Louis Vuitton x Léon Marchand Paris 2024

*New Ambassador
Riding the Wave
Louis Vuitton dives into Paris 2024 with French swimmer phenom Léon Marchand

written Sarah Arendts

In a splash of classic style and unparalleled athleticism, luxury giant Louis Vuitton welcomes five-time World Champion swimmer, Léon Marchand, as the House Ambassador for the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris 2024. An embodiment of perseverance and excellence, this alliance is a stroke of genius in fashion meets sport, accelerating the luxury game into the athletic stratosphere.

In the wake of a triumphant partnership between Paris 2024 and LVMH, Marchand will represent the group, channeling the essence of Louis Vuitton into the global arena. At just 21, this French phenomenon has set the sports world alight, marking his terrain in the Olympic pool, and pushing boundaries with an enviable track record of record-breaking performances and ground-breaking victories.

A compelling blend of talent, determination, and youthful vitality, Marchand's repertoire boasts the title of new world record holder in the 400m individual medley, best world performance of the year in 200m butterfly, and a shiny new European record in 200m individual medley. He caught the world's attention with his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021, where he showcased an unparalleled mix of passion and prowess. Now, he is tipped to be a key contender for medals at the Paris Olympics, promising an enticing spectacle of aquatic ballet, executed with speed and precision.

This collaboration adds to the glamour of the 2024 Olympics, creating a whirlpool of anticipation as we inch closer to the grand opening on July 26, 2024. The specifics of this partnership remain under wraps, fueling an air of mystery and anticipation. However, Louis Vuitton promises that more will be unveiled as we dive closer to the kick-off date.

As Louis Vuitton wraps its arms around Léon Marchand, we're offered a front-row seat to a beautiful synchrony of fashion and sport. Marchand is not just an ambassador; he's an "Artisan of All Victories," exemplifying the persistent spirit of the maison while pushing his limits in the pool.

Louis Vuitton announces Léon Marchand as house ambassador ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The waves of change are hitting the shores of the fashion industry. And with Louis Vuitton riding at the helm, we're in for a dazzling display of elegance and performance, setting the stage for a thrilling Olympic rendezvous.

Celine Winter 2023 Show Revels in Indie Sleaze Glamour

*New Collection
CELINE Winter 2023
Decoding Indie Sleaze in High Fashion's Winter Rebellion

written Sarah Arendts

The fashion world waits with bated breath as CELINE's Winter 2023 co-ed show, dubbed 'CELINE at The Wiltern,' illuminates the iconic Los Angeles theatre. Marrying the vintage glamour of the art deco venue with CELINE's modern edgy sartorial prowess, this show promises a spectacle of high fashion underscored by rebellious indie undertones.

CELINE WOMEN WINTER 23
KAIA by Hedi Slimane
(c) Celine

The Wiltern, standing tall at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, has a rich history bathed in transformations. Originally designed as a vaudeville theatre by Stiles O. Clements of Morgan, Walls & Clements, it's a shining testament to the art deco architectural style in the United States. As we step into this history-soaked theatre, we are welcomed by a burst of richly colored murals, decorative plaster, and ornate tile work that adorn the interiors, the pièce de résistance being the theatre's signature sunburst ceiling.

The show finds a rhythm in the offbeat backdrop of the theatre, which has played host to legendary acts like Prince, Nina Simone, Beck, Lou Reed, and Patti Smith, among others. The echo of these music icons resonates within the new collection, as CELINE's Hedi Slimane imbues the Winter 2023 show with undertones of rock chic and indie sleaze.

The collection takes off with a tailored suit, a beacon of Slimane's vision of indie luxury, adorned with gold buttons running from collar to hem. This is quickly followed by off-duty rock star essentials such as fringed accessories, bohemian slouchy leather bags, and riding boots that radiate a glamorized grunge aesthetic.

Embracing the gold feathers on faux fur jackets and the quintessential tight leather pants, Slimane's collection sparks an era of indie decadence. Jeans as skinny as they can be, and leather boy jackets blend into an electric vision of luxurious rebellion, where indie sleaze dances with high fashion.

The menswear collection oozes with a current of rock 'n' roll royalty. A red blazer adorned with gold trims feels like a call-back to Freddy Mercury's flamboyant style, and loose ties worn on undone white shirts under checkered car coats transport us to the Northern British indie rock scene.

Dive into CELINE's Winter 2023 Show at The Wiltern, where high fashion collides with indie sleaze in a captivating co-ed spectacle. Brace for a style revolution, CELINE style:

(c) Celine

Tributes to the music legends who have graced The Wiltern stage are not left out of Slimane's fashion narrative. A black power suit, shoulders sharp and ready for a performance, gives a nod to Prince's bold style. Silver-trimmed sparkling suits, sheer tops with bow ties and ruffles, and a standout gold lamé suit, serve as Slimane’s study on stage-worthy rock star attire.

As the final curtain falls on CELINE's Winter 2023 Show, we are left with Slimane's sartorial genius, embodying rock 'n' roll chic and indie sleaze. It's a powerful collection that transcends the boundary between high fashion and rock culture, further solidifying Slimane’s unique style identity that has carried him from House to House. CELINE at The Wiltern is, in essence, a celebration of music, fashion, and the rich history of an iconic Los Angeles landmark. As the soundtrack, "Hello Operator" by The White Stripes, fades out, the audience is left with an indelible impression of Slimane's vision: indie has indeed never looked so luxurious.

MIU MIU AW 2023 CAMPAIGN

*New Campaign
Miu Miu LIVE!
Unveils Fashion's Future in a Timeless Void

written Sarah Arendts

Prepare for lift-off! Miu Miu is catapulting us into the future, melding the past with the now and the time to come in its Fall/Winter 2023 campaign, 'Miu Miu Live!'. The fashion powerhouse is redefining the runway, turning transient democratic spaces into a surrealist time portal. Is it an airport? A TV studio? Or a time machine revving to transport you into an era where fashion bends and transcends time?

Zhao Jinmai for MIU MIU FW23

seen Zoë Ghertner
creative direction Edward Quarmby
styling Lotta Volkova

The beings that inhabit this world are an enigma, a juxtaposition of the outward and inward. One moment they're in full-throttle performance mode, living the 'Live!', the next they're retreating into self-absorbed shells, exuding an intriguing remoteness. It's a studied disorientation, a familiar disruption that dares to veer off the path beaten by time.

Their attire follows this daring divergence. Imagine elegant twinsets, knee-length pencil skirts and oversized tailoring in dry, heavyweight wools that conspire to both cover and uncover the body. Miu Miu turns the fashion world on its head, as the ordinarily hidden – waistbands of stockings, signature panties sans skirts, and delicate petticoats – strut into the limelight. It's a flirtation between spontaneity, languor, and ease veiled in mystery, a testament to the self-absorbed, peaceful solitude of the human being.

In 'Miu Miu Live!', everyone from avatars to real-life personas oscillates between the abstract and the intimate, foreground and background. The campaign weaves an elusive narrative, showing enough but never revealing too much. The universally recognised – the sincere – is turned inside out and scrutinised under a different lens.

This multidimensional drama of Miu Miu enlists a star-studded cast. Singer-songwriter Ethel Cain adds her haunting vocals to the mix. The thespian charm of Emma Corrin, Mia Goth, and Zhao Jinmai amps up the campaign's cinematic feel. Models Amelia Gray Hamlin and Annabelle Weatherly, with their timeless beauty, further elevate the experience. And LGBTQ+ advocate and model, Zaya Wade, lends her bold advocacy and individuality to the campaign.

Zaya Wade for MIU MIU FW23

Under the masterful eye of photographer Zoë Ghertner, 'Miu Miu Live!' manifests as a mesmerising fashion paradox, both immediate and timeless, engaging yet elusive. It's not just a campaign, it's a new era of fashion — a journey through time where Miu Miu rewrites the rules of the game.

So strap in and prepare for a future where fashion knows no bounds.

VEERT's Collection 6 x DeAndre Hopkins

*New Collection
VEERT's Collection 6
New Wave of Genderless Luxury with NFL Style Icon DeAndre Hopkins

written Sarah Arendts

Gone are the days when the pulse of luxury was set by the traditional maestros alone. A brand soaring onto the scene and shaking up the industry is VEERT, a NYC-based luxury lifestyle brand, that recently launched Collection 6 of its much-acclaimed genderless jewelry line. VEERT, already basking in the successful debut of its menswear RTW collection, has amped up the stakes, casting none other than NFL fashion titan, DeAndre Hopkins, to front this edgy new collection.

creative direction Julia Lang
talent NFL player DeAndre Hopkins
seen by Michael DeLeon (DeAndre)

VEERT is not just another name in the pool of independent luxury brands. It's a trailblazer redefining the contours of the luxury jewelry and lifestyle space with its unique authenticity and androgynous appeal. Big names like Rosalia, Rauw Alejandro, The Weeknd, Steph Curry, and Usher can't seem to resist VEERT's distinctive allure, and this latest collection only adds to the brand's growing mystique.

Thirty-one carefully crafted pieces, each imbued with their own unique charm and character, make up Collection 6. Hailing straight from Italy, the new offerings include a broad spectrum of designs - from audacious crucifixes and crosses to fiery heart motifs and versatile bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Not to forget the rings—simple yet regal, they capture the spirit of minimalist grandeur. The collection's standout pieces are its vibrant, eye-catching ornaments, uniquely e-coated in VEERT’s signature green hue, and not to miss the impressive Jesus pendant that's destined to be a customer favorite.

Lustrous freshwater pearls also make a guest appearance, woven into the fabric of classic necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. What sets VEERT apart is the meticulous detailing, with green-colored, PVD coated pieces handpainted by Italian artisans, manifesting the ultimate blend of craft and creativity. Add to that VEERT’s use of 2.5 microns of 18K gold for its goldplated pieces, outdoing the market’s usual thickness.

Julia Lang, the Tanzanian-German co-founder and creative mind behind VEERT, affirms, “With VEERT, luxury does truly exist in every single detail. For each new collection, we’ll continue evolving our aesthetic with discerning pieces that exude our refined genderless ethos.”

The range of Collection 6 will fall between $195.00 - $1,550.00, available in both Demi Fine & Fine Jewelry options. But be ready to pounce—the pieces will debut in limited quantities on VEERT's website and at selected retailers shortly after.

One thing is for sure, this collection, with its embodiment of authentic luxury and genderless aesthetics, has set the stage for an exciting future.

(c) VEERT, 2023

KVRT STVFF's ECHO Eyewear

*New Collection
The Future of Retro Chic
KVRT STVFF's ECHO Eyewear

written Sarah Arendts

KVRT STVFF, the maverick fashion brand, renowned for its chic and sportive designs, is making waves once again. The brand has unveiled its latest venture: ECHO eyewear, an eclectic mix of past influences and future aspirations, curated for the fashion-forward individual.

In an industry drowning in déjà vu, ECHO emerges as a welcome deviation from the norm. The line's distinctive eyewear designs are a nod to vintage styles, seamlessly blended with modern aesthetics. The monochrome color palette is both timeless and versatile, dovetailing effortlessly with KVRT STVFF's existing collections. Each pair is a statement piece, offering style enthusiasts an avenue to echo their personality.

Since its inception in 2018, KVRT STVFF has been redefining the fashion landscape with an array of sportswear, swimwear, and underwear. Their unique proposition lies in their capacity to blur the line between fashion and functionality, resulting in designs that inspire confidence and ooze power. With ECHO, the brand extends its ethos to eyewear, offering a collection that stands as a testament to their commitment to redefining standards of style and sensuality.

ECHO eyewear is a symbolic representation of KVRT STVFF's adherence to high-end luxury fashion. Each piece is meticulously crafted in-house at the KVRT STVDIO, ensuring unparalleled quality and standard. But ECHO is more than just a collection of eyewear—it's an attitude, a reflection of the brand's philosophy of 'No Fear, No Shame'. ECHO glasses are not just an accessory, but a tool to channel one's confidence and to stride fearlessly through life.

ECHO is KVRT STVFF's latest stride towards redefining sexiness and shaping the narrative of fashion. It's a nod to minimalistic aesthetics, stripped of stereotypes, that caters to the contemporary style-savvy individual with an eye on the future.

all images (c) KVRT STVFF

Christopher Kane Resort 2024 Collection

*New Collection
Christopher Kane Resort 2024 Collection
- Unleashing Chic Humor and Unexpected Elegance

written John Heath

Renowned for his knack of blending unexpected elements into stunning fashion statements, designer Christopher Kane, along with his sister and co-creative director, Tammy Kane, introduces a daringly playful note to the Resort 2024 Collection. Captured through the lens of photographer Douglas Irvine, the collection effortlessly elevates the conventional boundaries of high fashion.

credits

seen Douglas Irvine
creative direction Christopher Kane & Tammy Kane

(c) Christopher Kane

The Resort 2024 Collection sparks intrigue at every turn. A prime example of Kane's distinct flair is the effortless blend of elegance and irreverence: oversized bows grace the hemlines of tailored shifts, and powder-puffs punctuate the necklines of slinky petrol-blue jersey slip dresses. Trousers and blazers feature whimsically cut-out circles at the knees and elbows, adorned with marabou feathers.

But beyond the glossy exterior of this collection, the Kanes incorporate a deeper narrative. The inspiration stemmed from the documentary "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed," which centers on photographer Nan Goldin's advocacy against opioid addiction. The documentary struck a chord with the Kane siblings, highlighting the poignant connection between society's extremes - wealth and deprivation.

Kane's collection mirrors the inherent resilience and style of the impoverished LGBTQ community documented in Goldin's works, where second-hand couture becomes a symbol of survival and beauty amidst adversity. Echoing their childhood memories of Glasgow's post-industrial communities, the designers articulate a socio-economic commentary: "The poorest people are the best-dressed."

The collection nostalgically harks back to the mid-to-late '80s, drawing inspiration from the glamorous, synthetic attires of barmaids serving in Working Men's Clubs. However, Kane cleverly repurposes these references into high-fashion narratives that feel fresh, relevant, and unapologetically audacious. A gold fan-pleated evening dress, named "The Gold Bullion," serves as an abstract reflection of the opulence that perpetually exists within society, as in the '80s New York.

By pushing the creative boundaries and masterfully weaving in socio-cultural narratives, Christopher Kane's Resort 2024 Collection portrays high fashion as a platform for storytelling – an intriguing blend of humor, audacity, and elegance.

Unboxing The Future: Louis Vuitton’s Revolutionary VIA Treasure Trunk

*Campaign
Unboxing The Future // Louis Vuitton’s Revolutionary VIA Treasure Trunk

written John Heath

Louis Vuitton's iconic legacy enters the digital realm with the unveiling of the VIA Treasure Trunk, a first-of-its-kind digital trunk, offering a bespoke fusion of tangible luxury and digital culture.

(c) Louis Vuitton

Your journey starts with a trunk.

Inspired by the Maison's vision, the VIA Treasure Trunk becomes a key to alternate realities, welcoming owners to a world of exclusive product drops and immersive experiences. Priced at 39,000€ and limited to a few hundred pieces, these trunks offer an exquisite taste of scarcity.

The trunk, however, is just the beginning. A series of purchasable digital keys will unlock unseen Maison collectibles, each revealing an exclusive physical counterpart. This unique intersection between the digital and the physical world expands the frontiers of luxury.

The world of VIA fosters curiosity, connection, and community among Treasure Trunk owners. It's more than an invitation to collectors; it's a call to innovators to step into the universe of Louis Vuitton and share the journey with their communities.

Get ready to embark on this exciting voyage. Louis Vuitton’s VIA Treasure Trunk will be available from June 8th on the Louis Vuitton website in select countries. Join the journey by following @LouisVuitton.

Miu Miu's Arcadie Bag Campaign Starring Gigi Hadid

*New Campaign
Art Meets Fashion in Surreal Reverie
- Miu Miu's Arcadie Bag Campaign Starring Gigi Hadid Channels Margaret Keane

written John Heath

Miu Miu's latest campaign elegantly straddles the line between reality and fantasy, channeling the spirit of the late American artist Margaret Keane in unveiling its new Arcadie bag alongside the now-iconic Wander. Supermodel Gigi Hadid plays the Miu Miu heroine in this series of surreal shots, lensed by the renowned Steven Meisel.

credits

seen & filmed Steven Meisel
talent Gigi Hadid 
creative direction Edward Quarmby
styled Lotta Volkova

(c) MiuMiu

The campaign pays homage to Keane, who was famed for her wide-eyed subjects that exuded an endearing innocence, a style that was unjustly claimed by her then-husband, Walter, until the truth was revealed in a memorable courtroom spectacle.

Keane's distinctive artistic world blends seamlessly with the avant-garde aesthetics of Miu Miu in this campaign, largely thanks to Edward Quarmby's creative direction and Lotta Volkova's styling.

Hadid breathes life into the Arcadie and Wander bags, embracing the intriguing interplay between the surrealistic world of Keane and the unique universe of Miu Miu.

This celebration of unconventionality reaffirms Miu Miu's commitment to nonconformist artistry, creating an exciting tapestry where fashion meets art, reality meets surreality, and ordinary meets extraordinary.

Miu Miu's campaign dances on the surreal edge of reality, where the spirit of Margaret Keane merges with the brand's distinctive fashion narrative.

Prada´s The Glass Age with Scarlett Johansson

*New Campaign
Prada´s The Glass Age with Scarlett Johansson

written Sarah Arendts

The world of high fashion intersects with pop culture and fine art in a campaign celebrating the Prada Galleria handbag, featuring Scarlett Johansson and directed by Alex Da Corte. Aptly titled “The Glass Age,” the campaign marries color and reflections to explore the multifaceted character of humanity, identity, and self-transformation.

Johansson, renowned for her acclaimed performances in film and theater, brings a unique energy to the campaign. Her acting prowess, known for embodying different personas with precision and passion, mirrors the diversity inherent in Prada’s iconic Galleria bag. Together, they create a vivid portrayal of individuality and style.

Venezuelan-American artist Alex Da Corte, known for his pop and surrealistic artwork, directs the campaign, marking his debut in a fashion context. Da Corte's signature style is marked by vividly-hued and all-encompassing artistic environments, which explore the same notions of humanity and individuality that Johansson brings to her work.

In this creative milieu, Johansson continually morphs, her transformations framed by a wash of pure color that channels universal emotions and collective experiences. This play of color and transformation further enhances Johansson’s global fame, making it resonate powerfully within these visuals.

This campaign also sees the Galleria itself recontextualized. Its silhouette serves as a canvas for exploration, with color and patterns reflecting the transformative power of fashion and design. The bag mirrors the vibrant world around it, embodying the campaign’s motif of refraction and reflection.

“The Glass Age” is a distinctive blend of high and popular culture, blurring the lines between fashion, fine art, and popular iconography. This novel intersection offers an opportunity for audiences to witness a reimagining of their favorite cultural figures, as well as cherished fashion icons like the Prada Galleria.

With Hollywood star power, the creative genius of Alex Da Corte, and the timeless elegance of Prada, “The Glass Age” promises an immersive exploration of fashion, identity, and transformation.