7 February 2025 |
Prada works with Ottessa Moshfegh, Donna Karan taps Kate Moss, and more.
NYFW kicked off yesterday to a leaner lineup with the likes of Marc Jacobs opting to show off schedule, Willy Chavarria decamping for Paris, and a slew of brands sitting this one out. While the runway shows march on as usual, other fashion news continues to happen to fill the void. Prada, a longtime literary girl’s dream brand, tapped author Ottessa Moshfegh to create a series of short stories inspired by their spring 2025 campaign starring Carey Mulligan. McQueen, also looking to fictional women, drew from the lore of the banshee for their ads — a continuation of the ideas set forth in the brand’s most recent runway show. Speaking of legendary figures, Kate Moss serves as the face of Donna Karan while everyone’s favorite cool girl, Chloe Sevigny, lends edge to Jimmy Choo’s latest.
Read on to learn more and catch up on what else you might have missed.
A Literary Girl’s Dream Collab
For Prada’s spring/summer 2025 campaign, Acts Like Prada, storytelling goes to new heights with Ten Protagonists, a collection of short stories by author Ottessa Moshfegh. Inspired by campaign images starring Carey Mulligan and photographed by Steven Meisel, Moshfegh’s tales bring to life the fictional personalities through Mulligan’s performance. In a limited-edition Prada publication, each piece tells the narrative of the campaign, transforming the characters into full literary heroines.
McQueen Gets Eerie
How do you follow up a smoky, eerie runway show inspired by the Irish legend of the banshee? For McQueen, you bring that same spooky energy to the ad campaign. The brand headed to Llansteffan Castle in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Shot by Glen Luchford in the sweeping space, the images focus on the liminal hours, with the mood lighting adding a sense of atmosphere to the cobweb lace dresses and tailored pieces. “The banshee was a figure that was very present in my childhood imagination growing up in Ireland and she has recently taken on new meaning for me. She embodies a sense of strident self-expression that resonates now; something freeing that drives connection with others,” says Creative Director Seán McGirr via press release.
Balenciaga’s Nostalgic Y2K Paparazzi Moment
The early aughts were the epitome of iconic paparazzi shots. Who can forget all of the snaps outside spots like the Ivy and Kitson? With that in mind Balenciaga’s new campaign, Le City Paparazzi, is all about altered shots from the early 2000s. It’s meant to highlight their latest Le City Bag stars supermodels that ruled the catwalk during that period like Alessandra Ambrosio, Amber Valetta, and Claudia Schiffer as well as Y2K’s It Girl Paris Hilton. To complete the ode: a watermark, like one seen on stock photo websites. Playing on the paparazzi image rights, it’s the perfect throwback to when celebrities always had a Le City Bag in hand.
Wales Bonner and Howard University Link Up
While Grace Wales Bonner is best known for her work designing ready to wear and accessories, she also dabbles in books and magazines. Case in point, Howard Universal, a unique collaborative publication in conjunction with Howard University. Designed by Palmo Jomaron, founder of Red Lebanese, a Paris-based independent publishing house, and published through Bonner’s research project Between Critique and Hope, it’s a celebration of the historically Black university. Featuring archival images, alumni stories, and student submissions, the pages bring together stories of “The Mecca” from different decades. You’ll find photos from yearbooks between the years of 1947-2011 alongside modern images shot by photographer D’Andre Williams. Alumni submissions include works by the artist Laraaji, cinematographer Bradford Young, and others. There will also be reprints from renowned author Toni Morrison, who played a pivotal role in Howard University’s past. The publication is free and can be found at Howard University, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York, For Keeps Books in Atlanta, Reference Point Library in London and the Stuart Hall Library in London.
Omega is Already Looking to Cortina 2026
With only one year to go until the next Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Omega are celebrating their role as official timekeeper (since 1932!) by unveiling a new, special edition watch. The Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026 combines the elegance of the Seamaster collection with a nod to one of the biggest athletic competitions in the world. Crafted with 18K Moonshine Gold, the timepiece features a pristine white Grand Feu enamel dial with gold hour markers and dauphine hands. Powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8807, it’s a testament to the brand’s legacy of precision.
Dior’s Latest Bag is a Trip
For spring 2025 Maria Grazia Chiuri went a distinctively sporty route, kicking off the show with an archery performance. It’s fitting then, that the bag of the season, reflects that same athletic spirit. Called the D-Journey, it blends fluid lines with practicality courtesy of a spacious central compartment and a strap that can be worn crossbody or on the shoulder. Available in small, medium, and large you can choose from three leather finishes (smooth, crinkled, or grained) as well as canvas versions featuring the iconic Dior Oblique jacquard or bold Dior Graphic lettering. Check it out here.
Adrien Brody Stars in COS’ Latest Campaign
Chances are highly likely that Adrian Brody will nab another Oscar for his performance in The Brutalist. But before that happens comes another gig: serving as the face of COS’ spring 2025 ad campaign. Brody, alongside a cast of models, pose against the striking art deco backdrop of Ravenscourt Hospital in London. Photographed by Karim Sadli, the images embody modern simplicity and elegance, showcasing unstructured tailoring and soft fabrics. With earthy tones, buttery yellows, and deep blues, the collection features versatile womenswear and smart-casual menswear staples elevated with delicate details. From linen tailoring to sculpted accessories, COS highlights their signature sophistication while teasing an exclusive off-schedule runway show. Expect to see them in Athens this April.
Jimmy Choo Taps Everyone’s Favorite It Girl
Ever since she burst onto the scene in 1995’s Kids, actress Chloë Sevigny has been everyone’s favorite cool girl. And given that Jimmy Choo’s latest ads are all about the energy, polish, and attitude of the early aughts, it’s only fitting that she’s the face of the campaign. Created by Ezra Petronio and Lana Petrusevych, the images spotlight the brand’s Hyper Glamour collection. Featuring minimal sets, it ensures all eyes are on Sevigny and the key styles for next season. Whether it’s the sculptural bows seen on the Staz shoes and bags or the oversized paillettes on the Isa mules, it’s playful, stylish, and transformative. “The freedom of expression that fashion offers can be really powerful. Slipping on a pair of heels or reaching for your favorite bag [let’s you] reinvent yourself from one day to the next,” she says via the press release.
A Kate Moss x Donna Karan Moment
After featuring an ensemble of iconic models like Christy Turlington, Karen Elson, Amber Valetta, and more for their fall 2024 campaign, Donna Karan is back with yet another recognizable name. For spring 2025, they’ve tapped Kate Moss as their newest face. Photographed by Craig McDean, the images capture Moss’s timelessness and strength in a serene setting, showcasing her elegance. Featuring monochromatic designs with shimmering textures, the collection highlights staples like blazers, slouchy knits, and draped dresses.
The Boat Shoe Trend Isn’t Going Anywhere
The latest partner in Nordstrom’s Make Room for Shoes is certainly having a pop culture moment. Sperry, a 90-year old brand beloved for their preppy boat shoes, is teaming up with the department store. Featuring styles for women, men, and kids, the exclusive new collection is a playful spin on the iconic design, with options in shades like brick red, dusty blue, and mauve as well as the classic stripe. To give it a 2025 twist, you’ll also see colorful beads and charms attached to the laces, giving it that DIY appeal. Shop it here.
