1 December 2023 |
Plus a luxury skincare line that took three years to create.
While we’re onto the last month of 2023, there’s still plenty of happenings as everyone tries to squeeze in one last launch or event before the year ends. Burberry named a new global brand ambassador while Louis Vuitton announced a digital collectible that centers around the concept of travel. For those looking for a side of culture with their fashion news, Balenciaga is working with Archive on a combo merch and music launch while Ferragamo’s holiday campaign fuses Renaissance painting with modern day photography. And speaking of art, Art Basel hits next week so expect even more on that front. In the meantime, catch up on everything you missed below.
Burberry Names a New Ambassador
The latest Asian star to join the Burberry family might be a familiar face if you’re a fan of Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution. Tang Wei, the award-winning Chinese actress, was named as the brand’s latest global ambassador. Besides her work in Lee’s movie she’s also starred in films such as Decision to Leave, Late Autumn, and more, earning her multiple awards both within China and abroad. Says Tang of the partnership, “Having known Burberry for many years, it feels as though we’ve become old friends, with its influence woven deeply into my life. I’m truly grateful for this enduring companionship. I adore Burberry’s distinct mastery of color and lines, which exudes a sense of both familiarity and novelty. It’s a British charm that I’ve come to know and love, coupled with a timeless yet rebellious modern spirit. Fate brought us together. This friendship is like a rose, and I would love to see it blossom.”
Ferragamo’s New Renaissance
Maximilian Davis’ era at Ferragamo has been a renaissance of sorts for the brand, so it’s fitting that their latest holiday campaign is a nod towards the Renaissance era, albeit through a modern lens. Shot in Florence, the images combine Italian fine artist Paolo Ventura’s paintings, which reimagine scenes within the city, with Rafael Pavarotti’s photography. The result is a mix of old and new, with models set against iconic sights like the Palazzo Vecchio, Fountain of Neptune, and more. Featuring exclusive looks from Ferragamo’s holiday line you’ll find a mix of tailoring, denim, and après-ski looks mixed in with the brand’s signature loafers and handbags.
Dior Celebrates Female Artists
If you happen to be in Paris between now and May 13 and want to check out a new exhibit, La Galerie Dior’s latest is worth a visit. Featuring an array of female artists like Judy Chicago, Sarah Moon, Niki de Saint Phalle, and more, the show highlights the relationship between the luxury house and art. Since its founding days under Monsieur Dior, who happened to be a gallery owner before he was a couturier, up to the current era under Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s designs have always been in conversation with the cultural forces of their time. Visitors can learn about the history of the brand as a poetic journey through rooms filled with both looks and works of arts. One installation not to miss? The reinterpretations of the Lady Dior, signed by the female creators of the eight editions of Dior Lady Art.
Louis Vuitton’s Digital Treasure Chest
Digital collectibles are still an emerging landscape but Louis Vuitton has been quick to embrace this new world. The latest creation is their VIA Tile Trunk, as envisioned by Nicolas Ghestquière, the Artistic Director of Women’s Collections. Inspired by the Damier motif, the structure nods to the brand’s history of travel and can be transferred, should you ever want to part with it. With only 200 units available, it’s designed to be a rare, exclusive item priced at 6000€. If you want to stake your claim on one, it’ll open up to the public in March 2024.
A Luxury Wellness Based Skincare Line Three Years in the Making
While we might all be in the throes of holiday excess, the new year beckons and with it, the promise of a fresh start. One way to do it, without sacrifice, is to indulge in luxurious skincare. AWvi (pronounced AWE-vee) is a concept that combines wellness and science to help promote better skin from the inside out. Founded by Alexander Werz, the line sprang from his desire to live a healthy and meaningful life. The result is four products that are designed to work synergistically with your body. Consisting of a cleanser, serum, cream, as well as an oral powdered supplement, it’s the result of three years of research on the way your microbiome affects aging and overall skin health. With ingredients like probiotics, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, it’s meant to be a holistic way to overhaul your daily routine. Interested? It launches in January.
Balenciaga’s Foray into Music
Given that Balenciaga has dressed everyone from Beyonce to Rihanna to Billie Eilish and beyond, the relationship between music and the brand is a big part of its culture. To that end they’re launching the next phase of Balenciaga Music in conjunction with Archive, a British band with a 28-year career that spans trip hop, progressive rock, and electronic. The group made a 8.5 minute exclusive track called Patterns as well as a 24-hour playlist exclusively for Balenciaga. Accessing it however, isn’t quite as simple as searching on Spotify. Instead, fans will need to purchase the merch and scan the chip, which then unlocks an original listening event. Consisting of tees and hoodies that list Archive’s full discography, consider it to be the ultimate fashion meets fandom grail.
Alexander McQueen Reinvented the Armadillo Shoe
Ask someone to name their favorite Alexander McQueen collection and chances are, the majority will cite Plato’s Atlantis. The Spring 2010 show, one of Lee’s last, featured fantastical digital prints, layered paillettes that brought to mind armor or scales, and prosthetic makeup. But the one accessory that remains synonymous with that runway presentation is the Armadillo shoe. Sky high and alien-like in form (even though technically it’s inspired by the animal it’s named after), it’s more work of art than practical footwear — at least until now.
For the brand’s spring 2024 pre-collection they decided to reinvent the Armadillo into seven new iterations that retain its unique shape while being more wearable than the original. You’ll find two thigh high styles – one is slouchy and adorned with a bow while the other is sleek and tight. There are also ankle boots as well as a peep toe bootie. For those who prefer pumps or sandals, they’ll be available in two heights. Check out the full range in these moody still life images shot by Hanna Tveite.
Rihanna Relaunches Her FENTY x PUMA Creeper
If you were tracking everything Rihanna wore while she attended F1 Las Vegas the other week you might have noticed her sneakers. Chunky and cool, they’re appropriately named the Creeper Phatty, a relaunch of a FENTY x PUMA style that first debuted in 2015. Available in signature black and white, blue and green, and lavender and cherry red, the new iteration is bigger and better with a stacked sole and a deliberately oversized design. They hit stores yesterday with sizing that’ll cover men’s, women’s, and children – a phatty for everyone who wants to look like Rihanna.
Loro Piana Hits the Slopes
With resorts finally opening across the country, ski season beckons. And what could be more luxurious than zipping down the trails at Aspen or Vail than to do so clad in Loro Piana? The brand is exclusively partnering up with MR PORTER on a collection of 27 pieces that span ready-to-wear and accessories. You’ll find technical pieces like waterproof shell jackets and matching trousers or salopettes as well as après-ready layering pieces and loungewear. To round it out they’re also offering two pairs of ski gloves, a branded helmet, and goggles in addition to a pair of wooden skis and poles.
Two K-Pop Favorites Launch a Streetwear Collaboration
You might have never heard of OHTNYC or Nerdy but you’ve definitely seen their work on the likes of Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, New Jeans, Blackpink, and more. The former is a fashion and jewelry brand New York City-based known for their Gen Z-friendly motifs like teddy bears and butterflies mixed with daggers and spikes. The latter is a South Korean streetwear label that shot to fame in 2017, courtesy of the many idols who wore the brand. Now the two have united on a capsule collection that combines the best of both worlds. Featuring beanies, baseball caps, and hoodies embellished with studs and barbell pieces as well as cheeky baby tees and a sexy version of a tracksuit, you can easily imagine these pieces mixed and matched for that K-Pop star off-duty look. You can shop the collection today on OHTNYC’s site.
