berluti’s braided leather pieces will be available both at Berluti stores and e-shop from May 2021.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
Fondazione Prada: Stop Painting
Fondazione Prada presents to the press the exhibition “Stop Painting” conceived by Peter Fischli, on view at the historic building of Ca’ Corner della Regina. “Stop Painting” brings together a selection of 110 works by more than 80 artists and explores a series of specific ruptures within the history of painting in the last 150 years, intertwined with the emergence of new social factors and cultural values. The artist conceived this project divided in 10 sections as a plurality of different narratives told by himself in the first person. The show begins on the ground floor of Ca’ Corner della Regina with a new site-specific artwork by Fischli that consists of a scaled-down model of the entire project, defined by the artist as “a sculpture of a painting exhibition”. The exhibition unfolds on the first floor following not a chronological order, but a personal and idiosyncratic approach. At the beginning of the process leading to the conception of his exhibition the artist identified 5 radical ruptures in art history that correspond to moments of rejection and reinvention of painting: the diffusion of photography, the invention of the readymade and the collage, “the death of the author”, the devaluation of painting as a commodity and the crisis of criticism in the late capitalist society.
Fondazione Prada presents «Stop Painting” at Ca’ Corner della Regina, Venice from May 22 - November 21 2021.
www.fondazioneprada.org
Alain JacquetLe déjeuner sur l'herbe, 1964Serigraphy on paper mounted on canvas 175 x 100 cm
Collection Mamac, Nice, inv: 988.16.1Photo Muriel Anssens © Adagp, Paris, 2021 © Alain Jacquet, by SIAE 2021
Marcel DuchampApolinère Enameled, 1916-1917 (1964 edition)Tin plate on cardboard, 24 x 34 cmCollezione Attilio Codognato, Venezia © 2021. White Images/Scala, Firenze © Foto Scala Firenze© Association Marcel Duchamp © Marcel Duchamp, by SIAE 2021
Fashion
Acqua di Parma: Per papà
For Father’s Day Acqua di Parma has prepared the most beautiful surprise for gift artfully designed for a special. This sophisticated toiletry bag created by the Maison for Father’s Day stands out for its essential design, the sunny tones of Parma yellow and the hand-embroidered Acqua di Parma logo. Made with a practical and durable Italian fabric produced by recycling plastic, it is perfect for a sustainability-conscious man. This functional and refined accessory contains the ideal set for any trip, with products in travelling formats: Cologne in the 100ml Art Deco bottle and the Cologne Shower Gel in the 75ml tube. The final touch is the outer box, decorated with a refined striped pattern, sober and masculine. This is a gift designed for a father and characterised by Acqua di Parma’s trademark attention to details. A true art that becomes an exciting ritual, to be experienced in all the Maison’s Boutiques and in the most exclusive stores. Along with the toiletry bag, you can also choose your father’s favourite Eau de Cologne in a very special package, the one that best reflects his personality and his natural elegance: Colonia, Colonia Futura, Colonia Pura, Colonia Essenza, Colonia Intensa and Colonia Club in the 100 or 180ml formats.
www.acquadiparma.com
Fashion
Studio Yen
Studio Yen is an independent design studio with a unique variety of handmade and vintage interior pieces. The treasures included in Studio Yen’s selection range from vases, sculptures and lamps to rugs, stools and side-tables, which are sourced from and produced all over the world. Driven by a true passion for special interior pieces, the design studio’s team carefully selects and collects the objects by travelling and visiting antique markets and auctions and working together with artists in various international locations. While most collaborators are based in European cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam or Barcelona, certain pieces are partially produced in and imported from South American countries. Studio Yen’s aesthetics and stylistic outlook is informed by this South American influence, which becomes visible in pieces like the Maninkari Rug. The rug, which is made of 100% hand-spun sheep wool was designed in Belgium and then spun, dyed and and handwoven by Mayan weavers in Guatemala. A mortar made in Nepal, wooden stones from the Philippines, hand stools from Burkina Faso, as well as a patchwork carpet handmade in Iceland were part of Studio Yen’s recent selection. Natural, organic forms and shades combined with pure materials and textures are characteristic for Studio Yen’s pieces. Maintaining a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach Studio Yen only offers a limited amount of products, most of which are unique hand-made or made on request.
www.studio-yen.com
Fashion
Les Parfums Louis Vuitton : Imagination
Les Parfums Louis Vuitton opens a new chapter in its history of perfumery with the launch of a seventh fragrance dedicated to men. Imagination, an exceptional composition by the House’s Master Perfumer, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, created in the heart of his atelier at Les Fontaines Parfumées, in Grasse. Inscribed within the heart of Louis Vuitton’s DNA, imagination and creativity have always guided Jacques Cavallier Belletrud in his work, prompting him to constantly push the limits of his art. “For five years, I’d been dreaming of revealing the beauty of ambergris and expressing the quintessence of its amber note in a way that’s of-the-moment and devoid of nostalgia,” explains the Master Perfumer. To give it contemporary resonance, he chose to use Ambrox, a veritable white gold of perfumery, a molecule present in its natural state in ambergris. Imagination takes flight across one’s skin in an extraordinary encounter that ignites senses and spirit to give rise to an irrepressible, universal attraction. Available from June 3rd.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
VALENTINO COLLEZIONE MILANO - PAINTER CAMPAIGN
The art world enters the Maison Valentino universe for the newest chapter of its Advertising Campaign. For this reason Maison Valentino has worked with five international painters, giving them complete freedom to create a work of their choosing, which includes a Valentino Garavani accessory from the collection. Each of the painters is an emerging talent in their area and on the global art scene and each work a testament to the freedom, voice and creativity of each artist. Louise Giovanelli, from the UK, created a hyper realistic painting of the Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Top Handle, while Alexis Ralaivao, from France, painted a cropped-in portrait of the same bag in a striking pink hue. Chinese painter Zhang Zihao opted to paint two subjects wearing the Valentino Garavani Crochet sneakers, while Korean artist Nahum Kim envisioned a surreal and otherworldly work featuring the Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Top Handle. Finally, Iori Nagashima, from Japan, created a work using the Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Crochet bag on a subject under rainfall. In all, each work is a testament to the freedom, voice and creativity of each artist.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Thonet S 5000 Retreat
From the 1930s to New Work: Thonet and Studio Irvine introduce a contemporary update to conventional work interior design. Office and work environments constantly develop and are an immediate response to societal conceptions of work life and everyday routine. The question how human’s will behave in the work sphere in present and future is therefore omnipresent and requires constant evaluation. In the middle of the development phase of the new Thonet S 5000 Retreat program, the Covid 19 pandemic hit and significantly accelerated and changed the adaptation of working environments. Responding to social distancing and separation guidelines, the S 5000’s design is a flexible, space providing solution for the office space. The basic module of the S 5000 is a day-bed like cushion available as one, two or three seater on a tubular steel base without back and side parts. When English designer James Irvine reinterpreted the sofa type of the daybed with the S 5000 almost 15 years ago, he did so for the present, with a futuristic outlook in mind. Daybeds with tubular steel frames were already an integral part of the Thonet program in the 1930s, but Irvine developed a flexible sofa system from them. Now Studio Irvine under the direction of the architect and wife of the late designer, Marialaura Rosiello-Irvine, has taken the idea of the changeable minimalist S 5000 program with its base of curved, bent tubular steel. The result is a modular system of sofas and seating elements with partitions. Variably complementary elements such as tables, cushions or sockets allow a particularly versatile use in the new-work context, as well as in the private home-office sphere. For example, the new S 5000 Retreat variant provides noise and privacy protection and and allows - in an aesthetically convincing way - working at a distance.
www.thonet.com
Fashion
On Moon Time
OMEGA is releasing its latest edition of the Speedmaster Moonwatch collection, an updated version of the much-loved timepiece, which includes a powerful Master Chronometer certified anti-magnetic movement. The Swiss watchmaker has taken inspiration from the 4th generation Moonwatch style, commonly referenced as the ST 105.012, and worn by Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969. The new Moonwatch includes tributes to the space-era such as the classical asymmetrical case, the step dial, the double bevel case back, the famous dot over 90 (DON), and a dot diagonal to 70 on the anodized aluminum bezel ring. These small details beautifully tell the origin story of the Speedmaster. The most critical update comes with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, which ensures that the Moonwatch will be unaffected by even the most extreme magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. Also, it ensures that the entire watch is certified as a Master Chronometer – the highest standard of precision, performance, and magnetic-resistance in the Swiss watch industry. Even the dial with the Calibre 3861’s frequency shows updated attention-to-detail, as the the minute track is now split by three divisions instead of the five divisions on previous models. The Moonwatch comes in eight special editions, including versions in stainless steel, 18K Sedna™ gold, or 18K Canopus gold™. All come with OMEGA’s full 5-year warranty.
www.omegawatches.com
Fashion
Trash to Treasure
FADE OUT LABEL is a Berlin-based brand co-founded in 2015 by Andrea Bonfini, an Italian fashion designer together with his friend Nicola. The brand focuses on creating new from old by utilizing patchwork techniques to handcraft their pieces. FADE OUT collection’s uniqueness stems from their oversized pieces, crafted from vintage denim. The label does not work with traditional seasons but rather designs garments adaptable to various occasions and different personalities. Additionally, it features permanent collections that change every so slightly each season. With sustainability in mind, each piece is upcycled, using denim bought at charity shops, deconstructed, washed, sanitized, ironed, and reassembled – making each piece unique. FADE OUT’s latest project, White Trash, is a capsule collection inspired by Berlin – the faded graffiti on the remaining Berlin Wall and Berlin’s famous clubbing scene paused at the moment by the pandemic. Each piece is unique and unisex, continuing with the brand’s aesthetic and underlying philosophy: urban wear, upcycling, patchwork, and zero waste. The items are handmade in a Berlin atelier using waste materials such as vintage white jeans, silver deadstock fabrics, antique parachutes as well as used pharmaceutical vials and metal elements.
www.fadeoutlabel.com
Fashion
FENDI Peekaboo Campaign
Presented for the FENDI Fall/Winter 2020-21 Collection last February, the new Peekaboo features a new accordion-frame shape, to open in a deep ‘smile’ featuring inside pockets which can be interchangeable in smooth leather or precious skins. Since it’s first arrival in S/S 09, Silvia Venturini Fendi has enmeshed the Maison’s savoir faire and original creativity with the research for high-quality materials and details, giving life to infinite versions of the Peekaboo that – each one with its standout and distinctive features – all flawlessly embody the versatile and timeless aspect of this bag that has been and will continue to be elevated, reinterpreted and declined season after season, collection after collection.
www.fendi.com
Art
Gallery Weekend Berlin: Susan Philipsz at Konrad Fischer Galerie
Konrad Fischer Galerie is pleased presents Susan Philipsz’ first solo exhibition in Berlin. Susan Philipsz is a Scottish artist based in Berlin who works with spaces, narrative and sounds. In 2010 she won the Turner Prize which was the first time a sound work was nominated. She uses recordings of her own singing voice and to project this sound a space. Her voice is untrained and she leaves in breaths and imperfections to create a sense of intimacy. She has reworked songs varying from traditional folk music and sixteenth century ballads to songs by Nirvana and David Bowie. The themes she explores can trigger memory and emotions. While each piece is unique, she explores familiar themes of loss, longing, hope and return.“Whenever I enter a space that I am considering working with I call into the space to measure its acoustics. By projecting my voice into a space, I measure that space; through the resonance and echo I can ascertain the volume, scale and depth of that space. The gallery has a particularly resonant acoustic with lots of echoes and reverberations. The sounds from one level are audible on the other”, so Philipsz about the origins of her works Separated Silos (2021), and Slow Fresh Fount (2021) which lends its title to the exhibition.
Susan Philipsz’ work is exhibited at Konrad Fischer Galerie, Berlin, from 1 May – 17 July 2021.
www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Susan Philipsz, Slow Fresh Fount, 2021. Courtesy the artist and Konrad Fischer Galerie. Photo: Roman März
Fashion
ROLEX AND THE OSCARS
The history of Rolex and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are united in their pursuit of excellence and mission to promote and honor the creation of something extraordinary - a masterpiece. Like a great filmmaker, a watchmaker cares about creating a unique work of art that never loses its relevance and lasts over time. The many directors, actors, technicians and engineers honored here set new standards in a discipline that seamlessly blends art and science, just like a precision Rolex watch. Each plays a crucial role in a complex mechanism to bring a visionary idea to life. Through the symbolic power of its revolutionary products, the brand is inextricably linked to the world of cinema: When Marlon Brando played the role of Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now, he wore a Rolex. A Rolex was also on Paul Newman's wrist when he reprised his role as pool player "Fast" Eddie Felson in The Color of Money. And Bill Paxton, as treasure hunter Brock Lovett was equipped with a Rolex in Titanic when he explored the famous wreck in a submersible. Every Rolex tells a story, and cinematic stories are a particular concern for the watch brand, which has a great story to tell, full of innovations dating back over a hundred years. In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world's first water-resistant wristwatch, an undisputed masterpiece that changed history. For the first time, a wristwatch was robust, accurate and reliable, and could be worn in sterile environments such as high mountains. Rolex's almost unbelievable capacity for innovation, as evidenced by its more than 500 patents, owes much to its pursuit of continued excellence. This pursuit is part of Rolex's self-image, which goes back to Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the manufacture. It is the driving force behind all the brand's activities - from the production of delicate chronometers to promoting excellence in sports and the arts, including film, television, and television.
www.rolex.com
Fashion
DoDo x Tenaka
Environmental awareness is an important priority for the jewelry brand DoDo. With the Blue Forest campaign, DoDo is now becoming a part of another environmental project: Together with the non-profit organization Tenaka, DoDo is planting 3000 mangrove trees on two hectares of land on the coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah. With the support of twenty biologists and local organizers, residents and students of the region are also involved in the endeavor to raise awareness of the importance and preservation of this ecosystem. DoDo Blue Forest is a jewelry project with Tenaka, a social enterprise founded by Anne-Sophie Roux. DoDo and Tenaka are aware of the importance of renaturation measures, which aim to maintain the balance of nature through the reforestation and protection of mangrove forests, which are of fundamental importance to biodiversity. The symbol of the brand's environmental commitment is the Granelli bangle DoDo designed for Tenaka. It is made of plastic materials taken from the Mediterranean Sea by REVET, a company based in Pisa, Italy. The bracelet is transformed and dyed in shades of green to resemble the beauty of mangroves. The latest unique piece of jewelry is the emblem of DoDo's sustainability efforts and most recent Mangrove project.
Fashion
Giuseppe Zanotti FW21
Giuseppe Zanotti, an Italian luxury footwear and fashion designer, brought a certain sense of boldness to its FW21 footwear collection for both men and women. The women’s collection radiates confidence while including a pair of hot pink leather loafers, thigh-high glossy boots with chunky, futuristic soles, and strappy sandal in electric blue with a statement platform. The men’s collection pieces were updeated through new color and new material, such as the classic Chealsea boot in gold and a set of slide sandals in tan fur. Additionally, Guiseppe Zanotti debuted a futuristic unisex sneaker style, which includes a pair of oil slick material and a black style suede with thick white soles and gold detailing.
www.giuseppezanotti.com
Fashion
C.P. Company Cinquenta - THE BRITISH SAILOR
Massimo Osti founded the brand Chester Perry, which would later be renamed C.P. Company in 1971 in Bologna. Famous for its screen printed t-shirts and its sportswear, the brand has continued to pioneer a connoisseurial hybrid style that combines the functionality of vintage military, work, and sportswear with intense fabric research and innovation, heightened by using garment-dyeing ever since. Forging a new path for functional menswear meeting Italian fabric innovation is its origin and the base for everything it does today. From the very beginning, Massimo Osti's idea on the creation of a brand started with the desire to create a product with a strong identity, utterly different from anything else available on the market. Convinced of the strength of his idea, he even personally designed the logo, a lifebuoy. Later on, the logo shifted to a British sailor symbol with arms crossed - smiling, dependable, and informal. The inspiration came from one of the books about military uniforms, which Massimo Osti collected for his studio's library. Since 1975 this has been the primary brand logo, and it represents the link between tradition and innovation. On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary, or Cinquanta, C.P. Company has created an exclusive porcelain sailor statue handcrafted in Italy by Tuscan artisans. Only 150 pieces of this exclusive figurine are made -, the sailor represents its great story's memorabilia and pays homage to Italian artisanal tradition. The British Mariner will be available, from April 14th, on 50.cpcompany.com and in all C.P. Company flagship stores in Milan, Amsterdam, London, Seoul, and Tokyo.
50.cpcompany.com
Fashion
Marina Raphael SS21
For the warm time of the year, Marina Raphael, founder of the luxury handbag brand - inspired by the modern-day traveler who lives for the thrill of adventure - sets off to create a collection that celebrates the raw beauty found in the uncharted. The SS21 collection exhumes escapism and emphasizes collecting unique accessories that serve as mementos of precious memories and experiences. The “Chasing The Sun” collection works with rich napa leather, with which she aspires to evoke the transitional essence of this season through her visual language. Flawless prints, geometrically structured weaved raffia, striped canvas, and crystal panels embody the collection’s playful tone of voice. Impeccable craftsmanship in working with denim finishes the visual story the designer wants to tell by speaking a more urban language. The color for summer is warm, neutral tones, such as caramel and cream with a hint of natural green. Denim fabric brings in blue hues, which mirror Greek waters and set the mood. Swarowski crystals and the slight use of tortoiseshell plexiglass round off the details of the collection. Marina Raphael reinvents classic shapes and introduces new ones in a harmonious symbiosis of modernity and sophistication. Forms range from the signature Riviera and Porter shapes to novel cylindrical concepts and envelope statement pieces.
www.marinaraphael.com
Fashion
FENDI Limited Edition Couture Capsule
Drawing from the themes presented during Kim Jones’ SS21 Couture debut for the house, FENDI presents a Capsule Collection that translates the season’s sensibility into ready-to-wear—adopting the collection’s motifs of fluid androgyny and exquisite romance and presenting them through translations of critical silhouettes. The pieces will be available solely for two weeks in limited quantities at select boutiques across the world from mid-April. The FENDI Couture Collection explored the liberated British sensibility of the 1920s as well as historic Roman grandeur. Jones has drawn inspiration from the Bloomsbury set and Virginia Woolf’s seminal binary-blurring novel Orlando. He expressed this notion in the collection through cady and wool-silk tailoring and crisp cotton shirting, alongside elegantly draped satin dresses and gowns; the conventional codes of masculinity and femininity are united in monochromatic harmony. Included are ballerina slippers embossed with Karligraphy beaded monograms or knee-high satin boots. These are evolved from the styles presented at Couture, while a new collection of baroque pearl jewelry, frozen in resin and embossed with rhinestones. Exclusive variations of the iconic Baguette and Peekaboo bags, trimmed with pearls or covered in prints inspired by the Bloomsbury Group’s Sussex home of Charleston House. This reflects the timeless elegance introduced at Couture: a contemporary homage to British creativity and Italian glamour.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
MARNI presents FUSSBETT SABOT
For the women’s and men’s SS21 collection Marni gave the iconic Fussbett sandals a makeover, presenting a bolder version of the versatile version under MARNI FUSSBETT SABOT. Founded in Milan in 1994 by Swiss designer Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni has become internationally renowned for its experimental collections characterized by innovative prints and colors. Mixing practicality and sophistication, the SABOTS offer comfort and a dash of effortless glamour while working from home. They maintain the same approach in the streets, standing out for their contemporary, casual style, which creatively matches each outfit. The SABOTS are unisex and available in two textures: in grainy calf leather—in black and white tones—and bold, entirely covered in calf hair leather—in black and fuchsia colors. The calfskin version is enriched by the MARNI logo, which discreetly appears on the side. They will be available for spring 2021 on marni.com, in Marni boutiques, and selected multi-brand stores worldwide.
www.marni.com
Fashion
Versace Home Textiles & Accessories
The new Versace Home Textiles & Accessories collection takes the brand’s most recognizable designs and reinterprets them as a range of luxury bedroom, bathroom and living room accessories. The mythical Medusa logo is feature throughout the new collection. The house’s eternal muse amplifies the Made in Italy bed sheets, comforters, and iconic terrycloth robes. As seen on the AW21 runway, the new signature Versace La Greca print is also incorporated into the interiors. The graphic Greek Key pattern adorns an array of interior pieces and home accessories. Staying at home is made more exciting with a nod to the coveted La Medusa handbag line – the references are seen on colorful coasters and realistic puzzles. Out of home, the recognizable Versace Home aesthetic is transferred onto luxury-to-go items.
Art
Luisa Catucci : TRA COLOR CHE SONO SOSPESI
Aqua Aura and Lidó Rico present their work at the TRA COLOR CHE SONO SOSPESI (Engl. : Among those who are in suspense) exhibition at Luisa Catucci Gallery in Berlin. The exhibition's title is an homage to the unusual situation the whole world faced over the past year, which left most people to experience an unsettling feeling of suspense. The sequence of Lockdowns and isolation left us feeling fragile. For many, the difficulties or even impossibilities to work properly made us feel closer to Virgil and the other souls Dante Alighieri suspended in Limbo. In this after-death place, he left the great but not catholic minds hanging to an eternal wait. Simultaneously the suspension reawakened the attention on existential issues and pushed humanity to reargue the "Übermensch" attitude we developed as a society.
This is a theme both the Spanish artist Lidó Rico and the Italian artist Aqua Aura have investigated through different media. Additionally, 2021 is the 700th anniversary of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri's death, whose description of Limbo fits the feelings induced by the repetition of Lockdowns, so dedicating this exhibition to him seems fitting. In TRA COLOR CHE SONO SOSPESI presents a dialog between the works of the meta-photographer Aqua Aura and his dystopic views of a post-nature post-humanity future. Together with Lidó Rico's work referring to the fear of the void created by the lack of survival of the knowledge acquired in life, the exhibition fits the world's current state. TRA COLOR CHE SONO SOSPESI will be exhibited at Luisa Catucci Gallery, Berlin from the 3rd of April until the 28th of May 2021.
www.luisacatucci.com
Fashion
Jil Sander FW 21
The Jil Sander FW21 collection is an ode to individuality, freedom and change. It is a mirror of the sense of self-reflection and intimacy we are enjoying, even if it forced upon us, and the desire we have for the company of others. In this collection ornamentation, prints, patterns and colours are present and strong. The color palette is natural and exceptionally light for winter: butter, cream, powder, mauve, lilac, raspberry, cardamon, burnt sienna, black, different shades of yellow and blue. With the pieces, Lucie and Luke Meier – the husband and wife duo behind Jil Sander - remind us that playing with clothes, recombining them, is uplifting. Playfullness can be light-hearted and meaningful at the same time. To them the touch is vital, and they achieve it through craftsmanship and the meticulous choice of materials and techniques. The feeling aspect is noticeable in the enlarged hand-enamelled chain necklaces; the rouching of fine leather gloves; the knitted shaping found from shoe to dress to lingerie. Footwear is powerfully included, with the presence of an over the knee boot, in black, white, cream, vegetable tanned nappa, grey, and metallic finishes, silver and copper. Some are ornamented with large carved crystals, encased in metal, attached by hand. Heels are bold and sculptural. Sandal uppers are thin straps, or round and inflated, perched upon a bulbous plexi shaped heel in candy colors.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
CHANEL FW21
The latest collection is inspired by the légère intimacy and simplicity of Chanel shows of the past – models would dress themselves and do their own make-up - which predecessor Karl Lagerfeld told current Creative Director Virginie Viard about. “I don’t know if this is because of the times we live in, but I wanted something warm, lively. I imagined the models doing a show for themselves, going from room to room, crossing each other in staircases, piling their coats up in the cloakroom, and going up to the next floor to get changed.” The FW21 show was filmed at Castel, a legendary club on Rue Princesse in Paris.
Walking on the streets outside Castel, in the dark and mysterious salons or down the spiral staircases, the models exhume an exquisite air of Parisian chic. Staged by the duo Inez & Vinoodh, the show has a distinct sensual touch and contrasts between volumes, materials, and spirit. A long tweed coat with a chevron motif reveals bare legs wearing voluminous boots in black curly faux fur; a trouser suit in black tweed with small checks in blue lurex is adorned with thin braces in pearls and layers of sautoir necklaces. A white coat in patent sheepskin and lined with faux fur is coupled with “down jacket” style two-tone boots, with unzippable legs giving way to a pair of silver heeled booties to go dancing in. The salopettes-ski suits in white quilting embroidered with red and blue motifs, or in fuchsia tweed, are worn with strappy sandals embellished with chains, and little black bows or pumps adorned with a camellia, while delicate blouses in chiffon or crêpe de Chine are combined with pieces inspired by winter sportswear. For FW21, Virginie Viard was inspired by Chanel’s DNA of cool Parisian chic and the ambiance of ski holidays.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Hermès FW 21 – A presentation in three acts
Image by Hua Dong
The visual presentation of the Hermès women's FW21 collection introduced during Paris Fashion Week transcends all conceptions of both the conventional live-audience catwalk fashion show and online-streaming shows that represent the new norm. The women’s FW21 collection is brought to life through a film by director and screenwriter Sébastien Lifshitz. Drawing on the collaborative art form of theatre, the film entitled Triptych consists of three sequences set in New York, Paris and Shanghai. The film not only merges various art forms being a living performance of both dance and catwalk, but also unites cultural lenses through the choice of locations and choreographers. Hermès and Sébastien Lifshitz cooperate with the American choreographer Madeline Hollander, who created the choreography for the prologue set in New York, and the Chinese artist Gu Jiani, who choreographed the piece taking place in Shanghai in Act III. Both choreographies, as well as the catwalk presentation in Paris in Act II were filmed and broadcast live. Triptych is a radical, expressive study of movement and space, that brings the clothing to life by capturing the energy of the three different locations through dance and art. It ubiquitously creates a sentiment of connection in current times of disconnection, while reappropriating and reinventing the narrative of self-determined, contemporary female sensuality. Three acts, the common thread of which is the symbolic Hermès orange box, tell the story of how a collection comes into being and is turned into performance through the dialogue of different cultures and forms of art.
Image by Sasha Arutyunova
“I wanted this three-act performance to be our way of keeping a record of these extraordinary times where the situation demands more of us than a simple runway show. I wanted a film directed by an artist with a feel for the crossover of genres and disciplines. Not a film about fashion, nor about dance, but a film about us all and all the ways we can and must continue to reinvent ourselves.”
- Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski, Artistic Director of women’s ready-to-wear
Fashion
ISSEY MIYAKE FW21/22
‘As the Way It Comes to Be’ is the title of ISSEY MIYAKE’s FW21/22 collection that premiered online as a collection video in the context of Paris Fashion Week. The collection examines the essential colors and shapes found in nature in its range of forward-thinking designs, that embody organic beauty and strength. Subtly set in both natural environments and built infrastructure the video directed by Mikiya Takimoto foregrounds the simplicity of the designs and the delicacy of the textures. The quiet mood that dominates Takimoto’s piece underlines the sense of untouched, untamed beauty of nature that is taken up in this season’s ISSEY MIYAKE designs. The collection features seven thematic series that are based on different garment techniques, textural treatments and color schemes. The STONE series for instance is inspired by stones that are made by craftspeople in Kyoto using a traditional technique named suminagashi. The ethereal, marble-like patterns are created by dropping dyes on the water surface to allow them to expand freely against each other, which are then soaked up by a clean fabric. The finalized five different styles of the STONE series consist of patterned shirts and dresses, that loosely drape over the body and emphasize the craftsmanship of the fabrics and patterns. The additional series of the collection follow a similar concept and form language, by drawing pleated, silky, three-dimensional and geometrical fabric variations. All series included in the ISSEY MIYAKE FW21/22 collection unify in the goal of artistically reflecting nature through fashion design, using elaborate, qualitative garment manufacturing methods.
Fashion
Emporio Armani FW21
In the mood for pop – Emporio Armani’s eclectic outlook is vividly expressed in the visuals shown in the online presentation and looks of the FW21/22 fashion show. The collection makes reference to Armani’s vocabulary of the 80s, while subtly updating the aesthetics of the iconic decade. Harmonic shapes and relaxed elegance are interpreted in a snappy, metropolitan way and highlighted with bright, vibrant colors. Armani invites to step into Armani/Teatro to watch the Emporio Armani FW21/22 men’s and women’s fashion show, that immerses the viewer in a mystical, energetic light show.
The collection creates a mirroring dialogue between male and female silhouettes. The feminine designs exhibit elongated, slender shapes with a high waist. Embedded in the Athletic-wear attitude are touches of graphic prints and surface embroiders, that lead to a military-like pragmatism in a glamorous light. Unexpected patchwork prints on velvet materials, alternating with knit wear provide movement and sophistication to the color palette in which bright notes of purple and pink stand out against a black base. For men, the interpretation of softness is translated into new shapes and functions. Following a flowing, deconstructed silhouette, the jackets are wide with drop shoulders and accentuated with hairy linings, in order to replace coats. The coats themselves are crafted from knitted or woven fabrics, adding stable, heavy pieces to the collection. The men’s counterpart of the collection also draws on athletic styles and military looks, making the mens and womenswear a harmonic whole.
Fashion
Alessandro Dell’Acqua FW21 x Elena MirÒ
Beyond clichés and against stereotypes. To compose an imagery in the name of this sentiment, Alessandro Dell’Acqua collaborates with Elena Mirò to narrate natural physicality in awe of femininity for his FW21/22 collection. The Capsule Collection proposes a fashion that renews its own language, to tell the story of women as they are and not as an expression of preconceptions. Dell’Acqua and Mirò refrain from defining static sizes and dimensions or conditioning the form: The silhouettes and proportions draw a figure that traces and follows the free and naturally curvilinear shape of the female body, from the waistline to the décolleté. In its deliberate versatility, the Alessandro Dell'Acqua X Elena Mirò Capsule Collection aligns variable solutions: dresses and skirts composed with ‘boiserie’ technique featuring lace and organza panels in shades of black and beige, that create an architectural effect.
Tweed – that is typical in men’s tailoring – reoccurs in the women’s jackets, skirts. Knitted slip dresses and a range of maxi and small cardigans are combined with accentuating pencil skirts. The nude sheath dress covered in black guipure lace is the key look of the collection and embodies the strong essence of female elegance underlying the aesthetics of the designs. Sudden shades of red and pink blending in with the base colors grey, black and crème and ergonomic shapes detailed with belts tightened and sinched at the waist add vibrancy and motion to the form language of the collection. The complimentary campaign featuring Dutch model and actress Lara Stone further interprets the physicality and personality of the woman who imagines the Alessandro Dell’Acquq x Elena Mirò Capsule Collection. The campaign reflects the attitudes and behaviors of the contemporary woman, who freely encompasses and radiates self-awareness and authentic personality.
www.alessandrodellacqua.com
Fashion
Tod’s FW21 – In a Moment
Tod’s introduces their FW21 collection in a modernist space over marble floor inlays. The four women in the show represent four different characters, or perhaps different personalities of the same woman caught in a single moment. Gestures, movements, and colors tell the fluid story of the collection. Creative Director Walter Chiapponi offers other points of view on Tod’s vocabulary. Through manual skills, excellent craftsmanship, and an endless quest for enhancement, he created a new repertoire of classic garments in which archetypes blend. For FW21, Tod’s made a world where sportswear meets couture’s voluptuous femininity without sacrificing function and utility.
The garments receive new volumes and surprising yet chic details for all functions and occasions by combining the two. The collection pieces consist of leather-trimmed trench coats, which have ruffles at the neck and create shoulder-like capes. Shirts with long pussy bows and quilted leather duvet jackets are combined with knee-length dresses and coats, which draw a sinuous silhouette. Out-of-scale hats complete the looks, reminding of a past era. The sunglasses are framed with leather; bags are exaggeratedly large with a raw cut profile. All bags, as well as the Oboe, are made of shiny sheepskin leather. Decorative flat chains are adorned on the Kate bag’s flap and are also used to replace the shoulder straps. Chunky-heeled loafers with the iconic Tod’s T mark are also heavily featured. The T mark is also on belts and bags. The FW21 collection combines modernity with Italian elegance ever so effortlessly.
www.tods.com
Fashion
Brunello Cucinelli Womenswear FW21
Brunello Cucinelli digitally presents his FW21 women’s collection as part of Milan Fashion Week 2021. For his video contribution to this year’s online event, the Italian designer chose a very personal location: a pavilion in a vast park in his hometown Solomeo in Umbria, where the fashion empire has its origins. Backed with elegant music he briefly presents the fashion, letting the visuals of the models displaying his clothing speak for themselves. The women dressed in his FW21 collection are positioned on the elevated garden pavilion, illuminated by the sun and blending in with the natural surrounding. Cucinelli then personally holds a speech explaining the shift in focus he has taken up in the face of the current reconceptualization of the daily rhythm of life and its effect on human needs, values and wellbeing. Furthermore, he pleads for the re-evaluation of the relationship between humans and nature. Cucinelli envisions the expansion of the concept of the social contract to all beings of the universe in pursuit of establishing a world in equilibrium and aims to contribute to it with his business approach and designs.
The FW21 women’s collection reflects Cucinelli’s vision of harmony, comprising informal and relaxed outerwear, knitwear, trousers, shirts and accessories. The designs blur the line between living in the public and the private sphere by unifying form language of timeless elegance and effortless comfort. Unique manufacturing processes, loose silhouettes and soft volumes, following a neutral, organic color scheme represent the cardinal elements of fluid and well-proportioned cozy wear.
Fashion
Swarowski Wonderlab
The world’s largest crystal manufacturer, Swarowski, is revealing its new brand identity. The first-ever global creative director, Giovanna Engelbert, also reimagined the iconic Swarowski Swan symbol for the “bold vision that celebrates crystal in all its form.” The revamped Swarovski will also introduce 28 new brick-and-mortar concept stores to bring to life the Swarovski Wonderlab. 28 ‘Instant Wonder’ stores are to be unveiled around the globe.
According to Engelbert: “The Wonderlab is where science and magic meet, where extra and elegance collide, it is a feeling of wonder that everyone should experience as we invite them into our new world at Swarovski.” The Swarovski symbol, the swan, has been turned to face the customer, signifying its new direction. It’s “head on, poised to take flight”. The swan has been given a streamlined form, with an elongated neck and placed in an octagon to symbolize, ”a faceted crystal, evoking the unrivaled craftsmanship of Swarovski’s master cutters”. Swarowski is opening “Instant Wonder” stores in key global markets around the world that will be a “feast for the senses”. The first redesign opened February 23 in Milan, followed by a further 27 across North America, Europe, and APAC, including new Paris and New York locations.
www.swarowski.com
Fashion
RIMOWA SS21
RIMOWA releases its SS 21 eyewear collection. Following last year’s launch of the brand’s first-ever eyewear line, RIMOWA is excited to unveil a new collection of iconic sunglasses. The new collection updates classic shapes like the aviator, square, and pantos with traditional or colored reflective lenses.
The frame is inspired by early aviation and pilot essentials combined with the brand’s own iconic aluminum grooves first inspired by aircraft fuselage. The eyewear collection is color-matched with selected RIMOWA luggage for a coordinated look. With this, the brand aims to enhance new ways to improve and cater to the wearer’s travel experience. The latest eyewear collection, which is presented as unisex, will introduce three updated versions of the RIMOWA eyewear looks and four new designs. The pieces featured in the SS 21 collection pays homage to the brand’s iconic aluminum luggage.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Montblanc appoints new Creative Director
Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc appoints Marco Tomasetta as the new Creative Director of the house. Tomasetta, who will officially take office on March 1st 2021, is a graduate of the Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan and has elaborate expertise within the leather goods and accessories department. With experience in renowned fashion houses such as Prada, Chloé and Louis Vuitton the former Creative Design Director of women’s and men’s leather goods at Givenchy now takes on a new leadership position, bringing perspectives for innovation and modern refinement to the German manufacturing company of jewelry, watches and writing implements, among a range of other luxury goods. In anticipation of this new challenge Tomasetta himself states: ‘As a designer, writing and drawing are the starting points of any design process, which is why I was immediately drawn to Montblanc - fusing tradition with pioneering design’.
Fashion
Boogaloo Oman Collection
Boogaloo swimwear presents new styles inspired by the beauty of Oman. Boogaloo is a swimwear brand that encourages self-expression by using travel photography from all around the world to create prints. Oman is a country that not only boasts warm hospitality, rich culture, and awe-inspiring scenery but is where Boogaloo’s creator, Melina Giolva, re-discovered the power of owning her own journey. The new collection features seventeen pieces in five new shapes, which feature Melina’s own photography from her trip to Oman. The photography prints of natural landscapes are of vibrant color like royal blue, vibrant pinks, turquoise, sunny yellow, vivid mint, and searing reds reflect the warmth of the place they were captured. The collection celebrates the Omani landscapes such as palm trees, desert, mountains, the sea, and ancient architecture by reintegrating them into wearable art. Boogaloo pieces are manufactured ethically by a family-operated business in Athens, Greece.
www.boogalooswimwear.com
Fashion
Colmar SS21
For the Spring Summer 2021 collection, Colmar has used its most iconic pieces as a starting point for the new collection, which aligns perfectly with the typical Colmer DNA: technical, dynamic, functional, and summery. The designs are versatile and can be worn in different summer climates and on multiple occasions. The ambiguity of the collection aims to inspire the wearer to live their summer to the fullest. Clean and simple lines yet precise attention to detail is what makes the new collection stand out. At the core of the collection stand functionality and comfort. To create their multifunctional jackets, Colmar used recycled polyamide from industrial waste, which is regenerated and reprocessed. Double layered polyester is sewn with a membrane that supports a 5000 mm water column to make for the resistant material. Both the Women's and Men's collections feature from best-sellers like the 1246 Colmar, biker jackets, and field jackets to gilets. Iridescent graphics and blurred prints complete the summer mood of the Spring Summer 2021 collection.
www.colmar.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo: Chinese New Year & Valentine’s Day
Salvatore Ferragamo has collaborated with five young international creatives to develop a series of special projects during 2021, the first two chapters of which are called “Chinese New Year” and “Valentine’s Day.” For the Chinese New Year (February 12th), Ferragamo has collaborated with London-based illustrator Charlotte Mei in a digital project that celebrates the year of the Ox (pronounced “Niu” in Chinese). The digital campaign is called “What makes you Niu” and consists of a series of photographic collages and illustrations. With celebratory aesthetics of the year of the Ox, the campaign conveys the NIU! message with a series of big-impact editorial images and artwork that highlights the exclusive selection of CNY products. For Valentine’s Day (February 14th), Ferragamo has called on artists Davide Ronco, Charlotte Mei, Johanna Goodman, the Mert Keskin, and Ruth van Beek to create a series of multimedia artworks that will feature in the “Patchwork of Love” campaign. “The Patchwork of Love” campaign highlights itself with contrasting colors and the concept of creating a new whole from crashing elements. All collages, animation, illustrations, photos, videos, and sculptures are featuring Ferragamo elements such as the Gancini logo and articles from the Ferragamo selection for Valentine’s Day.
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
The Piaget Polo goes Skeleton
Piaget launches a fully skeletonized version of its celebrated Piaget Polo, the groundbreaking luxury sports watch created by Piaget in 1979. The newest interpretation of the historical Piaget Polo merges the ultra-thinness and transparency of the Polo Skeleton with the elegance of its iconic Piaget Polo look. The Piaget Polo Skeleton models are made of stainless steel and 30% thinner than Piaget’s conventional models, which leads to the unique, slim lightness of the watch. The movement of the model, available as Piaget Blue and Titanium Grey, is completely visible and integrated into the design. In combination with the brushed surface, this creates a visual play with light that emphasizes the thin, dynamic aesthetics of the watch. With the Polo Skeleton Piaget adds on to its tradition of innovation, creating an everyday bracelet watch in the service of exclusivity and luxury while upholding the sport-chic spirit.
Fashion
DIOR MEN SS21: Amoako Boafo
Kim Jones muse for the latest DIOR Men’s campaign is Ghanaian painter Amoako Boafo, whose big-scale portraits of Black subjects using a finger-painting technique have skyrocketed in popularity the past year. The collaboration marks the first African artist to develop a line with the French Maison to date. According to DIOR’s Artistic Director Kim Jones, the fashion line celebrates Boafo’s intricate and vibrant portraiture, reflecting in the collection’s powerful energy. Inspired by Boafo’s expression, which entails flat color portraits complemented by vibrant backgrounds, the campaign incorporated his portraits into the collection and added textures, prints, and colors inspired by his paintings. Through careful styling and close collaboration with the artist, the fashion house was able to bring the images back to life by incorporating DIOR essentials such as the Oblique Motif, Dior Atlas sandals, Maxi saddlebag, and the artists’ dynamic color palette ranging from pink to fluorescent yellow. The pieces are quintessentially vibrant and celebrate freedom, diversity, and the many facets of the contemporary man.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Bottega Veneta Salon 01 Campaign
The Bottega Veneta Salon 01 Campaign photographed by Tyrone Lebon brings the brand’s SS21 collection to life. Featuring German artist Rosemarie Trockel and Uganda-born British actress, composer and playwright Sheila Atim, the campaign is centered around two charismatic, accomplished personas. Inspired by the nostalgia of books, videos and records Creative Director Daniel Lee gives way to the idea of domestic comfort fits combined with glamorous silhouettes of the 60’s. This concept translates to the thick, mostly knitted fabrics and is accentuated by the expressive color palette of green, yellow, black, violet and browns. Lee himself summarizes his vision behind the new campaign saying: ‘I’m always interested in this idea, of how you can feel done up and elegant at the same time as feeling comfortable. That’s really my kind of mission for Bottega.’ Lee’s designs capture the Zeitgeist by translating contemporary reconceptualization of daily routine and home comfort in the face of a global pandemic to the context of luxury fashion.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
DIESEL x Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year celebration falls on February 12th 2021, inaugurating the Year of The Ox. In honor of the transition into the Year of the Ox, DIESEL launches a genderless and athletic-inspired capsule collection. DIESEL’s collection includes a series of varsity jackets, hoodies, tees, and sweat dresses as well as various accessories including backpacks, baseball caps and jewelry inspired by and depicting the Ox Zodiac symbol.
Boldly printed, vibrantly colored pieces informed by basketball style and techno music graphically illustrate the oxen applications on the designs. The Zodiac print icon appears in the form of chalked outlines, patch-applications, abstract chrome cyberpunk graphics or bold dynamic letterings expressing the phrase ‘BRAVE CNY 2021’. With denim at the heart, DIESEL also reiterates its signature fabric throughout the capsule collection with an emphasis on the brand’s sustainable denim treatment technologies that reduce the use of chemicals and the overall environmental impact of the production process.
Fashion
#MAKEAPROMISE
Louis Vuitton has partnered up with UNICEF through the #MAKEAPROMISE campaign in order to support the world’s most vulnerable children in the world, proving that the values of the luxury market have shifted compared to just a few years ago. Luxury is no longer just about exclusive and masterfully crafted objects, but it is also defined by its broader impact in the world, whether it be a social or environmental. As part of the effort, Louis Vuitton presents four new Silver Lockit bracelets, inspired by the tumbler lock invented by Georges Vuitton in 1890 to guarantee the protection of his client’s most prized possessions. Available in pastel blue, pink, celadon green and black, the bracelets were crafted incorporating recycled silver and organic cotton for the first tine. Aside from Silver Lockit bracelet, Louis Vuitton presents the Doudou Louis, a teddy bear in a Monogram printed textile. By purchasing either item, clients will support UNICEF’s continuous work on providing access to water, sanitation, nutrition, education, health and protection services to the most vulnerable children on the planet as well as the Covid-19 emergency response efforts to reimagine a world fit for every child.
Since the launch of the partnership, nearly 13 millions dollars have been raised for UNICEF. The Silver Lockit bracelets and the Doudou Louis will be available from January 19th online and in selected Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.
#MAKEAPROMISE
www.louisvuitton.com
www.unicef.com
Fashion
Furla SS21
In the spirit of joy and optimism, Furla is welcoming all to enjoy the moment with its SS21 collection. Diving deeper into its roots as an Italian family-owned brand, the core DNA is expressed in the film by Lorenzo Gironi with the Creative Direction of Macsiotti. The motto of freedom, a joy in elegance and close friendships fuels this collection. A dreamy Mediterranean meeting of sky and sea reflects the simple pleasures evident in nature, simple pleasures people can share, evoke the core values of Furla for its SS21 collection. With a soundtrack by Cyril Giroux, photos by Dario Catellani and styling by Vittoria Cerciello, the seasons of joy conjure up feelings of long Summer days that in turn become warm, carefree and unforgettable Summer nights.
Italy’s coastline was the chosen setting, a panoramic and incredibly beautiful way of telling the next chapter of the Furla brand story. A soft palette of products, shown with chromatic ton-sur-ton effects contrasts against one another, carefree, wild. A balancing of volumes both in color and in shape are tailored with signature Furla details, an institutional manifesto of sorts, marking a new chapter.
#FUNFURLA
Fashion
VETEMENTS FW21/22
VETEMENTS, French design collective, has premiered its FW21/22 Men’s and Women’s collection in a runway that combines both during Paris Fashion Week. An anti-conformism collection that hits many contemporary talking points with sophistication and its signature tongue-in-cheek sense of humour. A trench-coat brandishes bold labels like ‘Race: Human’. ‘Birthplace: Earth’, ‘Politics: Freedom’ and ‘Religion: Love’. The collection, both Men’s and Women’s, ignites a thought-provoking dialogue on authoritarianism, power and how much freedom and control people have in the 21st century.
The campaign shot by Gio Staiano displays the wide range of elegant dresses in dark colors, the focussed tailoring evidenced in the Men’s collection of the VETEMENTS FW21/22. In addition to Men’s and Women’s clothing there are unisex T-shirts with graphic slogans printed on them, including quips such as “I love long walks and sex before marriage.” There is also an over-the-knee boot decorated with flags from many nations across the world, possibly a comment on the intersection of globalization, fashion and consumerism.
While the pentagram and more gothic visuals combine with the humorous wordplay to pair a nihilistic worldview, complete with balaclavas in lieu of pandemic-style face masks, the imaginative shapes and forms which are tailored into both Men’s and Women’s FW21/22 collections shine through.
While the pentagram and more gothic visuals combine with the humorous wordplay to pair a nihilistic worldview, complete with balaclavas in lieu of pandemic-style face masks, the imaginative shapes and forms which are tailored into both Men’s and Women’s FW21/22 collections shine through.
Fashion
C.P. Company: ‘Cinquanta’ 50 Year Anniversary
C.P. Company, the acclaimed Italian fashion brand founded in 1971, celebrates 50 years of fashion innovation and design with an ode to the origins of sportswear. With a program of authentic collaborations, activities created to involve the community and tasteful homages to five decades of human advancement. The C.P. Company ‘Cinquanta’ will run throughout 2021 with the release of a special item every month. Each of these items represent a fraction of the brand’s core DNA and a stage in the development of Italian sportswear over the years, the pioneering of a genre of clothing that led to founder, Massimo Osti, being recognized as the godfather of urban sportswear.
Iconic fabrics and an intimately furnished wardrobe employs the use of memories, mementos, toys, books and posters to structure the narrative of C.P. Company’s 50th anniversary: Cinquanata. To symbolize this celebration, the brand has designed a flag made from a mix of fabrics and garments dyed as a unique piece of cloth. The flag represents the pillars of C.P. Company, expertise in the technical research of fabrics and the development of dyeing techniques for which the brand first pioneered in the mid-seventies.
Fashion
DIOR MEN FW21/22
Christian Dior translated dreams into reality and today, Kim Jones, Dior Men’s Artistic Director, does exactly the same. His collection for FW21 is a living embodiment of the worlds created by Scottish-born, Trinidad-based artist Peter Doig, reminding us also about fashion’s incredible power to create dialogue with other creative disciplines. The garments themselves were heavily inspired by the extravagance of ceremonial attire, uniforms, creating a visual link to one sartorial tradition which is still dynamic and alive today. Throughout the collection we find hints to uniforms, such as collars, but never did the collection seem rigid or overly formal, as the uniforms were softened through embroidery and embellishment. In a masculine interpretation of couture, decorations and motifs from the Dior Archives were reinvented, most notably the gilded embroidery of Rosella, a haute couture evening gown from the 60s. For this collection, Kim Jones and Peter Doig worked together very closely. The artist was not only devising motifs, but was involved hands-on during the creation process of the collection, hand-painting designs on a selection of wool felt hats by Stephen Jones. Especially for this collection, Doig created two animalistic emblems, inspired by his own work as well as his knowledge and relation to the House of Dior. The first was a likeness of Dior’s dog Bobby and the second a lion, referenced so often in his own works. The collection brings to live some of Doig’s most iconic works, referenced through an exact color palette, soft muted blues, navy, dusky mauve and Dior grey alongside hues of yellow, blood-orange and green. The looks are then elevated even more through the jewellery and belts adorned with an especially created Lion sculpture by Doig.
www.dior.com
Fashion
TAAKK FW21
Japanese Menswear brand, TAAKK, founded in 2013 by award winning designer Takuya Morikawa, has released a short film for Paris Fashion Week to debut its FW21 collection. The film is an ode to the idle and intangible nature of reminiscing. To venture forth requires a glance into the past, lingering on a thought like a daydream.
The protagonist muses on what it’s like to exist in the present moment when so often people are called back to the past; whether via a reminder, an invitation or a familiar voice. Mirokawa has continued to reshape the perception of menswear design since TAAKK’s founding, combining extensive material research and imaginative fabric treatments into each creation with the help from expert technicians to make each idea possible.
This season a herringbone wool jacket transitions seamlessly into tuckable cotton shirting, a jacket tailored in wool fades into a nylon MA-1 bomber, and polyester twill dissolves into sheer organdy to reveal layers beneath. To blur the line between dreams and reality, the short film produced by Nagisa Kodama for the TAAKK FW21 collection captures the yearning and boundless possibilities of being in a dream, suspended in time between departure and arrival.
The TAAKK FW21 collection will debut virtually February 2021 and will be available in select stores worldwide starting July 2021.
Marni SS21: Fussbett Sabots
For the women’s and men’s SS21 collection, Marni has reignited their Fussbett sandals, a unisex item that presents a versatile and bold slipper version of the original. The more practical and sophisticated elements of the Fussbett are elevated and enhanced, the new Marni ‘Fussbett Sabots’ offer comfort and decadence to wear while working from home. Maintaining the same approach in the street, the Fussbett Sabots announce themselves loudly with a contemporary and casual style that aligns with many outfits and Marni looks.
The new slipper sandal by the luxury Italian brand is made to be worn in any relaxed setting, arriving in two versions: an understated grainy calf leather in black and white tones and a version covered entirely in calf hair leather in black and fuchsia colors. The calfskin iteration brandishes the Marni logo discreetly on its side. Made to transition between indoor and outdoor, night and day, the Fussbett Sabots exude nonchalance with a hint of glamour that is never too much.
The unisex Marni Fussbett Sabots will be available for spring 2021 online and in Marni boutiques and select multi-brand stores worldwide.
Fashion
Tod's Men's FW21/22
Villa Ronchi, Vigevano, designed by Giuseppe De Finetti in 1936, is the setting for the new film ‘#sevenT’ from Italian luxury shoe designer, Tod’s. The title of the film denotes seven days in the week, and ‘T’ for Tod’s and time. The story that takes place at VIlla Ronchi, is the story of Tod’s place in nature, the story of relaxed tailoring and a reinterpretation of classics to define the sort of lifestyle synonymous with the brand.
Wools and sturdy cottons in colors that camouflage with the nature found in the Italian countryside take classic wardrobe garments and contradict formal details with more unexpected combinations. The trench coat, the shirt-jacket, the hunting jacket and the field jacket; pillars of a man’s wardrobe. Creative Director, Walter Chiapponi, defines the artisanal nature of each product to conjure up a portrait of the Italian gentleman, cosmopolitan and free-roaming.
The Tod’s FW21/22 Men’s collection also finds strength in its accessories, robust lace-ups with Norwegian stitching, ankle boots with a texan heel, sneakers with a multitude of materials and desert boots with enlarged gommini. The recurring ‘T’ made of metal appears on buckles and loafers, covered in leather on spacious and supple bags which were painstakingly made with as few cuts as possible on geometric briefcases with two straps intended for umbrellas or bottles.
‘#sevenT’ for Tod’s FW21/22 is an exploration into classic menswear and a rediscovery of comfortable formalwear.
Fashion
FENDI Men's FW21
During the ongoing pandemic, society has shifted, most notably in the way we dress. Having been confined to our homes, we seek comfort in the clothes we wear, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside clothing. With the latest FENDI Men’s collection, Silvia Venturini Fendi takes us on an optimistic and comfortable adventure in a world full of illusions, a glimpse of how comfort is done at FENDI. A maze of neon doorways was suspended in a mirrored tunnel, infinitely multiplying the models whilst in reality entirely alone. Throughout the collection, we experienced the menswear classics in a new light having been injected with the FENDI playfulness. This did not just express itself through the bright colors, emerald, vermillion, orange and fuchsia just to name a few but also through contrasting textures and materials. Outerwear was defined by more relaxed silhouettes and reversible work wear inspired pieces unite multi-functionality and form. Another visual highlight of the show was the collaboration with British artist and performer Noel Fielding, another addition to Fendi’s playful selection of artistic collaborators. His signature style, multicolored, stream-of-consciousness scribble art, fits right in with the show’s backdrop and underlines once more Fendi’s optimistic and less formal view of the new reality.
www.fendi.com
Diesel Living with Lodes
DIESEL has partnered with Italian decorative lighting company, Lodes after the signing of an exclusive global licensing agreement last year. The international lifestyle brand DIESEL, owned by the OTB group, has launched a lighting collection dubbed ‘Diesel Living with Lodes’. The collection, which includes three new exclusive designs (Flask, Vinyl, Urban Concrete) and five renovated best sellers (Cage, Fork, Gask, Glass Drop, Pipe), displaying versatility and a bold design language inspired by contrasting opposites and themes of reality and perception.
Taking cues from the bollards found in the urban landscape, ‘Urban Concrete’ are lights designed to hang at lengths of either 12, 50, 60 or 80 centimetres. Clean lines and solid surfaces are juxtaposed to create the illusion of very heavy metal domes hanging on a thread, when in reality the light fixtures are very lightweight. ‘Flask’, also playing with perception, is inspired by the unique shapes of glass bottles one might find in a scientist’s lab, featuring a matte metallic surface that reveals the lamp’s glass appearance only when lit.
Technical innovation that is capable of capturing the imagination is central to the shared goals between the minds at DIESEL and Lodes. Of the licensing agreement, which will run for five years, Massimiliano Tosetto, General Manager at Lodes says “the launch of the ‘Diesel Living with Lodes’ products an the partnership with one of the world’s most renowned lifestyle brands is a further testament of our commitment to championing design excellence and creativity.”
The collaborative effort follows the success of other well received DIESEL collaborations, such as Scavolini (kitchens and bathrooms) or Mirabello Carrara (home textiles).
The Diesel Living with Lodes line will be available in select stores worldwide as of January 2021.
LEICHT: Light-Bathed Living
A three-storey house with floor to ceiling windows, rooms bathed with natural light and an awe-inspiring view of the Austrian countryside from almost anywhere in the house. These impressive architectural results from Austrian design firm, LEICHT, speak to the company’s dedication to clear lines, shapes and of course light as fundamentals in an exceptionally livable space by LEICHT and architect Zoran Bodrožic.
‘Architecture + Kitchen IV’, the fourth edition of kitchen and living settings. The house boasts a distinguished ensemble of individualism, comfort and opulence. The presence of light in the home and as an essential part of life takes precedence in the home’s design. The transparent home in Klosterneuburg features a completely handleless kitchen in a rectilinear design connecting the kitchen to the living room, making the flow of the house accommodating and incredibly scenic. Founded in 1928 as a carpenter‘s workshop by brothers Alois and Josef Leicht, the company has evolved into a globally recognized brand that excels in kitchen and living settings.
A trifecta of concrete, wood and stone make up the ceiling, floor and walls of the lounge room; a visual feast of elements both natural and refined. In this rejoicement of light bathed living an artistically detailed room divider creates an interplay between the kitchen and the living room so that one can feel they are not sacrificing the joys of one room in favor of another. Two preparation and cooking areas sit parallel to one another, the kitchen layout is an amiable setting for entertaining, relaxing or making a delicious meal in a gorgeous panoramic country setting.
Synonymous with prestigious, open kitchens with a homely aesthetic, LEICHT offers kitchens in all price ranges offering outstanding value for money. In recent years they have turned their attention to designing the dining and living rooms with dividers to improve the relationship between both rooms within the 21st century idea of a home.
AGL SS21: 'Sallie'
The over the knee boot has been around since the 60s, origins dating back to the 17th century, adopted by Balenciaga with the release of their knee high boot for their Fall 1962 collection and Yves Saint Laurent with the release of Roger Viver’s thigh high alligator skin boots; the design has been a favorite at many houses. The family owned and operated Italian shoemaker, AGL, has released their answer to this boot with ‘Sallie: The Art-Couture creation’. AGL, short for Attilio Giusti Leombruni, has made many fine shoes of shapes and varieties since being founded in 1958. In this adventure into art-couture, ‘Sallie’ features a laser-cut pattern of geometric shapes and laces to be tied at the back of the boots. The boots are visually dramatic, while also lucid and intentional, to be worn with confidence and swagger.
The imaginative designs arrive in three kinds of leather, made entirely in Italy, each boot has its own individual finish; lizard skin, snakeskin and a muted pink calfskin. Sara, Vera and Marianna, granddaughters of AGL founder, Piero Giusti, as the third generation in the family brand the sisters pave their own path boldly to pursue a wild reinvention of a classic with their ‘Sallie’ boot. Their conceptual and technical knowledge supplemented with an evident sensitivity for Womenswear allows this boot to act as a bridge between old and new, amplified and joyfully contemporary.
AGL will be releasing the ‘Sallie’ boot as a highlight of their SS21 collection.
www.agl.com
Fashion
Coco Beach de Chanel 2021
Sun-kissed bodies lazing on a beach or frolicking in the ocean, waiting for the perfect wave; an ideal of freedom. The daydreams of a carefree and perfect day at the beach, what might this daydream look like? Coco Beach De Chanel 2021 collection will arrive midway through this year to answer this question. Asymmetric swimsuits and bikinis embellished with a bow on the shoulder or breast, timeless color pairings of purple and black, black and white and ivory prints feature on a casual range of luxury swimwear and beach accessories.
In the collection are a plethora of styles and materials. The looks include Loose fitting blouses made of Oxford cotton, bermuda shorts, a bag and beach towel in purple and black cotton, a lightweight white tunic in poplin styled over a black swimsuit in stretch jersey; a fusion of traditional and contemporary. With the signature double C motif seamlessly appearing in each pattern. In the past Chanel has released cruise collections, resort collections, even a swimwear line debuted in 1995.
Much has changed in the world and at Chanel since, with this collection the fact remains that style created for joy remains resilient muse at Chanel. The Coco Beach De Chanel 2021 collection will be available in Chanel boutiques from April.
Fashion
Fjallraven SS21
The Swedish brand, Fjallraven, founded by Åke Nordin in 1960 and known for their passion for the great outdoors, are releasing their new High Coast Hydratic series for SS21. Featuring a waterproof and breathable 2.5 layer construction, their 100% recycled polyamide hydratic jacket has a specially designed printed lining by Swedish artist, Erik Olovsson. The jacket is similar to its more technical predecessor, the Keb Eco-Shell jacket, in that it is made without fluorocarbons which can damage the environment and the Earth’s ozone by warming the lower atmosphere. These fluorocarbons are also common in refrigerators and air-conditioning units.
Versatility sets the High Coast Hydratic Jacket apart. It is breathable, packable, features an adjustable hood and has hi-vis elements for busy urban landscapes such as the journey to and from work. The jacket also has unique ventilation zips in its sides in order to let out any excess heat that builds up in the jacket from wear. For the mountains, the Summer hiking trails or the fierce high seas; the High Coast Hydratic Jacket by Fjallraven is an adventurer’s companion and an asset against all elements. Continuing its belief that no weather is ‘bad weather’, this eco-friendly SS21 jacket is as integral to the outdoors as the elements themselves.
Art
Rome De Bellegarde x Ettinger
French luxury cognac maker, Rome De Bellegarde, and the British heritage brand, Ettinger, have partnered to create a limited run of 50 gift boxes. These opulent gift boxes include a 100ml bottle of Rome de Bellegarde’s rare limited edition X.O. cognac as well as a four ounce Ettinger hip flask augmented with a butter soft leather brandishing the logo of these two esteemed brands marking their collaboration. Rome de Bellegarde dates back to France’s King Henry III and is survived by the new generation of the Bellegarde family who resurrected their ancestor’s savoir-faire in exquisite cognac. Ettinger, founded in 1934, is proud to jointly release a vessel to hold one of the finest cognacs in the world today. Rome De Bellgarde’s signature orange color was the inspiration for the tan of leather that wraps around the flask, making it warmer to the touch, a welcome reprieve from the cool breath of Winter. CEO of Ettinger, Robert Ettinger, has said of the collaboration, “it is always a pleasure to work with another craftsmanship brand and hope our flasks continue to be enjoyed long after the X.O. cognac is finished!” Of the esteemed partnership and collaboration, Rome De Bellegarde’s owner David Romuald-Bellegarde Smeralda, has doted on Ettinger with similar praise, stating “we are truly honored to share this collaboration with a great craftsmanship brand such as Ettinger, who in many ways share a similar story to the Bellegarde family and display great resilience. This limited edition box was designed with our customers in mind making sure they get the very best from us.” The gift boxes retail for £499 and represent the best that both houses have to offer. The flasks can be customized with the recipient’s initials for enhanced personalization and richness of character.
www.ettinger.co.uk
www.romedebellegarde.com
Fashion
Lamborghini x Roger Dubuis
Horology is invigorated with the roar of Lamborghini’s supercars in the Excalibur Huracán STO. Designed by the legendary Roger Dubuis, this new piece is an unbelievable encapsulation of the powerhouse car brand, elegantly concealed within a stand out accessory. Rules are thrown out of the window with this watch, where a strong futuristic sentiment gives the bold blues, oranges and blacks real excitement and vigor. The watch’s clear similarities to its namesake don't end at its title, the exhilarating power of the super sports Huracán STO captured in the watch’s automatic RD630 calibre with a honeycomb motif and a 12° angled balance wheel combined with a 360° oscillating weight. Roger Dubuis ijets adrenaline and excitement into every detail of this timepiece, a car and watch lover’s delight in each respect.
www.lamborghini.com
Fashion
Eternal Beauty
Lois creates a distinctly intimate exhibition in their Amsterdam Galeria, celebrating the pioneering supermodels who changed the industry with their iconic and eternal beauty. Featuring Helena Christensen and Elle Macpherson and photographed by Kat Irlin this wonderful shoot is a celebration too of Lois, a brand that has long been committed to the eternal beauty of diverse models. Christensen was shot in her home in New York and Macpherson at the Faena hotel in Miami. These photographs are a small and delightfully unassuming insight into the world of these two legendary models.
www.loisjeanstore.com
Fashion
Step Up
Church’s excites with their new Urban Crossover Collection, a wonderful array of styles and looks, designed for the colder months. Both men’s and women’s are complete with innovative design, contemporary uppers with hyper-light weight vulcanized rubber soles lending themselves to easy practical wear. Church’s also appeals to a sense of classicism and nostalgia, their classic lace-ups, loafers and boot uppers retaining a place of prominence, uniquely married with a specially defined lightweight St. Morritz sole. In applying these details, Church’s delivers on brand footwear that has a distinctly contemporary edge. This is seen in the women’s collection where an updated iteration of the iconic 1970’s Shannon is rearticulated with vigor and intention. The new Shannon T is bold, its thick yet lightweight tread sole contrasting beautifully against its smooth rois calfskin upper. Urban Cross Over is a delightful and intrepid step into the unknown, whilst still championing the identity of some of Church’s most beloved shoes.
www.church-footwear.com
Fashion
Teaser
Soon after being appointed the Maison’s Creative Director in October, Matthew M williams released his debut collection for Givenchy. Following the success of the Spring Summer 2021 collection, the fashion house has now dropped an edited selection from this line, a playful grungy expression of leather, denim, chains and classic white shirts. Statement outerwear composed of crocodile print and decadent leathers give way to relaxed silhouettes paired with horned baseball caps and distinctive hardware, a unique and urban aesthetic. Amidst denim co-ords and leather sliders, there is a wonderful sense of youthfulness and freedom, a new iteration of the beloved Antigona woven into this exciting rebellious narrative. The Teaser capsule collection premiers today, (1 December 2020) exclusively in seven Givenchy stores across Europe, Asia and the US, as well as on their online store. This collection is a testament to the magnetic power of great design and creativity.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Set in Paris
Longchamp returns to the city of love for its new film campaign. Set in Paris, fantasy meets reality as the infamously romantic city becomes cinematic backdrop to this eccentric yet subtle production. With the dynamism of a music video, Longchamp have selected emerging actresses to play a lively cast of Parisian women with the “joie de vivre” of the city. In this wonderful typically french take, two Longchamp bags become accidentally exchanged, and it is in this quaint storyline that Longchamp’s iconic accessory is showcased in an understated but undeniably present and engaging way. Describing her vision, the brand’s Artistic Director explained, “I wanted to depict an active, spontaneous and open-minded woman, one who grabs hold of life with elegance and independent spirit.” For a fashion house so inextricably tied to the city of Paris this film is a visually stunning tribute to such a nostalgic and meaningful location.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles, Hamburg
Following the success of their opening in Düsseldorf, Moose Knuckles is set to move to its next German location: Hamburg, with an exciting new pop up store. Located at the center of this thriving cultural city, the new pop-up store will occupy one of the most famous department stores in Germany, Braun Hamburg. Reflecting on this strategy for the Canadian outerwear brand, GM and Executive VP Marco D’Avanzo said “we recognized the change in shopping behavior and launched this experience-based concept to meet our community in their local area. The foundation of our brand is built on local, authentic and emotional ties with our customers worldwide”. Developing the store concept, experts from the Parisian design office Bureau Betak have crafted a unique experience which centres the customers, and of course the pioneering jackets and coats Moose Knuckles are internationally renowned for.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Shaded Dreams
Emboldened by a kitsch retro glamor, Gucci’s Matelassé eyewear collection is a perfect embodiment of a House dedicated to striking and iconic design. Chunky frames, adorned by the House’s recognizable logo of the interlinked G’s are a fun and playful statement piece able to dress up any look. Covered in leather, the sunglasses exude a decadent charm, recalling Gucci’s beloved Marmont bag pattern, with the matelassé decoration that runs over the entire frame and temples. These wonderful accessories coming in burgundy red, black, white and snakeskin are beautifully textured, a surprising but welcomed detail to this timeless accessory. Perfect for bright crisp winter days these sunglasses beg to be worn with a thick knitted jumper, and winter coat, or for a warm weather retreat by a poolside. Gucci delivers yet another stunning collection of sunglasses, beautifully authentic in their use of leather.
www.gucci.com
Fashion
Season Greetings
FENDI gets into the holiday spirit with their new collection, unapologetic in its dedication to the most jubilant time of the year. Versatile in essence, the collection is both functional and aesthetic in its championing of chunky knits and sporty tracksuits. With their menswear featuring urban puffers and their womenswear articulating the feminine form beautifully in a new set of skirts, FENDI has everything covered. Taking the season in full fling, the collection showcases an exciting new collaboration with K-Way®, offering their customers practical wear for months of cold and wet weather. Any union with K-Way®, would not be complete without their legendary windbreakers, FENDI creating a dark blue color way for men and black and fold for women. An exclusive style is also offered, the FF logo printed on mink fur in brown. Continuing the tone of luxury brilliance, gold metallic accents sparkle in the Golden Capsule Collection, another nod to the holiday season. In this collection, silhouettes become fluid, Lurex jersey frocks, draped collars and sculptural plunging necklines transforming their wearer into the life of the party.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Mirror Image
“A mirror image is not the same as a reflection” reasons Maite Denolf, graduate of the Design Academy Eindhoven. Rather the mirror produces a reflection with a shifted perspective, a distinction that is explored in Denolf’s graduation project, the “Reflective Compass”. Composed of rotating tubes with black vinyl forms, a transparent reflective glass which overlays these moving parts produces changing reflections coming in and out of focus. In its illusionistic sense of play, the designer/architects hopes “the Reflective Compass can cause people to stand still from time to time and take a moment to interact with themselves”.
www.maitedenolf.com
Fashion
By My Side
RIMOWA announces a brand new collection of personal cases this autumn. Crafted in the latest polycarbonates Essential collection colors, the launch is a timely celebration of the brand’s 20th anniversary of their pioneering polycarbonate suitcase in 2000. RIMOWA pushes the boundaries of travel, encompassing lifestyle in this new collection which was unveiled at Dior’s summer 2020 show, available as part of a capsule collection in collaboration with kim Jones. This latest collection made in Germany, has practicality and easy travel at its core, made in ultra-lightweight, dent-resistant grooved polycarbonate, perfect for keeping your staple travel items safe and protected. Coming in 4 glossy colorways, the monochromatic classics black and white are joined by 2 seasonal hues, Desert Rose and Cactus, in keeping with the most recent RIMOWA Essential collection rooted in the mojave desert.
www.rimowa.com
Fashion
Larger Than Life
Hublot delights with its new version of the MECA-10, an oversized version of their beloved January 2016 model. The table clock extends Hublot’s rich repertoire moving from wearable craftsmanship to innovative interior design; in the process treating its host of loyal watch enthusiasts to a domestic centrepiece. In collaboration with the Jura-based L’Epée manufacturer, the MECA-10 has been enlarged by four times, realizing its full potential, impressively retaining its original specifications, most importantly its 10-day power reserve. Reimagining the manual movement in a uniquely technical light, the manual mechanism’s seamless performance is delivered by its Meccano construction system. The world-renowned clock-making expertise of the L’Epée manufacturer, flourishes in this new venture, its 19.60 by 18.10cm case housing the meticulous system, coming in two versions. The first model showcases Meccano-inspired angles and a ring in polished satin-finished steel and transparent composite; the second version is covered with PVD consolidated by supporting brushes coated in black. Hublot makes an impact with this bold design of limited edition pieces, presenting a table watch larger than life.
www.hublot.com
Fashion
Michaël Borremans
Michaël Borremans appears in an exciting new solo exhibition, entitled ‘Coloured Cones,’ at the Zeno X Gallery in Antwerp, Belgium. Borremans presents a new series of paintings, a wonderfully colorful addition to his illustrious oeuvre. Cone-shaped objects covered in satin become the artist’s focus, appearing in various different constellations in the foreground of his canvases. These objects become succinctly figurative in Borremans’ human-like compositions, lending themselves to an anthropomorphic reading. The artist’s painterly gestures revitalize the canvas, adding surprising dynamism to his inanimate subjects, his sincere approach engaging with the cones as one would a group of figures. Zeno X Gallery curates a beautiful show, spotlighting the art of their national Belgian talent.
Fashion
The Triple Stitch
The fall winter season is welcomed with innovation and style by Ermenegildo Zegna, their presentation of the Triple Stitch, keeping at bay the winter blues. This versatile slip-on sneaker has pleasure and ease at its core, promising elevated comfort in a wonderfully light weight shoe. A luxury essential for the modern man’s wardrobe, the Triple Stitch evades dress code in its sheer versatility. Its flexible construction is realised by a sole made in an extra light rubber, matching the pace of day to day life. Clever in its allusion to Zegna’s rich and iconic history, the enduring triple elastic which allows it to be slipped on and off also recalls the three hand stitches on the brand’s suit lapels. In its crafty design, Zegna makes a trainer that can be worn across the seasons, particularly in its range across a spectrum of colors. Featuring beige, dark vicuna and red leather, a contemporary combination of grained calfskin and suede dyed grey, blue or chocolate brown is also offered. For an even sorter finish, a supple deerskin version is also available, the perfect remedy for the biting cold of crisp winter days.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
The Finer Things
NET-A-PORTER launches its first ever exclusive pop-up with iconic jewelry brand Jessica McCormack. The U.K based jewelry company has solidified its place as a household name, having been worn by everyone from Victoria Beckham to Meghan Markle. In their striking commitment to heirloom-inspired designs, Georgian-era characteristics are integrated stunningly with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. A pioneering light in the world of wearable jewelry, Jessic McCormack has proved that its customized, layered designs are as personal and intimate as they are luxurious and classic. For the pop-up NET-A-PORTER will showcase key collections: Signature, Ball n Chain, Tattoo, Chi Chi, Gypsets, Hex and Wings of Desire, all making a welcomed appearance. In their effortless aesthetic each piece in each collection exudes contemporary cool, a perfect and fitting addition to a globally-acclaimed site renowned for its dedication to innovate and wonderful design. Speaking excitedly about this collaboration, Jessica McCormack’s CEO, Colleen Caslin said “NET-A-PORTER’s approach to client satisfaction, upheld by their exceptional team of personal shoppers, dovetails with Jessica McCormack’s – where anything is possible and service is unparalleled.’’ With craftsmanship at the essence of Jessica McCormack, high quality products, this union between itself and NET-A PORTER is an exciting prospect for both companies’ future.
www.net-a-porter.com
www.jessicamccormack.com
Fashion
Hermès Spring Summer 2021
The sun, or is it the moon? A super moon perhaps, hovering on the horizon, above the sea. It’s the sea we look at just after winter, still in motion, not completely calm but not rough either. It’s Frédéric Sanchez’s visual artwork, always interwoven with his music. Then the wind raises, it tousles the hair of a woman, she is standing still, thinking. Or was she daydreaming? In fact she is made of terracotta. She is one of Camille Vivier’s women, always between sensuality and strangeness. Few pages before the vibrant strokes of German Artist Carsten Fock. They form landscapes of colors, of energy. To accompany Hermès Spring Summer 2021 collection Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski put together a limited edition scrapbook, collecting a number of artists who inspired Hermès over the years, and recalling the scrapbook she used to create during her years at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Amongst these artists also Claudia Wieser whose artwork as well informed the vast scenography built inside the Tennis Club de Paris. Here a series of the Wieser’s signature images interpreting ancient artifacts excavated from the ruins of a Roman temple build in third century AD, are installed as wallpaper on vertical elements, columns, volumes, emerging as a forest of ancient ruins, of visual moments, and interlacing with the collection. “A dialogue between fashion and art, a free interpretation of patterns, incarnations and digressions around the themes of the new collection’s silhouettes … with just one spirit: a found freedom.” Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski created a collection where apparent sobriety reveals daring cut outs, and a rush of freedom. A graceful, confident silhouette, a sensitive second skin that expresses strength and fragility. Reconnecting with the outside and rediscovering sensuality. The hip-skimming, sleeveless, backless bodysuits celebrates the body. It also frees the body. Matched with the leather skirt as magnificently simple as the leather aprons of stable hands, but with a female allure. As always at Hermès the details are a reference to their iconic bags like the key-shaped clasps of this skirt, also a subtle nod to Crébillon’s La nuit et le moment. Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski combined every day armour with fantasy where Masculine/Feminine, genders fluid, each one nurtures the other. Hermès Spring Summer 2021 also features Les Roues de phaéton print, a digitally reworked black and white homage to mid-nineteenth century carriages: “The obsession with this print, this carriage, this moment, recurs in this modern summer outfit. Passing through a crossroads of times, influences and currents, without coming to a standstill”. Amongst the most architectural looks a mesh dress, in horn and fine chestnut brown lambskin, layered over a micro dress, in Poros white stretch silk knit: “Leather and horn mesh over silk knit, Chestnut over Poros white. Free to layer outfits the way the avant-gardists structured their colors”. Art once again informs the collection: inspired by Lucio Fontana, a supple coat’s neckline, in kilim brown glossy lambskin, plunges to reveal bare skin. The closing look, A backless bodysuit, in stretch silk knit, in terracotta brown underlines Hermès’ statement on simplicity: “Knowledge has never been so turbulent. It plays itself out in details”.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Wearable Art
Vans and MoMA collaborate in an artistic explosion that produces special edition footwear and apparel, consecrating the museum’s most iconic works and renowned artists. As a longstanding advocate for creative expression, Vans is a perfect candidate for one of the world’s most pioneering cultural institutions. Featuring the art of Salvador Dalí, Vasily Kandinsky, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Jackson Pollock, Lybov Popova and Faith Ringgold, this collaboration is a testament to the diversity of Moma’s leading collection. In translating motifs and images from these artists onto a series of footwear and apparel, Vans and MoMA create wearable art, their iconic shoe models transformed by bid use of color and shape. Drawstring bags, jumpers and hats are also enlivened by this unique collaboration, which extends also to a children’s and toddlers range. Surrealism flows into abstraction, in a collection that is every art lover’s dream.
www.vans.eu/moma
Fashion
Born a Star
French-Georgian pianist, Khatia Buniatishvili is the latest ambassador to join Cartier’s impressive and eclectic group of inspiring personalities. Making her debut as pianist, unbelievably at the of 3, Khatia has shown herself to be an extraordinary talent, her virtuosity, open-mindedness and striking intellect recently lending itself to a range of humanitarian commitments. Reflecting on their new addition to the board of ambassadors, Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International said, “Khatia expresses the essence of who we are. Pure simplicity and expressive romanticism. Delicate exuberance. Unique and universal. Plural singularity. Body and soul, with measure and unbridled energy Khatia embarks us into the dizzying exploration of human emotions and passion”. Khatia has performed internationally at some of the world’s largest stages: London, Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and Shanghai to mention just a few. Social causes now supported by the acclaimed pianist include refugee aid, climate just and child development. In her passion and dedication to all that she does Khatia is a welcomed addition to Cartier’s esteemed collective of ambassadors.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Isabel Marant Spring Summer 2021
Dance, Dance, Dance. One of the most fun moments during Womenswear season in Paris has been always the after party following Isabel Marant show. It was a moment to connect with colleagues you hardly have time to talk with, but also a time for spontaneity, for pure freedom, for self expression. We all wonder when we will be able to freely enjoy again those moments, that seem now very far on the horizon. For Spring Summer 2021 collection Isabel Marant revived that quest of vitality and exaltation. Held at the extended premises of the brand’s signature show location, the Jardin of Palais Royal, a bacchanal of bodies stormed around the models, in waves, dancing. The (LA)HORDE collective’s original performance expressed a powerful transformation of energies, triggering movement, heat and light. Isabel Marant also collaborated with Los Angeles-based artist Amber Goldhammer. She designed a print for the collection: a profusion of multicolored graffiti hearts, blossoming out of a short-sleeved jumpsuit. This burning desire to go out and escape is reflected in the entire collection through Isabel Marant’s signature silhouettes and fabrics: short skirts and mini shorts, lamé dazzling pieces, strapless dresses and asymmetrical designs. Everything calls for festivity, day or night. This is a woman who loves Debbie Harry, Donna Summer and the beat of 80s music.
www.isabelmarant.com
Fashion
Dries Van Noten Spring Summer 2021
Pure sheer joy, psychedelic colors, dance. For Spring Summer 2021 Dries Van Noten draws a direct inspiration from pioneer artist Len Lye and his films created between the late 20s and 40s. Like 1938 ‘A Colour Box’. The film constructed without the use of any camera, moves in mysterious ways. It’s a continuous stream of fabulously kinetic energy, where a series of abstract artworks directly painted on the film strips celluloid sways before your eyes. Len Lye was one of the most exhilarating artists from the 20th century, known for his kinetic sculptures and experimental direct animations. Born in New Zeeland in 1901 he moved first to Australia and then to a remote Samoan island before taking the place of a deserting sailor in a ship to London in 1926. He successfully established himself as artist associated with the Seven and Five Society, but eventually moved to New York in 1944 Over the years Len Lye remarkably shifted from one medium to another, reinventing new forms of visual art, fascinated with sculpture, painting, motion, writing. Some critics regard his 1958 ‘Free radicals’ as one of his greatest film. He reduced the film medium to its most basic elements by scratching on black film using a variety of tools: dental tools, ancient Native American arrow-head. Growing up in the South Pacific region gave Lye a peculiar set of interests, very different from Western modern artists. In the early years of his career he studied Maori and Aboriginal art including the Pacific tapa design. It’s this mysterious and intriguing use of colors, forms, references that has always fascinated Dries Van Noten’ vision. Over the years his inspirations looked at art, exceptional characters, cinema. Always infusing craftsmanship and history. This season the narratives of folklore are evoked with traditional embroidery techniques and a series of printed motifs derived from Len Lye’s painting work on films in collaboration with Len Lye’s Foundation Archives Presented through a video directed by Vivian Sassen, the collection is a new take on print and embroidery, a graphic play with light and shadow where Dries Van Noten’s signature silhouettes and textiles merges with the psychedelic color sunbursts and the crisp comforting simplicity of Dries Van Noten vivid elegance.
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Locked Up
Matthew M Williams, Givenchy’s new Creative Director, channels the beauty of his new life in Paris, in his first advertising campaign for the house. Collaborating with longtime friend and photographer Nick Knight, Williams pushes a fresh, modern attitude for Givenchy. Returning to a picture he took of the iconic “love locks” that adorn the bridges of Paris, Williams elevates this emblem with a distinctly urban aesthetic. The hardware symbols are to be a part of both the women’s and men's collection, classic chains formed of flat and angular links, stylized into a “g” shape, a subtle tribute to the house. These unisex accessories sit against ombre pastel backgrounds, a striking contrast between washed out hues and metallic tones. Gold-finish “Givenchy” locks recall the U-lock design or come with a spare, narrow body and elongated shackle that closes with a textured screw. Williams also showcases a padlock in the collection, embossed with an exotic skin motif with two asymmetrical piercings at its base so that its sibling locks have the opportunity to hook up or not. The campaign is also present on digital platforms, where a video features vocals by Willaims’ close friend, rapper and songwriter Playboi Carti.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani Spring Summer 2021
1980, a young, almost unknown, Richard Gere acts as Julian, a high-priced male escort in American Gigolo, directed by Paul Schrader after gaining recognition as screenwriter for many celebrated movies including Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. Schrader at his second feature film as director asked the young Giorgio Armani – who started his fashion adventure in Menswear only 5 years before - to create the entire wardrobe for Gere. In one of the most iconic scenes, Gere gets ready in the morning, choosing what to wear: he lays down a number of suits on top of his bed, with matching shirts, ties, carefully handpicking each one. The blazers are fluid, with only a soft silk lining, almost impalpable. They move and feel like a shirt. It was a revolutionary image, suits were now as sensual as light. Since the very beginning Giorgio Armani wanted to create fashion to dress real people. For Giorgio Armani clothes have been always an extension of the persona and never the opposite. Backstage before his Fall Winter 1984 show speaking to the models he said: “We need to create a show that is nothing like a show, rather than models you need to feel like ordinary guys, taking a stroll, walking down the street with your girlfriend, stopping by to watch a move. Nothing has to feel forced. I would like you to be as natural as possible “ Like narrated in the documentary “Timeless Thoughts” – broadcasted in the occasion of Giorgio Armani Men’s and Women’s Spring/Summer 2021 show – Armani spoke to all the men who no longer identified themselves in the classic suit striving for individuality, and to the women who longed to step outside and start their own career freely. Giorgio Armani Spring Summer 2021 collection highlighted all these essential traits of Armani’s soft revolution over the decades, not only through the stripped down/reinvented suits for men, but also through the versatile silhouettes for women contaminated by that freedom borrowed from man’s wardrobe, still as feminine as each woman wished for. Soft oversized long blazers, short jackets paired with fluid pants, long suit jackets in neutral colors. Beige, pastel green, white and declinations of Armani quintessential color: that very specific grey hue, synonymous of rigor and sensuality. The show ended with a series sumptuous evening looks as dazzling as ethereal. Intricate beading works, geometrical graphic elements and the signature oriental fascinations reiterated the calm elegance Giorgio Armani has been gifting women for more than four decades.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2021
Giorgio Armani’s interpretation of architectural and urban themes has been a constant in his career. Culminated in 2015 opening of Armani/Silos, the building housing various exhibitions but also Armani’s very own philosophy: “setting up Armani/Silos, deciding what to exhibit and how, focusing on the themes that best represent a way of thinking and a style – all this helped me look back on my 40-year career in a passionate but balanced way. Because fashion, which seems to want to live in an eternal present, needs to reflect on itself and its own roots in order to face the future. Through this process of reflection, we see how fashion accompanies and often anticipates important social changes. Remembering what we were like in the past can help us understand what we might be in the future “. Giorgio Armani words could not be more pertinent to our time. The future we long will be built from a reflection on our past. Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2021 was presented through a video where the urban dynamism of Armani/Silos dissolved into a contemporary lightness: here a cluster of people walk, dance, live, as frenetically as orderly. They strive to achieve immateriality and turn into light. The regular geometric shapes of this monumental building are the resonates Armani’s aesthetic seeking simplicity. The cinematographic motion set colors, graphic images, roads, suspended bridges, fragments of a city becoming animated by movement. In this fictional world the idea of ethereal, unpredictable elegance merge with feather-light materials, almost impalpable. The interplay of textured and tactile surfaces enhances the barely-there colors through materials: a neutral palette ranges from beige, grey and almond finding their purest expression in shades of white and light blue, and ultimately illuminating black hues. For menswear the suits and overcoats are fluid, textured with laser-work and architectural dévoré effects, iridescent at night. The soundtrack and original visuals by Frédéric Sanchez, the respected French music artist and producer - mark the rhythm, capturing the atmosphere of a world yet to come. His work always starts from images, visual representations of a moment, a feeling.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Aesop Gift Kits
Aesop presents a beautiful monochromatic animation, following a seagull at sea in the dead of night. Using interactive technology we are invited to step into this virtual world and discover the inspiration behind Aesop’s new fiction inspired campaign, gifts to inspire imaginary flights. Noting the importance of escapism in our current time, Aesop’s 2020 gift offerings are imbued with the power of storytelling, transporting us to other worlds through beautifully crafted product boxes accompanied by a free audio and e-book of a selected work of literature. This literature comprises works by an international cast of talented writers and authors: Modernist master Katherine Mansfield, writer Lafcadio Hearn, author Rabindranath Tagore, author Isabelle Eberhardt and Machado de Assis. With the packaging for these inspired gift kits made out of 100% recycled and biodegradable materials, the brand stays committed to ethical and sustainable production whilst providing tantalizing treats for loved ones at an incredibly deserving time.
www.aesop.com
Fashion
Fendi Spring Summer 2021
Through the looking glass, Silvia Venturini lovingly pieces together memories, nostalgia becoming a means to celebrate time spent with family and quiet more subtle observations gleaned during the surreal climate. We get the sense we are at once inside looking out and outside looking in, a hybrid space where reflections merge organically with real life as models meander down a white carpeted Milan runway. Within this myriad of stories, domestic life is made beautiful, the simplistic allure of linen and cotton elevated with sleek design. FENDI boldly strips itself bare in this collection, allowing minimalistic layering and soft silhouettes to speak for themselves. Formal shaping and structures are softened, tailored details becoming more relaxed through unbuttoned shirt sleeves, embroidered tulle and apron dresses, curating a sense of weightlessness. Neutral creams and whites sit amidst splashes of pale blue, reds and deep pink accents, giving way to more sombre office greys and blacks. Spring and Summer is imbued with a delicacy, a beautifully minimalist approach to the warmer seasons. Diaphanous dresses contrast excitingly with soft quilted jackets in a show that recreates the feeling of a warm summer breeze.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
AGL Presentation, Milan Fashion Week 2021
Through a distorted lens, models and a sea of entangled legs gently pulsate. Tulle silhouettes flow into heels that accentuate the feminine figure from the floor upwards. It feels as though one is coming in and out of consciousness, a rebirth somewhat, where AGL’s shoes are presented as the only true constant. Some heels snake around the foot, some appear as denim sock boots, others cream leather. Moving up the legs, thigh high shoes present something of a Herculean athlete, metallic lattice fabrics, curating bold and mythological statement pieces. More paired back styles also have a classical Greek feel, studded straps connected along the back of the calf by thin red leather straps. AGL creates real magic, a collection which speaks to the contemporary moment, shoes built to empower their wearer to stand tall.
www.agl.com
Fashion
Stepping Back
Maison Berluti celebrates its 125 anniversary in style, with an exciting collaboration with the Monnaie de Paris. Under the guidance of Creative Director Kris Van Assche, this union becomes a part of a myriad of successful collaborations, which have flourished since his appointment to the role in 2018. Marking this iconic year for the brand, their classic Andy shoe is reimagined as a penny loafer, an ode to the legacy of Alessandro Berluti, the Italian-born shoemaker who designed the brand’s first lace-up shoe. The Andy, which was designed in 1962, for the infamous Andy Warhol, takes on the prep school aesthetic, an innovative twist on its initial form. In the early 20th century, the penny loafer’s name was coined by a college demographic who would cleverly keep a penny in the half moon cut out of the shoe’s upper leather strip for the pay phones. Paying homage to this history the Monnaie de Paris has crafted an ornamental penny, beautifully stamped with Berluti’s crest. A limited-edition model, the shoe comes in four different color ways, all wonderful quality in their hand patinated full grain, uncoated, soft Venezia leather. Maison Berluti, returns to their roots, the references used, a wonderful nod to the fascinating evolution of fashion.
www.berluti.com
Fashion
20 Years of Perfume Wonder
Frédéric Malle turns back time for their 20th anniversary, celebrating each and everyone of the 32 perfumes of Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. Revisiting the year of each fragrance’s creation, the brand offers a set of limited editions, reviving past scents with new vigor and the buzz of this monumental landmark in the brand’s identity. In true patriotic fashion, Frédéric Malle uses the brand’s signature color red, on the bakelite cap of their 100ml bottles. Seven of Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle’s most popular perfumes are brought to the fore; Bigarade Concentrée, Vétiver Extraordinaire, French Lover, L’Eau d’Hiver, Musc Ravageur, Carnal Flower et Portrait of a Lady, made available for this very special occasion. Running through the packaging and bottles’ design is a frieze designed by the Creative Director of The New York Times, Patrick Yi, consecrating 20 years of exciting and pioneering talent and creativity. This same imagery also decorates two travel sets which feature a selection of three perfumes for him or her. Completing the 20 year spectacle will be a limited edition discovery coffret, gifting a fortunate perfume lover with 12 emblematic scents from the collection. Twenty years of perfume connoisseurship.
www.fredericmalle.com
Fashion
Inner City Magic
Virgil Abloh curates an eclectic whimsical Tokyo show for Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring Summer 2021 collection. Re-imagining the typical runway, models roam through an abandoned packing district, somewhat scattered as they meander through a dark and smoke filled landscape; sometimes in groups, sometimes as individuals. Huge inflatable balloons suspended over the show are held by men in branded Louis Vuitton boiler suits and bandannas, inflatable characters are also strapped on to models, whose outfits casually blend into large and imposing figurines. Virgil Abloh is inspired by Afrofuturism and surrealism, rethinking the black imagination, in his interweaving of black culture through flags, music (ska and two-tone), spoken word and dolls inspired by his own Ghanaian heritage. These dolls appear in various forms, wrapped around shirt collars, hanging from suited shoulders, peeking out of pockets and hand held by selected models. Abloh creates something of a quasi futuristic dream scape, models wearing asymmetric and uni-banded sunglasses in glittery balaclavas and khaki trench coats; forming a unique and captivating vision that feels as much an ode to childhood as it does the dystopian contemporary narrative. Shipping containers, onto which are projected dancers’ silhouettes and musicians, form the backdrop of the show, defiantly resisting the typically “beautiful” norms of fashion runway shows. Interspersed with the live show are aerial scenes of Tokyo, archival film, live footage of the band and cartoon sketches of Louis Vuitton’s animated characters; intertextuality is skeletal to the show and of course Abloh’s thinking adding depth to the show that only elevates his bold an eccentric garments and looks.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
An Italian Affair
With her fresh and timeless aesthetic, Greta Ferro effortlessly fills the role of protagonist in Furla’s Autumn Winter campaign. Formed around the concept of a love story, the campaign’s idyllic tale of a young woman in the midst of a postcard exchange with her lover, adds a gripping narrative to the House’s set of advertising stills. Shot by photographer Giampaolo Sgura under the creative direction of Magnus Berger, Furla encapsulates the simple pleasure of a good cup of coffee at one’s favourite spot. The city bar at which Ferro appears so naturally, is buzzing with life, laughter, flirtatious exchanges and light music, almost audible through Sgura’s lens. The collection features some of Furla's most iconic creations, made excitingly unfamiliar against new and revised looks. Clean lines married with high craftsmanship and the value of tradition all propulate this picture perfect Italian scene, Ferro’s ease and elegance blending seamlessly with the House’s identity.
www.furla.com
Fashion
The Seventh Art
CHANEL will be partnering with the Deauville American Film Festival for its second time. This year the Festival will be celebrating its 46th event, running from September 4 to September 13, 2020. Presenting a vast range, the festival will be showing films from the Cannes and Annecy film festival as well as from its own selection. The president of the jury this year will be artist Vanessa Paradis and of the Revelation jury, Rebecca Zlotowski. What makes this partnership so special is Deauville’s unique place in CHANEL’S history, a formative location for one of Gabrielle Chanel’s greatest discoveries. It was here that Gabrielle Chanel opened a hat shop in 1912 during which she appropriated the “poor” jersey fabric worn by fishermen as a stretchy alternative for her modern feminine silhouettes. A century later Karl Lagerfeld consecrated this time in Gabrielle Chanel’s career, making a short film entitled “Once upon a time” in which Keira Knightley played the young couturière and in 2018 CHANEL produced the fragrance Paris-Deauville for the LES EAUX DE CHANEL collection a further ode to the Normandy region. In addition to CHANEL’s long relationship with Deauville, they also have a sustained and rich history with cinema and film, existing under Gabriel Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard’s leadership. Gabrielle Chanel herself was invited to Hollywood by esteemed American producer Samuel Goldwyn and Karl Lagerfeld was a true film enthusiast. In partnering with the Deauville American Film Festival CHANEL continues its sustained affinity with cinema and of course Deauville.
http://www.festival-deauville.com/
Travel
"Take the Best that Exists and Make it Better"
Rolls Royce has long established itself as the pinnacle of car manufacturing with every vehicle being crafted to perfection. Where does a brand with the magnitude of Rolls Royce go in future? According to founder Sir Henry Royce’s philosophy the direction is clear, ‘Take the Best that Exists and Make it Better.’ This might sound like a difficult task, but the British house is determined to transform the quintessential symbol of British sophistication from the creator of the ‘Best Car in the World’ to the world’s leading House of Luxury. Having changed at a quicker rate than ever before in its storied past, the iconic double ‘R’, a timeless expression of true luxury has received a makeover to fit the new chapter of the house. The modernization of the brand to adapt to a new generation of customers has happened in collaboration with Pentagram, the revered multi-discipline design studio. Pentagram embarked upon a deep exploration of the brand to understand the essence and unique relationship the marque maintains with its clients to ensure that the new visual language remains true to the heritage. The new logo is just the tip of the fascinating journey to a modernized visual identity, which will, according to Chief Executive Torsten Müller-Ötvös, ‘echo the changes seen in our portfolio, our client demographic, their lifestyle and the luxury world that surrounds them.’
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
Fashion
Digital Escapism
As part of the exhibition series THE ARTIST IS ONLINE, curated by Anika Meier and Johann König, Thomas Webb launched his solo digital show EXERCISE IN HOPELESS NOSTALGIA -WORLD WIDE WEBB on 14 August 2020. In the artist’s digitally rendered world, visitors were asked to enter through their browsers or smart phones, recreating the spontaneity of a post covid time where freedom of movement was exercised to the fullest. Grappling with the internet in this multiplayer simulation, Webb offers thought provoking reflections on the hypocrisy and inconsistencies that prop up this global digital realm. Speaking on the Koenig Galerie’s instagram live, Thomas Webb will be in conversation with Johann König on Thursday, 20 August, 4pm CET to discuss this work and further thoughts on our digital age.
www.koeniggalerie.com
Fashion
Chanel Fall Couture
Chanel’s Creative Director Virginie Viard describes her thought process for her Fall Couture Collection, “I was thinking about a punk princess coming out of ‘Le Palace’ at dawn,” which somehow managed to translate perfectly. Presented yesterday online, adding to the slew of virtual fashion shows and product drops happening this week, Chanel released an edited collection of 30 looks that embody a sense of muted opulence. In a new, byzantine and eighties inspired selection, this year’s couture is a swift turn from the rigor of the Spring couture that was inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s schoolgirl uniforms at the Aubazine convent, “I like working like this, going in the opposite direction of what I did last time. I wanted complexity, sophistication.” says Viaird. The collection, shot by Mikael Janson is filled with 80s extravagance, dropped waistlines, prom-inspired gowns and of course, where would Chanel be without tweed? Viard returns to the maison’s favored material and reimagines it in a new, compelling makeover. Short frothy taffeta dresses and faille ball skirts are accentuated with punk mohawk bangs and lace-up court shoes. Taking inspiration from her late predecessor, Virginie reflects, “This collection is more inspired by Karl Lagerfeld than Gabrielle Chanel. Karl would go to ‘Le Palace’, he would accompany these very sophisticated and very dressed up women, who were very eccentric too.”
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Tie & DIOR
The art of tie dye finds itself seamlessly transposed onto rings, earrings, necklaces and more for the new Tie & Dior fine jewelry collection. Designed by Victoire de Castellane, over one hundred pieces of jewellery expand upon the beloved Gem Dior and Dior et Moi lines, using the flow and blend of tie dye to inspire a delicately chromatic set of jewelry. Just as the subtle flow from one colour to another illuminates textiles, colour takes on a dynamic sense of movement in this collection as round, oval, pear and marquise cuts achieve a distinctly ombre like brilliance. There is a tangible sense of freedom in this collection, a light hearted curation of texture, colour and jewels, where true harmony is achieved by the playful approach of Dior’s Jewellery Ateliers.
www.dior.com
Fashion
STONE ISLAND/PORTER® CO-LAB REFLECTIVE WEAVE RIPSTOP-TC
The collaboration between Stone Island and Porter continues with a trio of new bags. Pouch bag, backpack and tote bag, equip the urban explorer with an accessory for every adventure. Porter, renowned as a heritage Japanese bags and accessories brand, brings their expertise to this partnership, the fabric used across all three bags prioritizing wearability, endurance and individuality. Using a REFLECTIVE WEAVE RIPSTOP-TC, a twisted cotton nylon ripstop woven with a thin highly reflective tape, the bags are carefully dyed in order to retain their reflective surface. Coming in blue and black, each model is donned with the Stone Island Compass logo and Porter patch logo, celebrating both of the revered brands in their own right. This collection is available now from Stone Island online and in stores
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
FENDI and MR. DOODLE CAPSULE COLLECTION
Building upon their hugely successful collaboration in 2019, FENDI and Sam Cox, aka Mr. Doodle, a talented London artist and illustrator, will be launching a special Capsule collection this summer. Renowned for his Keith Haring-esque like doodles, Cox brought an energizing aesthetic to the brand last year when he took over FENDI’s headquarter rooftop at Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Covering the space with his infectious black and white squiggles, their relationship was fortified when Cox cleverly incorporated FENDI yellow into the design, demonstrating the electrifying union between brand and artist.
‘Doodling across categories and genders’, Cox’s canvas will comprise Women’s and Men’s leather goods, Ready to Wear as well as shoes, for the upcoming Capsule Collection. Set to be available in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Shenyang, Hong Kong and Taipei together with Singapore, Sydney, Bangkok, Costa Mesa and Vancouver, its pre-release date at the end of July will preempt its official launch on August 25th. The final date, coinciding with Chinese Valentine's day on the 7th day of the 7th Chinese lunar month.
Mr Doodle’s bold use of line will embrace typography in this new collection, interweaving the FENDI and FF logos within his labyrinth of intricate line work. As worked previously, FENDI’s accent yellow will appear, this time accompanied by vibrant red hearts, adding splashes of colour amidst the wider design.
The capsule is as much an ode to the traditional as it is to the new, Mr Doodle’s prints breathing new life into iconic brand favourites. Nothing is off limits, Fendi’s new capsule collection is liberated by the hand of the artist.
A pre-launch of the Capsule Collection will be available from the 24th July 2020 on fendi.cn and followingly it will be available from end July in the FENDI boutiques mentioned above.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Versace’s Flash Collection
As most of Europe’s fashion houses are diving into technology to solve the riddle of how to stage a fashion show during the time of a global pandemic and social distancing, Versace reveals that the ideal format is to be found not in the future, but in the past, a music video as seen on MTV in the late 90s and early 2000s. In collaboration with British musician AJ Tracey, the resulting format was a celebration of music, recalling the long-standing relationship between Versace and young musical talents and the inspiration they provide to house’s creative mind Donatella Versace. It was not about huge production or fuss, the artist and models and, of course the garments, were center-stage. The collection itself evoked nostalgia for the times of MTV, but the thought behind it hinted at the fashion industry’s future. Donatella Versace comes up with answers to central problems of the industry today, overproduction and waste and the disadvantages of the disharmony between the seasons and the fashion cycle. A flash collection, compared to their predecessors, allow the house to present more frequently and by reducing production times, they can be delivered to stores faster and closer to their actual intended season. Excesses like in the 2000s might belong to the past, but Versace’s glamour surely is not going anywhere.
www.versace.com
Fashion
MSGM Men’s Spring Summer 2021 and Women’s Resort 2021
Massimo Giorgetti, Creative Director of MSGM, joined forces with film director Luca Finotti to inspire positivity, solidarity and rebirth, through a delicate, emotional and poignant short film featuring a group of passionate and free-spirited young people, their enthusiasm, their longing. Against hardship, and a latent suffering. It’s the suffering of the current young generation, their quest to diversity, to freedom of expression. Celebrating life, their love stories, their friendship with overwhelming intensity and an early summer in Milan as their backdrop. “After lockdown I found myself reimagining the collection, and reconsidering who we were aiming at, how we were doing it and what kind of message we were giving. I tried to go for what is essential, with a strong and compact collection, I have questioned myself on the meaning of simplicity, what it means to me and to MSGM. It’s not about clean colors, prints or patterns, which instead remain vivid, kaleidoscopic and explosive, true to the optimist message I felt was my duty to leave now. Simplicity is rather total immediacy. The immediacy of fresh, desirable clothes, easy to wear. Clothes that bring joy”- explain Giorgetti - “I wanted the collection to convey, both visually and aesthetically, the idea of a joyous rebirth, the yearning for a renewal that I myself was experiencing after the challenging period during the first months of the year” Romantic ruffles, silk satin pajamas, boxer shorts, technical, fabrics, tie-die prints, paisley, Monstera leaves with a tropical flavor.. The colors are either muted or brilliant, but always playful. It’s a powerful and very genuine approach, true to the Italian brand and the aesthetic of the Italian new wave of cinema blossomed in the last years. Giorgetti successfully brought a message of respect and hope we were all longing for. “May a hundred flowers bloom”
www.msgm.it
Art
Cindy Sherman at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
The Fondation Louis Vuitton’s long awaited reopening has been scheduled for September 23rd, with a new, unprecedented exhibition, spotlighting the legendary career of Cindy Sherman. Reaching global acclaim through her iconic self-portraits, Sherman last held a solo show in 2006, making this exhibition all the more anticipated. Spanning her career from 1975 to 2020, the show is to include over 300 images selected from some of her most infamous series, such as Untitled film stills, Rear Screen Projections, Fashion, History Portraits, Disasters, Headshots, Clowns, Society Portraits, Murals, and Flappers. Sitting alongside these renowned works will be new images, set to characterize male figures and couples, venturing away from Sherman’s iconic presentation of the lone woman. The show is both a celebration and reflection of the sheer uniqueness of Sherman’s craft and her journey to becoming a household name both in and outside the art world. Complementary to the retrospective will be an exhibition entitled Crossing Views, a specially curated body of works carefully chosen with the input of the artist. Relating to Sherman’s extensive work around the portrait, two floors will be dedicated to an array of international artists, who working across various disciplines also work with portraits to excitingly different conclusions and effects. This close collaboration between Sherman and the Fondation promises to produce one of the most thorough presentations of Cindy Sherman’s work in Europe over the last decade.
www.fondationlouisvuitton.com
Image: Untitled #584 (2018) Courtesy of the Artist and Metro Pictures, New York © 2019 Cindy Sherman
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Men’s Spring Summer 2021
Global warming, social movements, health emergencies and the inexorable advent of consumerism. Yohji Yamamoto has always reflected on the current world through a poetic and idiosyncratic language. Expressing feelings and thoughts with words embroidered, hand painted, patched, knitted on the garments has been a signature of the Japanese maestro through the years. For Men’s Spring Summer 2021 he collaborated with Japanese photographer Takay to create a video imbued of that melancholy and poignant feelings we have been touched with season after season. Men’s Spring Summer explores the brands’ codes, such as deconstructed and oversized lines, hand painted elements, the mix of sensual and tailored, where multiple layers of fabrics – linen, wool gabardine, denim – build a collection true to Yohji’s vision for Menswear. Uniforms for Yohji’s army fighting the current crises, in a journey accompanied by Yohji’s own voice and lyrics. As the video ends, we capture a glimpse of the maestro himself, as we would if we were present at the physical show venue. He wears his signature hat and a coat. At its back lays - embroidered in English - a word he has never been afraid to mention: “fragile”. Thank you Yohji-san for the unwavering intellectual honesty.
www.theshopyohjiyamamoto.com
Fashion
Balmain Sur Seine
With the ongoing pandemic and in times of social distancing rules, the question for most fashion houses in the world is the same: how to stage a fashion show? The shift to digital seems like the most convenient solution. Certainly this alternative brings with it its own set of drawbacks, most prominently the lack of flair of the traditional fashion show. At Balmain, having models walk down the catwalk without an audience was not an option. In contrary, the French house took the garments to the people, to the Parisian public on the banks of the Seine.
On a boat heading down the river and completed with a musical performance by French singer Yseult and a surprise dance performance, the project titled ‘Balmain sur Seine’, honoring the house’s 75th anniversary, showcased pieces from current Creative Director Olivier Rousteing alongside works of his predecessors, such as Oscar de la Renta and Pierre Balmain himself. With only a very limited number of journalists present, in order to respect social distancing rules, amongst the viewing public, this event presents itself far more democratic than the traditional show and acts as a beacon of optimism in these difficult times. As put by Olivier Rousteing himnself, ‘ After this period I wanted to bring back this optimism that this brand has been known for.’
www.balmain.com
Fashion
Pasha Community
The story of Cartier’s Pasha watch is one of fashion’s more interesting origin stories. There are many fairy tales about its origin, one such being that the Pasha of Marrakech approached Louis Cartier to create a waterproof watch that was fit for a king. Whether this story is credible or not, we know that the Pasha has been an iconic waterproof timepiece in history since its official release in 1885. Now with the release of its new Pasha watch, Cartier has brought together a community of unique and creative celebrities to celebrate the new model. Rami Malek, Troye Sivan, Willow Smith, Maisie Williams and Jackson Wang were all captured as new ambassador’s of the watch by the photographer Craig McDean.
“Since its creation in the 1980s, the Pasha watch has embodied a certain idea of success directly linked to its extroverted design, power and graphic nonconformism. It is as edgy as ever and in tune with today's new generation of creators. These new Pasha ambassadors owe their success to their differences, creativity, connection, multidisciplinary talents and generosity.”
Arnaud Carrez, Int. Marketing & Communications Director, Cartier International.
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Fendi Renaissance - Anima Mundi
This week, on June 20, a unique live streaming event took place presented by Fendi alongside the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. The wonderful performance took place at the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also the Fendi headquarters, where the orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia and star violinista Anna Tifu, dressed in three of the maison’s impressive couture looks, performed “Summer” from Antonio Vivaldi's “The Four Seasons”. In a wonderful collaboration of music and fashion, this project brought together two institutions that are deeply connected to the city of Rome.
Expressing their excellence and creativity through classical melodies that are only accentuated by the impressive garments and breathtaking surroundings.
The concept of the project stemmed from the longing to express an uplifting message of rebirth through the play and intersection of art, fashion and music after the recent months of isolation and to share this sense of joy and positivity with people all over the world. Interestingly the event coincided with the summer solstice, a happenstance that symbolized the desire for a new, positive start together as one, global community.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
So Long, Daddy
Last year, Zoo reporter Catherine Somzé caught up with the former squatter turned star-artist last year to discuss his work, love, and his interest in contradictions and impurity. Richter’s work is characterized by his fantastical landscapes and his prescient depictions of socio-political events as well as the Greek and latin influences that are seen throughout his most recent large-scale paintings. “I’m not so much into style, I’m much more into method. At one point, certain formal decisions will lead you to abandon your old style because they no longer fit with what you wanted to express.” The former Zoo coverstar Daniel Richter’s new solo exhibition ‘So Long, Daddy’ is currently on view at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in their Salzburg Villa Kast gallery until July 18 both online and in the gallery space.
www.ropac.net
Fashion
East & West
When two very different brands come together to collaborate creatively, it can be difficult to achieve an ideal fusion and balance between the two. Yet when two like-minded bodies with similar values and goals come together to create something while honouring their differences the resulting synthesis can be quite sublime, a dash of color to a previously monochromatic aesthetic. A perfect example of this is Danish design firm Hay and cult Japanese footwear company Suicoke’s latest collaboration, combining both eastern and western design influences the two design houses have teamed up to create a limited reiteration of Suicoke’s Depa sandals. Lending its Scandinavian aesthetic, Hay takes a quick side-step from its usual home goods creations to take its design identity to the realm of fashionable footwear. With a passion for contemporary forms and an ethos rooted in functionality, Hay leans towards partners with the same attitude, as Mette Hay, HAY Co-founder and Creative Director of HAY Accessories confirms, ‘In all of our collaborations, we strive to partner with brands whose values and aesthetics are in sync with our own, and Suicoke is the go-to brand for this type of sandal.” Shrouded in mystery on the eastern side of the world, Japanese footwear company Suicoke has earned international praise in recent years for its clever collaborations, it’s laid-back functionality and its ever-evolving style profile. As sandals bask in their long-overdue moment in western society, Suicoke collaborates with brands that match their values of utility, comfort and of course, impeccable design. Their fresh, geometrically-inspired sandals project a sense of creative freedom that manages to dodge the usual fashion constraints. Each version features an adjustable-Velcro front strap in a distinctive hue, a flexible, foam-rubber sole, and an open toe for added comfort. Balancing their cultural influences, these two labels one in furniture and one in footwear, have become inextricably linked through their passion for three things — design, functionality and unparalleled quality.
www.suicoke.com
www.hay.dk
Fashion
Nostalgic About the Future
Distant memories of characters in sci-fi novels, films and TV shows are used as inspiration for Keenkee’s SS20 collection. As the season commences, Korean-born designer Kee Kim celebrates the start of the future with a mixture of fabrics and textures. The virtually-produced abstract prints run a gradient motif, adding a certain aura to the perfectly crafted paneled shirts and pleated shorts. Bright hues are softened by contrasting subdued shades, and glossy fabrics are paired with lighter materials to create a sense of balance. Loose-fitting mauve trousers are designed with a coordinating cropped blazer jacket, proposing silhouettes that stretch gender rules. Paired underneath is a violet-colored jacket, which elongates the entire outfit and contributes to the contrast of purple tones.
www.keenkee.net
Fashion
Healing
The art industry has endured a huge loss this year leaving artists, gallerists and curators scrambling to adapt to the new world changes. Thankfully the past couple of months have seen cultural industries reopening, first, in China and more recently galleries and museums have begun to reopen all across Europe. The pandemic has meant that museums have had to rely more on their online presence, showing virtual exhibitions and online gallery tours. Brussels-based collector Alain Servais has said, “Art is not made to be seen online—except, for the art that is designed to be seen online.” The work of Johan Tahon is rich with emotion, the physical space occupied by his work exudes a powerful presence, one that is difficult to even describe let alone experience through a screen, one must be able to witness the physicality of his work in order to experience it fully. Following the cancellation and postponement of several shows, Tahon has announced a slew of upcoming exhibition dates scross Europe and further east. In collaboration with Belgian consulate in Guangzhou, Tahon's upcoming solo exhibit, Mercury Orb will be presented in Y Space Gallery, Guangzhou (CHN) June 5 - July 15. Exhibiting in Amsterdam, Brussels, Solothurn and Otegem over the next year, enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunity to witness Johan Tahon’s artwork in a number of different settings.
www.johantahon.com
Fashion
The Standard Project
As fashion has come to a virtual halt, designers and brands are claiming excitement at this production reduction and cancelled-collections, happy to rethink the way the industry is. In truth, the nature of the fashion industry causes unimaginable damage to the environment, and the current method as we know now is completely unsustainable. Since 2019, the Standard Project has offered an alternative to the fast fashion system. They believe that good design has a place in everyday life. Stripping designs down to their essence and reviving them with pure looks and materials, The Standard Project identifies essentials and reinterprets them according to the idea of having a permanent collection of items. Creating basic, unisex t-shirts and beanies, their collection goes past the basics of fashion. Tailoring to everyday needs with products like a titanium pure design bike, filter coffee light roasted from Guatemala and a soft woollen blanket with monochrome black stitching. Employing the ‘slow fashion’ process, all of their products are ethically-produced with sustainability and good design at the heart of its identity.
www.standard-project.com
Fashion
Prada Timecapsule no. 5
Last week we saw the fifth edition of Prada’s Timecapsule, an initiative that drops a new item on the first Thursday of every month as an online exclusive for just 24 hours. A unique logo created by OMA together with a serial number and sophisticated dedicated packaging makes each drop unique. For this release, Prada presented a crisp white cotton poplin shirt in a limited edition, decorated with an all-over print clearly inspired by auto-racing. The "May" print of the month on the back is a unique touch for this shirt that is also accented with mother-of-pearl buttons suitable. Launched for the first time on December 5, 2019 in Europe, and for the first time in Japan, the exclusive product drop will potentially reach other markets over the course of 2020. Stay tuned.
www.prada.com
Fashion
The Dior Maison Collection - New Lily of The Valley
Throughout his extensive career Christian Dior redefined dressage, taking inspiration from floral forms and creating beautiful gowns and garments worthy of a place in the finest museums. Floral aspects have since been synonymous with the maison as we look back to the Muguet Dress, made in the late 1950’s, entirely embroidered with bell-shaped blooms. Or we are reminded of the Diorissimo perfume, a delicious scent that skillfully evoked this springtime bouquet. Now, the lily of the valley adorns this season’s new Dior Maison collection by Cordelia de Castellane, a symbol of purity and joy that announces the arrival of warmer days. Porcelain plates, decorative baubles, glasses and decanters are covered or playfully sprinkled with its precious sprigs, capturing art de vivre through a sweet celebration of nature’s beauty.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Fendi Outdoor Collection
Summertime is the season for relaxation, for travel and for a little luxury if all things permit. With so much uncertainty in the current moment about what both our near and far future holds for us, it’s difficult to plan for the future. Stuck in this waiting state, we turn to ourselves and our homes for entertainment and luxury. Fendi casa has always provided luxury for the home presenting pieces that embody the Italian maison’s fine heritage of craft and opulence. The new Thea chair combines a romantic design with the iconic leather braiding on the backrest, with all-over FF logo pattern inlaid in the set. While the new Versilia chaise longue presents a solid Iroko wood frame. Offering a selection of seating options including the sofa, loveseat, armchair and chair that further completes the range, ideal for summer lounging and luxury from home.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Formale Eccezionale
Even the most unfashionable of men, those without a conscious thought to their wardrobe, even these men understand the power of a good suit. Like most excellent fashion compositions, a well-made suit has the power to shift not only the world's view of a person but how they view themselves. Yet self-expression is a key player in putting one's best foot forward and expressing one's personality and individualism. Etro’s capsule collection presents four suits, characterized by formal construction and enriched by unexpected interpretations, colored details and special prints of paisley or jacquard. Combining traditional elegance with eccentricity, the Italian brand stays true to the maison’s identity as it puts forward a new apparent antithesis of the eclectic Etro male wardrobe. With four different designs in the capsule collection, Etro reinforces its attention to detail and dedication to fabric research and tailoring processes, since 1968. The formale eccezionale is launching in June 2020 both online and (hopefully) in-stores.
www.etro.com
Fashion
PRADA Pre-Fall 2020
At a moment where our experience of society and culture is defined by the picture plane, as we spend our days focusing more on virtual interactions rather than physical Prada’s new pre-fall campaign takes inspiration from the nature of human interaction as well as the imperfection of handcraft. Photographed in London by David Sims and painted in New York, and engineered to react to a changed world, Prada color recalibrates classic garments to give outfits a new even surreal actuality. The silhouettes of the clothes become ‘paint by numbers’ frames for explorations of color – with shades of Celeste blue, pink, yellow, orange, and green. Vibrant colors are pushed center stage, highlighting their disarming simplicity and reflecting a fusion of the human hand and eye with technology. Blurring lines between the photographic and the painterly, between technology and humanity, it is a subconscious echo of the current moment. The joy of color with the joy of technology - both a means of communicating an immediate message. Ultimately, that message is of positivity - a fantasy, painted in Prada colors.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Brands Giving Back: Tristate International
Among those in the private sector re-working their business to aid the front-line is parent firm to Italian sportswear brand, C.P Company. Tristate International SA lends a hand during the crisis by donating sanitary equipment to the much-affected Lombardy state in Italy, providing over 19,000 sanitary masks. As well as working with Italian companies and universities to develop reusable masks that could help in lowering the environmental impact of the coronavirus. With plans to do more as the situation continues, Tristate and C.P Company have joined the front-line in aiding those who need it most.
Fashion
Cartier Watchmaking Encounters
With the closure and cancellation of events and conferences companies are doing their best to dream up new ways to host in the online sphere. In the absence of a major watchmaking fair this year, Cartier is launching an international website dedicated to this year’s watchmaking novelties. “In the current context, we believe it is important to preserve our interactions with all our clients around the world through various touch points, and thus be able to offer them an experience entirely dedicated to our Maison’s watchmaking creations. ”, says Arnaud Carrez, Marketing and Communication Director at Cartier International. Visitors will be able to first discover Pasha, the brands cult watch featured in a whole new interpretation. A design highlight of Cartier, Pasha will be this year’s watchmaking statement for the Maison, starting with a launch in China this summer, followed by a worldwide activation early September. The platform will be live starting April 25, and will be available in French, English and Chinese.
www.cartierwatchmakingencounters.com
www.cartier.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles Gives a F**k
The last few months have been heart-rendering to say the least, but these poignant times have also showcased incredible acts of solidarity. We have witnessed countless examples of generosity from businesses of all sizes in support for the fight against COVID-19. Brands are using their influence to do some good, and canadian brand Moose Knuckles is no different. Firstly the outerwear brand held a ten-day sale in support of overburdened medical professionals, then launched a collaboration to commission creatives in New York City and Paris to reimagine the brands Lead Jacket into art. The unique creations will then be available to purchase via the brands website. To alleviate the effects of the indefinite isolation of the masses, Moose Knuckles has also transformed it’s Instagram account into a source of inspiration, engagement, and entertainment. By employing teams of local businesses and freelance creatives, the initiative supports industries that are severely affected by the pandemic. “This crisis is bigger than business and profits. We can think about that later. At the moment, our main focus should be on looking after each other.” - Ayal Twik, CEO.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Les Parfums Louis Vuitton x Heures d'Absence
In 1927, at the height of the Roaring Twenties in all their creative effervescence, Louis Vuitton launched its first perfume, Heures d'Absence. Named after the country home the Vuitton family acquired in the Seine-et-Marne region in the 1920s, the perfumes recipe has been lost and no living person knows what the original perfume smelled like. However, we know that it was a perfume that reflected the time of its creation, celebrating the new modes of transport that were then emerging, a scent to inspire you to shake off the blues and seize the day.
Now, in an attempt to not recreate but reinterpret the classic perfume the maison creates a perfume with a profusion of fresh flowers, an ode to nature and allegorical figures of joy. "Everything is done in service of the flowers, there’s no element to rein them in or disturb their message," the Master Perfumer explains. Warm vanilla notes of Peruvian balm amplify the sophistication of the fragrance while a floral apotheosis with a hint of Sri Lankan sandalwood gives a rich juxtaposition. These elements along with sambac jasmine and may rose compose a melody that feels never-ending.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Bally AW20 Purity of Form
On the back of seasons of brightly colored fashion pieces and statement-makers, Bally has made the move towards a more organic aesthetic with a collection entitled ‘Purity of Form’ for Fall 2020. The reflection of the theme is not only seen throughout the minimalistic designs but also in the ethos, Bally is emphasising the quality of materials and emphasizing a deep respect for the environment with this collection. Through the use of clean lines, neutral tones and sculptural silhouettes the range highlights the Swiss brand’s heritage while giving it a modern twist. Soft shapes are understated whilst luxurious layering exudes an elegant and simplistic look. Abstract prints inspired by European modernist art marry archival Swiss textile patterns in an unexpected yet effortless mélange. Soft knit cashmere cardigans and roll necks meet the sharp tailored silhouettes of heritage-printed silk shirts and split-seam pants. A favorite of ours is the graphic chevron patchwork coat with hand-cut segments. Presenting artful accessories, such as the new signature 1851 hardware across the versatile Vestige collection of quilted leather totes, chain handle shoulder bags and subtle mini bags. Calling themselves ‘architects of leather’, Bally’s passion and talent for leatherwork is highlighted with oversized leather shirts and high-waisted leather skirts that land beautifully amongst the textured materials and fluid lines of the collection.
www.bally.eu
Fashion
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle - New Dawn
Mystic daybreak, a song before sunrise. As night dissipates we are blessed in those precious moments before the morning sun brings first light. Diffused yet powerful, the second perfume by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle is an allegory for the serenity and solitude of the day’s first moments. Inspired by travels through the Middle East, the aromatic and complex scent is luxuriant and bold, yet layered with nuance. Deceptively simple, its magnificent texture is faceted by a host of supporting characters: a refreshing opening of rose and lively pink pepper. Referencing the region’s unique culture and language of scent the laudanum and vibrant frankincense bring extra warmth as oak moss provides a dark focal point. Widely considered to be America’s greatest living perfumer, Carlos Benaïm’s extensive career and Moroccan heritage inform an esoteric take on the traditions of Middle Eastern perfumery. The rich notes of the perfume begs us to take pause and enrich moments by allowing the aroma to take hold, like a moment of prayer.
www.fredericmalle.com
Fashion
Cartier Women’s Initiative
Back in 2006 Cartier launched the Cartier Women’s Initiative, an action that made a commitment to women in reaching their full potential. Open to women-run and women-owned businesses that aim to have a strong and sustainable social and environmental impact, the initiative has accompanied 240 promising female entrepreneurs from 56 different countries and has awarded over 3 million USD to support their businesses. Announcing the 21 finalists of the 2020 edition, we see for the first time ever countries such as Australia, Benin, Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden represented in the program. By providing them with the necessary financial, social and human capital support to grow their businesses and build their leadership skills Cartier shines a light on the achievements of these women. Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO “At Cartier, we believe it is crucial to support young businesses and start-ups through to a more stable period. And this is what we intend to keep doing, fully aware that these women are making a concrete and durable impact, therefore paving the way for a better future.”
www.cartier.com
www.cartierwomensinitiative.com
Fashion
Camper Together with Pop Trading Co.
Back in 2006 footwear brand Camper had the genius idea to develop an initiative to collaborate with leading designers and creative thinkers from the worlds of fashion, art and architecture to design and create exclusive products as well as unique stores. The concept, known as Camper Together has been hugely successful resulting in numerous fruitful collaborations with names like Kengo Kuma, Jonathan Olivares and Doshi Levien. The latest collaboration with Amsterdam-based brand Pop Trading Co aims to push the boundaries of contemporary design while staying true to the brands distinct heritage. Founded in 2013, Pop Trading Co initially began as a distribution company for the Benelux market but has since developed their own line that fuses menswear with the brands strong skateboard heritage. For S/S20 the Dutch brand presents two distinct styles, the first style taking inspiration from the Camper archives, revisiting the Camper Runner XL sneaker. While the second style has a more relaxed sensibility, updating the Chassis Chukka boot with a rubberised sole and crepe rubber foxing tape. The unisex styles are available in a choice of colors and will be available from April 3.
www.camper.com
www.poptradingcompany.com
Fashion
Max Mara Art Prize for Women
British artist Emma Talbot explores themes of human existence, environment and gender using flowing lines, decorative patterns and light materials that encapsulate the viewer into a dreamlike world of her creation. Often hand-drawn or painted onto silk her ideas come to realisation with a mixture of drawing, painting and sculpture. In her proposal to reimagine the work of Gustav Klimt for the 21st century, Talbot's work questions deeply rooted positions of power, governance, attitudes to nature as well as representations of women, through a slightly personal lens. The proposal takes its starting point from Gustav Klimt’s Three Ages of Woman (1905), a painting which features a naked elderly woman standing in apparent shame. Talbot’s reimagination involves animating the older woman as someone who overcomes a series of trials similar to The Twelve Labors of Hercules. Through her modern-day trials the artist plans to counter prevalent negative attitudes to ageing. Having been awarded the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, Talbot will hopefully spend six months in Italy on a residency planned for later this year to research and create a new body of work to be exhibited in 2021. Awarded in alternate years since 2005, the Max Mara Art Prize it is the only visual art prize of its kind in the United Kingdom. Chaired by a panel of art-world experts including gallerist Florence Ingleby, artist Chantal Joffe, collector Fatima Maleki and art critic Hettie Judah the ingenious initiative was created to support UK-based female artists who have not previously had a major solo exhibition.
www.maxmara.com
Fashion
Longchamp Mini and Nano Bags SS20
Making waves since Jacquemus revived the trend in 2017 the nano-bag has caused designers to scramble to show their take on the mini model. However the tiny bag is nothing we haven’t seen before with the trend tracing back as early as 1900. Wealthy women once carried small purses or ‘reticules’ that doubled both as an accessory and status symbol. Founded in 1948 the French luxury brand Longchamp has stood the test of time by utilising its mid-way position between accessible and traditional luxury. Artistic director Sophie Delafontaine’s third collection at New York Fashion Week last September focused on the work of Judy Chicago, employing looks that follow a woman as she traverses the day, fit for any occasion. On top of a sun-bleached palette perfect for the season that’s in it, Spring / Summer 2020 Longchamp also presented their own take on the trend: a selection of pretty little mini bags. Taking inspiration from the brand’s iconic bags they presented a miniature version of the iconic Le Pliage bag. Inspired by origami the light, foldaway bag has established itself as a cult object worldwide. Now they give us the lines Roseau, Cavalcade delight, La Voyageuse and Le Cuir Pliage, miniature versions of the popular Longchamp favorites. The selection includes a drawstring bucket, an open tote, and a top-handle day bag and is available in a number of finishes or materials including nylon, patent leather, calfskin and printed snake.
www.longchamp.com
Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque
The beauty industry has been developing its craft for centuries even the egyptians used creams and cosmetics to improve and protect their skin from the elements. However it is only in recent years that such effective technology and research methods are being utilised. The science of skin is ever-evolving with new, exciting developments constantly coming to the fore. Not only is the research increasingly accurate but there but the average person is more aware of their individual skincare needs. Aesop boasts a fiercely independent approach to product research and development as well as tailoring products to the needs expressed by their pool of customers. The new Sublime Replenishing Night Masque is Aesop’s first product developed explicitly for the night. Offering immediate and sustained hydration to balance skin and brighten its appearance. The light gel-cream has a warm, woody aroma that is rich in vitamins B,C,E and F. As we know, some of the best healing is done after dark. 'Night, When words fade and things come alive.' Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
www.aesop.com
Fashion
Calvin Klein's New Campaign 2020
The introduction of all-inclusive campaigns has meant that brands have to think twice about their advertising, in particular underwear and lingerie brands are under fire for their marketing methods. Embracing our diverse society is top priority as people want inclusion, they want openness and they want a brand message that they believe in. Clothing that not only looks good but makes them feel good. Riding the wave of the hyper-successful #mycalvins campaign Calvin Klein has announced their latest global operation that preaches self love while exuding confidence. The collection itself features Calvin Klein Jeans body stretch denim and Calvin Klein Underwear breathable and invisible range. The all-star cast were chosen for their willingness to bare themselves to the world. Iconic models such as Kendall Jenner and Hunter Schafer are featured alongside award-winning musicians SZA, Maluma, Lil Nas X, Lay Zhang and Justin Bieber. The campaign, shot by Mario Sorrenti is portrayed as an ode to self expression mixing raw emotion and fantasy with glistening images that say, I am who I am, Deal with it.
www.calvinklein.nl
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week Women's - Recap
SPORTMAX
Following Sportmax’s 50th anniversary year fashion director Grazia Malagoli led the brand into the future with a strangely optimistic perspective. Unlike the usual discourse surrounding our uncertain future the show titled, ‘A brighter future’ confronted the imminence of hyper-technological future. Boots that extended far beyond the knee, ultra scenographic eyewear and seductive 3D silhouettes kept with the structural mood and futuristic tone. The blend of materials and shapes brought a soft sensuality while the floral patterns and jacquard motifs brought a sense of levity to the structured collection.
www.sportmax.com
Salvatore Ferragamo
The nature of femininity in the current climate is becoming increasingly diverse and flexible. In contrast to the Jungian archetypes of women, Salvatore Ferragamo’s fall collection explores what it means to be a woman today. The moods range from soft and romantic utilising sheer and cashmere, to pragmatic and powerful with details like chain fringes and bold shearling personifying the diverse and flexible nature of female identity. A strong cultural depth along with up cycled leather accessories embody the ‘Metamodern woman’ in this futuristically fluid collection.
www.ferragamo.com
BOSS
Celebrating a new age with reworks and restyles of their seminal BOSS aesthetic the brand showcased a future-focused Fall collection in a show titled ‘Generations’. Following the current trend-wave of fringe, a warm selection of glossy fabrics, utility accessories and hand-woven leathers blended the mens and women's looks seamlessly. The fresh-faced models presented the collection with elevated outerwear and fluid jersey pieces in a lilac-colored show space accompanied by an energetic live orchestra. A new interpretation of their tailored history ‘Generations’ granted a fusion of iconic aesthetics with an avant-garde twist.
www.hugoboss.com
Bottega Veneta
Amongst a sea of fall colors and autumnal moods Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee presented a ready-to-wear collection that exuded confidence with rich waxy palettes punctuating black. The deep color pops of scarlet, kiwi and lollipop were played in controlled repetition. The show emphasised vitality and movement not only with color but with elongated silhouettes, knit dressing and jersey for both day and evening. Feeding into the current fringe ‘moment’ that reigned over Milan last week Bottega Veneta’s use of the ornament was by far the most audacious and indeed, memorable.
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Balmain Men's Fall/Winter
Discovering your roots at a adult age is always a an emotional and powerful moment. Last year the documentary “Wonder Boy” portrayed Olivier Rousteing journey in search for his biological parents in Africa. The Men’s Fall Winter 2020 show was a joyful celebration of these roots. Set at Parc de la Villette, the beautiful and complex architectonic wonder designed by French architect Bernard Tschumi, the show unveiled a very new Balmain for Men’s: relaxed silhouettes declined in camel tones, wrapped tunics, mantels, silk slouchy suits, safari outwear. A wardrobe of a man traveling to Africa to discover a new world. Reminiscent of Bertolucci’s “The Sheltering Sky”, its melancholic desert breeze, the orison vastitude.
www.balmain.com
Fashion
Milan Fashion Week 2020 - Prada Men's Fall/Winter
The overarching theme of the Milan Men’s Fashion Week was to redefine masculinity and find an answer to the question what it means to be a man in the decades to come. For Prada, the modern man draws from tradition, but is equally transformed, leaving behind existing and clearly defined gender roles. A fantasy and fresh take on classic masculine heroism. His wardrobe should represent this new spirit. Inspired by classic pieces, the Italian house boldly combines traditional materials with the modern and technologically innovative fibres, creating a deceptive contrast. Pieces might look inherently traditional at first sight, but novelty methods of production allow Prada to create extreme and previously unachieved shapes and a series of varying silhouettes undermining and ultimately fracturing our lacklustre idea of male power and force. The collection was presented in a setup reminiscent of the metaphysical paintings of Giorgio di Chirico. The essence of the classic Italian piazza is transformed into an enigmatic porch with a equestrian statue at the centre. Purposely totally unheroic, fabricated from cardboard, it becomes an embodiment of the underlying thought. Appearing and disappearing through openings, the models seem to wander through the space, blurring the line between what is exposed and what is concealed.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Paris Fashion Week 2020 - Hermès Men’s Fall/Winter
An understated elegance can be a radical gesture. Véronique Nichanian’s aesthetic for Hermès has been always driven by the craftsmanship savoir faire of the Maison and a that classic yet innovative wardrobe we have seen season after season. Nichanian for Hermès Fall-Winter 2020 expressed this vision on a further level. Extremely minimalist, clean and casual silhouettes combined with beautifully tailored suits and outwear at times layered. The color palette also spoke the same language: charcoal, hazelnut, camel, ecru, ebony. The leather pieces have always been the quintessential element for the Maison: technical calfskin for sweatshirts, rubberized lambskin for parkas reversible in printed Toilovent, zipped windbreakers in deerskin, babylamb for blousons with high collar. The collection used rich psychedelic patterns for knitwear named Rêve Hypnothique, adorning beautiful turtle neck pullovers in 180’s wool Sensual but whispered, Nichanian’s latest collection is an ode to the deep core of Hermès where “the evening is surrounded by nuances of brown and black”.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Graphic By Nature
After having opened its doors last year, the spotlight falls once more on the new Bally flagship store in Milan. Situated in Via Napoleone, one of the centres for luxury retail in Milan itself, the store hosted the unveiling of the SS20 collection during Milan Men’s Fashion Week. Among the guests were notable friends of the brand, from Italian actress and model Elisa Sednaoui to a multitude of influences like Linda Tol, Ami and Aya Taiki and Noah Lee. The Bally House proved the perfect location to amplify the collection’s underlying philosophy ‘Graphic by Nature’, illustrating one of the Swiss brand’s pillar, the intricate interaction between design and the nature that surrounds it. For this special occasion, the brand teamed up with Stefan Beckman, who transformed the store into a digital Alpine forest, shimmering in Spring hues and adorned with the native flora. An immersive installation, the transformation was not solely visual, but an immersive experience featuring a soundtrack consisting of lyrics, beats and birdsongs.
www.bally.com
Fashion
American Dream
Michael Kors belongs to one of the most visible brands originating in the United States, and has developed into a household name all around the globe. As the expressed by Michael Kors himself, ‘my spring collection is a celebration of the best American style, a mix of ease and glamour that is inherently American.’ Photographed by the Dutch duo Inez van Lamsveerde and Vinoodh Matadin, the new campaign showcases the Kors’s take on timeless American style with all its layers of sophistication and romance shot in Beverly Hills, a location itself synonymous with luxury and the successful American Dream. Crisp tailoring is juxtaposed with soft and romantic dresses whilst small indicators, like stripes and stars provide a visual reminder of the brand’s American origins. The global ad campaign will launch in January and the images will appear not only in traditional print but also in numerous digital outlets.
www.michaelkors.eu
Fashion
Celine opens Haute Parfumerie Boutique in Paris
In the heart of Paris, at 390 rue Saint-Honoré, now arises the home of Celine’s new Haute Parfumerie Boutique. Following the unique Hedi Slimane’s architectural design concept for the maison’s stores launched in February 2019, the Haute Parfumerie Boutique juxtaposes natural materials and a strong sculptural connotation where Noir Grand Antique marble – a black marble quarried in France is at its centre, reconnecting with Celine’s French heritage while recalling a 21st century Brutalism. The multitude of mirrors together with an infinite amount of perfume bottles displayed as a floating large organ - a virtual modern cathedral designed by Hedi Slimane himself - confer a further mise-en-scène for the artworks (acquired or specifically commissioned for the store) of relevant contemporary artist such as Luisa Gardini, Rochelle Goldberg, Camilla Rayman, Søren Sejr. A stratification of materials, surfaces, images hosting all the maison’s perfume creations and the new Celine’s spirit.
www.celine.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles: Seven Deadly Sins
This past August, for their Fall/Winter collection, Moose Knuckles released a cinematic campaign entitled ‘Sacred Glacier’ starring Dennis Rodman. Now diving deeper into the themes introduced in ‘Sacred Glacier’, Moose Knuckles explores ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ through photographer Vijat M and multi-disciplinary entrepreneur Kristen Noel Crawley. For those that might not know, the seven deadly sins include pride, wrath, envy, indolence, gourmand, greed and lust. A variety of colors will evoke the cardinal vices or sins on modern designs, with the help of Crawley Moose Knuckles continues to reimagine an ancient list of evil temptations.
Their ‘Wrath’ collection draws inspiration from the wisdom of mystics, tarot cards are printed on tees and sweatshirts as well as on the lining of purple parkas and puffers. Exclusive events at Verso, Antwerp and Shoreditch, London will celebrate the collection’s release, the theme of course being ‘Seven Deadly Sins’. For each of these sins there is a corresponding garment, the capsule collections will be launched at select retailers over a period of four weeks from the 14th of October onwards. To be sheltered from the cold is a blessing, The first chapter in their collection being ‘Pride and Wrath’, with ‘Envy and Indolence’ and ‘Gourmand, Greed and Lust’ to follow.
With exceptional tailoring and a legacy of providing warmth, comfort and protection from the harshest elements the creative minds at work thrust us into a new and exciting chapter of Moose Knuckles.
Fashion
Armani Art Exchange: #st_ART
In the fifth issue of #st_ART, dedicated to combining contemporary and street-art, Armani has released a capsule collection with young, international artists at its heart. Artists involved in the Art Exchange this year include Max Reed, Harry Hambley, Bunny Michael, Freddy Carrasco and Jacob Rochester. All distinctive and endearing in their own right as they sit on the precipice of wider acclaim in the art world, they have created designs just for Armani. Where street art meets contemporary art is a hard place to define, mostly because contemporary art often overlooks street artists who are quite literally creating art in the most contemporary sense. Whether in print, on a gallery wall, on social media or sprayed on a brick wall in a car park, art and artists live everywhere. Armani has acknowledged and commended this, giving six artists the opportunity to design for their latest capsule collection.
Whether it’s the humble beginnings of a senior high school student’s drawings or the quest for the point where home and heritage meets; these artists are ascending rapidly. Freddy Carrasco, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Toronto journeyed to Rural Japan in order to find his inner creator, spreading murals around Japan while cultivating cabbage and cucumber as a form of creation in its own right. Harry Hambley was finishing up high school when he penned the character ‘Ketnipz’ to embody his own confusion and sense of misdirection. That character took off on Instagram and consequently led to Hambley working on designs with Snapchat and Instagram. Jacob Rochester, designer and illustrator based in Los Angeles will bring his blend of ephemeral style and obscure art references to #st_ART. Each one of these artists has a voice that cannot and will not be quieted; now amplified by Armani’s latest capsule collection.
Fashion
CHANEL SS20
The breeze you feel on a Sunday morning drinking your coffee on your balcony looking at the Parisian roofs, the freedom you savour when breathing that crisp fresh air. Virginie Viard was inspired by the Nouvelle Vague’s actors Gabrielle Chanel used to dress, like Jean Seberg, famous for her iconic performance in Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless.
Chanel Spring Summer 2020 delved in a youthful atmosphere, nonchalant, playing between schoolgirl innocence and powerful masculine dressing codes: straight-cut tweed jacket is revisited, transformed into playsuits, jumpsuits or a little dress with a flared skirt, balloon skirts paired with ruffled tops and pleated blouses with balloon sleeves adorned with raffia and organza petals. Long coats come in tweed or wool crêpe while a striped top and a carelessly knotted shirt again play with the dual accent of masculine/feminine. It is about a timeless balance resonated with a modern no-nonsense. The looks are rendered through a minimal styling where the most precious Chanel element is at the centre: the tweed. Vibrant hues are merging the collection in a energetic mood: red, orange, pink, conferring a luminosity in balance with the heritage black and white of the maison.
Several looks feature a graphic version of Chanel letters interlaced with Parisian facades in a chromatic palette where dark and light blue play with the most soft pink creating a geometric-like motion. Easy going and flat heeled. The Chanel girl gang knows how to balance simplicity and romanticism.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Issey Miyake SS20
The 81 years old Issey Miyake has been always a researcher and pioneer in terms of technology and the construction of garments around the body. Many times during his long career he turned over the direction of his brand to his associate in order to dedicate himself fully to research.
Arriving at Centquatre - a cultural centre where dance, theatre, street art come together at the northeast edge of Paris in the 19th arrondissement – we a saw a place buzzing with excitement and creative spirit.
Satoshi Kondo, the newly appointed designer at Issey Miyake, already working for the brand for the last 13 years, delivered a spectacle we haven’t seen at the brand since a while. Several “chapters” disclosed through a beautiful dance performance that injected in the audience what Kondo addressed as the main theme of the collection: joy.
The opening skin tones colored looks, the prints depicting two embracing figures in a Yves Klein blue, but also parachute-like fabric rendered in coat on models on skateboards running across the space. The performance arrived at his best when pleated dresses came down from above through wires directly on the models and disclosing the beautiful hand pleating in circular patterns bouncing at the dancers’ moves.
www.isseymiyake.com
Fashion
Rick Owens SS20
It has been several seasons: Rick Owens has turned towards a positive and joyful position on fashion. This season he continued his beautiful homage to iconic American Designer Larry LeGaspi, one of the most underrated fashion designers who dressed the likes of band Kiss, Labelle, Grace Jones, George Clinton, with its neo-futuristic and visionary style. For anyone who still doesn’t know about LeGaspi the recent Owens’monograph “LeGaspi by Rick Owens” published by Rizzoli is a perfect reference.
We fund all that subversive sensibility and the crafts for volume at Rick Owens’ Spring Summer 2020 collection. Presented at Palais de Tokyo in a Myazaki-like setting with performers creating a sea of bubbles floating in the air as the models walked in. A fantasy embodying the imaginative power of Owens. Big volumes, swiping floor satin-like robes, peplums, sculptural shoulders, layers binding together embracing the body in Owens’ signature silhouettes. Reminiscent of that 80s LeGaspi glamour but also a very personal inspiration: Connie, his 87 years old Mexican immigrant mother
Pleated elements, geometric motives in sequins, inspired by fleeting memories like the china poblana patterns on a skirt his mother would wear on Sundays, or head pieces between Aztec influences, legendary Fritz Lang’s Metropolis futurist investigations, and Sphinx-like shapes, as Owens explained.
There was plenty of colour: gold-mustard, vivid red, pink, green, next to the signature’s black. An homage to Mexican pride: architect Luis Barragàn. The beautiful soundtrack was exclusively crafted by tecno Dj Gage featuring Maria Felix vocals in one of her iconic movies spelling : “Corazon tu diras los que hacemos” A beautiful collection from a designer who didn’t cease to research and surprise.
Fashion
Dries Van Noten & Christian Lacroix: SS20 Women's
Dries Van Noten wanted clothes to excite, inspire joy, from this initial thought he says “I quickly realized that all roads seemed to lead to the work and world – of Mr. Christian Lacroix”.
In conversation with Susannah Frankel, Dries Van Noten and Monsieur Christian Lacroix met on the Champs Elysées, a middle ground between Antwerp and Arles in Paris, the home of haute couture. It was here, in March, they discussed their work on a women’s SS20 collection. Expression that dares, clothes that derive life and feeling are at the heart of Dries Van Noten’s design ethic. Van Noten’s counter-part is the French couturier, Christian Lacroix. It is only natural that they meet and discuss their joys and aspirations, their sensibilities and their voice in the world of fashion. In the collection, jeans with an appliquéd feather or feather print on one leg embody their shared passion for expressive fashion that is street-ready. The SS20 women’s collection also features jacquards inspired by Kubrick’s 1975 film ‘Barry Lyndon’. The dreamy Lyon jacquards were woven on looms, true to the era in which ‘Barry Lyndon’ was set. Every detail has a story, every item in the collection is a shout and not a meek whisper, these two minds have brought their joy to the masses in a striking ready-to-wear women’s collection for SS20.
Dries speaks of Lacroix with excitement, noting how uninhibited their process was. “Knowing that Christian was there, the fact that we could have the help of Christian to make this collection was so inspiring for us, it gave us the creative freedom to think: okay let’s have big shapes, let’s have big colors, big prints, a little bigger, a little brighter? Why not? Why not?”. Lacroix was feeling a little alien upon arrival at the Dries Van Noten studio. This feeling quickly dissolved as their working relationship blossomed, Lacroix spoke openly saying “I don’t know Belgium very well but there is an elegance that is restrained but discreetly generous. He has that.” Van Noten goes on to say, “The idea is to bring fun ideas, nothing too serious, things that I think perhaps we have lost a little in fashion. We have lost maybe the joy of dressing up, of playing with fashion, combining many different things.”
Fashion
Hermès: The Arceau Astrologie Nouvelle
There is a distinct difference between destruction and deconstruction, one ruins and the other presents an opportunity to rebuild, reorder and reinvigorate. With their new Arceau Astrologie Nouvelle, complete with matte black alligator strap, Hermés has deconstructed their original Arceau watch. In 1978 the historically favored prestige watch-maker, Hermès, released The Arceau watch. Designed by Henri d’Origny, the watch was designed in the image of a horse stirrup. This year, after a handful of variations on The Arceau, including the Écuyère, the watch is reborn. Woodwork is not often associated with horology and yet Hermès has taken precious wood from a tree native to North America, the Yellow Tulip tree. This wood is then framed it in white gold and sapphire crystal glass with an anti-glare polish, in order to properly observe both artistry and the fluid continuity of time. Other varieties depict their horse head motif as well as a wolf howling at the moon to make the line between fashion and craft all the more indistinguishable.
The wood was chosen for its fine grain and similar shade to the original Arceau, the Astrologie Nouvelle model is self-winding and retains energy for up to fifty hours. Sometimes an artwork’s frame is every bit as gorgeous as the painting it houses, this watch’s creative technicality paired with the classicism of the original model achieves just that. Minuscule details attract curious eyes, the result of three weeks patience and dexterity in the Hermès atelier. Wooden intersections detailed with the Astrologie Nouvelle pattern allign like pieces find their unique place a jigsaw puzzle. The new timepiece proudly displays considerate and remarkable expertise at work. The Arceau Astrologie Nouvelle watch fragments and transposes the Hermès Astrologie Nouvelle scarf into a playful monotone dial. The watch is available in a limited edition release, only eight variations on the classic ’78 model will be released.
Travel
BMW: ‘Concept 4’
BMW, a household name in car manufacturing has brought us many thrills in the past. Now, long past the notion of reaching any discernible peak or glass ceiling, they intend to remind drivers to expect the unexpected. From the m3 to the m5 and their lustrous hybrid i8 model, BMW has displayed finesse in both environmentally conscious engineering and cars that can handle great speeds. The Concept 4 echoes the company’s core DNA at every turn. It’s safe to say their contributions to the automotive world are as fruitful as they are plentiful.
At their headquarters in Munich the tireless minds at BMW have introduced their concept for the future to its physical embodiment. The BMW Concept 4, a striking coupe in the same vein as the 328 or the 3.0CSi but with significantly more artful design sensibilities. Though this vehicle has all the design elements we’ve come to love from BMW, the look is exaggerated so as not to understate what is undeniably a great stride forward for the carmaker. Proportionally the bonnet it stretched and affixed with a reinterpreted vertical kidney grille reminiscent of the 328 Roadster 2.0 that facilitates advanced air intake. The car’s tail end curves into its streamlined roof, its stance evoking an unyielding brawn.
The Concept 4 was shaped and moulded with great care to become the new face of the 4 series, rigorously enhanced. Millimetre precise contours add to a voluminous build, the Concept 4 is like a low riding muscle with a long wheelbase and a shapely sophistication that ensures it is not soon forgotten. First unveiled at Frankfurt’s 68th IAA car show, BMW’s Concept 4 is a blood oath with their customer, to excite and to never settle for the assumed standard. This model foreshadows what is in store for their 4 series range.
Art
Jorinde Voigt: ‘Immersion’
Open Studio Berlin, members from the publishing house, Hatje Cantz and dozens of art lovers will gather tonight at the König Gallery to celebrate the launch of Jorinde Voigt’s new art book, ‘Immersion’. The book is a study of how intuition provides the framework for immersion, her nuances of text in an image with so much complexity in shape guides the eye and results in a better understanding of the art itself. In her new cycle of works, Immersion, artist Jorinde Voigt invigorates her on-going study of perception. Lena Kiessler of Hatje Cantz will be moderating the book release to properly celebrate the start of the eighth Berlin Art Week.
The book launch will take place across a number of countries but it will be honored in its vitality by a select few fine art institutions. The launch of ‘Immersion’ spans from Berlin to Houston Texas, where another release party will occur at Menil Drawing Institute. After teaching the art of conceptual drawing at Munich’s Academy of Fine Arts since 2014, Voigt felt it was only right that she pass on her refined understanding of shape and intuition. By Repeatedly feeling out her own thematic strengths, revisiting themes that reoccured in her art Voigt details and seemingly annotates her work for our benefit. When art captures our attention, holds our gaze, we often wonder what it was that really had that effect, with the launch of ‘Immersion’ this is exactly what Jorinde Voigt brings us closer to understanding
Fashion
CAMPER FW19: 'RALLY'
Romain Kremer, Camper’s first ever creative director, has been inspired by the the discipline and agility of motorsport. “Rally” will mark Kremer’s final campaign for Camper, with this the intention is clear, to excite and motivate the wearer in their pursuit of performative excellence. Everyone has their own race, and with it an itching desire to navigate their race without hesitation, fault or failure. The shapely contours and eight different variations from Kremer’s collection challenge the wearer to find the shoe that helps drive their race. Camper allows a flash-flood of colors and future-centric design to throttle us into the rest of their Fall/Winter 2019 collection, available from today.
A driver’s rally car is built around the driver themselves, how do they move? How do they react under pressure? This collection answers these same questions, making it clear in no uncertain terms that the wearer is used to standing out, entirely self-assured and exist as a breakthrough force to be reckoned with. The spray of champagne once the race is won can hardly be felt through a rush of pins and needles coursing through the driver’s body, a restless and machine-like perfectionism about them. On track or off-track this feeling remains, so too this feeling lives in Camper’s new collection, aptly dubbed “Rally”.
www.camper.com
Music
TOOL: 'Fear Inoculum'
After fourteen long years, after legal battles and motorcycle crashes and cracked ribs, TOOL is back to remind us no one can do what they do. The LA rock group that formed in 1990, mythicized in Rock & Roll history with band members that happened to live above one another before being introduced by legendary guitarist Tom Morello, and over time even making a fan out of King Crimson’s guitarist, Robert Fripp, today delivers their fifth studio album under the title “Fear Inoculum”.
Fourteen years ago when they received awards and accolades for “10,000 Days” they were keen to write more music, even announcing that they’d begin writing for their fifth album “right away” on MTV. “10,000 Days” went platinum with songs like “The Pot” and “Vicarious”. They recorded instrumentation without Keenan, who planned to lay the vocals over their recordings once they were finished, as was their working method. In 2012 their website read that they were half way done with recording the album before vocals.
Then the worst happened, their drummer Danny Carey had broken multiple ribs in a motorcycle accident. Being that rhythm and varying time signatures were at the core of TOOL’s style, they had no choice but to give Carey as much time as he needed to recover fully. Adding to this unexpected hiatus in writing and recording they were mired in court battles since 2007 after an old acquaintance of the band that claimed he’d created the artwork for “10,000 Days”.
The distinctive rolling thunder of Justin Chancellor’s bass and twisted, theatrical machismo of Maynard Keenan’s vocals are not easily forgotten. Their fans never ever left. Not to mention their three-time Grammy winning guitarist Adam Jones. Their sound is rooted in technical perfectionism, being totally in sync within a totally insane song; some might refer to this as organized chaos. The writing process was everything to TOOL, after more than five thousand days they have delivered “Fear Inoculum”. After what feels like one of the longest waits in music history, TOOL reconnects with their fan base through this riveting seven-track project, hoping that their following will hear it with perked ears and little hairs standing upright on the back of their necks.
www.toolband.com
Music
'This World is Drunk': Raphael Saadiq
In this world of political unrest and earth’s seemingly hopeless decay, a voice cries out through the dark. The Oakland raised recording artist and multi instrumentalist, Raphael Saadiq has written songs for the brightest stars of R&B including Solange, D’Angelo, Whitney Houston and TLC. Even under the crushing weight of his three brothers and one sister passing, Saadiq embraced his passions, growing in maturity significantly since his introduction as part of the three-piece group ‘Tony! Toni! Toné!’. Saadiq grasped life in his hands and began shaping it with vigour and care until it mirrored his dream, we are now seeing the fruit Saadiq’s life force has bore, his first studio album release in eight years, 'Jimmy Lee'.
‘Jimmy Lee’ is a melancholic soundscape to the world’s incredibly dizzying turn, felt greatest by the world’s most vulnerable. In the same way as David Bowie used his music to observe and shape the world for better, Raphael Saadiq offers a spoonful of sugar to help digest the bitter medicine you might see on a newspaper headline or bearded face with creases running deep in sunburned skin of a homeless man holding a cardboard sign in downtown California that reads “dollar for a song”. There’s no greater tragedy than bad things happening to good people. If this is true then Saadiq is the best of us and his voice is a vital one to pay attention to in the 21st century.
On the song “This World is Drunk” Saadiq finds himself contemplating how lost, stretched out and estranged the life of an addict can be. The swimming chords drone in and out while high octave piano keys play out like the very heart strings they echo from. Music like this can get lost in the ocean of choices that streaming services offer up, there is a multitude of reasons not to miss this rare chance to better understand life and our world through music. “Jimmy Lee” throws the blame back on the endless rat race that corners good people to find their darkness and use it. Whether that darkness is a drug, a violence, lust, Raphael Saadiq reminds the listener bluntly “this world is drunk and the people are mad”.
www.raphaelsaadiqmusic.com
Fashion
Moose Knuckles Canada FW19: 'Sacred Glacier'
Since its inception ten years ago the brand, Moose Knuckles Canada, offshoot of Moose Knuckles, has become a top of the line, weather-ready force to be reckoned with. Made of fine tailored, ethically sourced materials, their FW19 collection ensures that first step you take into the cold winter’s air will be one of confidence and excitement. Their new collection is accompanied by a clear message that life is not to be neglected and the time sensitive realities of our life-giving planet, not to be dismissed. They have also issued a vehement anti-fur statement explaining that they exclusively use faux fur.
With insulating fabrics and a growing legacy in outwear and exploratory gear, Moose Knuckles encourages wearers to throw themselves into life regardless of how great the challenge or how severe the weather. In a scenic and compelling video, made with Toronto’s acclaimed production house ‘Kid. Studio’, Dennis Rodman plays an Inuit with mystical powers. In the short fashion film he calls upon the human embodiments of seven deadly sins to enter his small fishing hut atop a slowly moving iceberg known as ‘the sacred glacier’ in the Nanavut territory. It is here the mystic Inuit performs a ritual that cleanses them of sin and sanctifies in them the true meaning of human existence.
The FW19 collection is a vehicle for Moose Knuckles Canada to remind viewers of the natural beauty in Earth’s eco-systems, and its vulnerability in today’s world. As the Amazon burns and giant glaciers in the artic melt, cooling our oceans, changing our weather patterns and making weather events more extreme and unpredictable, Moose Knuckles Canada urges us to involve ourselves more deeply in a reality freed from the mirth of apathetic tendencies technology can trap us in.
www.mooseknucklescanada.com
Fashion
Onitsuka Tiger x Christian Dada
Even after 70 years, Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger has not lost a bit of appeal. Still a staple amongst streetwear enthusiasts and fashionistas alike, the iconic shoe combines the world of fashion and sports, its own heritage and innovation.
For the 70th anniversary, Onitsuka Tiger announced a series of special collaborations, with 7 distinct designers, one for every decade of its existence. For the third edition of this ongoing series, Christian Dada’s Masanori Morikawa gets the opportunity to leave his personal mark at the legendary Japanese brand.
The resulting piece, in Christian Dada’s signature color black, takes after Onitsuka Tiger’s iconic running shoe ‘Rebilac Runner’. In his signature fashion, Morikawa infuses his leather and mesh design with the references to Dadaism, such as the arrangement of the laces reminiscent of a crawling snake. Alongside the shoes, the collaboration also features a matching jacket and pants. In a culmination of functionality and design, Onitsuka Tiger’s distinct sporty vibe meets Christian Dada’s signature loose silhouette. In line with Dadaism, the jacket’s breast pocket and inner back pockets of the pants are adorned with rubber patches, carrying a statement.
The Onitsuka Tiger x Christian Dada collaboration will be available from August 26th in select shops and online.
www.onitsukatiger.com
Art
The World's True Protagonist
Cartier, world-renowned jeweler, is starting a dialogue with environmentally conscious speakers, artists, philosophers and academics in an exhibition dubbed "TREES". This exhibition offers a long awaited chance for the humanity of such an issue to be unfettered by political inaction. Artistic contributions from Latin America, Iran, the United States and European nations reinforce a shared goal and the global unity necessary to progress. Vital and intimately connected to the issue, "TREES" provides a platform for Indigenous representatives like the Nivaclé and Guarani of Gran Chaco (Paraguay) as well as the Yanomami Indians who live in the heart of the Amazonian forest. It is through Foundation Cartier's platform these voices can urge and advocate for the conservation and protection of the Amazon rainforest. Trees, the gentle giants so unassuming yet crucial to life on Earth, provide sanctity to humans and deserve sanctity from industrialism. The relationship between humans and trees will be thoroughly explored in a film by Raymond Depardon.
"TREES" will be curated by Hervé Chandès, Isabelle Gaudefroy and anthropologist, Bruce Albert, a long time companion of the foundation since Cartier's exhibition "Yanomami, Spirit of the Forest" (2003). Three narrative threads tie this exhibition together. Firstly, trees as we know them, then the aesthetic observation of trees and lastly, the devastation of trees as visualized through documentary film and pictorial testimony. The Brazilian artist, Luiz Zerbini, explores the blunt force with which urbanism defiles the world's natural environment. Stefano Mancuso will speak on the intelligence and awareness of plant life as it communicates and interacts with its surroundings. This exhibition of purposeful unity will remind change makers that trees are they are the lungs of our suffocating world and they are at risk of never breathing at full capacity again.
The event will run from July 12th to November 10th at 261, Boulevard Raspail, Paris, The Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art.
www.foundationcartier.com
Fashion
She's Never Alone With her Longchamp: FW19
Longchamp’s creative director, Sophie Delafontaine, has envisioned a new travel companion with the vanity travel cases of previous eras at heart. The 'La Voyageuse' bag comes in three variations and a handful of adjustable styles for the modern woman that makes travel look like a breeze. 'La Voyageuse', French for ‘the traveller’, encourages you to take pride in the freedom of constant mobility, curiosity and forward motion.
'La Voyageuse' is paradoxically faced with the issue of the occasional lonesome and quiet nature of solo travel. For nights out in foreign cities there are two additional styles. A small cross-body bag with a detachable strap that doubles as a clutch and a second style that draws inspiration from vintage newspaper bags, minimalist and uncluttered, with removable handles for those into customization. Whether it’s the miniature ‘La Voyageuse’ or the ‘La Voyageuse’ LGP Jacquard intricately designed with wool canvas and black calf detail, whether it is for spontaneous weekend flights or longer, more adventurous trips, travellers will be very taken by the 2019 Fall / Winter collection.
The highlight of Longchamp’s Fall/Winter season ‘La Voyageuse’ will be in stores from 27th August.
www.longchamp.com
Fashion
Dream It Real
In fashion, every new season is a new beginning. The old collections disappear as they are replaced with the new looks. The turnaround can be quite drastic, so it is crucial for brands to showcase the new season’s aesthetic. Often the first point of contact between the brand and its customers, the campaign, enveloped in a thought-provoking narrative, sets the tone for the new season.
Inspired by the 21st-century dreamer, chasing infinite possibilities in the city of New York, Coach unveils its new look and feel for the house. Alongside Michael B. Jordan and Kiko Mizuhara, the Coach family is extended by Yara Shahidi, Jemima Kirke, Lolo Zouaï, Miles Heizer and new Coach ambassador Liu Wen.
The unique essence of this diverse cast is captured by famous photographer Juergen Teller, who once more proves his ability to reveal his subject’s authentic personality and humanity. Shot in iconic landscapes around New York City, the campaign accentuates the house’s heritage and connection to the city as well as the city’s unapologetic and free-spirited attitude.
www.coach.com
Fashion
Bally: Peak Outlook Initiative
Reaching the top of Mount Everest literally means arriving at the top of the world. Trekking this iconic peak, measuring 8,848m, remains a remarkable feat, which only a relatively small number of people have achieved. With the rise of outdoor activities and extreme sports, the number of adventurers attempting this endeavor has sharply risen over the last decades, over 1200 in 2019 alone, leaving behind a devastating footprint of trash and debris in the high altitude territories.
Bally’s relation to Mount Everest dates back to the earliest expeditions trying to conquer its peak. In 1947, the luxury brand provided the Swiss expedition with rubber-soled footwear, with the world-famous Bally reindeer boots being worn during the first-ever successful summit in 1953.
With this enduring bond to the mountains, deriving from the house’s deeply-rooted Swiss heritage, it should come to nobody’s surprise that Bally launched the Peak Outlook Initiative, a long term commitment, to preserve the mountain environment and the lifestyle of the communities that call it their home. With the first edition of the Bally-sponsored clean-up mission, the group of experienced climbers removed over 1 ton of waste from areas only reachable by humans. A second undertaking has already been initiated for the end of the season to discard the debris left by the numerous expedition teams.
To celebrate the launch of Bally Peak Outlook, the Swiss house introduces an exclusive capsule collection, pledging its net profits to benefit future expeditions. The first unveiled item is a t-shirt, adorned with the slogan ‘No Mountain High Enough’. Produced from GOTS-certified cotton, it underscores the house’s larger commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, not solely limited to the world’s most extreme mountain regions.
www.bally.com
Fashion
Boggi Milano: Italian Elegance
The suit is to men what the little black dress is to women. Highly versatile, whether in the classic three-piece ensemble or in a more casual combination, it can be adapted to almost any social setting and situation. With the life of modern men becoming more diverse and cosmopolitan, the suit had to adapt to a new set of challenges.
Milan is a global fashion city with a long and rich tradition in men’s wear. Considered as the capital of men’s fashion, it is the perfect setting for Boggi Milano to showcase its Fall/Winter 2019 collection. By allowing the city’s cultural, social and architectural fabric to shine through, Boggi pays homage to its birthplace and the notion of Italian elegance. In cinematographic pictures, which relate to the men’s daily emotions as fathers, husbands or boyfriends, Boggi presents a new image of the man, capable, cultivated and self-confident.
The collection itself is defined by precise tech-tailoring, layering and the use of premium fabrics. Apart from exquisitely tailored suits, the more relaxed wardrobe of versatile pieces, embracing masculine elegance and innovation, offers the modern man the perfect attire for both formal occasions as well as leisure time.
www.boggi.com
Travel
Celebrating 60 years of MINI and the MINI Electric
A very famous proverb tell us: ‘Do not change a winning formula.’ British car manufacturer MINI has taken this to heart, leaving the design of their signature car largely unchanged for decades. Instantly recognizable, the shape has been engrained deeply in our minds and has become synonymous with the brand MINI. Nevertheless, progress has not passed the British manufacturer by.
Recognizing the growing ecological awareness of a new generation of consumers, Mini unveils its first electronic MINI model. With the new Mini Electric, the British brand is making a huge step towards a new mode of urban mobility, combining the revolutionary design of the classic MINI with a clean electric engine.
In celebration of their 60th anniversary, MINI proves that progress does not have to come at the expense of tradition, by adjusting everything that distinguishes a MINI to modern needs.
The new MINI Electric will become available in 2020, but can be pre-ordered via the online reservation tool.
www.mini.com
Fashion
CHANEL Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019
Certain houses are defined by a single person; a person so impactful that their presence can still be felt long after their passing. In the case of CHANEL, it is not just one but two individuals whose legacies still loom over the house. Coco Chanel founded the eponymous house and it was Karl Lagerfeld, who remained at its helm for over 30 years. A hard act to follow.
When Virginie Viard was announced as Lagerfeld’s successor, her name burst into the main spotlight of the fashion industry. Despite this being her first CHANEL Couture show as Artistic Director, Viard’s relation with the house of CHANEL started over three decades ago, first as a member of the design studio and since 1997 overseeing the haute couture. A fact that became obvious in the created atmosphere of quiet savoir-faire.
With her first collection, Viard honors the exquisite craftsmanship found in the CHANEL Haute Couture studios and utilizes it to realize her own vision of the classic CHANEL woman, defined by a sense of nonchalant elegance. Nevertheless, one can feel the influences of Coco and Karl throughout the show. The mostly tall and narrow silhouettes, paired with 30’s inspired wide-styled trousers hinted at the house’s founder whereas the feathered ruffs, high white collars and sequined embroidery were reminiscent of Lagerfeld.
Viard’s first haute couture collection and the imposing transformation of the Grand Palais into a grand circular library prove that the designers might change, but CHANEL remains a giant of French culture and a blockbuster event of any Paris Fashion Week.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2020
Oversized suits in dusty colors from pink to sage. Beautiful double breasted elongated blazers worn just buttoned at the inner side, leaving the wide lapels on a fluid motion.
For his eponymous label’s Spring/Summer 2020, Paul Smith revisited the ‘70s in New York with its artistic vibrancy and young art scene. Having experienced first hand during his travels at the time, Paul Smith channelled all of that eclectic atmosphere, imbued of unconstrained creativity.
Tailored leather jackets worn with drawstring tracksuit trousers in sage nylon, double breasted blazers at times cropped on the waste and worn with high rise fluid pants both for men and women. The color palette is also filled with hues reminiscent of Pop Art chromatic scale: yellow, fluorescent orange and cobalt blue.
During his visit in the big apple, Paul Smith breathed the environment around iconic galleries, like Leo Castelli, definitely the most prominent art venue in the world during those years and one of the first in late 50s to showcase Pop Art when Jasper Johns joined the gallery.
The collection almost stripped of accessories presented few beautiful slouched big drawstring bag worn cross body over suits, both for men and women’s. A relaxed mood so appealing and modern we have loved every bit.
www.paulsmith.com
Fashion
Jil Sander Men's Spring Summer 2020
Upon the sand, upon the bay/"There is a quick and easy way" you say/Before you illustrate/I'd rather state:/"I'm not the man you think I am”. The sound of The Smiths permeated the whole room. There was a translucent wall as a backdrop. Just behind you could see the shadow of dozens of flowers, along its whole perimeter.
Are they the same flowers that will blossom when planting the few seeds received as show invite? I haven’t asked Lucie and Luke Meier, but I am pretty sure they are.
Season after season the couple has been building a strong coherent identity for Jil Sander. A modern minimalism with delicate features. Just think of Mario Sorrenti’s Spring Summer ‘19 campaign for the house: the poetry of the soft breeze walking on a summer day in Japan.
For Spring Summer 2020 Lucie and Luke Meier confirmed that fluid tailoring and relaxed silhouettes: linen shirt-jackets, Japanese cotton V-neck shirts, organic banana fibre trench coat, a sleeveless canvas knee-length overcoat. Particularly beautiful the cotton sweaters with long hand-crocheted fringing kissing the floor, paired with sharp oversized pants or precise tailoring. Botanical prints and floral jacquards make their entrance in the monochromatic palette dear to the brand – burgundy, off white, black, sand – with new colours like Klein blue.
The contrast between the beautifully fragile and the modern effortless rendered perfectly the vision of the Meier couple’s for Jil Sander.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
Hermès Men's Spring Summer 2020
The internal court of the iconic Mobilier National by legendary architect Auguste Perret. Several different chairs of different styles and times arranged at its sides. Hermès presented his Men’s Spring Summer 2020 in this suggestive location where all the monumental modern energy of the place served as the perfect stage.
Since the very first look it was already clear that Véronique Nichanian choose to play with a wonderful research on colours and layers: a large shirt with high collar in cotton poplin with mint and white stripes layered over a simple white shirt, matched with large khaki trousers and a fluid parka in waterproof technical celadon green toile.
The colour palette continued with soft bubblegum pink, lagoon, aqua, plum, desert, sand, tobacco, rust, beautifully woven together.
Already at her 31 year at the helm of Hermès Menswear, Véronique Nichanian knows how to channel the delicate savoir faire of the iconic French maison where every little detail, every stitch or cut is a mirror to that artisanal know-how and set of values we have known since almost two centuries: not laud, almost whispered aesthetic. But also strong ethic and love for every artisan involved as one big family.
This is Hermès and every step of this maison is imbued of this core values regardless is one of the art projects supported by Fondation Hermès, a fashion show or a store opening.
For Spring Summer 2020 Nichanian choose an easy elegance, a wearability with a touch of joy at times or minimal formalwear at others. This season’s code verged towards the idea of a youthful spirit where versatility and reversible garments are key words.
The choice for the collection of accessories added a strong touch: beautiful sandals with a thick sole and fanny packs also declined in aqua colour. T
he last looks with blouses in heritage silk scarf patchwork at times overdyed channelled further a lively and playful energy.
It felt very fluid, relaxed, nonchalant. And the soft summer breeze at the Mobilier served as the perfect amplifier.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Celine Men’s Spring Summer 2020
In a pitch black room just one spotlight is directed on one person only: Hedi Slimane, almost silently shaking hands to everyone who respectfully wanted to congratulate after his first Celine Menswear dedicated show. The surreal, almost religious atmosphere is the perfect mirror to the designer’s credo: a creative mind far from any compromises.
Hedi Slimane’s multifaceted imagination created also the set design, a mobile squared box covered with theatre-like red velvet curtain to reveal a structure made of metal and beaming lights. A stage-throne where the first model seated till the humongous mechanism approached slowly the centre of the catwalk.
The collection expressed one of Hedi Slimane’s favourite references: the 70s, the disco culture of the time. High waste flared denim, sequins jackets, short black leather perfecto, red or gold varsity jackets. But also tailored slim suits in dark brown, khaki, black and at time – see the first look - reminiscent of Savile Row.
It felt almost as if we just were walking out of a student protest of the time. The rebellious and nonconformist attitude in the air: sentences written by artist David Cramer and printed on t-shirts, bomber, bags added up: “I still don’t know if this is getting me anywhere” or “I have nostalgia for things I have probably never known”.
Kramer, an American artist working with words and building them together in form of slogans as part of his mostly figurative paintings and graphic drawings, collaborated for the first time with Slimane. There is a strong 70s research in Kramer’s work, with a confronting nostalgic humour.
Hedi Slimane’s rock and roll “i-don’t-care” looks marched at the rhythm of Bodega’s original track “Name Escape” composed for the show.
www.celine.com
Art
Cindy Sherman at the National Portrait Gallery
Without any doubt, Cindy Sherman is one of the most influential artists in contemporary art, with a career spanning from the mid-‘70s to the present. In her photographs, she explores artistic manipulation of self-appearance and photography’s complex relationship between façade and identity, which, in the world of social media, seems more relevant than ever.
In an eponymous exhibition, comprising around 180 of her images, the National Portrait Gallery presents a major retrospective on Cindy Sherman’s career. Central to the exhibition is the critically acclaimed series, Untitled Film Stills, which is shown to the UK public for the first time. This series, realized between 1977 and 1980, is Cindy Sherman’s first artistic work, commenced shortly after her move to New York. In 70 images, whose overall flair is heavily inspired by the staged aesthetic of ‘50s and ‘60s Hollywood, as well as film noir and European art-house film, Sherman captures fictional situation, inspired by the conventions of yesterday’s cinema. Cindy Sherman truly was an image creator. She did not only assume the role as photographer, but also model, set designer and hair and makeup artist.
Through sharp observation, her work scrutinizes contemporary life and exposes it as a world of pure appearance, denouncing all its facades and deceptions.
The exhibition Cindy Sherman will be open to the public from 27 June to 15 September at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
www.npg.org.uk
Art
Fondation Louis Vuitton: Charlotte Perriand
Charlotte Perriand was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century design. This truly visionary woman stands at the origins of a distinctly modern art de vivre, whilst at the same time helping to redefine the relationships between the arts themselves. Her work was a reaction to the shifting social and political climate of the time, embodying the transition from outdated traditions of the 19th century to the 20th century’s urban living.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of her passing, the Fondation Louis Vuitton dedicates a major exhibition to her forward-facing work. They explore her impact on modernity and her perception of a ‘synthesis of the arts’, a link between the different disciplines and the influences they share. The Foundation consecrates all of its ten galleries to invite its guests to a journey through the 20th century, in the company of a truly pioneering artist.
Each of the different galleries recognizes one aspect of her broad range of work, spanning from her contributions to design and architecture to her political engagement. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the roots of modernity thanks to meticulously researched and faith reconstitutions.
The exhibition is open to the public from October 2nd, 2019 to February 24th, 2020 at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr
Fashion
In-Store Presentation: Prada Spring/Summer 2020
For the first time, Italian house Prada decided to stage their SS20 Menswear runway show outside of Italy. Earlier this year, the collection was unveiled on Shanghai’s catwalk. As it is impossible for an Italian house of Prada’s magnitude to just skip Italy’s Fashion Week, they invited for an in-store presentation of the collection in Milan.
The collection itself once again proved Miuccia Prada’s exceptional creativity. Exploring the aesthetics of youth whilst remodelling it in a modern spirirt. Prada explores the meaning of clothing whilst intentionally distancing herself from the notions of garments as classics. Classical items were adorned with pockets and pouches, challenging familiar forms, whilst manipulated proportions and clever layering evoke a hint of rebellion against the norm. The remixed Prada logo, prints of casette tapes and video cameras and the characteristically vibrant color palette finish the retro-futuristic aesthetic and prove the ever-changing nature of the house.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2020
Armani’s influence on men’s style and suiting is as undeniable as it is legendary. After leading tailoring into a more relaxed direction in the 1980s, Mr. Armani once again proves his connection to the contemporary. With his Emporio SS20, Armani infuses traditional tailoring with the recent fluid attitude to dressing and a modern component of athleticism.
The result is a collection defined by the lightness of materials and a fluid, almost feminine silhouette. The almost weightless combination of crinkly materials and brightly colored, cellophane shiny materials is reminiscent of ‘90s athletic attire and underlines the internal dialogue between formal classic patterns and the world of sports.
The athletic spirit of the shows extends itself to the accessories that round of the presentation. Modern cross-body bags, backpacks and belt-wallet hybrids in punchy shades, as well as sneakers, are elevated as fitting finishes for the refined athletic looks envisioned by Armani. The finale of the show was Italian Olympic and Paralympic athletes celebrating Armani’s close relationship with Italian sports, as the official supplier of Team Italy for all Olympic competitions.
www.armani.com
Fashion
FENDI Resort 2020
In a way, the new Resort 2020 collection represented a turn of the page for the Roman house. After a tenure of almost half a decade, this was the first presentation of FENDI that was not designed under the guidance of Karl Lagerfeld.
Nevertheless FENDI is moving forward, staying true to the DNA that Lagerfeld has established for the house. Silvia Venturini Fendi, who has worked alongside Lagerfeld all her career, seamlessly continues the brand’s celebration of strong femininity. Inspired by the ‘80s thriller movie Gloria, Silvia Venturini Fendi presents beautifully constructed clothes, defined by softening shapes that radiate a hint of Seventies bourgeois refinement, alongside a hyper femininity highlighted through mannish details of tailoring.
As expected from a house like FENDI, throughout the collection, only exclusive materials are used alongside fine furs, in subtle combination with the houses signatures; the Pequin logo-no-logo stripes, Karligraphy and the traditional FF monogram. To round off their retro-elegant look, FENDI unveils new interpretations of the iconic Peekaboo and Baguette, alongside an archive-inspired tote design and structured chained bag.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Stone Island FW 19/20 Icon Imagery
After the opening of its new flagship store in Milan just last month, Stone Island and its Creative Director Carlo Rivetti are shifting the focus back on their garments by presenting the Fall/Winter 2019 Icon Imagery collection. Reminiscent of its predecessors, the assortment is all about color.
Many of the garments of the upcoming seasonal range are made in a variety of colors: from bright orange to neon green, from blue to grey and from black to white. A visual novelty and highlight is the use of a new special camo-styled fabric in Fall-friendly hues, rounding off the vast selection of outerwear garments of the Italian company. Behind the eye-catching vibrant aesthetic, Stone Island keeps up with signature detail of all its collections, the refinement and care in the materials.
Alongside the mainline and reflective pieces, such as new takes on the classic nylon metal jackets and a multi-colored parka, Stone Island allows us a sneak peek at the new monochromatic Ghost range, including a uniquely paneled bomber with an asymmetrical opening.
www.stoneisland.com
Fashion
Anatomy of Romance
It is not unusual for a collection to take a year from being unveiled on the catwalk until being available to the customers in store. As the focus is already shifting towards next year’s seasons, brands capture our attention by reviving and readapting the spectacle of their catwalk shows in elaborate advertising campaigns.
Italian brand Prada captures the spirit of the Fall/Winter 2019 men’s and women’s collections by exploring the ideas and ideals of romance as human emotion and an artistic movement. Photographed by Willy Vanderperre, the campaign’s tender imagery, under the title Anatomy of Romance, evokes a romantic atmosphere through the surroundings and the figures within.
In a modern romantic metaphor, Prada investigates the complex co-existence of men and women as well as the wild natural and the urban industrial. The panoramas display different figures of the diverse and multifaceted cast, including new faces and established talents, in intriguing moments of intimacy, allowing endless interpretations of their entwined destinies. Anatomy of Romance is an extension of the designer’s aesthetic vision, created for a modern romance, for modern romantics.
www.prada.com
Fashion
COACH Pre-Spring 2020
No other city in the world has had the same cultural impact than New York City. Constantly evolving, the city has left a mark not only in its eight million inhabitants but every single person around the world. We have all seen countless movies and TV shows taking place in New York and share a certain familiarity with the city.
Creative director Stuart Vevers takes inspiration in cinema’s constructed representation of New York, which interweaves reality with fiction. Especially Whit Stillman’s 1990 Metropolitan has influenced the designer’s approach to design. His Coach Resort 2020 collection is refreshingly urban with a hint of toughness, combining preppy origins with a certain downtown attitude.
Vevers unveils his reimagined version of the Coach heritage. Reminiscent of the Nineties, with a Seventies-inspired earthy color palette, the collection shows his personal take on what a vintage piece of Coach might look like. The revisionist picture is merging modern tendencies with their archives, whilst reenergizing the horse-and-carriage emblem. The iconic logo evolves into a pattern, repeating itself throughout the whole collection. The created pattern feels fresh imbued with a distinct old-school feel, playing on notions of heritage and the contemporary craze for brands and logos.
www.coach.com
Fashion
New Outdoor Label by Woolrich
The phenomenon of Ametora, meaning American tradition, first landed on Japan's shores as early as the 1980s with the arrival of the East Coast Ivy League style. At first, only referring to Ivy, this phenomenon swept over the Japanese islands time and time again, always bringing along another American style, from California surfer to hip-hop style.
Historic American brand Woolrich writes the next chapter in this Japanese-American exchange with the unveiling of its New Outdoor Label. In cooperation with renowned Japanese outdoor brand Goldwin, Woolrich redefines and replaces their iconic American outdoor line. Inspired by a new notion of balance between humanity and nature, the design team unveils a subtle 80's and 90's throwback sports concept, defined by functionality and minimalism, comprising a number reimagined staples, among others parkas, jackets and vests. The principally neutral color palette, at times adorned with hues of sunrise and sunset, as well as water and sky-blue, blends perfectly with a variety of backdrops, from the peaceful nature of forest to the busy city life.
The collection will be available in Woolrich stores and online.
www.woolrich.com
Fashion
Jet-A-Porter
Summer starts early this year, as Italian retail group Net-A-Porter invites its guests for a getaway in the Greek sun. For three days, designers, models, influencers and friends of the brand alike come together at the Amanzone Resort Villas to celebrate the warmest season in all its facets.
Over three days, Net-A-Porter, in partnership with Zimmerman, Chopard and Sisley-Paris, offered their invitees extraordinary entertainment, tailored exclusively to highlight the spectacular Grecian landscape. In this breathtakingly beautiful setting, it was the guests that stole the show, bringing to life all the aspects of high summer fashion, from essentials for pool or beachside to cocktail attire and partywear.
To complete the looks, Chopard made available a selection of limited-edition jewels, which were worn by some of the guests throughout the week. In addition to this, the guests were invited to the Jet-A-Porter Vacation Shop villa. Here, an exclusive curated collection of high summer essentials, featuring brands such as Zimmerman, Aquazarra and Wandler awaited the guests. This summer,
Net-A-Porter unveils the Jet-A-Porter vacation shop, revealing a complete curated summer selection ideal for a summer city break or beach vacation.
In the meantime you can shop the pieces at www.net-a-porter.com
Art
Exhibition Brigitte Waldach
German artist Brigitte Waldach has gained national and international reputation over the last few years due to her large format drawings and installations. She creates pieces that exceed the two-dimensional canvas, combining bands and strings, drawings, sounds and text into a multi-sensual experience. The installation EXISTENZ, making use of the interplay of bands and strings, creates an interconnection between her works and elevates them to a new dimension.
Famous for her work on existential and sociopolitical subjects, the dynamic tangle of strings represent the relations between time and space, life and death as well as individuality and collective. Having found inspiration in the thinking and work of Felix Nussbaum, his presence and words become ever-present, at times through personal words or letters or through reference to key moments in his life, so closely tied with fate of the German Jewish community in the 20th century.
The exhibition showcases the artist’s combination of notions of the past and present with biographical components. The exhibition is open until the 10th of November in the Felix-Nussbaum-Haus in Osnarbrück.
Fashion
Dunhill Aquarium Limited Edition Capsule Collection
London-based house Dunhill looks back into its past and rediscovers a series of hand-painted illustrations first introduced with the Aquarium lighters in 1949. They received their name, due the material's optical reflection of the light, giving them the appearance of a large fish tank. These intricate nature-inspired motifs of fish and birds, were re-contexualised and reimagined as prints for a series of modern pieces, such as bombers, swim short or sneakers.
As expressed by Mark Weston, the whole collection expresses a certain tension in parts due to the old reinterpreted in new forms, the ageing motifs with a newfound relevance, so as the Art deco inspired motifs on hand-painted lighters become fabric prints for items such as belt bag.
Despite the new polished format of these prints, Dunhill keeps in touch with their origins. Aside the summery capsule collections of modern clothes, they also feature an exclusive revamp of the original lighter, using the same traditional methods and a exquisite palladium or gold plated finish. This very limited edition only consists of 15 lighters per colorway, each individually engraved and numbered.
www.dunhill.com
Art
The cure
Entitled THE CURE (HEAVENLY PIE(A)CES), the new Richard Yasmine collection is an assortment of unconventional, serene yet hypnotizing white on white blended set up. For Yasmine, the concept is always the focus. Conceived as an experimental installation, THE CURE reads as an interpretation of our inner spiritual substance with a deep therapeutic message associated with the notion of time and the philosophy of karma with its idea of renaissance after each failure moment creating an influential emotional charge reflecting forgiveness and self-reconciliation. Yasmine’s collection is made of white powder coated aluminum structures combined with other materials such as brass, neo-cement, suede, Carrara marble and couture handmade embroidery with beads pearls and silk. It includes an armchair, a pendulum clock and a wall mounted lighting fixture. Each piece has a special significance related to the theme, Yasmine explains: “The armchair’s back is in a Headstone silhouette with a message of destiny and regeneration. The pendulum clock corresponds to time and how to catch the moment before it’s too late, yet it shows there is always brightness and hope at the end of the darkness. Third element is a wall-mounted light represented by a halo or an aureole with rays of light in a circular shape symbolizing the majesty or prominence of the soul.”
www.richardyasmine.com
Fashion
#MYCALVINS
Calvin Klein launches their new #MYTRUTH campaign, creating an additional stage for some of the most influential voices to tell their story in their own words while inviting the world to do the same. A campaign that fits the brands’ provoke history and celebrates freedom and self-expression. The campaign is a call to action to speak your mind, creating a movement with artists like A$AP Rocky, Bella Hadid, Billie Eilish, Kendell Jenner, Shawn Mendes, Troye Sivan and many others. The campaign will be released worldwide in installments beginning on May 9th #MYTRUTH #MYCALVINS
Art
Exhibition ‘Into the Light’
SR CONTERMPORARY ART Gallery opens its new exhibition for the Gallery Weekend in Berlin. The exhibition features the work of portrait and fashion photographer Tom Jacobi, who travelled two years over seven continents to capture archaic landscapes that are dominated by brightness.
Into the Light symbolises the striving towards light from out the darkness, in search for the meaning of life, gazing up towards the sun that fills with the brightest of all colors: white. White occupies a particular position in the spectrum of colors and has an essential influence and meaning in the exhibition and how the color is interpreted in different societies and cultures.
The exhibition will run from the 11th of April to the 20th of May at SR CONTEMPORARY ART.
Niebuhrstraße 11A, 10629 Berlin, Deutschland
www.srcontemporaryart.de
Fashion
Summer Scents from Louis Vuitton
The maison of Louis Vuitton launches three new scents on April 4th 2019, just in the nick of time for the first burst of summer weather. With a triptych of pop colors and the scent of summer optimism, these eaux de parfums announce and prolong that spirit of summer that is so often tragically fleeting. Conjuring up sizzling patios scattered with cacti, beaches etched in foam and the one-of-a-kind California landscape, it unleashes a sense of freedom and passion notorious of the West Coast. Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud has concocted a formula bodied with airness that lingers on the skin, ensuring that permanence so yearned for on endless summer nights.
The inherent natural properties are brought to the fore, the perfumes consisting of the rarest and rawest of materials. Sun Song’s prominent note is Citron, sealing the following scents together. An olfactive melody of orange blossom, citron and musk evokes rays of sunlight reflected off of the sea surface. Cactus Garden is a frisson of emotion introducing more bitter notes of Calabrian bergamot combined with the traditional mate and lemongrass. This powerful aroma injects a certain energy associated with lounging on the patio, recovering sheltered from the heat. The final scent is Afternoon Swim, an explosion of juice. Rejuvenating and magnetic; the profound mandarin note emits a distinct freshness. The sprinkle of ginger allows it to set sail, then is pulled back again for savoring through the creamy ambergris and orange.
Los Angeles native artist Alex Israel designed the packaging for the respective scents, pairing emblematic artwork with the spirit of the fragrance to appropriately capture each scent.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Karl's Winter Wonderland
Snow capped peaks and cosy chalets welcome the CHANEL Fall-Winter Ready-to-Wear collection at the Grand Palais in Paris. This metamorphosis envisioned by the late Karl Lagerfeld with Virginie Viard makes for an romantic, emotional event, fondly and fittingly exhibiting everything about the brand that Karl so loved and fought for.
Radiating elegance and class, the collection is quintessentially CHANEL, silhouettes are accentuated with both the masculine and feminine cuts in a palette of clean winter whites, beige, navy blue and black, the perfect foundational coat for the flashes of emerald, purple, brick reds and fuchsia.
Tweed fedoras are dusted with snowflakes, paired with tartan, houndstooth and big check motifs. Tweed is certainly a core fabric this collection, both top stitched and quilted, asserting its masculinity with high-waisted wide-cut trousers and layered with great enveloping mini capes and overcoats that warmly wrap the silhouette in a blanket like fashion. All motifs and small touches evoke the theme and setting. Soft knit pullovers and sweaters are detailed with crystals and maxi pockets that create a trompe-l’oeil effect.
Although confident and crisp, there is a distinct softness to the collection. White pearl earrings and knitted scarves in embroidered chiffon are just some of the details that emanate an air of sophistication. The feminine of course is unavoidable with floaty maxi volumes in Claudine collars and delicate shirts. Snowball skirts and chiffon feathers bring in a sense of modernity and youth.
Fashion
A New Intimate Approach in Femininity
Miu Miu’s Fall / Winter 2019 collection comprehends an interesting dialogue about the power of images produced through all sorts of new media. The show represents the dynamic creative work of New Zealand born artist, photographer and filmmaker Sharna Osborne. Her work is praised for the beautiful details that are often highlighted. Osborne created a physical space full of imagination and wonderment for this show. She used a personal selection of her work to create an innovative intimate approach to the contemporary standard of femininity.
The intriguing monumental hypostyle hall is filled with a jumbled array of giant prints, short video clips, old TV’s and LED-screens that produce a non linear visual overload of contrasting images and stories. Special and unique is that the installation is intrinsically connected with the collection itself. Both form a storytelling interaction by consisting an arrangement of frames, supports and structures that shape a chaotic and absorbing ensemble of divergent narratives.
The model path unfolds playfully through the hall and brings the installation with the models to life. The catwalk is a confrontational embodiment of images, opinion and language about fashion as an intimate extension to femininity.
www.miumiu.com
Fashion
Marine Serre Fall 2019-2020
It has been a very short time since her debut, but Marine Serre has already conquered the industry.
The cutting edge attitude and vision have come strong at the latest show during the second day of Paris Fashion Week.
If last season we witnessed the collection on a bridge in the 18th arrondissement, this season set was poles apart: a wine cellar in Paris’s outskirts that looked more like a bunker.
Marine Serre dives further into her fascinations about fashion challenged by the current global eco-war: up-cycling garments found anywhere has been one of her signature. This season she envisions a post apocalyptic time where humans strive to survive in an underworld made of infinite darkness, waiting for the right moment to resurface
Yumi Tamura’s “7 Seeds” series surely comes to mind: The earth will soon be devastated and we will all forced to live underground waiting centuries for the air to be breathable again.
Fluorescent catsuits with the signature crescent moon, flowing scarf–dresses (obviously up-cycled scarves) and coats with big furry collars, all reminiscent of night creatures. There were anti-pollution masks created in collaboration with French specialized brand R-Pur, but also beautifully Marie-Antoinette garments constructed with couture skills. The denim, the plaid checks up-cycled from picnic blankets.
Marine Serre is not just having a new vision but she is also a very skilled designer. She is creating a new credo and we are all already subscribing.
Fashion
Re interpreting Dior’s “New Look”
Each collection of Dior forms a new alchemy born of a confrontation between images, bodies, silhouettes and language. By reconnecting these elements over and over again, a new contemporary spirit emerges. It is a new gateway to reinventing the wealth and style codes that have made the Dior atelier so big.
Artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri went back to the 1950s and used the pioneering "New Look" as a new research object in combination with an feminine counterpoint: the Teddy Girls.
The teddy girls were brutal characters originated from Edwardian times and were at odds with everything that was the norm. The women were rebellious; they wore leather men's coats, velvet scarves, and large skirts. This counter reaction created a new female fashion perspective. Princess Margaret was at this time the leading icon of the trend by being one of the first who worn creations from Dior’s "New Look" line.
There is obviously a clear fascination with the mix of English classicism and subversion, elegance and rebellion that can also be seen in the exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, now at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The concept of the "New Look" has now been applied to extremely elegant sportswear. The collection is a tribute to the heritage of Dior equipped in the codes of our time. The iconic silhouette of the Miss Dior dress has been re-released and radiates artistic strength and grace. Evening dresses are made out of bodysuits and skirts with embroidery and transparent sequins are decorated with flowers in relief.
The collection contains more odes and references, such as a pal tree print (Toile de Jouy) that refers to artist Mario Schifano. You also recognize the literary work of the American feminist poet Robin Morgan with elements from Sisterhood Is Forever (2003). The scenography of the show is based on ABCs representing a woman made by the Italian artist Tomaso Binga.
The collection transcends the idea of gender and promotes the reinterpretations around identity discovery; an idea that has been supported by Dior for a long time already.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Balmain opened at Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris
The Rue Saint-Honoré located in the first arrondissement of Paris, near the Jardin des Tuileries has a long history with many different names and associations.
The Saint-Honoré has undergone an incredible transformation in these last years; the authentic historic buildings have been beautifully renovated and are now inhabited by the most luxurious brands. Balmain is one of them. The Parisian brand Balmain headed by artistic director Olivier Rousteng in collaboration with the architects of Studio AMV created a true residence for the brand.
This classic historical building breathes Balmain’s modern identity and will serve as a true style guide to the future residences with which the brand will eventually conquer the world. The 'house' of Balmain is a very idiosyncratic expression rooted within classical Parisian residential architecture. It contains ten specific living spaces; a garden, a living room, a boudoir etc. Each is decorated according to Balmain’s classical signature style.
This boutique reflects the idea of 'classics, with a modern outlook.' Rousteng further elaborates on the Balmain heritage by translating it into defiant contemporary expressions. The designs are classic, elegant silhouettes derived from the most luxurious contemporary materials and prints: a signature originated in Paris. The boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré is a homecoming, says Rousteng, it is the perfect complement to Balmain's historic address: 44 François Premier, where founder Pierre Balmain first opened the Balmain atelier almost 75 years ago.
www.balmain.com
Fashion
The Exploration of Masculinity and Femininity
Contrasts between two feelings, embodiments and extremes: masculinity and femininity is what this collection expresses. Lucie and Luke Meier explore the relational meeting of two extremes in order to arrive at harmony in the Jil Sander Fall / Winter Women's 2019 collection.
The feminine silhouette is expressed in softy formed knits with crocheted corsets, bustier dresses, and light silk and satin jackets. The male contrast is added by pure, sharp sculptural 3D shapes and geometric dresses and coats of generous volumes that seem to float lightly. The constructions in this collection are the main part of the aesthetic and contain wavy, dimensional structures. The finishes are sensitive and contain splits and stratifications.
Coarse fabrics symbolize masculinity but give a feminine reaction through the subtle treatment. Traditional couture techniques turn into Japanese fitting finishes to emphasize fragile body shapes. Cotton voiles, paper-like leather and silk crepe emphasize raw elegance.
Prints are characterized by birds, herons and swallows printed on the front or back of woven shirts or suede jackets. There is a clear balance between slimness and volume. The comfort can be found in soft pathways. The search for the harmony between masculinity and femininity is interspersed with a color palette of black, white and soft natural colors against bright colors.
Accessories are smooth and emphasize the relational contrasts. Shapes are broken, stretched and folded into indefinable corners. Shoes are delicate and executed in soft and hard silhouettes. Special are the leather socks and thin soles that give the feeling of primitiveness.
Fashion
High Octane Chic
Michael Kors, NY Fashion week Fall/Winter 2019
Cipriani Wall Street transformed for a moment into an old-school ballroom complete with herringbone floors, velvet curtains, disco balls and chandeliers and to finish the ambiance, traditional Studio 54 capsule designs were added. This collection was a real-time romantic dream that celebrated glamorous individual style. With Barry Manilow singing live ‘Copacabana’, better called the successor to Frank Sinatra, the show was a real flashback to one of the most sophisticated era’s of all time.
“The city was edgy and gritty but underneath it all there was energy, imagination and a sense of total freedom. It’s when the rules disappeared and a new kind of glamour emerged.”
Michael Kors reflected back on his first arrival in New York in 1977. It was a time of unprecedented possibilities that he wanted to seize again in this collection. If you do that, there is only one option; collaborate with the most famous nightclub of the 70’s and 80’s: Studio 54! The logo, the glitters and the distinctive characters of that time have been translated by Kors into surprising contemporary items. Here, Kors experienced the mix of style, energy and glamour on an entirely different level, which influenced him forever.
His collection is an ode to this magical time. That is why the collection does not contain any fashion rules or dress codes. The collection is about expressing your inner own extraordinary personality. Iconic supermodel and old muse Patti Hansen closed the show and is the ultimate embodiment of this approach.
www.michaelkors.com
Fashion
Movement and Color
What was once familiar is now unrecognisable. Coach’s house signature has been playfully dismantled and reassembled, rendering the familiar now unfamiliar, all courtesy of Coach’s creative director Stuart Vevers who premiered his Fall 2019 Men and Women’s collection at the American Stock Exchange in New York City.
A joyful collection, handmade from artisanal fabrics and quilts that are juxtaposed with bold and enhanced outerwear, offers a heightened sense of color, nature and emotion. Painting with both light and dark colours and all psychedelic prints in between, a mash-up between freedom and defiance unravels.
Movement and distortion are also key, kaleidoscopic print dresses cascade down the form gently trailing behind. Kaffe Fassett’s floral work stamps the collection, as do oceanic shades that instills a vibe of prismatic optimism.
Music
Groove producer FKJ
A new generation of pioneering musicians is taking over! Contemporary artists like Tash Sultana, Jordan Rakei and FKJ (French Kiwi Juice) conquer the world as solo multi-talents with niche productions that often enclose multiple genres. They are a DJ, a producer and an artist all at once and continually explore their horizons by entering into surprising collaborations mostly based on improvisation.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday, 27 year-old Vincent Venton (FKJ) from Tours, France gave two sold-out amazing one-man performances in Paradiso, Amsterdam. He can play almost every instrument both electric and acoustic with a focus on bass guitar, electric guitar, keyboard, saxophone, and he also has a modest jazzy voice. His oeuvre is influenced by electronic, rhythm and blues, soul, neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop, and even house. He already gave concerts at music festivals including EUPHORIA, CRSSD and Coachella.
FKJ seems to be in a very relaxed vibe during his performance. He does not talk or sing much; he just plays in a very sincere way. But when he sang live, it was more like he was talking, telling short stories. His keyboard and saxophone solos sounded like naturally improvised sessions that just aroused on the spot. FKJ recently jammed with fellow musician and producer Tom Misch at the Red Bull Studios in Berlin where “Losing My Way” got born. Last summer FKJ collaborated with Jamaican “traphousejazz producer” Micah Davis, better known as Masego (which means blessing in Tswana). “Tadow”was created, a piece of music that emerged from an undeniable shared chemistry.
Despite FKJ being alone, he looped his riffs and solos to give the illusion of a fully performing band of at least five members. While doing this, he mixed-in these earlier collaborations, giving the impression of Misch and Masego really being there. You also clearly hear that FKJ is touched and inspired by previous soul and jazz icons for example American R&B and disco singer Thelma Houston.
Making music is acting from the soul for FKJ. Rhythms are relatively simple and there is a lot of repetition, but the way in which all the layers flow into one another is the music of FKJ. Sit down, do not think about it, and do what feels right.
www.frenchkiwijuice.com
Fashion
Anne Imhof's New Work Exhibited at The Tate Modern for Ten Days
Frankfurt-based dynamic choreographer and visual performance artist Anne Imhof is revered for her utilisation of hyper physicality and incorporation of sound into her performances, often using unsettling rhythmic repetitions and sinister choral chants pumping out over a bass of static dissonance. She is known for her works Faust, Angst and a fascinating piece exploring human nature and control through the joining together of music and boxing in the Frankfurt Red Light District.
Common features of her work juxtapose the use of technology with stripped back Kafkaesque animalistic physicality. The dramatic 2016 piece Angst consisted of a segement with a drone stalking possessed, lifeless looking subjects dressed in non-specific attire who appear almost under the spell of the drone, miming along to loud vocal sounds in a pagan-like manner. Her provocative pieces blur the line between the performance activating audiences and actual active participation initiated from the audience whereby the performers’ traditional spatial limitations are violated and encroached upon. In the way that a painting is able to use perspective, Anne invites this component to her physical performance work, effectively weaving in various levels, angles and perspectives for the audience to observe the work from. Anne cites the abstractive stationary work of artists like Francis Bacon as central influences inspiring the subsequent physical development of her performance pieces. This was most utilised in Faust in Venice for which she was bestowed the prestigious Golden Lion award.
The direct impact of Anne’s work on the perceiver inevitably lulls them into an intense, dreamlike space removed from familiar reality, forcing us outside of our comfort zones and thrusting us into an atmospheric trance-like state, both simultaneously unsettling and invigorating.
Anne Imhof will be occupying the full suites of The Tate Modern’s Tanks with her single project combining music, paintings and sculptures over the course of ten days. This new piece will explore themes of technology, anxiety, proximity and identity and will take place in London from 22 March - 31 March 2019.
www.thetate.org.uk
Art
Existenz
The Nussbaum Haus, built by architect Daniel Libeskind, dedicated to artist Felix Nussbaum in Osnabrück presents the spatial drawing “Existenz” of artist Brigitte Waldach. The installation gives the spirit of German-Jewish surrealist painter Felix Nussbaum an unexpected rebirth. His art gives an artistic insight into the life of one individual among the victims of the Holocaust. He was that individual itself who lived for a long time in fear of Nazi terror, a fear that has always characterized his work.
Waldach's spatial drawing embodies the center of existence in a distorted cube. With frightened excerpts and thoughts in the background coming from letters written by Felix Nussbaum.
The space expresses the "Raum für Gegenwart", which means the room of existence. Every wall illustrates a component of existence. On the wall of the "brain" the star of David is portrayed. This immediately recalls the gruesome persecutions, but for millennia this “star” has represented a spiritual unity. Waldach emphasizes this idea with white and black lines that merge and mirror the visible and invisible world of a fearful life. Through it weaves a red thread that reflects the lifeline of Nussbaum. A line that indicates how the fate of a young Jewish artist led to atrocious persecution.
This artwork is an ode to Nussbaum, but at the same time it is also an analysis of the life cycle. The individual circle of life is characterized by the endless creation and passing of different stages of activity. Between birth and death we experience situations of departure, separation, isolation, doubt and the constant presence of existential fear. The course of a life is a line of actions and reactions that an individual experiences.
The exhibition can be seen until November 10, 2019.
www.waldach.com
www.libeskind.com
Fashion
Jil Sander Fall 2019 Mens
Jil Sander’s creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier are building their own aesthetic for Jil Sander, gradually adding elements to their aesthetical structure every season.
Take for instance the new campaign by Mario Sorrenti for Spring/Summer 2019, that emotional and authentic aesthetic rendered through a slice of life, a moment, a collection of memories of a road trip to the Japanese coast. Delicate instants, small gestures.
Held at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, with its wonderful Salon D’Honeur’s ceiling décor from the XIV century featuring a heavenly sky with cherubim, Jil Sander Menswear for Fall 2019 add another element to the brand: the modern and minimal aesthetic made of boxy silhouettes, a classic color palette - featuring ice grey, off-white, camel, beautiful cream tones, navy, burgundy - and razor sharp cuts.
The collection emanated bits of the codes dear to the iconic identity of Mrs Jil Sander herself in the 90s: a cool elegance far from stiff formalwear. Functional, free-spirit.
A particular attention was given to outwear often paired with color matching trousers: the opening navy mackintosh, the calfskin pieces cut and treated like oversized shirts. But also to a certain dualism of materials and textures like the patchwork sweater worn over fluid silk shirt.
It was a smart and appealing collection we are definitely looking forward to see in store.
www.jilsander.com
Fashion
Dunhill Fall 2019
Since 2017 with a renewed team where Andrew Maag and Mark Weston are respectively CEO and Creative Director both previously at Burberry, a new wave has been building up into the brand.
Dunhill started as a motoring accessories brand, and in the late ‘60s moved to the tobacco business, standing for a strong masculinity.
For Fall 2019 Weston continued working on those elements started already since his first season at Dunhill: leather, beautifully declined in the outwear. A brown marbled print was declined in shirt and bags creating a vibrant variation.
Pants were wide and fluid, slashing a relaxed and modern style with slits at their long swiping floor hems: it is a nice continuation from the previous Summer season providing a new code for the brand.
Dunhill for Fall 2019 was convincing and appealing. We are looking forward to seeing the growth of the brand’s new course.
www.dunhill.com
Fashion
Dries Van Noten Fall 2019 Mens
The sound of cicadas, and summer breeze. A warm male voice starts talking in Italian: “According to Proust the only true paradise is a paradise lost. It is a famous quote. But I dare to add that there might exist paradises even more appealing than the lost ones: the ones we never lived, the places and the adventures we barely see afar, not at our back like the lost paradise filling us with nostalgia but in front of us, in a future that maybe as a dream coming true we can finally reach... Maybe the we really stop being young when we miss and love only the paradise lost”. It’s no other than Marcello Mastroianni’s voice in his “Mi ricordo, si io mi ricordo”, filmed in September 1996 in Portugal with a small troupe of close friends . A collection of memories, reflections around his life and the human nature itself.
For his Fall 2019 Menswear ‘s soundtrack Dries Van Noten choose these words together with fragments of other notable man who inspires him since the beginning: John Lennon, David Hockney, David Bowie, amongst the others.
As Mastroianni’s words are an ode to youth and a spur to life the fullest, Dries Van Noten addressed his elegant collection to a younger audience, striving to live free from stereotypes: beautifully floating boxy suits are styled with quilted scarves wrapped around them rendering them an appealing staple for the young client, far from streetwear. Oversized double-breasted blazers are presented next to hourglass silhouettes, belted jackets - at times in leather - suits. A splash of colourful tie-dye prints on coats, shirts and sweaters provided that nonchalant playful personality Dries is known for. David Bowie melancholy echoed in the finale “For we're creatures of the wind. And wild is the wind”
www.driesvannoten.be
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Fall 2019 Mens
When the day before the show we all found a white sparkly sequined glove as show invitation it was clear Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton second collection was going to recall his hero and inspiration through childhood: the iconic character who become a worldwide legend and still is after his sudden death 10 years ago, Michael Jackson.
When entering the show venue in the Tuileries gardens we saw a complete set as out from “Billie Jean” video: a New York sidewalk imbued with the atmosphere from those years when the King of Pop was at the peak of its growing fame. As the show started an original soundtrack, “You Know What’s Good” composed by Devonté Hynes aka BLOOD ORANGE was performed life along with his musicians. It was an intimate moment more than a loud one. It collected all Virgil’s sentiments: the unity for humanity he advocate, the extraordinary Michael Jackson coming of age sentiments, and all that Abloh’s own childhood inspirations as young boy.
Amidst this slice of life moment when the models walked artist Futura performed a live graffiti. Some of the guests were seated as if they were part of the stage, just on a sidewalk as if it was an ordinary evening.
And there it came, the Abloh of new modern clothing codes (carefully explained in his “Vocabulary” as show notes): suits layered in stone and pearl heather grey wool gradation with fluid wide trousers, the puffa over them, the camel outfits with padded details, the declination of flags in the last looks, the very gender neutral elements like the floor swiping plissé wrap skirt. But also of course more direct references to Jackson’ wardrobe: the sequined tour bomber, the gloves, the silk pyjama that model Alton Mason worn and turned into a performing costume for his continuous back-flips on the catwalk.
There are so many layers around Abloh aesthetic that we can’t wait to discover as part of the new Vuitton’s heritage for the years to come.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
90’s Maverick Individualism
The Parisian brand Givenchy chose this season to present a new vision characterized by contrasts and eclectic tones. This look finds its roots in 90's maverick; an attitude that is represented by personal color-blocked suits with special embellished pieces in embroidered leather.
Artistic director Clare Waight Keller introduced a new way of creating in this collection by playing with different volumes, and mixing lean lines with loose and oversized pieces. The mix of bright colors interspersed with formal shades gives a dynamic, surprising feeling to the classical Givenchy textures. Casual pieces have been given a luxurious couture finish with edgy materials such as pallets, down and móire, which will give the traditional Givenchy man a new spirit to his elegant appearance. Experimental forms such as three-headed monk shoes are alternated with mid-calf shoes. Also thick platform shoes from the Givenchy pre-fall collection, together with the higher biker boots, the talisman charms and the seal rings are still Givenchy's leading niche.
Style codes dualate on each other's borders but still express the elegant Parisian spirit. Givenchy chose to display the collection in the Palais Brongniart, The Paris Bourse Stock Market built on request by Napoleon. The allegorical statues and majestic peristyle give a playful edgy perspective against the maverick attitude of Givenchy’s collection.
www.givenchy.com
Fashion
Imaginative, Quirky Couture
Odély Teboul has moved on from her days as part of the design duo Augustin Teboul. During the FW19 showcases at Berlin Fashion Week she presented the designs of her own label, Lou de Bètoly. Following stints at Vogue Salon this was her first major showcase on her own. The label had already gained traction this past year with pop star SZA or it-girl Delilah Belle Hamlin wearing Odély Teboul's designs last year. Each one of her designs is handmade using couture techniques and features strange details that con only be produced by wild imagination. In a city that never really conforms or grows up, these quirky looks work.
This ethno-dada draws from her childhood in the 90s and seems deliberately narrated from a child's point of view paired with a bit naïvety. And everything is blurred. We see a shirt with balloons and crocheted cords that could've been stolen from her father's closet. Or a denim jacket, which is covered all over with small hand puppets. And those alluring 1920s that Odeeh found inspiration in, also played into the Lou de Bètoly A/W 19-20 collection with the understanding of the "decadence and nonchalance" of the decade. One great example of this are the extra-long gloves made of neon hair ties.
www.loudebetoly.com
Fashion
Fendi’s Fall/Winter Collection Captures Classic Italian Style with a Contemporary Twist
In Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2019 Menswear line, Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini pay homage to the classicism of Italian street style, drawing influences from more modish urbanwear and employing traditional tailoring in a contemporary fashion. The collection is a full demonstration of Lagerfeld’s hand and encyclopedic knowledge of menswear, seeping with clean and timeless style.
Fendi achieves the fine balance between venerating the distinctive staples of the brand whilst subverting the notion that tailoring is characterised by clean cut, stark symmetry. Beautifully fabricated sleek a-line jackets with sharp shoulder cuts, flared trousers softly secured around the waist, leathers and furs feature are all expected features however the bags and accessories are perhaps the most notable feature in the collection, creatively devised and expertly crafted.
The dynamism of featuring asymmetrical half-half jackets and overlayers reminds us that this formula is available for adaption. The integration of bold, intrepid urban staples such as oversized anoraks and quilted puffer jackets stitched with colourful inner linings excite the collection with a freshness that never oversteps into the core essence of Fendi.
The collection loyally adheres to palettes of sharp blacks, metallic sheens and classic neutrals focussing on rich chocolates, nutty browns and creamy whites. The occasional dash of bold reds, yellows and oranges seen in the sleek footwear trimmings is a clever, understated touch that adds a subtle flair of zest and contemporary edge to the collection.
www.fendi.com
Art
Posthumous Exhibition in London and Paris Celebrating the Life and Work of Franz West
Franz West is widely known and revered for his 40-year career that features notable highlights such as his series of Adaptives in the 1970s, his Lemur-Heads scattered around Vienna as well as his use of unconventional materials in building furniture and his famously colourful work with paper mache.
Franz’s work requires us to take his hand and accept his invitation to actively engage with the art. For Franz, the meaning is not some ungraspable, floating figment in the ether. Rather the meaning is what we decide to grant to it and is the various experiences that are evoked upon our direct, personal interaction with the given piece. It is precisely this mirroring of the external that makes Franz’s work so inclusionary and what absolves him from any dangerous accusations of elitism or pretention. We are the essential, necessary final piece of the puzzle. Our realisations, our relationship and our connection with the pieces are paramount and take priority focus – how we respond, what we evoke, what we discover.
Franz is renowned for his light-hearted, open, playful and at times humorous quality paired with an underlying deeply introspective and subtly philosophical approach, driven largely by an understanding and respect of the free man to enjoy leisure and not always be so as Franz himself put it ‘deadly earnest.’
Vivacious, vibrant and interactive, this exhibition invites us to celebrate the extraordinary life and lively work of Franz West – to touch, to wear, to handle and to open yourself up to a rare and inclusionary experience of art as you have never had before.
The multi-faceted Austrian artist Franz West’s life and work (1947-2012) is posthumously celebrated as part of a major exhibition taking place at The Tate Modern, London and the Centre Pompidou, Paris from the 20th February to the 2nd June 2019.
www.tate.org.uk
Fashion
Giorgio Armani x SANG WOO KIM
Artist first, model second, Sang Woo Kim has collaborated with Giorgio Armani on a special digital project — to creatively interpret FW18 from behind the scenes.
Born in Seoul, raised in London, Kim studied in and dropped out of London’s finest schools. Fine art is his first love, where his instinct began to drive his inspiration. Sang Woo translates literally to: each other, helping. While discovering his own identity through art Kim’s confidence sky-rocketed as his peers began to dress and shoot him for their personal projects — as a result of helping others, he found himself.
Through this collaboration, I wanted to capture and transmit with my photos this shared feeling of romance, masculine sensitivity, and elegance, and in a completely uncontrived way; thus staying true to the vision of Mr. Armani.
With the decadent, stark and supreme Armani/Teatro space as his stage, Kim gently opens the curtain on the wonderful world beyond. Marvelous boots, stunning mitts, and cheekbones galore Kim’s contemporary flair fills the pages with a human vulnerability so vivid and honest — successfully curating the theatre of Giorgio Armani with his artistry and vision.
www.armani.com
Fashion
Rick Owens Spring Summer 2019
A humongous burning pyre in the shape as a conic towers standing in the middle of miroir de l’eau of Palais de Tokyo. Rick Owens Spring Summer 2019 felt beautifully unsettling. It was inspired by the biblical Babel Tower and the architectural Tallin’s tower as mentioned in the show notes. Architectural as the clothes envisioned by the designer with intricate layered structures that at times seemed as out of Russian constructivism illustration.
Draped, twisted, tore. This is Rick Owens in its purest form. The intrinsically constructed cut-out leather dresses and capes together with more fluid signature’s pieces carefully composed the images of a procession in name of – as Owens addressed himself – a better world in spite of the dark times. Some of the models carried torches: high priestess, but also soldiers with a menacing armoire and fragile new adepts. It is the ceremony-like ritual that bonds together societies according his words during FW2017 show. Also this season it all felt into place. Owens’ dark vision nevertheless felt beautifully auspicious amongst the sea of current uninspiring fashion gestures.
www.rickowens.eu
Fashion
Stone Island launches Iridescent Tela Collection
Stone Island is a brand that lives to explore — their military logo symbolizes love for the sea and constant search, discovery is in their blood. This penchant for discovery has led Stone Island on a quest for innovation.
During the embryonic phase, before their inception into the fashion world, the company worked with a new fabric: ‘Tela Stella’ — a cloth with different colors on each side that was to be used to make tarpaulins for trucks. This heavy-duty material later took life as seven utilitarian coats, and became a benchmark for Stone Island’s creativity.
Now, the desire for continual experimentation has given life to the Iridescent Coating Tela collection. Iridescent nylon bonded to a golden pink polyurethane film fuses with Reflex Mat: a reflective nylon canvas with a matte coating made with thousands of glass microspheres to create six intergalactic garments. The collection is availble now.
Check out the preview here or on the brand’s website.
www.stoneisland.com
Travel
Introducing BMW's iNext
Touch entry, touch seating, touch steering, lights on lights, touch on touch, screens on screens. This is the automobile of the future. Your favorite place on wheels - BMW’s Vision iNext - is a dramatic, awe-inspiring SAV (Sports activity vehicle), synonymous with pioneering spirit built to deconstruct dogmas. The iNext is a divisive innovation that reaches further than expectations can begin to fathom.
To cast an eye upon BMW’s latest creation will only begin to scratch the surface. However, this is the best place to start. The meticulous exterior harmonizes precision design. Every single line is conscious and purposeful. The wheels look as though they have escaped from Area 51 at their own free will, while the interlinked double-kidney grille evokes authority through clearly sculpted form and surfaces. Even the paintwork traveled back in time, the Liquid Greyrose Copper exterior changes in shade and humidity injecting the vehicle with a charismatic flair.
A gentle swipe, where one would imagine a handle to exist, triggers a crisp opening. The world beyond beckons. Every object is designed as if it were a single piece of furniture, reminiscent of your living room. For BMW’s vision, the question was, how to gain time to live. The result is an utterly human car, released from everything. The evocative nude tones marry seamlessly with warm green turquoise micro-fiber, lined with purple jacquard, a traditional method that finds itself a place in the new world.
The grace and splendor of the iNext alone are astounding, yet there is more. Shy technology. Shy tech abolishes physical controls from the entire cabin and replaces them with a gesture control system that is both intuitive and natural. The simple task of outlining a music symbol on the fabric of the rear seat allows passengers to take control of the vehicles audio, yet another step toward an autonomous future.
The iNext will not be an entirely autonomous automobile and will instead promise two driving modes, Boost and Ease. Boost is the human interaction and Ease being the control of the vehicle itself. For now, the real-world driving experience is thin on the ground. Clearly, the truth that we can’t predict the future will not stop us from trying.
www.bmw.com
Fashion
Highlights from London Fashion Week
Victoria Beckham Spring 2019
Spring 2019 is a collection of growth to mark an iconic decade for Victoria Beckham. A decade in which Victoria has blossomed into an empowering stalwart of the fashion industy.
“What we did was celebrate being different. We showed it was okay to be who you are,”- Beckham said. “And that’s what this is about—empowering women through fashion. All women are different, and there’s something for everybody.”
www.victoriabeckham.com
JW Anderson Spring 2019
JW Andersons’ Spring 2019 collection blazed a trail of bohemian femininity displaying infinite craft. Anderson composed a fluid collection that recognizes the elaborate as refined.
“I wanted something a bit more bohemian. A celebration of fashion. Everything with fluidity to it, and patch-worked, somehow,”- explained Jonathan Anderson.
www.j-w-anderson.com
Simone Rocha Spring 2019
Simone Rocha exhibited a cultured and sophisticated collection featuring tang dynasty prints and hand drawn faces. A romantic tribute to religious rituals surrounding births, weddings and funerals which bring extended family together.
www.simonerocha.com
Fashion
Highlights from New York Fashion Week
Escada Spring 2019
The quiet presence of Escade erupted at the Park Avenue Armory. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the German women’s-wear brand, new creative director Niall Sloan looked to ignite the new corporate power women with loud jockey inspired color blocking.
www.escada.com
Tom Ford Spring 2019
Tom Ford used New York Fashion week to return to his classical past, a class that oozes sex appeal, sensuality and luxury. The Tom Ford Spring 2019 collection maintains a strict palette of black, white, gray and nudes drawing from the sensual warmth of humanity we so often crave.
www.tomford.com
Fashion
REFLECTIONS: dunhill FW18 Campaign
Life is made of details, those little gestures that day by day build up our personality. For dunhill, accessories function exactly to define a precise sense of uniqueness, which in turns comes out from a variety of multifaceted aspects that literally mirrors the brand's DNA. This is the philosophy unveiling the British tailoring label's Autumn Winter 2018 campaign — the second season under new creative director Mark Weston — centering around the visual metaphor of "reflections".
Elegantly shot by photographer Jack Webb in the streets and through the glass fronted buildings of Mayfair in London, the pictures present the firm beauty of model Clement Chabernaud. Layered outerwear pieces and traditional cashmere coats nonchalantly speak for British masculine elegance, while leather goods underline the always contemporary yet timeless language of the brand.
www.dunhill.com
Fashion
FAMILY PORTRAIT: Kim Kardashian with her mother and daughter in FENDI campaign
In the year of the 10th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Peekaboo bag, Italian fashion house FENDI invited American reality-star Kim Kardashian, her mother Chris Jenner and 5 years old North West to take part in new campaing. Shooting took place in sunny Los Angeles. The main theme of campaign — family values and women with a bright personality.
Following the first chapter, a video and image campaign featuring Silvia Venturini Fendi, FENDI Creative Director for Accessories, Menswear and Kidswear and her daughters Delfina Delettrez Fendi and Leonetta Luciano Fendi, this one now focuses on five international couples of women. This time Italian famous brand decided to show the family portrait of the Kardashian clan.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton x FIFA World Cup 2018 Collection
French multinational luxury brand Louis Vuitton announced about holding an auction on July 12 at charity gala dinner.
The event has been organized by Russian famous supermodel Natalia Vodianova and music producer Yana Rudkovskaya. It is a part of the Year of Culture Qatar-Russia 2018. It will be supported by Qatar Tourism Authority and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy 2022, in aid of Naked Heart Foundation, helping children with special needs.
Each of the 13 match balls inside this remarkable Louis Vuitton trunk, redited by adidas, will be singned by former FIFA World Cup winners of 1970 to 2018 editions.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
FENDI x RIMOWA
LVMH iconic brands Fendi and Rimowa renovate their partnership, introducing two new versions in blue and red for their one-of-a-kind cabin trolley.
Honouring the companies pioneering heritage as well as celebrating the completely new Rimowa visual identity, the very modern suitcase stands out for a sophisticated design and materials.
On the one hand the aluminum equipped with an innovative Multi-wheel system and the individually adjustable Flex-Divider system confirm the modern language of Rimowa, On the other hand, the use of Cuoio Romano leather and the elegant neoprene lining with a black-on-black embossed “FF” logo thoroughly glorify the timelessness of Fendi.
The cabin trolley is available in selected FENDI and RIMOWA stores, on fendi.com and rimowa.com as of June 18, 2018.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
A double soul – Fendi Summer 2019
The performing collection presented by Fendi for Summer 2019 is nothing but a provoking anagram. FENDI/FIEND.ROMA/AMOR.
Love and tiny demons reign over raincoats, blousons, anorak, tailored pants, shirts, sport shorts and knitted polo-shirts. Dualism is the tempting theme, better enhanced by graphics and contrasting chromatic codes.
Pequin taping on waterproof gear, FF-forked snakes, clawed frogs, horned demons cards and dice that multiply over the surfaces, interpreted by italian artist Nico Vascellari.
For the accessories, the iconic Peekaboo X-Lite bag, as well as bucket hats, crossbody puches and hi-tech running sandals follow and fluidly communicate a strong functionalism and confidence with Rome’s inner spirit.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
CamperLab's New Store in London
Established in the Shoreditch district of London’s East End, CamperLab has opened a brand new store. A true minimalistic, modern store with an urban vibe. Different from the traditional Camper stores worldwide, the store has a more contemporary, advanced and futuristic feel.
Collaborating with different designers such as Eckhaus Latta and Kiko Kostadinov, the shoes are taking bold steps forward in their urban designs, looking glamorous and raw at the same time, while staying true to its underground aesthetic.
The new store is located at 13a Boundary Street E27JE, London.
www.camper.com
Fashion
Giorgio Armani to celebrate the opening of the new Giorgio Armani and Armani/Casa boutique in London with a private "Giorgio's" pop-up club at Tramp
A private Giorgio Armani trunk show hold at Giorgio Armani boutique in London inaugurates the opening of Giorgio Armani and Armani Casa boutiques in prestigious Sloane Street, London.
The renovated space of 1000 square meters that hosts the two adjacent boutiques features 5 display windows that introduce to a totally new concept, which was curated by Giorgio Armani and his team of architects.
Mirroring the refined sense of distinctive, minimal elegance characteristic of the Maison, the boutiques focus on the extensive use of space. As well, a light and clean distribution of lights and linear shapes meticulously highlights the balance between rigour and refined luxury.
To best celebrate the event, the trunk show has been followed by “Giorgio’s” pop-up club at Tramp Nightclub, which for the first time bring the private members night out of the Armani/Privet nightclub in Milan, including De La Soul’s live performances and DJ Harvey DJ set.
Music
The Smashing Pumpkins announce their "Shiny And Oh So Bright" Tour
Formed in Chicago 1988, The Smashing Pumpkins have marked a chapter for the history of alternative rock.
They released their debut album Gish in 1991, reaching mainstream success later on in 1993 and 1995 with respectively 4x multi-platinum Siamese Dream and 10x multi-platinum Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
Overtime, they gained worldwide attention as well as influenced several groups for a very distinctive sound, exploring the more diverse genres and music styles, such as heavy metal, progressive rock, psychedelic rock and more recently electronica.
After several changes in their line up and 30 years later, the band has announced their “Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour”, which will be the first in nearly 20 years to feature founding members Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin and James Iha, including also guitarist Jeff Schroeder.
Produced by Live Nation, the tour will feature material from their debut trough 2000 and kick off in Glendale, AZ on July 12, 2018 and North American arenas throughout the season.
At ZOO we wished it was already “Tonight, Tonight “, yet we’ll make a count down because we can’t wait for seeing them live this summer!
Fashion
The B-Way: Berluti launches their new range of accessories
For Fall 2018, Berluti introduces their new series for bags and shoes.
Paying tribute to manuscripts and the calligraphy established by Olga Berluti, the B-way range features seven proposals, this time exposing the nylon traditionally used for the Venezia trolleys.
Featuring a water repellent finish, as well as the patinated Venezia leather and the iconic Scritto motif, Complice cross-body bag, Evasion sporty bag and Volume MM backpack stand out for their urban design and sporty characteritics.
With a great focus on versatility, some products feature a double function. For instance, Duo is an extra-large bag in technical fabric, nylon and calf leather, which can be worn as a tote or on the shoulders, while Esprit is a compact ouch thought to be used both as a clutch and bag organizer.
To complete the accessories range, the Croquis toiletry case includes a comfortable internal pocket, while the Fast Track shoes combine the sporty soul of a sneaker with the mountain style of Brunico and Greta Garbo boots.
Practical yet extremely devoted to a very classical and clean design, the new collection will be available in Berluti stores from April 2018.
Fashion
Highlights from Paris Fashion Week
Berlin 80s underground scene is the leading mood for Clare Weight Keller at Givenchy, whose collection takes inspiration from cult movies such as The Hunger and the documentary B Movie: Lost and Sound in West-Berlin, 1979-1989. Several faux furs, leather jackets and psychedelic prints dominate the collection, which unveils asymmetrical cuts and laboured fabrics elaborating an effectively sophisticated youth couture.
In Alexander McQueen’s show, models of various ages tell a new narrative for Sarah Burton. As when caterpillar become butterflies, similarly this collection speaks of a powerful metamorphosis. The designer’s tailoring heritage reaches the next level, presenting precious details such as insect and wing decorations on transparent dresses. Structured shoulders and bustiers are in balance with more rounded, almost romantic ruffles, as well as subtle silk fringing on a opulent evening dress enhance the idea of a fluid movement and distinctive femininity.
Literally overwhelmed by natural world, Karl Lagerfeld unveils a collection in-between Eighties moods and forest references. On the one hand multicolor or black and white leaves prints, oxidised gold leather details, iconic tweed looks and vintage outlines would suggest a classy yet totally wearable proposal. On the other hand there is an interesting presence of flowing billow-sleeves over ultra lean coats or on elegant evening dresses in lace, which adding romantic feel to the overall collection.
Regardless of the Sixties references of the collection, Miu Miu establish a “kind of alphabetical system, a language for expressing and defining oneself”. With Elle Flanning opening and closing the show, Miuccia Prada presents several versions of vintage oversized jackets and coats, mohair sweaters, mini-skirts, tweeds and iconic bobby socks, which recall the girlish brand’s youthful signature alternating flaming and playful pastel colors.
Women and their right are more and more at the centre of social debate. Therefore interpreting femininity is the main theme at Louis Vuitton for Fall 2018. With a collection that somehow renovate classic elements of 19th century military uniforms and turn them into skirt-suits, shearling jackets and peplum tops, Nicolas Ghesquiere’s contemporary approach to fashion unveils a very sophisticated notion of elegance.
Fashion
Highlights from Milan Fashion Week
Hogan Galaxy is nothing but an open invitation to take an interstellar journey on another planet. Presented in an (almost) parallel universe, the new luxury sneakers in a iridescent material are characterized by the Maxiplatform H222 motif, while rainbow platforms sign the structure of glossy metallic leathers. In addition to the chunks in purple or green, the H340 and Interactive models are realised with an innovative dipping technique enhancing the psychedelic spirit of the collection.
Travelling around the globe allows people to better incorporating a multicultural sense of community. Delving into Renzo Rosso personal archive, the youth memories and relics collected during his travels in the Eighties set the mood for both men and women collections of Diesel Black Gold. Tribal elements and embroideries recalling Mexican and Peruvian culture on sweaters and jackets accentuate a sense of adventure, although keeping minimal the overall aesthetics.
Angela Missoni loads the patterns of her collection with a nostalgic interpretation of the late Seventies. Trough multiple layers, strong color-contrasting patchworks and stripes, the range is is a rich, intense storytelling. From flowing coats, jackets and dresses narrate different cultures spacing between Italian, Jamaican and Scottish as well as they make reference to the historical brand archive to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Fashion House.
Jil Sander develop a collection that elaborates a human-oriented vision preferring simplicity to hyper technological communication. Authentically minimal, the proposals do not stiffen the body, instead they achieve a state of fluid elegance trough the delicateness of organza and wool that gently wrap the silhouette. White and more pleasantly white, the color palette includes also precious pieces in navy blue, soft grey and black. Some of the coats and skirts are enriched by floral motifs or softened by round curves, while ribbed knits highlight the dominant mood embracing beauty in the most genuine sense.
Dresses are tool that can change the body and the environment around us. Trough a thoughtful collection named Techno-Primitivism, Francesco Risso brings the individual and the collective to Marni's ethical considerations. Bright hues in blue and acid green take over belted coats, knitted tunics are presented with large trousers, dresses in a vintage 30’s look and eventually a felted coat made of recycled materials highlight the contemporary need for utilitarian and sustainable aesthetics.
AGL is a brand about women. With a presentation held in via della Spiga, Milan the proposals for Shoewear presented by the three sisters are truly devoted to light. Stand out of the collection, the Daylight are classic lace-up, which are reinterpreted trough the language of the brand and achieve a contemporary look with the decisive use of white over the minimalist shape. Luxurious materials and several colors introduce the Warm Light rain boots, while the extravagant Full Light/No Light speckled over-the-knee stiletto boots with a soft bootleg are dedicated to women with a powerful identity.
Fashion
Una Giacca – Armani/Silos
For the first edition of Armani/Laboratorio, a competition launched on the 31st August 2017, a short movie entitled Una Giacca (A Jacket) has been released by film students that took part of the project held in Milan from 27th November to 6th December last year.
Guided by several professionals including screenwriter and writer Francesca Marciano, Michele Placido, director of photography Luca Bigazzi, film editor Patrizio Marone, costume designers Gabriella Pescucci and Alessandro Lai, set designer Paki Meduri, make-up artist Maurizio Silvi and hair-stylist Aldo Signoretti, the students focused on the storytelling of Armani’s signature.
The short movie is a narration set in-between past and present. In a black and white square scenario, a job interview takes place and a girl is asked to describe a jacket. Afterwards, the examiner goes with the flow of colorful memories back on the day of her very first interview, centring on those little stereotypes and pure, innocent feel of uncertainty that marked the beginning of her professional life.
The jacket, which is a key element in Armani aesthetics, is here turned in a real challenge for the students and an occasion to support the next generation of young talents.
“I’m really proud of this project and of it’s outcome, and I hope it will be the first of a long series of works, because cinema has always been my passion” as Giorgio Armani stated, making a step forward in the progressive bond between fashion and cinema industry.
www.armanisilos.com
Fashion
L’Eau delà-Émoi – Longchamp's new store opening in New York
In anticipation of Spring 2018, the new Longchamp flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York inaugurates the building façade with an illustration from Paris-born artist Guillame Alby, also known as Remed.
The visual work, which has been named ‘L’Eau delà-Émoi’ (Water from there, Emotion), is part of the technique series and echoes an “ode to the present trough the worship of the line, for the love of a gesture that most resembles the essence of intention, or the state of awareness” as Remed declared. The result is a mathematical conjunction of lines and letters that hypnotically captures the viewers’ eyes trough simple curves and vivid primary colors, yet dramatically enhance their personification due to a creative process that involves the use of permanent tools, namely not allowing for anything to be erased.
Before, artists Ryan McGinnes and Franz Ackerman curated the first and second installations. Remed is the third one being commissioned by Longchamp trough their Artwalk Movement, successfully transforming retail sites into large-scale artworks available for the wide public.
Fashion
The lighthearted woman
Paris is a soft backdrop for Longchamp's Spring 2018 campaign, where a happy-go-lucky Freja Beha Erichsen explores the romantic city photographed by Angelo Pennetta.
Featuring different pieces from the ready-to-wear collection as the safari jacket coming in a variety of materials, from laser-cut leather to canvas, worn with shorts and fringed skirts.
The campaign foucsus on the iconic Mademoiselle Longchamp hobo bag in perforated calfskin, which this season will be proposed also in a mini size. The second pillar of the range is the structured Madeleine that stands out with an innovative three-tone graphic version. Longchamp introduce its new sunglass collection, including the butterfly model with an oversized frame that softly enhances the alluring mood of the season.
Launching the 20th of February worldwide, a film directed by Ujin Lin will be shared on the website and social media channels.
Fashion
KENZO Fall/Winter 2018
A young woman stands up in front of her best friend’s family gathering. That same day he shocked everyone when arriving with dyed blond hair. At the end of the evening she is having a letter in her hands, a handwritten note to herself.
With a soft and emotional voice she reads: “I know I felt like this before, But now I'm feeling it even more, because it came from you. Then I open up and see the person falling here is me, a different way to be. I want more, impossible to ignore. Impossible to ignore”
As the girl ends reading, they both walk under a shower of confetti, a metaphor of the shower of dreams we all somehow experienced in our youth. A girl and a boy. They have been friends forever. They are Carol and Humberto, or better known as Carol Lim and Humberto Leon.
In the past seasons Kenzo’s creative directors have been looking at the roots of the brand and his founder Kenzo Takada. See the Spring Summer 2018 with its references to musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and iconic model Sayoko Yamaguchi, both muses of Takada back in the days.
This season, Lim and Leon looked at their own story.
Arriving at the show’s venue we found a cinematographic set at the centre of the runway. Seconds before the lights went on too little we all knew that a live-shot movie was about to start, telling a story inspired by that time when Humberto Leon truly bleached his hair at his sister’s wedding in ‘98.
As the real-time shooting was ongoing the lineup of models stormed in.
The 90s subtly permeated through the entire collection. But also that atmosphere we find in the oeuvre of one of the most acclaimed Hong Kong director: Wong Kar Wai. Knitted vests, boxy silhouettes, and a clash of prints with checks and florals. But also high waist pants paired with lengthened bomber jackets: the menswear collection hinted at a myriad of classic references. The use of technical nylon with an iridescent finish together with leopard print faux fur coats delivered still a youthful approach.
For Womens there was a sense of romantic nostalgia, with floral velvet and silk satin cherry blossom dresses, the latter styled with knit twin set. Bustier dresses in heavy denim were matched with t-shirts where accessories reminiscent of a vintage dimension with clasp bags were declined in satin, leather or with crystals beading.
As those final words from actress Ayumi Roux impersonating young Carol were no other than the lyric of Cramberries’s Dream, also chosen as closing soundtrack of the show, we join in remembrance of the recent and unexpected passing away of its lead singer Dolores O’Rien.
www.kenzo.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall/Winter 2018
Just few days before the show it was announced that Kim Jones would present his last collection for Louis Vuitton Menswear.
For many reason it was certainly a surprise. Who more than Kim Jones delivered year after year beautiful collections true to one of the oldest French Maison’s identity while bringing it to hype amongst the younger crowd? Last year’s Louis Vuitton collaboration with Supreme is only one of the acts in this sense.
After 7 glorious years, first appointed as Menswear artistic director in 2011 by Marc Jacobs -at the time creative director of the brand - he developed a signature style with a travel allure, the latter being the main recurring elements in Louis Vuitton heritage.
For his last collection at the brand Kim Jones used once again his travels, this time in Kenya, where areal photographs are directly featured on prints. Their colour palette with warm dry tones - recalling natural rocks, lavas, and infinite landscapes - running throughout the collection. It delivered a classic and elegant style while using sportswear elements like leggings worn underneath shorts and zipped blousons.
Gloss materials from fabrics to a spectacular python coat and pants (that on a closer look during a visit at the showroom resulted incredibly butter soft) together with organza overlay on coats and shirts – tracing a fil rouge with previous’ season Hawaiian organza t-shirt – epitomise Louis Vuitton’s delicate and refined definition of luxury .
Kim Jones picked from many themes: the American rodeo, the Siberian temperatures with an intarsia mink, a safari attire and the world of hiking and climbing with hints of neon yellow and orange.
The show arrived at its peak when iconic top models - and friends of Jones - Naomi and Kate joined the runway, dressed in glazed monogrammed raincoat.
A beautiful finale as ode to a new beginning.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
Alexander McQueen Menswear Fall 2018
An updated sleek suiting with an hourglass waist, prominent shoulders and cropped flare trousers.
Sarah Burton knows exactly what is one of the main strength at McQueen and never fail to update new elements season after season.
Fall Winter 2018 presented pinstripe and English check suits with overcoats in black cashmere and paisley embroidered camel. Floating kite-like trench coats were styled tightened around the waist. A dialogue between a modern take on traditional tailoring and a more street-like and utilitarian story.
It’s Alexander McQueen heritage to explore contrasting elements.
The collection continued with parkas and bombers in leather with what looked like a double inlay but at a closer glance revealed to be an embellishment on its zipped closure. The play of double progresses when a cashmere lined leather horse blanket as cape with shearling collar is paired with leather pants.
Austere precision is faced with opulent and romantic elements: beautiful hand painted English roses adorn silk suits and jet beading seen in the previous season embellish silk dressing gowns and evening blazers with matching track pants. All paired with white trainers with moulded soles.
Black, burgundy, silver, khaki and a splash of what the show notes called London fire engine red. Like the red lights at the show location, with all its English underground connotation set the mood for an increasingly powerful menswear identity at Alexander McQueen.
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
Damir Doma Fall/Winter 2018
Back to 1980s, German Männer Vogue style and energetically loaded by Dj’s duo Barker & Baumecker techno-beats echoing the vaulted rooms of Halle Am Berghain, Damir Doma returns back to Berlin to present the Fall/Winter 2018 collection.
Men’s and womenswear silhouettes spread the positive energy of the club scene, unveiling a radical juxtaposition of tailoring and drape. A ‘Super 110’s” wool selvedge outlines blazers and shift dresses. Asymmetric lines and bohemian allure reveal vented coats cut in wool felt, seersucker corduroy and grid-cotton, sculpted leather blousons and wool satin tunics.
By contrast, the modern landscape is enhanced by airbrushed rib jersey and ombre sweatshirts. Sprayed brogues, stretch cuissards and belt pouches are realised in collaboration with Officine Creative and highlights Berghain's spirit to keep late hours.
The collection continues exploring fabrics and patterns, such as vintage florals, silk paisley and carpet knit that drop a hint about the designer travel history across the major fashion capitals in Europe.
www.damirdoma.com
Fashion
Dior Denim by Kris van Assche
Perfectly in line with Kris Van Assche’s minimalistic aesthetic, Dior Denim Spring Summer 2018 collection gives space to the reinterpretation of the men suit.
The Dior’s proposal defines the outlines of a urban man, without compromising its timeless and smooth elegance.
Crisp shirts and silk neckties strengthen the Double Denim’s concept, which is firmly enhanced by bold graphics and sheepskin collars, as well as precise cuts and a silver-embossed logo tab. Despite the opulent of details, such as the season’s club kid slogans or the roses embroideries, the look stays balanced. Parts of the collections are also the straight leg 5-pocket jeans, denim shirts and jackets in an array of pale tones, varying from raw indigo to vintage black.
Moreover, exclusive pieces customised with London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Tokyo initials will be released with the collection and sold in 6 pop up stores around around the globe.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Moncler's Florence Boutique Opening
With three windows creating access to Via degli Strozzi and Piazza della Repubblica, Moncler has inaugurated the opening of its new boutique at the very heart of Florence's main shopping area.
The space, which dedicates 160 out of 328 square metres to the sales, stands out for the presence of decorative elements that contribute to highlight a pleasant and sophisticated atmospere. Grigio Carnico marble at the entrance welcomes you to the store, whilst chêne fume wood paneling and a herringbone white Calacatta marble floor creating a balanced contrast with the display areas, whereas metal, glass and mirror details are presented.
Hosting all the Moncler collections including Moncler Grenoble, Gamme Rouge and Gamme Blue lines, the boutique will work as a strategic point for the brand’s retail development plan, which confirms its strong presence as a milestone of the Italian fashion market.
www.moncler.com
Fashion
dunhill introduces the London ICON Racing Fragrance
The thrill of the open road and the picture of a man driving through the British landscape in an open-top sports car in racing green were the inspiration for the latest frangrance by dunhill. The racing green was the team color of the English racing drivers at the dawn of motor racing, which is associated with glorious victories and the cutting-edge machinery of Britain’s golden age of engineering. The dunhill London ICON Racing fragrance stands for speed, masculinity and freedom.
As dunhill has always been connected with the history of motoring, an engine turn finish was chosen to decorate the bottle, sporting the automotive engineering technique knurling, which creates a textured geometric pattern and was first used on dunhill metal lighters in 1924. Considered being effortlessly impeccable in manners and appearance, the ICON Racing man is stylish not fashionable.
This energy and masculine sophistication is distiled in every bottle of ICON Racing featuring Guaiac wood, vetiver and musk as warm base notes. Italian bergamot, grapefruit and cardamom note enhance the scent of black pepper and lavender making it the ideal aroma for men on the move.
www.dunhill.com
Fashion
Available Now: Roberto Cavalli’s Capsule Collection for Spring/Summer 2018
Since December 6th, the Roberto Cavalli SS18 Capsule Collection is available in the online store as well as at the flagship stores in Milan, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dubai, Hong Kong and Beijing.
Curated by Creative Director Paul Surridge, the collection encapsulates the new codes of the brand’s identity. The collection has strong, bold and dynamic features, which perfectly give every garment a character of its own and so it does for the women who are destined to wear them.
The clear design language exudes Italian spirit, quality and femininity in a straight-forward and sensible way. The traditional Cavalli codes are being transformed highlighting a more urban and cosmopolitan identity of the maison. Concluding that, this collection represents a new concept of contemporary glamour, focusing on advanced interpretations of daywear.
www.robertocavalli.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent Collaborates With Colette and Nobuyoshi Araki
The Parisian concept store colette is offering a unique collaboration with Saint Laurent featuring collectors pieces signed by Anthony Vaccarello. Amongst all the desirable items, you will find a hoodie with Patti Smith print, skateboard decks, a Leica camera, a Polaroid SX-70, speakers and headset by Bang & Olufsen, a red Baccarat crystal heart and Helmets by Ruby in a crystallized and fully black version.
In addition to that, the store presents a unique collaboration between world-renowned artist Nobuyoshi Araki, Saint Laurent and its designer Anthony Vaccarello. The unique series of 16 photographs capture model Anja Rubik and integrates photography and painting techniques.
The series is named “Saint Laurent Shiki-in”, which means “lust for color” in Japanese, and intertwines elements of the world of Saint Laurent with the traditional themes of Araki’s work. All of the pieces can be pre-ordered at colette through the Taka Ishii Gallery and then be sent from Tokyo along with Araki’s signature and certificate of authenticity.
The exhibition will be located on Colette’s Mezzanine, while the range of co-signed collector’s pieces will be displayed on the first floor until the 20th December.
www.ysl.com
www.colette.fr
Art
Ballenesque — A Retrospective by Roger Ballen
With its probing, challenging images between painting, drawing, photography and installation, the work of American art photographer Roger Ballen is one of a kind. He was born in New York in 1950 but has lived and worked in South Africa for over 30 years and is often named as one of the world’s greatest art photographers. The term Ballenesque, which is already a firm part of the lexicon, is synonymous with his rich monochrome vision, psychological insights and constant reinvention.
His work is being displayed in the permanent collections of some of the best art institutions such as MoMa in New York, Tate Britain in London, Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Reflex Gallery in Amsterdam is hosting a double-sided exhibition of Ballen’s art, comprising a mini retrospective of 30 works and a selection of 150 Polaroid images. These constitute the first display of color images by the artist during his entire career and offer the opportunity to own an original Roger Ballen image in the form of a Polaroid. The exhibition will be open from the 23rd November until the 30th December 2017.
www.reflexamsterdam.com
Fashion
Fendi Partners Up With Rimowa
The Italian fashion house Fendi has joined forces with the iconic luggage brand Rimowa from Germany and created a one-of-a-kind piece. Rimowa stands for design, durability and craftmanship and is popular amongst fashionable people and those working in the industry. The trolley combines Fendi’s savoir-faire and daring creativity with the modern design and high-tech attributes of Rimowa and successfully intertwines the DNA of both brands. The suitcase is made of aluminium and equipped with a Multiwheel system for smooth and effortless traveling.
Featured in the Cuoio Romano leather, the key values and signature design of Rimowa are perfectly coupled with high-quality, unique details and craftmanship such as the sophisticated, emblematic double F logo with a brushed effect on the aluminium, which changes its perception depending on the light. The black leather handles, along with the web belt, that runs across the case in tones of yellow and a touch of black with the logo, gives the case a characteristic Fendi touch. This ultimate traveler’s piece comes with fun stickers and a name tag where you can add your personal details. Available in selected Fendi and Rimowa boutiques and on fendi.com as of December 2017, just in time for Christmas and all those who will be traveling around the world during the festive season.
www.fendi.com
Fashion
“Hermès à tire-d’aile. Le monde de Leïla Menchari” exhibition opens at Grand Palais
Imagine a Hermès bag completely covered in coral, placed at the centre of a theatric scene, surrounded by a universe in soft pink, pale orange, mother-pearl and a constellation of rose coloured marine flora. It’s just one of the enchanting worlds created for Hermès by Leïla Menchari, who for over 55 years has been delivering magical representations of the vision around Hermès, the heritage, the craftsmanship, all in a window. First in ’61 as assistant to Annie Beaumel – director of window displays at the Faubourg Saint-Honoré store, and then in ‘78 when she took over the position together with being appointed director of the silk colours committee for the Maison. Leïla Menchari, a beautiful enchanting woman born in Tunisia, who studied at the Écoles des Beaux-Arts in Paris, captured the imagination of Robert Dumas and his son Jean-Louis. A liaison built on respect and trust. Leila, with her fantasy, with her travels, and exotic vision. Hermès, with its craftsmanship, the know-how and discipline. If a Kelly bag would take generally 15 hours to be crafted, it would turn to 50 hours for the ones produced ad hoc for Leïla Menchari’s spectacular window displays.
“The workshops have never said no to me, always “we’ll see, Leïla, we’ll give it a go.” But it wasn’t easy to get them to fully understand my madness: you can’t explain a dream!” Leila Menchari explains how she was given total freedom both in creation and budget. A so-called carte blanche. For Leïla Menchari a window display is a like a small pièce de théâtre, but without the possibility of dialogues, movements or actors to explains the image. During the opening evening of the exhibition at Grand Palais she explained her vision and nature: “I am touched by grace, by the passion for nature and the “extraordinary” in life. Everything becomes extraordinary. This vision gave me a different way of looking at things, with a high degree of surrealism”. When asked if the exhibition was maybe driven by a dose of nostalgia, she gracefully answered: “Nostalgia is fundamental for memory” This is Leïla Menchari, the globetrotter, the dreamer, the collector, and – as nicknamed by her great friend, the French author Michel Tournier – the “reine mage”. The exhibition will be held till the 3rd of December 2017.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
The Lady Dior Art Bag
The iconic Lady Dior bag was born in Dior’s workshops in 1995 and made famous in 1996 when Princess Diana was showing her admiration for it on a visit to Paris. This instantly recognizable bag carries the house’s inimitable style but is also open to interpretation and artistic reinvention. Last year, the maison invited a handful of British and American artists to reimagine the accessory with a limited edition. After the big success of this project on the runway, Dior decided to make it even more diverse and creative by inviting ten artists from around the world, of different ages and backgrounds. The fashion house gave “carte blanche” to the artists to transfer their creativity into Dior’s leatherworking language. Everything, from the bag’s fabric, to its charms, size, color, jewellry, handles and stitching were all adjusted to the artist’s specifications. The outcome is a great collection of exceptional bags, which makes it hard to choose only one Lady Dior Art Bag.
www.dior.com
Art
Prada collaborates with Francesco Vezzoli for “Opera Pompidou”
The Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli is internationally well-known for mirroring the glamour of Hollywood in his unsaleable paintings. Now he partnered up with the fashion house Prada to produce the twelve costumes for the “Opera Pompidou” live performance, which was presented in the Centre Pompidou on the 19th October. The reason for this unique project was the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the museum for arts and culture in the heart of Paris. The Italian artist’s visionary world of elaborate references intertwines with the collection of the museumto create a series of special live art performances staged by Vezzoli. Each artist was wearing a costume made by Prada which references to the art work and brings it to life. In this totally emotional reinterpretation of the modern and contemporary collections of Centre Pompidou, the visitor finds himself in a new immersive experience.
www.prada.com
Fashion
Sacai Spring/Summer 2018
Chitose Abe returns to her DNA with transformable-layered silhouettes in a trompe l’oeil language. Tops and outwear were worn on the bust line with the sleeves tied as to create a seamless corset with a floating volume, held together by big sporty straps. The second look to storm in the catwalk already anticipated Abe’s vision for the season: a wind jacket in tech nylon tied over a silk light blue short dress. It’s a language Abe has been using since the start. Deconstructed skirts in denim or cotton lace patchwork-frayed paired with knits delivered a youthful look that felt confident and effortless.
Fluid floral tops with matching jackets knotted over them and long dresses in several tartan patterns patched with transparent chiffon, created a fresh ethereal and appealing atmosphere full of that cool but feminine attitude Abe’s vision is always set on. It is the intricate match of textiles and codes: camouflage cotton, trench textile, lightweight fabrics, all just in one singular dress in a play of hybrids where what seems to be a belt is in fact a soft blazer.
The colour palette was vivid: magenta, bright blue, green, yellow, all the colours that slowly became the signature of the brand. Chitose Abe, the famous protégé of Rei Kawakubo first and Junya Watanabe later, has been always mixing versatility and layered silhouettes. But this season felt extremely genuine and intuitive.
www.sacai.jp
Fashion
HUGO BOSS and VITRA mark the exhibition “An Eames Celebration”
On October 5th Hugo Boss and the Vitra Design Museum introduced the exhibition “An Eames Celebration” with a cocktail event held in Berlin. One part of the program was the presentation of the limited BOSS accessories collection, which was especially created for the exhibition project. It’s a limited unisex collection of 125 pieces including a tote bag, a portfolio bag, a clutch and a card case. The event took place at the historic pump station of the art collector Christian Boros at Hallesches Ufer. The guests in attendance included international and national film stars as well as socialites from Berlin’s culture and fashion scene. Hugo Boss is the lead sponsor of the retrospective Charles and Ray Eames’ oeuvre running at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein from Septmeber the 30th to February the 25th 2018.
www.hugoboss.com
Fashion
Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2018
What is more French than the Tour Eiffel? Anthony Vaccarello orchestrated a grand show in celebration of the French Maison and its historical patron Pierre Bergé who sadly passed away just three weeks ago.
He paid homage to Bergé, to Yves Saint Laurent, to their visceral love and to the revolutionary years in fashion that they both represented.
Bergé’s words to Vaccarello at the eve of his debut have already become legendary - ” You are not Yves Saint Laurent, don’t try to be Yves Saint Laurent” - the young designer could not be more Yves Saint Laurent in spirit than anyone else.
His style, irreverent, individualistic, and extremely sexy in a way that you literally wish to wear anything he designs regardless of your own style is without doubt so “Monsieur Saint Laurent”. The Monsieur Saint Laurent who managed to move – sometimes with unfavourable opinions - entire fashion crowds in the late 70s, in the 80s, and who was not afraid of fashion critique and consequently pushed boundaries.
We can find traces of Monsieur Saint Laurent’s DNA in Anthony Vaccarello’s Spring Summer 2018 collection: that gypsy shirt from the 70s, the 80s mono-shoulder dress, the feathers – but the collection remains very much about Vaccarello’s powerful identity.
As we were welcomed at the impressive location at the Fontaine de Trocadero, facing the Eiffel tower, the atmosphere culminated into an epic moment when the light spectacle of the tower served as backdrop halfway through the show.
"The Saint Laurent woman is a traveller who reaffirms her complex personality, full of a subtle tension. She is a dark angel with a sensual allure and drapes herself in black-sequined dresses, shining like the asphalt after the rain".
Vaccarello’s words are emblematic of the several elements that constellated the collection. As the designer’s summer travels took him from the Cote d’Azur to Capri, to LA we reencountered everything that fascinated him: the white Italian lace, the French flamboyant look, the West Coast leather looks.
A series of final sculptural dresses, with a scarlet red declination worn by the muse and face of the house Anja Rubik, left the audience speechless.
www.saintlaurent.com
Fashion
Welcome to G-Star Mat
In the presence of esteemed guests from the realms of fashion, music and cinema, Pharrell Williams toasted the launch of the G-Star Elwood X25 at G-Star Mat, a space that embodies creativity and self-expression.
The classic G-Star Elwood was reimagined in 25 bright and beautiful prints that meld motifs from the natural world – from poison dart frogs and butterfly fish to leopards and whale sharks – with renderings that pay homage to cultural diversity and include ornate Indian paisley prints and Japanese kimono embroidery.
Like the prints, the space itself was also designed to champion creativity by way of transforming an otherwise ordinary space into a surprising, aesthetically pleasing environment. Sleek Laundromat machines, each containing different print iterations whirred with activity, allowing guests to see the inspiration behind each print and encouraging them to interact with the space itself and one another as if on a movie set.
www.g-star.com
Fashion
Zegna’s ‘Defining Moments’
For the second iteration of its ‘Defining Moments’ campaign, Ermenegildo Zegna has brought on Hollywood legend Robert De Niro and Benjamin Millepied, the French choreographer responsible for Natalie Portman’s dramatic dancing in Black Swan. The global advertising campaign will run starting August 22nd on a multitude of platforms. The ‘Defining Moments’ omni channel initiative was first introduced for the Spring/Summer 2017 season, and reflects the emotion and people-centered voice that Ermenegildo Zegna supports in its brand statement.
Both De Niro and Millepied come from different eras, countries and fields. But surprisingly, they have a lot in common: both share a love for New York, sophistication, elegance, and culture. Together with Alessandro Sartori, the Artistic Director for Ermenegildo Zegna, and film-maker Francesco Carrozzini, a dialogue is formed between De Niro and Millepied. Together they discuss their passions, values, and defining moments in their careers: an insightful and intimate conversation which covers their artistic expressions, and how it has framed their life choices.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
FENDI: F IS FOR…
Fearless.
This season, Fendi have partnered with Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson. In the campaign video, the young 25-year-old basketball prodigy, who was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, challenges his skills by shooting hoops at the top of the Palazzo Della Civilta? Italiana in Rome. “It’s important to be fearless on and off the court,” he says. “When you look good, play good, it gives you that sense of confidence. In basketball, it’s all about confidence. Show them who you are, before you get in the arena and express yourself. That’s what it all comes down to.”
The campaign was created and curated by Leonetta Luciano Fendi, the daughter of Silvia Venturini Fendi and the fourth generation of the famous fashion family, poised to take over the helm and bring the brand deep into the new millennium. Together with Ciristiana Monfardini, Leonetta Fendi is shaping fresh content which celebrates young talent, creativity, optimism and fearless confidence: values solidly ingrained in the core of FENDI.
www.instagram.com/fisforfendi
www.fendi.com/nl/fisfor
Fashion
UGG x Jeremy Scott
Jeremy Scott has made a name for himself thanks to his fun-filled approach to fashion, which shuns minimalism and opts instead for boisterous, eye-catching and attention-grabbing designs. You may love them or you may hate them but one thing is for sure: they are excellent conversation starters and some may even be your guilty pleasures.
This September, the outspoken American designer and creative director of Moschino partners up with Californian brand UGG®, putting his own spin on iconic styles. Inspired by and paying homage to cool Californian spirit and vibrant Los Angeles pop culture throughout the ages, the capsule collection is comprised of eight silhouettes featuring bold flame designs, jewelled hardware and Swarovski® crystals on the sheepskin footwear that is now recognised the world over. The limited edition collection includes UGG® footwear for men, women, kids and babies.
And if the designs themselves didn’t turn heads enough, the collab’s ad campaign is sure to do so: musician Lil Yachty and model Jasmine Sanders star in the campaign shot by Marcus Mam outside Los Angeles and are seen rocking not only Scott's designs for the footwear brand but also custom pieces created exclusively to complement featured styles.
www.ugg.com
Fashion
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
“Come, gentle Spring, ethereal Mildness, come, And from the bosom of you dropping cloud, While music wakes around, veiled in a shower of shadowing roses, on our plains descend”.
James Thomson poem Spring from his The Seasons printed on the show’s invitation resonated in the enchanting space of the Orangerie du Sénat as the models walked in.
Sarah Burton’s Alexander McQueen Men’s 2018 started slowly to unveil itself, telling a story gracefully balanced, like the gradual passing time of melting snow and moving clouds as the mild warmth of Spring approaches overcoming the cold Winter.
If the first looks presented sleek tailoring, leather outwear in black, off-white or crimson red - three colours running throughout is the whole collection – and a spectacular leather perfecto with matching pants adorned by a constellation of zip, buckles and studs, they are the last looks to steal the scene.
As a white leather cape embroidered with Rudyard Kipling’s “The Explorer” excerpt walks in, we feel the storm, the storm that precede any changing of the season, the sea storm of discovering journeys.
Sarah Burton continues the delicate island folktale for Alexander McQueen from her Women’s Fall collection.
Loose threads in red and blue wool adorns coats and suits in off-white, black and denim recalling the wishing tree. Maps scribbles and ancient poems are embroidered over the collection throughout. The closing looks, with a tree of life embroidered in crystals on a black suit and coat deliver the final emotional blow to this moving and ethereal collection.
“While softer gales succeed, at whose kind touch, dissolving snows in livid torrents lost, The mountains lift their green heads to the sky”.
www.alexandermcqueen.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
“Too old to die”, “Don’t be body shaming”, “Give me one more chance”
It's rare to see an icon like Yohji Yamamoto reinventing himself with such a savoir faire season after season. For Men's SS18 Yohji Yamamoto channelled his vision in a poetic exercise aiming to discover the younger generations in his team, keeping that signature we have loved long since. Spectacular ethereal velvet, leather bomber jackets in pop colours and notes scribbled all over this touching collection.
Yohji Yamamoto reflects on the afterlife, on the future of the brand once he will depart this world. It is a collection with the signature’s black palette and those powerful and visceral scribbles we have seen often in Yohji Yamamoto’s oeuvre, with Japanese calligraphy and its English counterpart next to it. Messages to the future. Sentences echoing in space look after look. As the models enter the catwalk in the Headquarters of the brand we have felt all these emotional connotations. The future of Yohji Yamamoto’s legacy, the integrity of his signature in the time soon to come. There were beautiful coloured leather jackets painted in collaboration with artist Saitoh Yusuke with portraits of Japanese actress Eiko KOIKE who will be the new face for the upcoming Yohji Yamamoto’s catalogues.But also the self portraits of artist Suzume Uchida, depicting herself as ghost.
It’s the circle of life, as seen in Buddhist philosophy, repeating itself: death, rebirth, and the continuation of life in loop.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2018
Late summer nights. Kris van Assche's new Dior Homme storms in the Grand Palais with a collection imbued with that irreverent and smart spirit we have seen since last Summer show one year ago.
The new wave, the 90s rock, the punk, the party kids, the rave. It's all here, this time declined in beautiful reinvented tailoring with the mesmerizing sound of the pulsing show soundtrack composed by sound artist Frederic Sanchez as backdrop.
A black sleeveless t-shits with a printed “Christian Dior Atelier”, paired with tailored fluid pants with a sort of half blazer attached on top at the waistline. A trompe l’oeil recalling the sleeveless suits walking immediately before.
It is again a sophisticate tale of details, of research, new silhouettes for suiting. Kris van Assche channels again his memories, his early years fascinations in music, art, youth subcultures.
The colour palette is mirroring that dark attitude Dior Homme has been channelling lately: black, red, grey, and classic checks on the same tones, with a splash of mauve and blue.
It’s the rave boy, it’s the cool kid on the block but it is also the duality of dressing up in the night. Leather bomber jackets, shorts, preppy knitted waistcoats, with tie-like scarf casually wrapped around the neck.
It’s this “new cool” on suiting.
The set design made possible an extremely close look on the pieces as they walked in. The signature’s detailing, the stitching, the perfection of the cut. And that atmosphere just out of a late night summer music festival.
www.dior.com
Fashion
Valentino Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
Pierpaolo Piccioli looks at the strength of sportswear language and the fascinating realm of competition, of the authentic research of the self expression. Fresh, modern, looking at the street in a creative exercise to conquer the nowness and youthful audience.
Valentino Menswear for Spring Summer 2018 is a powerful collection channelling that empowering energy of sport exploring undiscovered territories, far away grounds in search of new moments. Anorak, track jackets, chinos, relaxed shirts, volumes and a wonderful urban appeal. This new journey of Pierpaolo Piccioli at the reign of the brand bonds this new fresh appeal to the craftsmanship, to the Atelier, and that Valentino etherealness.
A geometric graphical approach and a broad colour palette like khaki, a mint, pink, red, brown, next to black and electric blue.
VLTN, a new lettering reworking Valentino logo in black capital letters emblazoned in shirts and outwear gave new dynamics to the menswear approach of the brand It’s a relaxed collection with a strong identity.
The sporty volumes of jackets and the impressive collection of sneakers– the protagonists of the collection - with the cross stitching, embroideries, beaded details and handwork embellishments recalling a distant tribal folklore bring the Menswear ground of Valentino one step further to a new fresh sophisticated DNA.
www.valentino.com
Fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 2018 menswear collection was a sun-drenched collection of Riviera inspired pieces designed by Guillaume Meilland that exuded a leisurely lifestyle and the understated elegance synonymous with the iconic Italian maison.
If that’s hard to picture just think of Alain Delon and Marcello Mastroianni summering seaside in all their laid-back, effortless glamour. Bringing this aesthetic and grounding it in today’s reality, Ferragamo banks on the feeling of escapism supported by a breezy colour palette dominated by earthy hues, ivory, subdued pinks and light blues with a dash of hazy blues and deep mahogany.
Formal and casual styles focus on light silhouettes for a deconstructed feel that’s very in keeping with this season’s ‘from desk chair to beach lounger’ aesthetic without neglecting, of course, the addition of details intrinsically linked to Ferragamo’s leather savoir-faire.
Terrycloth, corduroy and velour are given a beachy makeover, revisited with a softer hand and decorated with subtle marine patterns featuring wreathes, corals and seahorses for Bermuda shorts, coats and jackets.
Contrasting this, classic British checks and fabrics are rendered pared-down and minimal, fluid and light while they manage to retain a casual disposition that wouldn’t stick out even in formal settings.
Legacy and immediacy, both core values for Ferragamo, manifest themselves through the offering of leather pieces that were bound to take centre stage for yet another season. Shapes may be roomy or slim but they are unlined and void of superfluous elements yet meticulously crafted with a strong focus on details. Why change a winning recipe?
www.ferragamo.com
Fashion
Etro Spring/Summer 2018
Etro’s Spring Summer 2018 Menswear collection pays homage to the spiritual wanderers of the psychedelic generation who inspire Kean Etro’s vividly colourful journey. Hints of Indian mysticism and talismans manifest themselves along with sacred cows, elephants, tantric couples and Tarot figures within quintessentially Etro paisley patterns.
Fabrics were inspired by Kean Etro’s grandfather as he worked tirelessly to recreate their unique DNA in his Italian atelier. Colours are worked into dyes that preserve the essence of the collection’s spirit with coral, tangerine, turquoise and fuchsia working both together and in contrast with earthy browns, military greens and bronze.
Linen is a permanent fixture for Etro’s Spring/Summer 2018 offering, affording the collection a casual yet tailored feel that’s so at home during the summer months. Lightweight, multi-coloured blazers with paisley prints and coloured Madras checks are all the rage while raw wool combinations ensure that the pieces remain light enough for the warmer months.
Ornamentation also plays an important role in the collection. Painted by hand in swirls of Etro’s favoured palette for the season or embroidered mandalas and floral motifs elevate the look of cargo jackets. This season’s trousers play with volume – ranging from slim cut tuxedo-style evening-wear version to linen Madras slacks for a more casual mood and ornately embroidered denim.
www.etro.com
Fashion
Philipp Plein Spring/Summer 2018
True to form, Philipp Plein delivered yet another runway extravaganza for his latest men’s and women’s collection showcased at Milan Fashion Week. Revved-up engines, super cars, boy racers and tough girls comprised the mood of the tire-screeching spectacle accompanied by the sounds of Greased Lightning.
Frayed denim, studded leather jackets and sleeveless t-shirts for the rebels of a modern West Side Story were paired with chequered flag patches, flaming eight balls and ‘Glorious Bastards’ insignia while applique red flames adorn their jeans.
The ladies present a fresh twist on Grease’s queen bee persona, the inimitable Rizzo, as they hold their own in the leather bomber jackets and crop tops, leggings and bejewelled killer heels. Men and women stand their ground as equals, all members of a speed-obsessed squad that transcends gender stereotypes.
Hooded crocodile and leather biker jackets are decorated with airbrushed painting of Deat Proof hot rods, skulls and lightning bolts mirroring the designs emblazoned across the hoods of the pimped-out car zooming past.
Here, it’s the details that do the talking as every element counts in fine-tuning a look. Adrenaline-fuelled fashion for life in the fast lane where noise, power and speed conflate to give birth to something akin to a religion with ‘no guts, no glory’ as its mantra.
www.philipp-plein.com
Fashion
Fendi Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear
That Friday feeling… it manifests itself mere moments before you leave the office, ready for the weekend adventures of your choice. Almost tangible, it is infused with an air of optimism, relaxation and regrouping no matter the season. Come the summer months, however, and that fleeting moment of utter freedom is accentuated further by longer, sunnier, brighter days and a generally elevated mood.
If that sounds all too familiar, then you’re totally grasping the inspirational context behind Fendi’s Spring Summer 2018 Men’s collection that walked the runway on Monday as part of Milan’s Fashion Week Schedule. This is executive realness on the verge of the weekend. Corporate aplomb walking hand-in-hand with sunny holiday daydreams. In a naturally subdued palette of beiges, sand, greens and flutters of that all-important pink, Fendi’s latest offering focuses around formalwear so versatile that stands its ground from boardroom to pool bar: suits and big blousons are worn with sleeveless shirts while shorts and tracksuits find their perfect matches in silk shirts. Slingback loafers are paired with running socks and neckties complete even the most laid-back looks.
This season sees the advent of what the brand has coined ‘The Skype look’: a playful mismatch of sartorial options that somehow work together while concealed behind the office desk: tops and bottoms clash beautifully and interestingly enough, so do the fronts and backs of many pieces. All notions that adhere to that mood-flipping feeling that rolls around when you’re about to clock out.
This is corporate escapism, the Fendi way!
www.fendi.com
Fashion
COS RE-OPENS ITS KURFÜRSTENDAMM STORE
COS is going back to where it all started by re-opening its Kurfürstendamm store in Berlin. Back in 2007, the Kurfürstendamm store was the first COS store to open on the German market and has since then evolved into eighteen stores.
This time, the Kurfürstendamm store is set over two stories and 625sqm, offering the full collection across COS womenswear, menswear and children's wear. COS wanted to create a dynamic yet timeless space and has therefore preserved the building’s original architectural features while mixing it up with modern updates. The stores interior goes in line with the brand aesthetic by combining functionality and design, creating a contrast interior of blonde wood against concrete and marble.
www.cosstores.com
Fashion
Finding Eden
A brand’s advertising campaign has a very specific aim in mind –as a carefully crafted fusion of the brand’s core values and signature visual codes, this collection of references is meant to encapsulate and appeal to its archetypal customer.
As the age-old moniker attests, less is (usually) more. Adhering to long-standing traditions and stripping down to a the bare essentials may just be the key ingredients for a campaign in which the ideal customer is present at both ends of the process; they are simultaneously an inspiration and the receiver of the end product. In an age where endless attempts of innovation and out-of-the-box thinking are swarming our daily lives, a back to basics approach comes as a breath of fresh mountain air.
Enter Woolrich’s latest campaign – UTAH: a campaign that focuses and is built around characters residing in Eden, Utah. Located north of Salt Lake City and nestled in a lush valley between Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, Eden seems to exert an irresistible force that pulls lovers of the great outdoors towards it effortlessly, inviting them to partake in the vast array of activities it offers.
The campaign aims to embody the effortless equilibrium that characterises the daily lives of Eden’s residents who are all infatuated with the great outdoors in ways totally personal to each and every one of them. The importance of people and space, the balance between work and home life, the melding of style and exploration all became focal points. For Woolrich, this is about much more than stopping and smelling the roses, it’s about pausing on a long walk to hear stream, feeling the wind on your skin, watching the trees grow and basking in vibrant sunsets. Simply put, this is a celebration of nature’s simultaneously calm and invigorating energy and the endless possibilities it opens up to anyone eager to listen.
Woolrich has been at the forefront of outdoor lifestyle innovation for more than 180 years but its roots can be traced back to tradition and the oldest, continuously operating woollen mill in the US. The Woolrich Mill provided wool blankets to civil war soldiers and continues to produce them to this day. Since then, the brand has been consistent in delivering outdoors-oriented products since the 70s when people began to engage with nature in new and exciting ways. Men and women took their free time to explore natures splendour in a more recreational setting with backpacking, camping, mountaineering and cycling being just a few of their preferred activities.
From simple wool socks to its famous cold-busting parkas, the brand’s products embrace and highlight the authenticity of the outdoor lifestyle. Functionality, comfort and durability are key characteristics of Woolrich’s offerings for both men and women that are further elevated by quality materials such as wool, cotton and down. Completely in-tune with the needs of its customers, the outdoor brand now incorporates technical performance fibres like nylon and polyester in all its garments.
For Woolrich, there’s a simple constant: as long as there are people keen to venture into the wild, it will help them do so in comfort and style.
www.woolrich.eu
Fashion
Chanel Fall/Winter 2017
The magic sets of Chanel Ready-to-Wear shows are always expected with anticipation and this season Karl Lagerfeld confirmed once again to be a visionary. A giant 35-meters-high rocket ship was waiting for us at the centre of the Grand Palais, envisioning the recent NASA news of potentially earth-size and consequentially habitable-zone planets.
It does not surprise that the humongous double C rocket was designed to lift off for more than 10 meters in the finale, leaving us completely stunned in smoke and pyrotechnic lights with Elton John’s Rocket Man in the background, Lagerfeld playfully used a whole vocabulary of space references: metallic matelassé stoles in silver and pink as space blankets, knitted headbands lifting the hair into a voluminous round cloud hinting to the space suit helmet, heavenly beaded black evening dresses to match the stardust castellated sky.
The classic Chanel skirt suits is also reinvented with matching shorts and completed with sequined tights and half gloves. It’s a fantasy as out of the best interstellar tale, and we hypnotically want to be part of it. Sparkling signature tweed in metallic silver, white electric blue and Karl’s favourite powder pink, together with the most glittery lunar boots would provide the perfect mise for our final space mission to escape this tired Mother Earth.
www.chanel.com
Fashion
Hermès Fall/Winter 2017
“How enduring, how we need durability / The sky before sunrise is soaked with light / Rosy colour tints buildings, bridges, and the Seine” Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski chose Nobel Prize Czes?aw Mi?osz as backdrop for her collection. More than an homage to her ancestors, it’s the sense of surprise and anticipation every non-Parisian feels when experiencing this city that Vanhee-Cybulski aimed to hint. It’s that wandering around as in a sort of situationist walk, not sure what will resurface from its powerful heritage. The expectation and the excitement.
Hermés Fall/Winter 2017 is all that. Vanhee-Cybulski’s wish to build Hermés identity as timeless but playful, a dialogue between the contemporary fresh attitude with that effortless spirit expressed since her first collection at the French house, was clear from the start. The collection felt polyhedric and at a closer look it revealed all its beautiful craftsmanship.
A beautifully timeless wool long cape in midnight blue lined in a rosy dusty brick tone and paired with a sporty ribbed sweater and tights. A sweeping floor leather coat in pale powder pink. Classic cut pants and laced-up thigh-high boots as borrowed from man’s wardrobe. Relaxed turtleneck knits matched with statement patchwork leather outwear with shearling trim. But also 70s vibes with scarf dresses in mousseline. Vanhee-Cybulski is revising the codes of haute modern dressing for this equestrian-routed French maison.
www.hermes.com
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto Fall/Winter 2017
Declinations of deconstructed silhouettes in shades of black. Pleated, wrapped, twisted. Yohji Yamamoto Fall/Winter 2017 celebrates the roots of the acclaimed Japanese master himself in all the aspects that have been constantly accompanying his vision.
Forty-four looks of pure architectural shapes, and virtuosic silhouettes in a crescendo of emotions. As Yamamoto once again recorded his own guitar playing for the show music, it’s almost as if we could see him, in his home, sitting down and casually strumming his acoustic guitar, in search for fragments of time, emotions, images. Singing about a woman, the archetype of the woman itself.
And it’s the search for the perfect balance of draping around the female body the protagonist of the collection. The gracious volumes protruding along the figure with bias cut, deconstructed, rigorously in black with hand-painted splash of purple and blue. Painting has always been a beautiful obsession for the Japanese designer and we know he would never refrain from expressing the refuse to use print patterns.
The collection synthesizes magnetically these feelings of attachments to identity and the exciting search for the new. Yohji Yamamoto showed once again the unconditional pure beauty of staying true to oneself.
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Fashion
Dries van Noten Fall/Winter 2017 Ready-to-Wear
Imagine a tribe of legendary models from the 90s, with their ageless beauty, power walk and barely-there makeup. Imagine them now walking for the most loved and respected fashion designer of our time for his 100th show.
Dries van Noten surprised everyone when the show started: all the models who walked for him, from the very beginning, were all present: Amber Valletta, Caroline de Maigret, Malgosia Bela, Kirsten Owen, Trish Goff, Kim Noorda, Guinevere Van Seenus and legendary Kristina de Coninck opening the show. Together with the more recent favourites. It was an overwhelming flow of emotions for whomever has followed and worked with this acclaimed Belgian designer since 1993.
The collection was a parade of all the prints, the cuts, the colours from past collections, the story of Dries van Noten in toto. It was an incredible archive research, as some of the print designs didn’t exist anymore. The strong sentiment of timeless style and ageless beauty was pervasive, look after look. The oversized coat, the relaxed long dresses, the denim, velvet, and beautiful fur stoles. The mix-matched colours with a lemon yellow splashing the entire collection. It was a celebration of joy, of positivity, of the essence of femininity itself.
The sound of a crowded street, the cars, the people, a dog barking accompanied the vastitude of a collection of music and movies extracts played: from Jun Miyake’s Lilies of The Valley - the musician who closely worked together with Pina Bausch, one of Dries Van Noten's dearest muses – to the late David Bowie singing Heroes in the a cappella finale. “…you, you can be mean. And I , I’ll drink all the time. Because we are lovers. That is a fact”
www.driesvannoten.com
Fashion
Gucci Fall/Winter 2017-18 The Alchemist's Garden
An air of magical curiosity filled the air as Alessandro Michele's Fall/Winter 2017 Gucci collection was presented at Milan Fashion Week. Complete with streetwear elements, fused with historical costumes and oversized floppy hat featured alongside vest tops with anarchic messaging, the collection was vibrant, exciting and oh-so Gucci.
There's a garden of plants and animals. Inhabited by signs, symbols and archetypes invoking and recalling remote worlds, blending the conscious with the unconscious as imagination forces the inertia of reality. This alchemist's garden is an anti-modern laboratory that refutes rigidity and determinism, aiming instead to recover the complexity of existence with the contradictions that permeate it.
This ubiquitous cycle is perfectly embodied in the Ouroboros, an ancient Egyptian symbol of a snake eating up its own tail. It destroys and conceives in a never ending cycle of self renewal and reflects Alessandro Michele's fascination with the role of fashion in modern society.
www.gucci.com
Art
Iris Schomaker – Come to the Edge
Berlin based artist Iris Schomaker, will display her first Benelux exhibition “Come to the Edge” at the Reflex Gallery in Amsterdam showing off her expressive large-scale watercolor and oil-works on paper featuring figures in various states of repose.
The show will consist purely of new works representing an arresting close-up of a single figure, lying reading, resting, sitting curled up, unaware of the viewer’s gaze because “it’s more like a sudden glimpse-something unexpected. These figures do not offer contact. Their faces are blank, vanishing.” As the artist herself said.
Is exactly this blankness that took Iris to project on to the image looking at the very anonymity of those faces as an invitation to the viewers to bring something of their own being surrounded by powerfully immersive and contemplative figures. Moreover the figures in the newer works from the German artist are often accompanied by a symbolic animal that is more idea, atmosphere, and energy, more a sprit guide that brings a strange, irritating and inspiring energy rather than a flesh and bones companion.
In muted shades of black and grey, with only the thinnest veil of oil wash in faded aquamarine or yellow, the overall impression of the palette is decidedly monochrome. The figures are resolutely not portraits; the final creation is given by a work of research through images of unknown people like photos, sketches, ripped pages of magazines, combined with her drawing and creativity, in order to give birth to an incredible mix between classic paintings and current graphic novels.
The exhibition will run until April 26th 2017
www.irisschomaker.de
Fashion
Ermenegildo Zegna's Defining Moments
Every story worth being recounted begins with a defining moment. Ermenegildo Zegna's latest campaign focuses on just that: precious interactions, settings and conversations that trigger potentially life-changing reactions for its participants.
Robert De Niro, an actor known and revered the world over requires no introduction but it is safe to say he is no fashion ad regular. Alongside him, American Honey break-out star McCaul Lombardi whose performance generated Hollywood buzz at the end of last year. Actors of different generations, with wildly different experience levels but with an affinity that transcends age.
The campaign, shot by film-maker Francesco Carrozzi sees the actors interacting both with each other and the Zegna garments they have chose to wear and recalling their Defining Moments. De Niro's mentors, his philosophy of risk-taking and what draws him to a role are all put to the table. Lombardi appears genuinely awe-struck and profoundly respectful of his older, more experienced counterpart as he shares his experiences.
A free, real and passionate exchange that bridges a generational gap and lies at the heart of Ermenegildo Zegna's philosophy. A merging of the intensely artisanal and industrial elements that form the brand's DNA and expresses its values.
www.zegna.com
Fashion
OFF WHITE Fall/Winter 2017
“The show is real” Virgil Abloh told us backstage after the show. Real and now, much like the urge to touch the everyday life of many in various forms. For OFF-WHITE Menswear Fall/Winter 2017 collection Abloh stood up for a new chapter of the brand. Oversized outwear gives way to tailored silhouettes. The extreme youthful approach is now moving into a more grownup vision.
The spectacular set design featuring real fading leaves and shedding trees inside the harsh concrete brutalist UNESCO building, wraps the collection in a surreal atmosphere. As we walk inside the venue we feel overwhelmed by this recreated landscape. It almost urges you to just take a stroll and roll in what looks like a wintery park’s forgotten route.
Checked coats with embroidered foliage, denim printed with flying doves and adorned with golden leaves by London based jeweller Duffy. Exquisite knitwear permeates the whole collection, both for men and women, featuring the brand’s signature bar logo. In all its wearability Seeing Things – as named by Abloh - is a romantic and ambitious collection yet staying true to OFF-WHITE’s identity rooted in the streets.
A new way of seeing, as resonating in the words of British writer John Berger’s Ways of Seeing, was chosen as the opening narration for the show: “The images has come to you, you don’t go to them. The days of pilgrimage are over. It is the image of the painting which travels now”.
www.off---white.com
Fashion
Christian Dada Fall/Winter 2017
“It was boundless blue, almost transparent. I stood up, and as I walked toward my own apartment, I thought, I want to become like this glass. And then I want to reflect this smooth white curving myself. I want to show other people these splendid curves reflected in me” The melancholic closing words of Ryu Murakami’s Almost transparent blue - one of the most striking Japanese contemporary novelists exploring the themes of youth and drug abuse - echoed in Masanori Morikawa’s new Fall Winter 2017 collection for Christian Dada.
Puffer jackets in aluminium silver as reminiscent of drug wrappers, Coca Cola-red sweatshirts with Heroin written in the same typography as the iconic American drink, sweaters in psychedelic orange and blue tones serving as glimpse of post-drug hallucinations.
Morikawa’s collection is imbued with duality - certainly the epitome of youth itself – and that uncertainty and struggle of reaffirmation of young individuals. We see relaxed men’s cut shirts that reveal an incredible heavy textile at the touch, deconstructed jackets that show the lining on the outside, lurex raw materials, all surprisingly soft to the touch.
The T-shirt and leather sweatshirts in collaboration with former English fashion designer and illustrator Charles Anastase, all point in the same direction.
Yet Morikawa presented a collection with a composite of Japanese nostalgia. Like the summer nights spent wearing Jinbei – but here transposed in leather and denim – or those high school times – with the tartan motifs from school uniforms juxtaposed here with urban silhouettes. Christian Dada is beautifully grown up and we are looking forward to seeing the evolution of the brand.
www.christiandada.jp
Fashion
G-STAR RAW presents RAW RESEARCH II by Aitor Throup
Exploring the unlimited possibilities of denim has become Dutch brand G-STAR RAW's latest challenge. The brand presented its latest project, RAW RESEARCH II, in Paris' Palais De Tokyo.
Curiosity and experimentations brought this project to life creating a capsule collection, its pieces a prototype of the latest in denim innovation. The collection features a brand new 3D denim concept: the “ Motac” series. An ergonomic study of the human body in motion gave birth to Motac, created to make garments with perfect fit and versatility thanks to a combination of rigid denim and flexible fabric panels.
To pay homage to G-STAR RAW's homeland, its new creative director Aitor Throup used the iconic Dutch tulip as a conceptual backdrop. Tradition and innovation were brilliantly fused together.
www.g-star.com
Fashion
Plein Sport Fall/Winter 2017
Sport and fitness are the latest addiction of modern society and that's a fact. It's not all about keeping fit anymore, it's a lifestyle. Designers have also caught the athleisure bug and among them is Phillip Plein who delivered a Fall/Winter 2017 collection dedicated to sportswear during this year's Milan Fashion Week.
On a runway made over to resemble a racetrack, models, boxers and workout fanatics presented the first ever Plein Sport line. The collection features sweatshirts, puffer gilets and bombers, among many other fitness apparel favourites, fusing cutting-edge technology with luxurious materials.
Innovation is Philipp Plein's mantra and a key word for his collection that also offered sleeve pockets for iPhones and pioneered lightweight footwear and anti-sweat fabrics.
www.philipp-plein.com
Fashion
Take a walk on the wild side with Christian Dada’s “Blue” collection
In the name of “Blue”, Christian Dada's latest collection is a hymn to Japanese color traditions. Blue evokes feelings of rebellion, frustration, incomprehension that surround troubled youth.
Reaching out to our inner adolescent, the collection revolves around the concept of deconstruction that is obtained with sophisticated methods of shaping and layering. Mixing Eastern and Dadaist aesthetics, designer Masanori Morikawa plays with classic tailored jackets worn like kimonos wrapped around T-shirts and striped pajamas. Trench coats morph into tunics and army bombers and denim jackets are ripped into and skinned to expose their bone structure.
Tartan motifs and schoolboy sheepskin jackets collectively pay homage to College fashion. With slogans like “I Don't Like Drugs but Drugs Like Me” or “Too Fast to Live Too Young to Die” making appearances throughout the line, Morikawa's collection echoes messages from modern society.
Playing with double entendres is a trademark of the Dadaist mood board that definitely urges one to take a walk on the wild side.
www.christiandada.jp
Fashion
Out Of The Blue comes Peuterey
Peuterey wraps its timeless designs into the most diverse shades of blue for its Spring/Summer 2017 collection.
In Out of the Blue, a name that perfectly encapsulates the collection's essence, Italian elegance meets functionality, conceiving a wide range of models that suit our everyday life perfectly, just like their key-color does.
Whether it's trench coats, leatherjackets or blazers – creative director Federico Curradi, has definitely set a new trend for this Spring/ Summer season.
www.peuterey.com
Art
Bottega Veneta and SCoP: when fashion supports art
Tomas Maier, Bottega Veneta’s creative director, has never hid his passion for art, making it a proper flagship of the Venetian brand’s attitude. Bottega Veneta showed for the first time its strong commitment to art and culture in 2001, when Maier introduced the “Art of Collaboration”: an ongoing project which invites photographers and visual artists in order to reflect brand’s aesthetic inside its campaigns.
This year the brand confirms its ever-lasting addiction to art, partnering with the Shanghai Centre of Photography in order to support four key international exhibitions hold at the most prestigious photography institute in China. SCoP is indeed considered worldwide the city’s very first place entirely dedicated to photography showcasing its best and diverse genres.
“Made in Germany: German photography from the 19th century to today” will be the first exhibition supported by Bottega Veneta. The projects will comprises an unparalleled selection of iconic masterpieces that together with contemporary examples will give an up-to-date and fresh touch to the entire exhibition.
The exhibition will run until April 2nd 2017
www.bottegaveneta.com
Fashion
Louis Vuitton’s “Series 6”: between French theatricality and aesthetics
Paris with its romantic promenades sur la Seine it’s the star of “Series 6”, the new Spring/Summer 2017 advertising campaign by Louis Vuitton.
Like a flâneur, Bruce Weber, captured the allure of Nicolas Ghesquiere’s favourite heroines bringing back to life the atmosphere of artistic enthusiasm that typify the city of lights. Michelle Williams, Jennifer Connelly, Adèle Exarchpoulos and Sasha Lane become the modern inspirations for a reimagined Paris. The result portrays powerful silhouettes that comprise a collection of strongly cultural referred Parisian moments. The season’s handbags, the long jersey dresses and the tailored suit become characters in their own right, the perfect companions for these pictorial personalities.
“It is to this cultivated, intellectual, original and free-spirited Parisienne that I wanted to pay tribute” said Nicolas Ghesquière, the creative epicenter of nowadays French elegance.
www.louisvuitton.com
Fashion
VERSACE Spring/Summer 2017: enjoy the ride
Savagery and freedom have always been messages carried by Versace that since its birth thanks to its innovative ways of conceiving fashion has endlessly imposed its creative dynamism among the highest fashion brands.
From attitudes to backgrounds, the Spring/Summer 2017 campaign shot by Bruce Weber is the proper representation of what Versace has always meant in the haute couture. Conceived by artistic director Donatella Versace, the freedom and dynamism of summer and the active mood are perfectly encapsulated in these shoots. Models Edie Campbell, Anna Ewers, Mitchell Slaggert and Jake Lahrman, found themselves in the Kentucky countryside surrounded by horses, perfect symbols of this “freedom” collection.
Freedom of choice, freedom of expression and freedom of speech, These are the messages carried by this collection and Versace in general, because as Bruce Weber said: “it’s always interesting that fashion can carry messages in a subtle way and make people think about their own lives and how they can make it better.”
www.versace.com
Fashion
Acne Studios Resort 2017 collection’s film is now out, and it’s all about Hype Fever
Highlighted shades, slow motion pictures and pop vibes merge together to give birth to the new Resort 2017 collections film by Acne Studios.
Inspired by musical counter culture, free and fluid silhouettes mixed and matched with generous draping, patterned knitwear and elongated evening wear. Sneak peeks from the runway are given together with backstage scenes to present a collection that is nothing but common.
Resort 2017 is all about shapes and prints that are achieved through a variety of dyeing techniques from tie-dyeing to oil-dyeing, in order to create a look that is both soft and romantic without ever forgetting a taste of sane hippie-rock attitude.
www.acnestudios.com
Fashion
Levi’s and JUGEND GEGEN AIDS: T-shirts with a good cause
On world’s AIDS day Levi’s decided not to stay in the corner, taking part together with the JUGEND GEGEN AIDS association to a special night that merged fashion, music and sexual education.
In order to make a difference and let young people feel close to the cause, the denim brand organized the “Night of Life” in association with DJs and starred chefs in order to turn a pool party at the Hamburg East Hotel into something unforgettable.
The ‘STOP AIDS’ sign was shown on black and white limited edition Levi’s T-shirts during the party, whose proceeds will go to the benefit association JGA that since years fight to create awareness around AIDS.
“Do what you want. Do it with love, respect and condoms”
www.levi.com
Fashion
Santoni FW22
The Santoni FW22 Men’s Collection offers new horizons in the form of contemporary scenarios. With the craftsmanship and sense of color that have always characterized the Maison at heart, Santoni creates the image of a man with a vivid sense of style. An individual who loves to express himself in an unrestricted way. The collection is an effortless mix of everything formal and sporty and modern and vintage elements, brought into being through athletic high-tech elements. The look is created to transmit a sense of exaggeration that makes a bold statement: eye-catching rubber soles light-up booties, lace-ups, and double buckles. The vibrant pops of color create unexpected combinations that embody the effortless, yet innovative chic of the modern man. Imagining a walk in the high mountains, the pieces have a remarkable outdoor wear spirit, which is inspired by a sense of contact with nature and a feeling of freedom.
www.santonishoes.com
