24 February 2024 |
Plus a pair of shoes straight out of a fairytale.
Between the holiday on Monday and the bulk of the fashion world in Milan, this week has been a bit more quiet than usual. But while the runways are full of exciting new clothes for next season, a reminder: spring stuff is finally trickling into stores. For those who are looking for a new bag, both Fendi and Loewe offer riffs on their classic styles. In the mood for sunglasses? Linda Farrow and COS have a chic capsule that can be worn now and well into the summer. And for those who happen to be in Los Angeles for Frieze, two pop-ups with merch worth browsing include The Frankie Shop installation as well as the Dover Street Market x Felix Art Fair shop at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Read on to catch up on the week that was.
Balenciaga Adds to Their Balenciaga Music Series
Back in December Balenciaga partnered up with Archive, the British band, on a custom track as well as a playlist and merch. This week the brand announced the latest addition to their Music series, working with the Manhattan School of Music to honor the late composer Angelo Badalamenti. Known for his film scores and pop collaborations, he worked closely with director David Lynch and soundtracked Blue Velvet. Before his death in 2022, Badalamenti selected an original playlist that features a compilation of his works, which you can stream now. In addition, a series of limited-edition merch will be available featuring a graphic based on the composer’s score, Torch Theme. The campaign, which was shot at the music school, features students and members of his family. Balenciaga also announced that they will sponsor a masterclass on Badalamenti’s work, which will be free for students attending the Manhattan School of Music.
Jimmy Choo’s Fairytale Fantasy
Say what you will about the takeaway message in Cinderella being that a prince has to come and save the day, the girl had some great shoes. Those glass slippers in all their glory made them the perfect fairytale fantasy heels. And now, that fantasy can turn into reality courtesy of Jimmy Choo. For spring they created The Crystal Slipper, which like its name implies is a Brothers-Grimm-worthy pair of shoes for the modern day woman. Made in the style of an 18th century Rococo court shoe, it features over 12,000 hand-applied Swarovski crystals (including the sole!) for a sparkle unlike any other. To finish, you’ll find a hand embroidered heart-shaped crystal cluster on each pointy toe as well as an iridescent lining, for extra shimmer. Given its precious nature, what else can it be stored in besides packaging that brings to mind a jewelry box? If you do find yourself owning a pair, try not to lose one at midnight.
COS Collaborates With Linda Farrow on Sunglasses
With spring a mere weeks away, you’re probably itching for some sun and warmth. To go along with the new season, what’s better than chic sunglasses collaboration? Linda Farrow, the 50+ year old British brand that collaborates with the likes of The Attico, Jacquemus, and Dries Van Noten on shades, is partnering up with COS. The vintage-inspired styles range from classic aviators to cat-eyes to wayfarers and feature classic Linda Farrow details like cut-outs and cut-outs. With nine styles, there’s plenty to choose from.
Dover Street Market Los Angeles is Popping Up at Felix Art Fair
If you happen to be in Los Angeles for the Frieze Art Fair but looking to explore away from the main hubbub, Felix Art Fair is worth a stop, especially since they’ll be partnering up with Dover Street Market Los Angeles. The two are setting up a space at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to sell exclusive merchandise especially curated for the art fair. Notable drops include Parley For the Ocean totes made in conjunction with Jenny Holzer, Julian Schnabel, Ed Ruscha, and more. KAWS and Sky High Farms are teaming up on workwear while Denim Tears and David Hammons are offering a pair of Converses that combine Hammon’s design for an African-American flag with Marcus Garvey’s pan-African flag. For Comme des Garçons fans it marks the fourth time that Comme des Garçons Black Market will pop up in the United States. The transient shop, which carries a selection of items including tees, hoodies, as well as Rei Kawakubo’s furniture, will be housed in an installation by artist and sculptor Oscar Tuazon. Admission is free of charge and the shop will be open from February 28th through March 3rd.
The Frankie Shop Hits Los Angeles
Also for Frieze Week in Los Angeles, The Frankie Shop is heading to West Hollywood for an installation in partnership with Crosby Studios. Called The Meeting Room, it opens to the public on February 24. Equal parts art and shopping experience, visitors find themselves in the remnants of an office, moments before the movers empty the space. With their stacks of binders, monitors, office chairs, water coolers, and more, nestled within are the brand’s latest collection of leather pieces, separates, and other exclusive items. It’s a fitting way to highlight The Frankie Shop’s minimalist, work-friendly styles. To celebrate the launch, they’re also launching a new campaign featuring Demi Moore as shot by Collier Schorr.
Loewe Introduces the Flamenco Purse
While the Flamenco bag isn’t a new style for Loewe, (the original was launched in the 1980s while creative Johnathan Anderson redesigned it in 2015), the latest addition made its appearance during the spring 2024. Called the Flamenco purse and featuring the same signature gathered silhouette that defines the family of handbags, this new lightweight version reimagines certain details. With two panels of leather and no raw edges, it’s meant to hug the body when worn. There’s a donut chain strap that’s threaded by hand with tonal tubular lather and finished off with a pebble embellishment. Wear it as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or ditch the straps and make it a clutch. You can find the bag in black, burgundy, sahara, and green on the site now.
Fendi’s Spring Handbags Hits Stores
Another spring handbag launch to know? Fendi’s new seasonal designs, which features Selleria 1925, a saddle stitch detail that played heavily during the runway show. Inspired by the brand’s original Roman master saddlers, the handicraft has been passed down through the generations and saw a new life incorporated into the brand’s iconic bags. Styles like the Peekaboo and Baguette received the treatment, as seen on the thick tonal leather trim that outlines the bags. “You take something from the past, work with it and celebrate it. There is a malleability to history – it is something that you make your own. The Selleria is fundamental to Fendi history and yet it always looks modern, always now; it connects the past to the present and the future,” says Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear via press release.
