11 February 2024 |
Armani/Casa opens on Park Avenue, Breitling and Victoria Beckham partner up, and more.
By the time you read this your social media feed is probably full of runway videos. But before fashion month really kicks off, there’s still other happenings in the world of fashion. For those who want to peruse more fancy jewelry and watches, Gucci released a series of high jewelry images while Berluti announced a timepiece, made in collaboration with Victoria Beckham. Rather do a little shopping? Should you be in Milan Bottega Veneta has opened up a new location inside their famed Galleria while New Yorkers can check out Armani/Casa’s new gallery space on Park Avenue. Read to learn more plus check out what else you might have missed this week.
Armani/Casa Hits Park Avenue
Fans of Giorgio Armani’s sleek, globally-inspired interiors will be happy to note that Armani/Casa has a new space at 499 Park Avenue. The 1,700 square foot gallery features a mix of limited edition pieces as well as home accessories, most notably the mother-of-pearl pieces which line the windows. “These are some of the most precious pieces, re-editions of now iconic furniture, completely covered in mother-of-pearl tiles arranged in a mosaic, the result of admirable craftsmanship” says Giorgio Armani via the press release. Beyond these pieces shoppers will be able to check out wall coverings, lighting, rugs, and tabletop, all meant to provide a dose of Armani-approved glamor to any space.
Bottega Veneta Opens in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
No trip to Milan is complete without a stop or two at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the historic shopping gallery a stone’s throw from the Duomo. And if you weren’t tempted to make a trip, consider that Bottega Veneta just opened up their latest location there as a good excuse to head over. The two-store space bears a similarity to their Avenue Montaigne flagship, featuring plenty of glass, Italian walnut, and green Verde Saint Denis marble, all set in the same geometric pattern. To celebrate the new space, shoppers will get early access to three pieces from the summer 2024 collection, namely the Kalimero Cha Cha and Città bags as well as the Cha Cha shoe. There will also be five limited edition Kalimero Città bags in python, as well as 15 ceramic handle Sardine bags.
Breitling and Victoria Beckham Collaborate on a Timepiece
While Victoria Beckham might be best known in the fashion world for her line, the designer can also add timepiece creator to her accomplishments. Partnering up with Breitling, the two have released the limited-edition Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham. Available in either stainless-steel or yellow gold, a material specifically revived by the watchmaker for this line, there are only 1,500 pieces – a watch meant for the collector who loves a sleek, fashion forward design. Featuring a metal bracelet and raised rider tabs at the 15-minute mark, you’ll find colorways inspired by Beckham’s spring 2024 palette, with shades like peppermint, midnight blue, dove gray, and sand among the choices. As a symbol of their partnership there’s a Breitling logo on the dial while VB can be found on the second hand.
Gucci’s Ode to the Seasons
Haute joaillerie tends to deal in extremes – the grander the better tends to do the trick. But for Gucci’s high jewelry campaign under Sabato De Sarno, the mood is unsurprisingly pared back and elegant, featuring the likes of Daria Werbowy. Shot by David Sims at The Chateau Marmont, the images feature Werbowy clad in nothing more than spectacular pieces from the Allegoria collection, Gucci’s line as inspired by the seasons. Featuring a necklace and matching bracelet made from yellow sapphire, tourmalines, and diamonds alongside earrings made from tourmalines, emeralds, and diamonds, the images highlight a surprisingly down-to-earth yet still glamorous way to think of pretty baubles.
Chloé Hints at New Beginnings
We’re still about three weeks away from Chemena Kamali’s debut at Chloé but a series of portraits released by the luxury brand might provide a glimpse into her direction. Featuring a cast of iconic women from different eras ranging from Jerry Hall to Jessica Miller to Natalia Vodianova and Fei Fei Sun, the David Sims shot images feel bright, airy, and warm. “I wanted to capture the emotion and energy of Chloé and the women who embody both its history and spirit. They are effortlessly powerful, beautiful, free,” said Kamali via press release.
Veronica Beard Introduces Bags
After years of being known for their blazers, Veronica Beard has moved into the accessory realm. The brand launched handbags last week, with a series of practical and easy carryalls meant for your everyday life. Consisting of seven variations that run the gamut from tote to bucket bag to a shoulder style, the standout is their Goody bag. Made from a mix of canvas and leather, it can be worn crossbody, top handle, or on the shoulder. For those looking for more space, the Crest tote will be a favorite for the gym or beach while the Crest Lock Trap bag is ideal for more dressy affairs.
Cecilie Bahnsen’s Circular Capsule Collection
Fans of whimsical Scandinavian label Cecilie Bahnsen looking for pieces that are gentler on the environment should take note of the brand’s latest capsule collection. They partnered up with Nona Source, a supplier of luxury deadstock fabrics, on five styles. Consisting of the Vanessa top, Vanda dress, Virginia trousers, Verona dress, and Alberte top, the pieces are made with crisp poplin, sheer organza, and denim. Featuring Bahnsen’s signature feminine touches and sculptural shapes in shades of soft pink and black, the styles highlight the possibility of circular fashion.
Creed and Neiman Marcus Celebrate Queen of Silk
While New York fashion week technically starts today, the week has already been packed with events. One worth noting? Creed, the historic fragrance brand, along with Neiman Marcus hosted a dinner at Veronika in honor of their latest fragrance Queen of Silk. The scent, described as fruity, floral, and amber, is meant to evoke the delicate sensuality of silk. With notes of Chinese osmanthus, Javanese patchouli, and tuberose along with cedar and agar, Madagascan vanilla, and rich ambers, the launch proved alluring enough to draw the likes of actor Tommy Dorfman, singer Justine Skye, and Helena Cristensen out for the evening.
Donna Karan Relaunches
After years in limbo, Donna Karan is back, reimagined as an accessible luxury brand. The campaign, which launches this week, is called In Women We Trust and features eight iconic models. With the likes of Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow, Carolyn Murphy, Imaan Hammam, Karlie Kloss, and Liya Kedebe shot by Annie Leibovitz, the images are a throwback to what the label is best known for. With classic draping, sculptural hardware, and styles that call to mind Karan’s 7 Easy Pieces, albeit now it’s called System of Dressing. Whatever the name may be, the elegant images make it very easy to be a Donna Karan woman now and in the future.
Alexis Bittar’s Cast of Characters
What could bring Kelly Cutrone, Mel Ottenberg, Sonja Morgan, Amanda Lepore, and Mickey Boardman together? No, you haven’t magically transported back to 2008, it’s Alexis Bittar latest video additions to the story of Margeaux and Jules. For those unfamiliar, Margeaux is a feisty Upper East Side doyenne and Jules is her hapless assistant, a fictional pairing that inspires plenty of laughs for the chaos they create, naturally clad in Bittar’s accessories. The new spin finds the two crossing paths with iconic New Yorkers at an art gallery party gone awry. Watch as Ottenberg tries to cajole Margeaux into an Interview feature while Morgan and Jessel Taank attempt to recruit her as the latest Real Housewife cast member. Meanwhile Cutrone attempts to take over as her publicist while Boardman tries to convince Margeaux into a cover shoot. As for poor Jules? Well, Lepore is serving as a source of comfort. Check out the hilarious videos on the brand’s Instagram.
