9 August 2024 |
Plus a new jewelry CFDA Award is in the works and Gucci announces their latest global ambassador.
If it feels like there’s a new K-Pop idol brand ambassador announcement happening every week, it’s because well, it’s been a frequent occurrence. Case in point: Gucci announced that BTS’ Jin, fresh off his military stint, is their latest face, adding to their already loaded roster that includes New Jeans’ Hanni. Also happening this week? Audemars Piguet released three new Royal Oak watches — a surefire draw for timepieces lovers everywhere. For jewelry lovers, Louis Vuitton is here for you with their Tumbler collection, a group of diamond baubles inspired by their high jewelry collection. And for those who prefer footwear options, Golden Goose and Scandi outerwear label RAINS both have drops.
Read on to learn more and catch up on what else you might have missed.
Tiffany & Co Partners with the CFDA on a New Jewelry Award
Tiffany & Co and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are teaming up to launch an award aimed at recognizing and mentoring outstanding American jewelry designers. Participants of the initiative can expect to receive mentorship and an immersive learning experience where they can delve into Tiffany’s creative legacy of inventiveness and unparalleled craftsmanship, while one lucky designer will be awarded a year-long fellowship with Tiffany’s design department, and a bonus cash prize to the hefty sum of $50,000. In order to receive these career-altering rewards, designers will have to impress the remarkable members of the 2024 Selection Committee which includes a number of familiar faces such as Alexandre Arnault Tiffany’s executive vice president of product, communication and industrial, model Joan Smalls, and designer and CFDA member Jason Wu.
This inaugural award signifies a partnership between the Tiffany’s Atrium social impact platform and the CFDA Impact program to foster and nurture the next generation of American jewelry designers. Applications opened on Monday 29 August and will close next week, on Friday 16 August, so don’t sleep on it: apply here! Chosen participants will be announced during the autumn season and the winning designer will be announced in early 2025. Good luck!
Santa Maria Novella’s Newest Scents
After the success of the I Giardini Medicei collection, Florentine perfume house Santa Maria Novella introduces two new Eau de Parfums: Quercia and Acqua. I Giardini Medicei is an olfactory tribute to the historic, lush gardens of the Medicean villas, and the new scents continue this theme. Transporting noses to the enchanting Villa di Castello, Quercia was created as an homage to the imposing oak tree that dominates the façade of the villa. Evoking the majesty of the grand oak tree, Quercia has a long-lasting woody scent that opens with notes of lavender, has a heart of zesty vetiver and sensual patchouli and a grounding oak wood base. Acqua, on the other hand, is perfect for lovers of a more delicate and fresher fragrance. Inspired by the water fountains of the Medicean villas, this Eau de Parfum symbolizes elegance, refinement and the vitality of running water. With bright, light top notes that dance alongside surprising undertones of pear, effortlessly synthesizing into a floral heart, it’s summer’s perfect scent. The fun doesn’t stop there however, as the freesia and lotus flower notes ascend to the delicate musk in the base, offering an uplifting and enveloping aroma. Available in 50ml or 100ml flaçons, shop the new scents in store now or online come September.
Gucci Announces Their Latest Ambassador
Two months after being discharged from his mandatory army service, BTS’ JIn has already found himself a new job as the latest Korean idol to join Gucci as a Global Brand Ambassador. The new images showcase the singer dressed in Sabato de Sarno’s sleek green suiting, kicking off what hopefully will be a great relationship between the two. “Gucci is an iconic brand with a long-standing heritage and modernity. It is meaningful and thrilling to be a part of such a house,” says Jin via press release. Given the ravenous BTS fans who have been waiting for his post-enlistment career, it sounds like they have plenty to look forward to.
Audemars Piguet Releases Three New Royal Oaks
Watch fans rejoice: Audemars Piguet are treating you with three new Royal Oak Offshore models, now available in 43mm and 37mm sizes. Made in a variety of materials ranging from colored rubber to stainless steel to 18-carat pink gold and black ceramic, these self winding movements have sporty influence combined with the elegance the brand is known for. The first of the three, in 37mm, is made for smaller wrists and combines 18-carat pink gold with a gold bezel that’s coated in gray rubber while the second is a 43mm stainless steel style that includes the smoked blue Méga Tapisserie dial. And finally, the last is a Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph in 43 mm stainless steel option that features a smoked bronze Méga Tapisserie dial.
Louis Vuitton Takes a Sparkly Tumble
The latest fine jewelry offering to join the Louis Vuitton family takes a nod from their high jewelry collections. Called Tumbler, the five pieces are a direct descendant of their namesake Le Tumbler, which first debuted in 2021. The original necklace was a masterpiece of diamonds and nodded to the brand’s monogram flower motif, while the new styles offer the same sparkling geometric lines and floral design. Featuring pave diamonds set against white gold, the line includes a fully articulated necklace in addition to a bracelet, ring, and two earring designs include hoops and an ear cuff. Created to be worn alone or stacked, they certainly are statement pieces for the budding collector.
Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi Gets a New Friend
Few Manolo Blahnik designs are as recognizable as the Hangisi. The sparkly buckled pumps can thank Sex and the City for its place in pop culture history. And while the heels might be a bridal mainstay, the brand just introduced a more casual option, for those who like a bit of everyday glamour. Called the Hangrilla, consider it the off-duty cousin. With a similar glittery accent, the espadrilles are available in shades of red, blue, white, and yellow, making them equally as suited for the end of summer as they do for early fall. “I always had a fondness for brilliant accessories, so we created a series of styles with this beautiful embellished buckle, which I found in Italy. It reminded me of Napoleon I, Josephine and Pauline Bonaparte,” says Blahnik via the press release. Check it out here.
Balenciaga’s Summer Vibes Playlist
You can argue that this summer belongs to Chappell Roan and Charli XCX but if your Spotfiy needs a little more variety, Balenciaga has an idea. The latest to join their Balenciaga Music lineup is Rick Rubin, who curates the perfect summer playlist to celebrate the Festival of the Sun. Inspired by the Summer Solstice in Tuscany, the playlist captures the essence of nature’s beauty and the magic of new beginnings. Available on their site, this playlist is your ticket to a range of different genres, showcasing the connection between humans and the natural world.
Golden Goose’s Golden Sneakers
Only the Olympics can transform non-sports fans into niche sports fanatics. Case in point: those who found themselves glued to the screen as Keegan Palmer won gold in skateboarding park for the second time. The Australian wore Golden Goose to capture the win, a fitting choice. And now those sneakers he wore can also be yours. The Ball Star Pro, a style that was also worn by Cory Juneau the bronze medal at the Tokyo games, is available for purchase. The latest version, created especially for Palmer, features unique details like a skate gentleman on the right foot as well as a celebratory toasting on the left — a nod to the Roaring Twenties in Paris. Coupled with the brand’s signature lived-in effect as well as a neon orange star, they’re equal parts function and style as it also includes padding and a velcro strap to ensure a locked-in fit. So if you want to attempt your own kick flip in stylish shoes, consider this your sign.
The Necklace That Wants to Channel the Lion’s Gate Portal Healing Energy
Ashley Harris founded Don’t Let Disco originally as an Instagram account to capture special moments before the name evolved into a jewelry brand known for playful, nostalgic pieces. The latest, made in collaboration with Juliana Goldman, the founder of Potion,an experiential communications agency, is an extension of Harris’ Disco Duets initiative. Designed to use surplus or natural materials, the two created the Spirals of Fortune necklace. The creation is a nod to ammonite shell fossils that are believed to have healing benefits and promote emotional balance and stability. Launching today, it’s timed to the Lion’s Gate Portal, a cosmic event that peaked on August 8th and is meant to promote prosperity and dream fulfillment. Shop it here.
RAINS and Zellerfeld Drop 3-D Mules
With a name like RAINS, you’d expect nothing less than for the Scandinavian outerwear brand to know their way around bad weather. The latest addition to their line? A 3-D printed mule with Zellerfeld, marking the second time the two have partnered. Available in three colors, the design first appeared on the RAINS fall 2024 runway and features a sculptural shape inspired by the label’s puffer jackets as well as their signature exaggerated zippers. Fittingly it’s called the Zip Mule and also features Zellerfeld’s TextureMap, which combines multiple finishes across the shoe. Designed to be made-to-order, they’re one-of-a-kind with a custom fit built to your foot’s specifications. Plus, they happen to be quick drying, washable, and odor-resistant — the perfect marriage of performance and style. Order your pair here.
