28 June 2024 |
Plus Hello Kitty pops up at Nordstrom and Balmain and The Lion King collaborate.
A glance at the front row at the recent menswear and couture shows and it’s evident that the celeb power of Asian idols is ever growing. It’s fitting then that Louis Vuitton added actor Gong Yoo to their roster, with the Squid Game actor joining the likes of co-star Hoyeon as well as K-pop groups RIIZE and Le Sserafim. Speaking of pop culture moments, did you know that The Lion King is celebrating 30 years since it was released in theaters? In honor of that big anniversary, the film partnered up with Balmain on a collection inspired by the iconic visuals seen in the cartoon. And lastly, another cartoon counting 2024 as a milestone year is none other than Hello Kitty, who celebrates her 50th birthday with a pop up at Nordstrom. Naturally, it’s filled with exceedingly cute pieces.
Read on to learn more and catch up on what else you might have missed.
Get Yourself a Balenciaga Souvenir
What’s a better way to commemorate a summer vacation than with a souvenir? If your tastes skew more kitschy yet luxurious, then you’ll want to check out the Balenciaga boutique on Rue Saint Honoré. Just in time for the busiest travel season of the year and running through September 23rd, they’ve redone their windows to celebrate its latest series of collectibles. Inspired by the traditional products you’d see in the Parisian streets, you’ll find branded mugs, umbrellas, magnets, key rings, and more that nod to everything from the Eiffel Tower to street signs. Should souvenirs not be your thing, Balenciaga is also releasing a Summer Objects line. Consisting of everything you need for warm weather leisure activities, you’ll find sports equipment, beach towels, racquet sets and more. Stamped with the B logo and featuring taglines like Life’s a Beach, All Fun and Games, and Out of Office, everything is infused with the brand’s signature humor.
Tommy Hilfiger Celebrates the Spirit of Sport
With the Olympics a mere month away, you can feel the anticipation in the air and maybe find yourself inspired to incorporate some sporty style into your wardrobe. Just in time comes Tommy Hilfiger’s Hilfiger Team collection. Spanning over 73 pieces, you’ll see plenty of red, white, and blue styles along with designs that draw from the colors of the Olympic symbol. On the men’s side there are windbreakers, bomber jackets, t-shirts, and shorts while the women’s selection includes polos, dresses, tanks, and other elevated sportswear. To finish it off, summery accessories include hats, visors, backpacks, and locker bags — all made for wherever the season takes you. Shop it online now.
Loewe Comes to Boston
Boston, Loewe’s headed your way, as the brand just opened a new 180 sqm store in Copley Place. The new space focuses on Jonathan Anderson’s Casa Loewe concept which combines handcraft and modernity. This is reflected in a color palette that features pink, green and silver contrasted against sleek marble, oak, and concrete accents, the design. Decor details include felt-covered armchairs, a leather bench as well as the brand’s famous iron martini tables. Five bespoke wool rugs that display reproductions of British textile artist John Allen’s Purple Lake Road sit alongside works of art like potter Janet Leach’s vases. You’ll find women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, eyewear, small leather goods and other accessories plus a selection of perfumes.
Louis Vuitton Names Gong Yoo as House Ambassador
If you’ve ever watched Train to Busan or found yourself attracted to the mysterious stranger at the beginning of Squid Games, then count yourself as a Gong Yoo fan. And now, you can expect to see even more of him as Louis Vuitton has made the South Korean actor their newest House Ambassador. With a successful and long-spanning career, Yoo also works to raise awareness for the environment as well as mental health. As for LV, it’s a natural fit as he’s attended their men’s shows, opened their store in Seoul, and also starred in their Tambour Horizon watch campaign. Fingers crossed we’ll see him with his Squid Games co-star and fellow ambassador, Hoyeon in the near future.
Balmain Makes The Lion King Into Couture
Relive your favorite childhood film in a whole new way as Balmain is collaborating with Disney’s The Lion King. In honor of the 30th anniversary of the film’s release as well as the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King hitting theaters in December, the two worked on a collection that’ll drop on July 8. The limited edition pieces, designed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, feature ready-to-wear looks and accessories for men and women along with couture pieces. Combining Balmain’s signature silhouettes with the movie’s visuals, it also nods to Rousteing’s love for African culture and art as seen throughout his runway shows. Aso in the mix are pieces featuring the works of three young African artists: Two South African painters, Nika Mtwana and Cassius Khumalo, and a Cameroonian painter, Enfant Precoce. They created prints influenced by the film and transformed them into suits, dresses, shirts, totes, and other items. The collection will be released in a short fashion film by Femi Oladigbolu and produced by Walt Disney with Balmain.
Hello Kitty Pops Up at Nordstrom
Sanrio fans, this one’s for you: Nordstrom is rolling out the most adorable pop-up shop at its New York City flagship to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. This limited-time shop will feature exclusive collaborations featuring Hello Kitty and her friends like Keroppi, Little Twin Stars, and more. It’ll feature everything from apparel to beauty to home goods and even sweet treats. Standouts include Chet Lo’s signature spiky tops, Chopova Lowena’s cute graphic tees, and Marshall Columbia’s puffy bags, all made in each character’s signature colorways. For those who prefer a little bit of kawaii in their home, there’s everything from mugs to Zojirushi thermoses and rice cookers to even a waffle maker. Also at the pop-up will be sweet treats, including free cotton candy this weekend, naturally in the shape of Hello Kitty herself. The set-up will run through the end of summer so you have plenty of time to stop by and squeal in delight.
Loro Piana Says Take a Hike
Get ready to embark on a chic adventure with Loro Piana‘s Into The Wild collection. Embracing the great outdoors, albeit with a touch of luxury, this line includes versatile pieces such as bomber jackets, anoraks, and rainproof capes that are perfect for both wilderness and city life. With an earthy color palette and innovative fabrics such Graphene, a membrane that distributes body heat evenly, and Rain System®, which offers water resistance, they’re designed both for aesthetics and practicality. To round out the collection, the brand worked with ROA on functional yet stylish gender neutral hiking boots. And if you really want to make it an entire Loro Piana experience, there are also lifestyle items like a sleeping bag and a camping chair in canvas and leather over a wooden frame. Check out the collection now at select Loro Piana boutiques and online, and gear up for your next elegant escape.
Gucci Serves Up Vintage Tennis Glam
With Wimbledon kicking off on Monday, you might have tennis on the brain. Well, just in time for the chicest tournament of them all comes a very timely Gucci collection. Serving up vintage glamor with their new tennis collection, it’s a stylish nod to the 1970s and their long-standing relationship with the game. Previewed in Paris, this retro-inspired line has now made its global debut, featuring tennis stars Emma Cohen and George Loffhage bringing a champion flair to the line. Think sleek dresses, chic polos, and the iconic tennis 1977 sneakers, all infused with Gucci’s signature web stripe. Whether you’re hitting the court or the city streets, this collection blends vintage charm with modern elegance. Shop the collection now at select stores and online.
Saks is Expanding The Fifth Avenue Club
Ever wish you had a personal shopper to take care of your every desire? Saks Fifth Avenue can make that a reality, as they expand their luxury personal shopping and styling service. Called The Fifth Avenue Club, it’ll be in 20 locations around the country by the end of the year. Spanning everywhere from Fort Worth, Texas to St. Petersburg, Florida to California and beyond, they’re working with luxury hotels like the St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, and Auberge Resorts. It makes sense — after all, what’s a vacation without a little shopping? So if you ever find yourself in Deer Valley and in need of some après ski looks or want a new bikini while at the Ritz in Waikiki, Saks can come to the rescue. To book your own appointment or learn more, head over to their site.
Make It a Cartier Summer
What is July and August but evenings and weekends filled with friends and family enjoying the beautiful weather outdoors? For all of your entertaining needs comes Cartier’s latest Art of Living collection. Filled with bright and playful pieces, they feature the brand’s historic icons like a panther, toucan, crocodile, and palm tree. Whether you’re looking for elegant bath towels, porcelain trays for a fruit spread, or even rackets for a fun game of paddleball, these designs are designed for picnics, poolside, or beach excursions. In shades like soft green, lemon yellow, and orange red, warm weather parties have never looked so chic.
