Loro Piana All-New Fall/Winter 2023 *Extra Bag

*New Collection
Loro Piana Fall/Winter 2023
'Extra Bag' sets the Fall Pulse Racing

written Amanda Morentson

Fall in, rebels. Loro Piana drops a sartorial bombshell with their newest creation: the Extra Bag.

A fierce reincarnation of the once raved-about Extra Pocket from the frosty haze of Fall Winter 2019-2020, this bad boy is all set to steal the limelight and rule every fashion-forward soul's arsenal. Think of it as the maison's edgiest retort to the daily dilemma of 'what to carry' – a mad mix of style, stance, and sheer sophistication.

Let’s talk form.

Contemporary yet timeless, with a hint of drama, this bag embodies a plush rectangular-ish silhouette, sure to make heads turn from SoHo to Shibuya. Crafted with an almost palpable passion, the bag exudes quality; the finest calfskin is transformed into a texture that's both lavish and lustrous. It’s as if you're holding a velvety dream.

Loro Piana FALL/WINTER 2023
The New EXTRA BAGS
(c) Loro Piana

And oh, the details!

It's evident that Loro Piana was quite literally "stitched in thought" when designing this beauty. The contrasting ecru stitches hark back to traditional leather lore, and the two-way shoulder strap? It's versatile fashion's answer to contemporary chaos, whether you're more a one-shoulder sashay or a cross-body crusader.

Now, a brief pause for the showstoppers: those two new charms. Gleaming golden lockets, with the sultry initials "LP", stand out against the leather canvas. Whether you're pulling at the ample zipper or admiring the vintage key fob, there's a sense of legacy, a promise of timelessness.

Loro Piana plays a color symphony, too. From the ethereal white of "Sunday Morning" (reminding us of lazy brunches and sheets kissed by the sun) to the sultry depth of "Dark Chocolate Licorice" and "New Petrolio." And then, for those in-the-know, there's "Deep Kummel" – Loro Piana’s signature shade that softly whispers feminine charm.

The Extra Bag offers more than mere utility; it represents a story, a tribute to timeless grace. Imagine meandering through autumnal Parisian boulevards, carrying a piece that feels both light and balanced.

As autumn approaches, anticipate seeing this refined piece in Loro Piana boutiques and on their online collection.

Loro Piana FALL/WINTER 2023
(c) Loro Piana

CHURCH’S x MIU MIU *Heritage and Haute Couture

*New Collection
CHURCH’S x MIU MIU
The Dance of Heritage and Haute Couture

written Sarah Arendts

Tradition meets rebellion in the most unexpected union of the season. For Fall/Winter 2023, Miu Miu and Church’s are blurring the boundaries between the time-honored and the audacious. The marriage of Church’s timelessness with Miu Miu’s fearless essence produces a collection that is equal parts regal and renegade.

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

At the heart of the campaign, an ornate gentleman's armchair takes center stage. This isn't just any armchair—it's swathed in decadent archive Miu Miu fabric, speaking of opulence from bygone days. And it's here, upon this chair of heritage, where our models don the newest fashion dare: the Church’s X Miu Miu brogue and double monk strap shoe.

Against the plush backdrop of the chair, our models lounge, their postures oozing ease, upending the traditional propriety these shoes have long stood for. Each pose is an echo of Miu Miu's signature defiance—a playful nod to bending the 'rules.'

Meticulously crafted in glossed brushed leather, the shoes arrive in enduring black and tobacco. Their shape is a nuanced departure from the original Church’s—broader and more substantial. Yet, even as the design pushes boundaries, elements like the characteristic patterned serration remain. But the real eye-catcher? A sports-inspired, malleable rubber sole boldly replacing the classic leather one.

And in an ode to their collaboration, both the Miu Miu and Church’s X Miu Miu logos are strategically showcased—imprinted on tongues, embossed on the sides, and printed within the shoe, exuding the luxury and opulence of the partnership.

credits

seen Lengua
creative direction Edward Quarmby
styled Lotta Volkova
models Rejoice Chuol & Annabelle Weatherly

(c) MIUMIU x Church´s

Especially intriguing is the double monk strap shoe, adorned with the iconic wing-tip motif — a heartfelt nod to Church's British roots and craftsmanship.

Miu Miu's love for dancing between the known and the new shines through. This collection is a flirtation with the comfort of the known while reveling in the thrill of reinvention. As always, the brand revels in and reinvents the familiar, ensuring fashion enthusiasts are always on their toes.

Fashion's newest paradox is here, and it's unmissably chic.

Antony Collection *Mulberry x Paul Smith

*New Collection
A British Design Evolution
Mulberry x Paul Smith

written Mark Ashkins

In a harmonious blend of legacy and innovation, Mulberry and Paul Smith present the ‘Antony’ collection. As products of the vibrant 1970s, both these iconic brands weave a tapestry of shared British heritage.

“Our brands matured together in the same era. It’s our intertwined essence of Britishness that drives this collaboration to new heights,”

expresses Paul Smith.

Premiered at Smith’s AW23 show in Paris, the collection revives and reinvents the revered Antony bag. Originally a men's staple, this bag has grown beyond gender confines. With the introduction of the Antony Clip and the Antony Tote, the collection seamlessly merges Mulberry's rich history with Paul Smith's signature flair.

Representing Mulberry, Thierry shares,

“In partnering with Paul Smith, we're celebrating our mutual values and dedication. Each piece, crafted in our carbon-neutral Somerset factories, resonates with our Made to Last vision.”

Beyond design, the collection is a beacon of sustainability. Crafted in Mulberry’s carbon-neutral Somerset studios from environmentally conscious leather, it's an embodiment of both brands' commitment to a greener future.

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.

Valentino ESCAPE Capsule Collection 2023

*New Collection
Escape The Ordinary
Valentino's 2023 Capsule Collection

written Sarah Arendts

Prepare to embark on a stylish journey through time with Valentino’s innovative Escape 2023 capsule collection. Reimagining iconic prints from their vast archives, the Maison brings an enchanting interplay of past and present to the season's wardrobe staples.

(c) VALENTINO 2023
seen Marie Schuller

From lightweight caftans to breathable mini dresses, the revitalized Animalier, Loop, and Panther prints turn everyday vacation looks into memorable fashion moments. Classic staples are reborn with a modern twist, promising to turn heads wherever your summer adventures take you.

The iconic Animalier print, first revealed in 1967, brings the power of animal print to sheer coverups, flowing caftans, and statement accessories. The panther print, steeped in sartorial history, comes back to life on sequin-embroidered tops and beachwear, while the hypnotic Loop print adds vibrant hues to crop tops, dresses, and clutches.

Beyond the wardrobe, Valentino has envisioned immersive global experiences that transport and inspire. These curated adventures promise to blend heritage with exciting new experiences in picturesque locales such as Ravello, Saint-Tropez, Forte Dei Marmi, Mykonos, Dubai, and the Hamptons.

(c) VALENTINO 2023
seen Marie Schuller

So gear up to escape the ordinary this summer. The Valentino Escape 2023 capsule collection, available in select boutiques and online from mid-May 2023, is your passport to an unforgettable fashion journey.

Prada New Arqué Fall/Winter 2023

*New Collection
Prada´s New Arqué
Must-Have Accessory for Fall/Winter 2023

written Sarah Arendts

There's an art to subtlety and sophistication in fashion, and Prada has once again proven its mastery with the launch of its new Arqué Fall/Winter 2023 collection. This avant-garde accessory, with its audacious modern design, brings an extraordinary new vision to the iconic Prada aesthetic.

(c) PRADA 2023

The striking allure of the Arqué bag lies in its unusual crescent shape, a homage to the timeless hobo bag design, but elevated to unprecedented levels of elegance and luxury. Enhanced with refined details and craftsmanship, the piece offers a harmonious blend of old and new – the traditional inspiration of the design in exquisite juxtaposition with the freshness of its interpretation.

The Arqué’s construction is a testament to Prada's enduring dedication to superior artistry. The bag is assembled from two pieces shaped with wooden forms, evoking a sense of organic simplicity, while simultaneously celebrating precision and balance in its architecture. The shoulder strap, running the full length of the bag’s curve, accentuates this geometry in concert with a contrasting rib detail.

The bag's exterior is fashioned from sumptuously soft calf leather, a staple material in Prada's handbag repertoire, renowned for its durability and rich texture. In contrast, the interior lining boasts nappa leather, prized for its buttery softness and premium quality, transforming the act of reaching into the bag into a tactile experience of luxury.

But the genius of the Prada Arqué lies in its multifaceted versatility. It offers two adjustable and interchangeable handles, allowing the wearer to adapt the bag to their personal style or mood. Whether worn on the shoulder or slung across the body, the Arqué effortlessly transforms to suit the dynamic lifestyle of the modern woman.

(c) PRADA 2023

Available in a carefully curated palette of black, cognac, and white, there’s an Arqué for every ensemble. Each bag is adorned with an enamelled metal triangle logo on the front - a symbol synonymous with the Prada brand - and elegantly finished with gold metal hardware, for an opulent touch of sparkle.

As we look towards the upcoming Fall/Winter season, the Prada Arqué is set to take the fashion world by storm. This isn’t just an accessory; it’s an investment piece, a statement of refined taste and appreciation for the intricacies of high fashion. With its balance of geometric precision and elegant simplicity, the Prada Arqué is much more than a bag; it’s the embodiment of the Prada philosophy: timeless, innovative, and quintessentially stylish.

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

PRADA FALL/WINTER 2023

*New Collection
Prada's Fall/Winter 2023
Where the Surreal meets the Sublime

written John Heath

Prada's Fall/Winter 2023 women's and men's campaign pushes boundaries, exploring a world of beauty, love, and care with their latest collection inspired by the eternal metaphor of flowers, symbolizing tenderness and affection. Not just the regular old posies, but human-sized blooms reimagined to express otherworldly emotions and delicately interwoven with an exquisite line-up of global cinema stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Hunter Schafer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Letitia Wright, and Li Xian.

Li Xian for PRADA FW24

seen Willy Vanderperre
creative direction Ferdinando Verderi

Prada's rich history of relationship with cinema fuels the campaign, letting its muses' mastery of their craft inspire feelings through words, actions, and intense gazes. Flowers, depicted in this campaign as colossal participants, become more than just ageless symbols of beauty; they become silent protagonists in a series of surreal conversations, bridging the gap between the everyday and the extraordinary, and becoming tangible conduits of emotion. The narrative transcends cultures and languages as it dives deep into the visual, bringing the improbable to life.

Behind the lens, acclaimed photographer Willy Vanderperre encapsulates each of these rare moments, from the grandiose figures to the stunning, oversized blooms. Through each frame, the figures and flowers engage in visual and literal dialogues, resulting in an evocative contrast of human and natural beauty.

Adding depth to these intriguing exchanges, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham, known for his mastery in "The Hours" (1998), scripts the accompanying campaign films. As the cast converses with these unlikely floral giants, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride through a kaleidoscope of paradoxical dialogues, simultaneously odd and extraordinary.

Prada's campaign speaks in volumes about the dichotomy of the flower and humanity itself - the delicate balance of fragility and strength, the precious and the mundane, the ephemeral and eternal. Each flower becomes a reflection of the human experience - unique, expressive, and deeply intertwined with our thoughts and feelings. This emotional depth and complexity are what the brand taps into, bringing out the unexpected synergy between the human experience and floral beauty.

Kodi Smit-McPhee for PRADA FW24

Prada's FW23 collection is an externalisation of the intangible, a celebration of real emotion through seemingly unreal imagery.

The real and surreal cross paths, reminding us that there's always something extraordinary within the ordinary - if we only choose to see it.

Louis Vuitton's Fall 2024

*Lookbook
The Hybrid Future is Here
Louis Vuitton's Fall 2024 Collection

written Sarah Arendts

Welcome to the future of fashion, courtesy of Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme's Fall 2024 Collection. This array of inspired pieces is channelling a new era of adaptability, and let's be clear – it's going to change the game.

Picture this: your alarm goes off, you're about to drag yourself out of bed and into the work grind. But this time, Louis Vuitton is in your corner, your wardrobe full of seamless blend of work-play pieces that would make the transition as smooth as a well-aged whisky. This wardrobe of dreams is no longer a fantasy, but the future, brought to life before Pharrell Williams' debut show as Men’s Creative Director in June 2023.

Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2024 Collection is all about fluidity, throwing caution to the wind by mixing traditional professional and casual dress codes. This collection embraces a notion of 'transition', not only in the practical sense but also in a more metaphorical, artistic manner.

We're talking a fusion of corduroy textures with Louis Vuitton's signature Epi leather, diagonally intertwined and spliced into visually-stunning, movement-invoking designs.

Picture the intriguing optical illusion presented by the green aviator jacket with leather panels, or the dark olive generational suit, an elevated take on casual meets professional. Not to mention the sea-blue traditional suit with an unexpected twist – voluminous trousers for that dash of casual flair.

Hybridisation hits the footwear, too, with the LV Discovery derby stealing the show, formal meets street with a sneaker sole. The LV Pacific slip-on takes the baton, blurring the line between elegance and comfort, merging a sneaker sole with a suede upper.

The iconic Epi leather doesn’t end there – it’s been innovatively reimagined in the form of the red Maxi Epi texture and pattern that breathes life into an array of bags. Check out the Alma bowling bag, or the Christopher backpack – your work-play essentials just got a whole lot cooler.

The freshness of the collection is further amplified by new hues of the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram – we're talking olive-green canvas with a splash of orange lining and a blue canvas with a grounding brown lining.

So, ready to rewrite your fashion narrative?

Louis Vuitton's Fall 2024 Collection is here to prove that boundaries are meant to be broken and that the future of men's fashion is anything but boring. Get set to live the hybrid life, where work-play is not just a concept but a reality. We’ve glimpsed the future, and it’s looking oh-so-Vuitton.

all images (c) Louis Vuitton

Dior's Haute Couture AW 2023

*New Collection
A Visionary Homage to Feminine Power
- Dior's Haute Couture AW 2023/2024 Collection

written John Heath

With every tick of time, haute couture shapes its own epoch, consistently breathing new life into the past. This continuum of history and excellence is epitomized in Dior’s newly unveiled Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 2023/2024 Collection. With this daring assembly, Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Artistic Director, spins a fresh tale of haute couture, drawing inspiration from the seminal wardrobe archetypes: the tunic, the peplum, the cape, and the stole.

credits
DIOR Haute Couture AW23
Scenography

(c) Laura Sciacovelli

Every model in this collection conjures an otherworldly divinity, walking in the footprints of goddesses who have, in their time, wielded power over our world. The lines are clean, vertical, contrasted with flat shoes. The colour palette – predominantly white, beige, silver, and pale gold – speaks of regality and refinement, as well as a sublime tranquility.

Chiuri's distinctive touch, ever-present in this collection, pays homage to the essence of femininity, an interplay of strength and vulnerability. With each new look, she pushes the boundaries of haute couture, challenging and reinterpreting the quintessential symbols of Antiquity. The défilé becomes a contemporary ritual, a cyclical representation of the female form as a nurturing pillar of the community, powerful yet delicately crafted.

Yet, this collection is not just about reviving the past, but rather, it serves as a compass pointing us towards a future steeped in sensitivity and conscientious attention to detail. The garments are, in essence, a poetic embodiment of a world where the feminine spirit is revered and celebrated, where strength and fragility are not binary, but coexist in harmony.

This Dior haute couture line transcends the temporal, positioning itself in the realm of timeless fashion. It not only magnifies the vision of Maria Grazia Chiuri but also amplifies the voice of every woman who dares to dress as the deity she is. The Autumn-Winter 2023/2024 collection is a grand manifesto, declaring the evolving aesthetic of Dior, and undeniably leaving a lasting imprint on the haute couture landscape.

A standing ovation for Maria Grazia Chiuri and the House of Dior, for once again, they have managed to blend the old with the new, and reimagined the familiar with the fantastic, a feat that deserves nothing but acclaim. This new collection is a statement: one that pays tribute to the past, stands firmly in the present, and guides us towards a luminously couture future.

HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE

.new collection
HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE SS24
A New Wave of Pleats

written John Heath

Echoing through the artistic haven of Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the vibrant hum of anticipation crescendoed as the unfolding revelation of HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE's Spring Summer 2024 Collection made its debut. Titled 'Everyday, One of a Kind, Now and Hereafter', the collection is an ode to the brand's roots in garment pleating, beautifully encapsulating its core ethos of innovative design.

all images (c) HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE

HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE has always carved out a unique path in the sphere of high fashion. Rejecting the ephemeral, the brand staunchly pursues a creative journey towards timeless, yet innovative designs that become inherent to daily life. This collection serves as a testament to this philosophy, presenting an array of pleated masterpieces that amalgamate simplicity with ingenious craftsmanship.

The show opened with a distinctive flourish – a large roll of pleated paper unfurling across the museum gallery. This curious object laid the groundwork for the spectacle that was about to unfold, sparking curiosity among the audience. As the pleated roll unveiled itself, an array of garments emerged, each piece a celebration of the brand's signature pleats.

Each garment breathed a life of its own – an innovative blend of simplicity and technology-infused design. From everyday outfits to one-of-a-kind pieces, the collection served as a canvas for a breathtaking spectrum of fresh, spring-inspired colors. Each piece, born from the brand's avant-garde techniques, beautifully epitomized the HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE philosophy – infusing life into each outfit, transforming the wearer into a walking masterpiece.

Following the reveal of the garments, the design team emerged on stage, dressing the models in an act that was part-performance, part-demonstration. The audience witnessed firsthand the transformation of each garment from a two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional silhouette – a stunning testament to the potential of the brand's pleating technology.

In a world filled with fleeting trends, HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE's 'Everyday, One of a Kind, Now and Hereafter' collection resonated with the timeless allure of simplicity, ingeniously merged with the prowess of technology.

The Spring Summer 2024 Collection, while rooted in the brand's origins, emerged as a groundbreaking ode to the future – capturing the very essence of the everyday, the one-of-a-kind, and everything that lies hereafter. This collection is not just a fashion statement but a poignant reminder of the brand's relentless quest for innovative beauty, a manifesto of their unique blend of art, design, and technology.

Pharrell Williams' Debut at Louis Vuitton Men’s SS24

*New Collection
Orbiting the Sun
- Pharrell Williams' Debut at Louis Vuitton Men’s SS24

written Sarah Arendts

In a blaze of creativity and sun-kissed hues, Louis Vuitton's Spring-Summer 2024 Men's Collection marks the dawn of Pharrell Williams' tenure as the Men’s Creative Director for the fashion house. Presented on Paris's Pont Neuf, the collection traces a radiant arc from Paris to Williams' native Virginia, infusing French sophistication with a touch of American sporty verve.

credits

creative director Pharrell Williams 

styling  Cactus  & Matthew Henson 

collection artists Henry Taylor  & E.T Artist 

make up Pat Mcgrath

nails Dawn Sterling 

hair Kareem Belghiran

all images (c) Louis Vuitton

Williams melds the Damier heritage pattern with street-wise camo, birthing the unique 'Damoflage'. Evoking his personal style lexicon, it permeates the collection, flowing effortlessly from accessories to tailoring. Sharply-cut suits, oversized trousers, and collarless tunics reveal a dandy ethos, while a new adaptation of the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy bag pays tribute to the hustle of Canal Street, NYC.

The collection offers a rich tapestry of detail, from 'Super Zoom' sunglasses to ornate costume jewellery. An homage to his home state, Virginia, is seen in the transformation of the LV initials into an emblem for a culture of LVERS - an inclusive mindset radiating warmth and wellbeing.

Interwoven with the designs are intimate micro embroideries, featuring the art of Henry Taylor. These elements, together with a filmic prelude, 'Pupil King', and an original soundtrack by Pharrell Williams, create a multi-layered narrative.

Culminating in a performance by Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z, this collection asserts Williams' radiant vision for Louis Vuitton, casting the iconic fashion house in a whole new light.

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.

Montblanc *New Leather Symphony in Subtle Tones

New Collection
MONTBLANC SOFT A New Leather Symphony in Subtle Tones

written Sarah Arendts

Renowned luxury Maison, Montblanc, has reimagined its celebrated Soft collection. Infusing it with new colors and shapes, the collection now showcases practical models crafted for modern-day travel in Dusty Grey, Brick Red, Spicy Orange, Scottish Green, and Ottanio (Petrol Blue) alongside their trademark black.

Montblanc's Artistic Director, Marco Tomasetta, commented,

"We aimed for comfort, lightness, and style, using soft, supple leather in unique colors and shapes that evoke playfulness and elegance."

In this redefined collection, Montblanc has moved functional features like compartments to the exterior, aligning the designs with the Meisterstück product line's aesthetics.

From large travel bags to small everyday accessories, all exhibit design elements reminiscent of the iconic Meisterstück writing instrument.

These redesigned, soft, and lightweight creations offer a seamless blend of luxury and practicality, promising to become ideal companions for your travel journey. The reimagined Soft collection is now available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online.

Get ready to travel in style with Montblanc.