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.

Louis Vuitton x Art Basel

*Pop Up
Louis Vuitton Brings Unique Pop-Up Experience to Art Basel

written Amanda Heath

Louis Vuitton continues to surprise and delight art enthusiasts worldwide with its series of innovative pop-up experiences. Following successful iterations in illustrious cities like Venice, Shanghai, and Dubai, the luxury Maison has now brought its latest creation to the prestigious Art Basel event.

Housed in Hall 1 of the renowned contemporary art fair, Louis Vuitton's pop-up is an exploration of the Maison's groundbreaking Editions catalogue, a collection of over a hundred titles that spans subjects of travel, design, art, and fashion.

Each of these publications, including the City Guide, Travel Books, and Fashion Eye collections, encapsulates Louis Vuitton's commitment to blending luxury with culture.

The pop-up event draws on the expertise of a wide range of contributors, from freelance journalists and seasoned authors to cultural experts. Each has helped to capture the essence of the varied subjects and destinations that make up the rich tapestry of Louis Vuitton's literary works.

In an exciting turn, the pop-up event will also host painter and illustrator, Yann Kebbi, for an exclusive signing of his latest creation for the Maison, the Travel Book Las Vegas. Kebbi will be on site from 4pm to 5pm on the 13th and 14th of June. An exclusive “Artist Edition” of the Travel Book will also be available at the event, offering visitors a chance to own a unique piece of Louis Vuitton history.

Open to visitors for the duration of Art Basel, this Louis Vuitton Editions pop-up event invites clients and visitors to embark on a journey across the Maison’s literary works. It promises a thrilling exploration of diverse destinations and themes, all set to be discovered in the vibrant heart of Art Basel.

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the Maison's world of fashion, art, and travel in this unique pop-up experience.

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.

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.

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.

Valentino reinvents Parisian Elegance

*New Store Opening
VALENTINO reinvents Parisian Elegance with a brand new Store

written Sarah Arendts

The majestic Maison Valentino - the most French of Italian fashion houses and the quintessentially Parisian among Roman couture brands - marked a glamorous new milestone. The house proudly unveiled its new Paris store at 35, avenue Montaigne, Paris VIIIème, reinventing its presence in the heart of French luxury.

Conceived by the visionary minds of Jacopo Venturini, CEO, and Pierpaolo Piccioli, Creative Director of the couture house, the new Valentino store redefines the fashion retail experience. Spanning across three grand floors, the store accommodates women's and men's Prêt-à-porter and accessories, immersing shoppers in an avant-garde universe of style and elegance.

This opening continues Valentino's global expansion journey that began in 2022, with boutiques opening their doors in Madrid, Venice, Jeddah, Geneva, New Delhi, and Florence. Upcoming additions to the list include locations in New York and Shanghai. The Paris store, embodying the serenity and warmth of Valentino's unique in-house concept, amalgamates emotions and materials in an evocative fashion ambiance.

Dedicated to celebrating the artistry of craftsmanship, Valentino's new boutique exhibits an assortment of decorative wonders. Fabio Cinti's hammered brass showcases, Massimiliano Pipolo's ceramic handles, and Parisian artist Alexandre Logé's plaster lights echo the ethereal and dreamlike charm that characterizes the brand.

Adding an artistic spin, the Italian artist Gioele Amaro will adorn the boutique with some of his most emblematic creations from mid June to mid July, 2023.

Valentino's new Parisian store isn't just another boutique - it's an immersive blend of fashion, art, and architecture that elegantly intertwines the past, present, and future. The boutique embodies the timeless spirit of Valentino while reinventing the shopping experience for its cosmopolitan clientele.

A Valentino Fairy Tale Unfolding at the Château de Chantilly

*Haute Couture
Pierpaolo Piccioli Is About To Serve Haute Couture Magic in a French Castle

written Mark Ashkins

The fashion supernova that is Maison Valentino is preparing to shake up the Haute Couture universe once again. This time, the place to be isn't just any old runway - it's the storied Château de Chantilly, a French architectural goddess, 50 kilometers from the heart of Paris. Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino’s boundary-pushing creative director, is set to inject the age-old walls with a fresh pulse of Couture come July 5th, 2023, at 7:30 pm.

Bathed in the vibrant echoes of its decadent past, the Château de Chantilly is a time capsule, oozing with opulence and tales of regal splendor. Valentino's choosing this time-warped venue is pure genius – it's history meshed with haute, a mix as intoxicating as it is audacious. Who wouldn't want to see their latest Haute Couture collection spring to life in an ancient French palace adorned with Renaissance bling and royal canvases?

In true Valentino style, the fashion house is pushing boundaries and pulling down walls, figuratively speaking. The usually elusive world of Haute Couture will be brought to your screens, as the Fall/Winter 2023-24 show will be streamed live on Valentino.com and the brand’s social platforms. This is not just a runway show; it's a global invitation to witness Couture in its most mesmerizing form, right from the comfort of your own home.

Speculation and anticipation are rocketing sky-high, with fashion junkies and Valentino devotees waiting in high suspense for what Piccioli is about to unleash. The blend of Château de Chantilly's antiquated charm with Valentino's cutting-edge aesthetics is set to cause tremors across the fashion stratosphere.

Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to plug into an unforgettable Valentino spectacle. The stage is set for a historical collision of the past and the present, with Valentino at the steering wheel, driving us into the future of Haute Couture. Come July 5th, the Maison's magic spell will emanate from the heart of Château de Chantilly, casting a wide net of fascination on fashion lovers worldwide. Stay tuned for a Valentino-infused fashion fairy tale that's about to rewrite history.

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.