18 February 2024 |
Plus you can train with Megan Thee Stallion courtesy of Nike.
New York fashion week wrapped up yesterday in spectacular fashion, courtesy of Thom Browne and now everyone is moving on to leg two of the month-long marathon. But before the London shows come in hot, other things are still happening. For those looking to shop, the new Bottega Veneta spring handbags have hit stores while BOSS and Naomi Campbell collaborated on a workwear capsule. If travel is more your thing, Saint Laurent opened up a bookstore-meets-art space in Paris worth a visit while Loewe is holding an exhibition dedicated to the art of craft in Shanghai. Rather work on yourself at home? Megan Thee Stallion and Nike are partnering up on workout gear and training classes that’ll get you sweating.
Read on to learn more about this and catch up on what else you might have missed this week.
Humberto Leon Curates a Björk x Spike Jonze Zine
If you had to make a list of the top 90s music videos, Björk’s It’s Oh So Quiet would certainly be on that list. Fans might be familiar with the Spike Jonze directed short but it was the days prior to the shoot that really set the tone for their relationship. During the summer of 1995, the two met at the Chateau Marmont for a photoshoot and of those images, only six were released. That’s changing as of today as WeTransfer is dropping a free, downloadable zine featuring unseen pictures from that day, as curated by Humberto Leon. Called The Day I Met Björk, there’s also never-before-seen contact sheets as well as a conversation between Jonze and Leon. And should you be in Los Angeles, you can check them out in person at an exhibit at Leon’s restaurant and gallery space Arroz & Fun.
Bottega Veneta’s Spring Bags Have Hit Stores
When it came to accessories that caused a big stir during Milan Fashion Week, Bottega Veneta’s oversized duffels were hands down one of the most talked about. Oversized, to the point of swallowing the models’ bodies, they proclaimed an end to little bag dominance. But in reality, they probably aren’t that practical. What does make sense however, are two other styles seen on the runway — the Città and Cha Cha. Derived from the Kalimero family of designs, they both feature the same intrecciato weave but with slightly different vibes. For those who prefer a sleek line, the East West silhouette of the Cha Cha will be more your speed while fans of the Jodie, with its knot, will find themselves drawn to the Città, which has a similar adornment. Find both in stores now.
Boss and Naomi Campbell Launch a Travel Capsule Collection
Given her status as a supermodel, Naomi Campbell knows a thing or two about constantly traveling. So it’s no surprise that her capsule collection with BOSS is centered around exactly that – sleek pieces that can hold up to 16-hour flights and two hour commutes alike. The two, who first worked together when she served as the face of their fall 2022 campaign, partnered up to create outerwear, adaptable stretch pieces, leisure options, as well as footwear. Featuring a mostly neutral palette of white, black, almond, and pops of purple, the styles are made in cashmere, jersey, and cupro all designed to withstand excessive wrinkling.
There’s a charity component too. In the U.K. for every piece sold BOSS will donate a new piece of BOSS inventory to Smart Works, an organization that assists women entering or reentering the job market by providing them with work-friendly pieces. In the U.S. the charity of choice will be ICON 360, a non-profit affiliated with Harlem’s Fashion Row that aims to help eradicate inequities challenging Black designers and the fashion departments of historical Black colleges and universities. And finally in Germany the brand will donate inventory to BIWOC* Rising, which helps support the social, economical, and professional rights of women, transgender, and non-binary people who are facing intersectional discrimination.
Megan Thee Stallion Gets Physical With Nike
Fans of Megan Thee Stallion know that the rapper trains hard. Watch any of her TikToks and you’ll see her squatting, lunging, and sweating up a storm, all the while wearing Nike. The two have been partners for some time but the brand announced that Megan is releasing her first apparel and footwear collaboration. Called Hot Girl Systems, the line has her signature flames, reflective materials, and Y2K-inspired graphics. You’ll find Nike Pro shorts, sports bras, bodysuit, onesie, bomber jacket, and tees in sizes that run from XS to 3X. On the sneaker side there will be a Nike By You Air Max 97 that’s customizable. Everything dropped yesterday, in honor of Megan’s birthday on her site while Nike as well as other retailers will have it on February 20th. To accompany the clothes, what else but two new Nike Training Club workouts as well as in-person experiences. We’re excited to wear Hot Girl gear to achieve a Hottie State of Mind.
DKNY Relaunches With Kaia Gerber
Following Donna Karan’s relaunch with a slew of iconic supermodels, of course DKNY had to do their own ads to highlight their return. The classic New York City label embraced its history of sweeping architectural images and also added Kaia Gerber as the new face. Styled by Alastair McKimm, the photos highlight the brand’s new direction — staples like denim, blazers, and leather jackets get a Gen-Z twist. There’s also a new logo, but it doesn’t stray too far from the familiar stark letters we’re all familiar with. Fittingly, in the video that accompanies the campaign, Gerber walks off a billboard and into the streets as a nod to the label’s history of being a downtown billboard mainstay.
Gucci Gives Their NYC Boutique a Makeover
A new creative director calls for a new boutique, especially when you’re Sabato de Sarno and in charge of taking Gucci in a different direction. As such their SoHo boutique got a revamp, reflecting de Sarno’s vision, which is sleeker and more minimal. The space combines the best of both worlds — classic New York City architectural details meet Milanese influences. That translates to furniture and design elements by the likes of Cassina, B&B Italia, and Minotti set against the existing historic building. Ancora red naturally appears, with the fitting rooms featuring lacquered panels in the hue. To complement the decor there’s also plenty of art, as curated by long-time partner Truls Blaasmo. Artists like Larry Bell, Lucio Fontana. Autumn Knight, and more line the walls as sculptures and video art. Following a glitzy relaunch party during New York Fashion Week, the shop is now open — ideal for browsing the spring collection, including limited-edition pieces like the acid green Jackie Notte bag. And for those who are worried about the future of the bookstore, fret not. That’ll remain, filled with titles that reflect Gucci’s current inspirations.
Saint Laurent Opens a Bookstore in Paris
Speaking of shops. Saint Laurent is opening up SAINT LAURENT BABYLONE, a self-described bookstore and space dedicated to art, culture, and new modes of expression. Located in the 7th arrondissement at 9 rue de Grenelle, the name draws from Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s historical ties to the Sèvres-Babylone neighborhood. Creative director Anthony Vaccarello plays the part of curator, with a selection of books, art and music including rare items and out-of-print recordings. There will be DJ sessions, author readings, and signings as well.
Louis Vuitton Launches a New YouTube Series
Do you find watching YouTube more interesting than Netflix? Are your recommended videos filled with luxury fashion content? Well, you’re going to like and subscribe to Louis Vuitton’s series featuring their Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, Nicolas Ghesquière. Called Nicolas Ghesquière: Shaping Fashion, the designer invites friends and collaborators to discuss everything from film to music to fashion. Naturally it’s filled with tons of personal anecdotes, which considering that the first two guests are Emma Stone and Jennifer Connelly, will make for some interesting chats. “It was very enjoyable to take the time to look back, reflect and smile on how these past ten years have flown by! With the pace of things today, it feels special to sit down and reminisce a little,” says Ghesquière via press release. At ten minutes per episode, it’s a quick and easy watch for a little end of day unwinding.
Loewe’s Headed to Shanghai For a Craft Exhibit
Craftsmanship across cultures is a huge part of Loewe’s brand identity and this March, they’re taking that appreciation to a new level courtesy of a major exhibit set to debut in Shanghai. Called Crafted World, the free, open to the public immersive experience is a celebration of the label’s history, Spanish heritage, and their commitment to handmade creations. Creative Director Jonathan Anderson curated a sweeping overview that goes from the early days, as a leather-making collective in 1846 to its current luxury status. Visitors will be able to check out artifacts and artworks at the Shanghai Exhibition Center through a series of interactive rooms that encompass everything from runway creations to works by Indian ribbon-makers, Ecuadorian tapestry artists, Chinese bamboo weavers, and more. Given the brand’s penchant for surreal and fantastical visuals, expect this to be a good one. Not in Shanghai between March 22 and May 5? Not a problem – the whole thing is set to travel worldwide.
Alexander McQueen’s Sneak Preview
All eyes will be on Alexander McQueen in two weeks’ time as Seán McGirr takes over following Sarah Burton’s departure. What direction will he take? We’re getting a hint today in the form of videos and still images. Starring icons and friends of the house, Debra Shaw and Frankie Rayder, it’s equal parts past and present. The two are in a pine forest, meant to evoke an ethereal Celtic ambiance. Clad in chrome skull masks, it’s a revival of a long-time archetypal motif of the house. To go with the imagery, the logo gets a subtle tweak, to signify the new era. Consider us intrigued.
