TEN CRAVES IS OUR ONLINE SERIES THAT ROUNDS UP ALL THE BEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND MUST-KNOW FASHION HAPPENINGS WEEK IN, WEEK OUT.
SIMON FREDERICK’S TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO THE LONDON ART SCENE
After a 12 year hiatus, London-based photographer and film director Simon Frederick returns to the contemporary art scene with his new exhibition Dualities in Monochrome. Running from today until September 22 at Leica Gallery London, the exhibition showcases eleven monochrome portraits from the celebrated artist. By eliminating colour and using black and white to intensify the tension between internal and external realms, Frederick focuses onlookers attention on the raw power and majestic movement of each pose performed by actor Welket Bungué’s and his monumental physique. While the exhibition gives voice to the specific experiences of Black men, it is also about the universal and profound human need for understanding, compassion and regard. Visit Leica Gallery before September 22 to see Dualities in Monochrome. Discover more here. Gracie Collins
SOEUR X LIDO LAUNCH ESSENTIAL SUMMER CAPSULE
The Parisian womenswear brand Soeur has launched its debut line of swimwear in collaboration with Venice based swimwear brand Lido. Feast your eyes on precise cuts, deep and timeless colours with Italian notes: Pistacchio, Caramello, Bacio. The summer capsule is composed of three sleek and sculpting swimsuit styles, a striped shirt dress, a sarong style wrap skirt along with essential swim accessories. With all pieces made in Italy, Lido and Soeur combine their respective savoir-faire and aesthetics in these elegant and technical swimsuits. Shop here. GC
Riccardo Tisci lends a hand to Boy.Brother.Friend issue eight
Culturally-focused publication Boy.Brother.Friend (BBF) brings Italian fashion legend Riccardo Tisci onboard as the creative director and guest editor of its eighth issue. With Michaela Coel taking centre, Tisci dedicates the first section to the British-Ghanaian actress, who is also his close friend. A saga of self-shot, fictitious advertising campaigns contribute to the second section, showcasing talents such as Joan Smalls, Khalil Ghani and Awar Odhiang, while the final section functions to elevate an array of talents from Africa and the wider diaspora. Responding to the issue theme of ‘Faith’ by awarding each artist and creator with a double page spread to show off not only themselves, but their artistry, it’s a poignant display you won’t want to miss. Megan Wordley
Martine Rose’s community-focused AW24 lookbook
Martine Rose is re-shuffling the deck when it comes to presenting ready-to-wear collections, and for the AW24 season, she completely changed the game. Viewing clothes as tools of empowerment and focusing on themes of being and feeling seen, Rose staged the show in London back in January exclusively for friends and families of her colourful community (who also walked the runway). This created an intimate and affirming atmosphere that encouraged those in attendance to utilise her designs as a means to unapologetically express themselves. Captured on film, the show was later screened during Paris Fashion Week. Now, unveiling a seasonal lookbook chock-full of returning community members and great garb, the British menswear designer is keeping the empowerment going. With a motley crew of ‘models’ donning Rose’s ongoing collaboration with footwear brand Clarks (Rose is guest creative director), padded mules, padded Oxford shoes and sling-back heels are paired with off-kilter tailoring and wraparound silhouettes. It’s enough to get any fan of good clothes going. MW
Dsquared2’s retro style sneakers
Dsquared2 has launched the Boxer sneaker, a stripey take on the every day trainer. Crafted in calf leather and suede, with six standout stripes on each side and functional rubber soles, the style feels rather retro, especially when the colourways on offer are considered. Coming in an array of autumnal tones, there are classic black and white shades, as well as grass green, salmon, baby blue and ultraviolet and hues. With added motifs, the Dsquared2 brand identity is impossible to miss with a maple leaf bedecking the back leather pull tab, and Dan and Dean Caten’s names embroidered parallel to the stripes. Not to mention the Dsquared2 logo which sits on the Boxer’s tongue, as well as on the white or caramel soles. Shop here. MW
Harrods relaunch its own-brand label
To mark its 175-year anniversary, Harrods has relaunched its own-brand label. Neon logo water bottles, staple tote bags and luxury stationary are just a few of the items people can get their hands on. But the best part is that the collection has a clear goal of promoting sustainability, ensuring it remains at the core of all production. Having full transparency and sourcing materials such as cashmere, locally and within the UK, the collection takes Harrods’ commitment to having all of its products being fully responsible and sustainable by 2030 one step closer to success. Shop here. MW
Kim K stars in Balenciaga’s characters campaign
Balenciaga’s latest campaign, titled The Characters Campaign, features some of the biggest names in the biz. With Kim K taking centre stage, alongside major names like Naomi Watts, and Isabelle Huppert, Nadav Kander photographs the glambots holding the house’s famous Rodeo Bag – but they hardly resemble themselves. Instead, Mme Kardashian channels Marilyn Monroe with a bright blonde, blowout wig and colossal coat over a crimson draped dress. Leopard print heels paired with black socks finish the look. Meanwhile Watts embodies the femme fatale and Huppert taps into Hollywood glitz and glamour. MW
Gucci celebrates 20 years of the Horsebit with new fine jewellery
2024 marks 20 years of the Gucci Horsebit. To celebrate, Gucci goes back in time, bringing back its much loved fine jewellery. Having had an infatuation with equestrianism since the ’30s, it’s no surprise that the Horsebit motif (first imagined in the late 1940s) is a tried and true a fan favourite, crossing bags, shoes, and ready-to-wear. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that the Horsebit began to bedeck watches and bracelets, crowning in the release of a fine jewellery range in 2004. 20 years later, and Horsebit adornments are back! Earring, rings, bracelets and necklaces contribute to the revival, utilising equestrian-inspired hardware in a modern way. Gucci-lovers can get their hands on subtle stud earrings, sleek rings and chunky, statement chains. MW
Louis Vuitton appoints Lisa as its latest house ambassador
Louis Vuitton appoints Blackpink‘s Lisa as its latest house ambassador. First making a name for herself when the group released their debut album in 2016, Lisa fast became a familiar name to global audiences. But, it’s her recent transition into going solo that truly showcases her as a multifaceted talent, as she topped global charts and secures Billboard’s Number 1 spot with her single ‘Rockstar’. Not to mention, fans went wild when the star was spotted attending Louis Vuitton’s ready-to-wear show in March, hinting at the artist’s new position with the brand. Keep your eyes peeled to see what this epic Lisa x Louis Vuitton collab has in store. MW
Susan Fang is the latest addition to the Supported by Dolce & Gabbana project
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s mission to nurture and support creative talents continues with Susan Fang being announced as the latest addition to the brand’s Supported by Dolce&Gabbana project, in collaboration with Katie Grand. An emerging Chinese fashion designer, dedicated to applauding the beauty and purity of nature, Fang is set to present her D&G-ified collection at Milan Fashion Week in September. MW
Loro Piana’s Holiday takeover at Harrods
To celebrate a century of luxury, Loro Piana has announced a transformative takeover of the legendary department store, Harrods, ahead of the festive period! Plans to make over 36 of the retailer’s windows will bring the magic of Christmas to life in the Italian cashmere brand’s recognisably streamlined style. Hosting two pop-ups in London between November 7 and January 2, 2025, both pop-ups will showcase the Loro Piana’s heritage and savoir-faire with carefully curated interiors, combining artistry and flair. Menswear and womenswear ready-to-wear collection will incorporate a range of fibres including Baby Cashmere, Vicuna and Sopra Visso wool. The maison will open two additional permanent stores inside Harrods; one for childrenswear and one dedicated to Loro Piana interiors. MW
Top image: photography by Nadav Kander, courtesy of Balenciaga.